The Billboard 1904-02-20: Vol 16 Iss 8 (1904-02-20)

THE BILLBOARD . 5 it wag bounded by three streets, and there were countless windows on all three sides. Under ordivary circumstances the firemen would have bad little diticulty in subduing tue dames in a building 80 exposed, as it would have been easy Fg at the Hames, but the unexpected happened, The morning was damp and cloudy and a gale of wind was blowing quite furiously. The wind began to play with the flames, and in less tiwe than it takes to tell it all the property on both sides of the square was doomed. The wind seewed to increase intensely. Onward swept the flames, devouring building after building, until more than $1V0,000,000 worth of property had been consumed. The building im which the fire originated is situated one square south of Baltimore Street. The wind was blowing from the west and carriled the flames eastward. Suortly alter boon the wind shifted to the southwest aug curried the dames worth toward Bultimore Sdreet. After the ames had wrought considerable destruction in tuis meigaberuoud they graduali) moved eastward along Baltimore Street for sis squares. due retuli cenler Wag Ureatened with destruction aud several large departwent stores Were curried away. At midnight tie nuaucial center feli a prey to the paluway o7 the tumes. Many of Baltimore's handsome buuk builuings and oilice buiidiugs, that avecage from lu to 14 stories in beigut, were wrougut asunder by the dames. The pandsome pew Court Huuse, City Hall and Lost Uilice were also threatened, but whetuer Luey were damaged in auy way is lmpossible to slate al tuigs writing. The city is practically without newspapers. The Herald building was desuvujyed during tue uigut. The Sup and Ameii cau buildings were Ubreateped at miduigit. The ottices of the Baltimore kveulug News were totally wiped out. Tue tremen were helpless in staying the Hames. DVDynuamiting wag resorted to, but ts ouly served to inteusify Ue fury of the fames. rire assistance Was rendered by VPhiladelpuia, Washington, Wilmington aud other towns. The bre area iucreased so rapmuiy aud the crowds iucreased so largely that the police were helpless in keeplug the people beyond tue danger lune. The two city regiments were ordereu vut at midnight to assist in keeping the crowus Lack. Un Monday morning Governor Warfield declared wartial law aud a geveral suspension of business for temp days. ‘The legisiature was called for a special session Mouday night tw take further action im the matter. A bill was introduced im Congress granting fiuancial relief to the city. During the early hours Monday morning several tre companies arrived from New York Clty, Newark, N. J., Chester, Pa., York, Harrisburg aud several additional companies frow Vuiladelpbia. The apparatus they brought wus useless, but the men relieved the Bremen wh were almost exhausted by their long, arduous strain, by midnight Monday the fire was burning as furiously as at the gtart and had reached the easternmost section of the city. The fire ares covers 150 acres about ove gile and a half loug snd a mile wide. More thap 2,000 buildiug~ have been destroyed. Many merchants whuse pames etoud high in the busi ity are completely rulned. All day Monday wun) expressions were Leard on all sides Making comparisons with the Chicago fire of 1873, bui that disaster is no circumstance to thig fre. Chicago at that time had notbing but frame buildings. Here in Baltimore all the buildings were of brick and masoury. A great mau) were of recent construction. Large oifice buildings that cost millions of dollars and declared to be fireproof and perfectly safe were swept away like all the rest. The fire area covers sucik a vast expanse of territory that it is almost impossible to recoguize what was ouce the thriftiest and liveliest part of Baltimore. The entire situation is in control of the miiitary and the regular troops from nearby forts are also assisting the militia. Two hundred reserve policemen were sent over from Philadelphia Sunday night. Several bundred came over from Washington. General Corbin from Washington ig in command. More troops were sent from Washington. The Odean