Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-03-24
WARD AND BATEMAN.
The Genial ShOvvman,S Advice to tn
Managerial Father.

In 1885, when Miss Kate Bataman was play.
ing an engagement in Philadelphia, says the
Cincinnati Saturday Night, there occurred a
very amusing encounter between Charley
Brown (Artemus Ward) and spa" Bateman. as
he was Familiarity known. the father of Kate
Mr.. Bateman was. as he certainly had good
reason to be- excessively proud Of the histronic
talent OF his daughter. and 1t was upon the day
following one OF her greatest triumphs that he
irst met Artemus Ward, that irrepressible wag
being introduced to him by Mr.. Frank Drew.
the actor, as plain Mr.. Brown
And you are the father Of the greatest &C
tress the world has ever seen"
Mr.. Bateman gave unmlstakable evidence of
ms entire belief In and proud consciousness OF
the tact. :. -
pardon me. SIR" said Ward in q voice fnll
of emotion, as he seized Mr. Rateman's hand in
a vigorous clasp, will you permit me, sir. to
shake hands with you againl"
Mr.. Bateman was much affected by this hearty
endorsement.
'And now" continued Ward, 'iif might be
SO bold as to offer asuggestion, permit me to say
that were l the father OF such child, but
that could not be. Permit me. beg" i'm
pulsiyely, and clutching wildly at Mr.. Bateman's
arm, permit me once more to strike hands with
the father of Kate Bateman''
This ceremony performed, Ward resumed:
II was about to say, Mr. Bateman, that Won
are too modest in the introduction of your
daughter to the public nOtice-too modest, by
far" -
A gesture Of Impotence from pere was anna
rentiy unnoticed by Artemus, who continued
while you probably have some conception OF
the great gifts with which your daughter is hap
PLY possessed, you doubtless fear that YOUR
fathers pride may lead you to unwarranted
lengths. But believe me, sir, believe me- Cthis
with voice choked with emotion), there is no
step which you are not warranted in taking to
advertise the talent of so great an artist. ],
sir, would have advertised her appearance here
In every paper published in this city,
"But my dear sir, Interrupted Mr. Bateman.
''she has been advertised in all of the papers
here every day for six months
II would" continued Ward. entirely oblfvfous
CT any interruption. ''have had the town billed
from end to end with great posters, With Kate
Bateman's name upon them in letters foot
long,"
"But, good heavens! man," interpolated Mr..
Bateman, 1.-THE whole country is billed in letters
four feet long,"
Il should have had fine photographic Dor
traits exhibited in each Of the principal stores.
II did, did" shrieked Mr.. Bateman
81 would have gathered the members of the
press together and banqueted Them" step
which Mr. Bateman had taken a few DAYS be-
fore, and for which he had just paid out $500.
Gin Short" concluded Ward. brooking no inter
ruption. and smiling placidly the while II
would allow the world to think me vain if they
would, but would never consent to hide such a
light under bushel. Never! never.!" and then
he walked away.
n What dye say that fools name Isl" asked
Bateman, turning upon Drew.
THAT" said Drew, "Oh. that's Charley
Brown, Artemus Ward you know"
ooh, hell" muttered the old man, but he
couldn't refrain from joining in the laugh,
though it was at his expense.