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About The Dalles daily chronicle. (The Dalles, Or.) 1890-1948 | View Entire Issue (Dec. 16, 1891)
TO v. AN OLD TIME THEATER. VT "THE GRAND DUKE", MANY BRIGHT ACTORS GOT A START. Siewsboy u4 Bootblack Vaaderllles Who Once Made a New Sight for New York ore Most -of Them Have Prospered and Some Are Famous In a Way.' Two decades ago the Grand Duke theater, or newsboys' playhouse, was one of the most famous institutions of this metropolis. - Today the projector and thief manager of this unique resort runs an express team from a stand in the New Bowery. His name is Richard Burke. Dick Burke is not large man phys . icaUy, but he is a person of acute mental-development. He is, as were all the leading newsboy players connected with .the original Grand Duke theater, a typ ical New Yorker. He was born in the Fourt" ward, and he knows about every inch of Manhattan island. ' He sold news papers as early as he was able to walk, .and there never was a thing in or about New York that Dick didn't know. . Now that all the boys of that time are grown to manhood, and many of them are firmly fixed in the real theatrical world, the story that Richard Burke can tell of the old days in the cellar at 21 Baxter street has a peculiar interest, ,That cellar was a spacious affair, as cel lars go nowadays, it was entered by a flat door, which opened from the street. One dived down into this thespian home instead of climbing upward. The fur nishings were primitive in the extreme. - There was not even a raised stage. The boy actors played their parts on the same floor from which the spectators ap- ' plauded. About the only accessory that the cel lar boasted was a curtain of bedticking, which hid the players from the people. There were about seven boys in the . original Grand Duke company, headed by Teddy Sullivan and Dick Burke. They had no paid tutors. Schools of act ing did not flourish then. As Burke ex plains, "They went to the real theaters and caught onto their pieces. " w H ff-Rig THEY PLAYED. They played mainly negro sketches in ' that old cellar at the corner of Baxter and Worth streets, and .many, of the "kids" played better than they knew, for nearly all of them have since distin guished themselves before the public on the professional stage. It was a .time ripe for such an innovation. There was a chivalric spirit abroad in the breasts of the youth of-the land which made deeds of heroic strength and valor rank high. Ned Buntline was recounting the deeds of Buffalo Bill in the New York Weekly. Leon Lewis was writing of the adventures of daring youths in The Ledger. Everywhere bravery Bhow . ed its front. It was not unnatural, there fore, that these New York newsboys should strive to do and dare for them selves, and, adopting the buskin, cleave their own career in the face of many dif ficulties. They were strong, healthy, sensible boys, and they knew that in minstrelsy they had their forte. That they did not aspire to the higher distinction of play ing Shakespearean parts only emphasizes their good sense. So they played in black faces, and those famous old time sketches, "Beasley's Dog" and "The Coming Man," figured conspicuously in their repertory. The elite as well as the ragtag and bobtail of the town dived ' down into the dingy cellar to witness the antics of the merry lads. The Grand Duke Alexis, on his memorable visit to America, was a distinguished auditor one night. In fact, the theater afterward had its best known title from this august potentate, who smiled and paid for his fun at the newsboys' theater. There was one typical episode in the career of this juvenile lyceum to which Mr. Burke still refers with pleasure. About the time that the boys' theater was in progress James Gordon Bennett was organizing souphouses throughout the city. One night a swell party en tered the cellar. Among the visitors was Tony Pastor. Each person put down a dollar for his entrance fee. , ACTING FOB CHARITY. The souphouse business was upper most in everybody's mind, and Pastor had recently created a fund for its sup port. J. J. McCloskey, the playwright and then actr, was one of the party. What did he , do but spring up in the middle of the performance and make a ringing speech, calling upon those . pres ent to contribute to the soup fund. . Dave Conroy, one of the boy players, . leaped to his feet and declared that the Grand Duke company would give an en tertainment to help the cause. Others ' of the boys seconded the motion, and it was carried amid enthusiasm. On a later night a special programme was arranged, the souphouse benefit was given and $156 was realized, which was handed over fo Mr. Bennett. This was succeeded by other entertainments of a charitable "nature, heartily entered into by the Grand Duke boys, until their theater gained a wide reputation, not only for its uniqueness, but for the prac tical good it was doing. But all this couldn't last. The boys grew