Conjurers_Monthly_Complete-Houdini.pdf

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MONTHLY

AGAZIN6

Reading and Rubbish

SEPTEMBER 15, 1906. Price, 10 Cents

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

MARTINKA & CO. MAGICIANS' HEADQUARTERS IN AMERICA MA UFA C T URERS OF MAGICAL

A PPA RAT US

Illusions and Mechanical Effects for Theatres

493 SIXTH AVENUE : : NEW YORK CITY Illustrated Catalogue with over 700 engravings, 25c; Illustrated Catalogue of Parlor tricks, free. In preparation: Special Comic Magicians' Postal Cards in two colors. Sample set of three, Five Cents.

Harry Day THE: AGENT OF ENGLAND

Booking all Big Headliners, for all Big Tours Can give any good Act, Magic, Illusion, Mystery, etc., contracts for long run in England. Shall be pleased togrant unknown acts trial shows at any of the Music Halls under my control. Write, stating what you do, and how much you want for doing it. Hffingham House, Arundle Street, Strand, London, England

Manhattan Detective Agency, Inc. ST. JAMES BUILDING Broadway and 26th Street, New YorR Thirty-five (35) years' experience has qualified this agency to undertake all legitimate lines of detective work, where absolute reliability and secrecy are imperative. Obtaining evidence in criminal and civil matters, confidential work for Railroads, Banks, Mercantile Houses, Factories, Corporations. Lawyers and Private Individuals. References furnished upon request. MANHATTAN DETECTIVE AGENCY, ST. JAMES BLDG., 26>th ST. & BROADWAY, N. Y. Vfc

Tflcrpiiuue y i o M a d i s o n S q u a r e

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THK CON'Jl'RERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

ERNST

BASCH

ERNST BASCH, Hanover, Germany

i licrliner Tngcblntt, Sunday, Jan. 29, 1906) ".Secret Hexentiseh* is a small table covered with a black cloth, a nod of the Master "and the cover falls off to the stage. The table is small, can be examined bv any one of "the audience, and can be taken any distance from the Master. It answers all questions, "tells you the card selected, answers mysteriously by ringing of a bell, and will also perf o r m all its mysteries, even when the Master is taken in another room, eyes tied and "hand and feet secured so as to prevent any signals.

E NT

Y E A R

MAHATMA The ()flicial Organ of the Society of American Magicians

An Illustrated Monthly Paper ] devoted to the interest of Magicians and their art. Contains new tricks, illusions r ] and news of current interest.

f MAGAZINE EXCliU5IVErbY

A\AGIC THE-

Subscription - - - $1.00 a year w-i Single Copies - - - - 10 Cents fr I Advertisements - - $1.00 an inch

iff> - S T . F R A N C I S

FRITZ

: Editor .ind Publisher

Official Organ — o f the—

5ociety Of merican Magicians

80S H A L S E Y »] B R O O K L Y N

STREET BOROUGH

New York City, N. Y., U.S.A. Kin-llyy

mention Conjurers' Monthly Magazine in answeriiiR'all Advertisements

THR CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

CONJURERS'

SALUTATORY

There is no apology to make for the appearance of the Conjurers' Magazine. MAGAZINE We do not wish to supplant any other paPUBLISHED BY per ; we have no axes to grind; nothing The Conjurers' Magazine Publishing Co, to sell; no one to extol; we do not seek any free advertisement; we do not labor 278 WEST 113TH STREET under the impression that we shall have N E W YOKK CITY the best paper in the world. But we TELEPHONE : 1514 MORNINGSIDE shall try and send forth a newspaper that is a newspaper, expressly for the Per Year $1.00 Single Copies, 10 Cents handicraft of Magic, furnishing such news as we can glean with the aid of SEPTEMBER, 1906 No. 1 VOL. I. our paid correspondents. We have no Advertising.Rates Payable in Advance. $100 hesitetion in making the statement that rp to the present day and date we have an inch, $8.00 half page, $15.00 full page. no knowledge of any Magicians' paper Discount on annual and semi- annual contracts. that is a newspaper for the craft. All communications must be addressed as The few magazines that are devoted above. . to Magic and Magicians, especially two published in England, are in the hands Material on all matters likely to l:e of interest of men who make use of their alleged to our readers alwa}'s sought for, manuscript papers to maintain their own business must be marked "Payment" otherwise will be used "Complimentary." Manuscript to be re- end, and are nothing more or less than turned mast have enclosed the required post- "grafting" catalogues. age stamps. One sheet in particular no more deserves the name of newspaper or magaEnglish Representative, Theo. Hardeen, care zine than would a photograph of an old of Anger & Bauer, 50 Rupert Street, London.. wizened cow to be called a creation of \V., England. Gibson. This party once gave us "his" Correspondents abroad, T. Bolin, Moscow, word of honor not to do certain things, Russia; O. Fischer, Vienna, Austria; James and then deliberately broke his promise, Leahman, Teheran, Persia, etc., etc. and when any one will purposely do this he is dead to us in all respects. The Conjurers' Monthly Magazine is not reThe "Wizard," recently started, seems sponsible for the opinions of its correspondents. to be a clean, healthy journal, and up to As the majority of articles appearing in this the present time has not started to graft. Magazine will be copyrighted, we have no obGermany boasts of the "Zauberspiejection of others quoting from us, providing gle," published in Berlin, and for a numthat we are given credit for same. ber of years the Zaubenvelt held sway in Hamburg. That paper is now deThe Conjurers' Monthly Magazine is for sale funct. The French magicians rejoice in by A. Roterberg, 176 Ontario Street, Chicago, 111.; Martinka"& Co., 493 Sixth Ave., New their "LTllusioniste," which has done York City; W. D. Leroy, 103 Court Street, very well so far. In America we have Boston, Mass.; New York Magical Compaii}', 1621 Broadway, Brooklyn, N. Y. ; the "Sphinx," which has at certain times-

MONTHLY

THE COXJURHRS' MONTHLY MAGAZlXF.

gone out of its way "a wee bit." In Brooklyn we have the first American magician's paper, "The Mahatma." There is nothing to be said against the latter paper that I know of, unless being, somewhat tardy in appearance is a fault, hut as the Editor assures me that this defect will be remedied, we will let it go at that. The first authentic record of a magician's newspaper or magazine in the English language (we'think) is the Conjurers' Magazine, from which we have taken our name. It was published 1781 in London, England, edited by the eccentric bookseller Henry Lemoine, who went about hawking his paper on the streets. Wilson, in his Wonderful Characters, claims that Lemoine sold over TO,OOO the first month, which at that time was a stupendous undertaking. After his Conjurers' Magazine Lemcine started the "Museum and Magical Magazine" in 1803, .also "The Wonderful Magazine" in 1805. He was known as one of the best judges of the old books, and was a professor of the Hebrew and French languages. I honestly believe that he is the man who placed the small magic books on the market about that time, and of which we have quite a few. Lemoine died in St. Bartholemew's Hospital, April 30th, 1812, aged 56 years. Comn'te,"" the French conjuror, edited his "Cagliostro." Later we have "The Wizard," 1842, and Robin, Houdin and Ernest Basch had their monthly magazines, which they all named "L'Almanach Cagliostro." Anderson, the Wizard of the North, had several newspapers. He carried a printing press, and on his tour around the world printed "The World of Magic" and "The Psychomantic Reporter." Anderson claimed a bona fide circulation of 100,000 weekly for the latter paper, and 25,000 for the for-

mer. Fie must have given them away gratis. He also had conundrum contests. Flis printer would have all the riddles printed on sheets of paper ready for sale before the Wizard's performance was over. We have a copy of each and every paper mentioned in the above list, with the exception of Robert Houdin's. We can only find trace of this in his Memoirs. "We .trust that the Conjurers' Magazine will make a strong bid for existence, and while it is in this world (and we hope it will be permanently) it will be as interesting as we can possibly make it, playing no favorites, and for ever and alwavs promoting the interests of Magic. Should our judgment err, we kindly beg of you to send in corrections and credit will be given to all to whom it is due. ]'lease do not expect that all the mysteries in the wide world will be fully explained in the first issue, that is impossible. But from time to time there will be published as much matter as we have space for, and it will be our effort to give the reader more for his money than he has ever received before in the way of a Conjurers' Magazine. Our motto shall be "Impartial, Fearless and Truthful." Trusting to obtain the support of those interested in conjuring we will draw this to a close, remaining yours t > command, Conjurers' Monthly Magazine. "A man that will listen to rumors, without going to the fountain head for \erification is a paltroon, a cur and fool." --Greek Proverb.

THE CONJLKBRS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

UNKNOWN FACTS Concerning

ROBERT HOUDIN Material collected personally by Harry Houdiiii (Published for the first time)

Robert Houdin, born December 6th, 1805, at Blois, France, died June 13th, 1871, in St. Gervais near Blois, France. No doubt all this material regarding Robert Houdin, will cause a great deal of controversy, but let it be known that at one time, years ago, on first reading his "Memoirs," I firmly believed everything in them, even as if I had been an actual witness of each deed and action. 1 read and reread the book until each and every line was memorized, and when I knew the book so well that it had nothing new for me. being such a great admirer of him, I resolved that should Fate ever grant me the means of looking up his life 1 would do so, in order to find material that he had not published. It was through this that I found out that he had been romancing in his entire book, and I honestly and firmly believe that I owe it as. a duty to the world to give the correct facts so far as I am able. No human being is infallible, and I have been especially careful in all my dates, and should I be mistaken in any of my statements I assure the reader that I will be more than pleased to correct any inaccuracy. Regarding Houdin's ability, I have spoken to quite a number of men who were in a position to understand Magic, and saw Houdin perform quite a number of times in Paris and England. Henry Evanion witnessed every performance of Houdin during his entire first engagement ; in London, Sir William Clayton knew Houdin personally; Ernest Bach saw Houdin exhibit in Berlin ; T. Bolin,

one of the finest mechanics I ever knew, and whom 1 have had the pleasure of meeting (during my engagement in Moscow, Russia) and who bought all the tricks in Paris, saw Houdin at his own Theatre: Otto Maurer. who for manv years had a well known Magical Repository on the Bowery, New York; the combined opinion of these men was that Houdin was not original, and that he was only a little above the average entertainer.

In my search for material I have been assisted by strangers, who have always helped me as much as possible, but I regret to say that I was most discourteously treated by Madame W. Emile Robert Houdin, who is the widow of Emile Houdin, son of Robert, and the son with whom he did the Second Sight trick. Madame Emile Robert-Houdin resides, or rather did reside, in January 1902, near Paris, 5 Chausse du Pont a Bolougne sur Seine.

THK CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

I arrived in Paris December, 1901, to fulfill my contract at the Folies Bergere, and on reporting to the Agent, Mons. Galenzie, he informed me that my contract was null and void and Mons. Marchang the manager and proprietor of the Folies Berg-ere was that day taken to the Insane Asylum, upon which Madame Marchang sold the Folies Bergere to two magicians "The Isolas Freres." That is, they used to run Mystery Shows and Illusions in a small Theatre in Rue De Capucins. This allowed me plenty of leisure until I could make proper arrangements with the Isolas for a new contract, and in the meantime I thought it a good idea to look up material for my "Facts Regarding Robert Houdin." I met several people interested in Magic, and from what I discovered at that time, he was better known in English speaking countries than in his native land. Why, I met dozens of real Parisians who did not know that he was dead. They told me that Robert Houdin was running a small Theatre on the Boulevard des Italiens, which at that time was on the Style of a Fair Ground show. They gave performances with moving pictures every time they had a crowd. On Saturdays, at Theatre Robert Houdin they give Magical entertainments, and I saw Mons. Melies, who was very interesting to me, and he managed to make quite a hit with the Harlequin the afternoon T was there. A friend of mine came to me one day all out of breath and informed me that a man named Robert Houdin had opened a small theatre and was doing Handcuff tricks; and this man was a big star in the Music Hall World. In 1901-1902 Houdin was apparently forgotten, and you can well imagine my

astonishment when a French magician who was very kind and friendly to me, told me that Houdin's sister was still alive, and that she had visited a performance that he had given in Blots. My friend's name is J. Ferraris and t>ii his card he announces the fact. "Agree an Theatre Robert-Houdin,' which I think means that he has been employed there in his capacity of magical entertainer. He was mistaken, however, as the old lady he saw in Blois was not Houdin's sister, but the second Mrs. R. Houdin, and she departed this life [anuary 2nd. KJOI, at the advanced age of 85 years. I"]) to this time I had never heard of or seen in print any announcement of her death, which I think raHier an interesting item in the world of magic. T simply quote this to show that the Family Houdin was not spoken .of very much. But it seems that since th" French Society of Magicians sprang into life, Chambre Syndicate de la Prestidigitation, great credit ought to be given to various members for having a Centennial on Houdin's Birthday, December 5th. T0.05, which affair was mentioned in some of the American papers. It afforded me great pleasure to think that the event was so well received. But T wander, and will return to my experience with Madame W. Emtle Houdin. Mons. Ferraris acted as my guide. Having informed him that I wished to see Madame Houdin, he advised me to write a letter and ask for an interview. This I did. and, will translate for the benefit of my English readers: "Olympia Theatre, For Madame W. E. Robert-Houdin, My Dear Madam Robert-Houdin : With all the respect due you in the world, and as a great admirer of the justly celebrated and famous conjurer,

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Robert Houclin, I, as a representative of American Magicians do hereby kindly ask your consent to permit me as a representative of "American Magicians" to place a wreath on the tomb of Robert Houdin, also to grant me a few moments, so that I may have the pleasure of thanking you in person for your extreme kindness. Thanking you in advance for your awaited for letter, I do hereby sign myself your most obedient servant, HARRY HOUDINI."

The above letter was delivered by messenger, with instructions to hand it to no one but Mrs. E. R. Houdin. She did not answer, and refused to send word by messenger, but on being pressed out of politeness to answer my letter, she replied to Mons. Ferraris that she did not care to see any one. Personally, I think she should have shown a little common courtesy to the memory of Eobert Houdin, especially as she is now living in her old age on the proceeds of his endeavors, as she received 35.000 francs several years ago for the Theatre R. Houdin, which passed into her hands on the death of her husband, Emile Houdin. This amount is supposed to cover all the automatons that R. Houdin claims to have invented and otherwise. But this rebuff did not discourage me, and one bright morning I took the train, and after a four hour journey in a stuffy train, arrived in Blois. With my smattering of French I managed to get along very well, and was soon looking after material re my erstwhile hero. I discovered that R. Houdin had a daughter, that is, a step-daughter of his second wife (which he never mentioned in his book for reasons best known to himself), alive and married to Mons. H. Lemaitre—"Reveveur Municipal de la Ville de Blois," and who has hyphenated

his name so as to keep the name of Robert Houdin in existence. The card in my possession is inscribed "H. LemaitreRobert-JIoudin." I called on Mons. Lemaitre and was treated very cordially. He informed me that Madame was not to be seen, as she was busy with some sculptor work, that being her hobby, but that he would be pleased to give me all the assistance in his power. What a great difference to the reception, or attempted reception, of Madame Emile Houdin. I was soon placed at my ease, was shown a great many precious relics that were marked Robert Houdin, and several large "Grandfather Clocks" made by Robert Houdin, and which were about the finest looking clocks of that pattern that I have ever seen, but/ although at that time I thoroughly believed that he had made them, I would not row be at all surprised if R. Houdin had bought them and had his name engraved on the various articles. To me he is in the position of the old and much quoted story about the shep- • herd crying "wolf" to enjoy the sport of having the villagers run to his assistance, so that when eventually a wolf appeared on the scene and carried away some of the flock, the villagers paid no attention whatsoever to the shepherd's cry of "Help, wolf," etc. I passed a very pleasant afternoon with Mons. Lemaitre and, he informed me that if Madame Emile Houdin refused to grant me permission to lay a wreath on Houdin's grave, or to photograph it, he could not grant me permission, but there was no law that would hold me responsible, nor could I be held by the law if I did this without permission, and slyly hinted that I should go ahead. I therefore went to the quiet cemetery and for fully half an hour 1 stood with mv hat in mv hat at

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

the tomb of Robert Houdin. and with all the reverence and homage with which I respect his memory. For even at this date I admire him, hut think that it is only just and right that the real facts should be known. 1 went to the largest florist in Blois and purchased a huge wreath with the inscription "Honor and "Respect to Robert Houdin from the Magicians of America." As the wreath was made of glass beads, that being the custom in France, it is probably on his grave to this very day. (I took several photographs of the tomb, and herewith publish the best two taken.)

Bas Relief on Robert Houdin's Tomb Stone. \cr for Sole

W. f). LCI'OU. 103 C o u r t St.. fV LStOI1,M(«55

^HIS is the only space not sold for first issue. Are you reading this? Well, so will others. ]f you advertise with us this space would cost #1.00 for one insertion.

1621 Broadway, (Tept. 4t) Brooklyn, N. Y., U . S . A . Ntw C^t.ilf Lr\it I+i*t« and Bargain Sheets for Stamp.

Jiny trouble with your Scalp or Hair? I have hail success in many cases pronounced incurable. Mv references, President Roosevelt, Hrs. McKinley, LI S. Senator Clark. F\r. and H r s Henry Siegel. etc , etc. The .Veu- York Hernlil, Ac-iv York Wdr/d. Mew Y01 k Journal, and Medical Journals actually endorsed Prof. S : h ) l Isr a; b?in » i t!ii .ii)>t s.i;;;i?fji H lir an 1 Scalp Specialist in this cDantry! T h e original editorial can be seen at my office.

Professor Haurice Scholder, D. G. Graduate of Vienna

146 West 23rd Street, Room 2

Opposite Proctor's Theatre

Hours from 9:30 a. m. to 6 p. m. Kindly mention Conjurers' Monthly Magazine when answering advertisements

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

B. F. KEITH'S Theatres and Vaudeville Booking Circuit Routes arranged by skilled experts, providing for the smallest of jumps with a minimum of expense in railroad fares. A distinct advantage, gained ONLY in this office.

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MONTHLY

CONTENTS English Notes Spiritualistic Effects Reading1 and Rubbish Our Mail Bag Handcuff Secrets Hocus Pocus Etc., Etc.

OCTOBER 15, 1906 Price, 10 Cents

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

The ^Stadium Cafe and Restaurant GLANTZ & MAY, Proprietors 7fi i j

SIXTH

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•••••«

THE RENDEZVOUS FOR ALL FOREIGN ARTISTS

Harry Day THE, AGENT OF ENGLAND Booking all Big Headliners, for all Big Tours Can give any good Act, Magic, Illusion, Mystery, etc., contracts for long run in England. Shall be pleased to grant unknown acts trial shows at any of the Music Halls under my control. Write, stating what you do, and how much you want for doing it. Effingham House, Arundle Street, Strand, London, England

Manhattan Detective Agency, Inc. ST. JAMES BUILDING Broadway and 2@tK Street, New YorK Thirty-five (33) years' experience has qualified this agency to undertake all legitimate lines of detective work, where absolute reliability and secrecy are imperative. Obtaining evidence in criminal and civil matters, confidential work for Railroads, Banks, Mercantile Houses, Factories, Corporations, Lawyers and Private Individuals. References furnished upon request. MANHATTAN DETECTIVE AGENCY, ST. JAMES BLDG., 26th ST. & BROADWAY, N. Y. Triephonc- Madison Square

WANTED. Information regarding the old-time Magicians, Foreign or American, that will enlighten the Magicians of the World, as to the real facts of the old-timers. Up to the present date no one has been in a position to speak with authority of exact dates, and it is the desire of the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine to give credit to whom credit is due. _ Old programmes, L,ithos and Photos of magicians are always solicited. Whenever sending photos or material kindly send note with same, with all information possible.

We want a photo of every magician so as to be able to eventually compile a Magicians' Encyclopedia. Address: Conjurers' Monthly Magazine 278 XV. 113th St., New YorK

MOTE: Jtny one sending information will be given full credit in our columns Kiinllv m e n t i o n C o n j u r e r s ' M o n t h l y M a g a z i n e in a n s w e r i n g a l l A d v e r t i s e m e n t s

THE CONJURERS' MO.NTHLY MAGAZINE.

TAILORS m

QYlomeon's £atfortng QXxt

We are not much at black art, but we have a faculty of being able to turn cloth and thread into the swaggerest of tailored-tomeasure clothes. Other tailors are wondering how we can give the value we do in our suits to order at $18. No tricks either. All fabrics plainly price-marked and you don't take the clothes until they are entirely satisfactory to you. Samples and style book upon request.

1O6-1O8 Fulton St.. N.Y.

ERNST

B AS C H

Factory for ONLY the largest apparatus used in Magic, Illusions and Mystery shows for large exhibitions In my factory I have one floor devoted entirely for an auditorium, in which I have a large stage where all the latest illusions are ready for exhibition, and you are under no obligations whatsoever to purchase a pfenning's worth, but will pleasantly exhibit any Illusion, Mystery or apparatus as often as required. In Chambre Separe, The Doll, The Fairy of the Rose, The Flying Cage with Lady, The Witches Table and many other novelties that have never been for sale elsewhere. All illusions done without dark background, without glasses and without traps in the stage! Circular Free. E R N S T BASCH, H a n o v e r , G e r m a n y (Berliner Tagcblatt, Sunday, Jan. 29, 1000) "Secret Hexentisch* is a small table covered with a black cloth, a nod of the Master 'and the cover falls off to the stage. The table is small, can be examined bv any one of 'the audience, and can be taken any distance from the Master. It answers all questions, 'tells you the card selected, answers mysteriously by ringing of a bell, and will also per'form all its mysteries, even when the Master is taken in another room, eyes tied and 'hand and feet secured so as to prevent any signals.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS Meeting on the First Saturday Evening of each month at eight o'clock, except legal holidays, at Martinka's magical Palace, 493 Sixth Avenue,

L'lLLUSIONNISTE Le Seul ournal Francais devone aux Magiciens Paraissant tous les Mois-fonde en 1901 abounement 8 frs. ($1.60) par an. Specimen Number, 0.75 Editeur : C A R O L Y , fabricant apparatus 11 Rue Cardinal Lemoin

K i n d l y m e n t i o n C o n j u r e r s M o n t h l y M a g a z i n e in a n s w e r i n g all A d v e r t i s e m e n t s

Paris

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY .MAGAZINE.

CONJURERS'

EDITORIAL

MONTHLY

MAGAZINE Well, Well, Well !

PUBLISHED BY

The Conjurers' Magazine Publishing Co,

First Of an we herewith wish to thank one a " f o r t h e m a n >' S o o d wishes we have received by wire as well as by mail, and smce"rely trust to merit all the good things that have been written to the editor of the Conjurors' Monthly Magazine. and

NKW YORK CITY TELEPHONE: 1514 MORNINOSIDE

We never knew we had so many well wi-h-

Per Year $1.00 Single Copies, 10 Cents

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OCTOBER 1906 No. 2 ! L Advertising Rates Payable in Advance. Discount on annual and semi-annual contracts. VOL.

All communications must be addressed as above. 2 Material on all matters likely to be of interest to our readers always sought for, manuscript must be marked "Payment" otherwise will be used "Complimentary." Manuscript to be returned must have enclosed the required postage stamps. »

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English Representative, Theo. Hardeen, care of Anger & Bauer, 50 Rupert Street, London W., England. Correspondents abroad, T. Bolin, Moscow, Russia; O. Fischer, Vienna, Austria; James Iyealiman, Teheran, Persia, etc., etc. The Conjurers' Monthly Magazine is not responsible for the opinions of its correspondents. As the majority of articles appearing in this Magazine will be copyrighted, we have no objection of others quoting from us, providing that we are given credit for same. The Conjurers' Monthly Magazine is for sale by A. Roterberg, 176 Ontario Street, Chicago, 111.; Martinka & Co., 493 Sixth Ave., New York City; W. U. Leroy, 103 Court Street, Boston, Mass.; New York Magical Company, 1621 Broadway, Brooklyn, N. Y., Bailey and Tripp, Cambrklgeport, Mass.

B u t t ] ] e s u r p r i s e o f surprlses

was>

whcn

the foremost magical dealer in New York informed one of our representatives that he na d this month already sold almost twice the number of our magazine as he did in a YEAR of all the others combined. Think of ^ the ^ Editiont t h e Ilewest arrival, at one clean jump, should become the foremost paper of its class in the world.

The question arisi-x will we stay in that exalted position? Time alone can only tell Of course the fact of the magazine being sold in the theatres, easily allows it to become THE biggest circulated conjurors' paper in the world. We wonder if some of the narrowminded and egotistical editors of magician:.' papers will show their teeth, or try to stab in We know that wea7e far from being perfeet, and are open to any suggestion that may better our magazine, and should readers wish to g ' v e us their ideas, will highly appreciate their S o o d vviI1. . . . . Again thanking all for their cheerful letters and encouraging words I beg to sign my^

T H E EDITOR.

Howard Thurston has favored us with a postal card from China. He is on his way to India, and will have a run at the Theatre ^al, Calcutta India. Rumor has it that Howard is making several fortunes in the Orient, and he has great prospects of making more money -that any Magician that has ever "gone the route" through India. Paul

Tlne

Mystifier. is a new aspirant for

press speak well of him. Several 1 petty thefts have occurred at the "M^t"?? " warehouse, and suspicion points tne little 'catalogue collectors' that infest the neighborhood.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

UNKNOWN FACTS Concerning

ROBERT HOUDIN Material collected personally by Harry Houdin (Published for the first time) (COPYRIGHT, I906, BY HARRY HOUDINI.) * * *

My admiration for Robert Houdin amounted almost to hero worship, and the numerous men that have eulogized him, for instance, Joseph Jastrow, Brander Mathews, etc., etc., all writers of the present decade, and I bar none, with whom even in my wildest dreams I would not dare to cope, have as a rule copied studiously from Robert Houdin's book, and repeated with great exactness the fairy tales that Robert Houdin mentions in his book. I wilL call attention to the fact that Robert Houdin's book is a very enchanting romance and reads beautifully, in fact I have never read a book half so pleasant regarding the life of a conjuror, with the exception of

Herr Alexander who is now residing in Minister in Westphalen, and who has presented me with his two books. They are written in German, and some day I hope that they will be translated into English. I am almost certain that they will be as popular as Houdin's Memoirs. Herr Alexander (Heimburger) informed me that he kept a diary, and it was from this he wrote his book. To show you the kind of a man I found him. I will reprint a letter I sent to the Mahatma, after my visit to him at his home Accidentally picking up a small magic book, dated 1896, I noticed that an old man named Heimburger, traveled in America as "Alexander the Conjurer," and that he was living in his native town

Munster. As I am very busily engaged in gathering material for my book, "Encyclopedia of Magicians," thought that I would investigate this affair, possibly obtain some material for the book, which I will try to make the greatest of its kind ever published.

Visit to Munster So when in Cologne, Rhine, I boarded the express train (D. Zug.) for Munster and arrived there bright and early on March 17, 1903. In the address book, I found out that a man named Heimburger resided in Krumpentippen 16. Hailing a passing cab (drousche) and after a short drive soon found myself knocking at the door of the address that I had found. A bright German maid came to the door, and I was at once ushered into the presence of the man to whom T had come to pay my respects. An old man, gray haired, with snow white beard, bent over with age, came slowly to greet me. I soon found out that he was very hard of hearing, and had to speak to him in a very loud tone of voice.

Interviewing Herr Alexander Short and briefly, I explained my mission to Herr Alexander; also stating that I was greatly pleased to see him well, and honored to think that I was talking to the only Conjurer that had given a Magical performance in the White House; for Herr Alexander had been several times in the White House before United States President Polk. Alexander seemed greatly pleased, and. soon was relating to me stories of magicians, personal friends of his, now long dead. He knew Houdin, Frikell, Bosco, Count Pererilli, Anderson, Blitz, Hespe, the original Bamberg of Amsterdam, Compars Herman, in fact he knew all the old timers.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. With the stories he told me, Herr ten by a conjurer. He tells me that Alexander held me spell bound—had he Houdin never wrote his book, but had risen from a grave he could not better it written by a Parisian journalist, as he have commanded my attention. Here was an old man 84 years of age, did not have the spare time himself. In fact Alexander informed me that who had retired 50 years ago, and telling me tales of people whom T had Houdin personally told him this. numbered among the long past dead.

Alexander's Early Exploits Herr Alexander Heimburger was born December 4, 1819. He traveled in North America four years, and in South America—from January, 1844, until September, 1854. During this time he had managed to make a large fortune, and retired on his return to German}'. He was still a young man, about 24 years of age, but had so many stories to tell, so many keepsakes to show, so many strange affairs to argue about, that he was lionized by the highest people in Germany. This kept him from again giving performances, for to have done so would have closed the aristocratic doors to him, as Conjurers are not the best thought of people in Germany, especcially was this so 50 years ago, and it is only lately that Magic has taken its place among the higher Arts of Europe. With all the prospects staring him in the face, Alexander was content to be a welcome guest all over, ever finding ready listeners to his wonderful interesting tales of his huge successes. So passed a great many years, simply wining and dining, and telling stories.

Alexander Writes a Book At last however he was coaxed write a book from a diary that he had faithfully kept through all the years of his travels. This book is published in Minister and called "Der Moderne Zauberet" (The Modern Magician). Herr Alexander claims that his book is rated as one of the gems of German literature, also the best book ever writ-

AI.hXAMlKR

Alexander's book is written from extracts from his diary, and is on the style of Sig. Blitz's book, but ever so much more interesting.

Alexander in New York Pie showed me his scrap book, in which T read some grand notices from New York, and in fact all through North and South America. What interested me was to see a half page devoted to Herr Alexander in the New York Tribune, October, 1845, m which he is shown dressed in a Chinese costume, producing huge bowls of water, flowers and all kinds of heavy articles. This was a surprise to me as it has been my impression that Ching Ling Foo was the

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. first to do the Chinese act in America. Alexander assured me that all the old timers would change their programme by adding "The Chinese Magician" to their show. To verify this statement the New York Herald, November 6, 1845, New York Tribune same date, New York Evening Gazette same date, will show full particulars. Herr Alexander arrived in New York after a very disastrous tour of America, almost penniless, and tried to hire Niblo's Garden, but they never opened the theatre in winter, so would have failed, but for the kindness of Mrs. Niblo, who managed to have Herr Alexander obtain the theatre for twenty dollars per night. He opened with a very small house, and for the first three nights did not play to expenses, but the fourth night the house was packed and sold out, and for the following three months he did a grand business, closing his season in New York because he could not change his program any more, and his professional pride would not allow him to continue with the same routine.

Barnum Visits Alexander P. T. Barnum on one occasion visited the performance of Alexander, in Saratoga, and had Gen. Tom Thumb with him. After the performance Barnum offered to engage Alexander for his New York Museum, but Alexander refused, because it would have hurt his drawing abilities; for Barnum only charged 25 cents admission to his Museum, and Alexander charged 50 cents and one dollar.

" T h e Spirit Bell" Alexander related a very strange trick that fooled the inventor Morse, of telegraphic fame. Alexander had a trick called "The Spirit Bell"— which all conjurers worked with a

thread or hook—electricity not being so well known at that time. Alexander had a large glass bell, on top of a fancy looking case, which he could set anywhere, and it would ring at command. Morse saw this trick and was greatly mystified in fact he was under the impression that Alexander had discovered some new law of nature that would be of some help to him in his then looked for discoveries. Alexander, however, refused to explain this trick to Morse, as it was his own invention. The method of working this trick is so novel that I will describe it as explained to me by Herr Alexander. The secret was that he had a small bird that was trained to jump from one rung of a small ladder to another, at command or the waving of a stick or wand which the bird could see from where it was imprisoned- every time that it would jump from one rung to another, it would pull down a step which was so arranged that by the smallest overweight it would release a catch, which would in turn throw the hammer against the 'glass. By the bird stepping off, it would again come back to its original position and be ready for the second blow. He explained this trick to me, saying he had bought the bird from a street fortune teller, who had trained the bird to go up different steps of a ladder and pick out envelopes, in which would be differently printed fortunes. To my judgment even to-day this trick, properly handled, would be clever enough to fool the average sight-seer. He was personally acquainted with President Polk, Henry Clay, Webster, Calhoun, and in fact all of the noted statesmen of that time. Tt was through his friendship with President Polk that he was allowed to sail to the West Indies with letters of recommendation from the President to the Governor,

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

A very rare and possibh- the only lithograph in existence of Robert H o u d i n ' s stage setting; used by him in Paris, 1847, and London, 1848.

and which also opened the dour to the aristocratic circles of Brazil. Tt had been my intention to simply stay a few hours in Munster, but the old Master held me there as if I were hypnotized, and the hours fairly drifted away. He showed me letter after letter, clipping after clipping, token after token. f allowed him to speak, for fear my interruptions would stop his flow of conversation, for he informed me that he could not talk as much as of yore, and it was simply the unusual excitement of my visit that had given him the unusual strength of speech. For he told me, "Yes, my boy, we get old after awhile."

Alexander a Bookworm He sits all day among his belovei! books, of which he has a rare collection. He has collected bocks over 70 years, and about that time he secured a whole library from some learned man's widow, so it can be seen that he has a rare collection of Conjuring books. He reads English, French, Spanish and German. He is grateful to the Almighty for having spared him his eyesight, although he has to wear very strong eye-glasses

and reads only in the day time. During his travels in South America, he thoroughly mastered the Spanish language, and was the greatest magician that ever visited those shores.

Alexander Welcomed by RoyaltyHe was a welcome guest at the Palace of the King of Brazil and has in his possession letters from the King and Queen. He showed me the personal signature of King Pedro II, also his Queen ; the letters were dated Brazil, 1850. Therefore it can well be imagined what a great reputation this man must have had during his travels in North and South America. It must be a source of great pleasure to him to sit back in his heavy upholstered easy-chair and think of all his marvelous travels and successes. After an absence of ten years from his native town, he returned, married one of the prettiest girls in the village, and was blessed with six children, two sons and four daughters. All are well, one son is in New York at the present time. I had made my stop so long that Mrs. Heimburger kindly invited me to stay for dinner, which I willingly did, al-

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

though 1 had no desire to eat, but hungrily listened to every word Herr Alexander spoke. To hear the white-haired old man speak, to watch his actions, to listen to stories of things that happened years ago, made me think that there was some possibility of him having discovered the real Elixir of Life, that all the Old Charletans used to claim they "had discovered," or possibly Grim Death had mislaid the address of the old master Magician, and as he had gone through ten severe sicknesses in South America, each one of which is known to be fatal to foreigners, let us hope that it will be a long time ere Father Time will gather in our famous friend—Alexander. At last the time for parting came, and with a hearty handclasp, and both extending to each other the best wishes, the old master returned to his books, while I with bowed head slowly walked out into the bright sunshine, deeply thinking of the various things engraved in my memory. HARRY HOUDINI.

Second Visit to Alexander August 26, 1906. Strange thoughts come to me, as I reread my letter or rather the facts of my meeting "Alexander." I paid the old Master another flying visit in 1905, on my way to London, and he was delighted to see me once more. He informed me that he was as well as could be, the folks were all well, and he had nothing to do but simply await the arrival of the "Grim Reaper." On my taking leave of him he made me a present of several rare programmes, which arc now in my collection, and which I prize very highly. Fate plays queer pranks. Some time after my last visit to him, I received a postal card which read as fol-

lows : "My Dear Friend, Have not been very well of late, and have been expecting my last days. All preparations have been made, and Death the Visitor arrived, but instead of calling for me, he has taken away my beloved wife. I am not capable of writing more. God be with you. From your old friend, Alexander Heimburger." * * * With the exception of a small brochure, everything you read about Robert Houdin is the same thing over and over again. H. R. Evans even goes so far as to say that Hoiulin at one time made a favorite trick of "Socrates, the talking bust." Of all the programmes that I possess, none of them even mention the fact of him doing this feat, and perhaps Evans has simply taken some one's word for it. I may be mistaken, but I have looked high and low for some clew regarding Hondin doing this Looking Glass Illusion, and so far have failed to find one. All I can find is a description in the posthumous Houdin book, but Houdin does not say he performed it; he simply explains the illusion. It is in this book that Houdin makes a huge error in his explanation of the Indian Basket trick. I regard Evans as a very unreliable authority with a fanciful brain. He apparently will take anything and weave it into something to fit his story. I am judging him from the several books that he has written, in which he takes mediocre performers and lauds them to the skies, especially an English conjurer who for the past few years has made his living by peddling books, which he cither hawks or has peddled around the Theatre where the performer whose tricks he is publishing is working. In fact, almost all of Evans' material is virtually second-hand. (To be continued.)

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Facsimile of Posters Houdin used during his various engagements in England. ST. JAMESES THEATRE. «. A.«k'«an«'"aa~M.a««h.Ma

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

they are allowed trial shows, they cannot get along. The Encore had comNotes petitions for the best amateur performer, and some very good talent was From unearthed. Theo. There ought to be a standard house over here that would permit ''Try-outs" Hardeen, like Mr. Albee allows at the Keith 14th Street house in New York. There Our anyone can give a trial turn by simply Official applying to Mr. Elmer Rogers, who lias given many a magician permission European to show his act, and I don't know of Correone theatre in England that will allow a trial show to go on, unless you have spondent special permission after a lot of red tapeism. Carl Eaynor, the Nottingham magician claims that he failed to gain Lussac 1 anna after a brief absence, permission at several places, and alagain pops np, and has made quite a though he has written 140 letters, and hit in Stockport, with his Mysterious enclosed stamped envelopes the best he Trunk Dressing trick. received of the whole lot was two letters and three postal cards. There are Germaine, the American Magician is so many magicians in England that getting along very nicely, and has man- managers seem a bit afraid to book aged to' obtain some excellent work in them. I'll wager if you throw up a stone London, playing several halls a night. in London, it will fall and hit a magiAt the Palace Grimbsy, Prof. Fuller cian. English magicians are much betintroduces "Astarte"' an Up-in-the-air ter all around performers -then the Illusion. It appears to be a version of American magicians. In America we the Maid of the Moon that Robinson have the specialist, who makes one ceronce did for Hermann. Perhaps this is tain thing his hobby. Downs with his one of Greenbaum's Illusions. I hear coins, Thurston with cards, Stillwell (hat Greenbaum is making a fortune in with handkerchiefs, ITornman with Germany with his moving picture ma- clockwork tricks, Dr. Elliot with card chines. In fact he has been at it a long table sleights and effects, etc., etc; but the English magician, that is the avertime. age, is a very good all-around entertainer ; he has excellent patter, makes Colby and May are at the Cardiff a routine of various tricks, adds novelEmpire. Colby is a very clever Ven- ties and goes after the thing much the triloquist and the mysterious Doll is same as a general observer. well worked. The last time the act Where have we a man in America was in England it was Colby and Way. that can approach J. N. Maskelyne for I hear the original Doll has gone the Illusions, or Devant for wit and humor? way of the great majority. In fact almost every English magician * * * * * has a varied programme. This does The Encore is full of letters of strug- not allude to the cheap sort that copy gling magicians that wish to air their the specialty magician, who arrives in troubles; they claim that even though England: and the British Isle abounds *

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

with hundreds of that class who work for a mere pittance, and strut about as if they were all that their "Bombastic Mouthings" claim them to be. It seems strange that Harry Kellar has never played the English Provinces, and if he ever comes to England he will find out that he is about the best known magician that America has at the present moment. But as he is making all the money he wishes at home, perhaps he does not care to roam into the fields and pastures of the historically celebrated magicians like Boaz, Breslaw, J. H. Anderson and a host of others. Sydney Lee the Magician has been working steadily the past few years ; his card work has improved very much and he has earned for himself the reputation as the best card thrower since Thurston's time. He has been at work on a card trick that will make the rest of the Manipulators "Sit Up and Take Notice," as he will throw towards the gallery 52 cars, which will return and fall into a tall hat suspended in the centre of the theatre. Lazerne, the Mystic is making a bid for public favor, and will soon rejoice with a bunch of contracts, "passed'' to him by "Caddie's Agency." * * * Albertine Melich, the graceful wire walker now at the London Hippodrome, is the daughter of Melich, the old time German Magician, who in 1850 startled the natives of the German cities with his Ghost show and huge apparatus; he is now in his "Fatherland" feeding his pet cockatoos, which he used in his per-

formance, the same as Sig. Blitz did with his canaries. Melich has another daughter who is also a wire walker.

I wonder how many of your readers know that a nephew of the original Sig. Blitz is still alive and in the ring in Birmingliam ?

This is the nephew to whom Sig. Blitz willed all of his apparatus. Abraham Blitz is a true friend of Chung Lung SoOj and it is whispered that they both helped put Robinson's new act together. Abe Blitz is quite a performer in Magic, and when not at this, he is inspecting the various advertising spaces of the Empire Theatre Brum.

Alfred Holmes, who married a daughter of Anderson the Wizard of the North, is Bill Inspector at the Empire Theatre, Sheffield; he informs me that Anderson at one time would collect photos of Magicians, and had a very large collection, but being shipwrecked, lost all his valuable magicial paraphernalia, clippings, and photos that had taken years to collect. Holmes never works now, but is content to look at the younger generation mystify the public, and tells them "How it happened" when he took Anderson's place, when John Henry was unable to take his own place.

Ornum, the Chief of the Ornum Magicial Repository, Editor or Proprietor of the "Wizard" is in Bonny Scotland gathering thistles and other pleasant things to verify the statement that "You cannot sit down on the Scottish Thistle."

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Jotes from., .,, Our special

Well, the season has started, and we have magicians galore on the continent. At the Wintergarten, Berlin, Chun? Lung Soo is doing very big, and has a lot of people on his stage (supers) makign his act very spectacular. This makes his third engagement at this theatre, and every time he returns he seems to go better. Goldin is the star feature at the Hansa Theatre, Hamburg. He seems to be able to write whatever he pleases on his contracts, and it is through him that Arnold De Biere was canceled at the Hansa some time ago. De Biere refused to cut out the "Three Trunk" trick and Herr Grell closed the act. De Biere brought suit; personally I can't see how Grell can win. * * * Miss Lucie is booked at the Circus Paris with an act billed as "Payen" Enigmatique Gymnaste Auto-pierrot. This is something on the style of the Moto Girl performances, and seems to have caught on. * * * Tscliin Maa's Seven Holy "Chunchusen-Magicians" are at the Nurmberg, and as they are real Chinese and are exploited by J. Deutch they manage to get along very well! They do not get anywhere near the salary of Chung Lung Soo. * * * Willini le Maske, a magician that wears a mask while on the stage, advertises himself as "The Present King" as he gives away presents to the audience, which he produces from a borrowed hat. He is not the original Masked magician.

Griffern, who once lived in Suffern, New York, is on the list to be balloted for in Merlin to join the International Artist Lodge. * * * Roland, the Illusionist who is duplicating the entire act of Goldin, is creating a sensation in Luzerne at the Kursaal. This Illusionist was a travelling shoe salesman in Prag, Austria, and after witnessing Goldin's act, and hearing the salary Goldin was drawing, made up his mind to become "one of those fellows" himself. Having money saved he went to the various dealers, and soon was launched as Roland the Great, and was taken up by the agents, and has been in demand ever since. While he does not work near as well as Goldin, those people who have only seen the one act, always speak highly of Roland's performance. * * * Prof. Roberts the Illusionist is at the Colosseum Essen Ruhr. * * * At the Apollo Theatre, a team billed as the ITartly Wonders, are doing "barrel" jumping, the night I saw the act, some one raised a disturbance, because he could not get the team to show the bottom of one of the barrels. He claimed that they had a spring board at the bottom, but that is all foolish talk. They may have a false bottom, raised about C> inches from the real one, hut that is only to enable them to obtain a better lift for their somersaults. * * * Years ago a German team, the Braatz Bros, exhibited an act in which they displayed their prowess as Hand to Hand and Llat to Hat balancers. They concluded some time ago that they were getting too old for their work and retired. But the many years of wandering has told on them, and first one of the brothers started in to manage Selma Braatz, who is in America, and the other brother is now on the market with a

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

trained Dog performance, which is said to be the best dog act ever produced. He works the dogs with cues from behing the stage, and one dog is trained to do a sort of mind reading act. I think the dog gets his cues, by Braatz simply creaking his finger nails together. The dog cannot see, so this "hearing" is the only solution I have of the dog receiving his cues to find the various numbers and cards. * %* At the Metropole Theatre in Hanover, we have a "horseshoe breaker,'' who rejoices under the name of Apfelleas Applebaum. He does not do anything new, and from the hurried examination of some of the irons he breaks, I wonder if he resorts to "Sleight of Hand" in preparing his material. * * * Teske's Illusion Theatre is billed for four weeks at the Bluemensaale in Muenchen. * * * The International Artisten Loge is booming the show business. First they have managed to bring the Hamburger Dom to Berlin, and now they are arranging a tour for several companies of their members, and they intend playing all large'cities and towns where there is no regular Variety Theatre. All members are going to work on percentage so there will be no dissatisfaction regarding salaries. It looks as if the thing will be a success. For the benefit of readers who may not understand what the Hamburger Dom means, it is a certain arrangement in vogue many years whereby all acts would go to Hamburg, and work for almost nothing, so that the various managers who always came to Hamburg, could see their acts; and many an act has received contracts for several years during this Dom Zeit. The affair has not been any too great a success of late years, so the I. A. L. has decided to have the affair take place in Berlin, which is really the proper place for an affair of this kind. Arthur Mar-

tinius is the head of the committee of arrangements. * * * Imro Fox is at the Central Theatre, Stettin. * * * Constantino Bernardi is traveling through Italy playing the large theatres, and is doing a big business. He is very busy advertising the fact that managers are swindling the public advertising that they have Bernardi engaged, but such is not the fact, and he wishes all to notice his Christian name is "Constantino." In launching this "Beware of Thieves" he is alluding to his brother, "Arturo" Bernardi, who is said to have stolen his famous brother's act. Whereever Constantino is booked, his brother follows him about, making things very disagreeable. Okito is at the Circus Albert Schuman Theatre in Frankfort on the Main, and has -been very successful. Some of his material he works exceptionally well. * * * Herr Dir. Tichy celebrated the 25th anniversary of his theatre in Prag, and received hundreds of letters and wires congratulating him on his successful management. I wonder if the many magicians and illusionists to whom Herr Tichv has given work remembered the gentleman on his celebration. Let us hope so, as he is always booking mystery acts and magicians. * * * RUSSIAN RUMBLINGS. MONS. T. BOLIN.

Moscow. Russia. Petrofsky, the "Mysterious," who is related to the Russian champion wrestler, was booked at the "Sadffi" in Warsaw. On arriving there with all his baggage, he discovered that the police had closed all the theatres on account of the many riots taking place. He has written to me for assistance to leave that city, and is now on his way to Wilna to open at the "Zoological Gardens."

T11F. CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Director Anmont of the Aquirium is the cause of the existing bad state of affairs in Moscow; he has for years been very bad pay, and although repeated warnings have been sent cut that he will not pay salaries, he still manages to get plenty of- artists that will take a Sloan, the "Plate Wizard," is billed long chance. I wish to caution all who at Hotel du Nord in Odessa. He made are thinking of coming to Russia to bea failure with his "Dida'' as he was go- ware of Mons. Aumont; ask him for ing to produce two women from the salary in advance or book at the Ermitwater, then at a given signal, the water age or Yard. I predict that he will not would disappear and the tank would run his place more than a season longer when the final blow arrives, it will become filled with fire, from which he and affect all the tradesmen of Moscow. would produce another woman. The first night things went wrong, and the second night he nearly burnt the one to death that was to appear in the "fire" POSITIVBCT T S 9 &A0* SEK MIGHTS OF production. Alexander Segall, the St. Petersburg agent, was reported to have died, but it seems that that is wrong, and he can say with Mark Twain that the report Id grossly exaggerated.

ROBBRT

* *

Joseph Alfredson, who has been in St. Petersburg for the last 10 years, has made enough money working the "cabinets," entertaining the guests, that he has given notice to his managers thai he has bought a small acreage near Moscow and will settle down for the rest of his life. Have seen him work a number of times, and his card work is very clever, but not good for any stage. Al•fredson is also a very clever musician. -'i

''
M a d i s o n Sq.i.ire

WANTED; Information regarding the old-time Magicians, Foreign or American, that will enlighten the-Magicians of the World, as to the real facts of the old-timers. Up to the present date no one has been in a position to speak with authority of exact dates, and it is the desire of the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine to give credit to whom credit is due. Old programmes, Lithos and Photos of magicians-are always solicited. Whenever sending photos or material kindly send note with same, with all information possible.

We want a photo of every magician so as to be able to eventually compile a Magicians' Encyclopedia* Address: Conjurers' Monthly Magazine 278 W. 113tH St., New YorK VOTE: Jfny one sending information will be given full credit in our columns. Kindly mention Conjurers' Monthly Magazine in answering all Advertisements

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

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TAILORS W

QYlomeon'e

1O8

ERNST

N.Y.

BASCH

Factory for ONLY the largest apparatus used in Magic, Mystery shows for large exhibitions

Illusions and

In my factory I have one floor devoted entirely for an auditorium, in which I have a large stage where all the latest illusions are ready for exhibition, and you are under no obligations whatsoever to purchase a pfenning's worth, but will pleasantly exhibit any Illusion, Mystery or apparatus as often as required. In Chambre Separe, The Doll, The Fairy of the Rose, The Flying Cage with Lady, The Witches Table and many other novelties that have never been for sale elsewhere. All illusions done without dark background, without glasses and without traps in the stage! Circular Free. ERNST BASCH, Hanover, Germany (Berliner Tageblatt, Sunday, Jan. 20, 1000) "Secret Hexentisch* is a small table covered with a black cloth, a nod of the Master 'and the cover falls off to the stage. The table is small, can be examined bv any one of 'the audience, and can be taken any distance from the Master. It answers all questions, 'tells you the card selected, answers mysteriously by ringing of a bell, and will also per'form all its mysteries, even when the Master is taken in another room, eyes tied and 'hand and feet secured so as to prevent any signals.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS Meeting on the First Saturday Evening of each month at eight o'clock, except legal holidays, at Martinka's Magical Palace, 493 Sixth Avenue, New York

L'lLIAJSIONNISTE Le Sen I Journal Francais devone aux Magicians Paraissant tous les Mois-fondu en 1901 abounement 8 frs. ($1.60) par an. Specimen Number, 0.75 Editeur : C A R . O L Y , fabricant apparatus 11 Rue Cardinal Lemoine Paris

K i n d l y m e n t i o n C o n j u r e r s ' M o n t h l y M a g a z i n e in a n s w e r i n g all A d v e r t i s e m e n t s

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BOXES, 2B.—PIT, IS. Tkteti to t» h»rf erf C HUNT, Bookrelltr, and*

INK,

y PRIVATE e&itFOKMANCES OD the abort** notice

Program of 1 818 used by Kia Khan Khruse.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. Haymarket Theatre, when Sir Joshua Reynolds was in the stage-box to behold the extraordinary deceptions of Signor Pinetti. This Prince of modern Painters appeared equally delighted and surprised at the Italian's dexterity, who mixed a variety of colors together, and afterwards would instantly separate them at the command of the audience. It is admitted universally, that Sir Joshua has arrived at the summit of perfection in the knowledge of blending his colors; but it was reserved for the honor of this itinerant Conjurer to instruct him in the art of disuniting them when blended.

Tuesday, Thursday

Poster used in 1848 by Robert Houdin in London.

On Tuesday evening Signor Pinetti's reputation received a considerable wound in the failure of two of his most capital manoeuvres, particularly in that of firing the nail through the card, which he attempted twice, and was unsuccessful : in consequence of the second disappointment, he had the temerity to run up and fix the card to the back scene, but the imposition was too palpable, and met with a general mark of disapprobation. He was so much dispirited at the event, that at the end of his performance, his interpreter came forward, and told the audience that Mr. Pinetti was very unwell, and did not know when he should perform again; notwithstanding which, candor obliges us to acknowledge, that several of his deceptions were truly pleasing and wonderful. It was remarked, that when Pinetti was in the act of taking off the man's shirt, the female part of the audience were unusually attentive, and every eye seemed rivetted with curiosity, from the wrinkled Dowager of fifty to the tittering young spinster of sixteen—October 22, 1784. (To be continued.) When completed the articles under this heading will be a sort of Encvclo-' pallia of Magicians and their tricks dating back to 1080; in some monthly installments Robert Houdin facts are l-.ardly mentioned which is due to the necessity of showing from where the material and data were obtained to proveall my claims; but all material will form a chain, each fact and date leading to the other. It is impossible otherwise to prove my statements.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

H O CV

Ji Very Rare Houdin Program

P O C VS

From the Collection of Harry Houdini

I V N I O R. The Anatomie of Legerdemain. THE

QUEEN,

Edition of 1635.

