The New York Clipper (February 1912)

FEBBUABY 17 THENOT ^OJRK 17 EASON 'WAY OUT WEST The kind ef song that make, yoar .adl.nc. j.ln In the ehorot. Good for any style oT CK BCBBERU SIJg- dfc CO.. Astor ^ Ssnt ob receipt of lata programme Mr. Vaa JaJajMfc whose) portrait Mtd blograpbr wt frtUibed "n Tub Ctrpwr* of . joo*to' WmWZ born at Flebklll. N. Y., and at m aArly am lie became connected with a menagerie,.. Bu first appearance la New York In .these eerfsrmaneea which have ren- dered hint ss celebrated, occurred at tho Rich- mond- Hin Theatre, la the Fall of 1833. Tha same season h* appeared, after the holidays, at the Bowery Theatre, then under the man- agement of T. 8. Humbling, In a melodrama, written for kin by Wtea Median,- entitled "The Uoi Lord; or. The Forest Monarch." In this piece he rode a horse up a aet of -Mateppa roao, and when near toe fllea a Royal Bengal tiger would spring upon him, when the actor and the tiger would struggle down to the footlights together, apparently engaged la desperate combat, an Incident n-hlch was Invariably received with tumultu- ous enthusiasts. The Zoological Institute, at 37 Bowery, opened la November, 1834, with a collection of animals, am* Van Amtrargh as the princi- pal attraction Mr. Tan Amburgh performed at this establishment every winter until 1838. Introdaclag each season, at Intervals, as a sensation, a child and lamb In the dens. He played a farewell engagement at tho Old National Theatre, and at the principal the- atres on tha continent. While In Europe •everal dramas were written for Mr. Van Amburgh, and successfully produced. He also traveled through the provincial towns, making several tours of Onglanil, Ireland, Scotland and Wales with his traveling menagerie, and the prestige of his name drew an overwhelm- Ingtng throng of people wherever he went. The name of Tan Amburgh Is well known In every little hamlet la Great Britain as it Is Id the United States. He was the first one to introduce tha American style of tenting In Europe, end tha celerity with which h'a es- tablishment moved through the country was as great a source of wonder to John Bull as any feature of tha exhibition. Mr. Van Atsbargh returned to the United States in 1845, where he has since remained, except during several brief visits to Europe. He has not performed for several years,' but accompanied his menagerie In its annual tours through the country. He was a whole- souled, genial old gentleman, and had hosts of friends la every part of the Union,' and both himself aid his menagerie always re- ceived a hearty welcome wherever they ap; peared. Van Araoargh. In the course of his career, had many severe contests with-the animals, la Mate of which he was much bit- ten and torn, but be always came off the victor. On one occasion his right wrist was literally chewed and mangled by a Hon. He never fully recovered from the effect* of this Injury. . There are many good stories of Van Amburgh's contests with the animals, but they are mostly destitute of foundation, or nearly so. 'The encounters were'in some Instances desperate, bat they were much alike; they consisted of sudden attacks which Van Amburgh was usually able to punish at once, though sometimes, as has been ex- plained, the beasts left .their mama upon him. The tendency of the various encounters was, of course, such as to Injure Van Amburgh's health.' Eight or nine . ars ago Van Amburgh was obliged to cease his performances,' but he always accompanied the menagerie rn Its travels when be was able to do so. Some time ago he resigned tho active management of the concern, and it has since been under the direction of Hyatt Frost. The business of the concern will probably be carried on by the surviving partners under the name It has hitherto borne. Mr. Van Amburgh possessed great physical strength and fearless courage. He bad-a commanding presence; his move- ments were graceful; he was Arm, and under all circumstances self-possessed. In bis In- tercourse with his acquaintances—he was never married—he was exceedingly kind, and even gentle, and his geniality was one of the most prominent of his qualities, The death of Mr. Van Amburgh has sev- eral times been announced . during the past few years. These stories were like most of his adventures. His decease at this time was unexpeted, as be was in the city about two weeks ago, and at that time enjoyed ss good health as usual. A day or two ago the Philadelphia Journals reported that he was perfectly well. The remains were taken to Flsbklll for Interment. -Circus at New Orleans.