Theatre was burned to the ground and the Monumental and Holliday Street Tueatres narrowly escaped destruction. It may interest the profession to know that the Carroitun, National, Mouumental and other hotels, where professionals usually say, are destroyed. The Baltimore ‘*Herald” and ‘‘News’’ are printed by the ‘*‘Washington Star” and the ‘Sun’ by the ‘*Wasbington Post.” All other news comes through New York, Philadelphia and Washington papers. The power bouse is burned out and the cars are unable to run. The theatres are all closed. SYLVAN SCHENTHAL. ST. LOUIS. The theatres are offering good attractions th!s week and are for the most part doing good business, Olympic Theatre—One of the brightest shows of the present season came to the Olympic Sunday. It wag Mam’selle Napoleon, and with it came the sparkling Anna Held. She was more captivating than ever this time, and we all enjoyed her role immensely. Her company is all that is good, and in costumes and scenery it is Al. Briefly, the show is a treat, and all who saw it are deligbied. Business good. E. H. Sothern next. Century Theatre—Miss Lulu Glaser’s company in Dolly Varden ig on another visit at the Century this week. It is a capital attraction and pleases immensely. The company this season is equally as good as last year’s and is drawing as well. The production is one of the best of the Century season. Business good. Grace George nex Grand py House—The Royal Liliputians opened Sunday to big business. Gulliver's Travels is this season's vebicle in which these funny little men and women are traveling, and it pleases greatly. The company is without Frans Kbert this year, he belng with Anna Held cowpany; nevertheless the company is giving gooJ performances. Scenery and costumes are good, and all in all a good attraction. Business goo. The Crisis next. Imperial Theatre—Barney Gilmore, In his old play, Kidnapped in New York, appeared again Sunday at the Imperial. The play is probably the best he bag appeared in and gives bim plenty of wpocstantty for the singing ef his ballads, which ig a feature of the show. The company comprises some excellent people. Business satisfactory. The Smart Set next. * Crawford Theatre—A ‘Trip to Chinatown came back again Sunday to the Crawford. It still manages to please, though each year a company of lesser quality appears in it. is year’s com pany is a very acceptable one, though several places that must be improved were noticeable. fie prouuction is put on in good manner and doiug 4 galisfactory business. Luder Two Flags next. Columbia Theatre—A most pleasing bill ig at the Columbia for this week, and bas Francesca Kedding & Co. for a headiiner. It pléuses and is well put on. The bill ig as follows: Francesca Redding Co., Jessie Couthoui, Kae & Brosche, Wille & Llasson, Pat Touuwey, Taffary’s dogs, Siguora El Salto, Wesson, Walters & Wessou, Gillibuu & Murray, Lea stussell, Mr. and Mrs. Benn Hunn, the kinodrome. Business Standard Theatre—Fred Irwin's bBurlesquers Opened Wo a packed house Sunday. It has lots in it tw amuse and ap olio that is surpassed by none. The burlesques that open and cluse the sow are well put on, with sowe excellent custumes aud a gvod chorus. The olio comprises acts by Willie Weston, The Bennets, Morrise, « Cameruvn, The Eight Cbuampious, Barton & Aruistrong and the Ve Fay Sisters. Business good. Kentz-dantley next. Havlin's Lheatre—A Kagged Hero is the attraction at Mavilin'’s this week, opening Suuday to big business. The play ig a stirring wmelouralma of ife ip and around a country Lowe. Vieuty of goud scenery aud a well balanced cust is suowu, and all in all it is a wost pleasing aud satisfactury performance. Business satisfuctory. The Fatal Wedding next. NOLE—Captain Stephen Lawrence bas made a distinet Lit with the large audieuces that are daily atteuding the .vo. His act is most uariun and bis avimals appear at bis mercy. Ferari isros. are prospering nicely with tuis Zoo, anu deserve it all, as great care and comfort has made them popular with the St. Louis public. WILL J. FARLEY. BUFFALO. Star (J. R. Stirling, Mgr.) Mr. Henry Miller, in Man Proposes and a very stroug cvlpauy, beld the boards 