The New York Clipper (October 1913)

THE NEW YORK CLIPPER. October THE BIGGER THE SUCCESS, THE MORE NUMEROUS THE IMITATIONS THI8 SONG HAS BEEN IMITATED MORE THAN ANY SONG EVER WRITTEN WE THANK OUR IMITATOR FOR ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THIS 18 THE GREATEST SONG EVER COMPOSED i" r. YOU MADE ME LOVE YOU (I DIDN'T WANT TO DO IT) •- IT'S MAKING A RECORD THAT WILL 8TAND FOR YEAR8 "WORDS BY JOE MCCARTHY Efff D T£I T.!^S 0R .t 0RA .? 01 . Mange Building WILL VON TILZER, President 145 w? 45tfi St. CHICAGO OFFICE, 123 No. Clark St. "■ "'„„*„ B08TON OFFICE, 218 Tremont St. NEW tlORK bill ITS ALSO MAKING THOUSANDS OF PERFORMERS MUSIC B V JAMES V. MONACO OBSERVATIONS BY IJOE HEPP horseback. Some may have faster horses, is the intrepid trapper laced to an oak tree tat they all hare tie "race for the bride.'' and menaced with the tomahawk. The hones Some may have better trick riders, but the; all havo the ponr express. Now, really, what is the answer? The an- Live Tent Show News. Circus, Carnival, Wild West Goasip and "Kfjgf &&££ ft* wS Comment. Pertinent Paragraphs toy our Special Correspondent. WILD WEST HISTORY. The tact that Edward Arlington li said to be negotiating with John O. Robinson to put on a combination circus and Wild West next season, carries considerable significance. In fact, it substantiates the opinion, generally expressed by showmen who have given tie ■inject of outdoor entertainment years at consideration, that the Wild West, in Vtclf, has seen Its best days. Is It nort apparent to the most casual ot> serrer that the passing of the Buffalo Bill' ply take off the edge, bnt It most be admit- ted that millions of people who hare never entered the canopy of a Wild Wert show on the lot are more or less familiar with Wild West scenes and all the more reason. It would appear, why they should, when the Wild West show in reality cones to town, fill the blues and the reserves, tut they don't. Now. why? Supposing you lave seen every Wild West sliow In America, what Is the difference In their performances. Not to show, great or small, but just the same in Its essentials, in every metropolitan city and hamlet in the United States. Now, If yon don't have all these things, you do not have a Wild West show, but If you are going to put on a new Wild West show and don't have these things, what can you give a Wild West show with? The noble redman Is passing, It is true, although statistics tell us that there are more Indians on the North American Conti- nent to-day than there was when Columbus first set foot on this soil. But the Indian it being assimilated. Assimilation through environment Is a potent factor In the mould- ing of civilisation. The "show-Indian" has B * tt . t „ - , . o^,.,. „_ f ._ more Indians than others, out they all do with the fervor they once experienced, for Its conception was to\me\wrnttot»gr a imm, Some may Save better buck- now. they are more prone to devote their Searance, on tie stage, In Wild West rneto- b t tt u ri4 , iwMag bronchos. And reading hours to 'Three Weeks," "Why r "One rama. Then came Peck and Fursman On J m "j^ j,^, tarit " t throwers, but NlghT and other -works of modem fiction. the Frontier," followed by that great Ameri. can actor, Mayo, in "Davey Crockett." Then followed 1 the Immortal portrayal of "Daniel Boone," and In latter days Blaney's and A. H. Wood's melodramas. As a matter of record the stage presentations were short- lived, although. In their hey-day. they af- forded plenty of thrills for the American theatre going people, and, as a matter of fact, the only stage production of this character which survives Is Klaw i Erlanger's "The Bound-Up," The only thing that prolongs its life, is nort the play Itself, bnt the icenlc In- vestiture afforded It, and even tali sterling attraction, which was a furore at first, has dwindled in Importance until it is now play- ing the cheaper priced theatres. Nate Salisbury was really the father of . Wild West out-of-door entertainment He saw the possibilities and took advantage of them. The history of the Buffalo Bill Wild West Show really dates from its Inaugura- tion at Btaten Island. True, the World's Fair engagement In Chicago, not only served to enrlchthe coffers of Colonel Cody and his associates, but it brought into being a form of attraction which, for many years, in op- position to the great circus aggregations of the day. more than held up Its prestige, but. Incidentally, made more money In tho same ■pace of time, than has been mads before or since by any traveling tented enterprise. Not alone in America was the Wild West popular, but throughout continental Europe, it was an artistic and financial success. In England, in Austria, in Germany, in France In Spain, everywhere, for the projectors of this unique form of amusement, typical of Western life in America, was it a blaze of triumph. And, pausing for a moment, while Colonel W. F. Cody and bis coterie of Wild Wert associates were acclaimed in the cities of Europe, it must be recorded that only once In tho history of the world has any amuse- ment aggregation been given official rec- ognition by the Vatican, In Borne. His Holiness, Pope Leo, XIII, accorded Colonel Cody the honor of a private audience, fol- lowing which the cowboys, cowgirls, ranch- men and the Indians, assembled in the gar- dens of the Catholic Capitol, received the Apostolic blessing. Surely, at that time, It appeared to the showmen of the world that