A representative of the Democrat made a visit to Doling Park yesterday and noted the improvements now in progress in this popular resort. The whole park is to be thoroughly cleaned up and new drives made by the opening of the coming season. The large forest east of the present limits of the park will be added to the grounds this spring. This will increase the area of the grounds about ten acres and make a very beautiful addition to the park.

The lake has not yielded this winter the expected supply of ice, a loss of several thousand dollars to Mr. Doling. The lake is full of fine fish of several varieties, waiting for the anglers that will soon begin to try their luck when the weather gets warm enough to make the carp and perch bite. There are fish in the lake now that weigh twenty-five pounds.

The birds, monkeys and alligators are all in their homes now and will not be brought back to the park before April. The big saurian, a scally monster measuring about ten feet, that last summer occupied a large tank near the western shore of the lake, is now taking his winter nap in the cave several rods beyond the entrance. Here in perpetual darkness the alligator has slept since last September without tasting good. About the first of April the sluggish reptile will awake and feel for the first time in six months the gnawings of hunger.

The most important change to be made in the management of the park is the incorporation of the property with a capital stock of $100,000. There is a well authenticated report that Mr. Doling and son are now negotiating a trade which will give certain St. Louis capitalists an interest in the park and that the company will incorporate about the first of March. A street car line will then be built from Commercial street into the park so that visitors can ride into the grounds without having to pay any entrance fee. The simple car fare will entitle visitors to all the privileges of the park. It is expected that the company will spend a large sum of money to make the park more attractive and the coming season promises to be the more active one in the history of the beautiful and picturesque suburban attraction to Springfield.

Alphonse King, who created such a sensation by walking on water and riding his famous Marine Bicycle across the boiling water of Niagara Falls, will give a novel aquatic exhibition at Doling's Park Sunday, May 10. Take horse cars to the gate.

Springfield's Citizens at Doling's Park Sunday In Throngs. The Number of People Said to be 7,000.

"Did you ever get left?"

This was the remark handed around from one person to another as the motor cars pulled out from the starting point at the Park Sunday afternoon, as the speakers stood and gazed at the departing cars loaded down with their human freight. There were nothing like enough cars to satisfy the crowd and as a train would approach from the city everybody would make a break for it and the clamor to get on board was interesting to witness. The eagerness of the crowd was intensified by the disagreeable state which the weather had in so short a time assumed, and as many were out without wraps and had on their spring clothing the shaking of limbs and chattering of teeth was general.

The crowd was attracted to the park by the announcement that Prof. King would appear and walk upon the water and also ride a bicycle over the lake. The professor began his entertainment by a most creditable slack wire performance, after which he made his preparations for walking on the water. He stepped into a pair of aquatic shoes, which he says, are his own invention, and walked to a boat in the middle of the lake with apparent ease. The shoes are shaped like a fish, are made of tin, and thirty-two inches long, eight inches wide and nine inches deep. They are provided on the bottom with tin fins that work automatically. In the center on the inside are openings for the feet and a speed of three miles and hour is possible. The bicycle is composed of two large shuttle like cylinders with the bicycle in the middle. The wheel is provided with paddles which strike the water and furnish the propelling power. After these the real fun began. On a long pole was a flag and a crowd of boys in bathing suits made repeated efforts to walk out and get the flag and earn a dollar. The boys furnished a fund of amusement for the spectators and finally the prize was won by Wilbur Mitchell, one of Springfield's bootbacks, who was justly entitled to the prize as he showed so much pluck and determination in attaining it.

The barrel race was won by Otto Smith, and for a time was interesting. The ever popular Harry Frank, who had chargé d'affaires, was in the height of one of his most humorous moods and could be heard from everywhere encouraging the boys to get the flag and laughing at their determined attempts. If any one present enjoyed the sport it was he, and the only regret is that the crowd were disappointed in not being permitted to hear the little speech he had taken out with him to deliver on this occasion. However, he is not off the deck yet and may be heard from later.

Mr. J. M. Doling is preparing to have a water wheel erected at his park to furnish power to drive a dynamo and light the park and cave by electricity, and to turn one or two circular swings, and propel automatons for the amusement of children. He has had a competent engineer measure the power and fall of the stream running from the cave and the latter assures Mr. Doling that the desired power can be obtained.

The Methodists of the City Enjoy the Day Yesterday at Doling's Park.