—The cirrus appears to be wefl liked by tho patrons of amusement at New Orleans. A correspondent In writing en Nov. 27, says: "A business trip brings me to the 'Orescent City.' A few evenings passed at the -various places of amusement convinces me that careful managers are reap- ing a rich harvest. Th» great sensation here Just now is Thayer ft Noyes' United States Circus, playing a most successful engagement ot the Academy of Music. They opened here on Monday, Nov. 20, and from what I have eeen and heard I am satisfied that they could not have had larger crowds unless the Acad- emy of Music could harve been enlarged. Hun- dreds have been turned from the door unable to get even standing room. The circus had a large -and excellent company when I saw them at Louisville, but Blnce they have opened here quite a number have been added to their list of people, making as fine a circus as ever de- lighted the rather fastidious amunement seek- ers of this city. The company now consists of Dr. J. L. Thayer, the fat, genial and capital Jester and business manager: C. W. Noyes, the well known equestrian manager, and the great New Orleans favorite of twenty years since; S. P. Sttckney, master of the circle, whose appearance in the ring Is always • a signal for hearty applause. 'Old Sam Sttck- ney, as everybody caJla him. has his family with him. Robert. Emma ami Mart. Sammy. Robert SHckuey is one of tho greatest favor- ites i ever saw, and deservedly so, for his riding' and his terrific backward find forward somersaulting haa no equal in the profession. Emma SHckney Is a very graceful,' finished and pleasing rider, and llttlo Sam is dally proving that he is a 'chip of the old block.' Mr. and Mrs. Tom King, whoso splendid, sty- lish double acts always please; John Saun- ters, equestrian and general performer, and Master Woodle Cook,. Mr. Noyes* favorite pu- pil are always received with great favor. The celebrated Donaldson Troupe, consisting of trnnlt Donaldson, the Mlaco Brother*, Harry Bernard and Petite Angelo, who do tic Zam- pi I 'aerostation act very neatly, are with the J 0,D P»ny. ami prove a great attraction. G. M. Ketley, the gymnast and leaner over twelve corses, and hla confrere, C.' Borrows,' have proved themselves, great fanrorltes—their tra- P«e act Is remarkably good. ■ Mons.' De Louis attracts great attention In his horizontal bar exwclees, but much more by ths wonderful performances of his trained dogs, Knte. Mr.tt ana Jennie. These dogs are a* finished per- i°™ n 5 ni ss can bo found. One of them bat- ■npfs on his fore legs on the back of a chair, waltzes, pretends death, ascends a ladder bsck- wa ™ s ' H"*"* does many other surprising feats. Mons. De Louis and bis dogs fairly share ine unstinted applsase of _tbe: uurHence with M». Noyoa' groat performing monkey, sig. 'Sfifv, • nd - *&"• Noyes*> beautiful trilned horse, Qrey Eagle Jr.. said tobe.the best trick horse now in the,ring.. Dr. Thayer's comic mnlea are as funny aBlnlne comedians as ever nodded their long, ears at any .'crowd of spec- tators. I see by the bills that John Robin- son, the great, sensational bareback eques- 572?'.." underlined, and will shortly appear with his fin* stud of horses." Nixon's Circus Co.