the Wild West was supreme as a form of entertainment, for lucrative returns. Kings, princes, em- perors, dukes, barons, lords end other titled Individuals were not loath to pay every honor to the representatives of the American plains. Alas I how are the mighty fallen. During the past month In the city of Denver, one of the world's greatest aggre- gations was sold. Piece by piece the prop- erty has been scattered to the fonr parts of the world. Why was this? Why, tn spite of the fact, that the head of this aggregation were the two predom- inating factors In the Wild Wcit world, vis.; Colonel W. F. Cody and Major Gor- don W. Llllle? At the time of the disintegration of the Two-Bills show, the executive staff was rr.ade up of men who had been tried and not found wanting in the projection of thli class of attractions. Some Bay the mov- ing; pictures were Instrumental In putting a "kibosh" on the Wild West—some say It was because the general director of the busi- ness department was "cheap" and permitted pusillanimous policy to lower tho dignity of the show which had been built up and maintained for many years during its areat- eit prosperity—somo aver that In "fnre- welllng" Colonel Cody, "the hero horseman of the world" for some two years previous to 1018. that It had a tendency to make {irospectlve patrons in the territory played his season apprehensive that "the grandest old scout of them all" had really passed from public exhibition life. Can anyone really give the answer why the Wild West form of entertainment has fallen into disrepute as a financial proposi- tion? Let us analyse the situation. As to the "movies," for Instance, It is true that In the majority of the moving picture theatres of America, Wild West subjects prevail. "The attack of the stage coach," "rescue of the white maiden from the hands of the red savages," etc., but when yon come right down to cases, the moving pictures do not reproduce the Wild West show. They slm- some may _ they all spin the rope. Some may have more cowgirls, but they all do the Virginia Beel on The war whoop of the Iroquois has made way for the dinner bell, on the farm. No more of Daniel Boone have long since crumbled into decay. True, his memory lives, but the young folks of to-day are not inclined to shed tears for the poor maiden scalped bj the Indians, but rather to follow the fortunes of "Bertha, the Sewing Machine Girl," or laugh at the antics of Fred A. Stone, In "The Lady of the SUpper." Strange now we progress, but facts are facts, and cannot be gainsaid. Amusements have become so cheap In price that the highest class attraction can be en- joyed by the lowliest artisan. And they don't want the rough stuff any more. As a proof ot It, the galleries are empty these days. And here's another thing, even in the mov- ing picture shows you can Sear grand opera and witness portrayals of some of the world's masterpieces, such as "Quo Vadls?" and "Les Miserables." The Wild Wert Frontier regime has past. No longer does the tad mas slouching down of Deadwood ._ Colts in his jhtened mind of the present "generation. And as a matter of fact, there are no more cowboys. The public knows it, it reads the papers, and is aware that most of these dare-devil cowpuncbers come from Third Avenue in New lorlt, or State Street OBABLBB B. IBWINi "Ladles sod Gentlemen! Allow me to Introduce the world's highest silarled sod greatest rope and all 'round rough rider, engaged st a salary ot twenty-five hundred dollars per week—Mr. Fred Stone." in Chicago. It is too bad, though, to disillusion the youth of America. I can recall when a boy how I reveled In the dime novel telling me of the exploits of Deadwood Dick and Nick Carter. But to-day the man who can tee 14 in golf is a much greater hero, In my estimation. The massacre of Fort Dear- born curdled the blood of the world, but to-day the divorce proceedings of the mil- lionaire broker and his dancer bride, Saha- ret, will cause a greater stir at va-ssar. Harry Thaw's Incarceration in the Jails of Canada and New Hampshire hare consumed more space In the metropolitan press of the world, than did tho capture of Geronlmo. The. ghost dances at Finer Ridge did cause a flutter, but think of the newspaper col- umns devoted to the terpalchorean accom- plishments of Butb St Dents. Now, let's get back to cases—the fact re- mains; that during the past five years Wild West shows have come and Wild West shows have gone. Name me one (with but one ex- ception) that has made money, and possibly its success is due to the fsct that Its guiding spirit whom we know to be versatile, not only in show business but In the business world, has been clever enough to route It Into terri- tory where it has met with but little oppo- sition. Now. what of the future? The future seems that the Wild West will nave to amal- gamate with something else In order to form a combination of something that is greater thsn Itself to wit: The circus, seems to be the natural affiliation. This has been tried and proved a success, In years agone, as is familiar to students of amusement history, sud VIA rSt ltt>on learned of the downfall, NETTIE CARROLL'S PARTY, At Her Home, Au<j. SO, Springfield, III. Left to right: Top row—Cecil Fortune, Nettle Carroll, Mrs. and Mr. Bedinl, Loin Davenport, Art Borelln. ' Osntro row—Bert Cols and wife, Quiet Jack Moore, Mayme 8uUIvaD, Art Thompson. Bottom row—Delia Nelson, Betty Thompson, Florence Welland. of a purely Wild West