Better Than Men

arkable for his great size and bad temper, and, if he had been left in his native wilds, might have established a notable reputation as a rogue elephant. His keepers wer

hained to the ring or stake, and sometimes decreed capital punishment, which he executed himself, for the unfortunate keeper who was guilty of the offence of chaining him. He was very much given

the magnificent old pachyderm as the living embodiment of a justifiable revolt. He had not much sympathy for the keepers who had been executed, nor did he have much respect for their knowledge or discretion. According to his theory, they were mere machines fo

had charge of the hero of it during two consecutive years back in the thirties. The narration is a modest 174 one, and its phraseology proves it to have been written

ELEPHANT

er witness of his ramp

ime since, has refreshed the memories of many old showmen, and as we are always glad to publish anything of i

fret, Vt., Ja

Editor of t

leans on the 8th, that being the most popular day with the people of that city. William Crum was driving Hannibal, and George Potter Columbus. It was Crum’s horse that was knocked down, and Crum was killed. Samuel Ward and myself were standing within ten feet of Crum when he was killed. We had a bet on the height

oggy. I told Growe to go ahead, and, after going about half a mile, we put up for the night on a flatboat. At daylight the next morning we started again, and proceeded down the river about nine miles, where we found Columbus in a canefield, with his head against a pecan tree, asleep. I may now remark that Growe’s courage had somewhat cooled off, and he had fallen some half mile to my rear. I rode toward the elephant until I got within hailing distance, and then spoke to him to come to me. He raised up and began shaking his head. Presently he started for me the best he could, and my horse did a good business getting out of his way. He followed me for about six miles, and then came to a h

’ tusk entered his groin and came out at his shou

ed for I was on the spot, and saw the whole affair.

elephant ever exhibited in the United States, and the reason he got along with him without 178 accident was that he devoted his undivided at

d that he would like a good run and an opportunity to indulge in mischief, such as uprooting trees, scattering fence rails, pulling off barn doors that happened to be standing open, etc. etc. It was his habit to signify his desire, after the “show was over,” by trumpeting nervously, 179 dancing in his elephantine way, and tugging at his chain. These notifications did not come very oft

theory—that the elephant was not naturally bad, but hated confinement, demanded kindness and consideration from those who were the visible instruments used in depriving

n he did. Why, the old elephant was just as smart as any of us. He had thought the whole thing out for himself and put the boot on the right leg every time. He knew we’d no right to confine him the way we did, and made

never thought of becoming an elephant-driver. But somehow, without effort or knowing why, I got well acqua

. When it came time to start out for the summer’s business no one could be found to drive him. So, as a last resort, the owners offered me a large salary for the job. I

n, when against my orders, just for the mere deviltry of the thing, he went out of his way to turn over a plantation cart that was standing by the roadside, I went for

like a pair of loving brothers. We became strong friends, and I used to talk to the old rascal

exhibited the day before, I would ride up alongside and ask him if he would like a run, he would answer by throwing up his trunk, giving a trumpet sound of joy, and starting off at

fraid of him, and that I would give it to him if he cut up any of his wicked capers; and he also came to

his days. I have always felt kind of sorry for having put the knife through his ear, and never would have done it if I had not been excited and scart half out of my wits. If I had given my common sense half a chance, it would have told me th

ruel. Even the little animals in 185 cages, while they seem to be happy, are as miserable as they can be. Take a careful look at them when they are not tire

rest of them, are always pushing their noses against the bars for

rs of intercourse with the poor creatures, and to feel that I ne

86 They slept together nights and tramped side by side during the days, and often, when the elephant would not obey his keeper, the faithful co

long since passed on to that mysterious resting place from which neither man nor elephant have sent any message back, and let us hope that after their many tram