The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1894-10-26
HOW II WAS DONE.
Two Men See the Spirit at Work

Probably the most interested spectators
OF the Waite performance last night were
E A Schiller and Ed Blodgett. Looking
down through the scuttle hole on the top
of the building with an umbrella over
them they were free from observation; but
being directly over the cabinet could see
every movement of the medium. how
Harry Waite operated will be of interest to
our readers. Ofccurss he had been ex-
mined, but the examination was very in
acomplete. Immediately upon the curtains
eing closed before him he looked all
round above him to see whether any one
as watching him. Then he deftly pulled
me ropes from secret place at his neck,
d quickly tied himself in such way
at while every thing seemed firm at his
nees and hands he had complete use of
is right hand such is the peculiar COM
lnation of the rope3. He does not take
the hand out; but the entire rope at his
wrist goes with the movement. When COM
pletely tied, his aocompice, the Doctor,
hands IN the bag of ropes, tied and sealed.
This is interesting. The Doctor had deft.
ly fastened one bag around another SO
arranged that the bag sealed is the empty
one. Upon its being handed over the cur
tain the medium" pnlls the bag of ropes
from out the bag in the Doctors hand and
hides it on his person tine Doctor drops the
bag, 1t Is placed in young Waite's lap, his
hands come together and the curtain flies
open: The bell ringing is simple. The
medium" has complete use of his right
hand and uses it at will tie is quicker
than CREASED lightning in his movements.
DIR layne's handkerchief dropped in was
deity tied Dy young Waite with the full
use of both hands. The dark handkerchief
on his head was simply a duplicate, the
same as the one coming out twisted. The |
horn was blown by the medium with |
his mouth full of water by separate piece |
In his mouth, hence was not wet, and the |
mouth organ was not p.ayed at all. but the |
piece In his mouth lightly. Every cabinet !
trick done was with the same simplicity. |
He had plenty of time to unite himself, it |
was an easy job. though appearing to be
done rapid V. The slate writing was done |
at first in the cabinet by Waite of course.
The four big states were prepared in the !
basement. He could be seen to take them
there. The envelopes furnished when ar
ranged In the right light could be easily
seen through and the writing read. The
hgures of Mr. Crawford on the slate were
read by the motion of his hand by DIR
Waite and communicated to the medium"
by secret signs. One bell thrown in the
air went so high as to nearly reach the
observers above.
The wigw1m act, though not seen very
well was as simple. The INC lium, -"
though tied to the stake absolutely lad
complete use Of his arms, such is The ar
rangement, his hands leaving the stake
instantly on the curtains closing, and
hence the ease with which the coat was
removed and a larger coat put on, as well /
as the other tricks. The arrangement of /
the rope is of course secret. Before the |
handcuf act young Waite went behind the |
scenes and was observed to take out and |
examine lis handcuff keys, one a peculiar
arrangement evidently for different kinds /
of handcuffs. Sheriff McFe-on. Marshal |
Lee and d B Montelth placed FIVE hand |
cutfs on two chairs Three of them Waite |
handled very easily; but the others he |
could not manipulate for the reason that |
the holes had been filled with sealing wax
after being locked. A good joke ON the
spirits.
The table moving needs no explanation |
The whole thing is seen to be very |
simple and merely very clever work, en-
tirely devoid of any spirit excep. the spirit /
for making money The show is a good |
one; but for two men to pass themselves |
of as mediums who are simply sleight of |
hand performers, no comment is necessary |
1t is probably simply In the line of Mr. |
Barnum and most other showmen. Most !
of the public understand it and readily |
accept 1t as part Of the business