Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1855-07-27
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Mr.. Roscius Puggs was a histrionic
gentleman who performed the heavy
business at half price theaters. His
stock in trade consisted Of thunder
ing voice, square shoulders and pair
fprodigious calves. He was a great
Enthusiastically speaking; as n
man, though not without his faults. he
has never committed the slightest
burglary, arson or murder. Still. an
unfortunate tendency TO moisten his
diaphragm too freely with fermented
liquors. led him into serious embarras-
ments He was frequently "indispos-
ed" and severely tried the patience
both OF managers and the public. Yet
he made some noble professional dis
coveries. None Of the representatives
Of Richard. Duke Of Gloster. from
Garrick 10 Charles Kean. had ever elic-
tied from Shakspeare's text at the
sage direction the astonishing facts
that the humpback assassin Of King
Henry and the prince was drunkard
Ms well as a murderer and a tysaut.--
Yet Puggs conceived and rendered the
character in the spirit more thaa once.
staggering through the love scene with
Lady Anne, and exhibiting more
Dutch courage than valor, and "cun-
ming Of fence" In the closing encoun-
ter with Richmond. A difference rs
TO the propriety Of this rendition be-
tween Puggs n 1 the manages led to
the loss OF engagements, aud Puggs at
one time, had ran up a bin alta certain
tavern, in certain town. where he
was unknown and out OF busnes. with
out the slightest prospect Of liquidating
the account. All his personal prop
erty consisted Of trunk containing
two or three shirts and an old uni.
form.
The landlord was forbearing, but
forbearancc has an end. This indi-
vidual had only ono peculiarity--a re-
semblance 10 the Stuart portrait OF
Gen. Washington. on which he pridod
himself immensely. 1t was his weak
point. and Puggs determined to take
advantage Of II.
One day he ordered bottle Of port.
and requested the landlord sho'd come
up with it. Mr.. George Washington
Bli0ilin accordingly made his appear
ance with the portin more than his
ordinary stateliness.
"Mr. p" said he, 81 have filed
your oaders for the last time, Sir; l
have n family"
"Cherubsl chcrubsl General" said
the actor.
81 must live"
Naturally"
Every well, Sir; your bill already
amounts to 40 dollars-I5 for board
and s5 dollars for brandy and ci-
gars."
II was on this very subject wanted
10 see you, General. What 0 surpris.
ing likenessl' added the actor, throwing
himself back in his chair, and shading
his eyes with his hands, "a perfect
Stewart"
ii have been told so," replied the
landlord in more pleasant manner,
and taking a scat.
"Thats right, Bliflln, make your.
self at home. Now. then-bumyers
and to business! Forty dollars, you
say. Well | have a bet, q cool fifty,
in the winning ofwhich you're deeply
interested. / have bet that you can
stand for ten minutes in the attitude
Of the Farewell Address without mov-
ing a muscle. Dodgem, Of the Muse.
um. is the party-you can do itas easy
as winking. have continental un-
ifoi m which you shall put on while
arrange the light. Then I'll go for
Dodgem. My signal at the door shall
be warning for your getting in an
attitude. 1t will soon be over and I'll
then settle your bill. Do you con-
sent?'
The landlord assented. He was
soon attired in the continental uniform
and assumed the attitude Puggs poin-
ted out. Puggs then went to the Mus
cum.
'Dodgcm,' said he to the proprie-
tor, Il come to propose bargain to
you--a full length wax staure Of Gen.
Washington, large as life-in uniform
the very best thing you ever saw
cost cords of money. Do you want
the article?'
That depends on the quality and
price. said Mr.. Dodgem, cautiously
Quality tirst.rate; you shall Judge
for yourself; price nothing at all-5C
dollars.
Then, said Dodgem. 'ifthe figures
|, sight, I'll take it.
Come along then-hurry-I mus,
take the next train," said the actor
In ten minutes they reached the
door of the actors room. Pugg.
made some noise as he fumbled with
the key, and addressed Dodgem in Q
; loud tone Of voice so as to prepare the
landlord. This done. they entered
The light, artistically arranged, fell OF
the motionless figure Of the unfortu
Il nate Bliffin.
"There, ycu have him, Sir" sale
r the actor extending his hand. eth,
! father of his country, as large as life
and twice as natural. Please motto,
his characteristic costume and express
sion."
What capital coloring' said Dodg
b EN-.
isn't it? He seems to be saying
Friends, Countrymen, and Lovers?'
il What card for the 4th of July"
r i should like little more light, sal
Dodgem.
h Don't said Puggs, as the othe
offered to open the shutter, you kno'
the sun Injuries wax.work There, sil
g solidP and he punched the landlord i
; the ribs with his cane. care you sal
/ isfed?'
'Perfectly-it's all that you repre-
,e sented.'
Come along. then, said the actol
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