HIS ROVAL HIOHSESS THE PRINCE Al&ERT. HER a o V A t H I G H N E S S T H E D U C H E S 3 OF KENT. THEIR ROYAL HIGHNESSES TriE DUtE & DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE,

(Continued.)

HER ROYAL KIOHNESS THE DUCHESS OF GLOUCESTER

Put a living hen into that bag and hang it on a hook on that side you stand.

A GRAND

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flit,

A CONCERT & DANCING, anD MiasljitjouBCB fot iljc

fl.abouuns

WEDNESDAY, JULY THE 19TH,

t Inn M I Jc»u% platrd al fh/ H,p,,,al tf ihr LtAui Pai

[ooibinr t v rtnlnmi £rrtt35 edition of Hocus Pocus which re- and that by entirely abolishing the tipArchdeacon Colly under the guidance of Dr. Monck years and years ago, then the money will certainly have to he paid. All I have to say is that this affair is creating a good deal of "Free Advertising" and as to the outcome? * * * well we must wait and see. * * * There is a young man over here calling himself "Melrose" The Mystic, who has some novel ideas; he has had a special safe constructed into which he is locked, and after a short space of time manages to make his escape. He has a partner, "Paul" and they claim that between themselves they can open any safe in England.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

ping system, it will make things more We Hereby Introduce to Our agreeable all around. It is alright to tip Readers Herr Ottolcar Fischer. a man that assists or helps you in any part of your performance, but when you have to tip the man that "saw you come in," then it is not pleasant. Personally it does not affect me one way or the other, but I am thinking of the poor little "few pounds per zveck pro" (that actually cannot afford to tip them )as he leaves the stage door. Many indeed have I seen sneak out like a thief in the dark, simply because they could not see their way clear to tip all the "Handshakers" as they bade them good bye. * * * De Biere the Magician who has made From Our Own Special Viennese a host of friends by his very gentlemanly Correspondent, Herr Ottokar Fischer. manner, seems to be afflicted with the This gentleman has gone to the exsame disease that has attacked his supe- treme trouble of learning to speak the rior Goldin. He may have to get his English Language so that he can conhat especially made or else get some one verse with the English Speaking Magito read an English book to him, the title cians whenever they visit Austria; and of which might be "Rules on Etiquette," we think it only right that our readers or "Who Hit Him With a Club?" He should become acquainted with Mr. begged me to introduce him to Mr. Fischer in his right vein, and so will Harry Day, the Agent, and after doing publish his letters just as he sends them so, was offered work by Mr. Day at De lo us. Biere's asked-for salary. >k % % Did De Biere accept? Certainly not, Vienna, Austria. he returned them and added insult by Editor of Conjurers' Monthly Magazine: writing a most uncalled for letter to Mr. Austria formerly was a classical counDay, informing him that he would not try of magicians, and many celebrated accept work from his Agency at lioo names in the magical world have emanper week!! De Biere, don't do things ated therefrom, or have lived there. I so unworthy of yourself, as by such ac- will mention the world-famed Compars tions one readily loses even steadfast Herrmann, who by American Conjurers friends. persistently is called Carl and to whom * * * some American Magicians by main force Regarding my letter in which I men- will be related, although Compars Herrtion Oswald Williams, the man that ad- mann never had any brothers or sisters; vertises nine illusions in a minute and or Ludwig Dobler, who was the darling a half, it is reported to me that his as- of many "crowned houses" ; then Dr. J. sistants look so much like him that after N. Hofzinser, the most eminent conjurer he makes his various changes the audi- with cards, whose card tricks have not ence does not know what has happened. been surpassed by anyone to this day;

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

further Kratky-Baschik, perhaps the most popular magician, whose name has become proverbial in Europe's later time; furthermore Haselmayer, one of the few magicians who—in later time— traversed the world in all directions and who was one of the first to give performances in the wildest Australia; and so on: men, who are dead now and whose names for the present generation more or less are unknown or forgotteji... The times have changed! Austria, that once produced conjurers itself, is very glad when now and then, some magician of reputation favors it with a visit. There are two or three more special Austrian magicians who are able to give "twohour performances" in fine style: foremost is Chevalier Ernest Thorn, who now is playing in Music Halls with his great magical act, "One Hour in Dreamland" ; others on Music Hall stages of Austrian birth are A. Fredmar, Alfred Freiherr von Kendler, The Great Roland, Karl Krause, etc. I am informed that Imro Fox, too, is an Austrian, but some say he was born in Braunschweig.

Our Vienna four Varieties opened their season September 1, but nowhere as yet is a magical number to be seen. In my next letter I will introduce to our readers the celebrated Chinese magician Theo. Okito, who is now doing sensational things in Europe. . Ottokar Fischer. * * * Vienna, Austria, (Jet. 30, 1906. Editor Conjurers' Monthly Magazine: The first number of C. M. M. found here an enthusiastic reception. No wonder ! Its free and intrepid speaking surprised everybody and it is no doubt, that the C. M. M. soon will rise to be the leading magical paper. I've the pleasure to congratulate you to this meritorious success.

In Vienna we have a permanent Magical Theatre which was founded about 33 years ago by the above mentioned magician, Kratky-Baschik. This Theatre is the largest establishment of its kind in the world. I will be pleased to give you in one of my next letters a short story of this Theatre, for I guess it will interest our readers, will it not? Of course, there are many "Amateurs" in Austria and especially in Vienna. I met Amateurs in the most distant and smallest places, but there are very few, who are really clever. By degrees I shall make known to my American confreres An old French print of the "Taschenour best Professionals and Amateurs and spieler" showing the complete outfit he hope to make a way for an intellectual carried from place to place. relationship between American and AusFrom the collection of Ottokar trian lovers of magic. Fischer.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. At first some words against Mr. Osey's opinion, according to which the German signification "Taschenspieler" for magicians is to be derived from the fact, that the old time magicians played "von den Taschen," concealing their apparatus in the pockets of the clothes. The old time conjurers had no occasion to conceal something in their pockets, for the old, tightly fitting necromancercostumes probably had no pockets at all. When you remember what clumsy apparatus the old time magicians were using, you can imagine that no one of them could be concealed in any pocket. Sleight of hand work was quite unknown and all the old magicians were not able to let disappear a large object without using their table or a complicated apparatus. Most often a secret "aid" was hidden behind, or better still in the table and executed from there all the wonders. I remember a comic episode during a performance of such a magician, Bergherr by name. B. was often absent-minded. Once a watch had to disappear: he should have put it on the table, close by the trap or hole, and cover it with a cover. In his abstraction Bergherr put the watch in the middle of the table and continued the trick in the accustomed way, when suddenly a hand rose out of the table, and fumbled for the watch; of course without finding it. But this absence of mind of our "professor" had a disagreeable consequence. Many ladies, seeing the "ghost-hand," swooned away and the performance had to be interrupted, till the ill ladies were removed. I think there is another, more correct explanation of the expression "Taschenspieler." Formerly there were many people who crossed the world with no other trick, but the "Cup and Ball trick." They transported a stand on their back.

the cups and the balls being in a large pocket (Tasche), which was fastened in the front of the bod)-. Arriving somewhere, the stand was very soon put up, giving a simple, but efficient conjuring table and the performance could be opened. Of course the large pocket was used also like a "Servante" on our modern conjuring-tables. I have the pleasure to send you a very rare picture of such a wandering conjurer, to show you the whole arrangement. These people were called also "Publik-Spieler." And now let us go to present times. Yesterday our Varieties changed the programmes, but to my regret this month too I had not the pleasure of meeting any magician in them. At Colosseum Miss Norton, with her Chemical Wonders is doing big. America's "funniest Juggler," Wieland was prolonged a month more at Ronachers, which is a good sign for him. December ist, Thorn will open at Ronachers. According to my promise, today I'll acquaint my American confreres with one of the most interesting European magicians, who everywhere is sensational : namely Theo Okito, whose real name is Theo Bamberg, - was born in Amsterdam on July 15th, 1875. He is-the 6th generation of magicians, all bearing the same name. The first conjurer of the Bambergs was Eliazer Bamberg, then follows his son Edward. Then Edward's son David Leendcrt, then his son Tobias. Then Tobias' son David Tobias, who is still living and at last his son our Theo. Theo had always very much interest for the magical line of business even when quite a youngster; of course that was only very natural, as the magical blood was running pretty freely through his veins. He started to work for the first time before the public when he was

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

13 years of age. There is no need to father he worked as "Smallest conjurer assure anyone that lie felt very proud of the world" until he was about 17 years as he met with unbounded success. To of age. Then he started to practice as crown all, he received a command to Shadowgraphist and in one year he was appear before Her Most Gracious able to give an entertainment of 2 and Majesty Emma, The Queen Mother of one half hours, consisting of Conjuring and Shadows. And so Theo went travelling several years through Holland and Belgium, alone with only the aid of an assistant and Pianist.

fheo. Bamberg, known as Okito; the only magician who can prove with documentary evidence that his ancestors were magicians. Holland and her daughter Princess Wilhelmina, now present Queen of Holland. Under the protection of his

Once, unfortunately, when swimming, some water got into his ears. This caused him great inconvenience, as he could never hear as well thereafter, and it was very difficult for him to ask questions on the stage, for he could not hear the answers very well. So he decided to go on the Music Halls and do a dumb show. He chose for his purpose a "Chinese Act." Theo is travelling with his own stage-outfit, which is the most elegant you can imagine. His show up to the present time has turned out very successfully and he is continually enlarging the same. Most of his tricks are invented by himself and made by his own hands. Till now Okito has toured the following countries successfully: Holland, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Austria, Hungary, England, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Russia. Next year he starts a tour through the United States of America and many of my dear confreres will find the opportunity to admire this really eminent artist. OTTOKAR FISCHER.

THK CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

READING

REVIEWING BOOKS AND THINGS

FROM THE PRESS

WISE , AND

OTHERWISE BY Harry Handcuff Hotidim .

KHALDAH'S SECOND SIGHT The New York World, October 28, 1906, has a full page article which is •signed by some man who calls himself •"Khaldah," and professing to be an "Egyptian, he goes on to expose all the tricks of which he can -think and some of them in a most bungling manner. He • does not expose them purposely in a bungling manner for he issues a few challenges to people to do certain things that he cannot explain. Well we don't know what his "Graft" is but he must "have some "Graft" or else he would not tell you at the finish of his article of a wonderful trick that he does, which he will not explain for fear his "Society friends" (we should call them dupes) will not be interested in his work. If he exposed his tricks, and then •gave a few plausible explanations of other tricks, well and good, but he commences to tell you how great his eyesight is, and that he can tell you what any man is writing by simply watching the top of the lead pencil. Either that page is a "Paid Advert." or we must give him credit of getting a full page free for advertising purposes. He tells you that magicians can swell up their hands and feet, while being tin], and when wishing to free them-

selves, simply contract their muscles, and in this manner manage to slip out. l\ol, with a capital "R." In his explanations of second sight, he informs you that it is done by the manner in which the words are accented. Perhaps he is trying to show you how the Zan Zics do their work, if so he fails ignominiously, or purposely. Khaldah : s pictured holding up a bill, signalling the number "4" showing four finger? on the outside of bill? I presume when he reads a lot of numbers, his fingers will have to move as if he had "St. Vitus Dance!" To free yourself from rope after being tied by your committee, lie instructs you to cut yourself free. And when one stops to think of all the easy methods in existence, by which you do not even have to strain yourself to escape from rope bondages, his expose is "worthless." We read with childish glee that he is writing a book on "Psychology." Tf it is written as clear and lucid a 5 this one page article, then it will be a "good" book—"good" for nothing. * * * RUBBISH. A copy of an English monthly catalogue has just reached our hands in which G the errand-boy-clerk, posing as editor, tries to give a brief maliciously erroneous history of the handcuff performance and being ashamed to use

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

his own name has the article signed with that of a weakling's who is an amateur magician, and so besmirches his manhood. This errand-boy-clerk using tactics of a confidence man long has made a living selling the "Houdini Handcufif Secret," and for this giving two keys and • a pair 'of handcuffs (as described in September issue of the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine) for any amount he could obtain from the deluded amateur, and actually demanded £5 (25.00) for showing how to knock the handcufif open on a plate of lead on your knee. He has written several articles against the handcuff act, and says it is all "Fake;—" Why? Simply because his sluggish narrow-minded brain cannot conceive of anyone knowing more than he does. Why a legitimate firm should employ a man of this calibre to further their interests is hard to surmise, and if they are seeking to make friends with the Conjuring world, they ought to have a well-informed, educated gentleman look over the writings of G and omit deliberate lying and misstatements; for they are directly responsible, even if an attempt is ma'de to place the blame on an amateur's shoulder.

ANSWERS TO VARIOUS QUESTIONS Stoltz. We cannot vouch for the honesty of party mentioned. Have known him as a petty grafter for years. Be careful. * * * Frisco Cardster. No, certainly not. Thurston is simply a clever card manipulator, and can throw a single card as far as it has ever been thrown in a theatre; but he is not the greatest that ever lived. We know several that are superior to him in many card sleights. The greatest Card

Trickster that ever drew the breath of life was the Viennese Hofzinser, whose tricks when done even to-day are the best ever. * * * Leipzig Letter. No, Carl Willmann has never sold us any trunk trick. * * * W. Friedlander. Herman Mellini is still living in Hannover, Germany. If you wish to write him, address your letter to Koenigstrasse 39, Hannover, Germany, as he lived there when we last visited Hannover. He has retired and has sold his theatre to Herr Lolgen, who once ran a mediocre theatre in Cologne, Rhineland. * * * Edward Hart. Received letter and will have to answer personally. The matter is of such a nature that it will require too much space. * * * Raymond Handcuffer. Allegheny. We await that letter of protest. Will certainly publish same. * * * Admirer but Copyist. According to our contracts we will not remain in America more than one season. It is doubtful if we will ever play return dates, as we now cry "Enough!" * * * J. Caroly , Paris. We have answered your long letter by first steamer. * * * Punch Wheeler. Received postal from Mexico City. Thanks. * * * Russel. No! the Original Dexter is not the Dexter that is now in this country and who was engaged as lecturer in Huber's Museum. The Original Dexter is now manager of a Music Hall in Oldham, England. He was always supposed to be a clever magician. The Dexter at Huber's Museum has worked numerous mystery acts from Silent Second Sight to Box and Handcuff mysteries. I guess you can call on him and he will give you the required information. There is another Dexter in Bradford, England, whose right name is Dexter, but at one time he used the name Hanneman. He was once interested in Handcuffs, but

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. when we last heard from him, he had the religious craze and was preaching on the streets of Bradford, and telling bis hearers of the wicked things he did while he was a so-called Handcuff King. * * * Liverpool itc. No, poor "Hanco" committed suicide. His right name was Theodore Bernstein. He killed the goose that Iayed the Golden egg, by exposing his entire performance, so when he had played once around, the managers could not reengage him. * * * Ardie Weichers. The trick you have sent to us is not new as you state, and if you invented it, this is the rirst time we are aware of it. The trick has been explained in several books and magazines, and was called "The Magic Bat." Please be careful when sending tricks, so as not to have things conflict with material that has appeared in other places. If you are the originator of the trick, kindly let us know, and we will publish same as "original"' with you. * * * Dr. Emil Bories. Thanks for your letter, hope you will always like the magazine, as we will try and keep it on a "square'' footing. *

•

Browning. We do not know the present address of ''Milwaukee Rapp." If you mean Augustavus Rapp, his permanent address is Hesperia, Mich. *

•

Edgbert Brooklyn. That is a hard thing for us to decide, there are many performers that excel in certain branches of Magic. In our estimation the best all-around performer living to-day is Servais Leroy. In the last few years he has certainly earned the reputation of having placed some very good performances before the Magic-loving World. We cannot say if they are all his inventions. The Duck Hunt cannot be the invention of any living magician, as the trick is on the programmes of some of the old timers. These programmes we shall reproduce from time to time. »

Chung Lung

•

(Robinson)

Soo. Bolton,

England.—We are waiting for the package, and hope to receive it in good order. Hope

you do as well with your own show on return dates as you did on your first visit. Take our advice and be careful of your "Bullet Catching Trick" as your method is certainly daring. How are your teeth and let us know if that newly discovered "Toothgrower" you have is worthy of publication. * * * Ike Ruse, Saharet.—Have mailed you book and information asked for. Met Max Berol, being on same bill with him in Cincinnati at Columbia Theatre. From his account, things in Germany are as "Easy" for you, as they have been in a lung time. Menetekel is doing fine. « • • H. J. Slocum, M. D., Eagle Station, Ky.~ We can cheerfully recommend Rotcrberg's "New Era Card Tricks" as being among the "Best Ever" on this subject: although at the time of its publication we were greatly slighted, we must give credit to whom credit is due. * * * • Frank Lindsley, Cincinnati, Ohio.-—Thanks for your letter, if you are as good a magician as you are a penman you certainly must be a wonderful entertainer. *

•

Edward Marschel, Providence.—You are economical with the truth and we could u = e words of various natures to strengthen our assertions but then "What's the use?" for your whole letter is a deliberate falsehood. * * * Truth Seeker.—No you are really right. The reproduction of "Conjurer Swallowing Man Alive" on page 42, October issue, was purchased by us in Bonn, Germany, and is supposed to have taken place in Prag, Bohemia, in the presence of Kaiser Wenzeslaus, who was a great lover of Magic, and always had a regular "set" of Magicians on hand to entertain his guests. By looking carefully on the reproduction you will observe that one of the guests, cannot withdraw his head from the window, as this "Conjurer" has with the aid of his Magic Art placed a pair of Antlers on the head of the guest looking out of the window) and he is hrld in that position. The horns are easily seen on the engraving, and being rushed for time, we failed to make note of this when cut was reproduced. We personally gathered our material in Germany, and shall in the future give destinations of the source of the material reproduced.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

a highly prosperous one. They are advertising "Everything new but the title," which is the "Flight of Princess Iris." * * * Chefalo the Italian Magician played a week in Pittsburgh at the Grand Opera House. If he will cut out that rapid talk which is delivered so fast that the audience cannot understand what he is "driving" at. he will greatly improve his performance. His routine of tricks are well placed. Madame Chefalo will shortly appear as assistant for her husband. * * * Charles Carter & Company were head liners at the Olympic Theatre, Cincinnati, and created a very good impression. The hit of his entertainment is his wonderful "Gift of Talk." That always has been his stronghold, and we have seen him entertain an audience with a trick, and have them in roars of laughter, by simply "telling 'em the tale." He has written a book, "Carter's Magic and Magicians," the preface of which alone is worth Hellmann continues to please on the Krith the price asked for the book. Tour. * * * * * * Henry Siebert the Magician that once Ziska and King had a return at their Old "hailed" from Chicago, has now settled down Chicago Theatres. They were going to sep- in his native "village," Elmwood Place, Ohio, arate several times, but up to the present are and has one of the swellest hotels outside of still together and doing an exceptionally Cincinnati in that State. He is still interested clever act. The Comedian is good, but did in Magic, and we believe him when he says, you know that you have to have a good "Once a Magician, always a Magician." "Straight" man to act with you as a foil, and * * * Ziska certainly looks his part; this a;ds things Charles E. Griffen has just closed a most all around. successful season of two years with the Buf* * * falo Bill Show on the Continent and has made Hornmann is with the Carl Hagenbeck preparations to return to America. Greater Shows which are gathering in the * * * Cities of Texas and Arkansas during October The Sa Heras played Keeney's Theatre, and September. Brooklyn, some time ago and made more than • * • "good." This is saying a great deal as MysThe Floyds, Lyceum Magicians, opened tery acts find it hard to work the Press. But their season October 15. They have thirty- . Sa Hera was very successful. * • • one weeks booked solid for the American Lyceum Union. This is their fifth season Mystery Acts certainly are booming! with the Union. The company consists oi' * * * Professor Floyd, Magician and Illusionist; Anna Eva Fay featured at the Grand Opera Mrs. Floyd (Mohala), Mind reader, and Lewis House, Pittsburgh, and did well. L. Allard, Musical Director. They present a * * * two hour program, and are booked in the The Fays springing up now and then leading "Star Courses" in twenty-eight States. creating a sensation. * * * * * * Mildred and Rouclere under the manageGranet and Herbert are also springing up ment of John M. Hickey are playing to a great after them and exposing the act. We hear business, and it seems as if this season will be that they are booked on the Keith tour. Lockliart, Oxford, Ind.—Only too pleased to hear from you any time. You are the first one-armed Magician of whom we have any record. In 1713 there lived a German named "Buchinger," who had no hands or feet, but managed to give exhibitions with Cups and Balls, Doves, Birds, etc. Will reproduce his portrait in due time, as it is of rare interest. * * * Chevalier Thorn, Nurmberg.—Posters received. Will keep you informed as to the party looked for. * * * Several letters remain to be answered in next issue.

Jottings and

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. Mene Tckcl is the Star attraction of the Orpheum Road Show. * * * When we say "Mene Tekel" we mean Mr. and Mrs. Berol, also William Berol. * * * The Mysterious Howard Brothers are a recognized feature, and have plenty of time booked. * * * George W. Hussey has gradually worked his way into the front ranks of the "Ventriloquists," and with the assistance of his young wife, who is a clever musician is pre;enting a rather pleasing and diversified performance. * * * Gus Leonard comedy Magician is on his way towards Frisco. We think he makes that place his home. *

•

Leigh of Latimore and Leigh gave us a social call during our stay in Pittsburgh. They have out a dramatic show, and Leigh is now a real live actor, and fast becoming a matinee idol. *

•

Leo the Illusionist is taking a vacation in Detroit, Mich. *

•

Harrison L. Davies of Detroit, Mich., is rapidly obtaining a good name as a "Man of Mystery." * * * Why have the Zancigs kept their engagement at the Alliambra, London, England a secret ? Are they ashamed of the way they treated Harry Day, whom they used as a convenience? « * * Major Zamora the Triple jointed wonder and his Mysterious Bottle of Bass's ale is no more and he is now travelling about as a sort of a "Turtle-boy" and has a full beard.

Social Session of the S. A. M. The first social gathering of the S. A. M., held at the Magical Palace, 493 Sixth Avenue, New York, since the regular annual dinner occurred November 3, 1906, following the regular meeting of the society which was called to order by HI. President, F. J. Werner. The attendance was one of the largest in the history of the organization and the

pleasing program and tasty refreshments put everyone in good spirits and surely will cause pleasant remembrances for sometime to come to those that were present ; having amply repaid the committee by its success, this affair will be an incentive for others in the future as it conclusively proves the wisdom of bringing together/ the members and their wives and friends in social sessions. 111. Martinka was especially careful to entertain the ladies and kept them interested in the many things he had to show them. The entertainment: nrnner consisted of a varied program, the participants being Mr. A. J. Rehbein presenting Flag Tricks, Mr. M. Linnett, Water and Wine Tricks, Mr. Hal Merton, Ventriloquism, Mr. Brainerd Phillipson, Card Tricks and a portrayal of the Idiot and Thimble, Mr. Charles Roltaire, Paper Tearing Tricks. Among the many present of the members and friends were: Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Werner, Mr. and Airs. G. S. Tipson, Mr. and Mrs. E. Phillipson, Mr. and Mrs. E. P. Ransom, Mrs. H. C. Shipman, Mrs. William Canhum. The Misses Zue McClary, L. Trebour, Sheeliy, L. Carroll, Freda Metzel and Eschenbach. Messrs O. S. Teale, Adrian Plate, W. A. Ransom, A. J. Rehbein, William M. Linnett, Harry J. Kline, S. R. Ellison, M. D., F. E. Vander Veer, M. D., J. L. Mott, M. H. Winans, Charles Roltaire, G. G. Lauyreyns, Anthony Rotunno, M. C. Morris, R. G. Farrell, Hal Merton, F. L Holly, F. Hendschall, Richard L. Phillips, Brainerd Phillipson, W. G. Von Gemmingen, Tyson Kline, L. B. Wright, Milton C. Farrell, J. Ellra Canhum, Clifford Walker, Waring, Sabin, Karlmann. Quad, Long, Van Dine and Hagan.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Our Mail Bag Under this column, you have the right to make any complaint against any one that you wish. Perhaps it may be the means of bettering certain conditions that exist at the present time. We will not be responsible for our correspondents' opinions. going to call for and had the cards all Brooklyn, N. Y. fixed, "But one of those sleight of hand GENTLEMEN : I enclose you check for five dollars for which enter my name actors once let me take a pack of cards on your subscription list for five years, right in my hand and pick one out, and commencing with your initial number after I had shuffled it up in the rest of of the "Conjurers' Monthly Magazine." the pack, he put the pack back into the Wishing vou success in abundance in glass and By Gosh! that same card came your new enterprise and in hopes that right up."—So there you are.Years ago when beginning to learn I may still be among the living when my turn comes to renew my subscrip- something for magic I was taught to fix up many of the tricks by my employer tion for another five years, I remain, E. C. Taylor, the magician and gift show Very Sincerely Yours in M. U. M., T. FRANCIS FRITZ. man, once well known in the West. He * * * made a fortune and I have not heard Nadeau, Mich., Oct. 15, 1906. from him in twenty years. One of his MY DEAR EDITOR : Your initial copy tricks was the rising cards with the folwas received and I am sure the Con- lowing elaborations—there was a crystal jurers' Monthly Magazine will be con- clock with base and rod having the sidered a valuable addition to the publi- numbers on it; another crystal dial suscations of like character. pended by two cords with the four suits I am, and have for years been giving on it; one glass bell on rod and base, a one man show, consisting of Magic, and another larger bell hanging from a Ventriloquism, I l l u s t r a t e d Songs, single cord; then there was a goblin Travelogues Talks with Views and drum suspended from two cords and Moving Pictures, Marionettes and tied to a wire fastened on opposite sides Character Work—visiting the same of the hall, so that the drum hung over places once a year and remaining from the head of the audience; whenever we four days to one week, which establishes could get overhead we had a common the fact that I manage to please the string hung from the ceiling and on the people. I find the old tricks done with end of the string a tin fruit can, with dash and good comedy go just as well lid off, the string was fastened to the as the carefully-prepared-time-taking- can by means of two holes in the bottricks, as for instance—take the latest tom of it. After all this, four half dolmethod of the rising cards from the lars were supposed to take part in the glass—any card coming up as called for effect as they bounced up and down in —I overheard a man saying to some a goblet. Four cards were selected and friends that I knciv what they were duly deposited in the glass from whence

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

they rose at command. All these things were used to find the cards; the two bells, the clocks, the drum, and the tin can with its hollow weird plunk! plunk! They would work singly and in pairs and I have had the clock hands spin in wild confusion—the drum roll frantically—the bells ring for dear life—the coins jump merrily—and the tin can plunk! plunk! all at once in answer to some question relative to some young man or fair one in the audience being in love. Then again in those old clays we had the Rose Tree, Rooster, Frankenstein Mystery and scores of other tricks that would not be one, two, three in the cities; and that is why I stay where there are millions who eat up the good old magic (when done well) and let the big cities alone. I am satisfied with a good fair income. Yours truly, F. C. HIGGINS.

* * * London, Fng. J. D. Bardelle, a young man aspiring to become a notable Handcuff King, undertook what to my mind was a foolhardy trick; he allowed himself to be handcuffed and legironed and then passed into a cage containing 3 Bears, 2 Hyenas, and 5 Wolves, all being considered safe, and not in anyway vicious. He succeeded for sometime in releasing himself from the Irons until in Newport he was fastened by a member of the audience, and entered the cage; no sooner had he done so, when one of the Wolves named "Prince" sprang up and caught him by the neck; however, the wolf was beaten off by the aid of two attendants and Bardelle made his escape from the den. Since that time his name has not come to my notice. Jack Clempert, a Russian, up to a

short time ago performed the Handcuff King Act. When first he came to this country, he challenged the Public at Wrestling, and was a "paid wrestler" (receiving a weekly salary) for Georges Hackenschmidt, who used him as a sort of a "come-on" or "booster" and would wrestle with him, as if he were a real opponent. Hack would pretend that he had a hard task, but would eventually throw Clempert. If the truth were known, Hackenschmidt could have thrown his man in less time then it takes to tell it. * * * Later Clempert tried the Handcuff Trick, undertaking to escape from Regulation Cuffs and Legirons only; whilst in Stockport at the Grand he was challenged by a gentleman to escape from a rope ; he accepted the challenge and on June 4, 1904, was duly fastened with rope only; he entered his cabinet and emerged from it at the end of 15 minutes, being unable to release himself of any of the bindings, and was released by the challenger. He next undertook the act which ended with such disastrous results in February, 1903, with a Circus at that time showing at a town called Rochdale in Lancashire; he was as usual handcuffed with a pair of handcuffs behind his back whilst on a platform and the rope duly placed around his neck, the trap fell and he dropped, but to the amazement of the audience and manager he failed to give the usual sign, he was also black in the face and neck; the manager rushed to cut him down and found him unconscious; the doctors ordered his removal to the Infirmary where he lay a considerable time before being able to return to his professional life, but he never again renewed the act which so nearlv ended

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his life. I might say that he is not the originator of this act: "Cardona" introduced it 9 years ago and has performed the same to this day without having to seek medical aid; he undertakes to be pinioned in the regulation manner and takes the drop up to the distance of 15 feet in the same manner as used in this country for Capital Punishment. Clempert in August, 1904, joined Mrs. W. Warren's Menagerie, well known in London and on the Continent, and was performing the strong man act and the remodelled Handcuff trick and sailed with them for India. Hanco, I saw in Manchester, Stockport, Dunenfield & Eccles; at the latter place he worked the screwed up Box Trick; the Carpenters who made the Box for him screwed it up after he had entered, and it was carried into the "cell-like" cabinet. He was 53/2 minutes in making his appearance, the box was brought out and shown to the audience and appeared to be the same as when he entered, I stepped up to examine it, and accidently kicked one end, when to my surprise it opened inward, showing it was only held in place by a screw entering about one-eighth of an inch: thus proving the trick to be a fraud. H. S. BURKETT.

Harpings From Hayman The one absolutely important and interesting topic that is being discussed by conjurers and the profession in general, is the really startling and very unique idea of Servais Le Roy & Co.; namely that of giving a three hour entertainment, in a sort of mystical magical melodrama, entitled, "Lady Kinton's Necklace;" a full supporting company has already been engaged. I am advised that at the termination of Le Roy Talma & Bosco's enLONDON, ENGLAND:

gagement at the Alhambra, Paris, active rehearsals will immediately begin. It will be a connected story with a few melodrama embellishments, and will bind together many of Le Roy's best illusions. As the idea was presented to me, I venture to say the entertainment will be on the style of Maskelyne & Cook's shows, but on a much larger scale. I wish Le Roy every success, as he is really one of the few inventive geniuses, who is blessed with the brains to put on neiv illusions and tricks, and has the money and business ability with which to carry them out. Le Roy is responsible to my mind for the majority of the so-called American illusionists, who steal his brains and tricks,, and then brazenly perform the same in houses ere Le Roy ever reaches them; and I know of two cases where they have even tried to have his tricks patented, so as to prevent Le Roy from doing his own: in a later article I shall mention dates and facts, at present I borrow the words of the illustrious Greek poet, and say "enough is enough and too much is plenty." * * * An illusionist by name Nero Bianco, is appearing at the Brixton Empress, London, and is creating quite some comment. Abstract from newspaper: An element of novelty is infused into the programme by the illusions of Nero Bianco, which are presented in the shape of a sketch. A mysterious barrel has been found floating in the sea by a fisherman, who also discovers in the interior of a fish a roll of parchment which explains how a beautiful sea-nymph may be produced from the barrel. The idea is soon put into practice. Thin paper is placed over the top and bottom of the empty cask, a strong light reveals a figure moving within the barrel, and

THE CONJURERS' MOMTHLY MAGAZINE

presently a prepossessing maiden breaks the paper covering and steps forth. The lady is then placed inside a cabinet built up in full view of the audience, and afterwards raised several feet from the ground. The door of the box is then opened, and the lady is found to have disappeared, only to emerge immediately afterwards from among the audience. The illusions are smartly effected, and leave the audience in a pleasing state of bewilderment. * * * Maskelyne & Devant produced their latest effort at St. George Hall on September 3, they call it "Daylight Ghosts" and the programme tells us it is a comedy of terrors; in one scene, invented and written by J. N. Maskelyne and David Devant, the playlet has a neat plot, is splendidly acted, and tells the story of two lovers, by name Patricia and Charles, who are desperately in love with one another. The curtain rises disclosing the lovers in a summer house swearing eternal love; they are continually interrupted by a noisy old gardener who uses this summer house as a storeroom for his tools, and in order to keep him from them, the lovers invent excuses and stories which fail in their purpose as the gardener seems to know their object, and in his own way is having a good time; but the gardener has an aversion and fear of ghosts, which being known to the lovers, they determine as a last resort to employ this knowledge to keep the gardener away from themselves ; so they tell him that the summer house is haunted by an old gardener, since dead, who mistreated and starved a poor cat to death, and as a penalty for this he is denied the usual eternal rest, and his ghost with that of the cat's and Patricia's grandmother

haunt the summer house; the lovers then proceed to impersonate the ghosts and with the assistance of the other characters, much comedy ensues while they disappear and appear in rapid succession from the summer house, using it as you would a cabinet. At this point a committee is invited from the audience to inspect the house, and after so doing, they remain on the stage, and watch the summer house, and as is the case with all eagle-eyed committees, they see—nothing; as the elder Hermann used to remark, "the closer you watch, why! the closer you watch." Mr. J. B. Hazzard as the gardener is a splendid actor and comedian. Besides a Japanese juggler, wire walker, pianist, monologues and impersonations, the capital program was rounded out by Mr. David Devant, who was assisted by his sister Dora, in a second sight and mind reading act, that was extra good. A show on these lines ought to be a tremendous success financially and artistically in America, and some day some wide-awake conjurer will make name and fortune for himself by presenting it. JOE HAYMAN.

Howard Tlmrston has favored us with a postal card from China. He is on his way to India, and will have a run at the Theatre Royal, Calcutta, India. Rumor has it that Howard is making several fortunes in the Orient, and he has great prospects of making more money than any Magician that has ever "gone the route" through India.

THE

CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

New Notes About Robert Nickle MY DEAR HOUDINI : Permit me to give you a few items in regard to the late Robert Xickle: In the August number of "The Sphinx" Mr. Yost gave soinc information about this once popular Magician, which is correct, as far as it goes, but I think I can add a few important points to Mr. Yost's story,

nearly a year, opening at the Boylston Museum in Boston, May, 1882. He called me Albert Nickle, and introduced me as his nephew. He was a most brilliant entertainer both on and off the stage; the published pictures do not do him justice; the hair and mustache were of a light red; the mustache measured

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Information regarding the old-time Magicians, Foreign or American, that will enlighten the Magicians of the World, as to the real facts of the old-timers. Up to the present date no one has been in a position to speak with authority of exact dates, and it is the desire of the Conjurers' Monthly Magazitie to give credit to whom credit is due. Old programmes, Lithos and Photos of magicians are alwaj-s solicited. Whenever sending photos or material kindly send note with same, with all information possible.

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(Berliner Tageblatt, Sunday, Jan. 29, 1906) "Secret Hexentisch* is a small table covered with a black cloth, a nod of the Master "and the cover falls off to the stage. The table is small, can be examined bv any one of "the audience, and can be taken any distance from the Master. It answers all questions, "tells you the card selected, answers mysteriously by ringing of a bell, and will also per"form all its mysteries, even when the Master is taken in another room, eyes tied and "hand and feet secured so as to prevent any signals.

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you are a success is to find out how much Advertising Rates Payable in Advance. jealousy and malice your success may have Discount on annual and semi annual contracts. aroused in the beings who are the mile-stones of the worst kind of life's failures. All communications must be addressed as * * * above. But an educated failure is more to be . , pitied than scorned. Material on all matters likely to be of interest * * * to our readers always sought for, manuscript T-, ,. , . ., . , . , , , ,, The police state that an educated rascal must be marked Payment" otherwise will be , . .. , , , , ,,„ , . * , , „ • , is the worst kind of a crook, used Complimentary." Manuscript to be re* * * turned must have ehclosed the required post . , , , , . , . ., r » F ^ And for those that gloat over the fact that the Handcuff Act has met its Waterloo, English Representative, Theo. Hardeen, care o r t h a t k h a s m e t i t s downward step, kindly of Anger & Bauer, 50 Rupert Street, London. r e a d Manager J, H. Moore's unsolicited letter in o u r M a i I B a W., England. S pages. * * * Correspondents abroad, T. Bolin, Moscow, So let all of us forget our hatred against Russia; O. Fischer, Vienna, Austria; James those that are more successful than ourselves, Leahman, Teheran, Persia, etc., etc. and extend them all a hearty Merry Christmas. The Conjurers' Monthly Magazine is not re* * * sponsible for the opinions of its correspondents. Our circulation is increasing every month, and if you wish to sell or buy anything, or The entire contents of the Conjurers' obtain information, try our advertising space. Monthly Magazine are protected by copy* * * right, and publishers everywhere are Thousands of people read the Conjurers' cautioned against reproducing any of the Monthly Magazine, and it is the best paying matter, either wholly or in part without advertising medium in the world today for any permission. magician or people that cater to a reputable mail order business. The Conjurers' Monthly Magazine is * * * for sale by all reputable dealers of ConAny one answering any of the advertisejuring Apparatus. ments in our columns, and failing to obtain full value for money sent, will favor us by Back numbers can be purchased by sending sending particulars so we can investigate each Ten Cents for each number. and every case.

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109

"tights," which, we suppose, are common to acrobats in all parts of the world. Concerning Both men and women are evidently ROBERT HOUDIN adepts at their work; and it was anMaterial collected personally by Harry Houdini nounced in the bill of the evening that they had once formed part of a cele(Published for the first time) brated company which was in the habit (COPYRIGHT, I906, BY HARRY HOUDINI.) of playing before the King of Oude at * * * When completed the articles under Lucknow. To this an oral statement this heading will be a sort of Encyclo- was added last night, to the effect that paedia of Magicians and their tricks dat- the jugglers had only just, arrived from ing back to 1080; in some monthly in- the East, and that they, had been obliged stallments Robert Houdin facts are to increase their ordinary rate of travelhardly mentioned which is due to the ing in order to arrive in time for last necessity of showing from where the ma- night's representation. terial and data were obtained to prove This announcement was received with all my claims ; but all material will form more applause than were the juggling a chain, each fact and date leading to tricks and acrobatic feats that were afthe other. It is impossible otherwise to terwards exhibited. But it was, in fact, prove my statements. much more remarkable that the circus company of the ex-King of Oude should (Continued) hasten their journey (whether overland * ** or by sea) in order to arrive at CoventIn 1868 a Troupe of Indians was garden Theatre on a particular evening, brought to London and exhibited at the at a particular hour, than that they Covent Garden. This Company con- should tumble, walk on their hands, and sisted of six females and twelve males: balance themselves on the slack rope I reproduce the original programme and neither more dexterously nor more quote from the Morning Post, February. gracefully than the posture-masters, con1868, as follows: tortionists, and rope-dancers of France and England. COVKNT-GARDEN THEATRE. Everything that the Indians did was While all sorts of rumors are bein« well done, but they were a long time circulated as to what is to be done at this theatre during the opera season, an doing it, a still longer time getting ready element of variety has been introduced to do it; nor did they attempt anything into the performances now taking place. that was really extraordinary. The A number of Indian acrobats and jug- chief juggler, as he seemed to be, after glers have been engaged, six of whom an immense deal of preparation, poured are said to be women, while the remain- a handful of dry sand into a basin of ing twelve are avowedly men. The al- water, and then took from out of the leged women are wrapped up in band- basin of water a handful of dry sand. ages, as if to prevent the bad effects that This, astonishing as it no doubt was, apmight otherwise be caused by the hor- peared, after all, but a small achieverible contortions into which they throw ment for so large a theatre. Probably themselves. The men wear Indian tur- the Indians conjure better than Leotard; bans, British flannel shirts, and the and they are doubtless more at their ease

UNKNOWN FACTS

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. on the slack rope than Robert Houdin Hood" to follow, the Indian performwould be. But they can do no one thing ance, as now given, is to an English ausufficiently well to satisfy, nor, indeed, dience somewhat long. to come in any way up to, the expectations of those who have seen the great After their engagement at the European performers in a similar style. Nevertheless, there is a certain character Covent Garden they played for a long about these Indians which makes their term at the Crystal Palace. In 1877 Dr. Lynn brought to London exhibition interesting for a short time. They are not quick enough to please another troupe of Hindoos, and judging our public. That seems to us their chief from the newspaper clippings in my fault, and it is one which may be reme- possession they went through the same died. The King of Oude no doubt con- routine as their predecessors. The only strange trick that I can find in their programme is cooking on the head of one THEATRE ROYAL of the youths. The following extract is from the London Telegraph, April, 1877 : THTS E.VEN ING, "Dr. Lynn has brought to England some native Hindoo conjurers and snake GOOSE WITH THE GOLDETST EGGS. charmers; * * * first appearance at the jv / J Oount'y Attorneys .Mtorpeys ( Mr. J. OI.AKKK Oountiy Mr J. U. S1UYLE Aquarium to-day; * * * but at their priBonseT. Turb>'5 Clerk I Mi . WALTER r.OniNS Mrs Turly, Miss EDC.'.R CU-a Miis FLORENCE EVELE1OH vate performance for the Press * * * After which, at lilGIIT o'clo.k. one of the most applauded tricks was THE EXTRAORDINARY AND ORIGINAL the cooking, by means of a fierce fire placed on the boy's head, of a very I'i'ATS OF THE WONDERFUL savory dish. The body was enveloped in a loose cloth, but from time to time c the boy's voice could be heard. When the dish was cooked and the cloth withdrawn he was discovered seated, quite Cor.si-.ting of Six Females arid Twelve Males, from Dehli, cool, comfortable and smiling." Luckr.ow, Nepaul, and the Junjaub. From this date onward the Hindoo TLc Members of ihe Troupd ivc— Troupes came in such droves to Europe, CADOTREE, ELECF.LAH, PEROJAH, ELECHEK, BANG, LOUtfG, Fcrcale CusrcctUes; that they lost their drawing power and MOULAU BUN, JADOOGHEEU, SAMJOO ML'NGKuO, novelty: to-day they are simply used for Nuths Cusruilf; a fill-in number or for the Fairs, Street RA.R'B, DAVU1E, SOLAC, IVrformois on ilie ViUittnng Ropo; Carnivals and Store shows. llUHEZ. KULI.OO, UYKiLS, JUDDHOO, S O N A B . DICK.NOO. Another East Indian "From Madras" KING OF OUDK, •>• Lui was featured in England, about 1819, perfoi mei'9 or tlidi cU?» in l o j u . and on the following page there is reOriginal program of Troupe of Hindoos produced a programme from the manj "brought to England, February, 1868. in my possession. sidered the doings of his acrobatic troupe Conjit ring Auth or a' Mistakes quite enough for a single evening's enIt seems strange that so many mistertainment ; but, with the farce of the "Goose with the Golden Eggs" to pre- takes have been copied from one author cede it, and the pantomime of "Robin to the other. I have taken no man's 110

W i l l b e P r e s e n U d ( a t S e v t n c l o c k ) t h e p o p u l a r a n d U u g l u . b l c f a r c e o f I I I IC

r y

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(FOR THIS WEEK.) By Particular Desire of several Ladies and Gentlemen. NEW AND GRAND PERFORMANCES. BY PERMISSION OF THE

Right Worshipful the May or THIS PRESENT

Monday Evening, March 29th, And every Evening during the Week,

(FROM MADRAS) Whose wonderful Feats of Strength and Agility, as well as Dexterity of Hand, were received with such unbourrted Admiration and Apphuse throughout the whole World and which have attracted the attention of all rank', from Uojalty downwards, WILL COMMENCE HIS PERFORMANCES

In i\Ir. Soulby's Large Room, over the Corn Exchange, .

MARKETPLACE, HULL.

His astonishing HYi formances commence with 1. Breaking in pieces a quantity of Thread, burning it, and then miraculously rejoining ihe pieces, and bringing them to their former stjle 1, The wonderful Transformation of common Sea Sand into various celours. 3.. Whimsical Deception with the K:;g and Bag. 4. A great variety of singular Feats with Brass Calls and Cups, by which it would appear that he can wonderfully increase their number at command. 5. Series of Evolutions with four hollow Bni-s Balls, each one Pound weight, with which he forms every possible Circle; horizontally, perpendicularly, obliquely, transversely, round his Legs, under his Anns, about his Head, in large and small Positions, keeping the whole in motion at the Same time, and with the rapidity of a whirlwind. 0. The Indian T o p , which he spins in a manner peculiar to his Country, balancing it on hi- No-e and Forehead. 7. Wonderful Balance of a Sword upon l>is F o r e h e a d ; at the same time twirling Four circular Pieces of Brass, on his;large Toes and Fore-fingers, and threading a quantity of small Beads with his Tongue. 8. He will balance on his Forehead an artifirial Tree, on which are perched upwards of twenty Biid°, which he singly shoots off the Branches, by a Tube loaded with small Builets, placed in his Mouth. ; • 9 Surprising Feats with Three remarkable Two-edged Knives, keeping them all in motion at the same time, and with the greatest rapidity. • 10. A beautiful Chinese Temple, which he forms in a surprising manner with his Mouth, by twelve small Car.es ; afterwards balancing the whole on his upper Lip. . I t . He swallows a Stone, cf the weight of two ounces, with the same ease as an European would swallow a small piece of Sugar, which when it comes up again will bring with it a quantity of various coloured Thread I'2. He will put a Hook Up his Nose, to which is attached a String, with a Stone suspended to it of upwards cf 3fl!) weight, which he will swing to the distance of a Yard, and throw all away togellier. 13. T o conclude with throwing'a large Stone Ball, weighing Twelve Pounds and a Half, with his Feel over his Head, receiving it on his Arms and various parts of his Body, with surprising quickness. Admittance — Front Seals, 2s.— Bark Seals, Is. * » * Doors to be opened at Seven o'Clock, and to commence precisely at Half-past.

gcj" .Music during- Hie Performance. GOOD FIRES IN THE ROOM. For the Accommodation of Ladies and Gentlemen attending the Market, there will be a performance on Tuesday Forenoon. Doors to be opened at"Eleven o'Clock, and to begin precisely at Half-past. Topping and Dawsoo? Printers, 47. Lowgate, Hull.

Program of East Indian from Madras, 1819.

Ill

112

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

word for a certainty, and have visited not give credit to the original translator, almost every country in Continental Eu- and from whom Mr. Mackenzie's book rope to hunt for material to verify the is copied word for word, simply writmatter that I already had in hand. No ing a new preface in which he corrects statement made to me was accepted as By particular Desire. Positively the last Niglit. genuine, and should I make a misstateTewkesbiiry*New Theatre. ment, shall onlv be too pleased to public* 1

!y correct same. ing undoubtedly mew F a i r book) teresting books j u r e r s , " "Circus

Underlhe I'jlroo.icr orilie

Thomas Frost (hav- PROPRIETORS OP" THE THEATRE. read Motley's B a r t h o has written several in("Lives of the C o n Life," " O l d S h o w m a n "

~ Ct)f tr IrtratrUSntiian, «».b.b...»,,„.„„„„.„,0,J','H,^,D.)2.To...,^.;i!n>.«.b...a. .b.,

and "London Fairs" etc., etc.) and has On WEDNESDAY Evening next, '

also

made

some

gross

mistakes;

The l l l h of JAMJAKV. 1326.

m. WILL EXHIBIT HIS

quotes the bogus Blitz and bogus Bosco as the real; calls Joseph Stodare, Alfred;

J5*traoi'liin,ir§» Strength and "bichhate^""«J'niri"i0"°rE"r"i"-

omits the existence of t h e other brother,

Amongst a great variety of wonderful Performances, tie will display his astonishing

Alfred, entirely; in fact Frost has placed _ _ i""""" -^pjk V - H on record many an inexcusable error / H BfcM*$B & ^ i R » f l l l t t where he was right on the ground, and with very little extra effort could have

given the correct facts. The errors in E. R. Evans's books also are mainly the

HEIGHT-, EACli QyE P0UND "* î,'j ân'ivfre^ro^rii'.'a U«s Î.j'*û^rAr^,bo»!iI>s u^fit'r Lif/.

oiners.

HE W ] L L

xnnow A LARGE

In his book "Old and New Magic" ( p a g e 112) he says R. Shelton Mackenzie translated Houdin's life in l8SQ- With his Feet, over his Head, receiving it on bis Arm aDcl J . . various parts of his Body, with surprising quicknes9. I h i s is w r o n g , as t h e book " H o u d i n s A ,,v c o d o r h ,, s Pe,'f, j r m a n cn>. b^.iiianuaii.

Memoirs" was first translated in Ken- SWALLOW A SWORD, sington, May, 1859, by the writer of TWO FEET LONG; "Criminal Celebrities," an author known

-^-m

A ^ ^ ^ ^ . I

as Lascelles Wraxall, Comparing the J^ i/f*C ' frOf* KS

first and original edition and translation,

Thi.»to»iSfcii,r..ii>.j,-.b.iH,.ib.«imy^»,,..^k,,w.,h,..u,™.,.f.iiM™rfs«i.«,

I note t h a t M r . R . Shelton M a c k e n z i e does not acknowledge who the real

iw,wiu^^ =. su.-tw....< * r.«.~..r,^...^,.$„..MM,™«, *»ai»t»kiKito.hf.««i,t™iiiM, *"£•£*£££££?»"• •i»«.n.-v.tPii»1»Hiu. i.k«

translator is, and apparently wishes to convey the idea that he is the real and only "Simon Pure" translator, for he fails to mention Lascelles Wraxall's name, and in his preface he states "A faithful translation of which is here presented to the American readino- public. I cannot sav that-Mr. Mackenzie de... . ' ,. hberately took credit for translating the book, but T can safely say that he did

m"5:::::::::::::::/. f % \ "ill". CALLtRY.

1 0

O«i*

"' L,..,°°IL,.:\">,\S, Vera Breda's program of 1826: By comparing this program with the one of the Indian from Madras you will note the same routine of experiments; and so undoubtedly (even t hough n o n a m e is nicntion , , « D this East Indian must have been Vera Breda in 1819; both p r o g r a m s a r e r e p r o d l l c e d for y O u r compari. Prn and studv.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

some gross errors of Houdin, and at the finish adding an index. ThijS certainly cannot be considered fair towards the original translator; for many years it has been the prevailing impression that Mr. R. Shelton Mackenzie himself did the translating. While searching the book stores in England I purchased several copies of the original translation. It first appeared in two volumes published by Chapman & Hall, 193 Piccadilly street, London, 1859. Mr. L. Wraxall signs his preface, May, 1859, while the American edition is signed by Mr. R. S. Mackenzie, Philadelphia, September 26, 1859, and published by Geo. G. Evans, 439 Chestnut street, Philadelphia, Pa. While Mr. R. S. Mackenzie praises Robert Houdin in his preface nevertheless he calls attention to several errors which T have already mentioned, and which only proves that Robert Houdin simply wrote his book to make it interesting, and in that he has succeeded. T agree with Mr. L. Wraxall, who seems to have an insight into Robert Houdin's life; for in the preface he says: "Tn my humble capacity as translator of Robert Houdin's life I may be permitted to make one or two remarks, and answer in anticipation the objections which I feel confident will be raised. "Tn the first place, T am perfectly aware that this English copy of Houdin's book will strike many of my readers as even more Gallicised than the original ; lint T beg to assure them I have produced this impression from malice prepense. It would have been an easy matter to make this book thororoughly English, but I feel, had I done so, it would have been as flat as yesterday's champagne. The great merit of the book, in my mind, is the intense belief M. Houdin has in his missions, and though no Englishman would write of

113

himself in such a satisfied tone, I am firmly convinced that the Arch Conjurer is actuated by the same feelings which induced Yatel to fall on his sword because the fish did not arrive in time. "'Death before Disgrace!' is apparently Houdin's motto. "Granting this indulgence for his brave 'ords, I thought it much better to present him to my readers as a real Frenchman, and not to endeavor to array him in an English garb in which he would have been a nondescript. That he is an author, almost a novelist, the Torrini episode will prove. * * * "I dare say, after all, that many Englishmen are equally convinced of their own supreme talent, though they do noi express that opinion as naively as does Robert Houdin." LASCELLES WRAXALL.