4-6, to very good busiuess. Mr. Miller made many uvew admirers here by his very pleasant manner. His acting is very clever and hig support is composed oi excellent talent. Ezra Kendall, in The Vinegur Buyer, 8-10; fair business. Mr. Kendall is no stranger in Buffalo. UC, H. Crosby is very good in the role of the village drunkard, as ig also Lucille La Verne as Miranda Talbot. Helen Salinger and Mildred Arlington are good. Teck (Stirling & Cornell, Mgrs.) Welcome to Mr. Henry W. Savage and his Grand Opera Company ou its third appearance bere. Tue initial performance of Othello was a notably excellent one. Mr. Joseph Sheehan ag Othello, Mr. Winifred Goff as lago, and Miss Gertrude Rennysou as Desdemona bas the principal parts und were well received. Mr, Sheeban acted and sang with authority. His singing was beautiful. Mr. Gof ag the cruel, wicked lago surprised bis most intimate admirers. Miss Rennysou as Desdemona filled a role that suits her exactly. She deserves the hearty applause that she received. Much praise is also due Chevalier Emmanuel, who is directing the very large and capable orchestra. There are a few buffalo players in the orchestra (they must (7%) have them). The selections rendered were beautiful, to gay the least. The chorus is a splendid oue— power, enthusiasm, good voices, assurance are suown. The scenery is picturesque aud effective. The company is here for two weeks and will appear in Carmen, Othello, Lobengrin, fannhouser, Il Trovatore, The Bobemian Girl and Faust. Good business is reported by the Wabagement. Academy (P. C. Cornell, Mgr.) When Women Love, a powerful four-act drama, is doing 3S. R. 0. business. Franklyn Munnell as Harold Young, a young attorney, is a clever and energetic actor. Frederick Miller, the villain, bas ap equally strong part, aud does goed work. Jack T. Doyle is certainly a winner. He plays the role of five different persons during the piece and is a clever actor. Marie Barboka and Kate V. Tancray do very clever work. George Siuclair and Grace Covert are two very clever people and are very amusing. The entire company is excellent and it deserves the patronage it is receiving. Shea’s bas a “hummer’’ on thig week and it may well be termed a lively show. Elfle Fay possibly is the shining star on the bill. Her songs are very good. Clayton White, Marie Stuart & Co. bave an amusing skit. Henry Lee has some good imitations. Walt. J. Talbot and John RK. Rogers are very good. Valmore and Horton, dance artists, are certainly great. Ford and Wilson are very good grotesque dancers. Sherman and De Forest bring up the rear with a most astonishing and realistic bombardment at the battle of San ago. The entire Dill is excellent and good business continues. Lafayette (C. E. Bagg, Mgr.) The Brigadier Burlesquers are here this week and are packing the house. The company ig a very good ene. The marvelous Martell Family, trick bicyclists, are the most daring and execute their feats with the greatest accuracy and speed ever seen on any stage. The entire show is very good. Pat White is deserving of special mention. Lle is one of the best comedy men on the stage today. NOTE—Mr. Al Becker, of the Vitagraph Com pany, is in town again after a short stay in Cleveland. Al's friends are glad to see him again. H. F. RUNDBEL. CLEVELAND. Opera House—Francis Wilson fs here on his annual tour and he is much better received and appreciated than last season. Erminie is by far the best play in which he hag appeared for some time past. It is somewhat revised, contains a number of new and pretty tuneful melodies, bas an almost all star cast. Prices are raised and business is good. nea’s Empire—Blind Tom is playing the plano at Shea's this week. His playing ig well received and much appreciated. The bill all along the line is a pretty good one, and consists of the following vaudeville artists: Jenunie Yeamans and Geo. H. Wood, in their respective monologues; Goleman bas an excellent cat and dog show and has some of the prettiest dogs seen here for some time; Lillian Burkhart is quite a favorite here and hag a good sketch; Farnum & Nelson have a good acrobatic act, John W World and Mindell