The Superior times. [volume] (Superior, Wis.) 1870-1912, 1874-08-29
HE'S AN IMPOSTER.
The Tom Collins Gag Twenty-Five Ven

Old.
Everybody has, by this time, had a
word from "Tom Collins" and that
much abused gentleman needs some
airing. He's fraud. Like all great
names of the day, that of Thomas was
first elevated to it's position of promi-
nence by certain "Bowery bows" of
New York city. 1t has buffeted about
found its way to the variety stage.
where it became the foundation of nu-
merous Jokes. Gus Williams, with
quick witted sense in his profession.
seized upon it, and in his inimitably
droll fashion, gave Thomas good
boost toward the pinnacle of fame.
Then itinerant drummers caught the
infection, and when they went out on
their spring drumming excursions they
carried it with them. Travellers caught
it and gave it to hotel clerks, and those
model specimens Of cleverness trans.
mitted it with designing intent to I'M
wary guests, and SO the disease spread
until "Tom Collins" was sought after
in every town in the union. He has
been found in several places, but he
has proved different kind of Thomas.
The real Thomas has never been found.
AS we said before. Tom Collins is a
fraud. The gag is nothing more or less
than the revival of an old one that had
it's origin about twenty-five years ago,
aud was successfully practiced in New
York City. If this falls under the eve
of any New Yorker of that period, he
will remember the story, especially if
he even sought man having a letter
from friend in California.
All croniclers in the "buff;er" fraterni-
ty will reccollect the fight between Tom
Hyer and Yankee Sullivan, which oc-
CURED about twenty five years ago
They will likewise remember that Tom
Heyer "got away" with Sullivan, as
the "boys" term it. A good deal of
money changed hands on the result of
this fight, and Tom Hyer's admirers
were so elated at his success that they
started him III saloon at No 40 son
the Bowery.' 1t was about the time of
the opening of this establishment that
Hyer endeavored to assist an old friend
named Frank Mclaughlin, once rec
ognized leader among that class of
professional gentlemen known as gam
blers.
One day Mclaughlin was in CONVEX
sation with Hyer III front of the latter S
saloon, and when they parted company
some one stepped up and warned Hyer
against his recent companion, setting
him down as a profigate character.
Hyer denied the charge against his
friends reputation, and remarked that
in less than twenty four hours Nc
Laughlin's name would resound in
every street in New York city. Turn
ing into his saloon, he then instructed
his barkeeper to tell any one who might
inquire for Frank Mclaughlin that he
had just stepped out, and also that he
had letter from California for the per
son making the inquiry
This was about the time the Califor-
MIA gold fever was at it's height, and
there were very few persons who hadn't
some relation or acquaintance seeking a
fortune in the Far West Naturally,
! therefore, such an assertion was calcu-
! lated to throw a person into a sudden
| fever of excitement to hear the latest
news from the Western Eldorado. The
gag worked admirably; every one Hyel
met was sent to his saloon to inquire
| for the man who had a letter for him
and in very short time Frank Nc
Laughlin was sought after with dill
gence that spread his fame everywhere
Tom Collins never enjoyed shadow OF
McLaughhn's prominent position be
fore the public. Everybody dropped
work to find him, and many "bust
was INDUCED in over expectant colder
| news
The gentleman we get this story
from was at the time printer in New
York City. One day an associate came
in breathless with excitement, and
with dilating eyes and flushed counte
nance, exclaimed, "Just saw Bob Nor.
ris, and he told me Frank Mclaughlin
wants to see me. He's got letter fol
me. [ know it's got money in it, be
cause my left hand itches and | saw the
new moon over my left shoulder las
night.
All this was ratified out like sho
from "a Gatling gun. Forthwith the ex
pectant heir of good fortune donnei
his street clothes and sailed forth
Late that night he was found in high
| ly hquified state in saloon He hadn'
found Mclaughlin, but expected hin