—which met with so many mishaps as It sailed, and whose vessel, »* "Me advices, had been towed Into Pensa- cola—had finally reached New Orleans, In a crippled condition, and were announced to appear at the Academy of Music In conjunc- tion with Thayer A Noyes' Troupe. Stone, Rosston ft Co's Circus was at At- lanta, Ga„ on Dec 13, 14, where it did fair . business. "Quadrapantheoa" is the name given by . Mr. Forepaugh to his new circus establish- ment at Philadelphia. The ads of this con- cern are a sort of curiosity. In their way, , some of the most outlandish words being used to designate the class ot animals to be seen, as well as the character of the ring performances. They first tried the "Para- dise" dodge: now they go it on the Quadra— mania, the PsitUclde, Mansuetude, the Dldel- phra, etc. The National Circus, at the New American Theatre, Philadelphia, we are told. Is doing a very good share of business, probably the best of the three circuses now performing in that city. ... Chlarlnl's Circus, at Havana, is reported as doing a good business. Among the Ameri- can performers there at present are Shappee • and Whitney. M. Verrecke and Jaa, Melville. The United States Circus, after playing at New Orleans, Mobile, etc., returned to New Orleans and shipped on board of the steam- ship Magnolia, for Galveston, Tex., where It arrived on Nov. 25, and ptt up Its canvas to show at dark. It sent the band out. opened doors, and, says a correspondent, ''took la on that notice (1,600 in big show and $450 In side show.: Sunday, pat ap bills—Monday took,in 82,200, and 8575 side show; Tuesday. 82,350, big, and StJOO side show, and so on. The company Is well. Mr. Halght has bought out Mr. De Haven, and now owns all, and manages his own show. He Is coining money —one dollar in specie admittance,' and one dollar and arty cents in greenbacks; 50 cent* to tho Bide show. We have got the best tum- bling party In the United States, good sym- nasta and good riding. Mrs. Carroll and Mrs. McOlnley—Carroll's daughter—stands st ths head) Master Herbert, Nay lor and old Barney Carroll on two horses, etc Lathrop and 8ea- moa are the clowns. Cook. Wilson ft Zoyaro's Pacific Circus, that left Stn Francisco on Oct 2, for a long cruise, haa been heard from, as wlU be seen - There is con side,ratio competition in circus business at-PhUaddpbJa. no less than three concerns being In operation there at the pres- ent time, vlx.: Gardner A Hemming*.*, the Quadrapsntheon, and the Nations. None of them has been doing.a great business. • - Charles Johnson (weal known by the circus , profession as the forty horse driver) died at Philadelphia, Dec. 18, nged thirty-three years. At the tlmo of his death he was connected with Forepaugb'a Circus and Menagerie, and played in the ring three days before be died. Re was suddenly seized with plenrltis, which resulted In death. His remain* were token to Boston—his native place. Through tbe ex- ertions of Robert McCormlck .-» purse of $85 was made up to cover the funeral expenses, He was a remarkable man In tho show busi- ness, and had been all over Europe as well as this country. It is supposed that the con-. stnnt strain of handling so many reins In driving forty horses, which tequlred great skill, strength and endurance, seriously' affected him InwardSy, and rendered him an easy prey to disease. The Clrc reus and Menagerie on the comer of Tenth and Callowhlll Streets, Philadelphia, under the management of Adam Forcpanajh, did a good business during Christmas week. The abow consists ot a number ot cages of wild annuals formerly belonging to Jerry Mat>!e. There are also two elephants and two camels. Equestrian performances are given by a corps of excellent performers. Win. T. Aymar 4s tbe equestrian director. - . Orrin 4s Sebastian's California Circuit con- tinues its travels in South America. Tbe fol- lowing letter will give our readers the latest news of their whereabouts: Pcbbto Cabbllo, Vbnbiuela, So. America, Nov. 19. 1865. Fbjlnk Qua***—1 wrote you from Caracas a short time since. After performing to a splendid business there of six weeks, we left on Oct. • 22, for- La Gulara, where we par- formed to good business for six nights; left for this place en Nov.' 4, 'on 'the 'steamer "Robert Todd,", and arrived here on Nor. 5. We opened on the 7th to a crowded house; we gave our ninth and last performance this evening. Business has been fine all-the time. We leave for Vaiestla. to-morrow, forty miles inland, and return here for the steamer of Dec. 8, and go back to Caracas for tbe Christ- mas holidays, where we shall be happy to re- ceive a file of Thb CLtpnB. ' Mrs. Orrin ar- rived all safe on Oct. 20. with flies of Tm Clippeb, which wera a great treat. Hoping you are in prime health, as It leaves me and all the company, I am, yours truly, G. 7. Oaniv. Stone, Rosston ft Murray's ("reus opened at Augusta, Ga., Dec. 18, for four days. Thayer ft Noyes vs. The European Circus. —We are requested to give publicity to ths money both these days, besides the large re- ceipt* of the first day. -- . As wo still kept up tho United States flag aqrl preserved the title of United States.Cir- cus, politics evidently had nothing to do with ■ this result. Both companies proceeded to Montgomery on the same railroad train, where they were both to exhibit on Dec. 13. 