The New York Clipper (December 1904)

1050 THE NEW YORK CLIPPER. DEOEMBEB 3i. Mi5S Clipper's finecdotes, Personalities and Comments, CONCCBMIKQ ST1GE FOLK and Sometimes OTHERS BT JOSEPHINE OBO. The manager of a large number of small ■bow companies, traveling In the Interests of a proprietary medicine, baa recently re- turned from Newfoundland with a stock of stories, gathered from tbe advertising men connected wltb bla companies. Undertakers are aald to be among tbe most callous of all humanity, and <t remains for a Newfoundland member of this gruesome profession to prove conclusively the saying. It so happened that tbe "Doctor" and lec- turer of one of these medicine companies was unfortunately taken with an Illness from which be died. Tbe advertising man of tbe company attended to the last sad offices for his friend, one of them being to procure tbe services of an undertaker. During the pre- paration of the body this person tried In vain to adjust the wig that tbe dead man had worn while living. "It's no use," exclaimed the undertaker, "this wig stands away from tbe forehead and will bare to be glued down. Get me some glue as quick as you can." Tbe friend hastened out for the desired commodity, and, returning with It a few minutes later, presented tbe bottle to the undertaker, who shook his head negatively. "I don't need It now," be exclaimed, "while you were gone I found a tack." 9 A company, playing through a series of towns on a picturesque Western railroad line, bad tbe misfortune to be delayed by a landslide. Finding, upon inquiry, that It would be Impossible to reach the desired destination for a performance that nlgbt, the manager of tbe company telegraphed the local manager the following explanatory mes- sage : "Impossible "to get to you tonight— about an acre of your beautiful Colorado scenery slid over tbe track In front of the train." Thj writer of "Casey at the Bat," the verses which De Wolf Hopper has made famous, and which, In turn, have won many admirers for blm, was for a long time un- known to tbe general public. Even the popu- lar reciter of them tried for years, In vain, to And the man who wrote the famous lines. He relates the manner In which they came Into bis possession. Archibald flavoring Ounter, tbe author of many big selling books, sent the verses one day to tbe comedian, with the request that be recite them that night for an encore, as two big baseball teams—tbe Chiragos and New Yorks—would be at tbe performance of "Castles In tbe Air." It was short notice to memorise the some- what lengthy poem, but Hopper put on dramatic eteam, and within an hour bad memorised It, little dreaming what a factor It would, for many years later, prove In his curtain calls. To use Hopper's own words: "I pulled 'Casey' on the boys, among whom were dear old Anson, Bwlng, and other famous baseball players, and It made nn enormous hit." After the performance tbe comedian hunt- ed up Ounter, to And out tbe name of the fortunate author of this "gem" of a poem. Ounter was as much In tbe dark as to tbe desired Information as Hopper. He hud clipped It from a Ban. Francisco paper be- cause it had made a deep Impression upon blm, and he knew that It any one could do Justice to It, as a recitation, bla friend Hop- per could. During a period of four years the latter asked all whom he met—man, woman or child—If the name of the men who wrote "Casey" was known to him. Tbe Initials, "R L. T.," was the only clue to tbe author- ship. One nlgbt, while playing "Wang," In Wor- cester, Mass., about live years later, Hopper received a note from a friend In tbe town, Inviting him around to a certain popular club, to meet the author of tbe famous "CnBey." •"You may be sure," says Hopper, "that It did not take me long to get off my paint and Into my clothes and around to the club, where my curiosity, as well as deep Interest, wns satisfied In my meeting with Ernest L. Tbnyer, tbe man who launched Cnscy upon nn appreciative public. This man, wbo is a most charming gentleman. Is a manufacturer In Worcester." • An aspiring plnywrlgbt Invited a few frleuda to a reading of one of his plays, one wblcb he himself considered to be a masterpiece, "I want you each," he said, before begin- ning the play, "to criticise unflinchingly, nud tell me frankly what you think of my work." After a long, tedious