to man hood and the things of the old time were swept away. Teddy Sullivan was drowned at the Fulton street ferry three jar four years ago. Two others of the Grand Duke actors are now robust and popular policemen. Sam Bernard is a variety agent, and has made money and ' reputation also- as a Dutch comedian. Jack Conway i of the vaudeville firm of Conway and Dc mpsey. Michael Coyne is a partner in the "teams" of Sheehan and Coyne, and the two seldom work for less than $200 a week. Dave Conroy and Jack Dailey are of the funny Four Shamrocks, who are also very well paid. Frank Bush, one of the brightest of the Grand Duke lights, is known everywhere for his quaint mimicry of Hebrews. He . is rich too. and the manager Who hires him has to pay $200 a week. - The old cellar is now used for Other purposes. Its walla never again will echo the merry jests of the gay young spirits whose noise once shook the rafters. New York Son. ' . ! . Opening Letters by lw. . '"I noticed a short time ago," said a Washington official, "that some objec tion was made by a Mr. Pell, of the San Domingo Shore Line road, to the open ing of a private letter by the chief of the secret service bureau, ltjs not generally known Jhat - the rules of the postoffice department empower inspectors to open suspicious letters at discretion. The public appear to be very much astonished at this proceeding mentioned, Out 1 assure you that it is carried to a greater extent than even .those who know all about it suppose. In fact, under the rules of the postofnee department almost any private letter can be opened ana read. Tnis wui surprise some people, I presume, but it is nevertheless true, and a reference to the private instructions to postoffice in spectors,, which are in printed form, will convince anybody of it. whether such secret privileges are ever used illegiti mately would be difficult to find out. ; It is a good deal like arresting a'man on sus picion. As a matter of fact, therefore. you will see the United States mails are no more sacred than the mails in Russia or any other country so far as govern ment espionage York Herald. is concerned." New Men's Clothes. "Men are becoming as bad as women for the adoption of strange and uncom fortable fashions in clothing, said a Fifth avenue custom tailor, "and they need dress reform preached to them al most as much as the feminine sex. Take the high collars that are in vogue, and which are worn higher than ever this fall. They almost strangle one and chafe the skin until it is sore. Between the heavy, hot beaver hat and the tight col lar, baldness is becoming rampant in our cities. . The high, tight collar has as much to do with causing baldness as any other one thing. Then the modern style of fitting the clothes forces us to make them tight and snug all around, and this prevents one from really enjoying life. "Tight patent leather shoes sweat and pinch the feet until walking is a painful exercise. Every time I see a dude with all of the latest style of modern clothes I pity him, and wonder that he submits to such voluntary torture. I can assure you that if his clothes fit him he is mis erable. The old adage that 'if a man's clothes don't fit him he is uncomfort able' has been reversed." New York Times. - Senator Stanford Wanted to Expel 200. Stories are already beginning to come from Leland Stanford, Jr., -university, at Palo Alto. Last week about 200 stu dents let off the brakes of a flat car which was standing near the university, and many of them got aboard and start-, ed down grade toward the station. - In a short time the car was spinning along at a lively rate, and the lads did not stop it until it had reached Palo Alto. The car was missing the following morning, and a special engine had to be sent from San Jose to haul it back. . Senator Stanford was wrathy when lie heard of the incident, and proposed to expel the ringleaders. It was discovered that there were fully 200 boys engaged in the affair, and the senator gave orders that they should all be required to leave. The order would probably have been en forced but for Mrs. Stanford. She in terceded for the youngsters, and excused them by saying that it was only a boyish prank. She finally succeeded in inducing Stanford to change his resolution. Cor. Chicago Inter-Ocean. . Yellow Flowers Bring III Lack. Actors have a queer superstition about yellow flowers, and will not wear them. While at Dr. Todd's booth at the fair grounds Miss Marie Greenwood saw some yellow flowers, and after admiring them asked for them. ; Mr. Guibertson, her leading man, was present and begged her not to take them, saying they would surely bring her ill luck. A laugh was indulged in at his expense and she took the yellow flowers. In an hour the opera house was in 'ashes, and -Miss -Greenwood's ill luck had cost her $7,500. The flowers got in their work. -Owensboro (Ky.) Register. A Sea Xsland Nine Feet Across. Captain John Richards, of the British ship