Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1892-11-13

Across from the NumIdians' chosen
resort is the Academy OF Music, next to
it is Amberg's Theatre, and within a
block are Tony Pastors and the Union
Square theatres. Opposite, on Four
teenth, is Huber's Museum, and near
enough to supply patrons are three or
four more theatres. Stage people In
great variety visit the cafe for their
late suppers, and it is that fact that at
tracts an almost equal variety OF men
who desire to be known as men about
town. They sometimes refer to them
selves as "Boulevarders." They are
''club men," whose names do not ap-
pear on the list of any club; artists"
whose canvases upappreciative hanging
committees are always sending back
from exhibition rooms marked with
large red chalk "R;" Journalists"
whose articles are familiar to their
friends because they are never pub
lished. and factors, " in chronic condi-
ton of nocuous desuetude. Sometimes,
Of cour Sc, we'll known FOUNDERS drop in,
fleeing from the boredom that has
found them elsewhere, to chuck under
the chin a pretty ballet girl; and some
times callow youths, flush with money,
In wide-eyed search OF life, visit the
cafe. On those nights the NumIdians
drink wine. Generally they drink beer.
Some time ago an hysterical reporter,
writing the story Of an assault on wo-
man, used this language: "The human
brute crouched low, waiting for his
prey, and when his victim, all innocent
ho
upon her like Numidian lion."
Some of the habiteauS of the Cafe
Figaro considered that fine writing, and
adopted the expression ''Numidian
lion" in describing a man who had a
rakish reputation. 1t was worn down
by much use to simple "Numidian," and
as they all longed for the reputation the
word was used to define, they came at
last 10 call themselves Numidian. That
was the genesis Of the Numidian Club.
The stage folk began arriving at half
past 10 o'clock, the early arrivals being
men from the variety theatres, who fin
ish their work for the night when their
turn" on the programme is over. They
are serious people, mostly. An Irish
comedian, contortionist, with, per-
haps, two clerical-looking men who do
brother act" may be the first 10
come. They sit down to their bread
and meat and beer silently, with vigor
Gus appetites, and then play solemn
game of pool. Then a miscellaneous
lot of players, husbands and wives,
hurry In, take quick supper, and rush
off to get a ferry or Harlem train.
The Numidians, who are now begin
ming to arrive, are looking for none OF
these. Their companions arrive later,
for the ballet is always ION" for the last
curtain, and it takes sometimes to
change from tights to street clothes.
They began struggling in in noisy pairs
soon after II. Room is made for them
by the Numidions at the round tables,
and beer and sandwiches are offered.
A yougSter in evening dress, half
frightened at finding himself in such
scene Of dazzling gayety, wobbles in and
is promptly invited to join the NUM-
dian Club. He is delighted TO find that
introduction TO life comes so easily, and
would be surprised to learn that those
at all the other tables are jealous Of the
table that captured him. He is told
that just for a joke they have made the
initiation fee bottle OF champagne. He
sees the joke, and when he feels Nan
cite, by his side, press his hand under
the table, he sees again. After a while
he gets "real bold" He tells a funny
story, and is astounded at the mirth he
creates. He never had his stories to 60
so well before.
Then an actor joins the group with
the youngster; one of those actors who
act so much off the stage that the won
der is his constant practice does no
make him act better on it. The young
ster is very much surprised that none
Of the company is much impressed with
the actor, for the youngster is so ex-
cited by the company of such dramat-
IL wonder that he does not notice that
me ring Nanette had borrowed to ex-
tmine she slips on her finger and for
gets TO return. Celeste is indignant for
some reason, OF course, not because she
did not get the ring. aud makes a re-
mark in French in so loud q tone that
girls at other tables hear 1t, and
lilly, and turn and look at the
tables are filed and every
LOUDLY and atouea. The
smoke-bl
Z lIvee