Kensington, May. 1859. .Vote.— My T"ieivs of Houdin, My opinion of Robert Houdin is that he had a wonderful good opinion of himself, and thought it was not such a wrong thing for him to take other people's brains and annex them as his own. He must have been an exceptionally well read man, and had an excellent memory. In his fight with Robin, he claims Robin copied the Inexhaustible Bottle Trick from him, whilst Robin states that Houdin deliberately took the trick from him. Both give dates, and I put myself on record as saying that while I believe Houdin had the trick, he certainly has not the advantage of Robin, as Robin never was known to make misstatements, and without any malice whatsoever I say that if both claim priority of the trick, Houdin was the "second best" man. (Macallister, the Scotch Magician also claimed the Inexhaustible Bottle as his trick.) (To be continued.)

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Notes From Theo. Hardeen, Our Official European Correspondent

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL. Have been playing two halls a night this week, the Paragon Mile End and the Metropolitan Edgeware Road, and as I shall have to play two halls a night for some time to come, will have to hustle so as to have my news in time for each issue. First of all, the papers are full of the colored Hypnotist Prof. W. A. Barclay of Jamaica (Kingston), who has buried his wife for 104 hours, and has immense crowds watching the burial place to see that no food is passed in to her. Strange how an old trick will be resurrected and cause so much talk. Years ago Morit.t created a sensation over here with his "Man in a Trance'' and I know of several cases in America where a man was buried for advertising purposes. One case caused a great deal of merriment. This "subject," a young fellow, was buried in a fair ground, and it cost ten cents to take a peep at him. A heavy rain storm arising caused the water to rise, and pretty soon the coffin was half filled with water. It did not require the Professor to wake the "Subject" for the water did

this, and he hurriedly broke the glass cover on the coffin, and yelled for "assistance" until he had been dug up. *

Mr. William Crooke in his book, "Things Indian," has met Indians that claimed the power of remaining buried for a long stretch without detriment ; other cases have been reported by such travelers as Dr. Honigberger and Capt. Osborne. Most of these cases I think are obviously impostures, and are generally the acts of ignorant fanatics. *

:|:

Jimmy Johnson, who will be remembered as the Chief Assistant of Horace Goldin, joined with Burns of the original Blocksom and Burns and are now working as Burns and Burns. They are presenting a very clever comedy turn introducing mysterious effects; for instance they have a gun that in some unaccountable way follows one of them all about the stage; also have a peculiar disappearing umbrella trick that always makes them town talk. They have just returned from a six months' tour of South America, and Jim tells me that he could not find trace of a single magician in South America. Edna Wood taking a rest in America for a year and Balbrigga dead, naturally leaves that country destitute. * * * In my last letter I wrote about a man that claimed he was the originator of "Dropping-with-a-rope-tied-about-hisneck." He has eventually met with an accident and barely managed to make his exit from a hospital. He may never do the rope drop again. *

Met H. W. Snelling P. P. G. M. of Newcastle on Tyne, and was surprised to learn that his daughter M. Vano was married to Vano the Handcuff Expert.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. They were over on a visit some time ago, and gave two trial shows, one at the Empire New Castle, and the other for the London Mirror. Both of these performances failed to bring in any bookings. *

* *

The Barlocks, two youths of modest mien, are working right along and doing very well. They make a specialty of rapid work in all of their mysteries. * * * At the Empire Dudley, I note on the bill a lady advertised as "Empress." "She will extricate herself from any position." That is a happy talent! Wish at several tim-es I could have extricated myself from positions I have been in, like seasickness or from hotel bills, when years and years ago managers did not think so well of the Mystery business. But such is life. * * * William Cree, known as "Vilvoe," Strongman and Police Defier, has married a young lady of Sheffield. Good luck to them both. * * * Sampson the erstwhile strong man is out again with a new Mystery performance called "Sargent Brue." The nature of the mystery has been kept secret. * * * Wilfred Zelka M. I. M. C, whatever that may mean, is manager of a new "City Magicial and Entertainment Company" in London. * * * Manager Alfred Butt, has struck on a novel advertising scheme in inviting the public to accept picture post cards of the Mysterious Galateas Exposition of" Living Statuary. This act is causing a good deal of favorable comment. * * * The following is an article that I reproduce from a daily newspaper, and it ought to take rank with the story of

115

the magician throwing the ring into the ocean, and then catching a fish with the ring in the fish's mouth. * * * A theatre in Paris is giving a oneact play called "An Adventure in Chicago." In it a French family is giving a luncheon and sends out for a pattie. It is a canned affair from Chicago and after the dinner is started a one-armed guest is asked how he came to be deprived of the member which he lacks. He tells a long story about being run over by an electric car in Chicago and how a dog ran away with his arm, which he was particularly sorry to lose, because on the finger was a curious ring which he proceeds to describe. At this point one of the guests bites on that very ring, and then—well, it is not necessary to go any further. In France this delicate play is regarded as a farce. * * * Tom Ffearn the Lazy Juggler is at the Central Theatre, Dresden, this month ; he handed out a splendid laugh to all the boys, wii.h the following letter printed in the ENCORE : Central Theatre, Dresden, October 29th, 1906. To the Editor of T H E ENCORE. DEAR SIR:—In one of your issues you referred to Carlton as a "comedy juggler." In justice to Griff and myself, allow me to inform you that he is not such. He may be a comedy conjurer, but this is none of my business. Faithfully yours, TOM HEARN. * * * Will Brown, an old friend of mine, is in London, and greatly interested in the Handcuff business. Although he does not do any Handcuff work, I think his knowledge in that line is certainly ahead of many of the so-called professional Handcuff Kings.

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COMBINATION "CARD IN EGG" TRICK An excellent trick for Amateurs or Professionals. Note.—Effect to the Audience You show a pack of playing cards, shuffle them, and allow one to be selected ; allow this card to be torn up and while it is being destroyed, walk to your table, and pick up a black box into which you allow the torn card to be placed. After the torn card is in this box, take one torn off corner of the card and hand it to some one to hold. The black box is now also given to some one to hold, and while it is being held up in full view, you again turn to your table and bring down a plate full of fresh eggs. You allow an egg to be selected by some one at the opposite side of the card selecter; after the egg has been selected, you ask the person to hold the egg in the air on a small plate that you have for the purpose. At command the torn card will leave the black box, and on breaking open the egg, the card is found in it, restored, but with one corner missing, and on the other corner being matched, that has been held by the spectator, it will be found to exactly fit the card that has just been taken from the egg. EXPLANATION. The card selected must be forced, that is, you compel the party selecting a card to virtually select the card that you almost push into his hand- If you do not wish to take any chances on the trick, the best way is to use a "forcing pack," in which all the cards are alike. Advance preparation. Let us suppose that you are going to force the Jack of Diamonds. Before the performance take a Jack of Diamonds, tear off one corner, fold the card into three parts,

make a roll of it and place it into the end of a hollow wand which contains a rod that can be pushed up and down inside of it; this wand is painted black so as to look like any ordinary wand. Place the torn-off end of the card into the bottom compartment of a mechanical black card box (its mechanism will be described later on). Performance of trick. Take a pack of cards and ask someone to take a card, either forcing the card, or if using a "forcing pack" allow any card to be taken from the pack; ask selector of card to completely tear up the card and place it into the mechanical black card box; now this has a flap on the side which is held down by a small hook which releases the flap when you close the cover of the' box, and so takes up the torn up card and makes it appear that the card has disappeared and brings to view the torn off corner of the card you had prepared in advance. Now hand this torn off corner to the person that selected the card and say that he had better retain it in his possession. Next take an egg, which you have previously allowed someone to choose from the plate full of eggs, and break it with the tip of your wand that contains the rolled up card, and as you break the shell gently, push the card into the egg by forcing it out. of the wand by means of the rod. Suddenly you spy the card and show the audience that you really extract the card from the egg. Next unroll the card and hand it to the card selector, proving to him that it is the card he selected and that the corner he has in his hand exactly fits the missing corner of the card taken from the egg. Note—Any amateur can perform this trick, and the mechanical card box, wand and forcing pack of cards can be purchased from all reliable magical dealers.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

117

Our Mail Bag Under this column, you have the right to make any complaint against any one tnat y ° u wish- Perhaps it may be the means of bettering certain conditions that exist at the present time. We will not be responsible for our correspondents' opinions. We only publish this letter in order to answer a lot of so-called jealousies that are circulated regarding the drawing power of the Handcuff performance.

what is wanted amongst the 'profession' in place of the many worthless 'journals' ( ?) foisted upon us at present time—papers compiled and edited by would-be Magicians who have no more TEMPLE THEATRE, knowledge of the art than the person Detroit, Mich., Dec. I, 1906. you mention under the guise of 'Mr. G.' To HARRY HOUDINI, "Handcuff King." (I recognize the man and perfectly This is to certify that you have dur- agree in all you say about him.) ing your engagement at the Temple Kindest regards. Theatre, Detroit, Mich., the week of . Yours fraternally, November 26, 1906, broken all existing MONTAGUE R. FITZWILLIAM. records of the theatre for attendance. * * * And it is to further certify that the recAndover, N. H., ord of the theatre you have just broken, October 21, 1906. was made by yourself at a previous en- Editor Conjurers' Monthly Magazine, gagement when you broke the record DEAR SIR : held by Vesta Tilley. In answer to your ad. regarding inThe statement of Col. Gaston Borde- formation concerning old time Magiverry, to the effect that he broke the cians, I can give some account of a cerrecord for attendance at the Temple tain man named Richard Potter, who Theatre during his engagement at said was known as a wonderful Magician, theatre, is without foundation. He was born in 1783 and lived 52 Yours most respectfully, years. He was part Hindoo and was J. H. MOORE, Proprietor and Manager, married. He had some books, which are now in the possession of an old lady, * * * which I shall try and get. They are 10 Tytherton Road, written in a foreign language. Potter Tufnell Park, N. DEAR SIR : was a Hypnotist and a celebrated VenFirst copy of the Conjurers' Monthly triloquist. Here are a few wonders he Magazine safely to hand, for which ac- performed. Before a score of people cept best thanks. You may add my and in the open air, free from trees, name to the list of regular subscribers, houses or mechanism, he threw up a ball I have at present only glanced of yarn and he and his wife climbed up through the first pages of No. 1, but on it and vanished in the air. A person even from such a casual notice I have coming up the road asked what the come to the conclusion that it is just people were gazing at, and being told,

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

he said he met them going down the road. Potter also crawled through a solid log. One day he happened to be passing a farm, where several men were trying to start a load of hay, which was to be pulled up the hill into a barn. Potter laughed at them and unhitching the horses, he produced a Rooster from his pocket and hitching him on witli a string he pulled the load up into the barn. The next morning when they went to pitch off the hay, they found it at the foot of the hill. There are many other things he did. Potter Place, N. II., is named after him and in his dooryard is erected a small gravestone inscribed "In •Memory of Richard Potter, the Celebrated Ventriloquist, Aged 52 years. Died. Sept. 20, 1835." Beside him lies his wife, who died at 45 years of age. I will try and find his photograph if it will be of any account to you. I live in the town in which he lived and have talked with people who saw him perform these wonders. Yours respectfully, G. DANA TAYLOR.

P. S. I am about to make my Profession publicly known and shall throw a mist before their eyes as is supposed to have been done by Potter. *

We are in touch with Mr. Taylor, relative to this matter and hope to shortly bring some interesting fact to the attention of our readers. * * * Editor Conjurers' Monthly Magazine: In September number I see an item from Joe Hayman, mentioning Maskelyne and Devant shows, and asking why .it is that all . magicians who are great inventors fall back on their old illusions and tricks. He said there must be. a. good reason, and asked for some one to enlighten us on that subject.

I will try to the best of my ability to give several reasons. I personally have spent over ten thousand dollars in the last seven years trying to accomplish something new, in which I have been ONLY partly successful. First, inventions are seeds, that have to grow, and they take a long time, sometimes years, before they are perfect. All the old illusions and tricks which are now performed before the public are masterpieces and cost thousands and thousand? of dollars before they got to that stage of perfection. For instance, take levitation ; it took fifty years till it got to its present state. If one man had spent all the money on the different forms of suspending a lady in the air, he would have spent over a hundred thousand dollars. The First Invention zvas the suspension on a rod. Next comes Astarta, next Lunet, next Aga; then Keller the magician improved Aga so he could do it without a black cloth and without standing behind. Then came Maskelyne's Levitation, which is the perfection of all. So it is with all other inventions ; to accomplish something it takes years, an unlimited amount of money, patience and persistence; many fall by the wayside and give it up, and go back to the old masterpieces. Others stick to the old masterpieces till the new inventions materialize. All inventors in every line are dreamers, and very seldom realize their dreams. I have worked on a growth of flowers for seven years. It cost me over twelve hundred dollars and yet is not finished. I have an aerial suspension that cost seven hundred and fifty, worked six years on it, and I could improve it a good deal more if I cared to waste more money. I hope this will answer the

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

question why the new stuff is not rapidly produced. PROF. OTTO HORNMANN.

* * * Detroit, Mich., Nov. 22, 1906. Editor of Conjurers' Monthly Magazine: Here is something I would like you to fathom—A lady comes into a parlor and is told to write whatever questions she wishes to have answered on a sheet of paper. She does so and places the sheet of paper into her pocket book. The party tells her all she has written and answers all her questions, though they were seated on a lounge across the room. Please answer in your next issue how this is accomplished. EDWIN JOYCE.

* * * If Mr. Joyce will be more explicit, perhaps we can enlighten him on the

1 19

many ways of obtaining duplicate writings, that if you will take pains and give an exact description as to what took place, we will try and give you a clearer description. An old method of reading a card inside of an envelope is to have a sponge soaked with alcohol, and on taking the envelope you simply wash the envelope with the alcohol, which causes the paper to become translucent, thereby enabling you to easily read the message written. Alcohol evaporates rapidly, and after you have read the message yon can make some excuse for delay until the envelope has regained its original condition, and no one can tell what has transpired. Fifteen years ago we personally paid a spiritualist $25 for this trick, and always felt that we received our money's worth. * * * London, Eng., Oct. 30, 1906. DEAR THEO. HARDEEN :

May I congratulate you and all concerned upon the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine? It's great and just wipes the floor with all the others. I only discovered it to-day and that quite by accident. And how may I explain your query and my act in your first number, page eleven ? Firstly, I am not Oswald Williams of Cardiff. This gentleman's name is Charles Oswald Williams ; he is a very clever amateur conjurer, but I believe has never been on the Music Halls. I met him some years back and we were so struck at the strange coincisubject. A neat way of rinding out how dence in the similarity of our names things are written is shown in the illus- and craft that we were photographed together. tration. The act you refer to, I was producing You will observe that in the cabinet there is a concealed confederate, who at. Holborn Empire, the week before sees what is written and tells it to you ; which I was giving the Shadowgraphy this is one method; but there are so Act (an old booking) at Jarmouth.

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I think this clears the matter up, so with every good wish I beg to remain, Fraternally thine, OSWALD WILLIAMS.

Washington, •D.* C,* Nov. 7, 1906. MY DEAR HOUDINI :

You will have to pardon me for the delay in getting this information, as it has taken a lot of time. I found the Doctor who attended him during his illness; he knows very little, only that Nickle died a very sad death in a furnished room house on Tenth street; his room was on the fourth floor and very humble, dark and ill-lighted. Nickle was working at that time at Kernan's, which theatre then was called The Central; he was alone, his wife not being with him, and there is no one here alive now who could give any information about him or his family, as the man that kept this place where he died, also died about five years ago. I saw his wife, but she knew nothing about it. Dr. Sellhausen says he was called about II o'clock the night he died and found him very bad; in his haste to answer the call he left his medicines at home, and when he found him so very low, he said he had to go to the drug store for some drops to try to keep him alive, and as he went out of the room Nickle's last words were: "Hurry up, Doc;" he was gone five minutes, but when he returned Nickle was dead; he says Nickle was a fine looking man, having dark hair and beard, was very pale, but very lively, and from what he could learn was a "sport." I have tried to find out more about him but could not. Nickle had no doctor until Dr. Sellhausen came and then only for five minutes. Hope this will help you some; sorry I could not find out more. Will close for this time, with best wishes. J. H. BECKER.

Mexico, Oct. 27, 1906. MR. HARRY HOUDINI. NEW YORK. DEAR SIR:

I take the liberty of writing you this letter hoping you will excuse me, and beg you, if it is possible, to let me know the address of Mme. Emma Lynden— wife of the late Balbraga-—of whom you speak in the Number 2 of the Conjurers' Magazine. Hoping you will render me this favor, I remain at your service. Yours respectfully, L. ROUX-RORERTY.

Address: L. Roux-Roberty, San Camilio 5, Mexico. * * * Note: We have written to the lady, and if she wishes to enlighten you she will do so. But our only address was Taunton, Mass.

Harpings From Hayman London, Eng. This month London is certainly having its share of all things mysterious; the Zanzigs are at the Alhambra; Carl Hertz at the Croydon Empire; Dr. Bodie at the Chelsea Palace; Herr Fritz at the New Cross Empire; Carlton's illusion "The Mysterious Cross" at the Empress Brixton ; Hardeen at the Metropolitan and Paragon; and good old Maskelyne and Devant doing business at the same old stand. Leicester Square abounds with conjurers telling each other how good they are, and what they are nightly doing to the poor public; the magical manufacturers are wearing a satisfied smile and seem supremely happy; in fact there is a prosperous happy look on all the mystery perpetrators. * * * The Zanzigs opened at the Alhambra Monday (November 5th), the feature of

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

the bill, and to them fell the star place 9:50 p. m., before the big ballet; 9:50 p. m. at the Alhambra is not a sinecure spot by any means, as you are following ten of the best turns in the world, and at that hour the audience have had enough of vaudeville, and are polishing up their opera glasses so as to have a good clear view of the dainty ballet girls. *

Prof. Alex, a hypnotist, gave a private performance on Monday before the directors of the London Pavilion, and a delegation of medical men were present to test the genuineness of the trances, etc. The best test performed consisted in putting the subject, into a trance and having1 a horse with a man mounted on its back step on the subject, and failing to break the rigidity of the person stepped upon. It was a splendid performance. I have not heard if the Professor hypnotized Mr. Frank Glenister, the managing director of the pavilion, into giving him a contract. Note. (The horse referred to, with the man on his back, was a four-legged animal.) * * * Carlton has launched a new illusion, called "The Mysterious Cross." A man is tied and bound hand and foot to the cross, and releases himself;—this is the only description Carlton gives, but I shall see it. at the first opportunity and explain in detail. * * * I am advised that Mellini will sail for your side on the 14th inst. Mr. Ornum tells me that in his presence, to decide a wager, Mellini scaled a card to the roof of the Grand Hotel in London, and caused the card to return to his hand ; this, I think, is a bit of a record, although Howard Thurston some

121

time ago scaled cards nightly at the Palace from the stage to the dome of the theatre; Mellini has appeared before the King several times, but he does not brag about it; a very amusing incident is related of Mellini; he wished to appear before the Queen, and not knowing how to go about it, wrote the Queen a letter, and it began as follows :— Dear Mrs. Queen. The letter was a big laugh in court circles, but Mellini received the desired permission; in this country he is considered the best parlor entertainer in the world. * * •* Anthony is in his second month in Paris, doing his entire act in French, which is described as a sort of a WeberFields-Hackenschmidt, half Nelson, on the language ; but he is winning out with it, and that is the answer. Paris, by the way, is evidently reforming, not morally, but sensationally; there was a time in "Paree," if you could perform some feat whereby you would take your life in your hands at each performance, you could name your own figure for salary; but. now this is all changed. Two harmless young men wished to allow motor cars to run over any part of their body, as their part of the performance at the Folies Bergere; the public were invited to bring their own motor cars along, bar nothing; just imagine some chauffeur with a record of 24 killed and 69 wounded, armed with his own machine, coming to the Hall to try to kill the two young men in question ! but alas, it was not to be, for the cruel police stepped in and said no in French, and the manager had to omit the act. * * * A friend of mine who has just returned from South America told me the following incident, which is as true as

122

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

it is strange; while my friend was playing in Buenos Ayres he formed the acquaintance of a titled gentleman named Marquis Luis Almeda; the Marquis was an amateur illusionist and conjurer, and quite an inventor in things magical; having unlimited means at his command, he could easily satisfy his desires in that way. The Marquis would always meet the incoming artists, and find out from them the latest illusions from the old and new worlds, his great pleasure consisting in inviting a few performers to a dinner, after which he would do his act for them; one of the newcomers told the Marquis all about Lafayette's "Lion's Bride" and described it to him in detail. In a fortnight the Marquis, all smiles, came around to the boys with the news that he had completed an illusion that would go the "Lion's Bride" one better; he employed three Bengal Tigers in his illusion and he would "disappear them," while he was in the cage with them; he invited all the boys to dinner that night, and he seemed ill at ease and anxious for the dinner to be at an end ; dinner over, they repaired to his studio, which was fitted with a miniature stage and all the necessary equipments. He had a cage containing three tigers brought forth, and stepped into the cage, closing the door behind him; at his word of command his assistants held a sheet in front of the cage; in a moment there was heard in the cage terrible roaring and gnashing of teeth and then all was quiet; the sheet was hastily taken away, and the Marquis was found literally torn to pieces on the floor, the tigers standing over him, satisfying their ferocious appetites; the apparatus had failed to work! It was afterwards reported that the Marquis had taken this method to commit suicide, on account of money

matters, but his desire to be a conjurer really was the cause of his terrible death. Last Wednesday in Liverpool, at Barrisford's Hippodrome, a most peculiar accident occurred; the County Council compels all places of amusement to be furnished with an iron asbestos fire curtain, which must be lowered and raised at least once before the public during the performance to show them it is in good order; the curtain on that night got unruly and after it had been lowered, absolutely refused to be raised; kind words and force were tried, but to no avail, and as the curtain weighed some tons, it could not be raised again. There was nothing else for the manager, Mr. Hassen, to do but dismiss the audience, and there was no show that night. *

Our German friend Otto Heinemann, who travelled in America as "Mellini" and who copies all mystery acts when they come to Germany, has made a discovery; he found a giantess some 8 feet 2 inches high, weighing 376 pounds; she is booked for the Moss-Stoll tour in this country by Messrs. Anger & Bauer, Heinemann's English representatives; this month the discovery is showing her size and weight at the Homey-Fey Theatre, Vienna. * •

C. C. Bertram, formerly of Albertus & Bartram, has accepted the position of Editor for "The Performer," the official organ of the Variety Artists' Federation ; his former partner this month is working at Montpelier, France, with a new partner. JOSEPH HAYMAN.

THE

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CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

READING

REVIEWING BOOKS AND THINGS

BISH

FROM THE

PRESS

WISE, AND

OTHERWISE Rvans, but that did not prevent us from going after him, and we are sure that the next book or article from the prolific pen of this gentleman will be the most THE " WIZARD" WANDERS accurate thing lie has ever placed before the public. And is Inconsistant Why? Simply because he has been Our esteemed contempory the London informed as to his mistakes, and will "Wizard" has apparently-gone over the gather his future material with greater various numbers of our Magazines (to discretion then in days of yore. Reits own satisfaction) and makes sev- garding Robert Houdin, we are not eral statements that we know have not traducing him any way. That man been fully considered. We know the wrote a book, and it is full of cool and Editor personally, and have always deliberate falsehoods!! He gathered up found him a square and broad minded a lot of tricks in his lifetime and alperson, and in our belief, he is the Edi- though he had no right whatsoever to tor of the only healthy Magician's claim them as his own, nevertheless he Monthly in England, but this will not informs you that he is the inventor of prevent us from enlightening him on them all. several things in which we think he is * * * greatly mistaken or misinformed. No one ever favored us; we have * * * never asked for favors, and should we First of all, we are not publishing our misinform people, naturally it is the natMagazine for the money that we are ural law of events that "Truth Will Prelikely to make!! This is something that vail." is a serious thing to assert, but time will And in the Wizard's opening column eventually prove our assertions. of their "Gossip" they are positively When we attack any noted author or arguing in the same strain that we are. performer, it is simply because we think Thev are upholding the fact that it is wrong to patent another man's brains; that he ought to be called to task. We attacked Mr. H. R. Evans be- wrong to take another man's brain and cause he was looked upon in the light of claim that it is your own ; wrong to even an "unerring" writer, and all the time prevent someone else from doing somehe was quoting wrong persons, false thing that he has the right to do. facts and misstatements. We are perWell, those are our contentions resonally and friendly acquainted with Mr. garding Robert Houdin.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

124

He has been quoted as being the inventor and producer of all the various tricks that he had in his entertainment, and we claim without any fear or hesitation that at the present moment we are the only authority possessing material to prove that Houdin's entire book bristles with false laurel wreaths. The "Illusionist" the Parisian Magicians' periodical says: "Harry Houdini is going to uncrown our hero Robert Houdin." But then no one ever was interested enough in Magic to spend so much time and money as we have, making various journeys simply to verify our statements. We wonder if the Magicians know that our collection of old Newspapers, Programmes and Magic books has cost us over $IO,ooo. (Over £2,000.) So we trust that all our readers will have patience until the entire Houdin material is published; and it will show that we are not trying to clown him, but give credit to those to whom it rightfully belongs. We intend to add tricks from time to time, and hope that we have come to stay. We are always open to corrections, and we thank the Wizard for a few excellent suggestions, of which we will take advantage. *

Barnum & Bailey's Annual Route Book We have just received a Morroco bound book published by Chas. A. Andress, called "The Barnum & Bailey Annual Route Book." It is a $2 book, but the material contained is of such a peculiar nature that it is well worth the money asked for. We doubt if anyone else could have obtained the information within its pages, and some of the material is interesting,

as it brings back to mind all the old time Circus performers. Amongst the celebreties we find the ubiquitous Dr. S. Ellison. For an enclyopedia of general show information it is the most complete that we have ever seen.

A Fraudulent Bo6k A pamphlet has fallen into our hands called "New Necromancy and Hindoo Feats explained." It is written by Stelling Brynert, a man of whom we have never heard. The book is printed on very good paper, but the rot it contains equals any we have ever seen. Not even in our palmy circus days would he dare sell such stuff. Years ago we heard that Charlie Carter sold the secret of doing the braid trick, but having a printed circular, which informed you to go buy some "goose-goose" and rub in well on your writs, but then he did not try to sell you this wonderful "goosegoose." He did not even try to sell you Limber juice, although Nelson of the Funny-advert fame did ; but this Brynert actually wishes to sell you some power which you can spread in a room, and make everyone believe everything that you tell them. He sells a bottle of "Palming oil" that will enable you to duplicate any trick you may witness with a pack of playing cards. All through the book he is selling you some fraud. If any of our readers know of friends that have been defrauded by this man, we will esteem it a favor to publish their complaints.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

% Jottings and

We were in Chicago two weeks How things have changed since our first visit. Magic then was a cheap form of entertainment, except when exhibited by Hermann and Kellar; but on our visit this time, mystery acts "topped" the bill at the various vaudeville theatres. * * # Charles Carter & Co. have left Chicago and are now touring on the Slayten Lyceum Bureau; his act has been enlarged. * * * Ziska and King are still on the Western Circuit, and Ziska has a new Cannon Trick which will startle the world. He claims that he can take any lady and place her on a platform suspended in the air, two feet from the stage, and with a huge cannon blow her out of sight, without any covering whatsoever. "But." he added, "if they find any pieces of her, the trick will be exposed." He personally informed us that he intends to1 kill a lady at each and every performance. * * * J. D. Spaar has decided to open a Magical Bazaar in Chicago, on Larabee street; being an old harness maker, this would be a good place to send folks for "strap oil." * * * Miss Grace Kennedy, who once rejoiced in the exalted position of being Roltair's wife (now divorced), has been preparing to mount the stage with a large Magical performance. * * * During our engagement at the Majestic Theatre, an old has-been handcuff-man, according to the Chicago newspapers, came on the stage with a "fixed" Tower and Lyons do'uble-lock ratchet handcuff, and tried to "do things to us." We opened his manacle, and although we offered him $500 in real money, he refused to even attempt to open our handcuffs. We did not catch his stage name, but he is the handcuff man that was closed in Oakland, at the Bell Theatre, after his first performance, and was canceled in Moline, 111.,

125

because his act was not up to the standard he claimed for it. * * * Logrenia has just returned from the Pacific Coast, and is looking younger than ever. He is playing around Chicago. * * * Vernallo is still at the Clark Street Museum, and really doing a very clever act, considering that he has been there so long; for a magician is apt to neglect his work when in one position a long time. * * * The Stettars of Detroit are said to be adding illusions to' their usual performance. * * * Mr. Fred Roterberg, son of A. Roterberg, the Chicago dealer, assisted by his twin sister, Miss Hattic Grace, will very likely soon appear in an act called "The Missing Stamp Collector," which is a sort of an illusion in which things vanish; the scene being laid in a postoffice. * * * That reminds us of some foreign act giving a trial show at the Majestic—Mons. Demanto —in which Madame Demanto escapes from a large mail pouch. They made "good" on their trial, and have been booked on the smaller circuits. * * * Nelson Norr's (the millionaire packer's son), who has been known never to wear a hat, appeared in Chicago as a handcuff expert and with his personality made a decided hit with the audience. * * * Wassman, the Magician, is still about looking as spruce as ever. * * * Sa Hera always finds time (though busy strenuously working the newspapers for space) to send us a bill with his act always featured. * * * Gay, the Mystifier, was in Marion, O., and made good. * * * New York Journal, Nov. 23rd, has an article in which Samri S. Baldwin, the world-famous and original White Mahatma, has been sued for divorce by his wife, Mrs. C. Baldwin. Her counsel, Charles M. Beattie, asked Justice O'Gorman to allow a counsel fee of $750 to prosecute the case, and $40 weekly alimony,

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

pending the determination of suit. The justice reserved his decision. Baldwin denies the various charges. * * * Sears, the Illusionist, has now collected a variety of good mysteries, and ought to be heard of oftener. * * * Albini, the original Egg-bag-i-t, is starring on the Krystal Circuit. * * * Rismour, the Hindoo Mystifier, is also on the Krystal Circuit; and so are many more magicians on this same circuit. * * * Diavolo, the original Loop-the-Loop Daredevil, defied death twice daily for a long time, but Fate eventually overtook him. After escaping death on the loop, he was killed in a railroad wreck near Rome, N. Y., while doing duty as fireman in the employ of the New York Central Road. His body was frightfully mangled. * * * Delbcrt Craig, the Modern Magician, is looking for work; but there are others. * * * Felix Bcrol, brother of Max and William, has joined hands with J. Warren Keene and will soon be seen with one of the most novel tricks ever placed before an audience. Although many may know how the trick is done, none can duplicate it. It is a large, transparent clock dial, which is taken to' any part of the house, and no matter what question is asked it will answer instantaneously anything that can be answered by letters or figures. It is called "Askme." * * * Prof. Donar, our old-time .friend, has actually been accused by the "Variety" of being a "near-comedian." Good boy, Donar. * * * Norton was at the Appleton, Wis., Bijou Theatre last week, and Squire Montgomery informed us that the folks "sed he wuz good." * * * While on the subject o'f Applcton, we wish to state that Harry Helms, who is a large taxpayer in that township, is there, owing to the death of his father-in-law, John Stoesser, who died leaving a large amount of property, but neglecting to leave a will. The -•estate is now in the probate court. Mr.

Stoesser was one of the leading contractors of Applcton. * * * Kalera Yamanab, the Hindoo Magician and Snake Charmer, according to the New York American, was admitted to Bellevue Hospital as a patient, and entered with a small silken black bag. On being asked what he had in the bag, he chirped several times, and lo and behold, out wriggled five fair-sized snakes. Several of the medicos made a record sprint for the window, and although it was a clear jump of ten feet, they cleared it without an effort, and landed on the soft grass below, from which point of vantage they explained to' the Hindoo that the only snakes allowed in Bellevue were in the alcoholic ward. The snakes were returned to the black bag, and sent to a friend of the Hindoo, at 79 East Tenth street. * * * Mrs. Adelaide Hermann was on the opening bill at B. F. Keith's new theatre in Altoona, Pa. * * * We note that My;tcrious Caesar is meeting with success, and has strengthened his ;8;-from-»CTl?bra'.e.l Pntfiil Ntdidne WnnboUBe in the KtlkirUui WONDER IV THE WITCHES' POLE, witli singular development' in Carlomaney WONDER V ANIMATED DOLLARS, with Life And InlelleBence Manifested WONPER VI HELLER'S ARABESQUE R1NCS WONDER V I I . . . ' . . : '..'. THE DEVIL'S PUNCHBOWL

PABI II.-MTJSICNo. No.

GRAND FANTASIA on Airs from the ••Sonnarobiih" of Thalberg. performed by ROBERT HELLER, on Suinwa/a Gland Pianoforte 2 Ma HBLLEB'8 Iyiu^liuble Description the I'lano-pnuuice (.fa Boarding School Young Lady.—llluilrated The Voting L.idy by Robert Heller.

FART

III.-MTT3TEEY.

HEUEB'S SECOND-SIGHT MYSTEBY lnmud bj hid. pflrfrnnul bj Birt onlj. md •bob *•» umdo bu eeltbrilj from Mafirsttppaanoco U public, bciog frcqa«iOj dcugoulcd >•

No 2 -TBE PIDMKS OF VICTORY

PART

IV.-IN8IBtJOIION.

PXJ1LOH M A O I C , or Tricke M«do Eaiy.'eviry pcinoii In llie Audien*ouulg not only«howu Ule Trickn, but lauyhl)nJ>l"'y >'ow to do Ihem, «o that they m.y e o»nd«Urtoiita3C0iijorer s for I'iriDi.'lvclii'ilaishievd [lament » fortune as has fallen to the lot of ROBERT, IIKLLEE..

INi ES'VST

j »• nmuktbl« u utLr

ADMISSION RESERVED SEATS

60 CENTS 75 CENTS

Do. Omc. open to .ocu™ Ho.or.oa Boat. Crem » Mil 12 ana frooH till 4 o'clock Doorsoponnt? • To c o m m o n o «t 8 o'clooli

%^-Matinee

Wednesday, at 2 1-2 o' OOOBS OPEH AT 3 O'CLOCK,

Poster used by Heller in Boston.

MONTHLY

MAGAZINE.

through the curtains, bells ring, and yet the curtains are drawn every now and then rapidly aside and no one is seen within. That Mr. Robert Heller teaches his audience how to do a variety of conjuring tricks, that he makes an interminable quantity of puns, that he shows a great deal of humor (chiefly of the American kind) in a dry, droll way, and plays the piano in brilliant style, and gives imitations of a boarding-school young lady after the manner of Mr. John Parry, may simply be mentioned ac. so many additional securities for the amusement of the audience. It is on cabalistic grounls that Mr. Robert Heller will most firmly take his stand in the Metropolis, and, though several of his illusions are familiar, they are endowed with all the freshness of novelty. Notwithstanding some of those imperfections incidental to a first night, and which have since been amended, it was palpable to all that the entertainment has features of excellence which will be gladly recognized bv the sight seekers of London. * * * From this it can be deducted that Heller was born about 1833. Amongst my clippings I have several cut from the New York Clipper. Under date of Saturday, April 27, 1867 from their San Francisco, Calif, correspondent there is a very good criticism, stating among other flattering words: "So far he has attracted large houses and is the greatest success of any public performer that has appeared in this city for years." Heller opened at the Metropolitan Theatre, March 4, 1867, and for the first fifteen nights his receipts amounted to $22,400, which is certainly a marvelous figure especially for those days.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Heller must have made several trips to England, as I have programmes and posters of later dates than 1868, the latest being 1873. But what puzzles me is that the 1873 programme reads "First appearance in England, Saturday, May 31, 1873," although he had a very successful run in England in 1868. In one early programme of his performance in America he claims to have invented the Second Sight Mystery. I am not certain as to the date, but as the programme contains the tricks that he used on his very early bills, it must date from 1853 or 1854. I deduct that according to his own statements he landed in America in September, 1852, and on this Boston Poster (which is herewith reproduced), he states that he has just finished a successful season of 365 nights in New York, so this reproduced poster must be about November or December, 1853. In 1873 during his provincial engagements, Heller had a very fine show, the programme was large and varied, and some of the "Attractions" billed were the Decapitation, Second Sight Mystery, Blue Beard and Demon Monkey Illusion, and Living Pictures; (in this Living Picture Illusion Miss Haydee Heller was the important factor, as the act consisted of an artist's easel being placed on the stage and a series of portraits (without faces) of public personages being placed on this easel. Miss Heller by placing her face in the aperture would "look" like the person whose clothes were painted or pinned on the

137"

canvas) ; Christy's Minstrels (a la Marionettes), Heller's Wonders and numerous other effects were introduced by this very clever and versatile man. In Heller's advertisement of 1864 during his engagement at "Salle Diabolique," 585 Broadway (opposite Niblo's), six of his features are quoted. 1. A Perfect Dream of Illusion. 2. Seemingly Supernatural Marvels,, surpassing all "Spiritual Manifestations." 3. Piano Solos by Robert Heller. 4. Heller's Extraordinary Second Sight. 5. Magical Minstrelsy. 6. Witticism, Drollery and Mirth. Dr. W. Golden Mortimer and Henry Hatton are two men alive today that have a fund of information of this Master Entertainer, and I am pleased that the many facts are becoming published. Dr. W. Golden Mortimer before undertaking the practice of Medicine travelled through America with a Mystery Show, which he termed "Mortimer's Mysteries" and Henry Hatton is given the credit of being one of the pioneer "Box-Trick" presenters, and in his time it was a most expensive mystery. There remains very little more to be said about Heller, and should our readers know of authentic facts regarding this versatile performer, we shall be pleased to give them credit in our columns for any information sent. HARRY HOUDINI.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

138

H O CV S P O C V S IV N IO R The dnatomie of

LEGERDEMAIN. OR, The Art of Iugling fet forth in his proper colours, foliy, plainly, and exactly, Co that an ignorant pet Ton may thereby learn tht full perfection of the iamcaf ter a little praftife. Vnto each Tricke is added thefigure,where it is nccdfidJ forinftruflion.

Theftctnd Edititn, with m*«j addition!. Prtflit aibiliquimLJhdftceic

i>Bl) "•

« D O N,

P r i n t e d b y T. H. for R.M.

(Con fin

1 6 3 5 .

iierf)

OF THE PLAY OF THE BALLS. The operator must have his implements of purpose to play withal; and first he must have three cups, made of brass, or crooked lane plate; these cups must be all of one size and the bottom of each of them must be set a little within the cup; also he must have four balls made of cork about the bigness of small nutmegs. First, he must practice to hold these cork balls, two or three of them at once in one hand. The best place, and the readiest to hold one ball, is between the ball of the thumb and the palm of the hand ; but if you hold more than one at one time, between your fingers towards the bottoms. The place to hold a great ball is between your two middle fingers. Remember in your play always to keep

the palm of your hand downward; after you have once learned to hold these balls handsomely, you may work divers strange and delightful feats. But whether you seem to cast your ball in the air, or into your mouth, or into your other hand, yet still retain it in the same hand, still remembering to keep the palm of your hand downward, and out of sight. Now to begin: He that is to play must sit on the farther side of a table, which must be covered with a carpet; partly to keep the balls from rolling away, and partly to keep them from rattling; likewise he must, set his hat in his lap, or sit in such manner as that he may receive anything into his lap, and let him cause all his spectators to sit down; then let him draw his four balls, and lay three of them upon the table (and retain the fourth in his right hand). So then you have three balls on the table to play with, and one left between the fingers of your right hand. The Operation of the Cups is thus. 3

Lay your three balls on the table, then say, Gentlemen, you see here are three balls, and here are three cups, that is, a cup for each ball, and a ball for each cup. Then taking that ball that you had in your right hand (which you are always to keep private), and clapping it under the first cup, then taking up one of the three balls, with your right hand, seeming to put it. into your left hand, but retain it still in your right, shutting your left hand in due time, then say Presto, be gone.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. Then taking the second cup up, say, Gentlemen, you see there is nothing un-

der my cup ; so clap the ball that you have in vour right hand under it, and then take the second ball up with your right hand, and seem to put it into your left, but retain it in your right hand, shutting your left hand in due time, as before, saying, Vcrda, be gone.

Then take the third cup, saying, Gentlemen, you see there is nothing under my last cup ; then clapping the ball you have in your right hand under it, then take the third ball up with your right hand, and seeming to put it into your left, hand, but retain it in your right; shutting your left hand in due time, as before, saying, Presto, make haste; so you have your three balls come under your three cups, as thus; and so lay your three cups down on the table.

Then with your right hand take up the first cup, and there clap that ball under, that you have in your right hand ; then saying, Gentlemen, this being the first ball, I will put it into my pocket; but that you must still keep in your hand to play withal. , •

139

So take up the second cup with your right hand, and clap that ball you have

conccaI second

< ^ »"' o u r r i S h t hand, and l*ewise, I take and put into

*a-v' m v - Poc

Likewise, take up the third cup, and clapping the cup down again, convey that ball you have in your right hand under the cup, then taking the third ball, say, Gentlemen, this being the last ball, I take and put this into my pocket. Afterwards say to the company, Gentlemen, by a little of my fine power of experience, I will command these balls under the cups again. As thus.

So lay them all along upon the table to the admiration of all the beholders. Then take up the first cup, and clap the ball you have in your right hand under it, then taking the first ball up with your right hand, seem to put the same into your left, hand, but retain it still in your right, then say, Vadc, quick be gone when I bid you, and run under the cup. (To be continued)

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

B. F. KEITH'S Theatres and Vaudeville Booking Circuit The most advantageous o p p o r t u n i t i e s offered in this office to Vaudeville Artists who are desirous of engagements covering an entire season's work.

Routes arranged by skilled experts, providing for the smallest of jumps with a minimum of expense in railroad fares. A distinct advantage, gained ONLY in this office.

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Our List of houses reaches from Portland, Maine, to Los Angelos, California.

Good Acts always in demand and no trouble to Book them fortyfive weeks.

KEITH'S THEATRE, PHILADELPHIA

Performers will do well to write

B. F. KEITH'S Booking' Offices, St. James Bldg'. S. K- HODGBON, Booking Manager 823 to 828 St. James Building, New York City K i n d l y m e n t i o n C o n j u r e r s ' M o n t h l y M a g a z i n e i n a n s w e r i n g all A d v e r t i s m e n t ^

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

141

SPECIAL NOTICE! These serial articles will be continued from month to month until the entire field in the handcuff mystery is exhausted and other facts established ; we will always describe spiritualistic and illusionary effects and show how to do magical tricks in general; so if you are not a subscriber kindly fill out the subscription blank below and send it to us with one dollar and have the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine sent to you regularly and promptly each month. Back numbers can be purchased at 10c. a copy.

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Please send me C O N J U R E R S ' M O N T H L Y M A G A Z I N E for twelve months, commencing with the issue, for which I enclose One Dollar. Very truly yours,

Dated

190

The Columbia Theatre Cincinnati, Ohio

The City Magical Company MANUFACTURERS OF

magical flppratns 1, Amersham Road, New Cross, London, S. E. Eng.

" Always a Good Show at The Columbia."

Everything pertaining to the Art of Magic, Tuition, Expert Advice, Patter, &c. Applications for Icing moil aosious and ambitious of retrtiviug the countc-imiiLTc andfandlionof thi^ great and viilproductions of the back and front of the fcrninr natinn, in .his cndcuyouis h iTull bs liis onft.-mt bills. ftudy ftill to find oyc means which may enable him to. prcTent, at ititcEV3ls,'mn!l curit>i,(aticin, r the bill introduces "For a limited Egned.u ith his compaD)1, and ha will msln&tly t"ll li'>w mnn7 tliere are—whether composed of •

••

Gold, Silver, Brass, or Copper'!

T^ii date onr] \ .il»» of tliu Coins, and describe every other article vary minutely, OTOQ *hould there appear a 6pot upon them. Ho will also describe the dross of any pcraoD, and in what position they sit oj sUnd. . MASTER M'KF.AM will ask the favor of any Ltdy or (Jwntlenian in the company to ej>eak softly witllio themselves, RO that thay may not be hca.-d by irioac who sit OQ tbo riqbt or left, and ha will instantly ropoat them, nlihoujrh ot one hundred yurds' dl^t-.rnce. blioold there be 100 Watches produced, and each differently set, ho will toll llio hourn nnd minutes indicated by each, anil perform many other AaTONisni KG F m s , wbich must bofloento he credited Hou t t i , 1, 3, and i,. Admuiwn, 1 •. &f. tath ;—CA>Wrrn Mj-prnt. of E ritate ^ihitiiion M tlieit Or>n KeiiduiCc. atror 6 o'clock ID the tvcriio;, t t^ y o boui'i nollce, on DMLrat

Most Gracious majesties & Prince George. H i s O a c e t h e Duke of Ar-vl.-. His Grace the Duke of (iordon His Grace the fjuke of St. Albans and Duchess. Her Grace the Dochess of Northumberland. The Rt. Hon. the liarl of Coventry. The Rt. Hon. the liarl of hi -ml.' The Rt. Hon. the F-arl of Belfast. The Rt. Hon. the F.arl and Countess of .Viorley. The !'.t. HOQ the Countess of Essex. The Rt. Hon. Lord Adolphus Fitzclarence The Rt. Hon. Lonl Augustus Fitzclarence. The Rl Hon. the Viscountess l'aulkland. The Rt. llou. Lonl and Lady Dever Sir Edward, Sir Arthur Berkeley, & Lady Pa^et. Admiral Sir Manly Dixon. Admiral Lukin. Admiral Duker. 4&nd many others of the Nobility of the United Kingdom. KB*

Reproduction of bill used in 1831 to advertise the second-sight act. N.B.

at the Alhambra Theatre, January 2, that when Jules Zancig was handed an article and asked "Or this" several of the audience shouted out "A watch" even before Mrs. Zancig had time to answer the question. In the issue of January 3, the Chronicle states: "It was noticeable last night, that there was a considerable falling off in the number of articles submitted by the audience. As a result those who had primed themselves with the code given in tne Chronicle were able to interpret Mr. Zancig's words. These formulas came repeatedly last night:—Why This A Pin. Or

The HIGHLAND YOUTH'S Figure is erect, his Features particularly handsome, and of bis age considered vemarkably tall.—He daily gives increasing satisfaction to the tiiost distinguished characters. V The HigUaoJ Youth ID B notive ol InveroMi. Tb« Company arc particularly requested nut to dislujb tlit Youth's mwd duriug tho T't-rfoinvin^

Reverse side of advertising bill used.

her to see the signals he makes; for instance, in being handed an article he either holds it a certain way and if he has to read a card he brings it up to his eyes, and has a world of scope for passing her signs; if the reader is interested in the various things he can purchase the London Chronicle of December 31, January 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 and find interesting reading. These papers can always be found on file at large libraries. I really cannot see why he does not. improve his code, and not speak a single

THE CONJURERS1 MONTHLY MAGAZINE

word; with their silent code he has only to number his articles and then swiftly send her his signs. Kennedy and Lorenz had an elegant silent code, and he would have his medium answer all articles by slight signals. Lorenz eventually improved his act and played America, also at the London Hippodrome as The Svengalis. I am willing to put myself on record as predicting that the Zancigs will eventually cut out all of their talk and arrange a new set of signals for articles. This ought to be very easy for them, as they have been working together so long that it will only mean a few hours practice on their part, and then these knowit-alls will have to dig deeper for their explanations. Prince Albene and Labrandt have a clever act but sacrifice a great deal of the mysterious in order to obtain laughs. Albene, by the way, has arranged a most excellent method of silent spelling, for with several almost imperceptible movements he can spell any name or letter to Miss Labrandt with lightning rapidity. I am not exposing the Zancigs or Albene and Labrandt, as I consider their work very clever, but I am in a position to know for a positive fact, that there is nothing whatsoever supernormal connected with their work. I am not writing an article on second sight, so beg my reader's pardon for deviating, and shall proceed with my article. * * * Animals have been trained for years to do tricks by secret signals, and I have in my possession two rare bills, one dated 1789, where a Mr. Beckett, Trunk Maker of No. 31 Haymarket, announces the fact that he has a learned Goose, •"Just lately arrived from abroad," (To be continued.)

185

Mind Readers, Second Sight and Silent Transference of Thought is now the rage, and will be until over done, when it will again die out for another generation. The latest prodigy heard from is the Mind Reading Collier's Daughter, Myra Ritsill, who I have been told was booked all over the Stoll Tour, after having given a trial performance. * * * So much has been written about the Zanzig controversy that the less said at the present time the better, but it certainly was a bit of a shock to some of the mind readers and second sight artists to have them come in and obtain such a lot of free newspaper advertising; but we will let it go at that and await the next sensation, which I see from the Encore is a Pair of Legs without head or body, answering all questions with a mouthless voice. What'll we have nextThe Great Roland is now under the exrlusive management of H;irry Day, and that means "Working R^gvlarlv." Roland was on the bill with Hf-nean, t;ie Armless Artist, and cai';jnr Heneau practising the billiard ball trick with his

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feet. Ceriuilj a peculiar feat for an armless wonder, Heneau, you behave! * * « Picitt & Lizette with their "Crazy Cook Conjuring" turn are improving right along, and promise to have one of the best comedy magic turns on the halls. * * * The Days, Mental Wonders, bewildered the folks at the Palace Lancas;::r. * * * Gustave Fasola, the Indian Fakir, created a mild sensation at the Hippo • drome in Leeds. John Warren is presenting "The Magic Casket" and reports success. * * = : Lora, the Marvelous Talking Bird, left for Germany. This is the large parrot, having concealed in its interior a human being who does the Second Sight Mystery. I wonder how nianv people are aware of the fact that an irritation act was built in America, and was a dead failure? Its a fact and I know that the "Bird" is now for sal:. For further particulars write to Albert and Labrandt. *

The Schwartz Brothers are on the Stoll tour and doing very nicely. Their work does not stand out as well as it does on the continent, where whenever they appear on the bill, the audience only waits for them to see how they will burlesque the other acts on the bill. Their funniest magic stunts were when, following T. N. Downs, they caught the fish from the leader's whiskers. Astroi and Walsh, Illusionists and Conjurers are coming to the managers' attention as a good mystery act.

Rumor has it that Ziska and King are booked in England. They ought to do very good, as their act will be something new in the line of Magic and Comedy mixed. * * •> Chung Lung Soo informs me that he will shortly present a new Illusion; he will take Madame Twin-peanut Soo, place her in an oblong glass box, which will be suspended all the time, and the audience will be able to see her all the time; (no covering used), the glass box will start, revolve faster and faster, and when it is eventually stopped the little Mrs. Chinee will have vanished. I met Abraham Blitz, who is the real friend of Soo. and on asking him a few questions about this trick, he winked his off hand eye, and said "That's what they all say." Abe Blitz, by the way, is the real hallmarked nephew of Signer Plitz. *

Speaking of Blitz reminds me that Eddie Weston, who is one of the American Blitzes died a few weeks ago. He was a comedian, and veil known as the best Second Johnny Ray we have ever had. Sidney Lee is working steadily and is thinking of adding a new illusion as a finish to his card work. ^ * * Carl Hertz is still the same old Hertz and keeps adding material to his performance. I'll wager that Hertz can lay his hands on more magical tricks and illusions than any three conjurers in the show business, barring Master Magician Maskelyne or Darring Devant. * * * Did you know that Devere of Paris makes periodical trips to London and gets back to his mansion before anyone knows he is out of town? Devere his

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. several ledgers in which he has kept track of the tricks he has sold to his trade of the old time performers. He could relate some interesting matter if he so wished, as to who invented several tricks that certain necromancers are supposed to have invented.