reading, during which (he listeners looked meaningly at each other, tbe author snld: "Now, tell me honestly what you think. I don't mind criticism." All but one of tbe group expressed them- selves moro or less pleased wltb the work, mercifully refraining from any sharp criti- cism. One, however, said nothing, even when directly questioned. "I think you arc unkind In being the only one of my friends here not to encourage me In my labors by some sort of compliment," exclaimed the self satisfied author. "Yes," chimed In one of the toadying friends, "you lay yourself open to our criti- cism by not expressing your opinion." "That may be," replied the honest one, "but not as much as you would criticise the opinions I might express." » Campbell Qollan, u member of one of BeUuKo'i companies, Is an enthusiastic golf player, often taking an axternon off at the beautiful links at Van Cortlindt Park, now within tbe precinct* of Greater New York. One day last Antnmn ha bind a little caddie, and wishing to call the youngster by name, aald: "And what do they call yon, my little man?'* "Wall, Sir," replied the boy, "tbe fellow* on the links call' ma Boney, 'causa I'm so thin, bnt my real maiden name Is Jones." ♦ Qollan relates a story of a friend of bla wbo, on entering the dining room of a hotel one rainy day, handed bla hat and umbrella to tbe darkey In attendance. Daring the dinner Gollan and bis friend diseased the subject of "memory," particularly that of hotel attendants, wbo seldom make a mistake la giving the right hat to the right maa on leaving the dining room. "I'm going to question tbe old fellow at the door aa we go out," said Oollaa's friend, who afterwards carried out bla Intention. "And how did yon know that this was my umbrella?" he asked the darkey. "Bsln' as It tcui a umbrella. Bub,*' waa the reply, "I didn't know It b'longed to yo' fuh sho, Sub." "Then why did yon give It to me?" queried tbe gentleman. "'Cause you guv it to me, Sub," waa the answer. 9 One of Oollan'a stories Is on another friend of his who practices medicine as a profes- sion. The Doctor happened to get Into con- versation with a Colonel, and during the talk facetiously said: "The army Is a ferocious profession for a man to adopt Now, In all the battles you fougbt as a soldier, how many do you think yon bare killed?" "Well," said tbe Colonel, somewhat bet- tied, "that would be hard to say. By tbe way," he'added, "with all the medicine you mast have prescribed, how many do you think you've killed?" »««■ A WELL KNOW* FIRM OF MANAGERS. OUR LONDON LETTER. from oca owa coaanroirDBKT. JEROME II. REMICK. Jerome II. Remlck, the subject of this aketrh, la one of the pioneers In the music publishing field, having established American nud foreign branch houses for the dissemina- tion of popular sheet music In almost all the leading cities in the United States and Great Britain. Until recently he was a member of tbe successful firm of Shapiro, Remlck * Co., of this city, having merged hla extensive Detroit plant, known aa tbe Whitney, Warner Publishing Company, Into tbe Ootbam house. This enterprise he has now extended by purchasing the sole Interests of bis partners, and will, upon the advent of tbe new year, assume complete control of the entire busi- ness In his own name. Personally Mr. Re- mlck Is a man of very reserved, but progres- olve character, possessing many qualities of fairness and generosity which have endeared blm to his Targe staff of writers, among whom are Jerome and Schwartz, Williams and Van Alettne, O'Dca and Adams, Hoses Oumble, Bert Cooper, Henrlette Blank*, Charles Daniels, William Polls and other composers of note. Mr. Remlck Is a typical American In Individuality and by birth, and was tbe first music publisher to establish a chain of department store* for the Introduc- tion of popular priced music. Clipper Bnrrsa, 48 Crnnboarne Street, Leicester Square, London, W. C. Dec IT. It has been announced In a general, vague sort of way, that Colonel Henry fiapleson, wbo has for many years been engaged In operatic work In Paris, I* about to open a French theatre In London. He Intends to reproduce hi London all the successful short plays, chiefly one act pieces, which have been a success In Paris. He will make his selec- tion not only from the current successes, but also from the best pieces of