14, 15, etc The authorities of Montgomery requested both companies to defer their visit until an- other occasion, in -xinsequcnce of the preva- lence of smallpox In that city (now happily abated), for fear ot disseminating the losth- some disease by tbe congregation of crowds; we acquiesced, and proceeded direct to Mobile. They refused to accede to the request and exhibited all tbe week to a very poor busi- ness, accompanied by the anathemas of the public and the reprobation of tbe newspapers of Montgomery. The story of Mobile la told by the following article from The JfoMIe Daily Timet of Dec. 15, whom we exhibited Ave days, and Howe's. European Circus twelve days: "Amusement Statistics—The books of the assessor and col- lector of the two per cent, tax for the United Slates revenue, on the gross receipts of ex- hibitions, enabling us to give tbe proceeds of. the three circuses that exhibited here last month." "Thayer ft Noyes paid two per cent upon the receipts of 115,458 for Ave days, commencing Nov. 14." "De Haven paid two per cent, upon the receipts of $4,908.70, for six days,' commencing Nov. 13." "8. D. Howe's paid two per cent, upon 88,813.55, for two weeks,' commencing Nov. 20. Dan Rice and the Bedouin Arabs wore connected with the Howe's European Circus for the second week enumerated herein." In New Orleans we bave played twenty- eight days to mors xaonoy than wo have ever known any circus to bake In eny theatre be- fore. • "8, B. Howe's European Circus" ar- rived here after we had been playing two weeks, and although they reduced prices as . usual, and had tbe overwhelming addition ot "Dan Bice." the "Bedouin Arabs," "Crock- ett' Lions,*' and a regal street cortege, their ,baslneH was so bad that they left In dla- - gust, after exhibiting only five days, abandon- ing .the field to ua Regretting to devote so many words bo so unimportant a matter (ex- cepting so far as It concerns rhe attributing and improper -motives to the Southern peo- ple), we remain very respectfully yours, Thatxb ft Notis. Howe's Circus; after tarrying a few days onfly at New Orleans, proceeded to Baton Rouge on the 16th ult, thence to Natcbex, and at last advices was at Vlcksburg. occupied by the Ravels and Arjonaa Spanish Dramatic Troupe, alter-"ti other. The Ravels are dm doing a very good Dramatic Troupe, alter-"ting one with the other. The Ravels are nwv doing a very goer business; In fact, you may call it bad The Thayer ft Notes organised two circus com- panies at New Dreams, Incorp of Nixon's ship-wrecked party in their coxono- rporating I ty in their peoplo here have been aurfelted with panto- mime performances, and tbe troupe Is not -as good as In former years. The Vlllaneuva Theatre Is In the hands of a French dramatic and operatic company, under the direction of Mr. Alhalia. - "The company has not made as much money ss they made last year, and will leave In a few days for New Orleans. Some of t_e performances sre very good, and I presume they wlll.be appreciate in that city.. • Now a llttlo chat about our American Institu- tion—our circus. I call it an American In- stitution, as nearly all tha performers are Americans, or at least havo come from the United States. Chlarml and Alblsu have been waging war since tbe beginning of the season. lloth troupes are good. "Chlarlnl will remain here yet for about two mouths. Tho Melville Family, Mons.