Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-01-29
OVER THIRTY YEARS AGO,
FLORENCE TELLS TWO STORIES OF
 HIS EXPERIENCE.

Tho RemarkabIe Comedy Entitled 'Tho
 Sanguinary Doojack" = BilIy's Narrow
 Escape from AIobbine Down South
 During War Days.
 'I was thinking just now," said Mr. Flor ence to visitor the other day, ''of my first appearance in Chicago over thirty years ago. Why, there was but one theatre in town. What did we plays Oh, it was ridiculous mess of nonsense. It was called Florence Worried by McVicker,' and it grew out of 0 play gotten up in New York by John Brougham called The Sanguinary Bootjack and presented by his stock company
 "Brougham wanted to get something that would startle the town, and, faith, he did it. You see tho curtain rose first on a scene rep resenting a green room, and there sat Mir. Brougham reading new play to his com pany. Well, the different ones found fault with their respective parts and all wanted them altered, and this and that, for all the world as actors and actresses per form when they have new parts assigned them. Heavy old women wanted light roles and vice versa In the midst of this hubbub woman is announced. She wishes to see Mr. Brougham on particular business. o, suppose another stage struck female, groans Mr. Brougham, as, indeed, proves to be the Tease when the green room is cleared and Mir. Brougham and his visitor are left alone She tells him she is sure she has the divine fire and must go on the stage won't MT. Brougham kindly give her an opportunity 2 What is your nameP he asks. Mrs Bug 1 zard,' she answers. 'Buzzard-Buzzard he says, that sounds familiar. Where have heard that nameP Its we'll known name,' she shippers, firm of Hawk & Buzzard' 'Ah, ] yes. And does your husband approve of your intentionp Oh, no; he is much opposed to it.
 THE MISGUIDED WIFE.
 "Wen, he advises her not to go against her husbands wishes but she insists on trying
 and finally MT. Brougham assigns her part in The Sanguinary Bootjack.' In the next scene the play proceeded. It was lot of rubbish, but the audience seemed to like it.
 and was following it closely, when suddenly an old man sitting in one of the front seats rose to his feet and cried wildly, God bless me, Is that my wife-my infatuated-my mis- guided Belindaa It is-it is. Come home, woman,' and rushing down he tried to climb over the orchestra to tho stage This was no other than Brougham himself. An usher and an officer who hurried down to eject him were other members of the company. Belin- da (Mrs Brougham) screamed and tainted on the stage, while fireman in a red shirt up with the gods shouted down to leave the young woman alone and let her play her
 part or he'd come down and fix things to suit himself. This was myself, though hero in Chicago 1 played the part of the husband You may fancy the noise confusion and up- roar there was in that theater. Well, this piece ran for months and drew immensely people focked to see Brougham's company cutting up pranks in tho audience. Imagine the sensation if Daly's or the Madison Square should introduce such horse play.
 ttTO mass from, fba orrotasc,,a fo tho fro said the actor after a moments pause, "shall
 l tell you of Q time in my life when was really, truly frighteneda It was e case of stage fright, though not of the orthodox type. l was playing an engagement in a southern city during the late unpleasantness
 was an out and out Union man, but had tried to be guarded in my remarks, and was,
 as you may fancy, surprised and startled to receive one morning a warning not to appear that night under penalty of rough treatment. In fact, was also commanded to leave town.
 didn't know what to do. I was, of course,
 helpless If southern audience decidedato
 misuse me, what could doa did not say anything to Mrs Florence, as did not care to alarm her. l went out and walked by
 myself and tried to think. 1 was terribly depressed and sad over the matter. felt
 was a stranger and alone and had no one to
 advise or help mo. In passing Catholic
 bookstore 1 saw 0 copy of Thomas a Kempis.' went in, bought it, and read it,
 and in few moments the burden was all lifted. felt happy and cheerful. knew I should play that night-felt sure should have protection. Tho hour came to go to the
 theatre. I went, dressed for my part, went
 to tho peep hole and looked out at the audi
 ence. House packed with men-not a woman in front.
 FORREST SAVED HIM.
 ''That looked ugly. realized they meant
 to keep their word. What was to doa As
 l stood there wondering what course to pur- sue, the side door that led to the managers $
 box opened and two gentlemen entered. One "a fine, big, tall fe1low-came toward me crying out, Billy, how are you? Two come
 thirty-f1ve miles to see you play It was
 Gen. Forrest. General I said, you've come straight down from heaven tonight He asked me what l meant, and in a few words
 explained the situation. Don't you worry
 one moment he said; why, these are all my friends in front. own this town. You go right on with your play. I'll take care of you.'
 "The stage was cleared, curtains rolled up
 and tho play began. In few moments l
 made my appearance. An angry mutter swept through the audience and the entire house rose as one man. Instantly Gen. For rest leaped from bis box on the stage and held up his hand. 'Stopp he thundered; what does this mean! MT. Florence is my friend
 shall protect him. Wasn't that thrilling situations
 Maj. - rose in ths audience and stated
 number of offensive remarks which had
 been circulated as coming from me; among others that there was not gentleman in the
 whole south Fancy my making such hope lessly insane statement as that. When he had finished his indictment stepped down to the footlights and said: Gentlemen, if
 being born under the Stars and Stripes Is a crime, must plead guilty. Of all these other charges am innocent. I have never
 uttered any of these remarks imputed to me- , When l had finished, the general, who was standing there by me, said, Is that enough, gentlemenf and a yell of assent went up; then three cheers for Gen. Forrest, and then three for Billy Florence, after which tho play pro- ceeded, and must say I never had more sympathetic, appreciative and enthusiastic audience.
 "You should have seen tho choice collec- tion of decayed cabbages and rotten eggs which was gathered up the next morning