Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1850-10-18
Barnum Caught i'm hi. own Trap.

A New York paper tells the following good joke
on Barnum:
On the day of the first concert Mr.. Barnum in
formed the fair Swede that her share of the concert
would not be less than $4,000, and probably be
much more, Whereupon Jenny, in the excellence OF
her heart at cnce determined to give it all to CHAIR
ty. Barnum, who, with an eye to business. at once
perceived how many charity concerts" could be
saUed by this move, was delighted at this generous
proposal and told the lady he would, if called be-
fore the audience, announce the fact. At this pro-
position, the modest charity of Mile Lind at once
revoted and she distinctly requested him not to do
Her lawyers were called and the 1000 were
at once disposed of to tsrelUe different charities after
the manner which has already been published
Evening came, and in time the concert came to an
end, and Mr. Barnum (having previously given the
particulars of the donations to the gentlemen of the
press could not resist the temptation of publicly
announcing the fact, and reading full statement Of
the donations, much to the chagrin of Mile. Lind.
And now comes the cream of the joke. Quite a
number of the highest priced seats had been purcha
sed by irresponsible persons, and had never been
called or paid for and for once, Mr. Barnum had
counted chickens before they we're hatched. Miss
Jenny Lnds share of the receipts instead of amount
ing to $4,000 or over he had fondly hoped turn
ed out to be about $1,000, and there consdera-
BILE deficiency between that sum and the sum alrea-
dy given away in charity.
MIR. Barnum, his heart overlooking with charity,
repaired to that angel" and informed her of the
melancholy fact that he wanted about $4,000 from
her to make up the sum of her donations.
81 gave away all my share of the concert" said
the Nightingale, what more do you want %
"But, my dear Miss Lind, there are not $40, 600
which you appropriated, and which publicly an
nounced, and had published. You must fulfill your
-ah, beg pardon-our promises"
"And so they shall be fulfilled, and you will fulfill
them. Hark ye, Mr.. Barnum," and the fair Swede's
eyes lighted up with the fires of charity, you have
made this announcement, have given publicity to this
affair, have made boast of my charity to answer
your business purposes, and have distributed money
for before had it, and now you will pay all you
have promised, for my name shall not be sacrificed
by these short comings, neither will give more than
my receipts"
BARNUM.-" But what are we to do! can't pay
it out of my own pocket. [ never"
LIND.-Oh, yes, you arW be charitable, for know
you So" Gas she said this most expressive smile
lit up her countenance,) land you will pay this
small deficit"
BARNuM.-" But can't 1 won't I never did such
a thing
Lind But you will this time or our contract
is at an end. | will give concerts my account
and you may me for damages
And Barnum had to consent !; but he has kept his
own charity profound secret, while Jenny Lind
glorious Jenny stopped telling the story
or laughing over it. Barnum swears it was the first
time woman got the better of him in matter of
business"