The union picnic given by the M. E. Sunday schools at Doling's park yesterday was a grand affair. About 800 children, accompanied by their friends and parents repaired to the park at an early hour. Boating, bathing and numerous other amusements were indulged in. The ministers of the various M. E. churches were present and added to the enjoyment of the little folks by encouraging them in their sport. At 12 o'clock the baskets were brought out and all partook of such repasts as are only to be found at picnics. It was quite late in the evening when the children were willing to leave for their homes. Numbers of the teachers in the Sunday schools chaperoned their classes and saw that the little fellows lacked nothing to make their pleasures all that could be desired. There was not an accident or any other occurrence to mar the pleasure of the day, and all returned to their homes buoyant and happy and wishing that the union picnics came oftener.

Mr. R. P. Matthews received a painful wound on the head while spending Friday evening at Doling's Park with some friends. He was sitting on the lower steps of the stairway from which the boys start in their flying passage over the lake on the hand cycle, when one of the metal cars fell on his head, cutting an ugly gash in the scalp. A physician was called to dress the wound, and Mr. Matthews taken to his boarding house on West Walnut street where he will be confined for several days.

Mr. Barclay Meador received a serious injury at Doling Park yesterday afternoon while attending the Sunday School picnic of the Christian churches of this city. The gentleman was attempting to cross the lake on the car attached to the elevated wire track that has furnished the young folks so much fun of late. While standing on the platform and arranging the car for the start Mr. Meador lost his balance and fell to the ground, a distance of ten or twelve feet. The shock was severe, rendering the unfortunate man almost unconscious for a time. An examination made by Mr. Meador's friends showed that one leg was either broken or the ankle badly sprained. Mr. Meador was taken home in a carriage, very sick from the shock, and the Democrat could not learn last night the exact nature of the injury. It is hoped that his ankle was only sprained in the fall. His many friends will hear with regret of this painful accident.

The celebration at Doling's Park was attended by a large crowd of pleasure-loving people, who found in this beautiful suburban resort all of the conditions of a happy holiday. There were no formal exercises here, but each visitor sought amusement in his own peculiar way. The circular swing, run by water power, was constantly in motion and full of a jolly crowd of little folks, who looked out on the gay throng of people with happy hearts as they flew 'round and 'round in giddy whirls. The lake was covered with boats and reveling bathers, and daring adventurers sped over the water suspended to the car that glided so gracefully along the elevated wire stretched from shore to shore. The monkeys, eagles and other tenants of the cages received the attention of many visitors. The cave and its picturesque bluffs found scores of new admirers during the day.

A bountiful picnic dinner was spread on the ground at noon and delicacies of every variety known to the rare culinary art of the Springfield ladies were to be seen on every side. The picnickers remained at the park till late in the afternoon, and left the grounds with lighter and fresher hearts.

The rumor that the Doling Park was about to be sold does not seem to have had much foundation in fact.

Yesterday was Kentucky's day at Doling Park, and many of the sons and daughters of the proud old blue grass commonwealth gathered there early in the morning to do honor to the land of Boone. J. M. Doling, the founder of the society was made master of ceremonies for the day, and Judge F. P. Morgan, secretary.

Dr. Watson opened the exercises with prayer, and also made some very fitting remarks.

Judge Morgan delivered an address on the motto of Kentucky, "United we stand, divided we fall," applying the sentiment to the whole Union. The speaker commended the practice of holding these state reunions, showing that they tend to produce a better feeling of friendship among the people.

Judge W. D. Hubbard made the speech presenting a Bible to Mrs. Minerva Gray, the oldest Kentuckian in the association. Mrs. Gray was born in the Blue grass state 88 years ago, and is now quite stout and hearty for one so old. Judge Hubbard spoke very appropriately in presenting the bible to the aged woman, telling of the comfort of the christian religion had always been to the believer in the declining years of life.

Following the speeches was a sumptuous dinner spread out in the shade of the oaks, and the traditional spirit of Kentucky hospitality made the stranger welcome to the collection of good things.

In the afternoon the party sought pleasure in boating, looking at the cave and animals, and a few daring ladies humbled the pride of the chivalry present by crossing the lake on the hand cycle. Misses Daisie Matlock, Mattie Williams and Minnie Burks did the flying featmost charmingly. One stately matron well known to the society of Springfield would not be outdone by the dashing maidens, and made several trips across the water with perfect success.

The society will hold a grand rally next year and have all the Kentuckians in the surrounding counties attend as far as possible. The organization in this county alone has numbered 600.