tbe last few seasons. They will be played In their or- iginal French, end by their original com- panies. Vaudeville will be Included. In short, any production of tbe foregoing kind likely to take In London. Colonel Maple- son has made np bla mind to give hi* future Mr. Sullivan is a one actor, and, If given the part, he Is sure to be a success. When tbe attraction of "HI* Majesty's Servant" cease* at the Imperial Theatre fir. Waller will revive Shakespeare's "Henry V," wltb himself sgaln seen as the king, first played by him four years ago at the Lyceum. This revival, In torn, will be followed by a new play. "A Wife Without a Smile" I* not to enjoy so long a career as might have been prophe- sied for It on the strength either of Its merits or of It* faults, and Its last perform- ance at Wyndbam'* Theatre la somewhat un- expectedly announced for to-night. Later on we may look for a new comedy here from tbe pen of Captain Marshall, but In the mean- while C. E. Hamilton has arranged with Frank Curxon for a abort season, beginning a week bence, when he will Introduce to Londoners "Peggy Macbree," a new musical piece in which Dents O'BuIUvan and Maria Dalnton have been scoring a marked pro- vincial success. Henry Irving brought a brilliantly suc- Rlce & Barton, who are a power In the realms of spectacular burlesque, began their managerial career In Pittsburg, of which city they are natives, at tbe age of seven years, giving "shows" In the hen house to audi- ences of Juveniles. Tbe general admission was one cent, though peg top* and Jack- knives were accepted as extra pay for re- served seats. They prospered, and soon removed to a commodious theatre In the barn, advancing prices to five cents. Re- verses In the way of stern parental opposi- tion, culminating In a fatherly chastisement, overtook them, end they ran away, shortly afterward appearing on the professional stage as song and clog dance performers, branching therefrom Into black face comedy, variety, minstrel and farce comedy work. They were soon established, and were encouraged to pro- duce "McDoodle'e Flat*," which proved a money maker. Seeing opportunities In tbe bur- lesque field, they equipped two organisations, the Rose Hill English Folly and Big Gaiety Extravaganza companies, which brought them fortune. Geo. Rice has always shown a pref- erence for neat light comedy and genteel song and dance, while Charley Barton baa a liking for the broad, unctuous, rollicking roles. Aa a team their strongly contrasted work makes them exceedingly entertaining. By shrewd Investment* In real estate they bought and Improved the property now known aa Rice & Barton's Colony, Centreport, Long Island, adding new purchases from time to time. During the season a new and Important production will be made by Rice A Barton, which they expect will eclipse all their pre- vious efforts. » DR. H. D. RUCKER, Wbo ha* Just finished a tour through Europe, <a by birth and education a Southerner. He Is a graduate In theology, law and medicine. In 1896 he gained qnlte a national reputation as a political orator, and at present be la known as one of the most successful traveling medicine men In the world. He Is also largely Interested In various theatrical enterprises. London friends the greatest possible variety. "We shall be constantly changing our pro- gramme," be says. The colonel's agreement with the authors and owners of the pieces he intends to Import Into London will enable him to realize his ambition as to variety. He intends to remunerate them by a percentage of tbe nightly gross receipts. Hitherto Lon- don managera have customarily bought French pieces outright, a very profitable bar- gain In the case of successful plays, but a very costly oae In the case of failures. Colonel Mapleson'a long and varied experi- ence of tbe Paris stage ha* been an Invalu- able preparation for his novel enterprise In London. Ever sluce be gave up active opera management In England and America be has resided almost entirely In Parle, For the last nine years be has been president of tbe International Society of Music. He hopes to begin work In this city next March. There was some hope that the quarrel be- tween Cyril Maude and Frederick Harrison would be patched up, and that the most con venlent association of an experienced man of affairs end a brilliant actor