Louisiana capitolian. (Baton Rouge, La.) 1879-1881, 1881-04-09

was married to q Prof. Benee, teacher
Of dancing, and for year or so 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. My poor
mother died in '65, and at last went tore
Join her little boys. 1t is the 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'smanagement,
engaged to play the French Spy, Mazep-
pa, the Flying Dutchman and other
pieces in my repertoire. My terms were
my fare here and back, $50 a 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 Variety, 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 time, but l
would not cater to the tastes of the low
crowd who patronized it and was not
q success. Then travelled with 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 l laughed at them. But
theconsequence was that when applied
for my pay I was told that Mr.. Burt
had sold ont to the other man and was
never able to collect cent. Afterwards
I 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 handled in
that rough atmosphere--but took the
name of Cherry Belle. BIT my respect.
ability wasall gone. Twas 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
} could. My terms stipulated that should
do no box running, receive,no introduce
tions and sell no wine. only appeared
in the leading part inthe last play. Thel
had an odd experience. A gentleman
appeared one night in box and insisted
, on seeing me. went to the box, at hi
} earnest request, accompanied by tn
: manager. He told me that was not Fl
! for the place and asked me if l wOul'
, not like to engage in some business il
which could make handsome support
told him yes if it was honest. H
) called to see me the next day and CAV
the name of William Coleman. H
l bought out Wiley and PERKINS, place, o.
7 Kearney street, and planned with me t.
! have it fitted up elegantly for ladies
, ice-cream saloon and gentleman's club
' room, offering to advance the Who'll
: cost, giving me carte blanche as to eS
r pense, and Offering me one full-share Q
the profits. went ahead, and with m
: extrayagant tastes fitted it mp superbly
= On certain day the bills were to b
, paid. Mr.. Coleman had meanwhile dis
8 appeared. POSTPONED the opening, hoI
t ing vainly for him to come. My friend
. made inquiries regarding him but froI
, that day to this he has never been found
The place was never opened, and as tn
t only satisfaction could offer the di.
i. appointed tradesmen l turned ever,
, thing over to them intact. Pennilers-ft
] had expended the little had to prt
J vide my wardrobe and other needs
!. went back to the Bella Union on d.
o creased salary. My benefactor had don
:, me serious harm, instead of the good h
proposed. afterwards travelled with
{ troupe through Oregon and Washingto
a Territory, under Charley MorrilPs maj
q agement, but was cheated out ofmy pa
: again. kept on the downward road. II
- health helped to drag me down. 1t ha
K been q constant fight for the last fol-
d years with hunger and cold, and no
q you see me here. If yon look about nj
Castle Dismal, as have named it. yo
can read the story Yourself. ! will NJ
II stand il much longer. fl can do no be