The Kentucky Gazette

Spanish Bull Fighters in a New York Circus.

From the New York Sun.

There arrived in this city recently, by the French steamer St. Laurent, from Havre, a party of ten Spanish bull fighters, who have been brought to this country by Mr. Fernandez. They are to give their performances in the circus now building at One Hundred and Sixteenth street and Sixth avenue. The party numbers some of the most skillful of the fighters who have risked their lives in the arena at Madrid. With the exception of the chief, Angelo Valdemore, the matadors are young men about thirty or thirty-five years of age. The chief is about forty-five. All have fine physiques. They wear close fitting, full trousers, made of dark-colored velvet, and short jackets of the same material, both richly embroidered with gold. A broad red silk sash encircles the waist, and a broad-brimmed hat, silk stockings and low shoes complete the outfit. When in the arena a black silk bonnet is worn instead of the hat.

A noticeable feature are their queues, which are very small, and worn about a foot long, the end being secured with gay colored ribbons. Each of the party wear upon his breast medals and other insignia received for skillful performances. The chief matador has more of these badges than his comrades among the jewels presented to him by King Amadeus and King Alfonso.

The band bring with them the swords, spears, etc., used by them in Spain. These, however, will not be used here, but in their place similarly shaped implements made of wood. Changes as to the mode of fighting will also be made, as it is not intended to kill the bulls, but simply to show how the fights are conducted in Spanish countries. The two most important changes will be the omission of the picadores and the banderilleros. The former are the ones who ride ponies and urge the bulls to the fight, and the latter also incite them by placing fire-works upon the necks of the bulls. The banderilleros will engage in the fights, but will use, in place of fire-works, some harmless device that will illustrate their part in the real fight.

The party are stopping at present at the Sturtevant House. The bulls are being brought from Texas on one of the Galveston steamers. It is expected that the circus will be completed and a performance given in a few days.