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Long Lanky Conjurer Carlton is making quite a hit in the Pantomime, Bristol. Too bad that he was not en-v couraged with his big illusion act, for he had the fortune of finding a man that acted as his double so no one could tell them apart after they had both been made up. Never mind Carlton, He; rn says you are all right, if you don't beWilfred C. Zelka, M. I. M. C, who by the way is also Manager of the City lieve me ask him. * * * Magical Company, is my London CorAn old fellow named Hardgraves was respondent and he will keep his eye open for news and information that may in- doing a rope tying act and after he had terest the readers of the Conjurers' collected a certain amount of pennies, he would allow himself to be tied, and then Magazine. would wriggle out of the ropes. He + * * had had a prosperous day, and several The Three P's, Pharos, Phantom, men waiting their opportunity, eventualPalias, Egyptian Illusionists, are reputed ly tied him when only their own pals to have been the sensation at Moss's were about, and they tied the old fellow Carnival, Edinburgh, this season. When up so tight, that he could not move, then Fred Harcourt was alive he gen- while one stuffed his handkerchief down erally was the chief Mogul at the Wa- the victim's mouth, the others managed verly Fair, but alas, time and tide pass to carefully pick his pockets and take along and the first thing we know we away from him all the money that he know nothing. had made that day, also his savings of £20 ($100), which he had in the lining Loudon Cameron is mystifying the of his vest. Instructing him: "See how good people that attend Pools Myrio- quick you can get out, gov'ner" they ran rama. He is starring with this enter- away, and it was several hours before a passer by found the old fellow in a very prise en route. bad condition. The ropes had sunk deep * * * into his flesh, and he was taken to a Anthony is still "swanking" about as hospital, where he is doing very well. usual, and saving his money. That's He does not mind his wounds, but misses right, Anthony, it is not what you make, his money, which means a great deal to it's what you save. And if you look up him. the records of the old time conjurers you will note that very few of them * * died well off. Augoston died on the The Nassaus are at the Oxford ; they streets of Berlin of hunger and priva- do a mind reading act, and do that old tions, and at one time he was the owner gag of finding a hidden article. Who of a large boat on which he gave his they are I do not know as I never hearJ •performances. Houdini has a list of the of them. Mahatma had a £100 chalold-timers and undoubtedly will publish lenge in the paper against the Zanzigs, a list of their various ends. So save but the Zanzigs will pay no attention to your money. them, if they are sensible. •A

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I received a very nice box of Chinese salmon from Saginaw, Michigan, but as the sender did not add his name, I do not know who to thank; at any rate, I am very much obliged for same, and take this means of thanking him or her. (Editorial Note: No flirting allowed.) * * * Chung Ling Soo has left the Hippodrome and is now on the Stoll tour; this week he is at the Palace, Hull. It will surprise you to see how many magical acts are on the Stoll tour. I will just mention those on tour week of January 21. Starting at the London Hippodrome we have the Trilby Svengalis, who give a thought reading performance. At the Shepherd's Bush Empire we have Kahn & Kahn, clever magical entertainers. Prince Kokin, at the Empire, Belfast; The Magic Carpet at the Empire, Leeds; Sylvesta at the Empire, "Newport. Speaking of Sylvesta I want to let readers know that he was born in Brooklyn, N. Y., but at the age of three left for Merry England and has been there ever since. He does a very nice act, assisted by his wife; he opens with the clock and rapidly goes through several good tricks, concluding with the old reliable egg bag. He certainly can sell the last named. He is booked in America, and magicians will have to go and see him.

HSOME OLD TRICKS FOR

NEW

BEGINNERS

THE MAGNETIC HAT. An excellent trick that is always good, and which you can perform at a small cost, is to cause a borrowed high hat to apparently adhere to the tips of your fingers, and in every conceivable position, and still you can allow it to be examined at any moment. To prepare for this trick, you make an endless loop of a string of fine black silk thread. Figure A. Before starting this trick, hang this loop over your elbow, and with

it hanging in this position you are ready to borrow the hat. After the hat is handed to you, you allow this loop to fall over the hat catching it as near the centre as possible, and the pressure of your fingers causes the hat to remain in the position required. This is quite an old trick, but can be worked up very effectively. To present this properly

Oswald Williams is at the Alhambra, Paris, and getting along fine. * * * The Cumberlands, mind readers, are at the Hippodrome, Bury. Wonder if they are related to Stuart Cumberland, writer of "A Thought Reader's Thoughts," and if so, how would they practice it to your own satisfaction, and like a little publicity entitled "How J3 have several loops prepared of the size Read Thoughts," or as Sid MacCaire's you find convenient, as one of them is liable to break. book says, "Muscle Reading."

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READING

REVIEWING BOOK.S AND THINGS;

BISH PRESS

WISE, AND

OTHERWISE

Houdini Contra Robert Houdin. In the January edition of our worthy contemporary, The Illusionist, our friend and confrere Mons. E. Raynally, in a most gentlemanly manner, in the strain that only the polite French race can utilize, has taken up his pen and requests us to stop telling the truth about Robert Houdin. He takes pains to inform us, for our own sake that it is best to pause! No! We shall not pause, and there is nothing that will make us stop, unless we can be convinced that it is not the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth that we are publishing. Mons. Raynally even strengthens our argument by informing us that he discovered that the Orange free was exhibited by some one as early as 1746, and then later by the justly famous Pinetti. Thank you ever so much, Mons. Raynally for that just completes our chain of evidence, as we could not find out who obtained the trick after1 the death of the inventor Pinchbeck, the English mechanic. Perhaps Pinetti had the selfsame orange tree. It is impossible for us to publish our material haphazard; we have taken one trick after the other and that is the way they will appear in The Conjurers' Magazine. The inventor of the Orange Tree, at least so we must judge was Christopher Pinchbeck.

who was born about 1670 and died 1732; this is the man that made all the material for Fawkes who at that time was the Great English Conjurer. We have mezzo tints and engravings of all these men, and they will be published in rotation. It would be an injustice to the world at large if we were to stop publishing the various rare facts that have taken so long to collect. Kindly bear in mind that we are only too willing to correct anything that may be a misstatement. Another thing, you are wrong in saying that the earliest Handcuff Evader was Latude who did so at the end of the 18th Century. Mons Raynally, we will go back further than that, The original Jail Breaker and Handcuff King was St. Peter, and to show you that this was really the case, we shall repro lute a page from an old book the date of which must be about in Caxton's time, which shows St. Peter breaking out of prison and he also escaped from his shackles. So you see we only claim to be the original "Challenge Jail Breaker and Roi de menotte le monde," but not the first in the world. We hope you will read over our account carefully, and when ever you find mistakes, just inform us of the fact, as we are only too willing to give Robert Houdin all the credit that is his due. Houdin's fame can never die, but let us have the truth and let us be just to the other men of brain, who were born when printer's ink was not so

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

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The Scrap Book. of the leading performers from Heller's The Scrap Book for January has an time up to the present day magicians, article of Robert Houdin copied from but the following leading conjurers his memoirs. It makes interesting have been entirely forgotten, and some reading. In the February number of of them are full blooded Englishmen the same magazine there is a special arti- and excellent entertainers. The original cle on Cagliostro, whom the writer Buck, Anderson, the Wizard of the terms "A Prince of Imposters," and in North, Barney Eagle, Testot, Dexter, one chapter tells you the main facts of Beaumont, Burmain, Wizard Jacobs, Henry Evanion, Savern, Madame Card, this Master Mason. Gvngell (whose father was a famous * * * We have in our possession a very Bartholemew Fair Conjurer) ; some of rare portrait of Countess Cagliostro, the leading foreign artists that have visand will some time publish it with our ited England's shores are not mentioned, vci.iion of the "Man that turned base as D. Epstein, Kraty-Batschick, Jacoby Harmes, L. Homme Masque, Original mean in': gold," Cagliostro. Wiljalba Frikell, etc., etc. Quite a few names are in the book that no more Programmes of Magicians. belong under the list of "Notables" than (By J. F. Burrows, assisted by H. J. a fish belongs to the mammalia. Holland.) If this book is given the proper re We have just received a copy of this ; book, and wish it were as good as it vision t ought to be in the possession of ou)jht to have been, and could have every magician in the world, but in its been. The two gentlemen evidently present form we cannot recommend its meant well, but they did not go into their purchase as it is not authentic. If the subject deep enough. They have only publishers will send us a list of questaken things as they found them, and tions, we shall only be too pleased to apparently did very little looking up for give, free of charge, whatever informaauthentic facts. By that we mean their tion is in our power, as we have original material is not reliable. It badly needs programmes of almost every magician revising. They fail to give the various that has played England since Fawkes' magicians their just due. For in- time, 1625. stance they mention "Doebler's proWOULD THIS INTEREST YOU? grammes," and neglect to say that this is (From Boston Globe.) the bogus Doebler; by looking at their Here is a puzzle that puzzles everydates of Bosco's programme they could body : Take the number of your living easily have known that the original brothers, double the amount, add to it Bosco could never have been the Bosco three, multiply by five, add to it the they mention, as he died in 1863 ; rela- number of your living sisters, multiply tive to Herr Frikell they fail to mention the result by ten, add the number of that this is a son of the original Wil- deaths of brothers and subtract 150 from jalba Frikell; we happened to be on our the result. The right figure will be the way to visit him and found he had just number of deaths, the middle will be died on our arrival; Okito, they merely the number of living sisters, and the left mention as a Chinese magician. will show the number of living brothers. It professes to give the programme.; Trv it and see. *

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Our Mail Bag Under this column, you have the right to make any complaint against any one that you wish. Perhaps it may be the means of bettering certain conditions that exist at the present time. We will not be responsible for our correspondents' opinions. Pueblo, Col., Dec. 5, 1906. Conjurers' Monthly Magazine, No 278 W. 113th St., New York City. Mr. Editor, Dear Sir: DeVoe & Wilson are doing Burlesque Magic on the Crystal Circuit. One man, well he does nothing. The other man explains it. Yours respectfully, Reid Miller.

Chairman of the meeting was Mr. Neil Weaver, London correspondent to Mahatma (is that paper still in existence?) WILFRED C. ZELKA. * * *

London, England. Regarding news ; there was a meeting of the Magic Circle on Tuesday, January 15, at Hotel Tudor, Oxford St., London W., at 8 o'clock. I was only able to drop in for a short time, so missed part of the meeting. Germaine was present, working the stunt of writing a name on a rolled up cigarette paper, impaled on the point of a pencil, (the paper was impaled not Germaine) ; also one . or two other pocket tricks ; the work was wonderfully neat, his palter good, and pleased the boys. Sumerville Gibney, well known novelist and amateur magician, worked an original trick with cards bearing a string of numbers on each. Among others present I noticed Messrs. Nevil Maskelyne, Prof. Donn, Chas. Delvos, G. Gordon Powel, C. H. Short, also Mr. A. Stannard Cubitta, London amateur, who has just returned from the States and who will be returning there in about three weeks.

London, England.—London is now in the midst of a Theosophic revival; an East Indian by name, Agamya Gum Paramahamsa, who is known to the elect as the "Tiger Mahatma," chief Yogi of all the Yogi. He was received here a fortnight ago, with all due acclaim, and has taken a beautiful house in Margaret St. Cavendish St., a most select part of London. In this house all good and true Theosophists will gather, and the Mahatma offers to these and to the unbelievers, the secret of "How to become what you are," and to witness demonstrations of a theosophic nature "without fee." Agamya, etc., is looked upon in India, as the incarnation of Krishna, proven by the fact that Agamya has on his right foot a birthmark in the shape of a lotus flower.

Harpings From Hayman

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New York will not see Dr. Bodie next March as reported. All arrangements had been made by cable for the Doctor to open in March, and he was to sail

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middle of February; the business was transacted by Miss Jennie Jacobs and Mr. Harry Day, respectively, representing Dr. Bodie in New York and London. The contracts were duly posted at New York, but were never received in London ; the Doctor waited a fortnight, and not receiving contracts came to the conclusion that negotiations were off, and as he is in great demand in this country, he booked the time elsewhere; I am advised, however, that new contracts were sent, but too late. Dr. Bodie expresses a willingness to go to America in October or November, and his wishes shall no doubt be gratified. His appearance in America will be under the direction of Mr. Al. H. Woods, the Melo-Drama King. * * * Le Roy Talma and Bosco are playing the current month at the Colysee Royal Varieties, Lisbon, Portugal, with their usual tremendous success. * * * The Mysterious Cross is still in London, and a big hit; this would be a great act for America, if not already booked there. * * * Week of January 7th, Roland the Mysterious, played on the same programme with me at the Empire Royal Holborn, London. This is the first time I have had the pleasure of seeing this act, and I will say it is the best copy of Horace Goldin's act I have ever seen. He does trick for trick that Goldin docs, and some original stuff interspersed; the act is a tremendous success; after the first performance he wns booked :for some 16 weeks by Mr. Walter Gibbons, through Harry Day, Roland's agent. Last month Roland appeared in Madrid, and during the second week of his engagement was commanded to appear

before King Alphonso and Queen Ena, which he did. * * * Something new at the Folies Bergere, Paris; a turn called "The Human Brake." The act consists of two motor cars and a strong man; the motor cars come rushing on to the stage in opposite directions, and as they rush by, the man grabs them and stops the cars from making further progress ; you can hear the motors snorting, and sec the wheels of the cars slipping; the only power used in stopping the cars is the natural strength and power of the artist's arms. What a Sampson he must be! *

+•

Nate Leipzig called on me last week, having just retumed from South Africa. His trip evidently did him lots of good, as he looked the picture of health. Nate told me he had done well in Africa, and showed press notices to prove it. He certainly must have been a social success also, for he is just loaded down with beautiful presents, which he received in Cape Town and Johannesburg. The one he prizes most is a solid gold and diamond studded match safe, with the following inscription engraved on one side "From Mayor Quin of Jo'burg, South Africa, to Nate Leipzig, a good fellow and a clever artist." * * * Prof. Albini, who has recently recovered from an accident that laid him up for repairs for quite a few weeks, had another accident while playing at the Hippodrome, Putney; he was standing on the side of the stage awaiting his turn to go on ; a short flight of stairs was immediately at his back, leading to the property room; a property man was carrying down a bulky piece of furniture, and tripped and fell right on top of the Professor. Albini was

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. knocked unconscious, and the best he reJotes from ceived by way of an apology when he regained his senses was, "I'm sorry." Albini was able to go on later. The "Encore" in commenting on the accident says, "Prof. Albini is a good sleight of hand performer, but as a knockabout comedian he is an absolute failure." Cruel, wasn't it? • • • George Mervyll, Manager of the It's remarkable how long an act can trained monkey, "Jean," has been inbe booked in Great Britain! We all forming managers that "Jean" will soon know of the long run Downs and Thurs- do a regulation magician's performance, ton had at the Palace, and Houdini at the and is the first monkey that has ever Alhambra and Hippodrome, London, been trained to present magic tricks. I but the record of all records for book- cannot agree with Mr. Mervyll, for ing or being booked belongs to Harry monkeys have been doing magic tricks Russon, who with the kind assistance many years; in fact there was a magiof Harry Day, who has no mustache to cian in Pasau some time ago that ought He did not deceive you, actually booked Rus- to have been arrested. travel with a keeper or manager, and son between the hours of 5 p. m. and 3 a. m. the unheard of time of 193 managed to get along very well, but with consecutive weeks ; four days later Rus- his boorish manners and uncouth speech son signed contracts that will carry him he soon will be placed in a cage where away into 1913 with only 7 weeks open he belongs. time. Stop and think of this: Seven * * * years' work booked ahead and all obBalston, the colored mystifier, landed tained in less than a week. This is cer- in Berlin, and was astonished to find out tainly a record for both parties con- that he would not be admitted to the cerned and the agents will have to take Cafe of the Victoria Cafe, as two Ameroff their hats to Day for this record. ican colored men started a "Ruction" • • • and tried to clean out the place; but Chung Lung Soo besides mystifying "Germany to the front" was the cry and the audiences, also manages to give away although the colored artists from Amerenough to eat to satisfy the most fastid- ica cried in vain "Hey Rube" they were ious, so the advertisements exclaim! On ignominiously ejected on the broad Unbeholding the Chink work I noted that ter den Linden. This Cafe now stands he performs the rice and water trick unique as being the first place to refuse with the two bowls; instead of produc- admittance to a colored person, for as ing water he produces hot tea, and pass- we all know in Europe the negroes are es it amongst the audience. He next treated on an equal footing with the produces a large orange tree, and from whites; many arguments take place, it real live oranges, and throws them when some hot natured American lands into the audience, where they are in Germany, and finds himself seated at grabbed and stripped out of their yel- the same table with a big buck colored low strait jackets and eaten. man. But in this country it is wise to Joseph Hayman.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. start no arguments, as you will be in the has specially made on the outside of wrong. his coat, and it is the cleanest move I * * * have ever seen any magician do. The Miloska, the Sorcerer, assisted by Police will pay a reward of 20 marks Prof. Balsoma managed to get away ($5) for his arrest, or information that with their 15 days salary, but the man- will lead to his arrest. ager yelled "Police." Their act will * * * stand a lot of improving. Hartma the German Magician is still going around and doing his old tricks Marco Belly appeared at the Apollo with the same old smile. He manages Theatre, Dusseldorf, introducing some to work all the time, while several manew tricks. If you don't believe it read gicians that I know who are his superior, are waiting at tables half the time. his letter head. * * * Clemont DeLion made quite a hit at Something must be wrong with the the Apollo Halle in Salle, so much so Berlin Passage Panopticon, they have that the opposition manager of the not presented a new illusion in 6 months. "Suchmilche Halle" engaged Adrian What's the matter Heinemann, nothing Sheldon, another billiard ball manipu- coming along worth copying? lator. * * :|: Carl Wilmann once promised that he A man calling himself Mahatma was would publish his Zauber-welt every billed at the Etoile Palace in Paris, but once in a while, but evidently that once I cannot find out who he is. in a while has not, arrived yet. Several of us members of the Carl Wilmann SoDeBiere has been touring France, but ciety of Magicians would like to hear things did not turn out as expected, and from you once in a while. :fc * * I think he will shortly return to England. Horster-Conradi is rapidly coming to * * * the front in Berlin as the best instructor Renk, who has been having a run of of the Art of Mystery that Germany has 14 weeks in St. Petersburg, Russia, is seen in some time. At least up to the advertised as an American Illusionist, present time he has made good all his but he positively cannot speak one word promises. of English. * * * Ben Ali Bey who is the inventor of There is a warrant out for the arrest of Heinrich Niedrach, Magician and Il- Black Art, is still merrily traveling and lusionist. He has simply made himself making a nice living. * * * vanish, as it was time for him to enter Mons, Cazaneuve is in Asia ; although the army for two years. Neidrach, with whom I am well acquainted, is very becoming quite an old man, he is still clever with vanishing drinking glasses. rated as being very clever. * * * His great trick is to order a glass of beer, drink the beer, and then apparently At one of the yearly Fairs in Hamthrow the ghss on the floor. He throws burg, in one of the numerous "Ten the glass into a large pocket which he Pfenning" shows, a lady was going to194

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show the Mermaid illusion. Right in the midst of the lecture a small insignificant mouse entered the building, (possibly being attracted by the grandiloquent lecturer) and when beheld by the "Mermaid" who was safely encased behind two mirrors, Miss Mermaid uttered a scream, and to the astonishment of the spectators, arose and ran behind a friendly fat man that happened to be in the crowd, and obligingly fainted away. After being revived she entered the space she had vacated, in full view of the audience, and the lecturer proceeded as if nothing had happened. It takes Germany to take things stoically. * * * Paolo Uferini is traveling about with his own Zauber-Theatre and has made quite a lot. of money in the" Magic business. * * * William Steckenorf was arrested and fined 5 marks in Strassburg last week for "Manners unbecoming a gentleman" in a public restaurant. He burnt his mouth with some hot soup, and started in to roundly curse the proprietor, Johan Schenkes, who promptly had him arrested. The strange part of this turns out to be that Steckenorf is known as "Biscknoff, Der unverbrennbare Mensch" (The human being that cannot be burnt) ; he also delights in swallowing- molten lead etc., but he failed to make good with the hot soup. * * * Rumor has it that Maskelyne & Devant are going to send out a number two company to travel through Germany. * * * Bruno. Schenk is busy trying to persuade himself that he can do well in America. I think he could, if he were handled properly, as some of his material is very good.

t Jottings and \ Jumbtings

19f>

* J

Ziska and King at Keith's Theatre, and as usual made their hit. The oftener you see them the better you get to like their act. Ziska looks like a dashing warrior bold, and King—well, he is certainly droll. The two men arc well mated. Ziska is there with the "bull con," and King the quiet "kidder." * * * We note that Sime of the Variety gives Chefalo, the Italian magician, some good advice. Chefalo has been told repeatedly to cut his talking, as he cannot be understood, even by those standing in the wings. The quicker lie cuts his chattering, the quicker will he be placed in the ranks as a clever entertainer. His work is all right, and he has that peculiar foreign appearance that always aids a performer. * * * Anna Eva Fay did very well in Chicago at the Majestic. * * * Herr Jansen Company made good at the Lyric Theatre in Altoona, Pa. * * * Some of the newspapers speak of Randion as being a Hindoo conjurer. Such is not the case. Randion is a Hindoo born without arms or lower limbs, and is the latest freak to invade America. It would be a good idea for him to do magic tricks, some that require only the pulling of a string by concealed accomplices. Buchinger, in 1700, a German, also born that way, was advertised largely as "sleight of hand man." * * * So much talk has been going on about Jean Bedini's alleged stealing, or what he is said to be stealing, Fred Karno's "Night in the Music Halls," but we never see or even hear of any one being accused of stealing Harry Houdini's brain work and originations. There ought to be a law that would protect an artist from these parasites that wait until some one presents something new, and then imitate it, and add insult to injury by claiming that they originated the idea, and that the actual originator is the pilferer.

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Windecker, the Chicago conjurer, is back home after a tour with the Otto Floto show in Mexico. When Windecker was with Rotcrberg, several years ago, he gave promise of becoming one of the best conjurers, but up tw the present time he has not kept his promise. What's the matter, Windecker; too much wind? * * * Hornmann still busy with his mysterious "Doings." Wonder what he is doing in Prooklyn all his Sundays. Hope he wakes u^> Fritz. * * * Frederick Melville is hot on the trail of i^nie one who reported in America that his act was a failure, and to prove that the performance of La Moto Girl was a decided hit and a huge draw, he is busily advertising a letter that Manager Harry Rickards has given him in which Mr. Rickards goes on to say, among other things, that La Moto Girl is the most genuine novelty that he has ever imported into Australia. Miss Doris Chertr.ey is highly complimented. The Moto Girl sails for Colombo, India, opening January -JOth for a nine months' contract with Fitzgerald Bros.' Circus, touring through India and China. * * * Mcna Tckle, under the supervision of the Berol Highnesses, has made a record. The only mystery act which has ever been placed beiort the public that has not found a host of imir,itors. The act is a success, but still 10 cue has been abk- to present it in the manner th.it it >s III.W being exploited, and all due credit must be given to the Berol outfit for the manner in which they have taken the trick and kept it the headline attraction of the Great Orpheum Show. * * * Carl Hertz received a letter from Horace Goldin's solicitors warning him not to do the illusion called "The Bridal Chamber," informing him that they would enjoin him (Hertz) from producing the trick. Wonder how many tricks would be left in Goldin's act if he would be enjoined from doing other people's ideas. * * * Who is the London firm that sold a Continental magician the "Dcvant Burmese Gong," and in such a bungling manner that "I want my money back" is all the conjurer is saying?

A would-be editor of a magical monthly catalogue is claiming that he is the originator of the Nelson Downs Coin Wand. Tom's patent number of wand is 11,901, so there is no question as to who is the ! * * * At the October meeting of the Magic Circle one member resigned whose name starts with a "G." David Devant's remarks, when the resignation was accepted, were forceful but even then weaker than the man deserves. * * * Variety credits The Psychromancer as being the feature that has proven all his claims by holding the audience spellbound during his performance. The correspondent further says he was the biggest drawing card of the season at Altoona, Pa. * * * W. D. Leroy has received an interesting clipping from the Melbourne Punch from his correspondent, Robert Kudarz, which states that the Salambos, of electrical fame are running an American •'Dreamland" resort. * * * Ralph Lukenbach tried to show the natives of Colwyn, Pa., how easy it was to escape (Hit of handcuffs, so allowed a cigar store merchant to lock an old manacle around his wrists. After breaking several chairs in trying to knock them off his wrists he failed, and the key not being found the cuffs had to be filed off It was then discovered that the cuffs had never been locked. * * * E. J. Norris, who calls his lady assistant Sirronje, which is his name spelled backwards, ought to behave and stop sending out lying material, or some day he will wake up and find himself back to his old job, waiting on tables. * * * Volta, the Electrical Wonder, is on the Keith tour. * * * Diamonds and other jewels valued at $3,500 were found hidden in an old trunk in the home of the late Charles Tripler of Manhasset, L. I., discoverer of a method for making large quantities of liquid air at small cost The find was made by Mr. Tripler's son, L B. Tripler, who was appointed administrator and is heir to all of the Tripler estate.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. The son knew nothing of the presence of these valuables until he opened the trunk in order to make an inventory of the estate of the dead scientist. The older Mr. Tripler also left considerable real estate to his son. * * * Mr. Frederick Roche of Boston writes that Matzoni exhibited "Aga" at Walker's Museum, and that the entire mechanism could •easily be seen by the audience; that William Baker, a pupil of S. Wilson Bailey, gave a performance at the Cambridge Y. M. C. A.; that W. D. Leroy also entertained at the same hall, only on another night; that a lot of us fellows sat in the gallery taking a look. Question—What did Leroy think? Answer— What did we fellows think? A man named Gans (not the colored fghter) escaped from a straitjacket, and the greatest wonder was that it did not fall off before he wriggled out of it. That Ottura, a Japanese lady magician, gave hourly seances at Austin & Stone's. That Quigley's "Better than Houdini" man exhibited his prowess, or rather his lack of ability, at the Boston Theatre one Sunday night and made a laughing(?) hit. If you don't believe it, ask Maccaron.

Serious Occidents to Houdini Imitators. From The North American, Philadelphia, Pa. After enduring five excruciating minutes in a tightly nailed packing box, g-year-old David Brasher, of 2000 South Fifth street, the latest rival of Houdini. was chopped out last night by a number of boys who had dared him to try the feat. Spying the box, which was in front of a store in Fifth street, Brasher said: "If I was nailed in that I could get out of it just as easy as Houdini did." Taking him at his word, three of the boys got hatchets and nails and boxed him up. There were some heavy thumps on the inside and then piteous wails for help. The audience attacked the box with axes. When the boy was dragged out from the "box a splinter four inches long was protruding from his abdomen. The youngster was taken to the Mount Sinai Hospital, where the lumber was removed by Dr. H. S. Emil. From The Gazette Times, Pittsburg, Pa. ROCHESTER, PA., Jan. 18.—"This will be the last box I w.ill ever get out of in Rochester," declared "Raymond, the Handcuff King," at

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the theater here to-night before he entered a strong box which had to be broken open by stage attendants almost an hour later, when Raymond's apparently dead body was carried from the stage. Raymond appeared here six weeks ago and drew such crowds by his magic and bursting of handcuffs and boxes that he duplicated his performance this week. At the magician's request last night six well-known citizens mounted the stage and constructed a box from planks, two inches thick, using heavy spikes. Raymond was then manacled and tied with heavy ropes as in previous exhibitions and placed in the box which was nailed up. "Don't be stingy with the nails," shouted Raymond from the inclosure. His advice was taken. For 20 minutes there was absolute silence in the auditorium. Then the nervous strain of the audience increased until finally there were exclamations of terror. It was evident that Raymond had at last been beaten and the box was torn open. The "handcuff king," with rope and manacles intact, was found unconscious. Women fainted or shrieked. Raymond's wife, who had been standing in the wings, fell in a swoon. The magician was taken to the hospital where he later revived. Had he been left in the box five minutes longer, it is said, he would have smothered to death.

ANSWERS TO VARIOUS QUESTIONS —

—,

Burke, Oakland.—We hold the recipe of the vanishing ink, also how to cause the paper to crumble. Take ordinary paper; first steep it in sulphuric acid, diluted according to the intended durability and it is then dried and glazed, the acid being partially neutralized by ammonia vapor. The material is adapted for temporary use. Sooner or later the paper must fall to pieces, and this is a good thing to know if you wish your letters to be destroyed. * * * B. W. Brussles,—We do not know if A. Lewis copied his material or part of his Modern Magic or More Magic from the French books of J. H. Ponsin. Ponsin's books were published in 1R53-4 in two volumes and were called "Nouvelle Magie Blanche Devoi-

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198

lee." Published by A. Ddahays, Paris, France. Yes, Prof. Hoffmann's name is A. Lewis. Perhaps Prof. Hoffmann would kindly answer your letter through our columns. Modern Magic was only first published in 1877. Ponsin's book was, therefore, in the world before Hoffmann's. * * * Limerick.—Yes, the Fays were booked at the Oxford at the salary of £200 ($1,000) weekly, but then they had to give a matinee alone each day and without being assisted by the regular performers. That is the largest salary ever paid to any mystery act in England on its first appearance. * * * Winters.—Our correspondent, Herr Fischer, sent in his letter and we published same. We met Leon Hermann in Boston, and he objected to the information being sent, but promised full particulars of the family tree of the Hermann family. He even mentioned Samuel Hermann, the father of Compars, but up to the present date Leon Hermann has not sent us the material. Let us hope that after this reaches his eye he will send in the promised matter. *

Z. Z., Salford, England.—You are greatly mistaken; the party you mean cannot be Harry Whiteley, as we happen to know him personally, and have always found him upright and honest. You can see him personally, as he lives in Manchester, 86 Medlock street. The man to whom you refer is a greatly disliked fakir residing in London. *

Childs, Leeds.—Yes, he is a great admirer of—himself. * * * Edwards, Akron, O.—Can't you fellows ever become accustomed to the fact of one man doing better than the other? If you want our candid opinion, you are a jealous "stiff," and we will not publish this derogatory news, as it seems like spite work on your part to injure the party in question. * * * James O'Rielly, Skowhegan, Me.—How you ever received the Magazine is a mystery. Better take it by the year and make sure of it. * * * Harrcll, Waltham.—'Tis pleasant to receive a letter like yours once in a while. Brings along a little sunshine.

Elias M. Rogoff, Cleveland, O.—Keith's Circuit will pay any salary that is asked for, if the magician draws money to the house. We have personally been on programmes with two different magicians, one drawing a small salary, the other drawing a very good salary. Salaries are paid according to demand. Let us say Keith pays from $2,coo per week down to $25. No salary is too large—if you can get it. * * * Augustus Rapp.—Letter received. Hope the better half gets better. Hope to see you ere we sail to Europe. * * * F. Tibby.—Thanks. Send all the clippings that you think will interest. * * * St. Albian, Melbourne.—You stop your "kidding"; try it on some one else. We are so used to such "rot" that you did not even make us titter. * * * Robert Gifford. — Received programme. Read it and save your money. * * * M. F. Platt, Cincinnati, O.—You must, first of all, rub white wax on reverse side of paper intended for use. Ground graphite is generally used. There is a firm on Broadway that sells the photos in question, but should this meet the eye of any one possessing photos of Hermann and Kellar, he can sell one of each to Mr. Platt, whose address is 327 Walnut street, Cincinnati, O. * * * Harvey Emmctt, Spokane, Wash.—Your news notes received, but too late for January issue, and 'twill be too old for February number. Thank you just the same. * * # Geo. A. Rcnna.—We cannot, in justice to the Howard Brothers, even give you a hint as to their work; if you are interested you must get up a code yourself; perhaps the second-sight article in the Robert Houdin material may give you a hint. * * * Wm. Jaques, Norfolk, Va.—The method used by his imitators for escaping from a packing case will be exposed in the Handcuff Secrets Exposed article. * * * More letters remain to be answered.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

H O CV S P O C V S IVNIOR The Andtomie of

LEGERDEMAIN. OR, T h e Art of Iugling fet forth in his proper colourj, folly, plainly, and daftly, Co that an ignorant perfon may thereby learn tire full perfection ofthe Ume,sher a little prafitife. Vntoeach Tricke is added thefigure,where it is needful] foiftai ThefectndEditiw, with miutj additiont. PrcQat nibili quim utulficeic.

—•

XiO H D O N,

199

-your lap, and clap your pudding into your mouth, which will be thought to be the ball that you showed them; then de-

tr i cline your head, and open your mouth, and the pudding will slip down at its full length, which with your right hand you may strike it into your mouth again, doing this three or four times, then you may discharge it into your hand, and clap it into your pocket without any suspicion, by making three or four wry faces after it, as though it stuck in your throat, and if you practice smiting easily upon your throat with your fist on each side, the pudding will seem to chink; as if it were lying there; then say, "Thus they eat puddings in High Germany, they fling it down their throats before their teeth can take possession of it."

To Seem to Eat Knives and Forks. Desire any one of the spectators to {Continued) lend you a knife, which when you get To seem to szuallozv a long pudding made hold of, so that you may cover the whole with both hands, the end of the haft exof tin. This pudding must be made of tin, cepted, and setting the point to your consisting of twelve or thirteen little eye, saying, "Somebody strike it with hoops made as in the figure following, your fist," but nobody will, because it so as they may almost seem to fall one is so dangerous a thing; then setting through another, having little holes made your hand on the side of the table and at the biggest end thereof, that it may looking about you, ask, "What, will nonot hurt your mouth, hold this pudding body strike it in?'' in which time let the ("for so it is called) privately in your left knife slip into your lap, then make as if hand, with the hole end uppermost, and you chop it hastily into your mouth, or with your right hand take a ball out of to hold it with one hand, and to strike your pocket, and say, "If here is ever it in with the other nimbly, making three a maid, that has lost her—or an or four wry faces, saying, "Some drink, old woman that is out of conceit some drink," or else, "Now let somewith herself, because her neighbors deem body put his finger into my mouth, and her not so young as she would be, let pull it out again," some will cry, "You them come to me, for this ball is a pres- will bite me," say, "I will assure you I ent remedy:" then seem to put the ball will not:" then when he has put his into your left hand, but let it slip into finger in, he will pull it out and cry, Printed by T. H. fpr R. M.

i 6 3 j.

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"There is nothing;" this is time sufficient to convey the knife into your pocket; then say, "Why, you have your finger again." So by this means you may swallow knives and forks. To Put a Lock upon a Man's Mouth. You must have a lock made for this purpose, according to the figure; one side if its bow must be immovable, as that marked with A, the other side is noted with B, and must be pinned to the body of the lock, as appears at E, I say it must be so pinned that it may play to and fro with ease; this side of the bow must have a leg as at C, and then turn it into the lock; this leg must have two

the partition when the lock is shut home, will the least of all be suspected in the use of the lock; you must get one to hold a tester edge long between his teeth, then take another tester, and with your left hand proffer to set it edgeways between a second man's teeth, pretending that your intent is to turn both into which of their mouths they shall desire, by virtue of your words: which he shall no sooner consent to do, but you by holding your lock privately in your right hand, with your fore-finger may flip it over his cheek, and lock it by pressing your fore-finger a little down, after some store of words, and the lock having hung on a while, seem to pull the key out of his nose. You may have these locks neatly made, at my house, near the watch-house, on little Tower-hill, Postern-row, a bookseller's shop.

How to Show the Magic Bell and Bushel. This feat may well be called magical, for really it is very amazing, if it be well handled. This device was never known to the public before. This bushel must be turned neatly like unto the egg-boxes, so that they cannot find out where it opens, and you must have a false lid to clap on and off, and upon that false lid glue some bird-seed, and then you must have a true lid made notches filled in the inner side, which to clap neatly upon the false one. now must be so ordered, that one may lock you must have your artificial bell to or hold the two sides of the bow as close show with your bushel. You may make your bell with wood, together as may be, and the other notch to bold the said part of the bow a pro- or brass, your bell must be made to unportionable distance asunder, that being screw at the top, that it may bold as locked upon the cheek, it may neither much seed as your bushel will when pinch too hard, nor yet hold it so slight it is filled, and you must have the handle that it may be drawn off; let there be a of your bell made with a spring, so as key fixed to it, to unlock it, as you see to let the seed fall down at. your word at D. and lastly, let the bow have divers of command. notches filled in it, so that the place of (To be continued.)

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

HANDCUFF SECRETS EXPOSED

(COPYRIGHT,

I906,

MY I 1 A R U Y

(Continued.) After I had gathered in the reward, it was reduced to $50, and now the cuff is looked upon as not being invincible with the exception, of certain makes that are being used by the United States Government, and several pair now being used by my brother, Theo. Hardeen, who at present is touring Great Britain. Capt. E. D. Bean was born in Hollis, Maine, July 29th, 1838. He gained his rank as captain during the Civil War in the United States, 1861-1865. Was on the police department service over ten years, and during all this time worked faithfully perfecting all the restraint implements for the use of the police department, and through his efforts, the

lHU'DLXI.)

The following material was first intended for a book and was written by the author, during his tour in Great Britain, in response to the thousands of letters received requesting light on the easy methods adopted by his numerous imitators. Not having had the required time the book was not published; but as it seems to find a fitting place in the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine, it will appear in monthly instalments. In reading the various instalments, please bear in mind that it was written to appear in book form. This will be the most exhaustive article ever published on this peculiar mode of entertainment.

Capt. E. D. Bean, inventor of Police Restraints bearing his name.

handcuff became a practical police instrument. At the present moment he is busy working on a sort of a thumb clip,

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

which when completed will be about the second lightest restraint in use by the police department. He is hale and hearty, and let us hope that the captain will be with us a good many years. He resides in Boston, Mass. The lightest restraint in actual use is the Thumb

Thumb Cuff.

Cuff, and from illustration you can see just exactly what it is, and how it is used. Mr. P. C. Holland, the great criminalogist of Chicago and editor of "The Detective," informs me that this thumb cirff was invented 16 years ago,

great many years, and were the most frequent in use at the Spanish Inquisition, and at the French Bastile. In freeing yourself from the old-time thumb screws it is not a difficult matter to open the smaller locks used, for with very little practice with a common lockpicker, feu can easily open all locks capable of being hung on the thumb screws. Will illustrate different lock pickers in a future number. A Few Facts Regarding American Manacles. As the number of American manufactured manacles are so great, (over 175) it will take a special article to de^ tail and explain them, which I shall leave for some future date; for the present let it suffice that I should illustrate and de-

Thumb Screw used in the Bastile, Paris

and that the inventor died on his re turn from Washington after having had his patent granted. Thumb screws have been in use a

Illustration No. 1.

scribe some of the best known makes now in use in the United States of America.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Illustration No. i. This is a photograph of a pair of Handcuffs invented by Herman Ahrend, April 27, 1880, and are made by a firm in Newark. The legirons are of the "A. Rankin," Philadelphia pattern. The two form a unique manacle to fasten the hands and feet together. Illustration No. 2. There are dozens of different patterns of ratchets, or cuffs that are adjustable to any size wrists; the most in service are (A) the Tower and Lyon Double lock, (C) the Cobb 1900 Cuff, the cuff called (P>) Pinkertnn Detective cuff. (I

203

Adams and I often meet with his cv.lT; W. Kimball's Handcuff was placed on the market, (and never sold) in i860; some officer in Newark has a very fine pair; he informed me that he takes pride in having held all the Handcuff Kings and Queens that came his way. T beat, it in less than 2 minutes; it is a fairly secure cuff. In 1861 A. Delestatius brougni out a cuff which looks something like A. Rankin's, but Rankin did not patent his cuff with a few improvements until 1862.

Illustration No. ,3.

Illustration No. 2.

suppose it is called by that name because Pinkjerton the famous detective never had anything to do with it), and of all the cuffs that I have ever had the fortune to be locked in they are the limit. I wish all cuffs were as easy to manipulate as this cuff. The early ratchets were invented about 1862 by William V.

The majority of the ratchet cuffs can he opened by a small piece of apparatus as shown in illustration No. 3, which consists of a strip of fine steel about 3^/2 inches long and % inch wide with a knob on the end. This is inserted through the handcuff where the lock snaps, X showing position of apparatus when inserted in cuff. On the double lock ratchets when they are doublelocked, this steel is useless. (To be Continued.)

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Hamley Brothers.

35, New Oxford Street, T. W, G. London, Eng. IIMITFI) and (City Depot) 2 9 , Ludgate ill, E. C.

WE BEG TO NOTIFY OUR NUMEROUS CLIENTS OP OUR REMOVAL FROM OUR LATE PREMISES 231 HIGH HOLBORN, W. C. TO OUR BRANCH AT 35 NEW OXFORD STREET, W. C, WHICH NOW BECOMES OUR HEAD DEPOT FOR CONJURIING TRICKS &c. FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF CITY CUSTOMERS AND THOSE ARRIVING IN TOWN AT CITY STATIONS, WE HAVE OPENED NEW PREMISES AT 29, LUDGATE HILL, E. C. AT BOTH BRANCHES, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN ESPECIALLY MADE TO ENABLE THE BEST & PROMPTEST ATTENTION TO BE GIVEN TO CALLERS AND ALSO TO MAIL ORDERS.

HAMLEY'S NOVEL TRAVELLING THIMBLE An Entirely New Method

Just one of the many brilliant effects is as follows: The performer shows an ordinary thimble on his finger. He removes it and hands it to be examined. One of the audience places thimble on forefinger of left hand. Thimble is invisibly transferred to the corresponding finger of the right hand. Showing It plainly performer places finger against the left palm and quite slowly closes his fingers over the thimble and finger. The latter he withdraws, leaving thimble behind. He then shows his right hand back and front thoroughly, but upon his opening his left hand the thimble has entirely vanished. This and many other beautiful effects which may be obtained are, if nicely shown, apparently miracles. We can moreover positively assert that two thimbles are not used. Price 5/- post free. United Kingdom 5/1. British Empire 5/4. Any foreign Country 5/10, or 1 Dollar, 40 cents.

HAMLEY'S NOVEL COIN WAND This wand is quite new and is made on hitherto unused principle so far as magic Is concerned. The effect Is wonderful in the extreme. The trick is worked as follows: The performer borrows 3 coins and throws them up in the air and they vanish. He now takes the wand, which is quite a thin one about 3 feet in length, made of brass handsomely nickled. This is first of all given for examination, he then waves it about in the air. the audience sees a coin adhering to the top of the wand. This coin he takes off and gives it to audience to examine. He proceeds again in this way, and produces another coin and then another, both of which are handed immediately to the audience. The marvellous part about this wand is that it can at any moment be handed for examination. It is impossible to overrate the value of the wand, because it can be used for any ordinary purpose, and yet this astonishing trick can be performed at any time by its aid. The price is no indication of its value which is very considerably more, but as we anticipate selling a large number we are enabled to offer them at this price. We have only a limited number of these in stock at present, so orders should be sent early in order to secure one. Price 5/6, post free 5/11. Abroad 7/6, or 1 Dollar, 80 cents.

HAMLEY'S IMPROVED CARD STAR for examination and the utis guaranteed. Six cards are one is placed in each arm of so that the performer does not any of the cards. He now ence and spins it, when it can is perfectly unprepared. The card the arrow shall point at, replying, he spins the arrow, that particular person to name the arrow has stopped spinhim to come and take the card and show it to the audience. ence sees that this is quite corin this way with all the cards, other ways, free 43/- or $11-50.

Everything can be given most accuracy and certainty chosen by the audience and the star, back to the audience, get the slightest glimpse of shows the arrow to the audireadily be seen that the arrow performer then asks whose and, upon one of the audience and while it is spinning asks his card. He does so, and when nirtg the performer requests that the arrow is pointing to Upon his doing so, the audireot. The performer proceeds It may be worked in many Special Low Price 42/-, post

Many other Novelties in addition to above. List free on application. NEW MAGICAL SLEIGHTS & FAKES by R. A.Morrell. Price 3/-, post free 2/2. NEW DIALOGUE FOR PUNCH & JUDY.

PRACTICAL HYPNOTISM

by John

Price 6d, post free

Barter.

7d.

Price 1/-, post free 1/2.

MODERN CRYSTAL GAZING. Price 6d, post free 7d. SOME NEW MAGIC by J. P. Burrows. P r i c e l / - , post free 1/1. HOVXL NOTIONS. Price 2/6. post free 2/10. Kindly mention Conjurers' Monthly Magazine when answering advertisements

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205

FILL

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And mail it, together with One Dollar, to T h e C o n jurers' Magazine Publishing Co., 278 W. 113th Street, New York, N. Y. GENTLEMEN :

Please send me C O N J U R E R S ' | M O N T H L Y M A G A Z I N E for twelve months, commencing with the issue, for which I enclose One Dollar. Very truly yours,

Dated

190

The Columbia Theatre Cincinnati, Ohio

The City Magical Company MANUFACTURERS OF

magical Apparatus 1, Amersham Road, New Cross, London, S. E. Eng.

" Always a Good Show at The Columbia."

Everything pertaining to the Art of Magic, Tuition, Expert Advice, Patter, &c. Applications for lyists or Particulars or any inquiry will receive prompt attention We Have the Latest European Novelties

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Selbit's Magic Blocks The latest Novelty in Magic. Can be worked anywhere. For description of this trick and other Magical Novelties write to,

Martinka & Co. MAGICIANS' HEADQUARTERS IN AMERICA 493 SIXTH AVE. NEW

YORK CITY

Agents for The Conjurers' Monthly Magazine

12 TRICKS 25c. Hotel Putnam Easily Done

No Practice

No Apparatus

(Opposite Madison Square Garden)

Complete instructions with 64 page FOURTH AVE. AND 26th STREET book of amusement also catalogue sent, postage prepaid.

H. Otto flagic Co. 270 West 39th Street

New York City

NEW YORK CITY

A New Hotel with all modern improvements, centrally located. European Plan. :: :: :: Rooms $1.00 per day.

Grand Opera House

With Bath $1.50 per day and upwards

Under the personal management of the owner, Mr. Harry Davis

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T H E CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

207

Theodore Hardeen The King of all Handcuff Kings and the Mighty Potentate of all the Monarchs and Jail Breakers (bar Houdini). The official European representative of the Conjurers' Magazine, and t > whom all business communications can be addressed. £

Route Stoll Tour, or care of Jinger &• Bauer, SO Rupert St., London, ZV.

NOW

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Special List of Entirely New Books T I Conjuring and Kindred Subjects Also List No. 41 of 3^0 decided bargains in Magical Apparatus. Both lists sent on receipt of a two cent stamp Catalogue free. Professional catalogue 170 pages. 750 tricks. 20c.

A. ROTERBERG 176 Ontario St.,

JENNIE JACOBS

epresenting some of the largest Stars in the Music Halls. Can use good Magic Acts, Illusionists and all Novelty Shows. Write full particulars in first letter.

48 CRANBOURNE STREET OPPOSITE LONDON HIPPODROME Cable Address Paulcook, I.ondon. Phone 4539 Gerard Traveling Representative : : : Miss Pauline Cool:

CHICAGO, ILL.

(S-

c illustrated I'M Magic Catalogue

••..^

NO FREE COPIES Supplement List, Appendix and Latest List 10c. We keep ever3' Trick, Magic Book or Paper For Sale.

ESTABLISHED/S69 L_' -.,fimtpriHt vish ot any ooi>, although ottuAotorily out of bnu-tog. Sba u-ill nlao dtucriln' iLi- Jrcea' ornamrali, &c. of wy utditidud who mny Q£Lj thoughts ; and lady or gentleman drawing a card out of a pack though ever so secret the Goose blindfolded at the same I also have a clipping dated Boston time will find out the card they drew. February 20, 1843, which will exAdmittance two shillings each person." plain the performance. This MysAnother bill that I have is of Don terious Lady appeared in England Carlo the Double Sighted Dog, who fully a year before Houdin invented gave an exhibition of his mysteriorj- Second Sight, and also performed this skill at the 1'avillion by special com- Second Sight in America four years mand before King William and Royal before she went to Englan^l, so it Family, December 17, 1831. This dog cannot be said that she copied him.

MYSTERIOUS

LADY.

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

To finish up this Second Sight evidence against Robert Houdin I reprocience against Robert Houdin I pro duct1 a "board-side" from Germany in the early part of 1800, about the time Houdin was a mere baby. This is some Hollandish Lady that performed the Second Sight trick at the fairs, and charged a small admission to the public to see her marvelous power.

THE MYSTEKI0D8 LADY.

Reproduction of the out used on the handbills that were distributed on the street to advertise the wonders of the mysterious lady in America In 1841.

There is nothing further to be said on Second Sight; it has been on the programme of almost all of the old timers, but from the evidence presented, it will be clearly shown that Robert Houdin did not invent the trick, and has no right what so ever to claim it as the creation of his brain. We will next take up the ''Suspension Trick."

HOUDIN'S "SUSPENSION." Robert Houc'in claims the invention of "Suspension." or as he terms it "Suspension Ethereenne." On page 312 of his "Memoirs" he sets forth his claims to the trick with all the vanity peculiar to the mass of his "revelations." Vanity and egotism are to be traced between the lines on every page of this remarkable book, but here he is particularly flagrant, lie says: "It will be remembered that in 1847 t n c insensibility produced by inhaling ether began to be applied to surgical operations; all the world talked about the marvelous effect of this anaesthetic, and its extraordinary results. In the eyes of the people it seemed much akin to magic. Seeing that the surgeons had invaded my domain, I asked myself if this did not allow me to make reprisals. I did so by inventing my ethereal suspension, which I believe was far more surprising than any result obtained by my surgical brethren. This trick was much applauded, and I am bound to say that my arrangements were excellently made. This was the first time that I tried to direct the surprise of my spectators by gradually heightening it up to the next moment, when, so to speak, it exploded." Continuing, Houdin claims to have presented the trick as described above in October, 1847. hi July, 1848, he came to London where Herrmann and Anderson both offered it on their programmes. Each did it in exactly the same way, as numerous cuts of programmes will prove. I mention Anderson and Herrmann simply because as both were his active contemporaries, offering the same trick at identically the same time and in the same way, whoever made the apparatus for one made it for the other two.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. Herr Alexander, who is alive at this writing, adds proof to my argument. I wrote to him, asking when lie first offered the suspension trick. Enclosing programmes as evidence, he replied as follows:— "The suspension was at first produced by me in 1845 o r 1846 after reading in an Oriental Annual (edited by several officers in the Indian Army) the trick of a fakir who made a companion sit in the air bv using a bamboo stick. Mv

before the Court of The in Delhi. One of the men assumed the form of a cube and rose into the air, where he remained suspended. The other man then took off his shoe, struck it against a rock, and it also arose and hung in mid-air, dose to the suspended conjurer, or human cube. On being touched on the neck, the cube descended to the ground, and the conjurer resumed his natural form.

Reproduction of an engraving in an old German encyclopedia in credits to the Chinese the trick of climbing into tlie air and having being set together u^ain.

trick had no success because the sitting was too near the ground. I then made, him stand in the air and the ei'fect was marvelous." From this it will he seen that he performed the trick several years before Robert Houdin claims to have invented it. During the course of my researches, I found the first trace of the suspension trick in the writings of Jbn Batuta. He mentions two conjurers who performed

215

lliirry 1MH!\

Ilrudiii: i-nlli'ctinn, which f;ill i l " U 11 p i c e . - m e a l and

I cannot vouch for the historical verity of this tale and ii may lie classed with the familiar story which crops up periodically about the ball of cord thrown into the air for a youth to climb into the clouds. Once out of sight, the youth is said to draw the cord up afier him ; then presently a leg falls from the unseen heights, then another, followed by an arm, some odd ribs, and so on until the entire body is scattered upon the ground, the head coming last with

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

the neck standing upwards. At the command of the magician, the body seems to crawl together, so runs the tale, and eventually the youth stands up to be examined by the astonished populace. These stories belong in the very first of the travelers' tales. In 1356 Sir John Mandevillc, called by some authorities "the father of English prose," after traveling thirty-four years, published a book detailing some of his marvelous "witnessings." Though many of his stories are absolutely impossible, yet so popular did his works become that, barring the Scriptures, more copies and manuscripts of the books containing his various ".Magician Stories" have bjen handed down to posterity and exist today, than any works of his contemporaries. Still Mandeville did not mention this suspension trick which is attributed sometimes to the Chinese and sometimes to the Hindoos. In Cologne, Germany, I purchased an encyclopedia, published in 1684, from which I reproduce a double-page engraving, which shows the Chinese magicians doing the tricks previously accredited in the stories of travelers to Hindoo conjurers. The limited supply of old books which explain natural magic is due to the fact that in the olden days magicians guarded their secrets closely and jealously. For the same reason Athanasius Kircher, who died in 1680, is credited with being the inventor of the magic lantern, when in reality there is proof that the magic lantern was invented 200 years before Kircher was born. Roger Bacon, in his ''Discoveries of the Miracle of Art, Nature and Magic," which I believe he wrote about 1260, describes the glass lenses used in the lanterns, and Chaucer, the English poet, who died in 1400, speaks of a learned

clerk, who, for the amusement of his friends, showed to him forests full of deer, where he saw many of them slain; the hunting being finished, a company of falconers appeared upon the banks of a river where the birds pursued the herons and slew them. Then knights were seen jousting upon a plain, and, by way of conclusion, a lady dancing. But, when the magician thought fit, he clapped his hands, and all was gone. Such effects as these must have been produced bv a magic lantern or some other optical illusion.

