American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-03-24
SHOCKS AND vENTRILOQUIsM.


The following amusing sketch was furnished
by correspondent to tho editor of the Della
ware Ga.ette:--
Some time since, while on visit to the inte-
rior of Pennsylvania, in my professional capa-
city, about four O'Clock the stage in which
was cnsconccd drove into small village-as
business was 10 detain me couple OF days,
was thii king how to improve the monotony OF
my leisure hours, when my attention was ar
rested by some very large handblls, one setting
forth the merits of Ventriloquism by MIR. t. V.
Skellne, whom | ascertalned had acquired
considerable celebrity in that science; the 9TH
er was of lecture on Animal Magnetism, by
Mr.. Nj.
About the exhibition hour, visited the ex-
hibtion room of MIR Skelline, but no company
having arrived, we adjourned to the room of
his more successful rival for stray change and
public fame. Upon entering the room we found
it literally crowded with persons of all ages,
sexes, sizes and characters; on platform erec-
ted for the occasion, MIR. Shocks was address
ing the audience, expatialing on the science oil
Mesmerism.
After he had concluded, a committee was
appointed, among whom was the Rev. Mr.
A., pastor ofthe village church, and DR..
c.. My companion remarked to me
that he was determined TO expose the humbug,
or test its claims science. Accordingly,
things being arranged, lady was placed IN the
operating chair on the platform. After request
ing silence, Mr.. Shocks fixed his eyes, gazing
ntently upon the subject, reminding US OF the
serpent charming mother Eve, our old lady mo-
ther and then commenced his Fnampdatlons
by moving his hand up and down her face. lie
was pretty soon interrupted by the snarllng and
barking of two dogs. Mr.. Shocks arose and
expostslated with them, for the del'nquents
had not paid their admission fee, and negro
was ordered to expel them. Cuiee, coming
forward, exclaimed, "Whar is un?" at the
same time flourshing large broomstick, he
said, "Jus left me ODER dar; I'll cetch UNI, and
fotch out de high grass" but no quadrupeds of
that nature being found, order was again re-
stored, and MIR. Shocks kept on moving his
arms. My companion remarked, 81 fixed them
little"
Soon afterwards Skellino threw his voice SO
as to proceed Immediately from the Rev. gem
tleman, exclaiming, "Go it my boy, and don't
spare elbow grease! that's the time O. day!"-
All eyes were directed towards the Rev. gen
tleman, particularly DIR. O., who looked
daggers at the Rev. offender, willis the Shep-
herd cast his eyes around in utter amazement
Significant glances were gwen by two virgin
maidens, whose appearance indicated that they
had passed the meridian of their charms, which
Skelline observed and Immediately cast his
voice to them, remarking,
"Bless my soul, it can't be possible never
tho't that our Minister drank before"
"Nor does he," exclaimed the Rev. Mr.
A.. "Ladics and gcntlemen--this is ut
terly inexplicable to me, as have not said
| word; to be sure did hear something very near
me, but assure you, it was not myself that
used the phrase"
Our two virgin ladies' now removed some dis
lance apart, each one believing the other to be
the offender, by breaking the decorum of the
audience.
At last in spite of all interruption the mag
netic sleep was produced. MIR. Shocks now adj
dressed the audience and said:
"Gentlemen and ladies', you see the effect OF
| Animal Magnetism in the case present--no
power on earth except my own can arouse her
from this deep sleep"
A variety of experiments were now tried up
on the subject, when suddenly voice was
heard in the midst Of the committee, crying
Mad dog! Mad dog!
"Bow, WOW, wow" exclaimed Skelline,
transferring his voice Immediately under the
chair of the magne,ized lady. Quick as tho't.
Mr.. Shocks and the committee sprang from the
stage, and movement was visible in the mag