RIVAL SHOWMEN.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 17, Issue 59, 27 July 1906, Page 7

RIVAL SHOWMEN.

The story of the origin, of the partnership between the circusmen Barnum and Bailey is as - as the posters that subsequently an-' trounced their, show'. When Mr. Bailey headed the old firm of Bailey, Hutchinson, and Cooper, their chief, attraction was “Gib, the elephant with two trunks.’.’

Gib was a wonder, the who l # country was crazy to see him, and everywhere the Bailey, Hutchinson,,. - and Cooper show spread its tents they were crowded to the limit. Phineas T. Barnum did not like the tremendous success his rivals were having. Calling in his secretary he said in a thoughtful and - puzzled way, “Dun, did you ever sc© that Gib ?” , I “No, I never did see “him,” replied Dan. - “Has ho really got two trunks*” replied Mr. Barnum in a puzzled manner. “Can’t any for sure, but they jeeap on saying - he- has, .good and loud.” “Dan,” said Mr. Barnum, slowly, “wc’v'P got i o hav* that elephant.” And he reached for a telegraph black, and sent ibe following message to Bailey, Hutchinson, ’a-d Cooper “Will give you ten thousand dollars for Gib, the elephant with t®c trunks.—P. T. Barnum” The next towns the Bailey, Hutchinson, and Cooper show visited wpre placarded u*, and down their streets with posters reproducing i'r. Barnum’s telegram with photographic accuracy and under it this line “That’s how much Barnum thinks of the famous Gib. t Kp ovtv elephant in the world with ii’o trunks.” When Mr. Barnum hoard of it ho meditated a while ,'n «t s euce ami then he said : “•Hr., it’s not the ctaphaat we want it’s that man Bailey w And thus was tfee treat partner- ' ship of Barnum and Bailey funned.