< Vcrecke, Shappee, Whitney, Curon and Zanfretta be- long to this troupe. George Sharpe, who haa iust returned from South America, is clown- iig It there. Alblsu's close here Jan. K, taking part of tho present company-to Mex- ico, leaving a small troupe to perform In the Interior towns of the Island,. Nlcolo and his boy, the Tallecn Brothers, Mad. Macarte, Lorenxo Maya, the clown; Robinson, Dick Rivers, and many others are going to Mexico. "Albliu la expecting ro-lnforcementa from the States to increase his companies. Kl Nlao Eddie, the best little tight rope dancer In the world, goes to New Orleans within n few days to fulfill an engagement at Spald- ing ft Rogers' Academy of Music. One of AlMiu's troupe, Mr. Dutton, the rider, got frightened at the Idea of going to Mexico, and.ran away to the States, breakipj kU contract...., .To-day' we have t little ex- citement. They are going to carrote a man for killing hla father. Having seen the seme performance a great many times, I shall not attend. In my text I shall give you a few scraps of Havana gossip and the condition of oar sporting men. Until then, adieu. Habanero. The National Circus, at the New Ameri- can Theatre. .Philadelphia, 'a working hard, and with success, too. ''■ i treat spectacle of the "Field of the Olotl< n' Gold" la run- ning there, with all the a.'.orcorles and ef- fects necessary to ensure 'I < success. Tbe Bedouin Arabs have just ba~e. engaged, as well as Marietta. Zaafrettu, the tight-rope performer. W. P. Wallett, the Queen's Jes- ter, engaged for Mr. Pox in Europe, has sltlo-L Ons under the management of Dr. Thayer, chartered the steamboat, Ida May, the best Just arrived, and will shortly appear, F ' M. Kslsb. agent for Stone. Rosston ft ii ANOTHER RAG M By THEODORE MORSE. Morse's newest big "rag" song bit. Words few D. A. ENHOM. Published by THEODORE MORSE MUSIC CO., <367 Broadway, N. Y. by the following letter from one of the com- pany, dated: Honolulu, Sandwich Island, Nov. 2, 1865. "Frank Queen —After a splendid passage of nineteen days, we arrived here all safe, and opened two days afterwards, under our two centre pole canvas, to an extraordinary large house, which same business has continued, with the exception of one nlgbt (rainy). Our price list Is fl.50, $1.00 and HO centa The royal family have been very well represented at each performance, but Hla Majesty, King Lot (who has recently ascended the throne), a rather high-toned individual, has not visited us yet. He has expressed his willingness for Monday night, Nov. «. When Wilson had his company here, live years ago, the present king was a prince and a Jolly, convivial fellow; he played billiards and roted ten-pins with Wilson, but I Infer the dignities of a ruler compel him to stand aloof. "Our company attended a Hool-a-hooi, a native dance, last week. Tbe women and the men are In an entire state of nudity; pigs, yams and sweet potatoes arc roasted whole In the ground with heated stones, and with one, two and three Angered 'para' or *puoy,' the feast, or. In native, 'lou ow,' concludes the pow-wow. Our schooner, tbe Alice, of 240 tons register, and of a model similar to George Steer's New York pilot boats, Is very fast, staunch, etc. We carry our stock (nine- teen head) between decks. Zoyara's mare, Becky, foaled on the passage from 'Frisco to this place, and we christened him Neptune. The minstrels occupied the canvas one night and attracted a crowded house. . After the circus tent is down, and while the vessel Is loading, the minstrels—consisting of Fanny Brown, Tom Peel, J. B. Taylor, Jas. Cooke, C. Holcomb, T. Woodruff, xoung Gulneese, Mast. Dan, Jed Wilson, F. Wilson, George Seacamp and C. Hensley—Intend taking the Royal Theatre and giving a variety ahow, In- troducing 'Muzeppa' a couple of nights. . "We leave this port tbe last of next week for Tahiti—In latitude 170 South of the line —a twenty-five or twenty-six days' run. At present there is such a dearth of localisms that I know not what I could write that would possibly Interest you. I'll send you a line from Tahiti. We shall probably be In Melbourne or Sydney, Australia, about the middle of February. lour friend. "Fbank Weston." Lea ft Ryland's Circus returned to San Francisco early In November and. afterJ|a brief rest, opened the American Theatre*"ln that city. _ „ . Both B. Howe's London Circus, as It is called, opened at New Orleans lately, with Dan Rice as its great cord, expecting to re- main there a long time. It so happens, how- over that