The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1895-12-31
that have ever come under my

tradictions that have ever come under my
notice.
The engagement of Mile Guilbert is for
four weeks only, and it is therefore likely
that she will draw well up to the end. Ev-
cry New Yorker and every visitor feels
that it is his bounden duty to see the
French wonder, even though she prove a
disappointment. 1t is the proper thing
to do if you are in the swim or pretend to
be.
Here again the wonderful astuteness of
that wonderful man, Oscar Hammerstein,
shows up prominently. The music hall
is almost certain to become permanently
popular among the chest people, through
his foresight in starting with such attrac-
tions as would command the patronage of
those who would ordinarily be shocked by
the mere suggestion of visiting such a
place of amusement Now that they have
been initiated and have found it very
pleasant they are likely to continue. The
men like it because smoking is permitted
and every facility is provided for him who
would drink water or something more ar
dent. In the music hall seven tiers of
boxes rise from the auditorium, and the
ordinary seats are very comfortable. There
is a large stage, and the specialties pro-
vided are of the highest order of merit.
Across lobby there is a fully equipped and
1esque Excelsior, Jr.,'' is now being CIV
en- with great success. In another portion
of the building is large and conveniently
arranged concert hall, where one may sit
and listen to the strains of sweet music
discoursed by a fine orchestra, under the
dictatorship of q man who will not prosti-
tute his ability for the purpose of catching
the temporary applause of the unthinking
multitude. And so cents entities you to
admission tie all threa Of these aOfartair1-
ments.
Interesting and unique as is Olympia, 1t
is not one-half so interesting or unique as
the individual who brought it into exist
ence. There is no question of the fact that
Oscar Hamm erStein is the most daring,
most ingenious, most pertinacious and
most reSourceful individual ever connect
ed with tho management of modern theat-
rical enterprises. He was born in Germany
of we'll to do parents and came over to this
country with some money. He looked
about carefully and eventually started
tobacco trade journal, which was SO sue
cessful that he sold it out within COM
paratively short time for 500, 600. Some
time afterward he invented cigar max
ing machine which netted him a small for
tune, and since that time his fertile brain
has turned out numerous other inventions
which have been almost uniformly sue
cessful and profitable. Finally Hammer
stein drifted into theatrical management.
He built the Harlem Opera House, in West
One Hundred and Twenty fifth street, and
though he was ridiculed for his alleged
stupidity he has made it a paying piece of
property. and it is probable that he could
easily dispose of the ground on which it
stands for more than the original cost of
land and building. The same may be said
of the Columbus theater, cheaper priced
temple of amusement which he put up on
East One Hundred aud Twenty fifth street
to forestall some enterprising gentlemen
who had tardily come to a realization of
the vast possibilities of Harlem as field
for theatrical work.
Hammerstein's next venture was the
magnificent Manhattan Opera House in
West Thirty fourth street. 1t was his in
te0tiOn there To carry ont his pet Schop,e