would continue In the management of the Hsymarket Thea- tre. But It la not to be so, tbe rupture Is final and complete. Tbe manager of the Haymnrket In the future will be Mr. Harri- son. Mr. Maude will devote the greater part of next year to a tour of the provinces or of America, and then be will settle Into a borne of bis own, not Into any existing house, but Into a theatre to be called The Playhouse, and to have for Its owner and builder W. S. Gilbert. Mr. Gilbert la already tbe owner of tbe Garrlck, although It runs Into an alge- braic equation of sub-leaaes. This disposi- tion to Invest In theatrical property money made out of the theatre Is Interesting. The Gilbert and Sullivan operas furnished the capital for tbe Savoy and for the Royal English Opera House, the Prince of Wales' Theatre was financed by "The Colonel,' the Lyceum waB built by "Dorothy,* and so on. Owing to his having previously disposed of them to Jamea K. Hackett, Arthur Bour- chter has been compelled to decline tbe ap- Sllcatlon for the American acting rights of lr. Sutro's play, "The Walls of Jericho," reaching him from Charles Wyndham, who wished to add the part of Jack Froblsfaer to his repertory while In the United States. The Australian right* of this successful play have been acquired by Robert Brougb, who la a popular actor-manager at tbe Antipodes Mr. Sutro sailed last Saturday for America to superintend the rehearsals of his play. Forbes Robertson sails for Canada on Christmaa Eve to appear and bring out at Toronto on Jan. 0, II. V. Esmond's new plsy, entitled "Love and the Man." Tbe company to play the piece Includes, among others, Kate Rorke, aa the leading lady: Madge Mc- intosh and Frank Qllmorr. Mr. Esmond's work on the whole ha* appealed more forc- ibly to American than to English audiences. A notable feature of the revised version of "Tbe Orchid," now showing to capacity busi- ness at tbe Gaiety Theatre, Is the Inclusion of James B. Sullivan In the cast. Since his remarkable success In "The Beltea of New York," Mr. Btilllvsn has seemed "out of It" He has not. at any rate, been associated with any sort of a triumph, nor did bis short ex- ile hi" »rge wardes banner be has resuscitated himself. perlence on tbe music bill stage create much of a sensation. But under the George Ed- cessfnl tonr to a close last Saturday night at Manchester. Everywhere he baa played to crowded and enthusiastic audiences, the advance sales being quite unprecedented After a short rest Sir Henry makes his fare- well appearance In other provincial towns, coming to Drury Lane for a short season after Blaster. At tbe Grand Theatre, Woolwich, last Monday ■ night, a new musical comedy, en- titled "The Scilly Girl," was produced. Athel Maybew 1* responsible for tbe book and lyrics, and W. Keale tbe music. Julia. Nellson and Fred Terry are now busily engaged with the rehearsals of their new ptay, "The Scarlet Pimpernel," by Orezy Barstow, which they produce at the New Theatre early In January. Baymond Rose Is writing tbe music for the snow. It la rumored that Alice Nlelson has been engaged for twelve performance* with the Metropolitan Grand Opera Co., In America. Ellen Beach Yaw, the American singer, who. It is claimed, has the highest ranged voice In tbe world. Is to forsake tbe concert platform and study for grand opera. She starts for Rome shortly and will study under Henry Russell. The Queen of England attended a per- formance at the Alhambra recently, and this Is the first that a queen of England baa ever attended a performance at a music ball. The King of Portugal and suite also saw a performance at this handsome variety bouse several days ago. A grand banquet was tendered David Day, of the firm of Francis, Day A Hunter, on Dec. 8, at the Holborn Restaurant. Almost every song writer and composer of note In England was present, and Mr. Day must have felt elated at the great reception he received. In Keaklng of bis recent trip to America, Mr. ly said It was a moat enjoyable one. The coming new year will find the Three Dumonds at the Palace Theatre. I should have said the Four Dumonds, a* a new mem- ber baa been added to tbe trio. Tbe new Du- mond la a lady, with an excellent voice, and she ought to add much to the new sketch, which will be In two scenes, tbe first a poorly furnished room In tbe Latin Quarter, Pari*, and