Just seeking clarification.

Such was his fame, even at that late date, when Mr. Beatty arrived from the hotel each day, it was similar to our recent visit from Pope Benedict. Buckles

We have heard the scornful retort, "your no second coming" or "he thought he was the second coming." Would this be similar or different?

On the subject of who trained his cats, Mr. Beatty was well aware of the derision he received when he hired outside trainers. He told my dad that at one point it was purely business, he was in such demand to make personal appearances the matter of hiring a first class trainer to add a few cats was of little consequence.
Later as the owner of a Railroad Circus he had more important affairs to contend with and turned some training over to others but to claim that he couldn't train a lion or tiger was ridiculous.
Buckles

I don't ever recall where I asked whether he trained his own cats or not, ever And I don't recall it being raised in the "debate" as John Herriott graciously called it? It is not an issue with me, and there are many examples of it on Buckles Blog. I don't think it is that important. Where does that derision come from. Maybe the same insecure labeler who called people, "zoo trainers", "hulligans", "townies", "European Style", "American Style", "first of May", "thinks he is the only one that can work them", "he/she's just a presenter, their not a trainer", Sam Johnsons a trainer, but Bill Butts isn't.

Maybe Buckles Woodcock will offer his insight on what is "training?"

I might add that over the years I also heard my dad tell many stories about William P. Hall, Jerry Mugivan, Cap Curtis, Jess Adkins, Bert Bowers, Fred Buchanan and Zack Terrell..........I never once heard him mention the name McKennon.
Buckles

I guess we are banishing Mr. McKennon for good. From what I can gather in the debate he was the one who said, Beatty used other trainers, and he wasn't there. Ole Whitey said he did, and so has Buckles. But they both discredit McKennon who is credited with the quote. But John Herriott still say's he did his own training.
From what I can gather he did use other trainers, but that McKennon is an asshole for saying it. I don't think Clyde or I are as concerned about it as others are. I really think if it was decided what "training" is this could all be over. I think when I said, if you like the three sitting up what do you think of this guy. Not me but this guy. I compliment one trainer, it was perceived as a slight at Clyde, then accused of only liking European trainers, forgetting that I raised the European/American style debate. It deteriorated into nobody's any good but Clyde to did he train his own or not. I think they raised those issues among themselves, and I am a scapegoat. I think they know what training is. And it is another deep circus secret. Because they sure don't want to share. Wade Burck