Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-04-05

in those days, Afterwards my mother
was married to q Prof. Benee. % teacher
of dancing, and for year or 50 We
travelled over the country. remained
all the year in my profession, constantly
rising. As | grew older became a pan.
feminist. The French Spy was my big
card, and was the first Mazeppa who
ever played on Broadway, New York
long before Menken appeared. Mypoor
mother died in '65, and at last wenttore-
join her little boys. 1t is tho one thought
ofmy life that always after was able to
play was enabled to care for my moth
or handsomely, and caused her last days
to be passed surrounded by every care
and comfort. came here to San Francis
coin go, under Fred Burt's management,
engaged to play the French Spy, Mazep-
pa, the Flying Dutchman and other
pieces in my repertoire. Ny terms were
my fare here and back, $50 week and
four half clear benefits, 10 per cent of
the profits, with the privilege of renew
al. -Four weeks were consumed in get
ting here by steamer, and when ! arriv-
ed, my salary, which was to commence
from the time ] left New York, was al
ready due for one month. Mr.. Burt told
me, upon arrival, that the Opera House
and the metropolitan Theatre were both
engaged, and urged me to appear at the
Olympic (yarlety), saying that in Cali
fornia appearing in variety did not in
any way prejudice ones reputation in
the legitimate drama, and citing as in
stances the cases of Lolita and Others"
CHERRY BELLE.
!'Did you consent :"
''Yes; | was fool for doing so.
played at The Olympic for q time, but
would not cater to the tastes of the low
crowd who patronized it and was not
q success. Then travelled with q com
pany under the charge of Walter Rogers
still under Burt's management. | had
plenty of money with me, and when my
friends urged me to look out and keep
my salary drawn ! laughed at them. But
theconscQuence was that when applied
for my pay ] was told that Mr.. Burt
had sold out to the other man and was
never able to collect cent. Afterwards
/ played at the Bella Union under Tet-
lows management. never had used
my name Of Oceana on the variety stage
i held that too dear to be banded in
that rough atmosphere--bu took the
name Of Cherry Belle. But my respect
ability was all gone. / was taboed every
where else, so ! kept on for time at the
Bella Union, Disguised with the sur
roundings, but compelled to earn my
bread and butter in the ouly way 7
could. My terms stipulated that should
do no box running, rcceiyo!no introduce
tions and sell no wine. only appeared
in the leading part in the last play. Then
/ had an odd experience. A gentleman
appeared one night in box and insisted
on seeing me. went to the box, at his
earnest request, accompanied by the
manager. He told me that | was not fit
for the place and asked me if would
not like to engage in some business in
which could make % handsome support.
told him yes if it was honest. He
called to see me the next day and gave
the name of William Coleman. He
bought out Wiley and PERKINS, place, on
kearney street, and planned with me to
have it fitted up elegantly for o ladies'
ice-cream saloon and gentleman's club
room, Offering to advance the whole
cost, giving me carte blanche as to ex-
penSc, and offering me o one full-sbare of
the profits. went ahead, and with nv
extravaganza tastes fitted it up superbly.
On certain day the bills were to be
paid. Mr.. Coleman had meanwhile dis |
postponed the opening, hop
ng vainly for him to come. My friends
made inquiries regarding him but from
that day to this he has never been found. |
The place was never opened, and as the |
only satisfaction | could offer the dis
appointed tradesmen ] turned every
hing over to them intact. Pennilers-f0r
had expended the little | had to pro-
vide my wardrobe and other needs-I
vent back TO the Bella Union on q de-
creased SALARY. My bcnefactor had done
ne serious harm, instead of The good he
afterwards travelled with
'roupe through Oregon and Washington
Territory, under Charley Morrills man
lgemeut, but was cheated out of my pay
'sain. kept on the downward road. III
health helped to drag me down. 1t has
,ccn IL constant fight for the last four
ears with hunger and cold, and now
;Ou see me here. IF yon look about my
Castle Dismal as have named it, you