tbe second a grand saloon. The Relff Brothers opened at Stratford last Monday, and are the biggest feature on the bill. Their neat dancing act opened the eyes of the playgoers of the suburb, and despite the fact that there were other good dancers on the bill, the Relff boys got all the applause. They begin their London stay at the Coliseum next Monday, and will remain there for four weeka Al. Lawrence waa such a success at the Hippodrome, Liverpool, last week, that he was held over a week. This Is not done very often and Is a good card for the mimic. Jordan and Harvey have atopped music hall work and are now rehearsing for pan- tomime. I saw Mr. and Mrs. Oene Hughea at Col- lins' this week, and their sketch went wltb a snap that was most refreshing. A clever skit played by two excellent performers Is bound to be a success. Such Is the caw with the Hughes family. Winona Winter, assisted by her father. Win. H. Banks, Is a big typed feature at the Empire Theatre, Nottingham, this week, and her work la Justifying the management In giving her sucb a good place on the pro- gramme, fir. Banks write* m* that he :« a little under tbe weather, bnt hopes to L* able to partake of hi* Christmaa dinner ' Era Westcott launched her own niavi'.-- "An Episode In Modern Life," at the Pala : Theatre, Blackpool, last Monday night, at,,! tbe originality of the little play and V Westcoft's versatile work took the andler by storm. Tbe ending climax Is especlaiv praiseworthy and something new for tee vaudeville stage. The whole thing Is »,*•; thought out and will be a star card on an bill It will appear. Miss Westcott openB at the London Palace for extended engaci ment on Boxing Nlgbt Bnd Snyder, the T cycle rider, wiihei to den r tbe rumor that he died In South America" Mr. Snyder recently returned from thei country, and, although ho had many narrow escapes, he Is still very much alive, and v. play an engagement at tho Empire In Feb ruary. "His return to life" last week rather surprised his friends In London. Ed. F. Reynard, tbe man wltb tbe man.- mechanical figures, Is at Newcaatle-on-TynV tbls week, and Is repeating tbe success 1- made at Glasgow last week. He returns i» Glasgow next week, but does not show at the same bouse. Hugh Ward, the clever dancer, who has been for some time one of tbe features of the Empire ballets, bas retired from that or- SDilation and Is now rehearsing for "White t" pantomime, at the Drury Lane. Mr. Ward la an American, but bas been- In this country for a few years. Bert A Dorman, manager of tbe Cosmo- Slltan Club, offers It* members every Sul- y night a first class vaudeville show. A great many of tbe American performers in this city are members of the club, which ac- counts. In a way. for tbe quality of the shows given. Boxing contests are held every Thursday night Hume, Ross and Lewis have disbanded, and the sew team now consists of Ross and Lewis. Tbe latter are now doing a sort of a "Sunny Jim" skit and ire making a big sue cess with It. Singing, musical selections and eccentric dancing are Introduced during tbe action of tbe piece. I understand that Hale and Francis sailed from America Dec 15, for Germany, where tbey are booked for a long engagement Charles T. Aldrlch baa two more weeks at the Empire and then be returns to America to play an engagement In New York. Tbe act still continues to be one of tbe strongest on the bill, which Is saying a great deal, con- sidering tbe strength of same. George Harrop was in town last week, looking over some bookings for bis Palace Theatre, at Blackpool. The Four Lukens were given a chance to play at the Summer re- sort by could not accept because of previous bookings. The Collsuem, one of the wonders of the entertainment world, will be opened on Mon- day next according to the announcements. It is not going too far to say there Is nothing like it anywhere. It Is the last word of managerial genius, mechanical Ingenuity and lavish expenditure on popular amusement. A beautiful building of marble and alabaster, of gold and deep red and cream. It will seat some 3,500 people, and four shows will be given every day, Sundays excepted. From noon to two o'clock, from three to five, from six to eight and from nine to eleven, vaude- ville by the best performers will be given, many of tbe performers being engaged at salaries