exhibition, the keen circus man (and a number of them are giv- ing the matter serious consideration) will take advantage of pest experiences and obvi- ate mistakes which have been made. It would seem a pity. Indeed, if the youth of America were deprived of an opportunity to see the aboriginal In all his war paint and feathers, but In order that the pur- veyor of tent show entertainment catering to the young folks of the land makes money he must give them something more than war dances, stage coach robberies and stero- typed Wild West performances. He must have clowns to make the children laugh. He must have horses, groomed, and rid- den by expert artists. He must have elephants and he must have camels, and dare-devil acrobats to give n real thrill, and be must have lions and tigers, polar bears and monkeys. In fact be must have something different, something greater, so that the foils will not say—"They're all alike." Sows weeks ago a telegraphic dispatch appeared in The New York Clipper to the effect that it was not improbable that a mammoth carnival organization would bo projected from Leavenworth, Kan., next Spring. While I am not authorized. In any way, to substantiate this rumor. It would sot be surprising to me If Colonel Charles W. Parker did do something of this kind. Up to the season of 1013, the name ot C. W. Parker was pretty thoroughly em- blazoned on the billboards throughout the country. There were "The Great Parker Shows/' "The Greater Parker Shows," and "The Parker Amusement Company," but the current season finds none of these monikers attracting attention on the walls or In the newspapers. Little wonder If "America's Amusement King" who baa provided the equipment for most of the carnival organiza- tions which have made mosey, should de- cide to pnt out an enterprise In 1914 under bis own signature. True It is that the pro- moters who have been utilizing Parker equipment have made fortunes for them- selves and bave incidentally helped the genial Colonel to build the greatest Insti- tution for the manufacture of amusement devices in tbe world, but can it be wondered at that C. W. Parker should have aspira- tions to more thoroughly perpetuate his name in placing upon the road a monster carnival organization? 'I.had the pleasure of being entertained by Colonel Parker at his factory, in Leaven- worth, some weeks ego. It was Just upon the eve of his departure for California, where be was to confer with the administration officials of the Panama-Pacific Exposition In reference to installing a $50,000 carry-us- all, on the plaza of pleasure, which is to be a feature at the big Pacific Coast World's Fair. I was taken all through the establish- ment, and I marveled at the operations of this institution, which has the reputation of taming out more amusement devices than any factory in the world. All was orderly, everything seemed to be In its proper place, there was no confusion, and under the masterful direction of Colonel Parker, who, perhaps, has done more, directly and in- directly, than any one man to make the car- nival a potent factor In the entertainment of the masses, everything moved with clock-like regularity. Ton know it is a wonderful thing what Colonel Parker has done. Imagine, scarce twenty years ago, a little merry-go-round, crude and lacking the attributes which impel most of us, if we have children, to patronize the modern carousel. Steadily, but surely. profligate In his experiments, unmindful of outlay, ever seeking to make his apparatus better, from year to year, Colonel Parker has substantiated his title, as the "worlds Seatert purveyor of merry-go-round entcr- lnment'' And I am sure he will not take umbrage If I announce the fact that next season will find on tbe road with the leading cir- cus, Wild West and carnival organizations, portable merry-go-rounds; the kind you can put up in an hour snd a naif and take down in one hour. I understand that the Rineling Bros., Bsrnum ft Bailey, AL G. Barnes, The 101 Ranch, and other shows have al- ready contracted for these amusement de- The little folks wsnt action and they like pretty horses. Inridentally these portab.e carry-us-alls will materially help to pay the transportation of the big shows day by da v. I presume that tome of our readers win consider this sn sdvertlatng boost jor C. W. Parker. Far be It from such: but I believe that it is up to us to encourage these men who bring Joy and hnpplness to the masses; to do everything we posalp.> can to help them make it pleasant for toe little ones; and when the Inst word is aala. Colonel Charles W. Parker will be rernem- bered for many years to come as JjnjWE evolved a mode of entertainment dUtinc- tlvely Individual and at a price within tin reach of all. ' But to return to the posslbllltlei of a new carnival organization for the season of IW* Mark you, Colonel C. W. Parker has rum one hundred railroad cars at his commotio Some of them axe being utilized by the Lon T. Kennedy Shows, some by the Wortham & Allen United Shows, some bv the Brundage Shows, hut none of them have the ra™ cr moniker upon them. Although Colonel ?•«" has amassed a fortune, which is conservative- ly estimated at a million or more, It wouiii not bo at all surprising if he determined to place before the American public a carnival organisation of magnitude In 1014. Modest to s fault generous to a degree, sympathetic, and with a heart brimming over with human kindness, Colonel Charles w.