The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-03-06
JUST BEFORE THE WAR.
How w. j. Florence Pacified an Angry
Memphis Audiences.

4 Memphis Audience.
Cleveland, o., Special to the St Louis Republic.
~ There is chapter in the history OF w.
J.. Florence, the comedian, which, up to
this time, has never been written. All
who know Florence either as citizen or
an actor, know him to be gentleman,
with all that the word implies.
In the spring Of 1861 Mr.. and Mrs.
Florence were billed to appear at the theater
ct Memphis. The lines were just closing
up between the North and South-the
purple testament OF war; just opening
before people who scarcely realized what
II all meant The week prior to his en-
gagement in Memphis, Florence was filling
4 weeks engagement at DeBar's Opera
House in st. Louis. Like Memphis, this
litter city was stirred with excitement
Confederate flags, which had Just made
their appearance, were hoisted here and
there by partisans. In every quarter of
the city the new flag tapped against the
Stars and Stripes. Two unarmed armies
walked the streets OF ST. Louis. There
& was nothing to bring on a conflict Of arms
but lack OF weapons. The feeling,
4 patriotism, enthusiasm, determination,
\ leaders-all were ready. Both sides were
waiting for the first shot
1t was at this time and in the midst of
this feeling in st. Louis that "Billy" Flor
ence was reported to have made a remark
to the effect that there was no gentleman
in the South. The malicious statement
was wired to Memphis on Saturday where
Florence was billed to appear on Monday.
Memphis was seething caldron of seces-
sion. There was but one feeling, and it
possessed all alike, and but one sentiment.
which took possession OF all classes and
that was for war. There was no neutral
ground; those who did not agree with the
south held their tongues and headed
North. Under such conditions and at
such time II is very easy TO understand
how the words. wrongly attributed 10 the
actor, were received in Memphis. The
naturally hot blood OF her people mounted
higher. Florence's alleged insult was
printed in the city papers, and the con-
clusion jumped Mt, that ii was true.
Threats against the actors life were openly
and honestly meant. Had he used the
words attributed TO him his best friends
could not have defended him. In their
madness people had forgotten everything
but revenge. Florence's friends in ST.
Louis begged him 10 cancel his engage
ment, rs IL would certainly cost him his
life to appear there.
Every word attributed to me in this
matter is lie. | shall fill my Memphis
engagement" was the invariabe reply.
Florence arrived on Monday morning.
He was the talk of the town. Night came
In oil
will be a real tragedy Mt the theater to-
night" was whispered about the city.
Florence will be shot down as soon ms he
shows himself on the stage" others said;
and 20 on word was passed throughout the
mad city. IL is safe 10 say that fifty Of the
thea,erlul OF men had pistols in their
pockets, each anxious 10 resent the Sin
suit Florence had east upon the South.
Men talked wildly OF the affair until the
great audience was all buzz OF excite
ment The private boxes were also filed
with men discussing the coming tragedy.
The orchestra discharged their duty nerv-
ously, and disappeared as soon rs they
bad finished their selection. The usual
signal was given and the curtain rolled up.
The very air seemed laden with sup.
pressed curses Of men. None but brave
nan could have faced the audience Billy
florence stepped 10 the footlights. his
kindly, honest face never bctraying a sign
OF fear. His speech was firm aid short.
~ ladies and gentlemen he said, "a
malicious statement has proceeded me TO
this city to the effect that had somewhere
---es at some time by a speech OF mine cast
slur upon the good name OF the men OF
the South. i have come all the way TO
Memphis, not caring a fig for this en-
gigement, but for the purpose oil branding
: That statement as lie, made out Of whole
cloth 10y some malicious scoundrel, whom
j defy either here or elsewhere 10 face me
and say that | ever uttered a syllable Of
that statement"
A buzzing comment followed the manly
little speech OF the actor who stood there
facing the great audience ~ II waiting for
Its Judgment An oppressive stiffness
followed for few moments when q gem
tleman rose from among his fellows in
one OF the private boxes, and addressing
himself TO the audience said:
"Men Of Memphis, Florence has told
you the truth"
"Who Is that man7' was asked here
and there, and moment later the reply,
"lfs Gen. Forrest" flew through the
audience, who broke out in one wild
cheer.
And Billy Florence was the lion Of the
week.
TnE fact that good health, strong muscles
and sound nerves are attainabe should en-
anuraua rNerV invalid Ia an anrue.f eudguV