calculated to turn anyone but a Carnegie green with envy. The building covers an acre of land and has by far tbe largest stage ever erected, made to revolve at any speed up to twenty miles an hour, carry- ing a weight of thirty or forty tons. The Coliseum should appeal alike to the person who wished to drop In tor a half hour or more, and to those who bring their lunch with them. There are refreshment rooms, writing rooma and telephone and messenger services attached to the building. Two dis- tinct companies of performers will appear, alternately, each for two performances dally. Another home of vaudeville will be opened shortly, namely, the Lyceum Palace of Va- rieties, the old Lyceum transformed Into s music hall. Thomas Barrasford, who, dur- ing a comparatively abort career as amuse- ment caterer, has won a high reputation In this line, and who is well known to Ameri- can artists, will have charge of the house. Two houses a nlgbt show will be given, and already some strong cards have been booked, including a great manyAmerican acta. Al- fred Selwyn, from tbe Hippodrome, Glasgow, "SS 9 !? "•• J-yeanm as general manager. The Great Buckner, 'cycle marvel, who was in London for about ten days, sailed for America Dec. 10. He put bis act on at the Palace for one performance, before sailing for home, but made tbe great mistake of Inviting all the agents In town to see him work, with the result that not one of them could give him Immediate time. If he bad cast his lot with one agent he would have fared better than he did. Mr. Buckner met with great succesa at the Hippodrome, Paris, where ho played for a month, and the act being such a novelty In 'cycle wonders. should have got In over here. Before leaving Mr. Buckner informed me that he has 1B06 booked In this country. Americans wbo con- template coming to this country to show their goods should paste these few words of advice in their hats, "Don't meddle with too many agents." Leon Morris and his ponies are at the London Hippodrome this week. "Zutka," B e i^ H .°° D ?I"> Staley'3 Transformation Co., rieidwln Brothers and the Nevarroa are other turns furnished by Americans. Quite a good aggregation for one bill. .A bit of Interesting news. The will of the late Dan Leno, who died In October, i« om A« he,,t ,a "ire. has been sworn In at £55,000. Mrs. Whallen's boy. Mike, arrived In Liver- pool Dec. 0, accompanied by bis newly-wed - w 'fe. They left for Leeds tbe same day, Where Mike Is to rehearse for pantomime at tbe Grand Theatre. He la looking well and has put on fifteen pounds In weight alnce bis trip to the States. I am Indebted to Dave Meier for this news. In bis letter be also added the following: "Al. Lawrence ■a topnlng the bill here this week at tbe Hippodrome (Liverpool), and be Is more than making good. He la following "High Jinks," wblcb runs forty minutes, and la nothing but comedy from start to finish. Lut he surprised me by the way be went on the opening night He makes a fine appear- ance and delivers tbe goods In grand style. Eugene Stratton Is drawing big houses to the Empire. Oswald Stoll is building a new hall near the Hippodrome. It will be open the early part of next year, and promises to be the finest ball In Liverpool." This Is tbe last week of tbe Three Meers at the Empire. Next week tbey go to Dub- lin, rest the following week and then go on the continent for a six months' sojourn, opening for a month at Dresden, Central Theatre, on Jan. 1. The act Is always In demand In this country, and also In America. Some six months ago the directors of tbe Empire succeeded in securing, at an enor- mous salary, Chine Ling Foo. Blnce be was engaged for the Empire he has been touring 'round the world and will make his first ap- pearance In England at tbe Empire on Jan. 2, accompanied by a troupe of ten of bis In- genlus countrymen. Byron and Langdon are at the Empire, Shepherd's Bush, this week, and are enter- taining the people of that district with their original creation, "A Dude Detective." fir. Byron's conception of a dude Is good and Ic always sure of winning many curtain cells. They were offered pantomime work for twelve weeks at a big salary, but could not accept because of present contract Frank Whitman, after a successful stsy at the Oxford, bas gone to Paris for a few days, and will return to London m good sea-