Kingston, in singing and dancing; Fred Stuber, the banjoist. who received repeated encores, and the moving pictures, making a bright and snappy perform ance. Colonial—Rack to vaudeville ig this house after a period of four weeks of drama and the legitimate, having done a good business in this line. The bill this week has a pleasing show. John D. Gilbert is good; The ur Huntings have a funny sketch, A Night in a Foolhouse; Hal Stepheng is fine; Carter & Bluford, a colored team, are ragtime merrymakers, and others are Parros Bros., acrobats; Carmen Sisters, banjo players; Matthews & Harris, comedians; also Coukely & McBride, comedians. Moving pictures wind up the show. Lyceum—Belasco’s drama, The Heart of Maryland, is carried through by a very capable compuny of actors. Lhe show has been visiting Cleveland repeatedly for a number of years. Eulalie Bennett is in the leading role, which she handles in qa most acceptable manner. The show is full of exciting incidents and there ig much enthusiasm displayed by the audiences. Star—Bobby Manchester hag one of the finest burlesques on the road today. He doesn’t carry with him a long and tiresome and must monotonous olio, and has two burlesques full of pretty girls, good comedians, oue especially in Bob Van Usten, and they give a snappy performance, full of ginger. Cleveland—Rachel Golustein is a funny show and a sad slow, currying with it as a star a Cleveiand girl, Miss Louise Beaton. There ig the regular villain, the villainess, the lover, etc., but the show is very well received in its class of patronage and contains lots of comedy. PHIL FRANKEL. LOUISVILLE. The Avenue Theatre (C. A. Shaw, Mgr.) Human Hearts, on its ninth and final tour in this country prior to an elaborate presentation in Great Britain, is the attraction at the Avenue this week. Manager Nankeville has Spared no expense in making this production a notable one. New and elaborate scenery has been especially prepared from views of the hiil country of Arkausas, in which environment the story of Human Hearts is laid, and the result is a beautiful and striking series of stage pictures. Next: Too Proud to Beg. Tbe Masonic Theatre (C. A. Shaw, Mgr.) The Smart Set, a combination of colored players, holds the boards at the Masonic this week. The company consists of 50 people, all of whow bave been selected for the parts in the comedy and burlesque. There are quartettes, sextettes and individual performers of merit, to say nothing of the chorus, which adds very materially to the singing strength of the company. ‘The extravaganza ig called Southern Enchantment, and the locale is Honolulu and vicinity. Singing and dancing are the predominant features of the extravaganza, which ig interspersed with gems from the grand operas. Next: Rose Melville, in Sis Hopkins. The Buckingham Theatre (Whallen Bros., Mgrs.) Tom Miner’s Bohemian bBurlesquers opens the Buckingham this week with a muatinee. Jack Shumaker bas made the Bohemians different from otber shows, and in this respect he has not been found wanting. The musical numbers are bright and catchy, replete with more or less comedy. Everything is realistic, and the preduction of the Bobemians is guaranteed to be a novelty of excellence. There is plenty of good, whoelsome fun suflicient to drive away an ordinary case of the blues. Next: Fay Foster. Macauley’s Theatre (John T, Macauley, Mgr.) Coming: 12-13, The Girl with the Green Eyes, for the first time in this city, with Ida Conquest and Robert Drouet in the leading roles. Next: The Wizard of Oz. NOTES. Henry W. Savage’s English Grand Opera Co. will shortly be in Louisville at Macauley’s. Manager Camp, of the Auditorium, bas sea. the French Grand Opera Co. for Feb. 24 Miss Ida Alexander and dramatic school will give a performance shortly. Buck Brown, the old song and dance artist, is in town shaking bands. ORVILLE B. TAYLOR. PITTSBURG, Nixon Theatre (T. F. Kirke, Jr., Mgr.) Maxine Elliott presented Her Own Way, 9, at the Nixen. After the play was ended it required some time to straighten out the tangle of carriages and to empty the theatre. Mise Elliott's friends in Pittsburg are so many that any actress of fame would