The Douglas independent. [volume] (Roseburg, Or.) 187?-1885, 1883-09-22
MOSS MINSTRELS.
Another Oregon Boy to the Front.
Sunday Mercury, Portland.)

Sunday Mercury, Portando
Few Oregon boys are better known
than Walter S. Moss, for many years a
resident of Oregon City Salem and Port
land. A few years ago Walter became
attached to Manager Stechhan's New
Market Theater staff, and IN short time
became his right hand man. Walter,
through close observation in the capacity
of general manager of all outside busi-
ness. became convinced that there were
millions in frst-class minstrel COM
pany, and proposed to Manager Stechhan
to go east at once and organize com
pany that could, and would, outshine
any that had ever shown up in Oregon.
No sooner said than done. In a weeks
time we find our friend Walter quietly
folding his carpet bag under his arm,
and with through ticket to New York.
bid his friends adieu. The eastern
ments the next week, Wanted-the best
talent that money can buy. for Walter s.
Moss minstrel company. None but first
class artists need apply" The result
was that in few weeks time Walter had
fully organized and equipped ready for
the road one of the very best
minstrel companies that has ever ap-
peared anywhere. The company con-
sists OF twenty-five frst-class artists in
all the various minstrel lines. The Mir
ror Quartette, George Thatcher. son of
the ''original George" who is said to
have inherited his fathers talent to q
marked degree, Otis Bowers, Dan Young,
Sam Morton, comedians, are all names
that shine brightly among the stars of
minstrelsy in the east, none of whom
have ever appeared on this coast. To
cap the climax. Walter engaged while on
the way from New York to Chicago the
pleasing young Boston prima donna,
Bessie Louise King, who is SO we'll and
favorably known here. Walters COM
pany make specially of ''refned min
strelsy," carefully avoiding anything
that borders ON the broad or coarse, and
it is this that has made the reputation of
the company among those who seldom
go to minstrel performance, and who
have always gone away we'll pleased and
glad to come again. We have before us
large scrap book full of the most com.
plimentary notices regarding the per-
formance of Walters company, but will
only copy one from the Romeo, mich.
Observer:
walter s. Moss m1nstrels played be-
fore Romeo audience last Saturday
night, and gave the best of satisfaction.
In fact, it was the best "burnt cork"
company that ever visited this place.
Miss Bessie Louise King, the prima
donna, formerly of the Hess Opera com
pany, took the house by storm. She has
beautiful, clear voice, and sang with
much feeling. Otis Bowers, formerly
with Hi Henry, is '.a daisy" and has no
equal in his business. The company is
a remarkably even one; should they ever
return to Romeo they will be greeted by
packed house"
Walter Moss minstrels have fine
brass band that makes a street parade
every day. The company are now play
ing at Helena, M. T., during fair week,
to packed houses. and will continue on
their way westward via n P. r. R.,
playing at Deer Lodge, New Chicago,
Missoula, Spokane, Cheney. Spragne,
Walla Walla, Dayton, Pendleton. The
Dalles, and then open for weeks en-
gagement at New Market theater, after
which they will play through the Will