Howard Gets There and Haynes Gets Left - Public Ball.

There was a large crowd at Doling Park last evening to witness the interesting attractions. The feature of the evening was the swimming race for a purse of $250, between W. T. Howard, of Springfield, and John Haynes, of Memphis Tennessee. The contestants were both large and well built men and the probabilities as to who would win created no little excitement. Howard is 32 years old, five feet eleven and a half inches high and weights 170 pounds. Haynes is 22 years old, the same height and weighs 178 pounds. Clark Dumaw and W. Roach were the starters, and Joe Atterbury and Chas. McDonald, the judges at the rope. The race was called at 7:45. The swimmers got an even start and kept even until within about twenty feet of the rope, when Howard got ahead and passed under the rope about three feet in the lead. The distance was 175 yards. They were both breast swimmers with the over-hand stroke. Haynes is a champion diver and says he will dive against anybody in the State.

Fred Garrett, a son of Mr. Garrett, of Benton avenue, narrowly escaped death by drowning while bathing in the lake at Doling Park Monday. Young Garrett and a party of young friends were bathing, when Garrett was seized with the cramps. He screamed and sank to the bottom. His little sister heard his cry, and ran and told the keeper of the lake, who quickly dived down and brought him to the shore. He was resuscitated with much difficulty, and just as he regained consciousness his mother arrived with a few friends to spend the evening. Mr. Garrett rewarded the rescuer of his son by sending him a testimonial.

The Christian Endeavor Socities Picnic at Doling Park Yesterday.

The was a union picnic, of all the Christian Endeavor societies of the city, at Doling Park yesterday afternoon and evening. There was a large attendance and people turned out by the hundreds.

At 4 o'clock the fathering was called to order. Rev. Mr. Williams, of the Pilgrim Congregational church, led in prayer, after which Rev. Mr. Scruggs, of the St. Paul M. E. church, South delivered an address on "International Fellowship." The address was pointed and well received.

After the formal exercises were over the fun began. They talked, they laughed, they smiled, they rejoiced and the hearts of all were bathed in the innocent, ripping river of laughter that springs from the fountain of perpetual joy. Supper was spread on the grounds and the guests all ate till they could eat not more.

When the sun had set and darkness had come on, Mr. T. H. Harding gave a number of his splendid stereoptican views, which held the undivided attention of the crowd. Mr. Harding has some magnificent views of scenes in both the Old and New World.

Thursday afternoon and evening the cars of the Metropolitan Electric Road were busy carrying people to Doling Park, where an entertainment was given for the purpose of inaugurating a fund for the erection of a monument in the Confederate Cemetery. By 4 o'clock the grounds and cottages near the lake and the cave were filled with visitors, ladies, gentlemen and children. Dinner was served from 6 until 10 o'clock and the guests were pleased with the menu and delighted with the festivities of the evening. Hon. J. M. Doling place the park, the lake, the cottages, the swings, the boats, the merry go round, everything on the earth and beneath the sky, to the ladies without a forbidden fruit. The bill of fare consisted of meats, vegetables, ice cream, cake, coffee, desserts and fruits of various kinds, and the guests were well pleased with the lunch.

At 8 o'clock Gher's Second Regiment Band filled the air with delightful strains until 10 o'clock, when the young people induced Sergeant Gehr and his band to keep time, time, time, in a kind of runic rhyme, to the tintinnabulation of the feet in the dancing hall. About ten o'clock the guests began to retire, buy many lingered until nearly 12 o'clock, when they were informed that the last car would leave.

In every respect the picnic was successful, socially, morally and financially. It was composed of the very best people of our city. The receipts amounted to nearly $160, which will leave about a round hundred when the expenses are paid. This amount will form the nucleus of a fund to build a monument, and with proper effort the entire amount necessary can be secured in a year. The people of the State will liberally assist. The Monumental Association should be incorporated and commence business at once.

The ladies request that special, earnest and hearty thanks be offered Hon. J. M. Doling, who gave them possession of the Park for the entire day, with all appurtenances thereunto belonging. This was exceedingly generous. He was a member of the society that purchased the ground for the Confederate Cemetery and helped to reinter the dead there, and he will not be contented until a monument is erected to their memory. There are so many - if fact all the ladies - who deserve praise that our space will not admit calling the roll, and where all are entitled to praise to be invidious would be unjust. May they continue in the good work until success crowns their efforts.