be justified in envy ing her. The first act shows a nursery, with four children baving a birthday party. It is the best children’s act seen on the local stage and called forth applause every few minutes. The whole show is one of the most enjoyable ever seen here, and the fact that the house was crowded fully attests the popularity of Maxine Elliott. Next Clara Bloodgood, The Girl with the Green Eyes; Patti, 15. Alv (T. J. Kirke, Jr., Mgr.) A _ subtle charm with which the whole of Augustus Thomas’ comedy, The Earl of Pawtucket, Is saturated gave the many patrons of the Alvin an agreeable surprise last evening, and incidentally was responsible for the ovation which Mr. Lawrence D’Orsay received. A _ refreshing, bright and genuine piece of fun, the production amply deserved the hearty reception it received. An excellent company supports Mr. D’Orsay. The stage settings are in perfest taste and contribute not a little to the reality of the show. Next: Marie Cahill, Nancy Brown. rand (Harry Davis, Mgr.)—Patrons of the Grand this week have the opportunity of seeing the members of the stock company in Clyde Fitch’s Nathan Hale, in which Nat C. Goodwin and Maxine Elliott made one of their greatest successes, and which is produced this week for the first time by the stock company. In its mounting and production as well ag costuming it sufferg little in comparison with the original. Next, Charley’s Aunt. Bijou (R. M. Gulick, Mgr.)—Charles Warner, the English actor, is playing Drink at the Bijou this week. It is an intensely interesting melodrama and those who saw the performance last night had an opportunity of witnessing some intensely realistic acting. Mr. Warner has played the part of Copeau thousands of times, and he has made it a masterpiece. 'It ig a finished performance throughout. The supporting company was good. Next, Nat M. Wills in A Son of Rest. Empire (E. I. McCullough, Mgr.)—The Sign of the Cross opened for the week, and although the play hag been presented here a number of times the applause showed the hearty appreelation of the efforts of the company. Benjamin S. Mears, who was formerly with the Ben Hur Company, takes*the part of Marcus Superbus, and hig work in this role, which is most exacting, is entirely acceptable. Elizabeth Tapley, as Mercia, sustains well the difficult scenes in which she ig one of the principal characters onthe stage. Harry Child, as Servilius, has the same part that be had with the original company. Next, When Reuben Comes to Town. Duquesne (Harry Williams, Mgr.)—The Four Mortong were given a hearty reception at the Duquesne and were repeatedly called before the footlights. Carlisle's pouies and trained dogs cuugut On immensely. The Three Nevaros are as clever hand balancerg and equilibrists as are in the business. The Faust Trio, who present The Haunted Mill, have a very interesting skit. Mr. and Mrs. Marry Thorne, assisted Ly arry Clarke and Mattie Temple, preseut Au Lptown Flat, which is very funny. James i. Donovan has a good monologue and some catchy songs. Lew Hawking also says some clever things. The Musical Goolmans and York and Adams, Hebrew impersonators, fill out the rest of the bill. Avenue (Harry Davis, Mgr.)-—-A list of good attractions drew large audience at the Avenue last night. ‘The popularity of Dan Daly, tie comedian, was doubtless responsible for tilling the seats, but there were otherg on the list. Daly was well received. monologue comedian, made a reputation for himse.. with Pittsburgers. Next to Noworth’s handful of talk, the Wayburn Pony Ballet was tue best thing on the program. Huey and Lee, tiebrew impersonators, were fairly good. The Avon Comedy Pour, tue’ Four Nightous, Louise Dresser, Edward Keog and Dorothy Ballard, aud other vaudeville features were wuch applauded. Academy (Harry Williams, Mgr.) — Pbil. Sheridan's New City Sports is the attraction at the Academy this week. Maids of Siam, a burlesque in two acts, is productive of much merriment, while the intermission is given up to an olio above the average. NOTE—Grand opera at tue Nixon week of March 29. LOUIS L. KAUFMAN, Jack Noworth, the LONDON (ENG.) NOTES. (From Our Special Correspondent.) MUSIC HALLS, The Alhambra (Douglas Cox, Mgr.)