It is doubtful if there was to be found a more interesting character
than the circus crier in the days of the wagon shows. He was often a
man of ability--many men who were circus criers have attained
substantial success in the world of affairs. They were chosen for this
position largely on account of their good "talking" qualities, and
were, as a rule, resourceful and given to witty jests. The show once
had a "Little Man" whom they exhibited as Tom Thumb. He was in reality
a boy of about eleven years of age. But he was fitted out with a little
carriage and ponies, and filled the bill very well. When the crier took
his stand in front of the tent he would call out:
"Ladies and gentlemen; we have little Tom Thumb inside. More than this,
we have the carriage which was presented to him by her Majesty, Queen
Victoria of England. Ladies and gentlemen, Queen Victoria gave this
superb outfit to him with the words: 'Here, Tom Thumb, is the little
carriage, together with the horses, together with the harness--here,
Thomas, take it. Take these to America; show it to your countrymen.
Tell the people of America that it cost three thousand pounds in our
money or $15,000 in their money. Take it, Thomas, take it.'"