they read the papers at that city, (he •Crescent City folk remembered the speeches Dan had made at New Orleans rJiout the breaking out of the war, which they Ukod at that time; but after Dan re- turned to tbe North he made speeches suitable for this locality, which the Southerners didn't like pretty well. So this attempt at "riding two horses" at -the same time bad not been lost sight of when Daniel recently made his entree at New Orleans, and tho result was that ho was not favorabily received there, so the show bo was engaged with found It more profltabe to leave than to stay. i "Old Dame Trot nnd Her Comical Cat," a Christmas pantomime. Is among the novelties presented by the circus troupe now occupying the American Theatre' Philadelphia New scenery, machinery, tricks "and ludicrous ef- fects wiH contribute to the success of this holiday spectacle. Tbe NatlonaJBClrcus is doing a fair share of the Q.uaXer'efcftj- busi- ness. following card, to correct what are said to be errors or misrepresentations on the part of a New Orleans correspondent. We are al- ways willing,to give our friends a hearing, especially when they desire to set themselves right before the public: Academy of Music, New Orleans, Dec. 1(1, 18G6.—Frank Queen, Publisher of This N. Y. Clii-peb ; Dear Sir: Two successive Issues of Tun CLirpsn give what purported to be an account of a com- petition (since decisively determined between Thayer ft Noyes* United States Circus and S. B. Howe's European Circus), so similar In style and the repetition of errors that we are constrained to believe they were written by the same person, and that tho writer was connected with the latter establishment. Knowing your aversion to a controversy In your paper, and that even If you were hot, the presence of the members of both troupes, and all cognizant of tbe real facts of the case, would prevent the false statements do- ing any harm amongst our profession, we did not contemplate making any public cor- rection of these errors until It occurred to us. that Justice to the citizens of Macon and Co- lumbus required at our bands a refutation of the malicious, charge that the pretended re- sult was attributable to the Southern preju- dice against Union managers and against the title of our circus (the United States Circus). Although we were well known as Arm 1,'nlon men from the commencement of the late un- happy war, and although the most conspicu- ous lino on every one ot our bills and adver- tisements was "The United States Circus," we have experienced only the most marked courtesies from the 'Southern peoplo In our Southern tour. Tho more prominent. Intelli- gent and Influential the Southern gentleman with whom we come in official or social con-; tact in our extended trip through Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama and Louisiana, during the months of October, November and December, the more unreservedly did they appear bo ac- cept the "situation," snd the more impressed were we with their good faith. The Isolated Instance or two of a drunken vagabond, to the contrary, only proves the rule. The following are tho facts: In pursuanco of a contract to play nn engagement in the Academy of Music, New Orleans, in Decem- ber, wo shipped our company In and by rail- road, playing at the principal cities on the route. In pursuance of our arrangement<i, we were advertised to play at Macon on Nov. 0, 7, 8, where S. B. Howe's European Circus was announced to exhibit on the same day. We arrived there and exhibited accordingly, tak- ing $2,800 on the first-named day, and charg- ing regular Southern prices of si for whites and 75 cents for negroes. Howe's Circus d'.d not arrive in time to exhibit the first night. The second day (Nov. 7) it arrived, and re- duced prices to 50 cents, with a covert allu- sion to 25 cents extra for reserved seats. As we did not reduce prices and our exhibition hiavlng been seen by most (if the citizens the first da7, naturally tho rush was for tho fresher nnd cheaper show, especially as they made .v.. imposing street procession. Neither our politics nor our United Slates flag had anything to do with it, as was dem- onstrated In the next city. As, however, we took about as much money the first dar as Mr. Howe's in the two, and being young and inexperienced showmen, wc were glad to learn a valuable lesson of reducing prices In an extremity, from our veteran competitor, at so cheap a rate. At Columbus wo were an- nounced to exhibit on' Dec; 9, 10. 