Mechanized Corrida

Mechanized Corrida Over the centuries, a system has been developed in Spain for getting bulls who will not fight out of the bull ring. Usually, a few steers driven into the arena will herd the reluctant bull to the exit. Sometimes, men were sent in with long clubs to break the bull's legs so that he could be hauled out by mules. Or the peones, or the matador himself, would lure the bull up to the inner fence where an accomplice could jab a dagger into the base of his skull. In Madrid, as a last resort, a pack of hunting dogs is used to weary the animal.

In Toledo last week bullfight officials were faced with that old problem and brought forth a new solution. The fourth bull of the corrida had charged out of the toril, thundered after the first cape it saw, and. then plunged headlong into the protective wall with a shock that quivered spectators from sombra to sol. After that, the bull just did not seem interested in anything. Matador Julio Aparicio, although the bull was his responsibility, made no move to dispatch him. When all else failed, the president of the ring sent a quick message to the chief ring attendant. The gate leading to the patio de caballos swung open, and into the ring, its ancient radiator spewing steam, rumbled the city of Toledo's water truck.

The bull's interest quickened. He charged; there was a crunch of metal as his lowered horn ripped through the truck's fender. The driver fled. The delighted crowd chanted for Matador Aparicio to take the driver's place, but he politely declined. Then an enthusiast leaped down from the public seats, raced to the truck cab to renew the battle. The crowd roared as it recognized Toledo's Mayor Josee Conde Alonso. Secure in the driver's seat, the mayor circled the arena with the truck, looking for a chance to ram his enemy. The bull made faster turns and hit harder: he gored both fenders, ripped off the license plate and headlights, damaged the wheels and the water tank itself. Once, he nearly tipped the truck over, and the mayor escaped only by turning the water on full blast. But in a final charge, the bull misjudged the speed of the truck and, after the collision, lay helpless on the sand with a broken leg.

Now, Matador Aparicio boldly approached. As one peoon held the bull's tail and two others blinded the animal with their capes, he killed the bull with a thrust at the base of the skull. Commented a newsman the next day: "Nobody in the ring showed such nobility, such cleanliness in battle, as that bull."

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