The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1892-06-19


much interesting and instructive reminis
cence.
in a certain degree Wallet was superior
10 many OF his contemporaries. The Eng
lish actor in the sawdust ring for mors
than three generations has been az his best
but commonplace individual, whose
sallies Of hum0r were borrowed from the
old joke books. and who by his antics
grimaces and dress compensated for what
ever might be lacking in education or In
herent intelligence. Wallet, however,
brought 10 his vocation peculiar tact. In
bis youth he was bright, obseryant and
naturally quick witted. Not more so, how
ever. than scores Of boys who have been
turned out in New York and other Ameri-
can cities, and from humble beginnings
attained the distinction Of stars upon the
stage
He was born near Hull, In England, Oct
10, 1903, and after making bis appearance
as q super" on the stage Of the Theater
Royal Of that city joined travelling COM
pany, with which he remained four years
subsequently be succeeded the late VIII
liam Compton as a comedian. In this
capacity, while on one of the theatrical
circuits, he met a famous posturer and
clown Of the period named William Cole,
a brother-in-law of the noted circus pro-
prletor, Thomas Cook. This incident
proved to be the turning point in his for
tunes, for he soon afterward donned the
motley and became prominent in the saw
dust ring lie was with a noted company
of the time when William ~ assembled the
throne Later, Wallet Joined Van Am
burgh, who will be remembered by Amer
leans as one of the early showmeD that APP
peared In this country as the proprietor OF
q combined menagerie and circus, and rs
tonished the young people Of the day by
his daring feats ia the cages OF wild ami
mails. Reaching Windsor the young clown
there had an opportunity Of performing
before the queen and royal family, and
from this time dates his assumption Of the
title of queens jester" and Of the quaint
garb on which was depicted the royal arms
after the manner of long line Of historic
predecessors.
Good fortune was now at his command.
lie was engaged consecutively in every
circus Of note in the two hemispheres, and
Travelled in America, Canada, Mexico, Eu-
rope and the West Indies. He appeared in
New York, Boston. Baltimore, Philadel-
phia and other large cities, being mem
Der of Ballard g. Bailey's circus, Of Spald-
ina 81 Rogers and Of other prominent or
CARNATIONS. Wherever he went Wallet
reckoned hosts Of friends. Among them
were Charles Dickens, Mark Lemon,
Thackeray, Wilkie Collins, Charles Mat
thews, John Brougham, the Wallacks,
Laura Keene, William Burton, Dan Rice,
the most renowned OF American clowns,
and others more or less known TO profes-
sional fame Lord Chancellor Campbell
once remarked TO the manager Of Drury
Lane theater, London, Wallet by his
erudition, wit and delicacy has elevated
the circus arena TO the dignity of the lee
ture hall" And another admirer thus
sums up the character of this prince OF
clowns:
Wallettl the privilege and province thine
Have been 20 utter truths which sacred shine
Potential In the philosOphic jest,
In youthful days WE ever love thee best;
And reverence In this thy waning age
The motley moralist, wit and sage.
In the ring Wallets puns were of the
Shakespearean order, but such was his
versatility that he easily moved vast audi
ences from tears TO laughter, rising some
times TO lofty periods and again descending
without loss of dignity to nonsense that
was singularly refreshing. He recognized
the fact that there is a foolish corner even
In the brain Of the sage, and he made the
follies Of life IA catching az contagious dis
orders lie was what Shakespeare de-
scribed, "a fool who laid him down and
baked him in the sun, who rallied on lady
fortune In good terms, in good set terms
and yet motley fool"
But beneath the surface of this queens
tester were more solid qualities. He was
man Of considerable scientific attainment,
lover OF horticulture and an enthusiastic
gardener; also an excellent amateur pho
tographer being in charge of the photo
graphic department Of an expedition TO
Yokohoma in 1854, and later, in conjunction
with Napoleon Sarony, of New York, doing
work for the American government. Dur