Cambrian Monarch, reports -having passed within half a mile of a pinnacle rock, showing about seven feet above the water, in latitude 29 degs. 2 sees, north, longitude 137 degs. 59 sees. west. No soundings were taken and no discolored water was seen except close to' the rock. The sea was smooth, and from the top sail yard the rock appeared to be about nine feet in diameter at the water's edge, bnt much larger under the water. Cap tain Richards says he is sure that it was not a floating object. Philadelphia Record. ' Flayed Cards During; the Service. ' . There is great excitement at Wingate, Ind. , over the arrest of a young man and a young woman for playing "seven up" at a meeting in the Christian' church on Sunday evening. Adolphus Ochletree and Miss Mary Prudy are lovers, and went to church together that evening. Not enjoying the prayers and songs, Adolphus tore the backs off a number of singing books and manufactured a deck of cards on the spot. The young people then played "seven up." They were ar rested and fined, both pleading guilty. Cor. Chicago News. - A man at Quebec, who received a fear ful and almost fatal shock by touching an electric light wire, and suffered very keenly afterward, says that he was at once relieved by taking off his shoes and stockings and walking barefoot over the damp earth. The great railroads running from the northwestern part of our country to the Gulf of Mexico have determined to es tablish steamship lines to Central and South American porta from New Or leans. A project has been started in' Pueblo, Colo., for the' erection of an electric smelting plant to cost $500,000, for the reduction by electricity of dry and re fractory ores. : How He Beat .the Bafiber.; A spruce looking young man- entered down town barber shop and, seating himself in the barber's chair, was speed ily enjoying the luxury " of - a hair .cut and shave. " After .his mustache 'had ' been curled to the young man's satisfac-' tiou, he got out of the chair, put on his hat and coat, and taking from his pocket what the barber supposed was a twenty- five .cent ' piece, turned around' to the barber and insisted that he should go out and have a drink with him, as he wished in that way to show his appre ciation of the-artistic manner in which the tonsorjal artist had manipulated him. The barber firmly but courteous ly declined the invitation, saying he never drank during business hours. "But," said the young man, "you have given me the best hair cut and shave I have enjoyed in a good while, and I in sist upon your going out -and having a drink with me for friendship's sake, as I cannot think of leaving without express ing in this manner my esteem for your excellent workmanship. .' ' , - The barber was a little nettled by this time and replied brusquely: "I told you I never drank with any one during business hours, through friendship or for any other reason. Don't you. see the gentleman who is waiting? Next!"- i . "Well, 1 call this a downright insult," said the spruce looking young man, "and I shall . never patronize you again. There's your money," and throwing the coin over in the corner of the room, he hastily left the 'shop and disappeared around the corner. The barber, not sus pecting anything, wrong, finished shav ing the next man, and then, going over to the corner for the money, found a cent. New York Tribune. Trains Ahead of Time.. A gentleman from the vicinity of the Blarney stone tramped into the depot for the seventh time a day or two ago, and, depositing a careworn satchel on the seat, waltzed up to the ticket office with blood in his eye and anger in his heart. He . was so mad that at first he Could not express himself except by ut tering a Donnybrook "begorra." ' "What is it?" queried the ticket agent. "It's the siventh time." "What's the seventh time?" "The siventh time pive losht me thrain."? . . "How so?" "That's what yell plaze explain, ye dude. I began losin thrains at sivin o'clock thish marnin and I've been losh in thim ivcr since." ' . "Have you a watch?" "None of your business." "I only asked you, sir, to see if I could explain how you lost your train." The Irishman pulled out a watch with a fryingpan case and shoved it in a win dow with a "It's the best chronomater in town." "That's the reason why you lost your train." . "What dy'e say?" "Why, your watch is seventeen min utes slow." ."Not by a good dale, begorra. Your trains are seyenteen minutes too fast," and the man grabbed his watch, bolted for his grip and left Ihe station, shaking his head vigorously. Albany Argus. Killed by Kindness. A lady was walking along the crowd ed streets of a city when she saw a small green bird flying wearily above the roar and , din of traffic. It was so tired it gradually lessened its flight and soon fell at her feet at the curbstone. It was some one's pet canary, escaped from its cage. The lady picked it up tenderly . and carried it struggling and exhausted into a drug store, where she