—The new ballet, All the Year ‘Kound, is prououuced ~y ali aS a Magnificent success. Tbe two scenes May and Suuwer are truly artistic aud grand. the vaudeville features consist of Bert Woodward, Ada blorence, Rinaldo Trio, ‘bree Aramauths, lan Colquvaun, Male Zelia, Charlene aud Charlene, Eurie aud Earle, Hall nod Francis, Ferrari Duo, and Schutzenlies Quartette. The Empire (H. J, Hitebens, Mgr.)—Grand ballet, Vineland; premiere danseuse, Adeline Geinee. ‘The vaudeville consists of Hamar and Lee, the Three Mortons, Cuinko, Kacockzy Sexlette, Leims Troupe, Mobumed’g Arabs, Severus Schaffer, Edith Helena, J. H. Higgius, Barber, tue Looper, aud Browning and Wally. Hippodrome (H. E. Moss, Managing Director) —Tue grand spectacle, The Golden Princess and the Elephant Hunters, is a gvod attraction. fhe vaudeville cousists of Consul (prebistoric man), Quandi, Busch’s Horse, Chung Laug Soo, Marcelize, O’Brien Brothers, Ella Branda, Bugene Marrder, Sammy Watson, Kramer Troupe, Albert Crandall and Bellonini. The Palace (Charles Morton, Mgr.) —George Fuller Golden, Marguerite Cornelle, Sims aud Sims, Spessaidey’s Bears, Herbert Clayton, Nora Voltesco, Piwitt, Edwin Boyde, Franz Meisel, Yamamveta aud Koyoslu, Morris Harvey, May Belfort, the Wesselys, Michael Braham, Mons, Alexandre, Cliff Ryland, Arthur Prince, and Maggie Barnett. London Pavilion (Frank Glenister, Mgr.j)— Almed Madrali (the Terrible Turk), Ada Cerito, Fanny Wentworth, Maude Venn, Vaady, Will English, Leo Starmont, Harry Ford, Bransley Williams, Brothers Horne, Mile. Du Peret, edwin Boyde, Arthur Prince, T. E, Dunaville, Phil. Ray, Nina Martino, Harry Lander, The : Wrestlers, Romani Trio, Paul Mill, Paffy Broth ers, Lux’s Dogs, Three Laurels, and Verno and Voyce. The Tivoli (Philip Yorke, Mgr.)—Queenie Lawrence, Tom Leamore, Morrell and Evans, Kate Carney, The Bensons, J. E. Lunville, tay Wallace, Gus Elen, Vesta Victoria, The Follies, Hamilton Hill, Joe O'Gorman, Marie Lioyd, Will Evans, Blanche Ring, The Swickards, and Mark Melford & Co. The Oxford (Albert Gilmer, Mgr.)—Bolsectt Troupe, Likie Tich, W. H. Clemart, Duncan's Dogs, The Swickards, Drane de Fontenuy, Will bvans, Arthur Heece, Ruy Wallace, Dutch Daly, Amy Clevere, Mlle. Raffin’s Monkeys, Vesta Victoria, Maggie Walsh, Alf Gibsou, Kate Caruer, Dolly Harmer, and Joe Elvin & Co. The Metropolitan—Alex Henley, Tom Casbello, Joe Elvin, Tom White’s Arabs, Mr. and Mrs. Gene Hughes, Arthur Lennard, Three Laurels, Athas and Collins, LeBelle Nello, Katie Cohen, Lily Seville Dallen Morrell, Frank Case, Harry Trevor, Nat Travers, aud Armiande Chegpiilo (wrestler). THEATRES, Drury Lane—Pantomime, Humpty Dumpty, Dan Leno, Harry Randall, Herbert Campbell, George Bartow, H. J. Ward, Arthur Conquest, Mabel Love, Louise Willis, Ruth Lytton, Ethel Negretti, The Biseras, aud the Gregolatis. His Majesty’s—The Luarling of the Gods cuntinues. Haymarket—Joseph Entangled and the Widow Woos still continue. Adelphi—The Earl and the Girl is still ruo ning. Gaiety—The Orchid. Daly’s—The Country Girl will close next Saturday night. St. James—The Professor’s Love Story gave way to Old Heidelberg this week. Wyndham's—Little Mary ig still the attrac. tion at this house. New Theatre—Alice Through the Looking Glass ig still the attraction. Garrick—Water Babies still -anning. Strand—No change. The Chinese Honeymoon. —Cherry Girl still bolds the Court—The Court has closed, the last attraction being The Question and the Bohemos, it will open Feb. 16 with Romeo and Juliet. Royal Court—Snowdrop and Brer Fox and Brer Rabbit. Royalty—Lapfenstreich still is the attraction. Comedy—The Comedy has closed, the last attraction being The Girl from Kays. Prince of Wales—The School Girl still holds the boards. Duke of York—This ts the last week of Frohman’s Letty. Lyrie—The Duchess of Dantzig. Apollo—Madame Sherry. Imperial—Monsieur Beaucaire. A Queen's Romance will be produced next month by Lewis Waller. NOTES. The Love Birds will be revived at the Savoy Feb. 6, and Captain Basil Hood's new comedy, Love in a Cottage, will be produced at Terry’s Jan. 27. A Country Girl will be played for the