The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-12-03
cry LNT,ELLTGENCE.

THE PAGoDA-Most of our citizens are aware
that there is an institution in our city STYLED the
Pagoda. We call it an institution for want of more
definite term On many of the corners of the streets
on old buildings, sheds, and on boards, erected
expressly for the purpose are daily pasted up post
ers covered with large letters informing the pub
lie that "unrvaled attractions are offered at the
Pagoda. BY this means the public, of course, are
aware that such place as the Pagoda exists, but
many OF them have no idea perhaps of what the
Pagoda is. Only those who have visited the Muse
um have correct idea of the character of the
place. When it was first started the interi-
or of the building was slightly changed. In the
Southeast corner of the dress circle counter was
erected, and behind this shelves were placed for the
purpose OF holding liquor bottles. All the apur--
tenances of a complete bar were secured and ar
ranged. Theproprietor employed the services of
a jig dancer, two or three female and half a dozen
OF male singers, and the Pagoda commenced The
house was crowded the first night 1t was announ-
ced, not by the posters, but the streets by the
initiated that goHng ladies would carry around
lager and other liquors to the audience, and sure
enough, when the performance commenced there
were three or four oretteS in waiting to serve the
gentlemen. These females still nightly to be
seen moving among the crowd who fill the seats,
dealing out liquor of various kinds to order, and
lndulging with those who are depravcd enough, in
obscene and filthy language With debauched
iaces covered with paint, they frequent every part
OF the room and answer each beck whistle. The
audience, iOr the largest portion, is generally
posed OF youths, between sixteen and twenty, whose
principal topic of cOnversa ton is the waiting girls
The performance usually commences with an ex-
hlbltiOn OF Ethiopian singers. This is followed by
female songstress, nigger dance, low comedy
song, or n banjo performance. Every expression
IN the songs which can be possibly construed into
vulgar inuendo is eagerly singled out by the audi
ence, who greet it with shouts In many cases
when the singer retires after giving song contain
ing such an expression, an encore is raised, which
Is brought about by cat calls" tigers " sharp
whistling," and demoniac yells. The females gen
Df he al hasa
frequently the very gems of song. About mid
way in the nights performance the yelled songs
tress appears. female wearing slight mask,
dark colored, steps upon the stage and she is re-
ceived with shouts and clapping of hands With
the most ordinary ability she labors through Ma
ry OF Argyle or apiece of similar character, and
then retreats amid the plaudits of the audience
which by this time has grown moro excited from
the frequent Indulgence of "lager' or other drinks
The :" catcalls," whistng and yes amount to the
terrific, and the veiled songstress makes her ap-
pearance in response, and sings another song, when
she is allowed to retire. The rest of the nights
performance consists in jig dancing or the singing
OF quasi respectable songs During the interim
between the falling and rising of the curtain, the
audience supplies itsefwith lager whiskey ETC., and
segars (mostly OF the rankest quaty) and by the
time the performance is the room is foil of the
fumes Of tobacco and liquor, and many of the
crowd are intoxicated Occasionally a quarrel
takes place between two or more, which would no
doubt result IN tight but for the prompt interfer-
ence OF the police, couple more of whom are
generally present, in anticipation that their services
will be needed.
For immortality and demoralizing tendencies the
Pagoda surpasses in enormity any place which has
ever been instituted in our city. The youths who
nightly patronze it must eventually be led into all
the excesses IF dissipation. At its opening, and in
fact up until within short period, the low and
rowdy elements of society were regular in atten-
dance, but for causes best known to the manager,
stop has been placed to their visits, and they are
now, as the following letter would indicate refused
admission. The letter was sent to Mr.. Percival on
Friday morning last, and copy of it sent to the
Marshal of Police by Mr. Percval 1t is as follows:
COPY.
BALTIMORE, Nov. So 1860.
MR. GEORGE PERcIvAL-Dear Sir:-Last night we
applied for admission to the Pagoda, and were re.
fused admission by your ticket agent after paying
our twenty cents. We would like to be informed
by the bearer OF this whether it was by your order
or not
Respectfully, yours,
GEO. p. CosTER,
CRAB AsuBY
A. HAMILTON,
n. RATCLIFFE,
j. MULLEY,
WIFI WHITE,
Tom CosTER,
FRANK ARNOLD,
~ w. W. RADCLIFFE,
sp1 L. TELLY,
~ FRANK ROBlNsON