inquired if its owners were known. The drug store people did not know, and she borrowed a paper bag into which she carefully placed the bird. Then leaving her name and address she took the bird with her and went on her way. She walked some distance to call on some friendst and when' she arrived at the bouse set the paper bag on a table and did not think of it until greetings were over. Then she called attention to her find, but the little, bright plumaged thing lay dead, she having never once thought of the necessity of giving it air. The -closed paper bag had proved air tight, and the bird was literally killed by kindness. Detroit Free Press. Americans Abroad. "One scarcely feels nowadays a stran ger in a strange -land abroad," says a woman who "goes over" every year.. Via western Europe, at least, Americans are everywhere,. London, Paris; Rome, Nice, Berlin, Hamburg 511 these places swarm with them, as well as the so called less frequented places. At a little town on the Danube, where the boat stopped for awhile, I started out to walk. -A short distance from the wharf I saw, about to enter a house, a large, fair woman' whom I thought looked very foreign, and sum moning up my best German, I accosted her as to directions. She stared at me blankly a moment, then shook her head. "Nein, nein," she said, "I no comprehend; out from New York yesterday." New York Times. A pes in Borneo. "My acquaintance with apes has been chiefly made in Borneo," said Professor Henry A. Ward, the - famous natural science collector of Rochester. "That great island is the home of the orang, which is the. most arboreal of all mon keys. The animals live in trees alto gether, rarely, . if ever, visiting : the ground. It takes two good marksmen to shoot one, because they dodge around the trunks. They do all' their fighting aloft, and it is great fun to see them drop the armfuls of fruit they have gathered in contests for its possession. They are plentiful in the lowlands near the coast. Washington Star. . .An Advantage in Location. "The privileges you enjoy, my son, from being an American," said the proud father, "are simply inestimable. You may some day become president of the United States, while in England no lit tle boy, hpwever brilliant or good, can ever become queen." Harper's Bazar. THERE ARE. Beautiful words never spoken. Whispers of cheer that might Bare Hearts drifting, weary and broken, v - Down to the night of the grave. ' ' Bilence more deadly than passion, ' - Glance's that slander can send, . - Fram'd in the world's devilish fashion, ' To murder the heart of a friend. . . " Looks, spotless virtue impeaching;, . Souls lying crush'd on the plain, . 1 With tear frozen eyelids beseeching; . The touch of love's sunlight again. ' .' Burdens to bear for the weaker, .. " . Jewels to dig from God's mine; . - And gems, fairer still, to the seeker In the angels' tiara that shine. ' Within us the soul's silent treasure ': Waiting the kiss of the light; Sweet scented blossoms of pleasure Our fingers may -cull from the night. Fruit shining ripe on toil's mountains. Pearls that sleep under life's sea; . , Music in God's laughing fountains - - -Undream'd of by you or by me. Larks singing down in love's meadow, -. Throstles that pipe by the hill; Out of time's darkness and shadow, Whispefs that comfort and thrill. . Voices within ever singing, . ; : Melody soften'd by tears. The phoenix of hope at last springing Serene from the ashes of years. J. R. Parke in Detroit Free Press. Quieting Superstition. . When Edward III fell and made his nose bleed on the seashore at La Hague a ' cry of consternation was raised, which he quieted with the remark, "This is a good token for me, for the land desireth to have me; at which answer, says Froisart, "his men were quite joyful." All the Year Round. All in His Favor. ' ' "Do you ever expect to succeed in busi ness, writing such an illegible hand as you do?" "Certainly. My contracts are always in my handwriting and they can never be read except as I want 'em to go." New York Epoch. Qld People. 3. V. 8. is tho only Sarsapiirllla UiaS old or feeble people should tixke, os Mis ihi::cra! rotash Trhich is iu every other liaraai".; il'a I . nt tyoknow of, is under certain coudUiyiis known to be emaciating. .J. V. S. on tbe contiaiy is purely TCgetablo and stimulates CiKOsilou and creates new blood, the very tiling ii:r old, uclicate or broken down people. It bui!!: thcta lip aud prolongs their lives. A case i'.i tlut: Mrs. Bcldcn an estimable and elderly lady of 610 Mason St., 8. F. was for 'months declining so rapidly cs to seriously alarm Ler family, ft got so bad that she was finally afuietcd with fainting spells. She writes: "While in that dangerous condition I saw some uf the testimonials con cerning J.V. 8. and sent for a bottle. That marked the turning point. I regained my lost flesh and strength and have not felt to well in years." That was two years ago and Mrs. Belden is well and hearty to-day, and still toting J. V. B. If you are old or feeble and want to be built up. Ask for' ' W.atr,hlfi & Sarsaoarilla - Most modern, most effective, largest bottle, barac price, $1.