The daily gazette., 1877-12-07
ROBERT HOUDIN,

The most famous OF maglclanS was Jne
late Robert Houdin. He was never ex-
celled and seldom equaled in his calling.
He was we'll declared to be the prince Of
conjurors, for he elevated his profession,
and was an able mathematician and me-
chanician.
His ingenuity was unlimited, and 1t
was absolutely impossible to detect the
secret of his innumerable tricks and per-
form ances. Without the least assistance
he would hold an audience in delight and
amazement for hours, everything being
done with a graceful facility which
showed that Houdin absolutely enjoyed
his business. He taught his son many
of his original tricks, but never impaired
them to others, while the secret of the
most remarkable performance has died
with their master, and no one eau ever
hope to reproduce them. ...
Probably the first instance in which
conjurer has beencalled upon 10 exercise
his profession in government employ
was that of Robert Houdin. He was sent
to Algeria by the French Minister of For
| eign Affairs to exercise that black art
in that benighsed country, hoping thus
| to DESTROY the influence exercised among
the Arabs by the Marabouts-an inhu-
ence which was often mischievously ap-
piled. By few cunning, yet clumsy,
tricks these Marabouts passed them
selves off as sorcerers, and we're held IL
fear and and veneration by the ignorant
tribes. The French Government desired
to show the Arabs that these wOuld-be
leaders among them were mere impost
ers, and that there pretended supernatu
raj DO wers were without the least fOun
dation in truth. The best way to do thi
it was thought, would be to send on'
among them who should eclipse thei
skill. and thus discredit their scienc'
and pretended powers. 1t was resolved
TO send Robert Houdin, and the wizard
was ordered to appear at the governmsn
Office in Paris forthwith.
Houdin was little puzzled to know
what the Minister could want with him
The plan and purpose OF the Govern
ment were made known to him, and d
entered with spirit into the idea and 1t
successful application. With every ia
cility and all needed protection, Houdll
sailed for Algeria to astonish the ma
tives.
Arriving under favorable auspices, b
went at once to work upon the object @
his mission, and gaping crowds followed
him everywhere, thinking him inspired
He succeeded in showing the people tina
he could vanquish the famous prophets
who had obtained such control over tn
ignorant masses of the population; AM
thus threw them into such discredit tha
he succeeded in disarming them almos
entirely of their influence.
Still, there was one of the Marabeut
whom he had not yet met, and VIII
scoffed at the reported powers OF tn
French wizard, A day was therefore ap
pointed when the two should appear be
fore the people, and each give evidence
of his own peculiar powers.
One OF the great pretentions OF tn
Marabout was of invulnerability. A
the moment that loaded musket wa
pointed at him and the trigger pulled h
pronounced few cabalistic words AM
, tbe weapon would not go of. Houdir
instantly detected the trick, and showe'
j that the touch-hole OF the musket wa
j carefully plugged. This rendered TN
, Arab coDjurer furious, and be, OF cours'
abused his French rival without mercy
Houdin was perfectly cool, and, turning
t to him said:
"You are angry with me?"
81 am" said the Marabout.
"And would be avenged?"
: eyes" he replied, regarding HoudiI
with ewes cleaning with ferocity.
''It is very easy"
"Show me the way"
81 will show you," said Houdil
ouietly, while the Arab was all attention
.sTake pistol, load it yourself. Her
are bullets. Put one in the barrel. Blu
stop
aFor what?" said the Arab.
eMark the bullet with your knife, tina
you may know it,"
The Arab did as he was told.
3 "You are quite certain nGw," sail
Houdin, "that the pistol is prop srly
loaded?"
eyes"
"rell me, do you feel no remorse il
; killing me thus, even though l con
sent?"
mo" fand the eyes of the savag
grew darker with an expression of cru
| eltV.