Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1894-12-20
DRANK With HIS NIBS
DOWNING KNEW THs KING OF THE SAND
VICE ISLANDS,
nd Will Make Elm and Queen "LiI" Figure in
BIS Opsrstia-His Opinion Of
Dixon and GFifo.

W. w. Downing who is in the city
representing the Trolley system"
Company, is true cosmopolitan. he
has been in nearly every quarter Of the
globe, and has 3 wonderfully retentive
memory. 1t was while working for the
Peruvian government, about twenty
years ago, that his attention was hrst
directed toward the theatrical business,
and be consented 10 become manager
of the Royal Hawaiian Theatre
In Honolulu. A modern theatre has
since taken its place, but at that time
the playhouse was q large barn-iike
structure in a cOcOanut grove with tiers
of boxes extending around tbs interior,
At an elevation of twenty feet, like q
balcony. Il was in these boxes that
royalty saw the play, and King ha-
Iskua and Queen Liliu okalani were
patrons OF the house, as well as mem
bers OF their household.
Mr.. Downing describes "His Royal
NiOs' as q very ordinary Individual,
whose powers were restricted, and VINO
Invariably acQuiesced 10 the will Of the
legislative body, fearing that opposi-
tlon on his part might result 10 the cur
tailment OF mis- salary. The King, be-
fore his election TO the throne, was
worthless fellow, and would not have
amounted TO anything but for the fact
that royal blood cOursed through MS
veins. After his elevation 10 the throne,
be lived In debaucheTy, and cared
more for the wine cup than affairs OF
state. Downing was frequently men,
Der Of party OF cOngenial spirits, ln-
gliding Kal9Sua, who sat up until the
early hours OF the mcrning over the
dice cup. Downing was then about
twenty-five years OF age, ana stood high
In the community because or his con-
nection with the only theatre on the
Island. He describes Queen Lii as
good type of the negro, cOrpulent ana
sensual, who liked high living about as
well as her spouse, and be did not con-
slider II much an honor TO be personally
acquainted with her.
Honolulu is two thousand miles from
San Francisco, and the players were
transported on sailing vessels, the con-
tract fare being usually about $50
person. A company would remain
about two months, giving performances
three nights week, and then either
return 10 the States, or 60 to Australia,
generally the latter.
When the Hawaiian Islands began TO
figure in the news papers, MIR. Downing
hit upon q scheme for q theatrical ven
ture, which promises 10 prove very sue
cessful With the assistance Of Mr..
James German, OF minstrel fame, an
opere tia was written, which was set TO
music by Z. +. Moore, OF Philadelphia.
King Kalakua, Queen Lii, President
Cleveland, Secretary Gresham, Minister
Blount, are all carlcatured In the piece,
and there will be- some startling scenic
effects, including an eruption from the
volcano Of Mauna Loa. The music was
rehearsed yesterday for the first time,
by the Grand Opera House orchestra.
II Is Of a light order, and very catchy.
Mr.. Downing is now making an effort
to secure good artists for the leading
parts. The title of the operetta is
Queen Lii, or Troubles in Hawaii"
Mr.. Downing has been associated
with various amusement enterprises,
and has placed several com anies on the
road. He was for two years manager
OF George DiXon's company, and in view
OF the coming battle between Dixon and
Critic, his opinion Of the fighting a6ili-
ties Of the former will be interesting.
"Dlxon is a good fighter and a clever,
gentlemsnly fellow, who always knows
his place. be said. 81 would be sorry
TO see him defeated, but l am OF the
opinion that when the two meet in jan
uary, Critic will win II the fight is
SQUARE. Critic is truly a wonder. He
is a great boozer, and for an ordinary,
limited bout, he never trains for more
than a day. He Is snort and stocky, and
you can form some IDEA Of his build,
when it is stated that he wears an
eighteen collar.
Ellis lighting methods are peculiar.
In a finish ia title he usually worries his
opponent in the first few rounds, saving
his wind and strength. He can stand a
great amount OF punishment, and ne
usually winds his antagonist Then he
sails in 10 dead earnest and never lets up
until be has put his man out l do not
place low estimate on DiXon's ability
when / predict that Critic will be the
victor, as l regard him as the best
fighter In his class with the exception
OF Critic. Critic has defeated all corners,
and will defeat Dixon"
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