Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1883-08-22
THE RICHARDSON.NIAG AGARA FALLS
JUMP
Ine HOAX Oh % WHshh0gtOm W JOktf.
HOW THE NEWSPAPERS HAVE BEEN HUMBUGGRD-
FULL PARTICULARS OF THE BIG SELL

The statement has been published all over the
country, and the world, indeed, that Dr. Rich
afdson, Of this city, proposed to go over Niagara
Falls, by means OF machine OF his own inven-
ton. The attempt was to be made in the early
part OF September, and the apparatus was de-
scribe1 with great attention to details. While
wide publicity was given to the fact that the ex-
pertinent would be made, the bold follower OF
Capt. Webb and others who have tried this peril
Gus feat courted an obscufity from personal noto-
rlety, which Is unusual in such cases No one could
be found who had seen this adventurous doctor,
wanting those who said that he was a myth, and
had no existence save in the fertile Imagination
OF some @ newspaper writer;
doctor really existed, and then II possible. to over
come his modest scruples. or whatever reason he
troduce him to the public before he started to take
the plunge over the Falls With this object in
view, the reporter rang the bell OF house No. 1106
received by Mr.. c. r. e. Richardson, well-known
citizen and an extensive owner Of real estate.
us Or. {. w. Richardson in?" asked the reporter,
with but little expectation of getting on the track
OF the Niagara exploiter.
mo. he is not" was the reply.
us he out of town."
eyes, my son went to Cape May on Saturday
with Dr. Sowers"
THE REPORTER PAusss TO REFLECT.
There Is evidently DR.. Richardson here, but this
can't be the one thought the reporter as he gazed
rather absently at the kindly face before him, and
then beyond into the house with its comfortable
such a home to jump over Niagara Falls or
attempt any such fool hardy feat. concluded the
reporter, as he was reminded by the inQuiring
looks of the gentleman in the door way, that some
further explanation W was In order
~ don't suppose" began the reporter. and then
hestated as II the suggestion that the DR.. Rcnard
son, OF the newspapers, and his son were the same
might o11end the pride OF the substantial citizen
standing before him. Then determined to get to
rather abruptly:
Your son is not the same person as the Dr..
Rlchardson who Is going to try 10 go over Niagara
Falls and"
MR. RICHARDSON SMILES.
But the rest OF the sentence was lost in the
hearty burst OF laughter whidA fairly doubled Mr..
Richardson up aud shook his capacious sides with
the excess OF merrment When he had somewhat
recovered his breath he said to the amazed re-
porter:
''Yes, that DR.. Richardson and my son is one ard
the same person. will tell you all about 1t, and
you can use your judgment about printing it. 1t
would be better for my son to tell the story him
SELF but he Is away, and l guess that can give
Inviting the reporter to come in, Mr.. Richardson
sat down and
UNFOLDED THE MYSTERY.
"You see, my son." he began, ''is studying med
icine with Dr.. Sewers. He has q friend In this
city. a young man about his own age-a splendid
young fellow. the son OF wel-known business
man on the Avenue. won't give you his name"
said Mr.. Richardson, with merry twinkle in his
eye. "for 1t IS not necessary. We'll, besides being
q splendid fellow he is great tease and fond OF
practical jokes. Wishing to plague my son he
wrote this piece, which was a pure hoax, had it
printed in the Republican and then in some
northern papers. After 1t came out my son met
him. and they laughed about 1t in a friendly way"
"My son" continued the speaker, "coud not well
be offended with him, because he had carried on
some pretty rough jokes with him. person
giving joke has to take one, you know"
"Well, after That piece appeared In the papers,
you ought to have seen the letters my son got"
resumed Mr. Richardson. "Some wanted him to
account could be sent abroad. Then others wanted
to arrange terms for the exclu sve sale OF his pho
tOgraph, and there were letters containing all
Sorts OF propositions. AS many OF these letters +"
continued the narrator. "as nay son could find time
TO answer he did, stating that 1t was all a hoax
practical joke OF Il young friend. Many OF these
letters contained stamps and he returned these to
the SenderS."
SHARP YOUNG MAN.
"Then this young man. Oh! he Is sharp one,
and splendid writer, too," exclaimed Mr.. Rich
ardson "This young man then got up another
piece and had 1t put in the Baltimore Sun. My
son did not fancy this very much and had some
idea OF having 1t corrected. You see, both my son
and his joking friend knew young ladies in Balti-
more, and when they saw this IN the paper they
Was great fun to the JOKER"
'That is all there is about it," concluded Mr.
Richardson. ''The whole thing Is joke, and
want you to know that these young men are still
good friends My son concluded that it had gone
far enough. and was going to correct 1t before he
left but in the hustle OF going it was overlooked"
Ths. Reduction, in Enxfaro