FROST'S SUSPENSION. Thomas Frost describes the suspension trick as offered about 1828 or 1829 at Madras by an old Brahmin with no better apparatus than a piece of plank with four legs. This IK- had formed into a stool, and upon it, in a little brass socKCt, he placed a hollow bamboo in a perpendicular position. Projecting from the latter was a kind of crutch, covered with a piece of common hide. These properties he carried with him in a bag, which was shown to all those who desired to witness his exhibition. The servants of the household then held a blanket before him, and when it was withdrawn he was discovered poised in mid-air about four feet from the ground, in a sitting posture, with the outer edge of one hand merely touching the crutch, while the fingers deliberately counted heads, and the other hand and arm were held in an upright position. The blanket was again held up before him, and the spectators caught a gurgling sound, like that occasioned by wind escaping from a bladder or tube. When the screen or blanket was again withdrawn, the conjurer was standing on the ground. (To be continued.)

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

B e r l i n

N o t e

From Our Special European

H E. O

217

Correspondent

A R D E E N

Business having taken me to Berlin, which the Orpheum circuit is going to Germany, I send this letter- to you open in Berlin. Wish you luck, Willy. whilst gazing out of the Westminster Be sure and book all the mystery acts hotel from a window facing the famous that you think will make good. "Inter den Linden." Here I can watch a real king pass my window, and sit Just met several performers returning back and enjoy the spectacle without from Moscow who claim they were not thinking that this is a king that will paid their salaries by Herr Director Aubring along a handcuff. mont. Acts going to Russia had better In Berlin I note Rudinoff, the man demand a large advance on their salary, that was going to retire some time ago which will he paid to them, and then and become an artist. He is a very they will have the consolation of knowclever entertainer, and certainly knows ing they are going to get something. how to throw smiles at the audience. It is the custom in Russia to advance He will be remembered in America by a sum of money to foreign artists visithis smoke pictures and his whistling ing the country. Aumont is manager of the Aquarium and Aumont's Theatre. comedy, '"Mr. and Mrs. Nightingale.'' * * * Morton and Elliott, paper wizards, It's hard to be a widow. Widow Biaam. who has a traveling motion picare also on the bill. * * * ture machine, landed in the quiet city A beauty wizard has managed to of Dieringhausen, near Koln. She transport himself into jail. One of 1ne erected her establishment and allowed German soubrettes, Liane Leischner, certain pictures to be presented, the purchased some beautifier for the face names of which were "The Temptation from this beauty wizard and "rubbed it of St. Anthony," "The Bridalnight," in" before retiring. In the morning she "The Villain Still Pursued Her," "The beheld, to her consternation, that her Naughty Plea, "The Traveler's Unexface was covered with eruptions and pected Return," "The Newspaper Keyboils, and at once had Mr. Beauty Wiz- hole," etc. The police stepped in, and ard arrested. the widow was fined 50 marks for al;Ji ;.k # lowing "unsittliehe films" to be preWilly Passpart, of the Dancing Pass- sented, and she is now a wiser but sadparts, is now touring through the Con- der widow. tinent with Martin Beck of the Orpheum Circuit, booking acts. Passpart will Alexander Weyer, the magician from give up playing dates and become the Monnerich, was stopped by the manreal manager for Martin at the office agers from doing the "Extraction of the : • ;

•

;

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Eggs from a Rooster," until he had fully explained the secret to them, as they imagined that he was cruel to the birds. Why, Alex, would not even harm a ginger snap. * * * Roanacher's establishment has just lost a law suit to the copy act of the "girl with the golden hair." This is the act which Manager J. J. Murdock originated and which some Russian Dancer Newsky appropriated to himself and took to Germany. Roanacher engaged a girl to do this act last December, and the act was hissed off the stage. The act was closed, and the girl entered suit against the management, where it was proven that the rival act had hissed the girl, compelling the curtain to be lowered, as she happened to be in bad form. At the proceedings in the court room, she gave a "specimen of her ability" and proved that there were professional "hissers," and she received damages for the entire amount, with costs. * * * Marco Belly is featured at the Coliseum, Essen Ruhr. His billing reads "Magic Illusions," and he is rapidly coming to the front as a conjurer. • * •

Some time ago I made mention of the fact that in England it was hard for a beginner to obtain a trial show. I must take all of that back, for I had overlooked the fact that Mr. Oswald Stoll has given dozens of aspirants a trial performance, and if any one in England wishes to obtain a trial show, they can apply to one of Mr. Stall's district managers. This ought to be interesting to many of the conjurers who wish to show their skill and cannot get a professional hearing. * * * Return to England next week; until then, an rcvoir.

from fiayman LONDON, ENGLAND

News is plentiful. So a r e m i n d r e a cling acts. England has more m i n d r e a ding acts since the Zancigs entered than ever V before in the history of the show business. * * * The Mysterious Howards are at the 1'alace, London. Act good. The Great Cee Me Troupe (real Chinese magicians) are working right along, and meeting with favor. * * * Goldin is playing the halls about London. * * * Carl Hertz is on the Stoll tour. Dr. Walford Bodie broke the record at Stoke Newington Palace of Varieties. Breaking records is quite a regular pastime for the doctor.

* *a *lot of newspaper Carlton obtained work in Bristol by doing the "finding the lost article" trick. One of the staff of the Bristol Times hid a stylograph in the axletrec of an old cannon, and Lanky Carlton found it after a strenuous search. This feat seems peculiar, especially as the manager of the Empire and Hippodrome in Bristol, Sid Macairc, formerly of Dublin, is the author of a book called "Mind and Muscle Reading" which gives a most lucid explanation of the experiment. I wonder if Macaire witnessed this affair?

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

B. Wilda, conjurer, was at the South Shields Tivoli, and as he received two return dates he must have done well. *

Prince Chandrick, mind mystifier, is featured with Leon Wood's show at the Blackpool Colisseum.

to float in midair, and whilst doing this feat, the young- lady rushes through the audience, coming from the front of the house. She changes her dresses twelve different times in ten minutes, which is something very woman-like, anc j c a n n n t help l,ut create comment. *

219

•

* * The Mysterious Cross is the top of the bill act on the MacNaughton circuit.

Nat Clifford is doing an act which he calls The Astronomer, in which he dresses as a magician and manages to obtain some healthy laughs.

Have just heard that Mr. Chas. Bertram, who was in America some time ago with Chevalier, died on Feb. 28, at the age of sixty years. He was one of the best known drawing-room conjurers in Europe.

Paul Kratern, a sidght of hand performer who sells pocket books in Petticoat Lane, caught a Tartar in the German acrobat, Becker. Becker had heard so much of the Lane that last Sunday he went with a party of friends to look it over, and whilst in that pleasant work he came upon Kratern selling the pocketbook with silver in it; Becker bought three of them without first looking for the contents, though finally he did take one long, lingering look and beheld that the several pocketbooks simply contained ha-pennies; he quickly went into action; grasping Kratern by the back of the neck, he commenced to shake the purse seller's head until he willingly handed back all the money he had taken in. Becker took the money, which happened to be more than he had spent, and whilst walking away was arrested by an officer who had noted the disturbance and had also arrested Kratern. After a hearing in court, Kratern was discharged with a reprimand.

John Warren, who calls himself the Court Magician to the Sultan of Morocco, was at the Camberwcll Palace. His several illusions are presented in a unique manner, and although some are not exactly new, he has them dressed differently and that is why his work seems so refreshingly neat. Mr. Cecil Cooke gave a highly successful entertainment at the Camden Atheneum January 17th, and judging from the amount of press work obtained it must have been a decided success. Mile. Vonetta, who proclaims herself as the World's Only Lady Illusionist, has made quite a hit at the London Hippodrome. The illusion most commented on by the press is one in which she enters a coffin shaped box that rests on two stools; this box then commences

Frank Latona, the mysterious musician, will insist on talking about his farm; hope he will not raise lemons, as he is so charitable he might pass them about.

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

VIENNESE NOTES BY HERR OTTOKA.R FISCHER This gentleman has gone to the extreme trouble of lenrning to speak •tin' Kiiglish luiigunge so tliat lie can converse with the English speak ins magicians whenever they visit Austria; and we think it only right that our readers should become acquainted with Mr. l'iseher in his "right vein, mid so will publish his letters just as he sends them to us.

Past month Goldin performed here, after having delayed the contract for four or five times at Apollo with big success. His whirlwind performance made a great impression upon the Viennese public. The manager intended to prolong his contract for two weeks, but Goldin could not accept, as he was expected in London, where he must arrive on time. He accepted a re-engagement for 1910. Goldin informed me that he is not the auihi-r of the expose of ChungLing-Soo's tricks, as published in Pearson's Weekly. His name was evidently abused. Goldin's lawyer is entrusted to clear up this affair. The Italian magical paper "Sfinge," stopped its appearance after the publication of (he first number. I am sorry that it did so, for "Sfinge" seemed to be a useful and interesting paper. The Vienna manufacturer and dealer of magical apparatus R. Klingl, (later (Klingl & Baumann) celebrated his existence of 30 years by the publication of a large new catalogue. Everybody can obtain it on application.

Four weeks ago I made a trip to the town of Triest (12 hours quick-train from Vienna) to make the personal acquaintance of the ingenious inventor of magical apparatus and clever performer, Mr. Antonio Molini. Molini invented, amongst other things the Organ Pipes, and created a load of new principles in magic. Many chemical tricks were invented by him, also some of the "Japanese" or "Chinese" silent acts. I spent three very pleasant days with him. Okito has favored me with a postcard from Colombo, Ceylon, dated January 17th. He will be in Batavia now, I believe. At Ronachers at present we have "The ()riginal Svengalis," manager, Air. Lorenz; great success. Thorn is in Chemni'.z with usual big success. He made a great sensation in Budapest, where he produced an enlarged program; might be called a lightning program: six tricks and ten illusions in 20 minutes! The papers published enthusiastic articles about his show. Thorn's wife is all right again and performing in the act. Clement de Lion wrote a nice letter to me from Braunschweig, where he is manipulating his balls with acknowledged elegancy. He improved his act so that it is yet more jnysterious than formerly. The Great Roland did not forget to inform me about his English tour. He is making a big hit and always improving his show. Business and contracts are very good. Roland will surprise the artists' world with a new invention. No communication allowed on my part, but he intrusted his secret to me.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

(

SOME OLD TRICKS FOR

NEW

BEGINNERS

1^)

221

A NEW WRINKLE TO CATCH A "WISE 'UN." By Edward C. Conklin.

This is a welcome change from the THE BALANCING MAGIC WAND. old "Sucker Dice l!ox" that some of the The effect of this is to cause your present day magicians in England claim wand to adhere to your fingers in many as their own, and which is so old that positions. The secret of this is to pro- no reputable magician would dare work in the theatres of America, and is only used with* side shows (penny gaffs J ; but the following is simple and good for changing your laugh obtainers. First of all arrange to vanish a large silk handkerchief. You can do this in several ways, either using an elastic pull, or double drawer box. A small Jap-box with the regulation side "empticure for yourself a blonde lady's long ness" will do. hair, knot it and make a loop, as per Take a small piece of silk of the same instructions on page iSN, cut A. Februmaterial as the handkerchief you are using, and tie it to your suspender on the right side nearest to your hip. Show your real handkerchief, drop it into the Jap box or vanish it in the double drawer box, and make a false movement, throwing back your coat with your right hand so as to cause the ary issue. This you can have lying on audience to note the small piece of silk your table on top of a sheet of paper, or in some position where you know on your suspender and make them think how to reach it. and when ready for the that you have placed the handkerchief trick, you push your right hand into this there. Your "wise 'un" will now certainly try and show you up. and you can have all the merriment you wish, at his expense, by eventually showing that this small piece of silk is only there to "keep out the North winds" and you can produce a duplicate handkerchief of the loop as per illustration, and by careful pressure you will be able to balance all one vanished any place you wish. This can be worked with or without light objects. Properly used, this light hair is positively undetectable, and many detachable button, the idea being pregood results can be obtained from same sented for improvement.

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

READING

PRESS

REVIEWING BOOKS AND THINGS,

WISE, AND

OTHERWISE

MORE LIGHT WANTED. We call upon the editor of the London Wizard to enlighten us as to the paragraph in February issue, page 284, in which he states with positiveness that the oldest book in existence on conjuring is dated 1584. We would like to know who is his authority. And will he kindly publish the name of the book? We have in our library a book written in 1489 (German language). It contains impossible tricks, a few mechanical devices, and a few card tricks. Its title is "Magic, Natural and Unnatural," from which liaptiste Portis first obtained the title for his works. PROTECTION FOR MAGICIANS. The Concerts Artists' Journal, February edition (London. England.) has a full page article on material from the pen of Cecil Cooke. He wishes to soften the work of the conjurer's brain thieves, who only wait to steal some one's trick and add it to their own show. We agree with Mr. Maskelyne that there are a great many unscrupulous people in the mystery business whose greatest talent is to take from others, or as it was called '"gobble and take." A man writing a play has full protection, but what protection has any magician who actu-

ally hits upon the rare idea of a clever feat or illusion? A conjurer has as much protection for his inventions as a snow ball would have in hades. Tis true we have some gentlemen in the mystery business, but you show us one man, and we will show you two that carry out Darwin's theory. We once took out papers to patent an invention of ours—the split key for the British cuff. Did it do any good? Answer: Yes, to those that did not know how it was done. And now if you toss up a stone in the Strand, it is almost certain 'to fall and hit some one on the head who lias a split key in his pocket. We must, however, be placed on record as saying that the magic societies have done more to make friends of the magicians than anything that has ever occurred in the history of mystery. All magicians should help each other, but with sorrow we must state that, as a rule, one magician will instruct his friends in the secrets of his rival's feats, simplv to show how much better he is than this other fellow. An illusionist, who hails from .America, used to make it a practice to carry the best tricks of his fellow-conjurers in his pockets, and, when visiting agents' offices, would show them how the trick was done, simply because it did not fit in his performance. Let us be friendly, and help one another. We have personally gone on a stage and allowed kreiger to

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. hypnotize us, and made a hit for him. Of course he did not know who we were, and we enjoyed the fun as much as lie did. Lafayette informed us that when he was in A ienna he acted the clown for our Vienna correspondent, Ottokar Fischer, who did not know Lafayette. They are now the best of friends. These small courtesies are the ones that help weld the irons of brotherly friendship. * * * SPIRIT PHOTOS AGAIN. . . The AYTC York Sunday IVarid last week has a two-page article, most interestingly illustrated, as only a gigantic paper like the World can illustrate, informing us about the great scientists who believe in the dead being able to revisit us after the soul has left the body. While it makes interesting reading, we cannot agree with any of it, as those spirit photos are so simple of production, and the various effects reported so easily duplicated that the only thing we can say is that Flamoricn, Stead, and several of the other mentioned great minds, have lately been compelled to keep in close confinement, so as to evade questions that they could not answer. * * * DEATH OF HARRY N. STORK. The Democrat and Chronicle, Rochester, N. Y., March 3, 1907, states that Henry N. Stork died the morning before at his home, No. 8 Chamberlain street, aged 43 years. He was one of the best known conjurers in this country. Early in the eighties Mr. Stork went to Detroit, where he engaged in the business of selling apparatus used by magicians, much of which he invented himself. Such wellknown professional conjurers as Alexander Herrmann and Harry Keller purchased his illusions. Mr. Stork traveled for several seasons with Harry Keller in an advisory capacity, and

223

Mr. Keller repeatedly said that Mr. Stork was the most valuable assistant with whom he had been associated in his long career as a professional entertainer. About seven years ago Mr. Stork retired from the stage and settled down in Rochester, lie leaves a wife and his mother. * * * BOSTON BITS. By Frederick Roche. After each of Mr. Houdini's visits to Boston "handcuffers" spring from everywhere. Fur the last two weeks everybody from "the stable boy to the landlord" is performing "escapes." Thomas Lloyd, a porter at the Hotel Westminster, after several unsuccessful attempts, got out of a box in 20 minutes. He also escaped from an icebox. I low is that for a freezeout? Miss Effie Lorraine, a 200-pound "Venus" has been added to the ranks of the "handcuffers." According to a Boston paper, she escaped from the vault of the Old Winthrop bank, Washington street, Roxury, in 18 minutes. Some doubt this, but the story has secured her an engagement at a local dime museum. She claims her escape was accomplished by methods other than Houdini's. She will use a box and a hamper at the museum. It will be a tight fit. One of the amateur "handcuff kings" hearing that Mr. Houdini would jump off from a bridge and escape from the cuffs in the water, purchased a collapsible bathtub, and now shows his friends how he does it. Millard Franklin, one of the local handcuff kings, was drowned when the steamer Larchmont went down off Block Island a few weeks ago. On May 7, 1906, a number of the amateurs of Boston met and organized the Society of Roston Magicians. Walter M. Jackson was chosen president, S. Wilson Bailey, secretary and treasurer. Pins were adopted. The society meets every fortnight in Cambridge, and has on file The Conjurer's Monthly and all the other magazines relating to magic.

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Our Mall Bag In this department it is the privilege of our readers to bring to public notice any topic worthy of discussion or deserving of censure or exposure. Our columns are thus thrown open in the hopes that conditions may be bettered or evils abated by such publicity. As no restrictions are imposed upon correspondents, the editor does not hold bimsclf responsible for opinions expressed in this department.

Riverside, 111., Feb. 19, '07. Editor

CONJURERS'

MONTHLY

MAGA-

ZINE.

Sir: T11 your February number you do me the honor of mentioning' my name, and with it ereate a pun which, by the way, .1 don't mind admitting' is quite appropriate; you know it takes wind to make any windmill go, and a good deal to operate the windmill of a magician's life. Please don't misunderstand me; T am not taking exception to your manner of joking, but feel rather flattered, as the name was given me at my first appearance on earth, and has remained with me unaltered during my twenty-five years' residence here, and I am proud of it. I enjoy reading your paper immensely, and really believe that any reader gets one hundred times his money's worth. Inasmuch as you ask '"What's the matter?" and "Why have I not become one of the best conjurers?"' allow me to state (and it will please me very much if you will publish this letter) that I am still quite young (only a little over twentv-five), and perhaps in the near future [ may safely lay claim to being one of the best. Most of my time, in the past seven years, has been spent with circuses, in museums, concert halls and other ignoble(?) places fat least so called by some snobbish, kid-gloved amateurs

who would starve to death if they ever got away from home), and as the editor has himself been through the mill, you will appreciate the saying of the great New England philosopher, Ralph Waldo Emerson: "The height of the pinnacle is determined by the breadth of the base." So you see I have been merely laying a good foundation and shortly I hope to give you the pleasure of seeing the beautiful mansion I am building thereon. Rockets and lightning appear for a moment high up and with a flash, but old John D. believes in the steady glow of the lowlv oil. So, Mr. Editor, from your own experience, that to the persevering mortal the blessed immortals are slow at first but finally give their rewards in good round chunks, and watch for the "airy" name of Windecker to rise on the horizon of success and illuminate the realm of magic in a way that will be highly complimentary to your keen powers of discernment as to my early promises. Wishing you the best of luck, and thanking you for your kind mention, I remain, Yours winded, A.

WINDECKER.

Budapest, Hungaria, Jan. 29, '07. Editor CONJURERS' MAGAZINE. Sir: Enclosed find my permanent address. Pleased to inform you that Mrs. Thorn is well, and things are brighter than ever.

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. For month of February and March we are booked at the Central Theatre, Chemnitz, Germany. It may interest your readers to know that Elberfeld (where you opened that bank safe) now boasts of the largest and finest theatre in Germany. Mr. Matin Stein has been elected director. Kindest regards to all friends, and with best wishes, Yours for always, ERXF.ST THORN.

(Revillo) who, 1 believe, died in South America; also Balabrega. 1 remember him when he first appeared in Boston at the ''Howard" and was billed as the "Swedish Boy Wonder." I shall be pleased to hear from you at any time. Yours most sincerely, W.

FLOYD.

Newport News, Va., Feb. II, '07. Editor CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Okmulgee, I. T., Jan. 20, 1907. Editor CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Sir: The copy of your magazine containing the article about Xickle has just reached me. I am much pleased at the manner in which you displayed it. As [ was a great admirer of Mr. Xickle, I have felt for years that something about him should have been put in print. When I get home again T will look up something about the late Johnathan Harrington (the original), who was the best known magician in New England for many years. I met the old gentleman a few times. He died at Revere, Mass., May 4, 1880. I might also get a "story" about Charles F. Fillibrown of Salem, Mass., if you wish it. No doubt you will remember E. C. Taylor. Do you know whether he is still living or not ,J I am well acquainted with his wife (Irena) and his daughter Florence. They are still living in Somerville, Mass. But they do not know where he is. His full name is Eli Cooper Taylor, born in England. He came to America when a very young child. I have an excellent photograph of him, which I will lend to you if you wish it. In a series of articles about once famous magicians you ought to get "stories" about Oliver

Sir: Reading your query as to whether or not I am still in the business, allow me to enlighten you. I have been living in retirement the past four years in the above mentioned town, owing to sickness and to an unfortunate marriage, into which I entered whilst playing an engagement at the Argyle Music Hall, Birkenhcad, England; my wife and I separated after a year and six months of married life. Expect shortly to again become active in the profession, and extend greeting to Downs, Thurston, Chung Lung Soo and all other friends. Anyone wishing to hear from me can personally write to my home address, Flotel Huntington, Newport News, Va. Trusting you will find space for my letter in your esteemed magazine, I remain Yours sincerely, WELSH MILLER.

Afton, Stacey Road, Cardiff, January 26, 1907. Editor CONJURERS' MAGAZINE. Sir: I have had each number of your paper, and it is a welcome addition to the magazines devoted to magic. Our own Wizard, and the Conjurers' Monthly are really good papers, the others are monthly catalogues. Now there is one thing that I do not care for in your

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paper, and that is the handcuff articles. Conjurers are very little interested m handcuffs; you are personally, as I know, a specialist in this branch, but taking it generally, it interests magicians about equal to any other trick—not more. Now, personally, I can get out of a pair of English regulation handcuffs that are not in any way tampered with, without any master key. In fact, a pair of ordinary cuffs can be put on and I will get out of them before a spectator without any "fakes" of any kind. This is a fine secret, and 1 believe it is only known to very few; yet, although 1 know it and can work it, I have never done so in any of my entertainments, always preferring to give experiments of a more interesting nature. Let us have some interesting conjuring tricks in your paper and please drop the handcuff articles; no one is in the least interested in them; at least I have never yet met a conjurer that took any interest in the handcuff act, and I have met a few. Now, in one number you mention a card conjurer who you say is the cleverest that ever lived—the Viennese called Hofzinser. As I know that you are yourself a good card performer, your statement about Hofzinser is interesting. I have a fine library of works on magic, and am fairly well informed, but I have never heard of this man before. I feel sure it would interest your readers very much if you gave us all the particulars you could regarding him. W h a t were his principal tricks? When did he live? W h o was he and what did he particularly excel in? All this would be very interesting. Wishing yon well. Yours truly, CHAS. OSWALD WILLIAMS.

ANSWERS TO VARIOUS"""?/ QUESTIONS I Chas. Oswald Williams, Cardiff. The handcuff series is one of the main features and is selling the magazine. Although it may not interest you, we are constantly receiving letters regarding the articles, and asking information on various handcuff subjects. It will be continued until finished. Regarding Hofzinser, he was born in Vienna, Austria, July 6, 1806, and died in the same place, March 1, 1875; his great tricks were to use a certain prepared pack of cards, so that no one could think that he resorted to mechanical cards. He mixed sleight of hand with mechanical effects; he undoubtedly was the inventor of the glass clock in which the counter weight is used. Instead of using only the hours, he had a full pack of cards glued on the dial, and the pointer would indicate the cards selected. We will have an entire article about him in one of our forthcoming issues. We must take one conjurer after the other. His programmes and photographs will be reproduced. Atlanta, Ga. Write full particulars and we will publish it in our Mail Bag columns. But be careful, as you are not the first man that lost his wife through the arts of a conjurer. Will hold back your appeal until we hear from you again on this subject. As an answer to your second question, we can only say, with our comedians, that it is very hard to lose a wife, in fact almost impossible. *

Albertz. The first handkerchief is produced from the end of a hollow tip on wand; the second from a false finger shell, and the third from a small pocket near the elbow on coat sleeve, which you obtain, whilst showing the audience that you will roll up your sleeves, thereby allowing your hand to easily grasp the handkerchief.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. John Zimmer, Phila. Impossible for us to mention all, but the best known conjurers with names starting with H, arc as follows: Hespe, Herrmann, Houdin, Hamilton, Holden, Hall Sr., Heimburger, Herkimer, Hollis, Heller, Hartz Bros., Hertz, Hornmann, Milliard, Hilliar, Horn, Henri, Hannover, Hannes, Heaubeck, Hiam, Henri Hermann (now with Devant of England), Hugli, Hayman (we know four different Haymans), Hartman, Hoffmann, Harrell, Hermes, Holland, Hardeen, Hurd, Hellman, Jlcrwin, Hewes, etc., etc., etc. Reader, Boston, Mass. In 1806 a spiritualistic walking piano was patented. A man was concealed inside. Maskelyne introduced something like this effect in one of his sketches. We personally saw this and it created much merriment, as the piano chased the terrorstricken subject about the stage. Louis Grannet. Letter received. Send along any material you may obtain. Party to whom you refer was Hardeen. They used to call him Texas. Seventy-fifth street is not the street it used to be. We lived there, I mean, starved there for years. *

Well built, New York. Certainly, yr>u can wear tights when doing magic. It is not the fortune of everybody to have good limbs, and if you wish to wear tights, go right ahead and do so. Ziska, Powell and many other conjurers wear tight fitting knee pants. By all means give the audience a treat. *

•

B. G. Hull. Kmoklyn. Stripper pack of cards, are where the cards arc narrower at one end than at the other. You allow a card to be selected, while selector is looking at the chosen card, turn your cards around, and when the chosen card is returned, it can be distinguished by being wider than the rest, at one end, which will enable you to draw it out of the pack, and place it anywhere you wish. All dealers sell them. They will cost from 25 cents per pack up to $2. They are very useful, requiring very little practice.

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John N. Hilliard, Rochester. Greetings. Angthing doing in answer to our exchanged letters? Hope all's well. * * * Peter Hansen, Kopcnhagen. Mailed paper to your address. +

•

Paul Kinkade, Revere. We positively refuse to inform you who sent us the news. We make it a rule never to publish names, without the writer's permission, and in this case we were asked to omit same. * * * Teegardcns, St. Louis, Mo. Thanks, so do we. Hope you always will. * + * MacKicrnan, Stucbenville. We do not reply to such questions, but can refer you to the editor of the War Cry. * * * Joseph Wolf, Peru, 111. Instead of a bag being used, a small light weight tube is used, which is sewn in the last produced handkerchief. * + * Albert Rudiger, New York. It all depends on what the trick is. If you wish to sell it, patent it; but if the trick is one you wish to keep secret, don't patent it. * * * Reader, St. Louis. Thanks for that clipping. * * * W. L. Hicks. Pleased to hear from you any old time. * + * Chris M. Forbes. Lanark, Canada. Will use that item and give you credit for same. Heard of Old Malabar when we were in Scotland. There is another old man in Leith who sells horse radish, and in between sales, does the ball trick. * * *• G. Dana Taylor. Can you not procure better photos? We would like very much to reproduce Potter's grave, as he is one of the early magicians. We will pay all expenses. * -+ * James Trask. You don't say so! We believe you-not! In other words you are trying to catch birds by putting salt on their tails. Run along now and be a good boy.

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Harry Mulvey, Indianapolis. Yes indeed, we know the secret you mention, and it will appear later in the article on Handcuff Secrets. But we can't publish the whole thing in one issue. We do not sell other performers' secrets, and again must inform you we are for the craft and not for the graft. *

•+ *

Chatham. Rreslaw was not an Englishman, but a German. He was one of the best known conjurers in England. He arrived in London about 1763 and travelled steadily until 1803. He is buried in Liverpool. We have never seen an authentic picture of him, but in our collection we have sketches, programmes and clippings, enough to make an interesting article in a future number of the magazine.

ty Jottings and \ Jumblings

$ /y#

Who knows the whereabouts of J. Randell Brown, formerly of Minneapolis? His mother seeks his address. If this meets his gaze, will he kindly write to her in care of D. J. Witaker, 237 Seventeenth avenue, Council Bluffs? *

The Pcttits who arc earning for themselves the reputation of being the representative colored magicians of America are with the Gidean & Ferndon's Hottest Coon in Dixie Company. * * * Canfield and Hildcrra have signed with * * * the Lowcry shows for the coming sumBud Chambers, Glasgow. So you warn mer season. Their work reminds us of the us against your city. Allow us to tell you old time halcyon circus days. They are we are booked for Glasgow, and will appear booked to do magic, juggling, trapeze and even if the entire handcuff fraternity appears. contortionistic evolutions. The only place in which we know fear, is in * * * the dictionary. Go right ahead and do your Grace Courtland, The Witch of Wall worst. street, is on the Majestic Circuit, and is * * * reputed to answer all questions propoundA. H. Provost, Fall River. Yours is a ed by the audience, without making use of strange question. We will say 9,546. If you pads, telephone connections or confederdon't believe it, count them. ates. * * * * * * G. S. B.—There are so many ways of doing Buckhardt has been informing folks that the bag trick that it is impossible to explain he will quit his graft act next season and one unless you state which one you wish. produce a fine mysterious entertainment. The simple method is for a person to get out, He is at present at Walker's Museum in then have the assistant sew up the bag, or Boston, and if he makes as much money else you resort to the false seam method. playing dates with a straight act as he has Will describe a few bag tricks in the future been doing with his graft he must do well. issues of the MAGAZINE. We give him credit for being a good worker. B. G. Hull—Best books to consult are Spirit Mediums Unmasked, Robinson's Slate Writing, Bottom Facts of Spiritualism. If you will let us know which rope tie you wish, we will explain in next number.

Pauline, the Hypnotist, was at the Nelson Theatre, Springfield, Mass., and gave a creditable performance. He is assisted by Chas. Kcnna and the Four American Trumpeters. Business good.

Arthur V. Sterry.—Hope you will always like it. Don't be afraid of making complaints. We shall publish simple tricks from time to time.

Arthur H. Aloser is playing Western New York State under the management of C. F. Hartman and reports S. R. O. business.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. Adel aide Herrmann was the fe; iture aet at the O r , )1icuni in U tica, N e w Y'ork, and made her accusti omed hit. Miller, a Ilandeuff King, was in Snginaw some time ago, and as there arc several Miller Cuff Kings, we think they ought to place some identification mark on their names, so we can tell one from the other. Prof. Miller of Philadelphia is still unhandcuffing himself, and his son seems to be following in the footsteps of his dad.

Albcne and Labrandt are commencing to be rated as a feature act out West. Albini played Seattle, Washington, at the Star Theatre, and as this is the town in which he once was a real manager, his good friends all gathered in force to give him a hearty greeting.

The New York Clipper states that J. W. Coffey, the well-known skeleton dude, has suffered an injury to his leg, and although he greatly objects to asking charity, his friends would aid him by contributions to assist him in buying a wagon in which he can travel and earn his living. He is not able to walk, but is otherwise in good health. His financial condition is verybad, and those of his friends who care to aid him, may address him in care of the Franklin Hotel, Chester, Pa.

Kellar, the magician, is «till merrily plodding alone, doing a g'oorl business. Herr Yaladon seems now to have a beitcr faculty of pleasing his audiences. Kellar has neither denied nor affirmed the rumor that Valadon will be his successor. Question. Will Kellar retire? Edwin Stevens, the well-known comic opera comedian, who is now playing vaudeville time, is the best conjurer that we have ever seen, who belongs to the legitimate stage, bar no, one.

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The Great Do Weird played a week at Altoona. They say his act was weird. * * * Adams and Mack arc still on the Keith Tour, and if they did not expose all of their tricks, they would not have to be so quiet. Different managers of Keith's Theatres have personally informed us that it is a pity for them to show up the work. * * + The London Encore has a paragraph, mentioning acts that were willing to lend their aid against the strikers on the Music Hall stage. Amongst the notables was that of William Robinson, known as Chung Ling Soo, who offered to give a two-hour show to Mr. Stoll at any of his houses. What has Robinson to say about this? * * * Herrmann the Third, and Ziska and King held a meeting in Boston, to talk over the advisability of Herrmann engaging Ziska and King for his show. This ought to score an improvement, and it will be a novelty. With Kellar retiring, Herrmann now ought to have a good field in America. Warren Kecne, with the novelty glass clock, "Ask-me" is reported to have met with an instantaneous success.

Henry Steel Olcott, co-founder of the Theosophical Society with Madame Rlavatsky recently died in Adyar, India. His death has been announced by the Secretary of the Society, Mr. Alexander Fullertcitl.

The Floyds, Lyceum Magicians, have been reengaged for next sea'on by the American Lyceum Union ; and as they play J. J. Flynn's circuit of Parks again this summer, they have work booked solid for 18 months.

Mr. Francis J. Werner, President of the Society of American Magicians, was tendered a masque surprise party by a few of his friends at his Parkville estate.

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fiandcuff Secrets exposed The material for these articles was (lathered d u r i n g -the author's first tour of Great Britain, and was prepared for publication in book form. This was done In r e p o n s e to the thousands of requests f o r light upon the methods used by the horde of Imitators who sprang up at that time. After the manuscript had been c o m p l e t e d , the pressure of professional engagements prevented immediate publication. The text will now be printed for the first time In monthly Installments In the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine, to whose pages It is peculiarly appropriate. Readers must bear in mind that the fact of its being prepared for publication in book form necessitates a somewhat arbitrary and unusual division of the various Instalments, but, in its entirety, tills treatise on handcuff secrets will be the most complete and reliable volume ever published on this unique form of mystery and entertainment. Copyright, 1900. By Harry Houdinl. All rights reserved.

INSTALMENT VII DOUBLE LOCK RATCHETS (Continued)

This double lock ratchet handcuff is also the most dangerous handcuff, for if you break the key or anything on the lock the cuff must be cut off from the wrist. It cannot be forced back with the above steels ; still the old time ratchet can be opened with the spring steel as it only locks once. One good key which may be called a Master Key will, however, open almost all double lock ratchets. Illustration No. 4. The cuffs shown in this illustration arc: (D) Boston Bean Prison Cuff, (E) The Bean Giant, and (F) the Bean Prison Legiron. The above cuffs are the inventions (if Capt. E. D. Bean of Boston, who at one time offered $500 to any one that could escape from the cuff with or without the key; slipping the hands were barred. T escaped from this cuff, in less than 10 minutes, and now if it takes me 25 seconds, it appears a long time.

Illustration No. 4.

The Boston Cuff requires a piece of spring like apparatus as in illustration No. 3, but with a double tooth. It is a cuff much used by fraudulent spirit mediums. All these handcuffs that can be opened by the aid of a piece of spring steel are very useful, inasmuch as they can be brought up to performers with key-holes plugged, sealed and soldered and as a result the release from same is most mystifying and creates excitement. Illustration No. 5. (G) American Army—requiring two keys to open. (H) American Prison Ad justablc Legirons. These are one of the few irons that are double-locked. (I) The "Guiteau" made by Rankin & Co., Philadelphia. Such was the style of Cuff which T have been informed was used on Guiteau, the murderer of President Garfield, who was afterwards hanged for this crime. It is a formidable cuff

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and very difficult as it requires a key within a key to open. In the year 1900 T visited the maker of these cuffs and asked him to open them but he failed to do so; I, however, succeeded. These cuffs, made rigid by having ;i bar of

now obsolete in the army—but is in use at present in the U. S. Navy. Illustration No. 6. (P) Is a South German Cuff resembling the English regulation. (Q) The Berliner. This is made in

Illustration No. 5.

Illustration No. 6.

iron fixed so that a cuff was on each end of the bar, were used during the Civil War on those who had received bounty money and had run away; hence they were designated, "The Bounty Jumper," They are very scarce. Although thev lock easily, few understood how to open them and hundreds of them had to be broken off the prisoners' wrists. (J) The Jersey Cuff. ( K ) The Lilly Iron. This cuff was invented by Captain Lilly, U. S. Army. He was the first man that ever put them on and through a strange irony of fate he died with a pair of them on him. It is a regulation cuff—•

four styles and also made with a belt for strapping hands to sides of the body. The escape is made by working your hands with the belts, on down the legs and over the feet, then you step out. (R) Is the Houdini Bell Lock Handcuff, (my invention) ; a bell rings when the cuff is locked or unlocked. (S) Spanish Manacles used on Prisoners about 1600 when sentenced to be burned to death. (T) In Centre, Thumb screws used in the Bastile, Paris. (To be continued.)

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A SPIRITUALISTIC SEANCE By Monti. It is now some considerable time since I attended a spiritualistic seance, but on being invited to one held recently, I accepted. It was on Monday, the 14th of January, that we stood outside a dingy house in the neighborhood of Westbourne Park, N. W. The lower part of the house was used as a photographic studio, but what attracted our earnest gaze was a small painted signboard hanging from the first floor balcony. It contained the words: "Madame Ridley,' Clairvoyant and Psychometrist." I

then knew that this was the abode of the ''medium" of whom we were in search. We strolled through the narrow passage and toiled up a still narrower flight of stairs, until knocking at a door, we were bidden to enter. The room in which we found ourselves contained very little with the exception of a few chairs and a small piano. On the mantel shelf, however, I noticed some spirit photographs, and it was whilst examining these that Madame entered the room. She wished us good evening, and started chatting to a lady friend, mentioning that she had psychometrized a letter received and had discovered that this lady friend was suffering from a bad cold. We started the "seance" promptly at 8 o'clock and prayers were offered up, asking for God's assistance to help the

medium to converse with and convey the messages of the spirits. Naturally enough, we did not join in this blasphemous appeal. After the usual messages from those off the earth plane, a spirit, whom they called "Lottie," commenced to speak through the medium, and psychometrized various articles produced by the "sitters." When my turn came, I presented a pair of handcuffs. This seemed to somewhat surprise her, and I noticed sundry whisperings pass between the medium and her husband. After a great deal of handling the medium stated what the arcles were and asked why I carried them. I told her that I used them very often, whereupon she evidently jumped to the conclusion that I was connected with the police, and said that she got the impression of robbers and thieves, and continued to tell me of some dangers that I would meet with in my capacity (as she thought of a detective. I led her on this line for some time, and then informed her that, although I used the cuffs, 1 had never mentioned that they had fastened criminals, and that as a matter of fact the cuffs had never been used officially. She was, of course, somewhat confused by this statement, c^nd then promptly jumped at the only other likely, reason for my carrying Handcuffs, saying "You are connected with music halls and are on the stage; and sometimes you get fastened up in difficult positions, from which you find it very hard to escape." I told her that was the case, and she asked if I ever hurt my head in my struggles as she got that impression. I said "no!" whereupon my friend, (whom you know well as Matlock Brown) caused a sensation by shouting "You try the straight

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. jacket, cockie!" These words, coming1 as they did, from a very substantial '"spirit," threatened to break up the meeting. After a few minutes, however, peace was restored, and now comes the most amusing and instructive part. The spirit, who is supposed to be a litle girl, told me through the "medium" that if T attended the sittings regularly (at a 1/ a time) she knew of another "spirit" who used to be a clown when on the earth, and if I believed in him he would open with a "spirit key," absolutely any handcuffs, padlocks, or manacles with which I could be fastened. Now on this, what about the Handcuff Mystery ? All you have to do is to get fastened up as securely as possible, enter the cabinet, and wait for the spirit to unlock everything. I was not told how many sittings I should have to attend before the spirit would condescend to favor me like this, but probably I should enter the cabinet a young man, and emerge verv aged, with a grey head and beard and what is more, still fastened. No! I think that in spite of the kind offer, I will still continue to effect my escape by other methods, which are more certain. This was all the information I could get, but my friend, Matlock Brown, was more successful. He was told that a large sum of money was to come to him when he reached the age of 2T, and also another sum later in life. As he is already well past 21, he is now seriously considPerhaps the medium could give him ering the advisability of making a search for the trustees or holders of the money, as same has never reached him. some particulars on this point, and some idea as to where it would be best to

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make inquiries. Then she told him that she could sec spirits all around him and gave him several descriptions, which, of course, he failed to recognize. One was an old man carrying a load of books and papers, and the medium asked my friend if he was entering for an examination ; lie answered in the affirmative (having already given her the information in answer to a previous question) and was told that he need not worry over the results as the spirit of the old gentleman wished to say that everything would be all right and that he would pass. One other point which we particularly noticed, goes to show to what extent hysterically inclined women and even men believe in these humbugs. A young person present has been accused of theft by her mistress, and she anxiously inquired of the medium whether ail would become right. After some length)- communication with the spirits, the medium informed her that her innocence would certainly be proved without her worrying at all; but, in the meantime, she was to put the matter in a solicitor's hands and let him carry it through. The question is, "why spend money on solicitor's fees when one is assured that bv trusting in the spirits, perfect innocence will be established." My friend and I will visit the same medium in. a week or so, with the intention of breaking up the meeting at which so many weakminded persons attend for the purpose of being gulled by one who takes their money and doubtless laughs at the confiding crowd who still continue to believe in "Spiritualism and the Spirit World."

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. What am I offered ? Have a prepared box, made of heavy lumber, on which anyone can hang their own locks and positively defies detection. Can be placed in the lobby of the theatre all day, and have had thousands examine same. Size, 37 inches long, 19 inches high, and 22 inches wide. A large man cannot be placed in this box. J. W. Tomlin, 1418 South Charles Street, Baltimore, Md.

Barter and exchange Advertisements under this heading are accepted free of charge; there is in. after graft and you bind yourselves to nothing; we only reserve the right to exclude any advertisement we do not wish in our paper. Please Inform us of all unfair dealings as we wish to protect our readers. Make your advertisement brief and condensed, omltlng unnecessary words.

What am I offered for forty back numbers of the Mahatma? Would prefer mechanical cards. Richard Freeman, 35 \V. 133d street, New York. Would like to have a Hindoo Box Trick, or Mysterious liarrel. State what is desired in exchange. Arthur Kramer, Lennox Hotel, Boston. Mass. Have a lot of juggling apparatus, clubs, etc., also a large green baize. Will willingly exchange for any idea or sutation that can be made use of in my club juggling act. Sam Altus, 209 E. 14th street, New York. For $4.00, brand other Ohio.

Exchange—1 half-dollar wand, value and 1 Fire Bowl, value $2.50. Both new. Will exchange for equal value in apparatus. S. J. Stilwell, Springfield,

Will exchange magicians' photos, cards, etc. Thos. J. Peters, 3252 46th street S. \V., Cleveland. Ohio. Have a fine centre table, heavy gilt moulding wrist and rabbit traps; everything in perfect condition and in a crate ready for traveling purposes. Belonged to my brother the well-known Magician Gardner. Will sell for $15. A positive bargain. Address, Walter Gardner, 1737 Hannover street, Baltimore, Md.

Highly nicklc-plated Billiard Ball Holder for five balls. New. Made by Yost & Co. Cost $12. Will exchange for anything good. The Kardells, 272 West 117th street, New York City. To trade two centre tables, with trap, rice and orange trick, and some others. Will send photo. What have you? Carl Anderson, Box 477, Rochester, N. Y. Will exchange Aga, Flying lamp pedestal (only) tables, pulls, balls, etc., for good illusion or best offer. Mosher, Magician, Little Valley, N. Y. Organpipc canisters, handkerchief wand, Roterberg's card, lyre and bottle, coffee and milk trick; prefer exchange in following servants, or silk handkerchiefs. What is best offer? Chas. J. Hagcn, 1431 Ave A., N. Y. C. What is best offer for following which cost me $107? Keller's coffee and milk trick; sliding die caddie, billiard ball change to handkerchief, bewitched fan; Pocket Poco camera and dark room outfit complete in every detail; Edison phonograph and six dozen records. Will accept other tricks, side tables, or black art outfit. Wm. H. Traphagan, 16 William street, Ossining, N. Y. Who can supply me with a Lilly Iron. Also want any old-fashioned handcuffs or manacles. Have 18-inch glass clock, with nickle-plated arrow, two side tables and a set of double drawer boxes. Will exchange either for cuffs or brass tubing cabinet. Address, Edw. Johnson, 106 W. 134th street, New York.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

H O C VS P O C V S IVNIOR. The Jnttomie of

LEGERDEMAIN. O X,

.The Art of Iugling fet forth in his proper colours, faliy, plainly, and exactly,fothat an ignorant petfon may thereby learn the full perfection ofthe fa«ie,artcr a little praftife. Vnto each Tricke is added thefigure,where it is needful! fonufbuSion,

Thcfectni Edititn, wstb mat] additions, PrcQit

ZO K D O N, P r i n t e d b y T. H. for R.M.

1635.

INSTALMENT VII. MAGIC BALL AND BUSHEL (Completed) The manner how to use them is as follows: Note you must be sure to fill the top of your bell with seed before you begin to show, then saying, "Gentlemen, you see I have nothing in my bell" (which they cannot, if you hold it by the handle) "nor have I any thing in my bushel, therefore I will fill my bushel with seed," and in rilling it clap on the false lid, and no man can tell the

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If you cannot rightly conceive this by words you may have them of newest fashions, ready made, at my house. *

HOW TO PUT A RING THROUGH ONE'S CHEEK. You must have two rings made of silver or brass, or what you please, of one bigness, color, and likeness, saving that one must have a notch through, and the other must be whole, without a

notch ; show the whole ring and conceal that which has the notch, and say, ''Now I will put this ring through my cheek," and privately slip the notch over one side of your mouth, then take a small stick, which you must have in readiness, and slip the whole ring upon it, holding your hands over it about the middle of the stick; then bid somebody hold fast the stick at both ends, and say, "see this ring in mv cheek, it turns round;" then while you perceive them fasten their eyes upon that ring, upon a sudden whip it out, and smite upon the stick therewith instantly concealing it, and whirling the other ring, you hold your hand over round about the stick, and it will be thought that you have brought that ring upon the stick which was upon your cheek. * * *

HOW TO CUT THE BLOWING BOOK.

Take a book seven inches long, and about five inches broad, and let there- be Then ask anybody in the company iu hold that seed in their hands and you forty-nine leaves, that is seven times will command it all under the magical seven contained therein so as you may bell, so clap the true lid on, and then cut upon the edges of each leaf six ring your bell, and the seed will be gone notches, each notch in depth of a quarter out of your bushel into your bell to the of an inch, admiration of all the beholders. ( T o be continued) e c u 11 t**"j'.

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The most advantageous o p p o r 1 u n i t i e s offered in this office to Vaudeville Artists who are desirous of engagements covering an entire season's work.

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240

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Hamley Brothers,

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and (City Depot) 29, Ludgate ill, E. C.

HAMLEY'S NOVEL TRAVELLING THIMBLE An Entirely New Method

Just one of the many brilliant effects is as follows: The performer shows an ordinary thimble on his finger. He removes it and hands it to be examined. One of the audience places thimble on forefinger of left hand. Thimble is invisibly transferred to the corresponding finger of the right hand. Showing it plainly performer places finger against the left palm and quite slowly closes his fingers over the thimble and finger. The latter he withdraws, leaving thimble behind. He then shows his right hand back and front thoroughly, but upon his opening his left hand the thimble has entirely vanished. This and many other beautiful effects which may be obtained are, if nicely shown, apparently miracles. We can moreover positively assert that two thimbles are not used. Price 5/- post free. United Kingdom 5/1. British Empire 5/4. Any foreign Country 5/10, or 1 Dollar, 40 cents.

HAMLEY'S NOVEL COIN WAND This wand is quite new and is made on hitherto unused principle so far as magic Is concerned. The effect is wonderful in the extreme. The trick is worked as follows: The performer borrows 3 coins and throws them up in the air and they vanish. He now takes the wand, which is quite a thin one about 2 feet in length, made of brass handsomely nickled. This is first of all given for examination, he then waves it about in the air, the audience sees a coin adhering- to the top of the wand. This coin he takes off and gives it to audience to examine. He proceeds again in this way, and produces another coin and then another, both of which are handed immediately to the audience. The marvellous part about this wand is that it can at any moment be handed for examination. It is impossible to overrate the value of the wand, because it can be used for any ordinary purpose, and yet this astonishing trick can be performed at any time by its aid. The price is no indication of its value which is very considerably more, but as we anticipate selling a large number we are enabled to offer them at this price. We have only a limited number of these in stock at present, so orders should be sent early in order to secure one. Price 5/6, post free 5/11. Abroad 7/6, or 1 Dollar, 80 cents.

HAMLEY'S IMPROVED CARD STAR Everything can be given most accuracy and certainty chosen by the audience and the star, back to the audience, get the slightest glimpse of shows the arrow to the audireadily be seen that the arrow performer then asks whose and, upon one of the audience and while it is spinning asks his card. He does so, and when ning the performer requests that the arrow is pointing to Upon his doing so, the audirect. The performer proceeds It may be worked in many Special Low Price 4 2/-, post

for examination and the utis guaranteed. Six cards are one is placed in each arm of so that the performer does not any of the cards. He now ence and spins it, when it can is perfectly unprepared. The card the arrow shall point at, replying, he spins the arrow, that particular person to name the arrow has stopped spinhim to come and take the card and show it to the audience, ence sees that this is quite corin this way with all the cards, other ways. free 43/- or $11.50.

Many other Novelties in addition to above. List free on application. NEW MAGICAL SLEIGHTS & FAKES by R. A.Morrell. Price 2/-, post free 2/2. JTEW DIALOGUE FOB PUNCH & JUDY. Price 6d, post free 7d. PRACTICAL HYPNOTISM by John Barter. Price II-, post free 1/2. MODERN CRYSTAL GAZING. Price 6d, post free 7d. SOME NEW MAGIC by J. p. Burrows. Pricel / - , post free 1/1. HOTIL NOTIONS. Price 2/6, post free 2/10. Kindly mention Conjurer.-?' Monthly Magazine when answering advertisements

MONTHLY

CONTENTS History of Magic European Notes Tricks for Amateurs Reading and Rubbish Light on Alleged Jail Breakers Our Mail Bag Jottings and Jumblings Barter and Exchange Handcuff Secrets

Number 8

APRIL 15, 1907 Price, 10 Cents

Enttrcd as second-class matter September 12, 1906. at the post office at New York. N. Y., ODder the act of Congress of March 3, 1879.

242

T H E CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

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Booking all Big Headliners, for all Big Tours Can give any good Act, Magic, Illusion, Mystery, etc., contracts for long run in England. Shall be pleased to grant unknown acts trial shows at any of the Music Halls under my control. Write, stating what you do, and how much you want for doing it. Effingham House, Arundle Street, Strand, London, England

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For every conjurer who died well off we can name many that died in Contributions on all topics of interest to magiactual want. The old-timers all had cians are welcomed. When puyment is expected, the price must be marked plainly on the manuscript; their ups and downs, while the rich otherwise it will be regarded as complimentary. No manuscripts returned unless accompanied by stamped magicians, or even the well-to-do, could and addressed envelope. be counted on your two hands. Faux, VOL. I. APRIL 1907 No. 8 Pinchbeck, Droz, Pinetti, Robertson, Lane, the older Gyngell, Frickell.HouIn the death of Charles Bertram din and C. Herrmann left more than (James Bassett) the profession has their share of worldly goods. On the sustained a real loss. Mr. Bertram was the most gentlemanly conjurer we have other hand Anderson, the Wizard of had since Robin's time. Many hon- the North, died penniless, though he ors had come to him and though he was once rated as the wealthiest of all had appeared more often before Eng- conjurers. Augoston was found dead land's royal family than any other con- of starvation in the streets of Berlin. jurer in the history of magic, he died Breslaw, Bosco, Robert Heller, Nichols, as he had lived, simple, unaffected, un- Heubeck, Evanion, Guibal, Harrington assuming. and others too numerous to mention all * * * felt the pinch of penury ere death brought relief. The magician who is By comparison , the American illusionist, who, some time since, appeared enjoying his little meed of success before King Edward and Queen Alex- should take warning from those who andra, cuts but a sorry figure. Like have gone before. Tomorrow may the mercenary, flat-headed, pride-inflat- bring a better trick—by another man— ed individual that he is, he imagined and today is the time to save against that his future standing would be rated the morrow when popularity wanes.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

la this series of articles, it is my intention to correct many errors regarding the history of magic which have existed in the public mind since "The Life of Robert Houdin" was issued. In such endeavor, necessarily, I have introduced references to Uoudin's contemporaries and to magicians who preceded him which will make the series, when finished, a comprehensive history of magic from 1GS0 to the present day. In order to prove my statements, it is also necessary to wander frequently from the central figure, Houdin, but though some instalments may not present the name of Houdin, the facts presented will, in the course of the history's development, be found to have direct bearing on his life and wort. In taking issue with those generally accepted as authorities, I am actuated only by a desire to set before the world of magic, the true facts as ascertained by me during years of earnest investigation at home and abroad, and to do justice to those who preceded Houdin and to whom he owed a greater debt than he set forth in bis autobiography. Copyright, 1000. By Harry Houdini. All rights reserved.

