Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1845-02-13
snOOks and VentriloGuisnr.

OF pennsylvania, in my professional CAPACITY
about o'clock the stage in which was esconced
drove into small village--as business was to de-
tain me ior couple of days | was thinking how to
improve the monotony of my leisure hours, when
my attention was arrested by some very large
handbills, setting forth the merits of Venrilo-
quism by Mr.. t. V. Skelline, whom ascertaned
had acquired considerable celebrity in that science;
the other was on lecture on the subject Of Ami
NAL Magnetism, by Mir. NJ
! About the exhibition hour, visited the exhib-
ton room OF Mr.. Skelline, but no company having
arrived, we adjourned TO the room Of his more sue
cessful rival for stray change and public fame
Upon entering the room we found it literally
crowded with all ages, sexes, sizes and charac-
ters; on platform erected for the occasion, Mr.
Snooks was addressing the audience expatiating
on the science of Mesmerism
After he had concluded committee was ap-
pointed, among whom was the Rev MIR. A.,
pastor of the village church, and DR.. C. Nv
companion remarked 10 me that he was determined
to expose the humbug or test its claims as a sci
ence-accordingly things being arraigned, lady
was placed IN the operating char on the platform
After requesting silence, Mr. Snooks fixed his
eyes, gazing intently upon the subject reminding
US of the serpent charming Eve, our old lady mo-
ther, and then commenced his manpulaiions by
moving his hand up and down her face. He was
pretty soon interrupted by the snarling and bark
ing Of two dogs; Mr.. Snooks arose and expostula-
ted with them for the delinquents had not paid
their admission fee, negro was ordered to expel
them. Cuffee, coming forward exclaimed, "Whar
is UNI" at the same time fourishing large broom
stick. he said, ''Just left me ober dar, I'll cotch
'em, and fotch em out de high grass" but no four
legged quadrupeds of nature being found, order
was again restored, and Mr. Snooks kept on mo-
wing his arm. My companion remarked, Il fixed
them little"
Soon afterwards Skelline threw his voice so as
TO proceed Immediately from the Rev. gentleman
exciaiming, ''go it my boy and don't spare elbow
grease! that's time o'day!" All eyes were direct
ed towards the Rev. gentleman, particularly Dr.
C., who looked daggers at the Rev. offender,
while the Shepherd cast his eyes around in utter
| amazement. Significant glances were given by
two virgin maidens whose appearance indicated
that they had passed the meridian o their charms,
which Skeline observed and Immediately cast his
voice to them remarking,
Bless my soul, it can't be possible never
thought that our Minister drank before "
'Nor does he,' exclaimed the Rev. Mr. A.
"Ladies and gentlemen-this is utterly inexplica.
BILE to me, as | have not said word 10 be sure
did hear something very near me, but assure you
it was not myself that used the phrase"
J Our two virgin ladies now removed some dis
tance apart each believing the other to be the
offender. 10y breaking the decorum THE audience.
A, last in spite OF all interruption the magnetic
/ sleep was produced Mr.. Snooks now addressing
the audience said:
"Gentlemen and ladies', you see TIE 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 iried upon
the subject, when suddenly voice was heard in
! the midst Of the committee, crying Mad dog Mad
dog,
Bow, WOW, wow," exclaimed Skelline trans
ferring his voice Immediately uuder the chair OF
the magnetized lady. Quick as thought MIR. Snooks
and the committee sprang from the stage, and a
movement was visible in the ynagnetiZed lady OF
drawing the feet up to the spekes Of the chair.
At this moment another tremendous snariing
was heard in various directions Of the audience,
which caused general rush to the door, in which
one lubberly fellow trod the toes Of the patient,
who could not suppress loud scream.
Cuff was again called TO remove the inrruders
forthwith Wha is you dogs" says Cuff, push
ing his broomstick under the stage, Jus Jeff me
hear you say whar you is, and see if don't sweet
en- you" No answer being made to Cuff rea-
sonable request he was forced to get under the
stage where, by thrustng and cropping his way,
putting his stick in every direction he was again
startled by another. snarling and barking at his
heels, Look out da, wha' is you about halloed
Cuff, making hearty retreat.
| At this crisis another voice was heard at the
door, CRYING out, :" Ladies and gentlemen, escape
if YOU can, as the rafters beneath the house are
giving way under the We sh Of our pressure and