(10, six for J5.00. . For Sale by SNIPES & KINERSLY THE DALLES. OREGON. REAL ME It IT PEOPLE Say the S. B. Cough Cure is the best thine; thev ever saw. We are not flattered for we known Real Merit will Win. All we ask is an honest tnal. For sale by all druggists, S. B. Medicike Mfg. Co., Dufur, Oregon. A Revelation. Tew people know Qiat tea bright bluish-green color of -the ordinary teas exposed in the windows is not the nat , oral color.' Unpleasant as tbe fact may be, it is nevertheless artificial; mineral coloring matter being fused, for this purpose. Tbe effect. Is two fold. It not only makes the tea a bright, shiny green, but also permits tbe use of off-color "and worthless teas, wh'-u, once under tho green cloak, are readily worked off as a good quality of tea. i An eminent, authority writes on tbls sub ject: "The manipulation of poor teas, to give them a'flner appearance, is carried on exten sively. Green teas, being in this country especially popular, are produced to meet the demand by coloring cbca: cr black kteds by glazing or facing with Prussian blue, tu marie, gypsum, and indigo. TM method it gen eral that very Utile gtnuine uncolored tnten tea is offered for sale." - It was the knowledge 'of this condition cf affairs that prompted the plac.ng of Beech's Tea before the public. It is absolutely pure and without color. Did you ever sgo any genuine uncolored Japan tea? Ark Tour grocer to open a package of Beech's, ti yen will see it, and prnbaliiy for the very first time. It will be fou'.d ia color to be Jnst be tween tho artificial green lea that you have been accustomed to and the black U n. It draw a delightful ranary color, aud is so fragrant that it will be a levelu-.ion .to toa drinker. Its purity makes it also mors economical than the artificial teas, for le - of it is required per cup. Sold only in pound packageTbearing this trade-mark: Tore'As Childhood: If your grocer does not have it, be will got it for you. Plies 600 pet pound. For sale at Iieslle ZOTj.-tloir's- THB DALLES, ORFGON. Joy - SUM Still on Deek. PhoBnix Like lias Arisen . From the Ashes! JAMES WHITE, The Restauranteur Has Opened the Baldwin - Hestawatit ON MAIN STREET Where he will be glad to see any and all . . of his old patrons, . ' Open day and Night. First class meals twenty-five cents. - YOUR ATTEflTIOIl Is called to the fact that Dealer in Glass, Lime, Plaster, Cement and Building Material of all kinds'. - Carries the Finest tine of To be found in the City. 72 LUashington Street. ANEW UndertaMns Establishment ! DEALEB8 Df Furniture and Carpets. We have added to our business a complete Undertaking Establishment, ana as -we are in no way connected with the Undertakers' Trust our prices will be low accordingly. ' Kemem ber our place on becond street. next to Moody's bank. ton Glenn, Picture mouiaiDgs : DEALERS IN:- Staple and Fancy Hay, Grain Masonic Block, Corner Third and flew 4- Columbia .o. J-Iotel, a- THE DALLES, OREGON. Best Dollar a Day First-Class Meals, 25 Cents. First Class Hotel in Every Respect. florfh Wa shington SITUATED AT THE ! Destined to be the Best Manufacturing Center in the Inland Empire. For Further Information Call at the Office of Interstate Investment Go., 0. D.lTAYLOR,'THE DALLES. JOHN PASHEK, t - Tailor, Next door to 'Wasoo San. Madison's Latest System used in cutting garments, and a fit guaranteed . each time. tepaifing and Cleaning . Neatly and Quickly Done. R. B. HOOD, Livery, Feed and Sale Horses Bought and Sold on Commission and Money Advanced on Horses Left for Sale. OFFICE OF The Dalles and Goldendale Stage Line. Stage Leaves The Dalles Every Morning ' at 7:30 and Goldendale at 7:30. All freight must be left atR. B. - Hood's office the eve- . ning before. R. B. HOOD, Proprietor. Opposite old Stand. The Dalles, Or. THE Dalles, Portland & Astoria NAVIGATION C0MPAFTS Elegant Steamer HEGUkATOK Will leave the foot of Court Street every morning at 7 A. M. for . " Portland and Way Points Connections Will be Made with the Fast Steamer MMtES GITY, At the Foot of the Cascade Locks, For Passenger or Freight Kates, Apply to Agent, or Purser on Board. Office northeast corner of Court and Main street NOTICE. S. E. French has for sale a number of improved ranches and unimproved lands in the Grass Valley neighborhood in Sherman county. They will be sold. very cheap and on reasonable terms'. Mr. French can locate settlers on 86 me good unsettled claims in the same neigh borhood. His address is Grass Valley, Sherman county, Oregon. and Feed. Court Streets, The Dalles.Oregon House on the Coast! rnercnan Giocenes, None but the Best of White Help Employed. T. T. Nicholas, Prop. Dalles, Washington HEAD OF NAVIGATION. Best Selling Property of the Season In the North west. . 72 WASHINGTON ST., PORTLAND. -v. v S