INSTALLMENT

NO.

THE SUSPENSION TRICK (Continued.) SHESHAL'S TRICK. The mystery was supposed to have been solved when Sheshal, commonly known as "The Brahmin of the Air," exhibited the trick in 1832 in Madras. It was observed that his stool was ornamented with two inlaid stars, and it was suggested that one of these might conceal a socket for a steel rod, passing through the bamboo, and that another rod, screwed to the perpendicular one and concealed by the piece of hide,

245

might be connected with a mechanism of the same metal, passing up the sleeve and down the back, and forming a circular seat. This conjecture probably was not far from the truth, for while Frost is by no means the greatest of authorities on magic and magicians, in this particular instance I believe his explanation of the trick to be correct.

CHING LAU LAURO'S SUSPENSION The next authentic early information I have on suspensions 'concerns that wonderful performer, who called himself Ching Lau Lauro. Presumably, he was Chinese, but from the programs in my collection, he evidently appeared first in England in 1828, when he was engaged to perform between scenes of various plays, including '"'Tom and Jerry," at the Coburg. I reproduce herewith one of Ching Lau Lauro's programs. About 1833, or possibly a year earlier, he cut out some of his singing, and introduced the suspension, with which he closed his performance. At this time

*»6

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

he gave the entire program. According to his programs in some places he ex, , , , ,,• c , ,, cluded the public from the gallery, so T i 1, • i i• • I should judge his suspension was ac.. , , . , it . , , iU complished with the iron rod from the , , , •, ,, , , . , . back, which would have been in plain . , , ,, „, .. t1 t sight from the gallery. I he stage would ., , , . , , not permit the suspension to be worked . c ,, , c ,, out or range of the gallery gods. '

Fit>e IViyhtS Only.

ually with a steel rod from the back of

AT THE N E W ^ * E \ l B L Y ROOMS, QUEEN-aTHEET^WOJLVEBHAWPTON

t h e

sta

J-Q^

J!!!^^!^!!!!™^^^ 3 ^^:-;";r^£»7S;:^rrr^Tr^^^^^ ^zv:z::z^:r::T£&^Z7^^:":;tz"- •-•»^-",^rx£r:;;r™:,^-;;;:;;/, -'"; - - ' • • • • < - • • " '--•• ""'""""" ——" TV^^,.^^...^ „.,.,^, ^ w,

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'••"•"••-- ••"• p^'V" '" " •"' THE CHEST OF ARCHIMEDES, ®i)C COilwmU of %O^i)£lC (j. c^jjjj^rr^^^ r-uu-mis Fvrgr, Mir>uui * ' Arab, lie silently packed his lent and Uie H o u s e , a n d on a m pev >oiv Ut Jvt !»f> .vvvay or ion..hnigr fled, leaving the automata to their fate. th'Mn will tie-in i;o.t»ark, arid contitnu* to do so urUil they ai e returned. Tin: n e \ ( I-'ig^(re h.: !o!i--;in;^ to thi^; Piece is Droz died in Switzerland in \"j\)\. (;•'•• J.i:'!e (•[iimiiOv--s\veejK*i' which '.-. i-i.' fee seit;uor 51erc|.!atit ^t.ii'uj • -1 a WM.-.I '.i: k. lYwiu \.hjc ! it man apparently returned to his native "'lii dtn\r e.\ery K'ind 01' Spiittii. W K,C. O U A I I..;. writing master is in an advertisement A Vi^'ireiM I)K- n i ^ h i a n d Dn.s.^ ?t.i:uU 101 ;i 'I tn;e-l:ii;te, aiul ;/i\ r$ t!i.. Hotir .'ind Miuuie:-w !ieue\ cr ;i-!:ed, bv s t r i k clipped from the London Telegraph ot ing i ' s Ku-nrd on a Tarjjc ; it J*IVLVS a r.itionu! Aiif.>i*t*-r' f hy^iiof ion) U>»-ty £>«?...i:-.i;u:;i-. '.I ..«-. X ufniS'fv of 1'oiuwJs, Y a r d s , &c" i t iiny rriwn I ' n u • ; bea... as it tells bevond question the history "I":r:it- to M u s i c , J'.c. T h e Table the different Piece" v.-.'il be the joint property of himself and his partner. Maillardets, who must have obtained the figure from Haddock. One of their joint programs is also reproduced. Wherever De Phil-

or it would have been handed down :o his estate. Cbeatrc," 'SHafttftfH).

Mr. Louts.s M

L and d OPTICAL OPTIC ROYAL, MECHANICAL, TWAi.ES rG-RTAINWEMTS during Uot..-PH1-T uii-al'Al. ami ftiAlLI,AKD-ET's AUTOMATICAL

T H E A T R E , . C2theiiii4.--$ii\er, Strand, jvilj open ivery Evening. The ^eiliHifiancea coniist of 3 gtcat ;;t.iay io^^«:oos pieces of Mc-cliaiiUm ami Upiical Kccrcattoiii) which have been ijnetioued with the highest m-irks of .T.'jpntbijtion. For further psrticularj see hand bill. Ttiti wto!e Jiimkr the direction of Alt. LOUIS, Assistant Engineer, wbo jivtil ttss^io utirost exer>ioti8 ?o promola the wish a! iiic tPraprieiors. i l u l of ctTcrir.g to an euUgiiiened Public a I Count cl CotcrniiinKntioCa superior i.aturc. j il&Xis Ji, f i t j j . C i l l e r y is.—B«is op«i ar7 o'clock,! j.jnd'b;i>s;in urccMeiy j t $. Places for Ihe lioxes may os taken;;

Motidai, Ai-nl 3. 1S13. U'cdiiKuiav. ThnrNiJay and Friday f.»!lu«uii;, the 5ih, 6th. and 7U«Ar •'.-•

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Iron

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THK

MECHANICAL

DRAWING AND WRITING MASTER, A J l VEM1LE AP7I-T

Thr t^r.

-1 . ?•; . - h . , «.) Uirlf br dtauT.iniTcJ Ihr llni.iL Embinifr f'>r IV" nf i b ' fj^lpd itlci rnDrfrD'fl^ 'N* t r u of itifu wo-.ltr rutk.gn •"(«•*. m i l " " r.iitic p j i o ..f I>m.diul m*. " b i r r qigpr ip»H» imi^iiJ f i * n eier> boM((h. tsuld fo hrjunil i h . utonitbinf; rcilmcl al ihn i l l l - H i i ( Auloouion, « ho i t u l i r i Ihr qun-

Che 1IHIE< ^ p m n a r t : TbLi m-Kit»H DiBio, » 1 * a-^'rorn1 # -,,. l r K U i , , r j 0. n.uv. i., -t.. L t, h* l/.«pt ug» *.ih crilicil ind K» Ko..ni,aud which will enable stating that Colley had nn right to the person*, who may douut the possibility of any metliaiucal contrivance Ia4ing Jn accurate likenets, tu compare them with (be ongloals. title of Archdeacon, that "he is not an Innc», Printer, 61, W«JU-jt. O»fordit. archdeacon and never was one." Colley then retaliated by bringing his suit for Handbill used on the exhibition of this automaton. libel and won. The affair attracted "This was a fake automaton, and was also exhibited at 101 Strand, May 7, 1820. much attention all over England because of the prominence of Colley and. conIn the next issue, I will describe the sidering his standing as churchman, beinventions of that master of the craft, cause of his profound interest in spiritPinchbeck, who made the wonderful ualism. automata for Fawkes, the greatest Hard em Editorial note:—If this legal warfare magician of his day. This article, like was on the level and had occurred in its predecessors, will be illustrated proAmerica, Colley would have had no fusely with exclusive and rare engravchance to win : but if it was all done in ings, programs, bills and photographs the interest of publicity, then we take irom my private collection. off our hat to Maskelyne as the cleverest (To he continued.) • press agent of them all-

AUTOMA TON ARTIST.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

2SS

London, ling., The (Jlasgmv police have arrested a man named William Currier belonging to kilmaniDck on suspicion of being concerned in a robbery at Braehca 1 Farm, Riccarton, Scotland, when a sum of £100. ($500.) in gold and silver was stolen. Currier is known by the sobriquet of the I-finnan Pin-Cushion. He has been with the Barnum & Ilailey Circus where lie stuck pins, knife blades and awK into his body and arms without drawing blood. He was apprehended at Paisley and had more than £20 on his person. He was examined before Sheriff Mackenzie and committed to jail. £

: :

;

In March issue of the CONJURER'S Joe Haynian mentions the Cee Mee troupe as a Chinese troupe. This is a mistake. They are a family of trapeze performers and all English born. We worked on same bill a.t Shrewsbury ("Jala last August. * * * There are four different sets of Mysterious Howards working England at the present moment. The genuine ones are at the Palace Theatre. MACAZINI:,

The latest thought reading act on the market exploited by Anger & Bauer, is the horse '"Daika." The manager claims to be able to duplicate all of the tests done by the human thought readers. * * * While playing in Newcastle. I met Mr. Snelling, and had a long chat with the gentleman. He saws that he would like to get more than a postal card from his daughter who is Minerva, the wife of \ ano, now touring America. * * *

My attention has been called to a monthly catalogue published here. It misleads readers bv making circulars read as if it were the CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. Have received several complaints. Hut this is only another unprofessional act of the perpetrator. That is one of his ways of doing business. *

Picitt & Lizett are in Paris. Picitt was once a handcuff king, but has reformed. T think that is where from he managed to get his name—Pick-itThev are making excellent progress.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. Debicre has made such a hit at the Alhambra that the management has seen fit to retain him two weeks more. *

:;:

Henri Bekker, a rising young magician, whose hands are like feet, can certainly palm playing cards; he contemplates visiting America on trial or "spec ' as it is known, and should he obtain an opening I predict a huge success. Sheffield, the citv that has seen so iranv handicap races, was treated to a most daring race by George Herbert, a manacled prisoner, who made a dash for freedom from the courtroom where a warder had brought him from Wakefiekl iail. He had jarred the cuffs open, divested himself of his coat and vest and ran through the streets, knocking people down right and left. Talk about your cries of stop thief ! Pandemonium reigned in the city, until after a race of twelve minutes he was captured out of breath, and holding the open handcuffs up with a grin on his face. Some time ago, a prisoner escaped from the police cells in Birmingham police headquarters, and the jailor states that he mu-t have squeezed through the food hole in the door. During mv engagement at the Liverpool Empire. I met Edward Viola, who works with his wife as The Violas. He has had only one opportunity for showing his act in London, and that, alas, was during the strike. Thev were bille 1 at the Oxford, London, and were the star attraction on the bill; but the strike being on, they did not work, although it meant the event of their lives. . They have not had a chance since to appear, and credit must be given them for their loyalty; big acts can learn from this little act to be constant and true. How

289

different to the manner in which William E. Robinson, known as Chung Lung Soo who, during the strike, when asked by Mr. (Iswald Stoll if he would work, wired and wrote letters to the effect that he would give a two and a half hours' show to act as a strike breaker. Mr. Stoll did not even ask this of Robinson, but then I presume Robinson never thought that his letters would become public property. I am sorry that it is an American that is held up to us men of mystery as a good strike breaker. Mr. Ernest Wighton, the acting-manager of the < Hvmpia, Liverpool, is the brother of David Devant, of Egyptian 1 fall fame. This is the first time I was aware of this fact. ;

-i*

-! ;

Reports have it that the Zancigs are not a howling success in their provincial tour. * * * \Yhat will Charlie Carter say about his Chinaman when he reads the following item that I ha\e clipped with the scissors from the London Daily Mail, April 15, 1907? Mee Fee Lung, a Chinaman. well known on the music-hall stage as "1'rice Fee Lung, t lie Chinese magician." was summonded at Wlllcsdon for deserting his wife. Jennie Fee Lung, an Kuglishwoinau living at Sandringham-road, Wilit'sdrt'ii (Jreeu. Mrs. Fee Lung said1 that six years ago she assisted the defendant in his work on the stage, and they wire married at Soho. The defendant had since refused to taUe her on tour with him. He was earning frmn £12 to £10 a week. The defendant gave evidence on his own behalf, and took the Chinese oath by kneeling down and dn>ppiiig a saucer. It was perfectly true, he said, that he did not take his wife on tour, because she. had now got too stout to perform the vanishing-lady trick. It was impossible for her to disappear ilow n the tutie under the stage, and as for the trick where she had to turn into a duck—there! The defendant could not finish his sentence, but lifted up his eyes in despair. He denied he was earning anything like £1G a week. Tlie public taste had altered of late and magicians were no longer in favour. The magistrate, in granting a separation order with an allowance of ::0s. a week, said. "These marriages between Asiatics and Europeans could never come to any good, the tastes and temperaments of the two people being so different."

The Great Roland, while at the Brighton Hippodrome, presented an illusion in which he is supposed to be dreaming.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

290

It is reversing the order of the Bridal Chamber. He makes things disappear, whereas in the Hridal Chamber they appear. It is an interesting and mysterious illusion. #

>;;

:£

Horace Goldin tried to enjoin Fasola from producing the Cannon and Trunk trick in Glasgow, and Goldin had to expose his mystery in order to prove that Fasola was infringing on his (Goldin's) patent. # * * I regret to state that Goldin lost again, but there cught to be some law for magicians that when one brings out a new illusion of his own brain work, he would be protected. ]t seems that the illusion as performed by Goldin was proven to have been produced twenty years ago. * * * Goldin, by the way, is going along merrily, and hopes to save money some time. He is a source of delight to the railroads on account of his excess baggage. * * * Managers are waiting for the verdict of the Arbitrator in England, and are not booking any acts. I shall soon be in London for a six months' run and will be able to send all the news of England, as London is known to all the Provincial folk as "The City." Lots of scandal about. Must lock it up. , Mrs. Thomas Barresford is making an appeal for the widow of the conjurer Heno, who died some time ago, aged fifty-five. Heno at one time appeared before Queen Victoria, but of late years has not been able to keep up with the running of the younger generation. Magicians wishing to send their mite can mail it to Mrs. Iiarresford, Hippodrome House, Brighton, England. Conjurers, save Your monev.

Happenings from fiayman Just landed in London after an awful stormy voyage across the Atlantic. The good (?) ship Cedric rolled like a log sometimes, and then again like two logs. Xever again will f take a trip in mid month of. April, unless I am a fugitive from justice. But now that I have set my feet on English soil, I'll stay over for some time. One of the stewards, at the usual concert, gave a wonderful exhibition of sleight of hand. He held out his hand, showed back and front empty, when lo and behold, a coin would appear in it. He did this feat with his hands several times, but one passenger, displeased with his service, suddenly became afflicted with astigmatism and could not see the trick, so the steward had to pass on to the next passenger. ;|
, in Gemeisheim. Germany. Died in New York. May 15, 1900. Located 2S years at 321 Bowery, N. Y. City. 7. George McKenzie Munro, senior member of the Ornum Manufacturing Co.. 4 Duke Street, Charing Cross, London, England. Publisher of the I/jndon "Wizard" 8. Augustavus Roterberg, born in Hamburg, Germany, 1S67. manufacturer. Author of several clever books on magic. Factory and salesroom, 178 Ontario Street Chicago, 111. 9 & 10. Antonio Martinka. Francis Martinka. Antonio is the master-mechanic and Francis is the business manager. Located 493 Sixth Ave., New York City. 11. Oscar Lischke. Old-time Hamburg dealer. Died several years ago. 12. W. D. Leroy. Born August 5, 1S62, in La Salle, 111. Located for last fourteen years at 101- Court Street, Boston, Mass. 13. Ernest Basch. One of the celebrated, four Basch brothers Today the richest manufacturer in the world. Now making only large apparatus and illusions. Located in Hannover, Germany, 11 Neimburgerstrasse. 14. C. Milton Chase. Present establishment, 6% Staniford Street, Boston, Mass. 15. Thomas Yost. Established 1870, in Philadelphia, Penn. Business at 900 Filbert Street, now conducted under firm name of Yost . Lane and his mystic lecture. A peculiar method of doing magic. Wherever a conjurer is not wanted, this man cleverly brings magic into his lecture course. Hornmann informs us that the act is original. * * * Hnrnmann has again signed to return to his did luve, the John Robinson Circus, opening April 23d. * * * Otto Maurer, Jr., smi of Maurer the oldtime Bowery magical dealer, is now employed in Newark in the musical department "f the largest department store. * * * Francis J. Werner, President of the Society of American Magicians, has not been very well of late, and we are pleased to hear that he is now n the mad to recovery. * * * Who. knows what has become of Frank Stanselle? When last heard of he was touring through New Mexico with a magical show. Will some one shed light on his whereabouts and send information to the Editor of this magazine? * * * Mysterious Frank C.xsar is busily engaged playing dates, and has added a few novel feats to his already clever performance. He is out West, and making good.

Chicago J\[otes

BY .Iv.HICKS

Magic is very quiet in the Windy City at the time of writing. "Alexander" the Great (not the historical one), gave a very poor exhibition as a handcuff kin£ week of April "th with Al. Reeves Burlesque show. Strange that an old manager like Mr. Reeves shoull permit an act in his employ to use another man's name on the bill in trying to draw houses. What is the matter, Mr. Reeves? Can't your show draw on its merits? * * * Paul, the Mystifier, who was closed some time ago by a local manager in Oakland, Cal.,

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nas managed to borrow a lot of ideas, and is now at large in the woods. The longer he takes to the forest the better for theatre goers. * * * De Hollis and Val'ira, the originators of the boa trick, were at the Haymarket Theatre week of April 29th. * * * Mons. Clivette, assisted by Madame Clivette, introduced a few mysterious stunts in his act, principally flag tricks, and the knight's tour. He finishes his performance with shadowgraphs. * * * Sears recently p-isscd through Chicagowith his big act. He carries live assistants, Mid a car load of baggage. Lock out, Goldin, or this fellow will break your baggage record. •

Roterberg, the busy dealer, is now stocking up for next winter.

May jd, Gang's much advertised show came oil. lie was introduced by a man named Ouiglcv, now an aspiring theatrical agent, hut once a member of some quintet. "I he less said about Gaus's performance the kinder. * * * Chinkci, the English boy juggler, played at the Orpheiim Theatre recently. He is very good. * * * Society of Boston Magicians will hold itsfirst annual dinner at the American House, May 13th. • : * * * Hindoo Sam is at Austin and. Stone's museum with his bas'-- my hotel with a proposition that I should engage myself one night for a duel with Klcppini, which I refused. Herr Keutter then asked me whether I would handcuff kleppini if the latter challenged me, and I replied that this I would certainly do. So he begged me to remain one day longer, not allowing any one to know of my presence in town, however. As I had been working steadily since leaving Xew York, I was in sad need of rest, so I waited all day in my room, having all meals sent to me. ( )n the morning of June iQth I arose with the lark—to face huge bills an-

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nonncing : "Hoiidini challenged and will appear at the (.'irons Ceasur Sidoli this •evening. Klep|)ini will allow himself to he handonffed and will immediately fr?e himself." I was more amused than angry. I simply polished my various handeuffs, oilul the mechanism and waited. Kleppini sent for me. I refused to go to him. He called at the hotel. I would nnrg.iitis in Masical Apparatus. Both lists sntt on receipt of a two cent s u m p Catalogue free. Professional crunl.jguu 170 pages. 750 tricks. 2uc.

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Information regarding the old-time Magicians, Foreign or American, that will enlighten the Magicians of the World, as to the real facts of the old-timers. Up to the present date no one has been in a position to speak with authority of exact dates, and it is the desire of the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine to give credit to whom credit is due. Old programmes, Lithos and Photos of magicians are always solicited. Whenever seiidin.tr photos or material kindly send note with sr.me, with all information possible.

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takes notice of the plodder, and as a reward smiles on him. * * * A reputation is not made over nigh! ! So, when you meet some poor lone magician, struggling up the rough road, don't pass him by with a quick nod, or ignore him entirely, but give him a glad handshake, and cheer him up. If he ever becomes successful he will remember your manly greeting, and may in some way or other show you that he has not forgotten the oldtime days. * * * We wish to call our readeis' attention to our Baiter and Exchange Column. It has been a big success and a source of benefit to all who have utilized it.

We are now commencing to work o'T our first anniversary number. Have you thought of advertising? This will Contributions on all topics of interest to magicians are welcomed. When payment is expected, tbe be the best opportunity of having your price must be marked plainly on the manuscript; otherwise It will be regarded as complimentary. No advertisement placed in such a position manuscripts returned unless accompanied by stamped aud addressed envelope. that it will be kept for future reference. JUNE 1907 VOL. I. No. 10 * * * In soliciting your advertisement, we William Smith, known as Carl Lebert, a conjurer, committed suicide in Lon- respectfully call your attention to the don because he wa-1 unable to pave his fact that we do not seek your money way along the strenuous pathway of life. without giving you full value for it. Just think of it! This seems to be about Our monthly circulation is now greater the first record we have of a magician than all the other conjurer's monthlies making his life disappear. We heard ol combined and then some more. Our a magician murderer who killed his anniversary edition will be the largest sweetheart and then shot himself, hue edition so far printed and it will be an for a conjurer to deliberate!v make 'way edition that will long be remembered, with himself is something new. There and forever referred to. For that issue is always room on top for conjurers, we will have a special rate for your but you must have a good stout heart. half-tone and business advertisement. and never know the word fail. But Think it over, and do yourself a favor then we are not all constituted alike, and by advertising with us. whilst some of us fall by the wayside, failures, others go right ahead for the Always bear in mind that we are a simple reason they do not know that paper for thecraft and not for the they are defeated, and fate eventually graft. Foreign representatives—London. England, Theo Hardeen, care Anger & Bauer. 50 Rupert street, W.; Moscow, Russia. T. Bolin; Vienna. Austria, Ottokar Fischer; Teheran, Persia, James Leahuian.

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In this series of articles, it is my intention to correct many errors regarding the history of magic which have existed in the public mind since "The Life of Robert Houdin" was issued. In such endeavor, necessarily, I hnve introduced references to Houdin's contemporaries and to magicians who preceded him which will make the series, when finished, a comprehensive history of magic from 1GH0 to the present day. In order to prove my statements, it is also neoessary to wander frequently from the central figure, Houdin, but though some instalments may not present the name of Houdin, the facts presented will. In the course of the history's development, be found to have direct bearing on his life and work. In taking issue with those generally accepted as authorities, I am actuated only by a desire to set before the world of magic, the true facts as ascertained by me during years of earnest investigation at home and abroad, and to do justice to those who preceded Houdin and to whom he owed a greater debt than he set forth in his autobiography. Copyright, 1900. By Harry Houdini. All rights reserved.

INSTALLMENT NO. X. AUTOMATA. Continued. Fawkes and Pinchbeck, Real Inventors of the Orange.Tree. Fawkes and Pinchbeck are unquestionably two of the most brilliant and picturesque figures in the history of magic. As a "team," if the current theatrical term may be so applied to their eighteenth century partnership, they were perhaps the most, important workers in magic old and new. While these two men presented one of the finest repertoires of tricks ever of-

313

fered on the stage, they are particularly worthy of extended space in this series of articles, because they presented during their partnership a marvelous apple tree, which grew and bore fruit before the very eyes of their audiences, which trick Kobert-Houdin 115 years later, calmly claimed as his own invention, under the title of "The Orange Tree." Very little of the personal history of Fawkes can be traced. He was a sleight-of-hand worker, the magician of the team, and probably snrang from obscure parentage, but Pinchbeck was a man of par'.s, a noted inventor and mechanician whose life-history is more easily followed. The two men probably met at the Bartholomew Fair, and once they joined forces, they became the premier entertainers of their time, each supplying what the other lacked. They died within a year of each other, Fawkes in 1731 and Pinchbeck in 1732, leaving magic the richer for their clever contributions. The following brief biographical sketch of Christopher Pinchbeck is taken from the Dictionary of National Biog-

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THB CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

raphy, Vol. XLV , edited by Sidney Lee and published in 1896 by Smith, Elder & Co., 15 Waterloo Place, -London.

This is I)•- and was buried in St. Martin's-in•the-Fields. His will, which was very •curious, is printed in full in The Horo>logical Journal of November, 1895. ^ n e of his daughters married William Ilebb, who was described as 'son-in-law and successor of the late Mr. Pinchbeck at his shop in Cockspur Street' (imprinted •on Pinchbeck's portrait) whose son, Christopher Henry Ilebb (1772-1861) practised as a surgeon in Worcester. There is in existence a portrait of Christopher Pinchbeck, the younger, by Cun-

317

ningham, engraved by \Y. Humphrey. The Pinchbecks, father and son, were bv no means the inventors of the astronomical clocks, though they introduced many improvements and novelties. Writing in 1803, Charles Huttoii, in Vol. II of his translations of Ozanam and Alontucla, savs, in regard to the famous clockmakers, that in the fourteenth century James Dondi constructed for the city of Padua a clock which was regarded as the wonder of its day. It represented the motion of the sun, moon and planets, and pointed out the different festivals of the year. ^ At __ F A W K E S's THE A TR E, In JiinuJ-flrect, near ihc Hay-market, ivM hi prejiniid Iks following B-nierUiinnunU : Firft. T-TIS Diverting and Incomparable N. !'. In p?.t :tc:il.u Jjr cau!*\ 3 Tree Co £ro\v lip T;> & FIo:v(.'r-" IV-: U,T>R il\i T-u>! winch r,-iif bio-.v iui;l b t i r rite pi-mc i a . a Mi'uuc's Time. SccmuJ, His Famous J'ttic P n ^ r v n t - M A s T E a ^ litclt iraAt hi Mr. Pinchbeck , l:ourrK; T k V E I ^ T U M M.VCH1X5, beingt'nc fui?-^ Piece el VVnjkmiufllip i» ti'= VV'orW, for moving f i&iues a i

!*!« Hiftaucei other, ft « j r tf,* their cucUjrrr, SM CiflKtemoil3nil I . a . l ^ IIMV l i n e 1 nri.-a-c P/-.. •,

: >re

Advertisement cut from the London Daily " P ^ t " ' of 17.10. before the ilenlh of tlie senior Tinvkos. which sliows tlial he hurt on liis progrmn. " H e causes a 'J'rce lo »iuw up in a Flower-pot upon the Table which will lilmv and I.ear ripe Fruit, ill a M i n u t e ' s Time." (From the Ilan-y Umidini collection.)

For this he secured the surname of "Horologio," which was handed down to his posterity. Some time later William Zaladin constructed a clock for the same city that was still more complex. It was repaired in the sixteenth century

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

by Janellus Turrianus, the noted mechanician of Charles V. Doubtless the most celebrated works of this kind are the clocks in the cathedrals of Strasburgh and Lyons. The Strasburgh clock was made by Conrad Dasypodius, a mathematician of that city, who finished it about the year 1573. It is considered as the most wonderful clock in all Europe. The only one that can dispute its pre-eminence, or that can lie compared to it in the variety of effects, is the one in Lyons. Another famous clockmaker was Martinot, who flourished in the seventeenth century, and made a wonderful clock for the royal apartments in Versailles. This also had all kinds of complicated figures, animals, etc. At the hour King Louis XIV. would appear, two guards entered and struck the hour. However much their contemporaries may have admired the work of the two Pinchbecks as patentees of utilitarian inventions, it is with their work as inventors and builders of magical apparatus that we must deal, and certainly they had no equals in that line. The elder Pinchbeck's automata showed the most delicate mechanism, and included entire landscapes with figures of rare grace in motion. The mezzo-tints, showing Pinchbeck, father and son, I unearthed in Berlin, Germany. Both are now very rare, and I consider myself most fortunate in having been able to secure them. The •dealer from whom they were purchased informed me that he had picked them up during a tour in England, thinking them one and the same person, but a careful study will show they are father and son, this fact being confirmed by the account of the two portraits set forth in the biography published at the opening of this instalment.

Fawkes, sleight-of-hand marvel and conjurer, was evidently of the same age and shared the interests of the elder Pinchbeck, but it is practically impossible to trace his early history. His Christian

The best portrait of Isaac Fawkes, the great BurMiolnmcw Kair Sl'-ight of Hand and I'osture Master. Supposed to be an engraving by *Sutton Nichols. Mr. Alfred Vaughan of Brighton. Eng.. allowed 11 photograph to be taken of his copy, but some time later Mr. Houdini managed to purchase one of his collection from Henry Evans Evauiun. These seem to be the only two copies in existence. It is stated that the above engraving appears in the early edition of Canfli'lds Book of Wonderful Characters.

name was never used on his billing, nor published in papers or magazines, and only after repeated failures, deep research and infinite pains did I find a record of his death and burial, and thereby his first name, Isaac. He died May 25 or 29, 1731, and was buried in St. Martin'sin-the-Fields Parish Church, Trafalgar Square, London, Eng. This record was

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. unearthed in 1904 by R. Bennett, the church clerk and myself, after days of search through musty, faded burial records. The records further show that he was buried in the church vault, the coffin being carried by six men. Prayers were said in the church, candles were used and the great bell was tolled. As the fees amounted to £6.12.0, a goodly sum for those days, all signs indicate that the funeral was on a scale more costly and impressive than the ordinary. Fawkes was worth at his death fio,000, which was considered an enormous sum in those days. Every dollar of this Tie made performing at the fairs. The earliest advertisements of Fawkes' performances in my collection are dated 1702, and include advertisements headed "Fawkes and Powel ," "Fawkes and Phillips" and "Fawkes and Pinchbeck.'" Powel was the famous puppet man, Phillips a famous posture master (known today as contortionist), and Pinchbeck was the greatest of mechanicians. Fawkes seems to have possessed a singular gift for picking out desirable partners.

319

England. There is just now some controversy as to who originated showing twice a night in England. In my collection are a number of other clippings from the press of the same year, in April and May 1728, but none of them say "twice a night," therefore I judge that the custom of giving two performances in a night was tried previously to April, 1728, and then abandoned, or after the first of May. In the London Post of Feb. 7th, 1724, Fawkes announced an exhibition "in the Long Room over the piazza at the (• TN tht Long Room, over the Vhi?j:?\ at the -forms M'- molt uj.p; ]< Ven iiyy a»r,ya"> o " e n iiK\vn r*wn B ny/j.net

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At FAWKESls' Bjxib in 'the Up^JAoor'•• Mlk-, wfflb'e'pre'fentedthejallnvin£

Entottimnenti,

IRST his Famous Pofture-Mafter, that

for his wonderful Dexterity of'Bnilj exceeds all Enript. !.Tbe ! Mufical Temple pf Arts, with two moving PiSmes, the ones •'•Concert of Mufick, the ether the Siege and Bay of Gibraltar, ( fceinc the fincft Piece of Glcck-iverk in rhe World. JT Pirnaflus, with A(H>11O andthc Nine Mufes ptayjn£on various lnftrdmcuts of Mu/Tclt, the next a beautiful View of i River, vsich '. Swms ami other Fowls and Fifli, fjwrting as thn' Alive. The lift ; gives 3 ProfpeS of the N/w Palace Yard, with the whole Pro| jcefiktn of the late Coronation of their prefcat Majcftfts inarch- : : ing from the Hall cp the Abbey, ' Note, Half the Pcrtbrma»« can't he cxprefsM in thii Aiivc;• tifement. -.' Nivc, We(lKnv_twicc{vcry E?CRthg,thcFir(tbe£inriJn£itHve, , the others: Seven.

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I S~\ IV J |""\ ^ " \ IVI L.V-/ I >1 LJKJ 1 1 1

tj~ [VI f * L l i \J

Harry Day THE: AGENT OF ENGLAND Booking all Big Headliners, for all Big Tours Can give any good Act, Magic, Illusion, Mystery, etc., contracts for long run in England. Shall be pleased to grant unknown acts trial shows at any of the Music Halls under my control. Write, stating what you do, and how much you want for doing it. Zffingham Hcuss, Arundle Street, Strand, London, England

Manhattan Detective Agency, OPPOSITE METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE 141O Broadway, Corner 39tH Street Thirty-five (35) years' experience has qualified this agency to undertake all legitimate lines of detective work, where absolute reliability and secrecy are imperative. Obtaining evidence in criminal and civil matters, confidential work for Railroads, Banks, Mercantile Houses, Factories, Corporations, Lawyers and Private Individuals. References furnished upon request. Suite 414. Telephone 468O Bryant

Information regarding the old-time Magicians, Foreign or American, that will enlighten the Magicians of the World, as to the real facts of the old-timers. Up to the present date no one has been in a position to speak with authority of exact dates, and it is the desire of the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine to give credit to whom credit is due. Old programmes, Lithos and Photos of magicians are always solicited. Whenever sending photos or material kindly send note with same, with all information possible.

We want a photo of every magician so as to be able to eventually compile a Magicians' Encyclopedia. Address: C o n j u r e r s ' M o n t h l y M a g a z i n e 278 W. I13t2» St., New York

MOTE: Jfny one sending information will be given full credit in our columns. Kindly mention Conjurers' Monthly Magazine when answering advertisement*

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

343

Professional Card Column

In the future we intend t o have a professional card column, for which vve will charge a very low rate. Cards I will only he accepted for at least fi six months' run. Cost to be $3 seini-aiinually and $5 annually, payable m advance for space of one inch. The rate for this column has nothing to do with our usual advertising rates, being simplv a special inducement I >r our regular subscribers.

CLINTON BURGESS

Prof. NATHU MANCHACHAND

Champion Stage Card Manipulator of America

Open for engagements for clubs, parties and parlor entertainments.

163 St. Nicholas Ave., N. Y. City

Care

DR. BHAC.WANDO

Old Hanumau Lane, Kalbadevie Road, Bombay, India

CHAFALO

BERT KILBY The Mysterious

The Great Indian Magician

The Italian necromancer assisted by the beauty Mile Capretto

Entertainer

Italian

Iii his mysterious novelty magicial performance " Tee=ta=talk." Permanent Address : Conjurers' Magazine

Presenting the latest of the newest tricks

New Britain, Conn.

278 West 113th St., N. Y. City

BERT WIQGIN The fionk=honk Mystifier. Jilso Lightning Crayon Sketch Mrtist.

Western Representative of the Conjurers1 Magazine.

Permanent Address, Trafalgar Hotel,

115 East 14th Street,

W. L. HICKS 1$_ope Manipulator, Handcuff Expert and Packing Case Evador

New York.

Saratoga Hotel, Chicago, III.

JAILBREAKER EXPOSED! WILLIAM H. CRAIG, Sheriff

OFFICE OF

JOH.\ J. BIRDSALL Jailer

Monroe County Jail State of New York, } County of Monroe, . S. S. Citv of Rochester, )

ROCHESTER, N. Y., July 2nd, 1907.

JOHN J. BIRDSALL, being DULY SWORN, deposes and says that he is the JAILER OF MONROE COUNTY JAIL at R o c h e s t e r , N e w Y o r R State, and that on this date there personally appeared at the above Jail the manager of Brindaniour, the Jail Breaker, who is showing at the Lyceum Theatre this week, and stated that Brindaniour had advertised to give an exhibiton before the representatives of the daily press at the Jail at eleven o'clock, A. 'M., but that IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE 1;()R HIM TO GO ON and do so s u c c e s s f u l l y without first "ARRANGING T H I N G S " with me. I told him that I would permit him to give the exhibition and would lock him in a cell, but would not be a party to any "ARRANGING." If he could beat the cells I wanted to know it. At 11:30 A M. BRINDAMOUR CAME AND I offered t o locK h i m i n a c e l l , c h a l l e n g i n g h i m to get o u t u n a i d e d , 1 «ut HE D E CLINED IN THE PRESENCE OF THE R E P O R T E R S to make the attempt. Sworn and subscribed to (Signed) JOHN J. BIRDSALL before me, this 2& day of July 1907, At Rochester, Monroe County, N. Y. State (Signed) JOS. J. LEGLER, Com. of Deeds. K i n d l y m e n t i o n C o n j u r o r s ' M o n t h l y M a g a z i n e in a n s w e r i n g a l l A d v e r t i s e m e n t s

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

344

CONJURERS' MONTHLY

MAGAZINE PUBLISHED BY

The Conjurers' Magazine Publishing Co, 278 WEST 113TH NEW

STREET

YORK CITY

TELEPHONE: 1514 MORNINCSIDE

Per Year $1.00 Single Copies, 10 Cents Advertising rates payable hi advance, made known on application to above address. The entire contents of the Conjurers' Monthly Uagazlne are protected by copyright and must not he reproduced either wholly or in part without permission.

vented, in this way hoping to prevent the presentation of them by others. If the illusions belong to him, either bv origination or by purchase of brain work from some one else, we would like to see him win and become entitled to the sole exploitation of the illusions in question. *

It obviously is only fair that the man who originates a performance should derive the benefits therefrom; and, if the laws will properly protect the originator, much good will have been accomplished. * * *

We again call our readers' attention to the tact that in September, 1907, we celebrate our first anniversary. Foreign representatives—London, England, Theo On this occasion we are going to Hardeen, care Anger & Bauer. T»0 Rupert street, W.; Moscow, Hussia. T. Rolin: Vienna. Austria, Ottokar place an anniversary number before the Fischer; Teheran. Persia, James Leabiuan. publ;c that you will all be proud of; the Contributions on oil topics of Interest to magicians are welcomed. When payment Is expected, the edition being the largest one printed up price must be marked plainly on the manuscript; otherwise it will be regarded as complimentary. No to that time. manuscripts returned unless accompanied by stamped mod addressed envelope. As we want to have the CONJURERS' MAlaj. N. E. The jWrs \)\V be * f M every Day at Five o* Clock. And in Kirpsrti that, Gentfan;:n md J^a* wlt not be (ii&ppoiawd, we becfai exactly a: Six, and JKMIC to be ji* auet. ,Pjri«**«. i s . and*d7 This clip'iliijr shows ( h a t Fawkes joined hands with the fiiuioiis Hiirtholouicw Fair I'ui>iH't-ui.'ni, Powcl. They must h;ivc piv n ;i lonj; iMTfonnniK-c as the Advertisement r;ills nttentuni to the fact that no one will lie admit ted after six o'clock, \vhei\ as other ndviTtiseinents of otln r dates s t a t e with rare ex i ^tiio i s Tricks bete ttq tptTH ck byy b^rfi brf the Performer^,, too ceaioiM e i th. h Mording i till il 9 at Nighr, Thtir Hours. t*7ery Dijf, iirom 9 in laft Show* bc-^iraiinR at ?, 5. «id 7, in the Evraing, With » g

SiMh#J&&M

d ;

Clipping from the London Daily " P o s t " of Aug. ]~:!o. in which Fawkes advertises his admission price ;is twelve pence. (From the H a r r y Houdini collection. )

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND, May

Reproduction of page 112(3 of K'ones Every Day BCMII; (from the library of Harry Houdini). This portrait of Fawkes was engraved on a fan by Setchels In 172S (some authorities claim 1721). and the fan was distributed among the sight seers of the Fair.

sion of Robert-Houdin and was by him sold to the late P. T. Barnum. Presumably it was destroyed in the fire which laid waste the latter's American

31,

1907.

.Air. Harry Houdini— Dear Sir: Have just read your highly interesting article in number 9 of the CONJURER'S MAGAZINE, and trust that the following information added to your collection of data may prove interesting. The three automata (The writer of Jacquet Droz, the elder, the drawing master, and the Harmonium incidently the Piano player of the second Droz) were for a long time in the possession of Mechanician Martin in Dresden, Saxony, who exhibited them in all the large cities, and in 1883 advertised to sell them all for 15,000 Marks. (About $3,800.00.) according to an advert, in the Muenchener Fliegende Blaetter May 13. 1883.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

After Mechanician Martin's death his widow sold the automata to a Herr Marfels in Berlin who had them thoroughly repaired and with such good effect that in the fall of 1905 he sold them for 75,000 francs (about $15ooo.oo) to the "Societe d'histoire et d'archeolegie" of the city of Neuchatel, Switzerland. (The family Droz originate from the Kanton Neuchatel.) The three Automata, which even at the present time work admirably, were 'on exhibition last month (April) in Le Locle Chaux de Fonds, Neuchatel, Bern and Geneva and I had the extreme pleasure of seeing fhe various figures go through their performances or exhibitions, whilst they were here in Geneva. Trusting that this information will be of interest to you, with highest regards and esteem I beg to sign myself Adolph Blind.

349

Jaquet Droz's Writing Automation

2) Sample of writing by the figure in 1796

reucir [eur Sample of writing in 1906 ] \Ql

i I DI

f)/

King George III. and Queen Charlotte, as sketched by the drawing automation in their Portrait and autograph of Pr. Jaquet Droz presence in 1774. The above sketches are published by courtesy of the New York Scientific American

THE CONJURERS1 MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

350

London, Eng., If tlie weather in America is anything like it is over here in England, it must mean good business for the theatres. The weather lias been very cold, and we have had a lot of rain. Magic and magicians abound all over. I met I.eRoy one day out in his motor, and had a pleasant ride and chat with him. He informs me that he had a fine engagement offered him to go to America in September, but as he had a month booked at the Apollo in Vienna, and as Ben Teiber, the manager, would not let him off, he had to postpone his intended trip to America. -,i

:;;

;,;

I saw DeHiere standing outside of the Alhambra, with his chest prominently protruding. When I asked of him the wherefore of this pose he simply said, "The management wanted me to play one night (Monday I and I told them that it was to be a whole week or nothing, so they did not let me work, and I went over to the Palace to see the Great Goldin work. Today. Tuesday, the management of the Alhambra again sent for me. and told me to go to work, and stay on for the rest of the week."

This makeo the fourth time his engagement has been prolonged. * * * Karl Edward 1'ollack was in London, and told me he li£-s some fine illusions for sale which his wife had owned. She is not working any more. * * * The other day half the village of Turkeley, Essex, England, turned out in pursuit of a young man named John Cunn, of a neighboring parish. He walked into the garden of a private house, plucked the choicest flowers, divested himself of every stitch of clothing, cleared the garden hedge with a bound, and started to run along the high road as naked as H. G. Well's invisible man except that his body was tattoed in all the colors of the rainbow. The \illage constable mounted a bicvcle and eventually caught Gunn. He was declared insane and ordered to be removed to 1'rentwood asylum. It was stated that Gunn at one time traveled in the dime museums of America, as the tattooed man. * * * Hayman and I attended the English Derby and while we were on Epsom

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. Downs we saw a very clever magician doing a turn and passing the hat. [ recognized him as a very well known music hall artist who has heen out of work because he worked during the late strike. He was getting plenty of pennies, and I think he prefers busking. *

351

Horace (ioldin has again appeared in court, this time as a defendant. The London Daily Telegraph of June 14th

states that the Judge gave Judgement to the plaintive for the amount claimed (£10 17s Id).

Mahatma, Mind Readers, and Carl Herrmann arc on the McXaughton tour.

M. Emilie Lazern, in conjunction with Sid Doody, have what they call a ii.ooo lightning change magical scene, entitled "Mysteria," in four acts. Scene 1 is a coal mine; 2, is a drawing room; 3, is a garden; 4, is a drawing room with an elaborate tableau. Exact time of each change is three seconds.

Whilst at the Grand, Clapham Junction, I had the pleasure of meeting Prof. Don, secretary of the Magic Circle and had a half hour chat with him. He is more than three score years of age and has had over 35 years of experience in the world of mystery. 1 le has had a lot of bad luck lately. On one occasion he was booked to give a show for Maskelyne. and on his return home he found to his horror that his wife had committed suicide, after she had first cut the throat and so caused the death of their ten year old son. This occurred after thirty year's of wedded life and without a solitary quarrel. A few weeks ago. fire destroyed his house which he had just purchased. IJut still he. does not complain. His duties to the Magic Circle keep him quite busy, as it h growing all the time. • • • Carl Hertz is at the (Irand Clapham featuring the bridal chamber. He sails for South Africa on July 6.

Mr, Hymack, the chameleon comedian, scored heavily at the Empire, Bristol. He makes his appearance in a high hat, light frock coat, etc., being dressed like a fashion plate. He staggers like an intoxicated man and has a lengthy altercation with a pump. He wears green gloves which, however, he discards and throws on the stage, when suddenly a cane appears in his hand ; this he hurls from him only to find that another has appeared; and as he throws this one away a red pair of gloves appear on his hands. All the time arguing nonsensically with the pump, he now is amazed to find the second pair of gloves on his hands and finding that his cuffs irritate him, he tears them off only to find, however, another pair appears in their place ; off they come, and yet another pair are seen, which he proceeds to also remove.

I wish to inform all foreign subscribers, that in case they fail to receive their magazines, they might drop me a postal card, so that I can forward an extra copy.

352

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

Now another cane is seen in his hand, which he breaks in two and throws away. But again he holds another cane up to view. He becomes exasperated and tears off his collar, tie and flower from his button hole and immediately others seem to grow on him ; he thereon appears to become crazed with anger and, removing his coat, seizes a bucket and pumps it full of water from the pump; he starts to carry the bucket across the stage, when suddenly a yellow pair of gloves appear on his hands and the bucket thereon falls to pieces. He now rushes to the pump, wrenches off the handle and lashes the pump with it, and then removes the yellow gloves and while so doing the pump moves off the stage. As a climax he rapidly removes his vest and now appears in full view wearing a black frock coat, silk hat, walking cane, collar, tie and black gloves; in fact, dressed immaculately, and all is done in full view of the audience.

During the recent tour of the Zanzigs in Wales, Madame was nearly upset several times, when the audience would ask the names of some of the Welsh towns. Imagine "second-sightcrs," having a name like this hurled at you quick, "Llanfairchan"; or, tell me, please, "Llanbrymnair"; or can you mention "Llandrindod." Madame came through the ordeal unhurt. The Zanzigs' tour ended Saturday, June 15, and they opened the following Monday at the Alhambra, London, the scene of their former triumphs. The company goes out again in the autumn, -i-

The strong man who allows motor cars to run across his chest, came to grief last month in Madrid and was nearly killed. Befoie going on the stage Mr. Strong Man forgot to place on his body "the fake" which supports the motor car, and as the car started to pass over his body, loud yells were heard from underneath the car. It was backed away, and the would-be Samson was found, badly bumped and bruised, as also was his contract when the gentleThis man does not call himself a manly directors finished with it. magician. He told me it took him five * * * years to perfect the act. The recent general meeting of the Variety Artistes Federation, looked more like a gathering of conjurers; near me sat Prof. Dunning, Walton and Lester, Young Marco, Henri Levine, Anthony, and at my right sat Hardeen, who spoke mightily and learnedly on the A new Midget has various questions under discussion. -;. b ! e \ . d l s : covered in beotlana who will outrival the late Tom Thumb. He is advertised as weighing 24 pounds, and being 23 inches in height.

The long expected award was received by the artistes on Saturday, June 15th amid a wailing and gnashing of teeth ; the only thing they gained was that they would be paid for matinees on "future" contracts. The barring clause, if anything, is worse than it was before.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. What the managers gained in this arbitration would fill this entire magazine, so I will not dwell longer on this painful subject. * * * A collection is being made for the widow and orphans of the late Karl Lebert who committed suicide last month, a? they were left in straightened circumstances. !jt

:'f

In my letter' of the April issue, I made mention of Dr. M. E. Bandman's discovery, Signor Carlo Grossi, the mind reader, and telepathic expert. Grossi opened at the London Hippodrome on June ioth and has made quite a sensation. I think the most unique part of his act, is when he unravels a supposed murder mystery. He is securely blindfolded, and two members of the committee, chosen from the audience, are asked to enact a crime. Several knives are laid upon a table, the supposed murderer grabs one of these, and pretends to stab somebody. After supposedly killing his victim, he take^ several articles from the murdered one's pocket, which with the knife he hides in any place he chooses to select. The blindfolded Grossi acting as the detective picks the murderer out of about a dozen men, finds the victim, the knife, and last of all the hidden stolen articles. The committee seems to take real delight in killing one another. Dr. Joseph Gregorowitz the Russian spiritualist made quite a feature of this test when in Milwaukee in 1893. The doctor, by the way is now in Muenchen healing by laying on of the hands. He has had several combats with the police and so far has come out second best. Nate Leipsig informs me that after exhibiting before the King of England

353

and King of Denmark, he was paid a compliment by His Majesty King Edward. On being sent for by the King, he was asked amongst other questions, "What is your nationality, Mr. Leipsig/"' "I am an American,'' promptly answered Xate. "I thought so," said the King "you Americans are so clever and that is why I admire you as a nation." I wonder what the King would say if he ever saw Roger Dolan. * * * Prof. Wingard is alive and still in the ring. If this should meet the eye of Herbert Albini, will he kindly drop the professor a few lines. A letter addressed Winter Villa, Southsea, will be sure to reach him. * * * Roland the Great is booked America. 3-'

Dr. Bodie is in the north of England, with his own company, "packing them iii." The doctor is looking forward to his American tour, which commences in October with Al. H. Woods. I met the doctor at the office of a prominent steamship agency, where he was booking the royal suite, on the big boat. De Biere has signed for the Stoll tour. Daredevil Schreyer has established a record for sensationalism at the Pontypool Whitsuntide fetes. He rode down an appalling incline on a bicycle, leaped into the air, turned a somersault and dove into a tank of water 6 feet in depth, covering some 150 feet in his dive, for which he received $1,000 and his fares to and from America. TOSEPII HAYMAN,

(of Hayman & Franklin).

351

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE

READING

REVIEWING BOOKS AND THINGS

BISH

FROM THE PRESS \A/ISE, AND

OTHERWISE

A CLEVER CONJURER'S TALE

The pathos of the love making of Ben Cobb in conjunction with the adventures of the characters in foreign countries make the book interesting reading from start to finish. The perils, particularly of the itinerant conjurer make you feel as if you were dealing with living, human beings instead of simple figures in fiction. The book is published by S. O. Beeton, 248 Strand, London, England. (Xo date.)

During the many years we have sought for magical literature, no book has come to our notice that could in any way compete with Dumas' "I>alsann>," until l.y mere accident we happened to pass a book shop and beheld a greencovered bock, entitled "Silas, the Conjurer." Something in the New York Sun Thinking that, like the majority of ''Not So." books we had purchased in this way, it Hy an accident we overlooked the Sunwas some idle story, or did not at all day Sim of May 12, 1907, even though appertain to a conjurer, we started to scan the book, when lo, to our surprise, we are "constant readers," and have been we "found ourselves unable to stop read- subscribers since the great flood, or ing the contents. Of all the interesting rather we mean the great blizzard, of books we had taken hold of, this one 1888. But on this above-mentioned Sunday we passed up an article which reigned supreme. Mr. James Greenwood, the author, honestly requires talking about. One colwho also wrote "The Adventures' of umn and one-half of matter were devoted Reuben Davidger." certainly handles his to ridiculing the Society of American conjurer in a masterful manner. He has Magicians. Changing all the names of the mema style not unlike that of Charles Dickens, the greatly beloved writer of our bers, the Sim states that the meeting occurred on Third avenue, when it really English cousins. The book is crammed full of interest- took place at Martinka's Palace of Mysing material, and the characters well teries at 493 Sixth avenue. worth close study. In fact, everything t h . i t took place .Silas Horner is the conjurer, who has was disguised with fictitious namesan intimate friend in Benjamin Cobb, a Whoever wrote t h a t article possesses great big hearted fellow whose sense of a good fund of humor, but why not perception is dulled by his love for give the struggling S. A. M. a lift by Adelaide Horner, mentioning real names and places?

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

355

Our Mail Bag In this department it is the | rivllege of our readers to bring to public notice any topic worthy of discussion or deserving of censure or exposure. Our columns nre thus thrown open in the hopes that conditions may he bettered or evils abatt-d by such publicity. As no restrictions are imposed upon correspondents, the editor does not hold himself reBponsible for opinions expressed in this department.

(Ed. Note). Will subscribers failing to receive their magazines, kindly inform us? We shall only be too pleased to forward other copies. We cannot explain why the papers do not reach their destination, as all magazines are properly and carefully addressed and mailed each month. Editor COXH'RKKS' MACAZINK : Sir.—The half-tone of the Fakir of Ava, which you sent me is an excellent likeness of the dear old Fakir as 1 first knew him. J was for a number of years assistant to the Fakir, and afterwards took his place on the stage and gave the show under his direction, in conjunction with John W. Winston, the humorist. The Fakir retired from the stage in '69, settled in Huffalo, and married the daughter of Mr. F'red Stanfield, the scenic artist. He had two sons bv this union, Harry, who lives in Detroit, and Frank, who is in the hardware business in St. Louis. The Fakir died in Olean, N. Y., about ten years ago and his widow married Mr. Smith, the scenic artist, in Buffalo. The other boys witli me with the Fakir of Avon were I'"rank Ewens of Buffalo, now a traveling salesman, James Ewen, now proprietor of a hotel ii. this city, and another boy who afterward became, the Fakir of Vishnn. The Fakir's name was I. Harris Hughes, and he originally came from Liverpool, England.