11—Howe's European Circus only on Dec. 10, 11, with a view to the'repetition of tbe dodge of ar- riving fresh and reducing prices ($1 and 7.1c); and upontthe arrival of the European Circus we redacea prices to the scale they did. The consequence was we rewlved (wc think) most and departed on Dec. 17, for Shreveport, and the principal towns on Red, Ouohlta and Mississippi rivers. The Stlckney Family, Tom King and wife, Kelly, Burroughs, Camp- beH, Saunders, John Robinson, etc., are with this division. The other, under tho manage- ment of C. W. Noyes. comprising M. de Berg, Jas. Cooke, Mlaco Brothers, Jimmy Reynolds, Prof, de Louis, etc., were at last advices (Dec 18) exhibiting for a few days under a tent in the French part of the City of Now Orleans. They were to leave on tbe 20th for Galveston, -Houston, etc. The equestrian and'circus troupe now occu- pying the American Theatre. Philadelphia, continues to present novelty after novelty. Week of Jan. 8 wild wind up "Old Dame Trot and Her domical Cat," to make room for the grand historical spectacle of "The Field of the Cloth of Gold/' which Is to be brought out in splendid style on Jan, 15. Charley Devere has been added to the troupe The great Jester and Shake- spearean clown, Wallett, Is announced as having arrived, and will make un early ap- pearance. 8. P. Howe's Circus Company arrived at Memphis, Tcnn., on Dec. 24. and was an- nounced to rumaln two weeks, and then go down the river again. Gardner ft Hemmlngs' Circus commenced an engagement at the Front Street Theatre, Baltimore, on Dec. 22. Thayer & Noyes' Circus (the Goflveston party) did not reach that city In time to open, as advertised, on Christmas Day. James Nixon, after a very checkered cam- paign by land and sea, arrived at Memphis, Tenn., on Jan. 4. There was some talk of Nixon and Dan Castello Joining forces, the latter having withdrawn from Howe's con- cern. Tbe Rollande's Benefit.—The many admir- ers of those talented and accomplished per- formers, the Kollande Brothers, whose acts as gymnasts and acrobats have been tbe won- der and admiration of our citizens for tho last three months, will have a benefit to- night. As this is tbe only chance the citizens ot New Orleans will have to reward the brothers for their successful efforts to please and amuse them, as an enginement at Ha- vana compels their departure In a few days, we hope the benefit will be a good one. Every available Inch of standing room should be oc- cupied, and will be If they get their Just deserts. A splendid bill Is In course of preparation, and the beneficiaries will per- form several new feats. Purchase tickets at once, and Induce your friends to do likewise. We are sorry to lose these fine performers.— True Delia, Dec. 20. 3. B. Rochotte, rhe clown, took a benefit at the Academy of Music, San Francisco, Cal., on Dec. 14. no had been lying sick with neuralgia for several weeks, ana was destitute. The Hlegrlst Family, Lee and Ry- land got up the benefit, and it was a success, putting money in tbe purse of the sick man. Tom Burgets, well known In the West and Southwest as a popular clown and comic singer, Is at present lying Idle at Cherry Vauey, Ml., and Is anxious for on engagement. 18 (Ml. Circus Doings, etc., at Havana, Cubs.—In relation to the circus and other sources of amusement In the gay city of Havana, a cor- respondent gives us tho following account: "Havana, Cuba, Jan. 4, 1800. I&ltor Nx-w Yohk CliirTBR—The first Norther of the sea- son. You cannot bave any Idea of the en- toyment of a real good Nortber, but we who five bad for tbe Inst nine months a tem- perature from 72 to 08 degrees, are fully alive to its advantages. The city at present Is perfectly healthy and the places of enjoy- ment are in foil blast. The Teatro Tacon Is Co.'s Circus, was at Memphis on Jan. 8, nuk- ing arrangements for the'appearance of bis show thore about Feb. 1. The Uollands Brothers