, 1884-04-17
BEECHER'S DOUBLE.
The Trick Which a Managerial Con.
tleman Once Played.
Tail and White Checker "---
How nm udIe
Were Fooled


I TTTD VII Jill ITuIT1 III ~ n UT u "
Ward eBeecher having been seen at a Lang
try performance when, In fact, that eminent
divine was at Boston, and 1t brought to
mind n similar and somewhat more ludicrous
event that occurred years since at Washing.
ton City.
John Pemberton Smith h a managerial
gentleman, not only remarkably clever in
his business, but possessed OF a sense OF fun
caught from Artemus Ward, whose agent
he was when he first tried tho sort of thing
from which he has since made a fortune.
John p. found himself, at the national CAPT
tai, with an attraction that he made draw
through judicious advertising, as John 2. Is
wont to do. Henry Ward happened there at
the same time, and the agent seized on him
as an advertising medium. To this end hs
had 1t announced that on a certain night the
pope Of Brooklyn would DO in attendance at
the theatre.
The Rev. Beecher was more OF a curiosity
then to tue people than he is now. and the
fact that he sometimes dropped in upon q
theatrical entertainment was not only un
thought Of, but secuted at as something OF
au impoSsibilty. 1t created no little excite
nient, and seats were sold until not even
stnnding-room was left.
course the entefprislng agent had NO
thought of Beecher's responding in person;
nevertheless he had the cheek to call and eI-
press'his sorrow-he might say his deep grief
that such n report should find its way into
print
Il saw the announcement said Beecher,
good-haturedly, "of what was going to do,
and 1t IS so harmless, in comparison with
what the papers assert that / have been do
ing, that l feel quite relieved"
~ Mr.; Beecher," exclaimed John r, en-
ooldehed by us reception, you would like to
sec an artistic performance OF the rarest
dramatic excellence, l shall be glad to put u
box at your disposal"
MY dear SIR responded Henry Ward,
while consider a good dramatic perform
ance harmless, fear l shall have to take
mine US Lincoln's preacher did his whisky, a
little ~nbekno~hsI am much Obliged, but
you VIII nave 70 excuse me-
u am very sorry viii have the an
nouncement correctsd.D
Pray, don't" cried the eminent divine. Il
nave obserV@i that the contradiction In print
Is generally an ~aggravation OF the original
charge.
John femberton Sni'th bowed himself out;
so lar 1t was 80 good; bat "'a1 To do with the
audience the announcomens had called to-
getheri He ran against John Chamberlain,
then making his first appearances at Wash
ington. An idea struck John T.
Sohht "J hNN NJt ~ t4SLalihelt 4
want you. 1 have "a box for you to- might
Come aud see us, and fetch two or more of
tho gentlemen ] saw at your house last
night"
John Chamberlain graciously accepted,
and that night the crowded house saw n stout
gentleman in a swalow-tail and white
choker, setting forth n smooth, round face,
enter the Beecher box. accompanied by three
s-olomn-appearing gentlemen Of ~faultlsss
attire.
1t Is difficult for a mixed crowd Of common
citizens to distinguish by dress and manner
the gay gamboleer" from the minister.
They dress alike; they are alike serious and
digniled in manner. The deception was a
success, and Johu Pemberton s. amused him.
self mingling with the crowd and listening
to their remarks.
THAT'S the old coon himself, ehfp said one.
well, he has All open countenance. Looks
Us II it might be forced i'm
Amt lie innocent, nowf' said another.
@Looks as ef butter Wouldn't melt In bis
mouth ef no was sot on a hot stoye.n II
"He's bin thar, was the response. and =
Tint Beecherl" snorted d youth, with a
good deal OF summer sunset on his nose.
you DO d-dl that's John Chamberlain"
"Ohi unreef your front garment, young
man" was the Response. You can't some
that-you don't know a Beechor whom you
see it" eI.,.H
mo, but know a Chamberlain when see
An alteration followed that ended in the
red-nosed youth being elected by an efficient
Chamberlain WA PUZZLED. but fslt antt,,ed