He was the first to introduce the gift business in conjunction with a magic show and made a big fortune, as he had tlie reputation of being an honest man who always gave a square deal. As

The Fakir of Ava.

(I. Harris Hughes)

soon as I get to my storehouse I shall send you a later photo of the Fakir and myself taken together. Sincerely yours, Harry Kdlar.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

356

Editor CONJURERS' MAGAZINE: Sir.—On looking over your magazine of October, 1906, issue, I find an article by Francis J. Werner regarding Macallistcr. The Macallister who died in San Francisco was J. M. Macallister, a nephew of the original Macallister. He ran a gift show, but did nothing for many years previous to his death. I was well acquainted with him and obtained the above facts personally from him. When he billed his show he had lithographs of his uncle and himself displayed side by side. Very respectfully yours, Zamloch, Magician. •

•

LONDON, ENGLAND.

Editor CONJURERS' MAGAZINE: Sir. — In the April CONJURERS' MONTHLY you suggest that my mysterious talking head, Dou-Ban, is worked by concealing a boy in the box and having him talk through the head to the audience. This is not correct. Dou-Ban is a life-size head which stands on a box measuring 8 inches by 8 inches by 10 inches, which is obviously much too small to permit the concealment of a boy.

which a long box containing a lady is pulled into the air, when both box and lady disappear, and lady is found in a suspended trunk, which is not covered in any way, and is worked quite differently from the cannon and box trick. In case it should be copied, I should like to say that this is the same illusion which I made and worked at the London Hippodrome for Mile. Von Etta last February. The magical attractions at the Crystal Palace are Ernest E. Noakes with his illusions "Illia" and "Greenwich Observatory," also the magical sketch, "Julius Caesar's Father-in-Law," introducing levitation; the girl floats above his head, and he walks underneath her, while he passes a hoop all around her. Whit Monday, Chas. Morritt was here with his old show of the "Man in a Trance." He is billed as the greatest hypnotist that has ever lived. When in London, Howard Thurston bought a number of illusions.

The whole affair is carried abo>ut the

auditorium and there continues to talk and answer all questions, xvhile in the midst of the audience. With best wishes, Yours faithfully, Julian IVylie. * * * LONDON, ENGLAND.

Gustave Fasola appeared at the Palace, East Ham, with his spectacular act of Hindoo magic. He is still working the cannon and boxes, having on a law case brought by Goldin regarding same. Goldin has appealed to a higher court. Fasola also worked a new illusion in

London Cameron, the Scottish magician, appeared for the first time in London last week, playing the Empire, Camberwell. His act consists of the growth of flowers from a hat; the novel combination with a canary, card, hat and gas cylinder; card manipulating; the die-box; the production of a large quantity of silk stuff, from which he in turn produces livestock and a number of umbrellas. He finishes with two large flags on staffs.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. Magic Circle meeting last night, Hotel Tudor. Among visitors present was De Biere. Arthur Glynn presented an original number with a cage, an ostrich egg and a candle. Various methods of card rising wero exploited by H. J. Collings, the most novel being with a large bird which dipped his beak into a receptacle in which the pack of cards was placed, and found the selected cards. Effect good. H. Hull worked the sun and moon trick, which he worked up to a spectacular finish, producing a large blue flag, representing the sky, with the sun and moon on it, with the two borrowed handkerchiefs hooked onto the sun and moon. A burlesque lecture on wild beasts (nothing to do with, conjurers) by Mr. Geo. M. Munro, was greatly appreciated. Mr. Ebert D'Egcrton read a paper, which contained some excellent material, and if some performers I know were to take heed of same, they would improve their show. Hon. Sec'y H. Donn gave the watch in nest of boxes, assisted by De Biere. The man who was supposed to 'have the watch, had a pocket full of billiard balls, with which De Biere had fun, when he found them. Ernest E. Noakes completed the program with one of his original card tricks. A card passed from inside of a glass of water into the smallest of a nest of envelopes. The new illusion "It" is a board on which a Tan is su ripped and his place taken by a woman. The board is set upright on stage. Effect is same as Carlton's Cross. Yours faithfully, Wilfred C. Zelka.

357

Editor CONJURERS' MAGAZINE. Sir: Before going any further allow me right here to congratulate you on the CONJURERS' MAGAZINE. It was sent to me as soon as published by our fraternal friend, W. D. Leroy, of Boston, who never lets me miss a good thing if he can help it. I must compliment you on the stand you have taken in regard to Robert-Houdin. To myself it has been a revelation, and my idol has been shattered, but I don't care so long as I get at the truth. Why should Houdin get any credit whfch he does not deserve, and why in the name of all that is magic should you withhold the information which you have taken the trouble to possess and which will put things right and give credit to those who so richly deserve it? We have been humbugged too long by several persons in the world of magic posing as authorities, and it is about time that a little weeding should take place. By the look of things—even from this distance—I should say that the CONJURERS' MAGAZINE will do that—it certainly has already again allowed several fine old flowers to bloom, and take a prominent place in the garden. Yes. let us have the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, even about maeic and magicians. Why, I notice that Maskelyne just lately has endorsed something that you said about Robert-Houdin when he speaks about second sight and the Zancigs in the London papers. Thanks to the CONJURERS' MAGAZINE, giving the dates of the various London papers, I have been able to procure them, and followed the various phases of exposure in all details. Wre are going to have a lot of Zanciging in Australia shortly. The Svengalis

358

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

will appear under special contract for Wednesday, June 19, many of his Harry Rickards. friends and associates accompanying the Carlton, the comedy card conjurer, has body to its last resting place. made a decided hit in Melbourne. (irosi, a clever Italian conjurer and Chevalier Thorn, as usual, is a big hit mind reader, who was here in 1905, is in Germany. The month of April he likely to appear in London. played in Xurnberg, May in Dusseldorf, The best entertainment ever gotten up and this month he is at Reischallen Theb\ a native necromancer, Oscar Kell- atre, in Coin. niann ( jean Hagarde), was given a Thorn had a disagreeable thing hapshort time ago, and he will be heard of pen to him lately. On June 1 he paid very soon. He is exceptionally clever all his assistants and the next day when in all he undertakes. he was about to play the matinee perI send you a fac-simile copy of the first formance he found three of his assisissue of the Auckland Observer, Septem- tants absent. He searched for them in ber 18, 1880; in it you will note that vain, and it seems that all three eloped Thorn, Darwin, Miss Haidee Heller together. Thorn was unable to give his and Maskelyne are given prominent entire performance at the matinee and space. I shall always look forward to onlv produced the first part, which conyour magazine with pleasure, and repeat sists of small magical tricks, the big what the beloved American writer, Oli- illusions he was compelled to eliminate. ver W'endel Holmes, once said: "I After the matinee the 11 err Director can't help it, whether J gain or lose by a placed ten people at the disposal of truth. T must accept it," and 1 think Thorn and therefrom he selected substithat every lover of truth and fair plav tutes and at once started to rehearse will say the same of the Coxj TRICKS' them, with the result that the evening MACAZIXT.. In conclusion, I wish you performance went as well as ever. well, and may your magazine prosper. The three runaways are: Jack Yates, Yours fraternally, an Englishman, and his wife, and a man Robert Kudar.:: by name of Hanns Zentes who hails from Munich. Artists, beware of these fellow>. 1 am also informed that one of •Joland's assistants deserted him some time ago, and this fellow is building a new act, being supported by a Bohemian brewer. This act will come out, provided I am informed correctly, next season. 1 assume that perhaps Thorn's erstVienna, Austria. while nice triplet will associate together. On June 16, the director of the Es* * * tablishment Roanacher, Herr L. M. The Berlinese magician, Air. Eugen W'aldmann, died in Reichenau, near Vienna, after a long illness. Air. Wald- Schroder, and his charming wife, famann managed this theatre since its vored me with a visit this week and we opening and was beloved by all the spent several pleasant hours together. artists and his friends. The funeral was Air. Schroder gives two-hour perform-

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

359

ances, possessing a large and select program, composed of the best and most modern tricks of the finest workmanship.

Berndt used to pride himself, like his contemporary the original Belachini, that he resorted only to pure sleight-ofhand in the majority of his experiments.

Saturday next, the world famed BenAli-Bey, whose right name is Max Auzinger, opens a short engagement at Lustspiel Theatre. Ben-Ali-Bey is the inventor of the Black-Art-Magic and is really unequalled in this line. This is not his first visit to this city, for he has puzzled us for the past twenty years with his black marvels. Ottokar Fischer.

At the Salamander Theatre, in Elberfeld, for the month of June and half of July, the feature is a melodrama called "Morris, the Criminal King," and is presented by the German-American Detective Agency.

Our special "

Of all impertinent and arrogant artists, the team of i'ipafax and Parlo certainly take the bakeryshop and bun. First of all, they deliberately copy the entire act of Rice and 1'revost; then they call themselves Rece and Privost; and now they are going to have anyone nit in court who will infringe on their new name. For cool, unadulterated nerve they certainly ought to be awarded a leather medal. I regret to report the death of the well-known parlor conjurer, Friedrich Berndt. Fie was born in Austria, bat for the last twenty-five years resided in Berlin. In the winter time he accepted engagements in Berlin, and also gave lessons in the higher magic and sleightof-hand. In the summer season he traveled through all the health-curebathing resorts and had earned quite a good reputation as a finished entertainer.

An American Indian calling himself Black Hawk, who has resided in Europe for the last 22 years, being employed in circuses, is lying in a hospital in Muenchen, in a dying condition, caused by the kick of a trick horse. Black Hawk will be compelled to undergo an operation for relief, although the physicians give no hope for his ultimate recovery. *

:\:

-As

Ten Ici, the Japanese magician and water manipulator, is at the Wintergartt-n, Berlin. Ji^

-;i

-i :

Prital and Fay, mind readers and spiritualists, are still in Russia, making this their second consecutive year. They are now with Circus Devigne, Grodno. *

Hartman, the Gorman necromancer, is at the Zoologischer Garten, St. Petersburg, Russia. This man is a clever entertainer and seems to be able to work all the time. * * * I must apologize to Herr Richard Paunnwitz for reporting what was supposed to be a new mystery he was about tr- present. A friend of the above mentioned gentleman gave me the information in question.

360

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. Preparation: Heat a small needle in a candle, match or gas flame, so that it can be bent without breaking. Bend pointed end of needle into the shape of a hook as is shown at A in the accompanying illustration. Place the other end of the needle into the rubber at the end of the pencil.

THE MAGNETIC PENCIL. One day in 1893 a man became mucli interested in some card shifts which Hondini presented on the platform of Kohl and Middleton's museum in Chicago. He engaged IToudini in conversation and said he had a trick which surely would fool him and the secret of which he agreed to exchange for the secret of the card shifts. He took an ordinary lead pencil from his pocket and laying it on the palm of his hand, caused it to rise and lie down and move about at the word of command. The effect seemed so marvelous that that same afternoon Houdini hurried to see A. Roterberg to show him the trick. Roterberg at once became interested and acknowledge that he was unable to explain how it was done. He thereupon exchanged the secret of obtaining a handkerchief from under the vest without being discovered, for the magnetic pencil secret. As Roterberg was just going on his first business trip to Europe he took this quiet looking trick with him and in New York gave it to Martinka ; in Germany to Wilmann, and later on gave it to the English dealers. So to this date the originator of the trick remains unknown; perhaps it has some relationship to the old time trick of causing the soldier to rise and fall at command, which is worked on the same principle.

Execution : Holding th^ palm of the hand upward, with the fingers slightly bent, casually lay the pencil on the palm, and while doing so manage to stick the point A into the skin of the palm. Now straighten out the fingers and this motion causes the skin to become tense and the pencil of its own accord rises. I>y again bending the fingers the pencil lies down. Attention to the movement of the fingers can be eliminated by making mesmeric passes over the palm with the other hand. After performing the trick slowly put the pencil into your pocket and if anyone wishes to examine it, why you can show a duplicate unprepared pencil which you have previously placed in the same pocket

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Madame A. Herrmann has added the mystic cross to her performance. This is the same trick presented by Valaden, and originated with lanky Carletcn. * * * Carleton by the way has arrived in Melbourne, Australia, and is reported to have met with instant success. * * * Sloan and Sousa who some time ago were on the Keith circuit arc now in San Francisco with their komikal magic act. * * * Salvail the card manipulator is at the Empire in San Francisco. * * * Rajan the Hindoo who appeared at various theatres in Germany, as the iron-skinned man, will find to his consternation that a man calling himself Caroll imitates his entire performance. He jumps on sharp nails, slides on razor-edged swords, climbs ladders made of pin-cushions, and dances on the points of tacks spread on a dancing mat. He was the feature act at Austin and Stone's Museum, Boston, Mass. * * * Van der Koos appeared at (he Zoo Gardens, Cincinnati. * # * Sandusky, Ohio, has been honored by the appearance of Rismor the Yogi and Madame Aza the astral wonder. * * * Feterer the magician ventriloquist has a few novel experiments. He was last heard of at the Orpheum, Leavenworth, Kansas. * * * Anna Eva Fa}' had a two weeks' run at the Grand Opera House in Pittsburg, Perm. It is stated that John T. and Mrs. Fay are booked at the Nixon. * * * The Valpos, musicians and magicians, are on the Parlor Theatre circuit out West.

361

Chefalo and Madame Capretta are in Canada. A reception was tendered to Chefalo by the Ancient Order of Sons' of Italy. They presented him with a large wreath, entwined with the Mag of his country. * * * The Variety has a paragraph which states that Max Million of the team Max Million and Martini, and once of Maxmillioir and Sheilds, has formed a partnership with Henry Clive anil will appear in a new act of magicial comedy. Clive states that there will be no exposure of tricks; if such is the case we predict that this will be a magic act that will last a long time * * * Ziska and King are renovating their act, and planning their future be understood that at the expiration of the allotted time, should our lick have proved superior to all your attempts and still remains unopened, the deposit of $10,000 ill the hands of the Committee shall be declared forfeited to us and to be paid over to us by the Committee. Thus far, our challenge 'has had reference only to our Xu. i Double Dial Lock. We now offer to submit our No. 2 Single Dial Lock to the same test, should you fail of success with the No. i. It is notorious fact, though you avoid its mention, that a lock may be proof against picking while it is ridiculously weak in other respects. Few bankers would feel it much of a consolation to be told, after having been robbed, that

the lock they relied upon could not have been picked, though it was easily forced. We therefore offer further to submit a challenge for a competitive trial between our lock and yours. Each lock to be subjected to the ultimate test of a burglar's tools and a burglar's privileges. To this end we propose that the Committee shall provide a suitable room for each trial, and each party furnish a lock of his own manufacture and such as he has been selling for at least three months, and see that it is properly attached to the door of a safe to be provided for the purpose. The locks then tc be inspected by the Committee, and each to be locked by its maker and tho combinations handed, under seal, to the Committee, as specified above for the [licking trial of our No. i lock. When all is ready, we propose that each party with two assistants only shall have access to his competitor's lock, with such tools as he may select and be allowed ten consecutive hours in which to operate upon the lock, using any means he may please, to force or break it open; his efforts being strictly confined, however, to the lock and not to be directed against the door or the safe. As a pecuniary inducement for your acceptance of this challenge, and as a guarantee of our good faith in it, we propose that each party stake a sum of $2,500 upon the result; depositing that amount with the Committee, and that the total ($5,000) be paid over to the part}' who first succeeds in breaking his competitor's lock. We will hold the above proposition open for your acceptance or rejection for five d a y s from d a t e , and a w a i t y o u r a n s w e r t h r o u g h the daily press of this city. (Signed) YALE LOCK MANUFACTURING CO.

October 2, 1869.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

3h9

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A NEW WAND MYSTERY The wand which the performer has used during the evening is shown to be quite solid and wrapped up under the eyes of the audience. It is then deliberately- torn up and reproduced at will. No shells, threads, elastics or collapsible wand used. This will puzzle t h o s e t h a t " k n o w . "

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A GREAT VANISHING CARD ILLUSION A card is selected by a member of the audience who himself covers it with his own handkerchief, and drops it (still covered) into a glass of water allowing the handkerchief to fall on and over the glass. Performer commands card to vanish and on handkerchief being removed it is found to have done so. Quite inexplicable but so simple to work, lj post free lj 1. U. S. A. 25 cents, post free 30 cents.

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MONTHLY

fllAGAZINe CONTENTS History of Magic European Notes Reading and Rubbish Jottings and Jumblings Baiter and Exchange HandcuJf Secrets Tricks for Amateurs Hocus Po:us

Number 12

AUGUST 15, 1907 Price, 10 Cents 9

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Harry Day THE: AGENT OF ENGLAND Booking all Big Headliners, for all Big Tours Can {jive any pood Act, Magic, Illusion, Mystery, etc., contracts for long run in England. Shall be pleased to grant unknown acts trial shows at any of the Music Halls under my control. Write, stating what you do, and how much you want for doing it. Sffingham House, Arundle Street, Strand, London, England

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

During the ensuing year we will produce novel tricks, expose many illas.ons, MONTHLY and will use our best endeavors to give MAGAZINE you as good and better a magazine as PUBLISHED BY we have in the past. The Conjurers' Magazine Publishing Co, We wish that our readers would take 278 WEST 113TH STREET advantage of all the offers we make NEW YORK CITY them. The Barter and Exchange columns are free to everyone with the exTELEPHONE : 1514 MORNINGSIDE ception of dealers. When an advertisement is sent we place it in once. If you Per Year $1.00 Single Copies, 10 Cents wish it repeated please write. In fact, write freely and let us know your wants. Advertising rates payable in advance, made known on application to above address. We are publishing this paper to please The entire contents of tne Conjurers' Monthly you and hope you will derive much beneMagazine are protected by copyright and must not be reproduced either wholly or in part without per- fit therefrom. mission. If you want questions answered, we The magazine Is for sale hy all reputable dealers of conjuring apparatus. A limited number of back shall be only too pleased to answer them. issues can be secured at ten cents eacb, by addressing the publication office, as above. [f you want to air things, just send in Foreign representatives—London, England, Theo your letter and it will appear in our Hardeen, care Anger & Bauer. 50 Rupert street, W.; Moscow, Russia, T. Bclin; Vienna. Austria, Ottokar Mail Bag columns. Be sociable and help Fischer; Teheran, Persia, James Leabman. us make the Conjurers' Monthly a huge Contributions on all topics of Interest to magicians are welcomed. When payment is expprted. the continued success. price must be marked pla inly on the manuscript; otherwise it will be regarded as complimentary. No * * * manuscripts returned unless accompanied by stamped and addressed envelope. More illusions than ever are being built, which shows that the pure sleightVoi,. I. AUGUST 1907 No. 12 of-hand performer will be able to rest a while and give the big show fraternity With this issue our first year ends, a chance. and we trust you will favor us with a As managers judge a performer by prompt renewal of your patronage for the showing he can make on the stage, by so doing you will each month and as this generation has never seen a promptly receive the largest and best stage setting with dazzling apparatus, magical magazine in existence; a magathe first magician who will imitate the zine which from its initial issue had a stage setting of John Henry Anderson, larger circulation than all the other ma- the Great Wizard of the North, or gical papers combined; a magazine in Phillippe, or, in fact, any of the old-time which neither time, labor nor expense magicians, will undoubtedly be a sucwere ever saved in order to make it the cess. publication for you. Some of you ambitious young conjurWe are recognized by all the foreign ers think this over. We have photoand American newspapers, and are graphs and engravings of these old-time quoted by men of standing who could settings, and if any of you are sufficiently not afford to associate their names but interested to write, we shall be only too with matters and men of authority and pleased to reproduce them in some forthposition. coming issue of this magazine.

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

felllSTORY/

377

MAGIC In this series of articles, it is my Intention to eorreiv nany errors regarding the history of iiaglc which fl;tve existed In the public mind since "The Life of Robert Houdin" was issued. In such endeavor, necessarily. I have introduced references to Houdin's contemporaries and to magicians who preceded him which will make the series, when finished, a comprehensive history of magic from 16S0 to the present day. In order to prove my statements, it is also necessary to wander frenucntly from the central figure, Houdin. bnt though some instalments may not present the name of Hnudin, the facts presented will. In the course of the history's development, he found to h::ve direct bearing on his life and work. In taking issue with those generally accepted as authorities. I am actuated only by a desire to set before the world of magic, the true facts as ascertained hy me during years of earnest investigation at home ,-i'nd iibrniitl. and to do justice to those who preluded Houdin and to whom he owed a greater debt than h" set forth in his autobiography. ( o , . v ht. 100G. By Harry Houdlni. All rights reserved.

beck, having seen it at the Bartholomew Fair in England. He featured the orange tree as follows: "He has a Philosophical Flower Pot, in which he causes to grow on a table in the presence of the spectators trees which flower, and then the flowers fall, and fruit appears absolutely ripe and ready to be eaten." His posters are dated 1746-47 and

Instalment No. XII. AUTOMATA (continued) THE ORANGE TREE AS FEATURED BY PINETTI AND CORNILLOT. According to an article contributed by Mons. E. Raynaly in the "Illusionniste" of June, 1903, the orange tree next appears in the repertoire of a remarkable peasant conjurer, whose billing Mons. Raynaly found among "Affiches de Paris." This performer was billed as the Peasant of North Holland, and gave hourly performances at the yearly fairs at Saint-Germain. It is more than possible that he purchased this trick from Fawkes or Pinch-

The next program on which the mysterious tree appears is a Pinetti handbill, dated in London, 1784, when the following announcement was made: "Signore Pinetti will afterwards present the assembly with a Tree called 'le Bouquet-Philosophiqu,' composed of small branches of an orange tree, the leaves appearing green and natural. He will put it under a bottle and at some distance, by throwing some drops of water of his own composition, the leaves will begin to change and the bouquet will produce natural flowers and various fruits." Pinetti is one of the most fascinacing and picturesque figures in the his-

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THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

tory of magic. His full name was Joseph Pinetti dc Willedal, and, like Pinchbeck and Favvkes, he was a man of parts and readily made friends with the nobility. In fact, there is some question as to whether he did not come of noble family. He was born in 1750 in (Jrbitelle, a fortified town once claimed by Tuscany. What can be gleamed regarding his

E T T ! * >lrU X „•„„

globe, while in the rear of the picture is a stack of books. This would establish nis claim that he was once a professor of physics and geography. In fact, the legend beneath the portrait, being translated from the French, runs: I. I. Pinetti Willedal de iVierci, Professor and Demonstrator of Physics. Chevalier of the Order of St. Philipe. Geographical Engineer. Financial Counselor of J.1. R. H. Prince of Linbourg Holstein. Born in Orbitelle in 1750. As it has so often happened in the history of savants and students, there ran in Pinetti's blood a love of the mysterious with that peculiar strain of charletanism which went to make up the clever performer in old-time magic. Evidently he resigned his duties as a professor for the more picturesque life of the traveling magician, and he is first heard from in this capacity in the French province in 1783. His fame quickly carried him to Paris, where in 1784 he appeared before the court of Louis XVI. His arrival wras most opportune, for just then all Paris, and for that matter all Europe, had been aroused to a new interest in magic by the brilliant Cagliostro.

From Paris he went to London, playing at the Haymarket and creating a sensation equal to that which he had made in France. Later he toured Germany, playing Berlin and Hamburg. Next he went back to his native land, The above engraving is 11 the present time the Italy, but later returned to Germany for only known authentic picture of Pinetti the celebrated conjurer. It seems to have been used by Pinetti before he had adopted the professional career as a second engagement. In 1789 he apitinerant magician. (From the Harry Houdini colli-i-timi.) peared in Russia and never left that early history goes to prove that his fam- country. There he married a Russian ily connections were excellent and his girl, daughter of a carriage manufaceducation of the best. One of his por- turer. They had two children. Pinetti traits, reproduced herewith, shows a would have left enormous wealth, but in half-crown of laurel decorating the his later years he became interested in frame, and on one side of the bust is a ballooning, the sensation of the hour,

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. and spent his entire fortune on balloon experiments. He died in Bartitchoff, Yolhinic, at the age of fifty years. Pinetti was a man of rare inventive genius and almost reconstructed the art of conjuring, so numerous were his inventions. For half a century after his death his successors drew upon Pinetti's inventions and repertoire for their programs. Naturally such ability aroused bitter jealousies, especially as Pinetti made no attempt to conciliate his contemporaries, either magicians or writers on magic, lie issued one book, whose title page reads: "Amusements Physiques et Differentes Experiences Divertissants, Composees and Executees, taut a Paris que dans les diverses Courts de l'Europe. Par M. Joseph Pinetti de Willedal, Romain, Chevalier de l'Ordre Merite de Saint Phillipe, Professor de Mathematiques and de Physiques, Protege par taute la Maison Royale de France, Pensionnaire de la Cour de Prusse, &c, 1785." The work, however, was not a cle : and lucid explanation of his methods and tricks. In fact, some of his contemporaries claimed that he deliberately misrepresented his methods of performing tricks. Among these writers was Henri Decremps, a brilliant professor of mathematics and physics in Paris, who proceeded to expose all of Pinetti's tricks in the book referred to in the preceding chapter, "Le Magic Blanche Devoilee." This work was in five volumes and was so popular in its day that it was translated into nearly every modern language. The following explanation of the trick is from page 56 of the English translation, entitled "The Conjurer Unmasked'" : "The branches of the tree may be made of tin or paper, so as to be hollow

379

from one end to the other in order that the air which enters at the bottom may find its exit at the top of the branch. These branches are so adjusted that at intervals there appear twigs made from brass wire, but the whole so decorated with leaves made from parchment that the ensemble closely resembles nature. "The end of each branch is dilated to contain small pieces of gummed silk or very fine gold-beater's skin, which are to catch the figures of the flowers and fruit when the latter expand by the air driven through the branches to which they were fastened by a silk thread. "The tree or nosegay is then placed on a table, through which runs a glass tube to supply air from beneath the stage, where a confederate works this end of the trick and causes the tree to 'grow' at the pre-arranged signal." Later, it was described as being accomplished entirely by springs, and real oranges were first stuck on the tree by means of pegs or pins, and the leaves were so secured around them that at first appearance they could not be seen. Then a piston was used to spread all the leaves, another that forced the blossoms up through the hollow branches, etc. Pinetti's personality was almost as extraordinary as his talents. A handsome man who knew how to carry himself, acquiring the graces and the dress of the nobility, he became rather haughty if not arrogant in his bearing. He so antagonized his contemporaries in the fields of magic and literature that he was advertised as much by his bitter enemies as by his loving friends. Many of his methods of attracting attention to himself are singularly like those employed by modern press agents of theatrical stars. He never trusted to his performances in theatres and drawing rooms to adver-

380

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

tise his abilities, but demonstrated his art wherever he appeared, from barber shops to cafes. Perhaps the best pen pictures of Pmetti and his methods are furnished by E. C. Robertson in his "Memoirs." Robertson was a contemporary of Pinetti, and, like him, a pioneer in ballooning. His "Memoirs," written in the French language, were published in 1831. The following extracts from this interesting book tell much of Pinetti's life in Russia and of his professional history as tradition and actual acquaintance had presented it to M. Robertson: "Pinetti had traveled a great deal and for a long time had enjoyed a great European reputation. He had done everything to attain it. There was never a man that carried further the art of the 'charlatisme.' When he arrived in a town where he intended to give a show, he took good care to prepare his public by speeches, which would keep it in suspense. In St. Petersburg great and incredible examples of mystification and of prestidigitation were told about him. "One day he went to a barber shop to get shaved, sat down in the chair, had the towel tied around his neck, and laid his head back ready for the lather. The barber left him in this position to get hot water, and when he returned, guided by force of habit, he applied the lather where the chin should be, but he found feet, arms, hands, and body in a coat, but no head ! Such lamentations ! No more head! What could it mean? He opened the door and, frightened to death, ran away. Pinetti then went to the window and called the barber back. He had put his head in his coat in such a clever way, covering it with his handkerchief, that the surprise and the fright of the barber were quite natural. Of course this barber did not fail to spread over

the whole town that he had shaved a man who could take his head off and on to his wish. "Pinetti met in a summer garden a young Russian who sold small cakes. He bought a few cakes, bit into them and complained of finding a hard substance. The youth protested, but Pinetti opened the cake before him and found inside a gold piece. The magician pocketed the gold piece, bought another cake, then a third cake, and in each case found a new gold piece inside. He tried to buy the rest of the cakes. The passersby had in the meantime come round the seller, and everybody wanted to buy as well. The market seemed to be all right, a ducat for a copeck! Twelve francs for a cent! The young man refused to sell any more, hurried away and when alone opened the cakes that were left. He found only the substances of which the cakes were made—nothing else. He had two left, so he hurried back to offer these to Pinetti. Pinetti bought them from him, opened them and showed in each one the gold piece, which the young man could not find in the two dozen cakes which he had spoilt. The poor boy bit his lips and looked at Pinetti with wondering, frightened eyes. This little adventure was advertised here, there and everywhere, and was told in the clubs and in the society gatherings, and very soon the name of Pinetti gave the key to the enigma and Pinetti was in demand by everybody. "When Pinetti came on the stage, he had the knack of attracting members of the nobility around his table, by letting them learn some small secrets. This would render them confederates in working his tricks. He would appear in rich suits, embroidered in gold, which he changed three and four times in the evening. He would not hesitate to deck him-

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

!•.•.!. .11 a quantity of foreign decorations. In iJerlin, it was told how I'inetti would go .hrough the streets, in a carriage d/avvn by four white horses. He was clad in fine embroidery and decorated ..itli medals of all nations. Several times it Happened that, as he passed by, the soldiers would call arms and salute, taking him for a prince. One day the King of Prussia rode out in his' modest carriage drawn by two horses. Ahead of him drove the supposed prince. When the king witnessed the mistake made by his soldiers, he made inquiries as to the rank of this man to whom his men were paying such honor, then gave Cavalier Pinetti de Merci 24 hours to get beyond Prussia's borders." Extraordinary Chemical Illustrations, AND

FEATS OF LEGERBEisAnr,

M. CORlVIjLLOT At the Paul s Head Lateaton Street, Aud every MONDAY, THURSDAY, and SATURDAY, At t/te Great Koom, in Spring Garden*.

PHILOSOPHY AND CHEMISTRY, And FEATS OF LEGERDEMAIN, Which htm eicileil lh« idmmlloD of Lba Cconouiaon b «li tht pnaapil T t m i of tin f~*-n*r*_

(£

TINETTI'S MYSTERIOUS PENDUL

couml LUXM of O««UpUe-J

GRAND TRIUMPH OF COMUS.

381

niilot, appeared in London in 1822, he announced himself as the pupil and successor of Pinetti. This was when Robcrt-Houdin was seventeen years of age, twenty-three years before he made h:s professional debut, and on Cornillot's program we find another version of the now famous and almost familiar treetrick. As will be seen from the accompanying reproduction of a Cornillot handbill, the tree now appears as "An Enchanted Garden," and if the wording of the bill is to be believed, Cornillot had improved the trick and was using more than one tree or plant. Cornillot remained in England for some time and is classed among the conjurers of good repute. Another bill in mv collection shows that, he plaved at the 1 heatre of Variety, Catherine street, Strand, in October, 1823. He was then assisted by several singers and dancers, including the famous Misses Hamilton and Howe, DUpils of M. Com. Ill his company was also an Anglo-Chinese iiio-o-ler who in addition to feats nf Jll£>te1Lr> '

1 '

w Ilo

l n

i i

dUUlllOn

T.O ieatS OI

1 1

juggling, swallows an egg, a sword, and-a stone, a la Ramo Samee." To sum up the evidence against Robert-Houdm in this particular trick: Four

magicians

of hih

public performances before Robert-Houcliti knew aiicl operated the oranee tree trick. Ihree eminent writers exposed it clearly and accurately. Robert-Houdin, as an indefatigable student of the Reproduction of a hand-bill distributed on the history of magic, must have known of streets of London in September 1S22. The orange tree trick is on the bill under the name "Enthe trick and its modus Operaildi. He chanted Garden." (From the Harry Houdini collection.) may have purchased it from Cornillot Whatever may be said of Pinetti's or, as a clever mechanician, he had only •charletanism, it must be admitted that t o reproduce the trick invented by his he gave to the art of conjuring a great predecessors, train his confederate in its impetus which was felt for several gen- operation, and—by his cleverly written erations. It is not remarkable, therefore, autobiography—attempt to establish his that when the French magician, Cor- claims to its invention. (To be continued.) Brtatai lu jwrfuclloo by « CO&N1LLOT,

AMAZING PERFORMANCE OVCAUSINQ A LiviNo PERSON To ba fwotl in • piu* *bor* be or tbn hn) ch,l b « a bofrtofor*.

e will imitate Thunder BO oaturally, that it will be thought to proceed from the Clouds.' D. which h u e ool t w a npmeiiud ID f u l l of L > T W

Jimi,uc« ^ . n, 1 .- />w< Of*" 4 1 «'(%ci.

Ptrfiwm^in~itg»

at » prmtrly, |:

>;: ^

Clement de Lion, the billiard ball conjurer, intends to place his wife in his act, possibly enlarging his performance. * .* * Prital-Fay are making their fifth tour through Russia. They are presenting their mind reading performance in the Russian language, and as very few mind readers have visited that country, they are certain of making a success. They have added living pictures to their entertainment. * * * Lane and Fey are also traveling through Russia, but I cannot speak well of this team. The lady member is fat, fair and fifty, and her speeches to the audiences are anarchistic and if any one happens to cross her path or rouse her anger, she forgets her position and tells them her innermost thoughts. * * * Alex Weyer, the flag king, is at the Theatre-Variete Linz. This man makes a specialty of working with flags. He at one time would produce thousands of flowers in one load, toss them on the stage and had an arrangement made so that wherever the flowers would fall they would stick. When he had produced the entire load, an assistant would pull a cord, and the flowers would rise in air, and form a summer house, all lit with

electric lights. But Alex went to Paris, got a few bad habits, and became lazy. He has cut out all his flower work, because it would take all morning to fold them, and now resorts to flag tricfts, as they are easier to fold and fix for the next performance. He is an exceptionally clever man with his hands, which are like great big hams. At one time Weyer traveled through America as a strong man, mixing his feats of strength with his magical tricks, and the audience would imagine that his strength feats were fakes, so he eliminated the hard work, and resorted to magic alone. * * * At the Bluemensaale, in Muenchen, we have Adolph Ernest, who does a neat little act. He makes a fair attempt at sleight of hand tricks. * * * Some of us would like to hear a report once in a while of the Berliner Amateur Magician's Verein ? Why does not the secretary write a few lines so as to keep the Yerein in view. Perhaps this friendly hint may cause the circulation of a regular monthly letter. *

Well, here they are. Two Germans have adopted the name of Les Rob;n, and hail from that city of factories Elberfeldt. They present mind reading and liquid air, and work once in a while. * * * Svengali & Trilby, mysterious musical act, are at the Apollo Theatre in Paris. Their secret code is well worked. * * * Ali Sidra, the mysterious Turk from Berlin, is looking for work, and so is Redmondy Ernest, who does a very interesting electrical ghost show. * * * George Hartman, who is one of the

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. best known conjurers playing dates in Germany, goes along in his own quiet way and seems to make more friends than any other magician in the business. He has bought a little villa in Furth in Bayern and has made all preparations for his old age. It seems to be the aim of the German conjurer for his declining days, to possess a small villa in some village or suburb and there rest his weary bones. Houdin, Doebler, Frikell, Bosco, Alexander and others had small villas. It is better to provide for your old age than to lounge about the cafe houses all day, and gossip with your colleagues and lose a great deal of valuable time. Christopher Affenbacb from I'lm Mild his barber shop and invested the proceeds in an illusion act. Not obtaining engagements for his untried act he obtained permission from the authorities and built a platform on an open space and presented his great Egyptian mystery show. His Aga is very sad, and the traps in his table can be seen by all the onlookers. I told him to raise his platform, but he told me to mind my own business, and I did. Good boy Affenbach, in my opinion you ought to omit the last four letters of your name. 'Twill suit vour actions better.

I3EGINNERS SPIRIT TABLE LIFTING. A Clever Little Trick Which Can Be Dene With Great Success. Preparation:—Cut a slot in a ring which you can place on one of your

387

fingers as is depicted in the accompanying illustration. Then drive a common pin into a small, light weight table, (as per illustration), which you intend to

•5?

lift. By slipping the slot of the ring behind the head of the pin you are abb to get quite a firm hold on the table and so can lift it from the floor. Execution :—Place your hand on the table and casually slip the slot of the ring behind the head of the pin and slowly and carefully raise the table, which will make it appear to the audience as if you lifted it with your finger tips. To add effect to this, von can now spread a silk handkerchief over the top of the table to show there is no preparation, for it will not prevent you from slipping the slot of the ring over the head of the pin. You can now lift the table and move it about to the accompaniment of music, and with the last movement remove the pin and hand the table around for examination.

3S8

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

READING

FROM THE PRESS

REVIEWING BOOKS ANDTHINGS^.

WISE, AND

OTHERWISE

Dr. Joseph Lapponi, the late chief physician to Pope Leo XIII, and consulting physician to the present Pontiff, Pius X, was a great believer in spiritualism. He wrote a book on the subject which he named "Hypnotism and Spiritism," which has been published by Longmans, Green & Co. Dr. Lapponi died December 7, 1906, and was buried at the personal expense of His Holiness •Pius X. The book is very deep and deals only with genuine cases as the worthy and learned physician found them. * * * Dr. S. R. Ellison has called our attention to a new story from the pen of Anna Katlierine Green, who has gained such wide reputation as a writer of detective stories, "The Mayor's Wife," published by the Bobbs-Merrill Co. of Indianapolis, 1907. The story is woven about a cipher and written in the usual interesting style of the author. * * * There is a good story in the July issue of the People's Magazine, although the idea was used in a story in the Black Cat. The Society of American Magicians receives a splendid notice from the writer of the story, Mr. Campbell MacCuIloch. In fact he even goes

so far as to say that the meeting place is on Sixth avenue, near Thirtieth street. The S. A. M. ought to give him a vote of thanks for the clever manner in which lie uses the name. •

A shilling booklet sent to us by Fred Sinclair entitled, "Can you Zancig," arrived some time ago. It is written by Fant Abbot. He claims the Morning Leader speaks of him as "A wizard of remarkable powers," but he fails to say what the Zancigs say about him. After reading his code we can say without any hesitation t h a t it is the worst we have ever seen or heard. To transmit the numbers 2456, you have to say "Go and look quick, please, and tell this number." Another bright question is, "Can you tell what is wrong with the lady's husband?" Answer: "Yes, he is ill." (So will be the reader of the booklet if he reads all of it.) Imagine a line addressed to your assistant as "I go, favor me, go next and I tell him now, how many minutes." And to add to it all, before you are allowed to cut open the booklet from its envelope-like enclosure you will find the following warning: "As the contents of this pamphlet are of such • a valuable and secret nature, it must not be opened until one shilling (25 cents) is paid for it. It seems just like the seventh book of Moses that one sees advertised so much and which is positively worthless.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

H O CV S P O C V S

3S9

pleasure; and when you would have them go up to the top, take your hand a\va\, nnd they will walk up.

I V N I O RThe Jnatomie of

LEGERDEMAIN. o s,

'.The Art of Iugiing ftt forth in his proper colours, folly, plainly, andexaftly, Co that an ignorant petfon may thereby learn die full perfe&ion ofthe Umcafter a little praflife. Vnto each Tricke is added thefigure,where it is needful! f

flai

The feeend Edith*, with m*«j additions. Prtfl«t oihili quira LJ

N D O N,

Printed by T. 11. foTR.M.

i 6 3 j.

Continued. HOW TO MAKE T H R E E LITTLE CHILDREN DANCE IN GLASS UPON A TABLE. Take little figures of glass that are made hollow, of an inch and a half high, representing lit'le boys, which may be had at the glassblowers; these little images have a small hole in one of their legs, and are lighter than water; immerge them into the water contained in the glass, A. B. this glass is about a foot or 15 inches high, and covered with a bladder which is tied fast over the top; a small quantity of air is to be left between the bladder and surface of the water; so when you command them to walk down, press your hand hard upon the top, and they will immediately come dowti. and so you may make them dance in the middle of the glass, at yom

I hope this is sufficient for your understanding; if not, you may have the glass and figures of me. BONUS GENIUS: OR, HICCIUS DOCTIUS. You must have the figure of a man made of wood, about the bigness of your little finger, the head whereof, must be made to take off and put on at pleasure, by means of a wire that is in the neck; also you must have a cloth cap with a little bag within to convey the head into, the bag must be neatly made that it may not easily be perceived: shew your man to the company, "Gentlemen, this I call my Bonus Genius:'' then shew the cap, saying, "This is his coat;" say moreover, "Look now as stedfast as you can, nevertheless I will cozen you, for therefor am I come;" then hold your cap above your face, and take your man in your right hand, and put his head through the hole of the cap, saying, "Now he is ready to go on any message

390

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

I have to send him to Spain or to Italy, or whither I will, but he must have somehat to bear his charges," with that pull \v . , , , . , , out your right hand from under the cap, and therewith the body, put privately putting your right hand into your pocket, as if you felt for money, where you ma\ hide the body, and take out your hand and say, "There is three crowns for you, now be gone," then turn the head and sav, "But he will look about him before

and hold it up again, throwing the head out of the little bag and say, "Hie mecus Genius," and in the mean time thrust the head through the hole of the cap, • and holding the head by the wire, turn ^ a]xn]t presentl>. a m , p u t the h e a d in. t o , , o u r p Oc ket. Note, Any person that is desirous to learn any part of this art, they may be taught by me. H. Dean. Of conveyance of Money. The conveyance of money is not much inferior to the balls, but much easier to do; the principal place to hold a piece of money is the palm of your hand, the best piece to keep is a tester, but with exercise all will be alike: except the money be very small, and then it is to be between the fingers almost at the finger ends, whereas the ball is to be kept below near to the palm, the money must not be of too large a circumference.

To convey money out of one of your Iia

he goes;" then say. setting your forefinger upon his crown, "Just as I thrust mv finger clown so he shall vanish ;" and therewith by the assistance of your left hand that is under the cap, convey his head into the little bag within the cap,

then turn your cap about, and say, "See here he is gone;" then take up your cap

""u> thc

thcr h

Legerdemain.

First, you must hold open your right han(1

- allpiiii's Experience in Getting Cuffs P u t On From Which He Failed to Release Himself, 303, 304, 304. Khalilah's Second Sight Kudarz, I'rof 233, K r a t k y , Bascliik Kardells, The Kalhas Knop, Mons. Georgia Ktmorah, Madame Kennedy. T Kramer, Arthur E Kleppini 13, 170. 303, 304, Kulferti, The, Bros Kaber & Kaber 78, Kuroki 21, Kellar, H a r r y 44, 161, 229, 328, 355, 303, Kokin, Prince K r a t e r n , Paul Klerigh, R Keeue. W a r r e n 229, Lemoine, Henry Lemaitre, Mons. H Leipsig, N a t e Lubian Lee, Sydney Lazerne Lucie, Miss Lion, Clement de La F a y e t t e , The Great Lorra Leischner Lione Latona, Frank L e Roy, Sevais Lynn J. W Lilly. M. C Lorraine, Effle Lung Me Fee Lindsay. Fred Lock, Pickers La F a y e t t e Laurent La Blanche. Flossie Lindsley, Frank Lovell Levard, Phillip Lane & Fey *Les Robins Laffoni. Dr. Joseph Ljine. Frank B

303 305 *5 358 253 262 262 327 393 23 9 3i>5 13 188 77 395 188 219 220 262

S 251, 232, 333, 382 36 21, 44, 186, 290 44, 351, 394 43 133. 194, 220, 386, 394 33. 161 1S6 217 219 231, 350 251 263 204 2S9 322 333

.192,

326 362 362 364 383 386 386 388 297

M Museum and Magical Magazine Martinka & Co 329 Mahatma 351 Max Milian & Shields 361 MoWaters & Tyson 363, 393 Marx. John Grun 382 Morimura 384 Marco 384 Monti 391 McEwen 395 Maurpr. J r . . Otto 297 Martini & M a i Milean 297 Mail Bag, 117, 191, 224. 225. 2R0, 294, 295, 355. 391 Medringtons Brochures 2(16 Macallister, John 50 MeNaughtoli, Mr 19 Maskelyne & Devant. 22, 43, 79, 93, 120. 153. 195, 322 Mortimer, Dr. W. Golden 24, 394 Moritt 11, 114, 356 Marconis. The 11 Melot, H e r m a n 11, 80 Moran, R. V 34 Mildred & Rouelere

Osey. N., Notes, Okito Orniiru Olivette Packing PilH't I L Pollard

Case

1S7 329 302 382 384 94 . ...12, . . .15

0 45. 46

3 32, 193, 165 220

Trick

291, 253

350, 3S3 323, 44 327

300 17 19 40 51, 363, 393 36, 52, 297, 330 78 78, 1S6, 252, 288 80 133, 3511 .18,

Petrofsky, The Mysterious Powell ." Paul. Prof Pawson. H Picitt & Lizette Playfair & Mikola Pollak Madame' Carl Edward Pollak, Max Pharos, Phantom & Palais t Passport, Willy Pettits, The Pauline Penstone, Ormonde Pierce, Alburtus Paumnwitz, Richard 291, Pipafax & Parlo Prital & Fay Plate, Adrian Programmes Reproduced: Used by Mr. Louis, Dated April 3, 1815, Advertising the Mechanical Drawing and Writing Master A Philllpstahl Hand-Bill Used by Him in 1803.. Programme of Mr. Schmidt in 1827 Hand-Hill Used on the Exhibition of this Automaton, May 7, 1826 Robert Houdin's Lithograph of Stage Setting Used by Him In Paris, 1847 and London 1848 Robert Houdin's Poster Used During His Various Engagements In England Fac-Simile of Kare Copper Engraving, Showing a Conjurer Swallowing a Man Alive Robert Iloudin's Poster Used at the Old Sadlers Wells Theatre, London 47, 149, 150, Robert Heller 01, 134, Indian Jugglers Ramo. Samee Kia Khan Khruse Robert Iloudin's Poster Used i London. 184S.. Houilin Programme, Very Rare Oriental Troupe Celebrated Indians Vcrii Breda Sic P i n e t t i Poster Young Master McKean Poster Mvsterions Lady Ching Lau Lauro

P. rtriits: Anderson. .Tfhn Henry Anderson. Mrs. Leona A Alexander Parnum. P. T Bean, Capt. B. D Bertram, Charles Fischer, Ottokar .81, Houdin, Robert ..6, Houdin, Robert. Grave Hmidin. Robert, Tomb Stone, Bas Relief. Macallister Heller, Robert, Grave Stork. Harry Rossner, Max Hondini. Harry. Showing Two Positions of the Sealed Hand Cuffs Fnc Simile of Cuffs Cuff Mfgd. by A. Stotz Hocus Pocus 59_ Taschenspieler Okito Pinchbeck. Sr Pinchbeck, Jr Fawkes, I

133 187 217

22S 251 203 359 339 359 296

284 285 286 2S7 40 42 42

151 130 72 73 74 75 76 110 111 112 183 184 213 240 159 162 38 248 201 255 165 182 9 9 53 167 254 19

58 60 82 84 314 315 318

James Sargent 334 Pinetti 378 Carl Lobert 327 The Fakir of Ava, I Harris Hugbi s 355 Of Dealers in Magic. Past and P r e s e n t . . . .292, 293 1. F. W. Conrniii-IIorstor 2!)2 2. Carl Willmnnn 202 3. Muns. .1. Caroly 2112 4. 5.

C. D e V e r e MODS. Voisin

203 2!)2

6. Otto Manrer 7. Geo. MY'Kenzie Munro 8. Augustavus Roterberg 9. Antonio Mnrtinku 10. Francis Martinka 11. Oscar Lischke 12. W. D. LeRoy 13. Ernst Basch 14. C. Milton Chase 15. Thomas Yost 16. John Hamley Programmes of Magicians: By J. I". Burrows, Assisted l>y II. .T. Ilnlland..

203 202 292 21.13 203 203 202 203 202 203 203 lOn

a Questions Answered. 53. 86, 127, 128, 129. 163, 197, 198, 226, 227, 264, 265, 298, 330, 364, 305 Quo Vadis 251

13 Kudolphi. Cant 13 Rothig. Francis Raymond 51 197. 206 Roltaire 51, 161, 363 80 Roberto 47 Rasschonin, Madame Kink 16. 165. 104. 201 43 Raynor, Carl Roland The Great . .45. 133, 185, 102. 220, 280, 353 45 Roberts. Prof 152 Roberts. R. A 1G1 Reiialdo, Prof. H 185 Ritsell. Myrn 103 Kusson. Ilarry 217 RudinnfC 218 Ronnachers 264 Kiissii. Tlic Great 264 Rose. The GiTiuun 321 Rouge. La Diable 325 Raynally, Mons. E 325 Ranfert, Dr 320 Raff. Augustus 359 Rice & I'rcvost 350 Rece & Privost 361 Rajiin. tlie Hindoo 301 Risinor. tlie Yogi 361 Renschling Richards. V 3G2, 393 364 Rego. The Mysterious 384 Riekards. Harry 394 Ransom. Elmer P Reproduction of Clippings: Dross's Advertisement Taken From the London Post. 1776 282 Mr. Haddock's Advertisement Featuring the' Writing Automaton from the London Telegraph. Jan. 1706 2S3 Clipping from the London Telegraph, March 12. 1812. Showing the Co-Partnership of Phillipstahl & Mai-Hard 284 •Reading and Rubbish, 17. 49, 85, 123, IGu, ISO, 222. 266. 300, 325, 354, 388 Russian Notes by MOMS. T. Bolin 46 Raynally,

MODS." E

189

S Secret of the Packing Case 300 Salutatory 4. 5 Selbits the Magic Art 266 Spiritualistic Seance, By Monti 232 Serious Accidents to Hondini's Imitators 197 S. Schwartz & C. L. Thorne 327 Stebbins, Si 328 Sears 297. 328, 395 Stifft. David 329, 363 Schroder, Eugen 358 Searle 362 Spitz. Abe 362 Straub. The Great 363. 395 Show World. The 364 Steen. Chas. N 384 Svengali & Trilby 386 Sinclair, Fred 388, 391 Shekla 393 Segall. Alexander 47 Stanselle, Frank 207 Steens. The 23 Sato, O. K 11 Succo 16. 78 Sirronje 51, 196, 305 Shaw 51, 329, 395 Siebert. Henry 8.8 Sa-Hera '. 88. 263. 362 Suel Jean 78

Sloan Snelling. \V. A. Sampson Stihvell Schwartz Ere Sylvesta . . . . Stoll. Oswald Spinge Svengalis, The Original Stevens, F,du in St. Armande Scnter, Orestes A Society of American Magicians. Society of Boston Magicians Sidra, Ali Selwyn, Leo Simlira Sp.'Ctres of the Sanctum Sargent Salvail

.47. 361 114 1154S 18ti.188, 251, 321, 383 21S 220 220 229. 252T .2C2, 3»a 300, 328 .264. 264 .291, 36S .321, 385 321 322 327 .327, 361

T Thorn Chevelair . . 1 3 , 15, 132. 161. 165. 220, 358, Thurston, Howard 36, 03, 164. 263, 267. 296, 320, 326, 32S. 356, Therese Bros.. The Le Roy. Talma and Bosco 21. 252, Tsohiu Man's Seven Holy Chunchusen Magicians.. Turng. E. 1 Toinlin Thurley, Don Thorne. C. L. & S. Schwartz Thompson. Harry S Ten lei Tan Kwai Troupe. The Tichy, Herr Director Tricks: r Card Sliding Box 21, Spirit Bell Cointiiiiiitii.il Card In Egg Trick New Bllllaril Ball Manipulation. By W. F. Alder The Magnetic Hat The Balancing Magic Wand A New Wrinkle to Catch a Wise T'n, By Edward C. Conklin Balancing a Borrowed Cigar on a Borrowed Hat Simple Method of Exchanging a Marked C o i n . . . . The Magnetic Pencil Spirit Table Lifting To Produce a Lighted Candle From Your Pocket Tricks for Beginners 335. 360. Taschenspieler 12. Thurston, Howard, Pastime In India with Illustration

Vano Velvoe Vonetta. Mile Valadon, Herr Violas Von Etta Van Porn. H. Win Venturiuis. The Van der Koos Valpos Vernello. Edward Volta. Marvelous

155 22 S» 116 164 188 221 221 269335 360 387 392 387 82 267

114 115219229, 328 251, 289 251 264 321 361 361 362, 394 363'

•

W Wilson's Wonderful Characters Wonderful Magazine Widow of Emile Houdin Williams, Oswald Werneke Mrs Eugenie Walton & Lester Weyer, Alex Warren, John Windecker Wilda. B Werner. Francis. J Walton. Otto F Widniiiyer. Frank B Wighton. Ernest Wingard. Prof Wvlie. Julian Wiggins Bert Wilder Marshall P Wizard Wanders, The

38* 362 47 326 45 262 263 326 327 329 359" 3S6 46

5 56 11. SI. 188.250 12 78, 252" 17, 217. 386 186, 219 196' 219 229, 297 262 263 289353 356 362" 296 123

Yank Hoe Yettanah Yum a & Co

Zanzigs 20, 52, 89. 120. 183, 184. 185. 321. Ziska & King 88. 161, 186, 195, 220. ZelUa. Wilfred C 115, 187, Zadi. Ali Za luloch

.364,

252. 320, 264, 321,

13 80395

289. 352. 384' 361. 363 357,383 330 356'

Ludwig Leopold Dobler

eptemtjer, 1907

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. Cable Address: "Avengment, London." Telephone No. 1919 Gerrard

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I ^"V IVI 1"^ ^N IVI ^™ IVI f* L U I V VJKJ I N J C I N VJI

Harry Day THE AGENT OF ENGLAND Booking all Big Headliners, for all Big Tours Can give any good Act, Magic, Illusion, Mystery, etc., contracts for long run in England. Shall be pleased to grant unknown acts trial shows at any of the Music Halls under my control. Write, stating what you do, and how much you want for doing it. Effingham House, Arundle Street, Strand, London, England

Manhattan Detective Agency, OPPOSITE METROPOLITAN OPERA HOUSE 141O Broadway, Corner 3OtK Street Thirty-five (35) years' experience has qualified this agency to undertake all legitimate lines of detective work, where absolute reliability and secrecy are imperative. Obtaining evidence in criminal and civil matters, confidential work for Railroads, Banks, Mercantile Houses, Factories, Corporations, Lawyers and Private Individuals. References furnished upon request. Suite 414. Telephone 468O Bryant

IMPORTANT Those who have already made application for, or those who wish to suscribe for the GREATEST BOOK EVER ON MAGIC (500 pages) by T. Nelson Downs and J. Northern Hilliard, send the price $5.00 at once to T. Nelson Downs Publishing Co. J. N. Hilliard, Mgr. 542 Blossom Road, Rochester, N. Y. Book ready for delivery October 1st, 1907, and will be mailed free to all who get their orders in immediately, as only a limited number will be issued. Get busy if you want to be in. T. NELSON DOWN'S PALMING COINS ARE BEST $1.00 EOZ.