have teen meeting with considerable success In tholr gymnast!.: performances at New Orleans, nt ths Acini- amy of Music, where they concluded tbe I.' engagement on Dec. 81. During tho follow- ing week they were to sail for Havana, ti take charge of Don Jose Alblsu's Company, that gentleman being about to start with another company for Mexico. The New Or- leans press highly eulogised the perform snees of tbe Holland* Brothers, as will tie seen by tbe succeeding quotation: "William and Henry Dollonde are deserving ot morn particular mention than they have yet re- ceived from us, and we aro glad to see that the enthusiasm created In tholr favor on tbe Urst appearance has by no means diminished with our citizens; in fact, there is such a charm of grace, agility nnd ease of move- ments, and a freshness of style in their won- derful fonts, that the public never tire of seeing. "It was probably theso valuable traltn which Induced the discriminating managers of the Academy to secure tbe service of these talented brothers for so lengthy a season; for, aside from the Hanlons, there are no other* who could wear so well in popular regard, drawing cheers nlgbt after night for weeks and It Is dubious whether any two of tho Hanlons can compete with them. The Roliatides have gone to great oxpense In pro- curing a targe, rich and elegant wardrobe, and all their appliances aro ornamental to the stage. "The brothers are the embodiment of dar- ing and grace In all tholr acts, nnd never full bo bring down tho house,' In tho tuertes de Mivn, the stilts, or any of their athletic or comic feats. But the masterpiece—their 'crowning blonr'—Is the MIMora rolotiUf the only act of the kind which ever originated In America, and which In performed only by them. The machinery for tbe exciting scene fastens in the dome of tbe theatre, but In no way Interferes with a view of tho stage from any part of tbe house, and may be regarded as a decoration than otherwise. "The act Itself consists of a series of leaps, swings and somersaults in midair, which at first cause an involuntary shudder of fear and anxiety, but the perfect self-possession of the actors soon sets Iho spectators at their ease, aud fear Id chmged to admiration and wonder. After some of th^lr couragcoim feats, In which one of (be brothers, hanging to an Iron bar by his legs head downward, catches the other by the wrists or ankle after a leap of ten or twelve feet, tbe wildest shouts of applause are rendeud, which in- crease and are prolonged as tho younger la at last thrown some thirty foot to the stage, alighting Invariably right side up In safety. No ono can afford to miss the Rollsndc per- formances."— True Delta. Dec, 29. Gardner ft Hemmlngs' Circus opened at Front Street Theatre, Baltimore, on Jan, 22, for a brief season, with the following per- formers: Eliza Gardner. Madame Sbowles (sister of Dan Rico), Mad. Camlllc, Mile. Marie, Mile. Fontaine, George Ilatchelor, the I.azellc Brothers, Frank Carpenter, Joseph Banford, George King, James Ward, Dan Gardner, Jacob Bhowles and Chan. Monroe. James Nixon left Memphis Jan. 11 for Little Rock, Ark., to bring back S. B. Howes' Circus Company, as lie has formed a co-part- nership with Dan Castello, having bought out tho Interests of 8. B. Howes, and will open at Memphis week of Jan. 22. Tho show will go under tho name of "Dan Castello's Great Clrcui." Mad. Hacarte, at present performing at Havana. Cuba, will be at liberty shortly to engage with managers for the tenting season, She Ess an entirely new equestrian act, Intro- ducing broad and lofty leaps and a aword combat on horseback, J. F. Orrln's Circus.—From a letter re- ceived from d. F. Orrin, dated Caracas, Venezuela, South America, Dec, 25, we ex- tract the following Items: "We returned to Caracas on Dec. 10 from a very successful trip to La Gualra, Puerto Cabello and Va- lencia. I was to have opened on Dec. 10. but the great earthquake ot IB, which took place at ten minutes to 6 p. m., deferred our opening until Saturday. 17. We then ope>~<1 to only a middling house, for the people a II seemed mad with fear. On 10, at five mi-- utes (o 10 v. u., we received • second shosTt, and on HoMay morning the third.