For several years it had been the desire of Mr Hengler and other equestrian managers to obtain permission from the authorities of Liverpool to erect a temporary circus in that town. Applications were frequently made, and as frequently refused. The invariable answer was, ‘If you wish to perform in this town, you must make an arrangement with Mr Copeland; he has the Amphitheatre, and we cannot allow any one to oppose him.’ Now although the Amphitheatre, as its name imports, had been originally built for equestrian performances, they had with one or two exceptions, and these in its earliest days, proved failures. Of course no manager possessing the knowledge of Mr Hengler would risk going there, especially as the best arrangement it was possible to make with the then proprietor was something like ‘Heads I win, tails you lose.’ I think I am not far wrong in stating that Mr Hengler had made seven or eight applications; and invariably received a similar reply, ‘You can’t be allowed to build here. The Amphitheatre is open to you; go there, or go away.’ Armed with the Marquis of Westminster’s letter, and several other valuable testimonials, Mr Hengler determined to make one more trial; with what success I shall presently show. A piece of ground, the property of the corporation, was vacant in Dale Street, and was a capital site for the erection of a temporary circus. Mr Hengler, and his architect, Mr O’Hara, went to Liverpool, and obtained an interview with the then Mayor, a celebrated builder and a liberal-minded gentleman. The testimonials were shown and a promise was made, that, at the next meeting of the Council, Mr Hengler’s request should be brought forward, and that the Mayor would assist him by using his influence. With this Mr Hengler was compelled to be satisfied. From Chester, Mr Hengler went to Bradford, on which occasion the following paragraph appeared in the _Leeds Mercury_, of January 10, 1857—