A pleasant picnic at Doling's Thursday afternoon delighted the participants who with a good supper invaded the park on pleasure intent. The supper was spread in the glen and was enjoyed with zest, so choice the viands and so entertaining the converse that enlivened the supper hour. Among the party were Messrs. and Mesdames Hirschland, Hermap, Levis, Ellenberg, Alschul, Ben Hirschland and Marx.

The famous monkey, Dan, has been leased to J. M. Doling by Sam J. Gott for exhibition at his park during the summer months.

Sunday was a warm, bright day and the parks were well attended. The Marine band furnished music at Doling's and Sam, one of the monkeys, escaped from his cage, climbed to the top of a tall tree and created much amusement. All efforts to coax him down with peanuts and pop corn failed.

The balloon ascension at the Zoo was a success and Hobart's band kept the crowd in a good humor.

We have been very careful in selecting something new for this Fourth. We expect to give one of the finest and only display of floating fireworks ever seen in Springfield. The following is a few of the many floating exhibition pieces we have to display: Diving devils, flying fish, floating illuminators, electric floaters, water volcanoes, sea serpents, spray fountains, jeweled fountains and many others. Also a grand display of land fireworks, figured balloons, etc.

Admission 10 cents; children under 12 years of age 5 cents.

Buggies and wagons free.

The attractions at Doling park yesterday afternoon were of a kind calculated to draw the crowds, and the crowds came. Many who had planned to attend the Zoo's races changed their minds after the rain storm, and some others left the Zoo and joined the crowds at Doling's. The street cars could not begin to handle the park traffic, and many were obliged to walk. The total attendance at day and night was above 6,000.

The park yesterday afternoon presented a picture of enjoyment. Parties were exploring the cave, others were rushing the trolley wire, and the boats were constantly filled. The Marine band, in new duck uniforms, played from the band stand in the center of the lake. The swings and the merry-go-round were kept filled, and the stands did a rushing business.

There were three contests on the little lake, a boat race, a swimming race and a contest in high diving. In the boat race Will Corrotto won the first heat and Hall Ogden the second. They then had the race pulled off, and will swim for the prize in the near future.

Robert Stokes won first prize, $15, in the swimming race; Dick Simmons was second, John Allen third and Will Corrotto fourth. Some fine plain and fancy diving was done from the tower on the edge of the lake. The high leap was won by Charley Spradley, who jumped from a height of 55 feet. Frank Wrightsman was second and Charley Buck third.

The crowd kept perfect good order without the presence of any police or constables. The only accident occurred early in the afternoon, when a small boat in which Charley McKinney was rowing two young ladies, was run into by a boat coming down the toboggan slide at the side of the lake. McKinney's boat turned over but as the girls held onto the boat, he got them ashore without much difficulty. One of the girls was bruised somewhat by a projecting oar of the other boat.

A good sized crowd remained at night and enjoyed the fireworks were a novelty, never having been introduced here before.

Mr. Doling was well satisfied with the day's attendance, although he thought that he had hardly received fair treatment from the street car management or from the board of trade. He believes the fact that he has run a free park for several years for the city ought to have kept the board of trade from breaking up his evening's business by the free exhibition of fireworks on the square. He proposes to charge a 5 cent admission fee to the park hereafter.

Quite a serious accident occurred to Mrs. E. N. Austin at Doling Park at 3 o'clock yesterday afternoon by which the bone of her left arm was badly fractured.

Mr. and Mrs. Austin reached the park yesterday afternoon about 1:30. They sat at different parts of the park taking in the sights. At 3 o'clock they started for the north end of the park towards where the theatrical tent was pitched. As they passed under the tree upon which the large 40 pound announcing bell is suspended, the bell fell from its fastenings to the ground and rolled, striking Mrs. Austin's feet, and throwing her violently to the ground. She put out both her arms in an endeavor to break the fall, but struck the ground on her left arm with great force, fracturing the bone.

She was carried to the cave and a physician sent for. Dr. James happened to be on the grounds and he promptly dressed the injured arm. She seemed to be suffering intense pain but made no outcry. She was taken to her home at 832 Washington avenue and late las night she was resting as well as could be expected under the circumstances.

No-one could account for the falling of the bell, as it was securely fastened. The probabilities are that some one had been toying with it and moved its bearings in which case any little jolt would have thrown the bell out. As far as could be learned no blame has been attached to the management of the park and it is said that the accident was unavoidable.

A large cave has been discovered at Doling park between the cave and the lake.