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Hotel Preston (Opposite Madison Square Garden)

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A NEW WAND MYSTERY The wand which the performer has used during the evening is shown to be quite •solid and wrapped up under the eyes of the audience. It is then deliberately torn up and reproduced at will. No shells', threads, elastics or collapsible wand used. This will puzzle those that "know." 3|6 post free 3|9. U. S. A. $1.35

A GREAT VANISHING CARD ILLUSION A card is selected by a member of the audience who himself covers it with his own handkerchief, and drop's it (still covered) into a glass of water allowing the handkerchief to fall on and over the glass. Performer commands card to vanish and on handkerchief being removed it is found to have done so. Quite inexplicable but so simple to work. 1| post free li 1. U. S. A. 25 cents, post free 30 cents.

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Look over the twelve issues which constitute our first volume, and, without prejudice, compare our record with that MONTHLY or any other hona fide magazine on magic durMAGAZINE ing the same period, and what do you PUBLISHED BY find ? The Conjurers' Magazine Publishing Co, That the CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAG278 WEST 113TH STREET AZINE has given more real news about N E W YORK CITY magic and magicians than all the other periodicals of similar character comTELEPHONE : 1514 MORNINGSIDE bined. Per Year $1.00 Single Copies, 10 Cents That we have more correspondents ail over the globe who really write. Advertising rates payable in advance, made known That we have published more illustraon application to above address. tions in one month than some of our conThe entire contents of the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine are protected by copyright and must not be temporaries have published during the reproduced either wholly or in part without perentire year. mission. That we have broken all records for The magazine is for sale by all reputable dealers of conjuring apparatus. A limited number of back Issues can be secured at ten cents eacb, by ad- cablegrams announcing news of special dressing the publication office, as above. interest to magicians. This includes the Foreign representatives—London, England, Theo cable chronicling the abrupt cancellation Hardeen, care Anger & Bauer. 50 Rupert street, W.; Moscow, Russia, T. Bolin; Vienna. Austria, Ottokar of the Fay engagement in London, the Fischer; Teheran, Persia, James Leahman. news that Archdeacon Colley had won Contributions on all topics of Interest to magicians are welcomed. When payment is expected, the his libel suit against J. N. Maskelyne, price must be marked plainly on the manuscript; otherwise it will be regarded as complimentary. No and the engagement of Chung Ling Soo manuscripts returned unless accompanied by stamped •nd addressed envelope. (W. E. Robinson) by Klaw & Erlanger for an American tour. Vot. II. SEPTEMBER IS, 1907 No. 1 That though not blessed with the gift of prophecy we announced on reliable With this issue, T H E CONJURERS' authority amid the scoffings of our conMONTHLY MAGAZINE enters upon the temporaries that Harry Kellar was about second year of its existence. We realize to retire, naming Howard Thurston as that at twelve months our publication is his successor. This prophecy has been a decidedly lusty infant. Looking for- fulfilled. ward to the new year, we see it a youngThat we have published with complete ster even more healthy, stout of heart diagrams, many tricks, old and new, and arm, and strong of lung. The CON- some of which, dug up from old-time and JURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE has a lot forgotten works on magic, have furof work cut out for it, and we do not nished ideas for young, struggling and propose to attack certain evils, nor work ambitious magicians. for good results in a spirit that is puerile That we have published the first auor vacillating. We may be young in thentic and practical articles on handyears, but we are rich in experience. I f cuff tricks. you question these statements, take, with That, in the Robert-Houdin articles, us, a look backward and then glance we fairly revolutionized the history of forward. magic. Robert-Houdin has been un-

CONJURERS'

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. crowned as the king of conjuring and automata, and the crown has been distributed, bit by bit, among the earlier magicians to whom it rightfully belonged. Men on two continents who once proclaimed Robert-Houdin as magic's hero now refer to him as the Prince of Pilferers.

readers not only a continuation of this clean, fair, editorial policy, but that the present mechanical, illustrative and news standard will be maintained. We propose to advance, not to remain stationary or to fall behind. As evidence, we call your attention to our new cover, which has been especially designed for T H E

Owing to the fact that both the book and remaining serial rights of "RobertHoudin's Proper Place in the History of Magic" have been purchased from their author, Harry Houdini, by a prominent publishing firm, no further instalments of this notable work will appear in T H E CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. The entire series will appear eventually in book form, when it is hoped that the interest which it has aroused as a feature of this magazine will be even more general and wide-spread. In the place of these articles, the management of the CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE announces a new and vitally interesting series of sketches, devoted to eminent magicians and showmen, by Harry Houdini, author of 'Robert-Houdin's Proper Place in the History of Magic." These sketches will contain much in formation about old-time conjurers and showmen, never before published, and they will be embellished by reproductions of rare and exclusive por traits, handbills and programs. We feel sure that they will be received as cordially as the Robert-Houdin articles and will prove a full compensation for the withdrawal of the first named series.

Editorially we have maintained a policy that has been fair and impartial, with malice toward none and an optimistic attitude toward all. If we have criticised managers, it has been as employers of our craft. If we have aimed our penshafts at magicians, it has been as artists, not as men. We have not stooped to the personalities which have besmirched the pages of certain contemporaries, and we honestly believe that we have earned what we now possess, the confidence of •our readers, the moral and financial support of the conjuring world. Looking forward, we promise our

CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE by

Harney, the well-known sculptor, who has been awarded various medals in Paris for modeling in clay. We are securing more correspondents. We are arranging for more and better tricks that will meet the needs of amateur and professional magicians, and we propose, if such a thing is possible, to give you more and better illustrations. With these promises and ample backing to fulfill them, Volume II. of T H E CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE doffs its hat, or rather its brand new cover, and asks for a continuance of your good will and support.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

HISTORY MAKERS IN THE WORLD OF MAGIC him to appear before his household and guests. ()n the Prince's recommendaLudwig L e o p o l d tion, Dobler was commanded to appear Dobler. Born in Vien- before Emperor Franz Josef of Austria na, 1801. Died at in i8-'8. "Klafterbrunn," near Thus encouraged by royal favor, Dob%£"\ Vienna, in 1864. By ler laid aside the engraving tools to pick nature, a nobleman up the magic wand which was destined who reflected, credit to earn him an almost princely revenue. rn his Creator; by His first public performance in Vienna profession a conjurer who reflected followed close upon the royal command. glory unon his art. Next he played a number of minor Austrian cities, and a return engagement at Dobler was the son of an expert ena prominent Vienna play house. A prograver who determined that the lad should learn the same trade. To this end. longed tour of the continent brought r a n en ~ young Dobler was not only apprenticed him back to Vienna in 1839, f° to a master-engraver, but was given gagement which might be described as a special oporlnnities to study at the Im- triumphal re-entrv of his native city, for perial-Royal Academy. While he readily he packed the theatre, whose Herr Dimastered the trade chosen for him and rector pronounced this engagement as bade fair to prosper therein, in secret the most successful in the history of the he studied magic, as well as chemistry, house. physics and mechanics, then considered In 1841 he left Austria again, starta part of a magician's training. Once ing upon his most brilliant foreign tour, when young Dobler was engrossed in which led him to Holland, France and reading Klenker's "Magicon," he was Great Britain. From Paris he wrote to discovered by his master, who used the his Viennese director, under date of precious book as a weapon with which to March 15, 1842, that he regretted having box the youthful artisan's ears, exclaim- shipped his luggage direct from Aming: "Look, here is an experiment that sterdam, Holland, to London, because always succeeds!" he was visiting in Paris, which city he Such trifles did not weaken Dobler's found much to his liking. Also he passion, however, and in a short time might have played many important enhe was presenting his tricks and experi- gagements had his apparatus been at ments before a choice circle of friends. hand. As it was, he had various drawHis fame spread until it reached the ing room engagements, including one • ears of Prince Metternich, who invited with Rothschild and another with Count

LUDWIG LEOPOLD DOBLER

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DELUSIONS WITH CARDS, Tritkrry "xp*wcrf, i.)lowing liow the oiwnipiWicd fiamblcr phiudfin iKtionint niul siipfn-;pearance. It is published in the Italian language and is called II Mago Italiano. * * * Mr. Alfred Fredmar, a clever sleight of hand conjurer, who played several

All the theatres are open and many mystery acts are on the tours. Leroy, Thalma and Bosco are at the Wintergarten, Berlin. Their work is too well known for comment. *

De Bierre is at the Circus' Carre, Amsterdam, Holland. This is the theatre where he first played his opening date on arriving in Europe. Hymach, the

45 THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. man with the mysterious gloves, is on advertising a wonderful salve which has cured him. the same bill. * * * # £ :!-' Lora, the second sight parrot, is at Chester H. Dieck, America's wonthe Scala Theatre, The Hague, Hol- derful and sensational cyclist has added land. a few tricks to his act. These he claims as original, but what will A. D. Prof. Hartman, the conjurer, has Robbins say when he observes Herr branched out as a manager. lie has Dicck perform them? spent some of hi? easy money in putting Dicck has taken every one of Roban act together cilk-d the "Living Pos- bins' ideas, even making up as a cowtal Cards" and is playing a tew date* boy. On account of this pilfering Rodin Russia. bins resigned from the Internationale For the months of September and Arlisten Lodge, as both were members. October he will be at the Aquarium, in * * * St. Petersburg. Bryant Cheebert has brought to Ger* * * many a new Chinese troupe of magiStackleman, a new magician was given a month's contract and closed at • cians, jugglers and singers. For adthe Buflfc after a successful season of vertising" purposes he has his troupe one night. He must have been very haul him through the streets in a 'riksja. He is competing with J. . clever? Deutsch who has several troupes. The Ben AH Bey, the originator of Black- latest importation is called Lijen-chaisan-Troupe. I am glad I don't have Art, is in Windau. to pronounce the name. Rochclli, the ventriloquist, is now * * * billing himself as "Der Witzkonig." • Carl Edward Pollak, the Berlin But if he means he is king of wit, he agent, was seen hustling about with a must mean "bad wit." bunch of lithos of some new mystifier. * * * He seems to have a liking for conjurRenk keeps on improving his illu- ers and illusionists, and has the repusions, and no doubt some American tation of being the first in the field in manager will send him contracts. He Germany to book such big mystery is now billed as the great American acts as Houdini, Madame Konorah, Leillusionist, but cannot speak one word roy, Thalma and Bosco, Downs, Meneof English. tekel, De Biere, etc. * * * At one time it was planned that W. Passpart is open to book any ma- Madame Pollak should become the gician or illusionist who has a novelty. foremost lady illusionist in the world, His office address is Muenchnerstrasse and Carl was rapidly pushing the ad16, Berlin W., Germany. vertising matter, when suddenly, be* :|: £ Willi Augoston, a relative of Augos- fore you could say Kocu-Hccus, or ton, the old time magician who starved Hocus-pocus, the entire matter was to death in the streets of Berlin, is busy dropped. '•'.'•

~'fi

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Ike Rose lias not been connected with

Cluing' Ling Soo for several seasons. Although it lias not been generally known, Ike is the man who made Chung Ling Soo (\Y. E. Robinson) a success, and let us hope that Robinson will not forget it. There has been some talk of Ike Rose separating from Madame Saharet, but it seems to be only an idle rumor. :J:

: j : :|:

Ernest Basch is busy working on a new illusion that promises to be superior (o his invention "The Bridal Chamber." * * * Carl Hertz is still in South Africa. This necromancer must have more illusions in storage than any man in the mystery business. For years he has built many tricks and bought up everything available, and now has a store bouse full of illusions in San Francisco, Berlin and London.

Our Mall Bag In this department It is the privilege of our readers to bring to public notice any topic worthy of discussion or deserving of censure or exposure. Our columns are thus thrown open in the hopes that conditions may lie bettered or evils abated by such publicity. As no restrictions are imposed upon correipondents, the editor does not hold himself re• ponslble for opinions expressed in this department.

Buffalo, N. Y. Editor Conjurers' Magazine, Sir: Thanks for your personal letter. So far I have not seen one item about our city, so wanted to know if

you had a representative here. But there is one item which appeared that, small as it may be, requires coirection. It was stated "That Harrington was a near magician." I am acquainted with Mr. Harrington and meeting him on the street, I asked him when he Had entered the mysterv business. He said that it was a misprint, and that he had called your attention to the mistake, but you had paid no attention to his letter. (We have received no such communication from Mr. Harrington Ed.) Harrington is a musician and a good one, but lacks ambition. He has played some of the big circuits. There appeared at the Washington Theatre a team calling themselves The Kelleys and they were billed as great handcuff kings who had baffled the great detectives of the world. I saw their act and wonder who were the baffled parties? I don't wish to knock, but must tell the truth about this horrid act, which belongs to the same category as the act of the Cherry Sisters. They have a bungling home-made trunk, whose secret hinges on the back panel could almost be seen by a blind man. They ask for cuffs from the audience, but before you have a chance to move, the imle member of the team makes a marl rush for his own cuffs, using only that one pair. We have another great handcuff man here in Buffalo, who is really wonderful. T know, because he told me so, and at the present time he is working the saloons. Now that Klaw and Frlanger have opened the Teck Theatre, perhaps we shall see more of mystery presenters. Respectfully yours, C. W. Kinney.

THF CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. En route. Editor Conjurers' Magazine, Sir: I read with interest your material regarding Lazern. and know him to be a man whom I would not trust as far as I could throw a bull by the tail. He is an ungrateful man. and I know of one magcian who loaned him money and fed him, and then Lazern deliberately tried to steal his act so that he could expose it. He makes use of different names, and so far has called himself, Walter J. Hansen, alias Nesnah (which is Hansen reversed), Gregals, Hornman and Lazern. I have heard that he is being proposed bv a Mr. Hiestand for membership into the S. A. M. If they elect such men. I certainly do not care to join any such organization. (We have received a letter from Mr. Hiestand, denying this st i;emcnt. He had proposed Lazern. but then crossed off his name from the bhnk. Ed.) A peculiar thing about this man, is that he belongs to several different societies, and displays on his table covers the letters T. M. A. (Theatrical Mechanics Assn.) Trusting that you will have space in your magazine to show magicians who this Lazern is, I beg to remain. Sincerely yours, Socrates. (We have received several letters of complaint against Lazern and have room only for the above. We would like to hear from Lazern on this subject. Ed.)

H O CV S P OCV S I V N I O RThe Jnttomie of

LEGERDEMAIN. O R, R, O The Art of Iugling fet forth in his proper colours, folly, plainly, andexaftly, Co that an ignorant pet Con may thereby letradKn^ perfection oftheU»e,arter a little praftife. Vnto each Tricke is tdici the Spin, where it is needfidJ forinflrudioQ

Thefectni Editiin, with mitt] tuUiti Prtflic nibili quim uhflftcne.

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X>0 K D O N,

Printed by T. II. for R.M,

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To convert money into counters, and counters into money. Another way to deceive the lookers on, is to do as before with a tester, and keeping a counter in the palm of your left hand secretly, to put the tester secretly thereinto, which being retained still in the right hand, when the left hand : s opened, the tester will seem to be turned into a counter. To put one tester into one hand, another into the other hand, and icith zeords to brin^ them together. He that hath once attained to the faculty of retaining one piece of money in his right hand, may shew a hundred pleasant conceits by that means, and may reserve two or three as well as one ; and so then you may seem to put one piece into your left hand, and retaining it still in your right hand, you may together

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

therewith take up another like piece, and so with words seem to bring both pieces together. Variety of tricks may be shewn in juggling with money. To put one tester into a stranger's hand, and another into your ozvn, and to convey both into the stranger's hand with zvords. ' • Also you may take two testers evenly set together, and put the same instead of one tester into a stranger's han.l, and then making as though you did put one tester into your left hand with words, you shall make it seem that you convey the tester in your hand into the stranger's hand, for when you open your said left hand, there shall be nothing seen, and he opening his hand shall find two testers, which he thought was but one. Bv this device, I say a hundred conceits may be shewed. How to shczv the same, or the like feat othcrii'ise. To keep a tester betwixt your fingers, serveth especially for this and such like purposes ; hold out your hand, and cause one lay a tester upon the palm thereof, then shake the same up almost to your fingers' end, and putting your thumb upon it, you shall easily with a little practice, convey the edge betwixt the middle or fore-finger; whilst you proffer to put it into the other hand, provided always that the edge appears not through the fingers on the backside, which being done, take up another tester, which you may cause another stander-by to lay down and put them both together, either closely, instead of one into a stranger's hand, or keep them still in your own hand, and after some words spoken open your hands, and there being nothing in one hand, and both pieces in the other, the beholders will wonder how they came together.

To throw a piece of money azvay, and to find it again where you left it. You may with the middle or ringfinger of the right hand convey a tester into the palm with the same hand, and seem to cast it away, keeping it still, which with confederacy will seem strange : to wit, when you find it again, where another have bestowed the like piece, but these things without exercise cannot be done, therefore I will proceed to shew how things may be brought to pass with less difficulty, and yet as strange as the rest, being unknown are marvellously commended, but being known are derided and nothing at cdl regarded. Hoic to make a groat or tester to leap out of a pot, or run along upon a table. You shall see a juggler take a tester and throw it into a pot, or lay it in the midst of a table, and with enchanting words cause the same to leap out of the pot, or run towards him, or from him along the table,-which will seem miraculous until you know how it is done; which is thus, take a long black hair of a woman's head fastened to the rim of a tester, by the means of a little hole driven through the same with a Spanish needle, in like sort yon may use a knife, or any small thing, but if you would have it go from you, you must have a confederate, by which means all juggling is graced and amended; this feat is the stranger if it be done by night, a candle placed between the spectators and the juggler, for by that means their eyes are hindered from discerning the conceit. (To be continued.)

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

NSWERED

Oscar Wilson, Nyack. We cannot encourage you to take up that kind of an act. Eating poison his been done by. many human beings, and Monte Cristo even was a hero who was immune to the effects of certain poisons. Capt. Vetrio is about the best known poison eater America has ever had. He has exhibited himself all over the world and we think he resides at the present time in Chicago. Dr. Senaca D. Powell (no relation to E. Powell, the magician) frequently swallowed what would have been a fatal dose of carbolic acid, and then took alcohol to demonstrate that it was a reliable antidote for that terrible' acid. It is believed that taking the many doses of carbolic acid was indirecly the cause of his death. He died a few months ago in Greenwich. It was in 189,9 n e announced to the medical profession his belief in ithe efficiency of alcohol as an antidote in carbolic acid poison. He demonstrated at the time before the medical society of New York that pure carbolic acid could be rubbed on the hands freely and allowed to remain several secojids without injury to the skin, if alcohol was then at once applied. Dr. Powell was 60 years of age at the time of his death. He was Vice-President of the Pan-American Medical Congress in icSg5. Generally a quick emetic used by poison •eaters has been their secret, but as there is not much money in exhibitions of this description, we advise you to seek other fields. At any rate if you wish Capt. Vetrio's address, a letter addressed to us, will be forwarded. * * * Magicus, Altoona, Pa. There is a Mons. Blind in Geneva who is now using the name "Magicus" so you had better adopt another 'nom-de-thcatre. From personal conversation

and experience, we advise you to simply make use of your own family name. Plenty of nrmt-q wish they had taken their real name, as you become identified wilh a name. and it is almost impossible to change it after you have once used it. * * * Bert Kilby. New Birtain, Conn. Letter and contents received. Been too busy for a personal reply. Keep the good work up. Don't let little things discourage you. * * * J. V. Englehardt, Hastings, Ind. In buying goods abroad you must always pay the duty on same. That is done to protect home industries. On our last trip abroad we were not allowed to bring playing cards into Russia or Austria, not even if revenue was paid. The government makes all cards used in the above mentioned countries, and a tidy sum they must make. There is no complaint to make on your part, but if you wish a letter published to that effect, k'ndly send it along and it will appear in due time. * * * A. Roterberg, Chicago, 111. Received the last letter in San Francisco. Will attend to matter referred to. * * * George Kleinert, Berlin. Better jo:n the Berlin Society for Amateur Magicians. They exchange secrets and tricks at all their meetings. * * * G. Frolicch, Stuttgart, William's Zauberwelt is not in existence any more. The only conjurers' magazine published in the German language is advert'sed in our columns. * * * H. Ayscough, Middlesboro. The best way to obtain addresses of all the prominent theatres ;>rd rraragers on the continent is to purchase a current edition of "Das Programme," a theatrical weekly newspaper, published in Berlin, their London office is 49 Rupert Street, W. This is the only Music Hall publication which is published in four languages, German, English, French and Russian. * * * Dr. Holden. Letter arrived too late for this issue.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

The Society of American Magic:ans held their regular meeting at Martinka's magical palace on October fifth. Plans are under way for a special ladies' night in social session, which will commence at 9.30 P. M., immediately after the regular November session. * * * The Fays played a short engagement at the New York Theatre. * * * Manekshah, the magician, played Ins opening New York engagement at Tony Pastor's '1 heatre. * * * Mellini, the dexterous society sle'ght of hand performer, was specially engaged by Mrs. Stuyvesant Fish to entertain Prince Will'am "f Sweden on his visit to Newport. * * * Warren Keene is having a melodrama written in which he takes the part of the hero. A number of magical effects are woven into the plot, thereby enabling the hero to display his skill as a magician. * * * De Lang of Philadelphia, an inventor of card effects, came to New York to be married at the Little Church Around The Cor-

Maskelyne and Devant are expected to revive at St. George's Hall, London, the automatons Psycho, Echo, Phono, and Clyo. These were used by Kellar in America and will undoubtedly be a novelty to our present English cousins. * * * On his American tour, Leon Herrmann is presenting a new illusion which he acquired during his recent trip to Europe. * * * The Great Lafayette sailed for Berlin on Oct. i, carrying his full company and a band of forty musicians. He will open at the Circus Schuman for a run and will play other time before his return in the Spring. While

abroad Lafayette will produce a new illusion which he claims to be based upon an entirely new principle. * * * Mine. Sa-Hera in her clever mind reading performan.ee is a headline feature on the Klaw and Erlanger tour. * * * Hiestand of St. Louis is getting some big new effects ready in the magical line with wlrch he ought to make a decided success. +

VV. J. Allen, an old time ventriloquist, is now running a lunch room in St. Louis and doing very well. * * * Madame Konorah, presented by Max Bcrol, our genial man of mystery, opened for the Klaw and Erlanger circuit with their old act of mental mystery in such a form (consisting mainly of figures and dates) that it seems impossible to beat them at this work. Max is a man who seeks for problems morning, noon and night, and there is nothing in this line that he will not go after. He has been elected president of the German Artist Loge at a salary of 6000 marks yearly, and will no doubt return to Germany after this Klaw and Erlanger contract, as the duties of president are of such a nature as to confine him w'thin the traveling limits of Berlin, which make train connections after the show. He intends to start a weekly Tid-bits, and if ever a man was fitted for editor of such a publication, that man is Max Berol Belmont Konorah. He has been around the world several times, and is as well known in the principal cities of the Orient as he is in Germany,. England or Amerca. * * * The Variety speaking of the opening date of Theo. Hardeen says: "Hardeen, billed asthe 'European Mystifier,' made his debut at the Garrick Theatre, St. Louis, Mo. He is a brother of Harry Houdini. The act was a hit. and should score all along the theatrical line." * * * Frederick Mellville is the gentleman who brought Shekla, the Hindoo magician, to America. Mellville is now out with his original Moto-Girl, an act which has enabled him to travel over the world, and make money. We would like to know if Mr. Mellville is.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. ashamed of being connected with Shekla, for when Air. Mcllville went to Australia, he went as the representative of this magazine. He has returned to America, but failed to make a report to us. Mr. Mellville, what is the matter? * * * Madame Herrmann has signed with Klaw & Erlanger and made quite a hit in Milwaukee, Wis., on the opening bill at Shubert's Theatre. * * * Massius A. Connor, coin king, was on the bill at the Columbia Theatre, St. Louis. He fhrshed the week. * * * The Two Francois are on the Jack Hoefler circuit with their comedy conjuring. * * * An Italian magician has appeared at the Dominion Theatre in Winnipeg. He calls himself Doedato. Will Chefalo inform us who this man is? * * * Hymack, the chameleon comedian, whose act we described several months ago, has been preceded in America by Mysticus. Haymack is booked to appear for Percy Williams, and Mysticus appears for Klaw & Erlanger. As there is no law to prohibit one man stealing another's act, except manhood and honor, and as an appeal has been made to the White Rats Association, we await the result of the action of the White Rats against the copy act. * * * We do not uphold copy acts, but on account of the present situation in the show business, managers actually encourage these acts, and that is the only thing that allows them to live. * * * . Paul Valadon gave a trial show at the Coloival Theatre before the present season, opened, and now that he is working on the Keith tour, it shows that his trial show was a success. * * * Hornmann sends us his route with the circus, but it is too long for publication. He is still separating the good folk from their irckels and dimes. * * * James J. Morton, the boy comedian, who is now amongst the most popular men on or off the stage, was once a magician. Years

ago he was lecturer for Harry Davis in Allentown, Pa., and had to do magic to entertain the audiences in the curio hall. One day he was doing the wine and water tr;ck, and the smoke trick, both requiring the use of chemicals. As museums in those days gave performances every hour Jim gave a show, rushed to his supper and was delayed. He arrived back in time to hear the lecturer, who had taken his place while he dined, introducing the various freaks. Jim jumped on his platform, and in the excitement forgot that he had failed to prepare his various tricks. When he started to do the wine and water trick, not having the chemicals prepared he poured out water, saying it was wine, and went through his whole speech but made a failure of the trick; the audience, however, thinking he was doing coined}', laughed "right out loud." The idea of a man showing them tricks, and pretending to do them, was so absurd that it made quite a hit. Jim, quick to see his chance, kept up the farce, and gradually embeH'shed his material, until today he tells stories that cannot be told by anyone else for they are of such a nature that they fit him and him alone. The idea of a great big handsome brute telling such nonsensical tales, makes the audience first of all think he is a big boy; then he tells the story to himself, laughs at himself, and asks and answers his own quest'ons. He will start in to tell a story, then says "I feel like singing." He answers himself, "Oh, do you?" "Yes, I do." "Well let us hear you sing." Too bad he did not stick to the magic business, for we are sadly in need of clean comedy in the conjuring 1 ne. Good comedians are scarce in the mystery business. We have plenty of sad comedians,, and a good one will be hailed wth delight. Amongst the best ones we have had are Walton & Lester, and Rundth & Rudd. Phil Landsberger, the San Francisco magician, is qtrte an adept in egtr-palming, and" has several novel tricks, in which he shows exceptional cleverness. *

Herr Janson made quite a hit at the Wigwam Theatre San Francisco, on his last visit.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Capt. E. E. Henry is on the Sullivan-Considine circuit with his wireless telegraphy act. He does quite a number of tricks with his apparatus, such as blowing a fog horn, shooting cannons, bluwing up mines, sounding alarms and ringing bulls in all parts of the theatre. * * * An amateur gave a trial show at the Orpheum in San Francisco but not having his act in proper shape was not engaged. He seemed to have had enough electrical apparatus to furnish a 20-story elevator with electric power.

All the summer parks have closed and the illusion and magical shows have been stored away until next summer. * * * Carter, the clever magician, appeared at the Lyric theatre, Salt Lake City, week of Sept. 15 and received several good newspaper notices. * * * The Great Powell played at the Burwood theatre, Omaha, week of September 23, on his way East. * * * Crio. a very clever mystic act, held forth at the Bijou week of September 23, Kalamazoo, Michigan. * * * •Yunia created quite a sensation at the Lyric, Mob:le, Alabama, with his marvelous feats as a contortionist. * * * The "Globe of Death," a novel and sensational act appeared at the Orpheum, St. Paul, September 16, and was well received. * * * Harry Robinson, illusionist, played at the Odeon theatre, Seattle, the week of September 16, and met with favor.

Norton, with an entertaining specialty in magic appeared at the Majestic, the week of September" 16. * * * Howard's theatre, on the West side, is playing all that is best in vaudeville, and doing nicely. * * * Hanlon's Superba appeared at the Great Northern in new and clever illusions and scored the usual success. * * * Charles Crar.jn appeared at the Bijou, Kalamazoo, liie week of September 9, and at the Majestic, in Chicago, September 30. * * * T. Roy Barnes and wife have joined one of Whitney's shows; both are playing leading parts. * * * Abigail Price, second sight-seer, appeared at the People's theatre, Los Angeles, September 2. Charles Carter was also on the bill. * * * Bernar's Marionettes were billed at the Orpheum, Minneapolis, September 8. * * * Adelaide Herrmann, in her marvelous creation, "The Sleeping Beauty," scored tremendously in St. Louis, and Kansas City. * * * Miss Lillian Ashley, the clever little actress who is playing at the Orpheum Circuit is a great admirer of magic and wlrles away many of her spare moments in its companionship. * * * The Great Santell Co., was stranded in Paducah, Ky. * * * The Great Henri French is playing at the Orpheum Circuit and meeting with great success. * * * The Majestic, a new theatre in Indianapolis, Ind., has opened its doors to vaudeville. * * * Ah Ling Foo, magician, appeared at the Grand theatre, Hamilton, Ohio, week of September 23. * * * Sirronje, the "Handcuff Lady," who appeared at the White City this summer was

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. biiled at the Olympic the .week of September 22.

It is really a remarkable thing how t'ne public stands for such an act. The announcement is made that Sirrc.'je will accept any handcuff, bar none, and when she is presented with something outside of her Bean giant and a Tower cuff, the announcer states that Sirronje can get out, but it will take her too long. * * * Zano, a very clever magician, was in Schenectady, N. Y., week of September 16. * * * The Mysterious Paul must have made enough money to settle down in peace and quiet, as I never hear anything of him nowa-days. * * * Prof. Hague and wife, a hypnotic and mindreading act, appeared at the New Musee on Clark St., September 2. * * * Miss Alba, the lady cannon ball juggler, appeared at the Haymarket, September 22, and gave a remarkable performance of skill and strength. , * * * Marvelous Neola was billed at the Chicago Opera House, week of September 2. * * * Martynne gave a clever performance at Eusons, on September 2. , - * * * Deodato, the Italian magician, was the first magician to enjoy the honors of the New Orpheum. He gave a splendid performance. * * * Arthur McjWatters and Grace Tyson the clever vaudeville team, are playing in Klaw and Erlanger's. "The Girl Rangers," and meeting with great success. * * * The mysterious Rago played the North Avenue theatre and gave a pleasing exhibition. He also received several newspaper notices from Anderson, Ind., where he played the following week. * * * Massias O'Connor, the European coin manipulator and prestidigitateur gave a remarkable performance at all of the Kohle and Castle houses.

Henry Roethig appeared at the Chicago Opera House, week of September 9. * * * Harry Beaumont, coin and card manipulator, appeared at the Haymarket, on September g, and gave a creditable performance. * * * Mexican Herman, after playing the Kohle and Castle circuit, is filling time through Illinois and Indiana. * * * AH Zada, Oriental necromancer, is being booked by the Western Vaudeville Assoc'ation. * * * The Great Wilburg appeared at the People's theatre, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. * * * Harry F. Hayes has been appointed assistant treasurer at the Bijou theatre in Minneapolis, Minn. * * * Dare Devil Doherty was the featured attraction at the Minnesota State Fair on September 2. * * * Svengali, the hypnotist, was featured at the Wigwam, in Frisco. * * * The Bellclaire Bros, were in Denver the week of September 9. * * * Dolph and Susie Levino in a clever little sketch "Hypnotizing a Wife,'1 appeared at the Gaiety in Galesburg, 111., on September 16. * * * Ned Wayburn's Fantastic Phantoms are meeting with great success. They were at the Majestic the week of September 23. * * * The Great Caiietta, the human dragon, played Shea's, in Buffalo, on his way West. * * * S. E. Richards with his novel magic is playing in the Southern States. * * * The Singards, clever illusionists, have in preparation a new act which they intend to introduce while on their Southern tour. * # * Marbini, a very clever foreigner is playing the Inter-States circuit.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Haslam who was billed here as a jailbreaker, is not one. He gives exhibitions with strait jackets only. * * * S. Suntera, illusionist, is playing the Sullivan-Considine circuit. * * * Cecil May, a "mind reader" closed with the Great Santell show none to soon. She is playing in the southern states. * * * Sallie Randall closed with Hanlon's Superbas while in Chicago and will join her husband, the Great Eldridge, in vaudeville for the rest of the season. * * * The Cat and The Fiddle, the great trick and spectacular play, met with well filled houses while here. * * * Van Hoven, in a clever talking and magical act was the featured attraction at the Majestic, in Sandusky, Ohio, week of September 10. * * * Albene and May La Brant, illusion'sts and second sight readers, were at the Orpheum in Springfield, 111., on September 21. * * * Mile. Majeska, in mental telepathy, is playing in the Temple theatre, Youngstown, Ohio.

sior billiard balls, two brass canisters and, apparatus for changing color of three handkerchiefs in passing through hand. De La Ronde, 66-97 St. James St., Montreal, Canada. * * * What have you to offer for the spirit clock of Martinka's catalogue A 628? Theo. Rebla, 828 Carnegie Hall, New York City. * * * What am 1 offered for two side tables, two side stands, handkerchief stand for Stilwell act, and some books on magx? J. Louis Domitz, 411 West 35th St., New York. * * * What have you to offer for a center table, cones and flower pots for Kellar growth of roses, flying cage, bowl and gold fish production ( no cover used), breakaway flag pagoda to suspend from ceiling and flying lamp without table? I would like to have a clock dial. Wm. S. Brown, 41 Harlem St., Rochester, New York. * * * Four side tables and a lot of magical apparatus for exchange. Olivette, 225 Pacific St., Brooklyn, New York. * * * Wanted.—Spring flowers, rabbit pan, handcuffs, and Kellar rope tie. What do you wish in exchange ? Burling Hull, 1216 49th St., Brooklyn, New York. * * * Wanted.—Two tables in good condition, complete with trap, servante and drape; knocks down for traveling. Also any tricks in which boxes, vases, flags and handkerchiefs are used. James Z. Campbell, High Bridge, N. J. Box 258. • * *

Advertisements under this heading are accepted free of chnrge; tnere is no after graft and you bind yourselves to nothing; we only reserve the right to exclude any advertisement we do not wish in our paper.

BARTER AND EXCHANGE Will exchange Kellar's coffee, milk and sugar trick, flying handkerchief, decanter trick, and a coffin mystery for handcuffs or other magical effects. Vasco 524 Park Building, Pittsburg, Pa. # * * Wanted, Later Magic, milk and coffee trick or magic bricks; I have More Magic, excel-

Will exchange magical apparatus for handkerchief vanisher as invented by B. G. Straub, Ching Ling Foo's magic fan, Roterberg's upto-date egg and handkerchief trick, and DeKolta's improved flag trick. Brenton Jennings, Wellesley Farms, Mass. * • • What have you to offer in exchange for the Ten Ichi thumb tie? John H Percival, 44 * • * Warren Ave.,Electric E. Providence, R. I. Wanted. lamp and rheostat for stereopticon. Also two nickle side tables. Prof. Griffin, P. O. Box 277, Lawrence, Mass. • • * Wanted.—Large flag vase, some flags and silk handkerchiefs. What do you want for same? Russell, Magician, Batavia, New York.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

READING

REVIEWING BooK.s AND THINGS

BISH

r Ron THE PRESS

WISE, AND

OTHERWISE

More trash}- magic literature has been foisted on the public in the past fifty years than in any other epoch of magic, which we presume antedates the Bible. So many of these trashy books and pamphlets have been sent to us for review, containing hopeless and worthless exposes of secrets and tricks that it would be a waste of valuable space, and an injustice to our readers even to mention them. We want to familiarize our readers with books and pamphlets which contain any merit at all, and shall only be too pleased to review any hooks which are sent to us for this purpose by our readers if we consider it of merit enough to do so. * * * England particularly boasts of innumerable writers on the art of magic and some have written exceptionally clever books. It is almost impossible for any book to appear that will overshadow Prof. Hoffman's or Angelo Lewis's various works, which for the past twenty-five years have been to the tyro of magic what Gray's Anatomy has been to the medical student, for barring the very latest innovations, the various Hoffman publications contain almost the entire anatomy of magic.

Sach's book on sleight of hand is another splendid work of its kind. * * * When you look about and consider the various monthly catalogues and magazines devoted to magic, you readily see why the circulation of most of them is so limited. As you hastily glance through the pages and instead of an explanation, you find that the trick can be bought from the manly editor, or you find as an editorial comment that Mr. Blutz has a wonderful tin horn for sale, which you are advised to buy, you suddenly become cured from reading the publications. * * * We have been promised new books by some of our better known authors. Henry R. Evans has written a novel whose plot is interspersed with mystical effects; T. Nelson Downs in collaboration with John N. Hilliard. of the Rochester Post Dispatch, will shortly put a book on the market; and Howard Thurston, it is said, will again make a bid for honors in the field of magical literature. * * * At one time when a man could put the magical word "author" behind his name, he was considered a clever man; but nowadays when you inform the public that you have written a magical book, on account of so many trashy publications of this class, they are in-

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clined to look upon your abilities with suspicion. * ** Still we cannot all be wonders, but let us hope that some clay there will arise some unknown who will publish a book on magic that will startle the world.

the false set into the sitter's hands and then also guides the medium's hands to. the same set of false slates which are now held by b,oth the sitter and the medium. - The confederate then goes below where he has all kinds of rivets, nails, seals, wire, etc., etc., and carefully opening the slates, reads the question the sitter has asked, writes an answer on the slates which he again fastens together as they were when he originally received them, returns to the trap door and gives the medium the cue that all is ready.

BEGINNERS SPIRIT SLATE WRITING EXTRAORDINARY. A Test Known to Professional Mediums Only. The greatest test in the worl:3, as the subject's question is answered, after he brings his own slates, riveted, nailed and sealed together, the question having been written inside of the slates previous to coming to the medium.

The sitter enters the room, seats himself at one end of the table opposite to the end at which the medium is seated. The sitter has brought along two of his slates, which he has previously riveted, nailed and sealed together. He is requested to hold them under the table, so that the medium can also take hold of them. While the sitter is putting the slates under the table, a concealed confederate opens a trap door in the floor under the table, holding a set of dummy slates in his hands; as the medium takes holds of the sitter's slates, his hands commence to quiver, showing that the spirits are commencing to work; this quivering affords an excuse for the medium to accidentally ( ?) jerk the slates out of the sitter's hands for a moment, and the confederate watching for this moment, immediately slips

The medium again is overcome with violet tremblings and jerks the false slates from the sitter's hands and the confederate hurriedly slips the real slates containing the answer into the sitter's hands and again guides the medium's hands to the slates. When he sees that both again have hold of the slates he goes below through the trap door. When all is in readiness the medium allows the sitter to take the slates from under the table and open them at once or at home, and to his amazement, finds spirit writing. Mediums who have used this test for a long time, claim that it appears so marvelous that it has caused more people to believe in spirit slate writing than any other test employed.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

HOUDINI. The material for these articles was gathered during the author's first tour of Great Britain, and was prepared for publication in book form. This was done in response to the thousands of requests for light upon the methods used by the horde of imitators who sprang up at that time. After the manu•scrlpt had been completed, the pressure of professional engagements prevented immediate publication. The text will now he printed for the first time in monthly instalments in the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine, to whose pages it is peculiarly appropriate. Readermust bear in mind that the fact of its being prepared for publication in book form necessitates :i somewhat arbitrary and unusual division of the vnri ous instalments, but. in its entirety, this treatise on handcuff secrets will be the most complete and re liable volume ever published on this unique form •of mysterv and entertainment. Copyright, 1906. By Harry JToudtnl. All rights reserved.

INSTALMENT XIV. THE SAFE OPENING MICROMETER (Continued) Now we will suppose a dozen of these wheels in the lock, each one of a different diameter. The weight drawing the fence back against the wheels, it is evident that the fence would be resting against the wheel Tiaving the greatest diameter. The first thing to be done, therefore, is to find out which one of the wheels the fence is resting against. This is an •easy matter. Any person familiar with combination locks can turn the first "wheel, or the last of any of the intermediate ones, at pleasure. Turning first one and then another, always "bearing in mind which one I am turning, I finally come to the wheel against

which the fence is resting, and the moment I turn the slot in that wheel opposite the fence, the fence, which is constantly under the influence of the weight, except when setting the combination, is drawn into the slot. It will not go in far, of course, before catching on the next highest wheel, for they are all very nearly alike. It may not drop the thousandth part of an inch, or the tenth part of the thickness of a piece of writing paper, but that little allows the cog-wheel to be drawn over by the weight correspondingly, and the lever, of course, falls in proportion, and the indicating hand on the micrometer tells the tale. I care not how small the distance which the fence is drawn into this slot, for the distance is multiplied by the length of the lever, and multiplied again by the wheels of the micrometer until its indicating hand will vibrate perceptibly. I then know that one wheel is in the position it will have to be in, when the lock is unlocked, and turning to the dial, I read the number to which that one wheel is set, and make a minute in my book and proceed. The fence is now resting upon the next highest wheel and I keep turning one wheel after another as before, until I find out which one that is, and its combination, keeping the slots of the ascertained wheels toward the fence at each trial, so that the fence will rest on the other wheels. In this way I proceed, picking up the several combination wheels in the order of their diameters, until I have ascertained the number to which every wheel in the lock is set, and then I unlock the lock in the same manner as the man who locked it up. It is not necessary to do the work at one sitting, for the com-

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

bination of one wheel may be ascertained one day, another the next, and so on, and in the meantime the lever and micrometer can be, removed without leaving a scratch to show that they had been attached. Octagonal or irregular shaped wheels, of course, render the work no more tedious and require no more skill. The results of the micrometer are certain and its indications unerring. I first brought it into use in Philadelphia in i860, for the purpose of testing the security of various locks, and by experiments with it and other appliances I have strengthened my lock when I found weakness in others. I may say in conclusion that I am able and am willing to pick one of Hall's Victor combination bank locks, before any committee of bankers who will give me a trial on one of these locks already in use, which has not been altered ior-the purpose, or different in construction from those now or heretofore sold by Joseph L. Hall & Co. I have come among you after twelve years' constant experimenting with bank locks and safes, and am willing to demonstrate to you their weak points, that you may guard against them, and enjoy the largest degree of security possible. It is certainly a poor policy for you to deny me the opportunity of demonstrating to you the worthlessness of these Victor locks, behind which you place your money and the money of your depositors, for by encouraging and facilitating trials of locks and safes, discarding such as are shown to be worthless, you stimulate manufacturers to improve and perfect their work. The progress which safe manufacturers are making is such that the lock Is, or

soon will be-, the only point at which the integrity of the safe can be assailed. How foolish then to secure the safe : with a lock which can be picked with a machine which any operator can carry in his vest pocket. The skill of professional burglars has so far proved equal to the skill of lock and safe makers, and it requires no gift of prophecy to predict that the time is not far distant when every cracksman in the land will be as familiar and expert in the employment of the micrometer as they now are in the use of the jimmy and slungshot. More anon. Respectfully yours, James Sargent. Rochester, N. Y. * * * INSTRUCTIONS FOR PICKING ORDINARY LOCKS.

It is sometimes very hard to judge a lock, from the outside, and one can almost judge a book from the covers, as he can judge the intricate works of some locks from their encasements. In France almost all locks are extra secure, and in Germany I have seen some very intricate looking locks that were positive misrepresentations, for anything inserted into the key hole would lift the catch or bolt, and you could open the lock. At times I would see a very fine looking Bramah lock, on some cell, 'and upon closer examination, it would turn out to be a clever imitation, "Made in Germany." Skeleton Keys Sometimes Called Master Keys for Ward Locks.

Such keys are made for opening a set or series of locks each of which has a different make of key so that one key will not open another lock in the

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

set, yet, the holder of the master or skeleton key will open all. In old locks with fixed wards, this was done by making the wards of a slightly different form and yet such that the skeleton would pass them all. It was always possible to find the shape of the wards by merely putting in a blank key covered with wax and pressing it against them. When this was done it was by no means necessary to cut out the key in the complicated form of ward as in Fig. i, because no

can regulate them to whatever size you require for the lock you wish to open. Illustration No. 4 shows some simple yet very useful lock pickers, and while a number of them look very much like each other, they are of different sizes so as to lift the tumblers and throw back the bolt. The four marked X are the ones I used in my celebrated lawsuit at Cologne, and with which I picked hundreds of three and four lever locks almost as quick as they could be opened with a key, for I practiced ever}- day and night for three months on these particular locks. The locks used in Germany on the regulation transportation chain, as described in Magazine No. 10, Vol. 1. is of a peculiar 3 or 4 lever pattern. The post in the key hole prohibits a strong pick from entering, so I made several different shaped lock pickers, from piano wire.

Illustration Numbers 1 and 2. Pig. 1 shows the original key as used by the purchaser of the lock. Pig. 2 shows the skeleton key required to open the same lock.

This was thin, and very stiff, for I knew in order to win my lawsuit I would' have to open any lock that was placed before me, and started in to practice. The best practice I could obtain was toprocure a position as a repair locksmith in a some small shop. In Berlin I knew a locksmith. Mueller, who lias a shop on Mittle Strasse. and he was more than willing that I should work for nothing, and commenced repairing locks for him. He soon discovered that his 35 years of experience as a locksmith was nothing as compared to my trick in opening locks, and he soon had a thriving trade for his young man to open locks. In order that I should know the exact heights of the various locks used on the police chains, he ordered a great gross, and soon exchanged them for another great gross of other patterns, etc. In this way I would pass 6 to 10 hours daily picking locks, and soon with the assistance of

part of that key does any work except the edge B C farthest from the pipe A, and so a key the shape of Fig. 2 would do just as well; and a small collection of skeleton keys, as they are called, of a few different patterns were all the stock in trade that a lock picked required. In the accompanying illustrations some 'wardlock pickers most in use are shown. There is one which is adjustable, shown in illustration No. 3. The

Illustration Number 3.

bits fit in holes in the shank of the key and are secured by screws so that you

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE. An assort rm-nt

lock - pickers of

Illustration Numoer 4. usi- for opening simpl.- two and three lever locks.

the four marked picks, 1 could open any lock that contained the 5 or f> Chubb levers. The "gate ways" were never

Illustration

Number 5.

made close, as is the case in the very fine lever locks, so it became a very simple matter for me to open each and every lock which was made on that principle, and very handy that experience was in court. 1 found 1 could facilitate matters by taking an ordinary elastic garter and fastening it to the clasp of the padlock and looping the other end to my foot as is shown at Fig. 5, (see illustration Xo. 5), so that by stretching the elastic and holding the lock in the left hand, I would have a pull on the clasp. Xow by inserting the lockpicker, I could lift one lever after the other until all were of the prooer height, when the elastic, like a faithful servant at the proper time pulled the clasp back, which freed from the bolt, therebv caused the lock open. (To he continued.)

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

IMPORTANT

NOTICE!

The serials now running in this magazine will be continued from month to month until the entire field in the handcuff mystery is exhausted and other facts established; we will always describe spiritualistic and illusionary effects and show how to do magical tricks in general; so if you are not a subscriber kind yfillout the subscription blank below and send it to us with one dollar and have the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine sent to you regularly and promptly each month. Back numbers can be purchased at 10c. a copy.

RILL OUT THIS FORM

NOW

And mail it, together with One Dollar, to T h e C o n *

iurers' Magazine Publishing Co., 278 W. 113th Street, New York, IT. Y. GENTXEMSN :

Please send me C O N J U R E R S ' MONTHLY MAGAZINE for twelve months, commencing with the issue, for which I enclose One Dollar. Very truly yours,

Dated

_ __

190

•WANTED; Information regarding the old-time Magicians, Foreign or American, that will enlighten the Magicians of the World,- as to the real facts of the old-timers. Up to the present date no one has been in a position to speak with authority of exact dates, and it is the desire of the Conjurers' Monthly Magazine to give credit to whom credit is due. Old programmes, Lithos and Photos of magicians are always solicited. Whenever sending photos or material kindly send note with same, with all information possible.

We want a photo of every magician zo as to be able to eventually compile a Magicians' Encyclopedia. Address: C o n j u r e r s ' M o n t h l y M k ^ ' a z i n e ^

273 W. llCtli

St., New YorK

J[OTE: Jlny one sending information will be given full credit in. our columns.

THE CONJURERS' MONTHLY MAGAZINE.

Professional Card Column

In the future we intend t o have a professional card column, for which we will charge a very low rate. Cards . ._.-—.—-.-- ——— will only be accepted for at least a six months' run. Cost to be $3 semi-annuallv and $:"> annuallv, payable in advance for space of one inch. The rate for this column fias nothing to do with our usual advertising rates, being simply a special inducement for our regular subscribers.

CLINTON BURGESS Champion Stage Card Manipulator

Prof. NATHU MANCHACHAND

of Jtmerica

The Great Indian Magician

Open for engagements for clubs, parties and parlor entertainments

Care

Magical Apparatus, Juwlinn Goods, Etc. Bought, Sold and Exchanged

Old Hanuman Lane, Kalbadevie Road, Bombay, India

163 St. N i c o l a s A.ve., N. Y. City

CHAFALO

BERT KILBY The Mysterious

D R . BHAGWANDO

The Italian necromancer assisted by the Italian beauty Mile Capretto

Entertainer

Presenting the latest of the newest tricks

New Britain, Conn.

"Tee-Ta-Tea Talk" his mysterous novelty magical performance Permanent Address : Conjurers' Magaznie

278 West 113th St., N. Y. City

BERT WIGGIN

W. L. HICKS

The Honk'honk Mystifier. Also Lightning Crayon Sketch Strtist.

H,ope Manipulator^ Handcuff Expert and Packing Case Evador

Western Representative of the Conjurers1 Magazine

Permanent Address, Trafalgar Hotel, 115 East 14th Street,

New York.

Saratoga Hotel, Chicago, 111.

Advertising is "PIE" for us! We create,

write

ar.d

for

man

who

the

place

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