The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-07-31
CART LOAD SNAKES
Is Wheeled Into Town by "De Cham
pion Sr AXE Charmer of
West Missouri"

There is in Topeka one of the most
| freakish and peculiar individuals that has
appeared on the streets this summer
Notwithstanding the fact that men have
| ridden up and down Kansas avenue in
wheelbarrows; have appeared travelling
around the world in payment of some
fool election bet; or starting naked from
home have undertaken the feat of car
rying the United States flag to every
capital in the United States.
The last OF the freaks came unheralded-
He blew into town without ostentat ton
His golden hair was hanging down his
back The hair contained two distinct
colors. That which fingered close to the
mans head was brown, inclined to dark
while that which streamed out in vain
attempt to become curls. was not unlike
a drip of yellow sorghum from the presses
to the watts. .'Blondined' women are
plentiful, but this is the first blondineu
man that ever came to Topeka.
This picturesque and grotesque indi-
vidual stood at the corner of Eighth and
Kansas avenue and gazed vacantly up
and down the street. He was seeking an
opportunity to reveal his identity when
Journal reporter happened along. The
stranger said:
Pm de champion snake charmer of
the West Mizzoury bottoms. See?'
The reporter has never made a study
of the science of snake charming, al
thong hhe has seen an occasional visitor
in Topeka who indicated that he was in
need of some such influence. He sup
posed that Shiny, greasy, dirty clothing
is the proper garb for this tedious and
dangerous business. If that be true Mr..
C. J. Lester. as he introduced himself is
eminently qualified for the work he as
sumes to be authority upon. He is both
unkempt and unclean. His voice sounds
like a rasp. He is nervous and unsteady
in conversation but does not forget to
call frequent and special attention to the
dignity which he possesses, as de cham
pion.'
How did you happen to take up this
vocation?' inquired the reporter.
well, you see it was this way. When
I was a kid 1 travelled with de champion
snake charmer of the world. She was
madam somebody - don't remember her
name. She is the best on earth and 1
next to her. I know all she knows
but then 1 amt had much experience
How much study did you devote to the
work before beginning?''
''Oh, none at ALL Ye see some men can
write; kin make speeches;
others kin play base ball; some Atchison
fellers think they're politicians; some
Topeka men are old fogies; and a good
many men in those towns amt no
count for nothing. This snake charmin'
is natural with me. 1 amt account
for nothing else. But he exclaimed
swelling up with pride, I'm a champion
at dis business
"a few days ago." continued this
amusing character. some of the papers
talked about me bein' the Atchison snake
charmer. Now 1 want it understood that
amt the Atchison snake charmer.
am de champion snake eharmer of west
Mizzoury. See?"
Lester started across the country push-
ing small two-wheeled cart, surmount-
ed by a green box containing the nine
snakes which he uses in the exhibitions
in smaller towns. Il was gettin along
purity good he said. II showed in Os-
ka1oosa. Leavenworth and other small
towns in eastern Kansas but I never
tackle the big towns. 1 going right
through Topeka. At LeavenwOrth they
were easy. 1 got IS $40 out of that
town in one evening. 1 always size up a
crowd. If they look like they'd give up
more'n dollar 1 go after 'em. 1 manage
to get about all there is in a crowd before
I begin my show. 1 get the money in my
pocket first. Then 1 begin business"
Have you removed the poison fangs
from these rattlesnakes and vipers
which you handler"
The snake charmer gave the inquirer
the most disdainful look imaginable and
said:
''Well I guess not. Any fool could play
with snakes that way.
I'll tell you what. If any old farmer
along the road can bring me a snake I
can't handle at first sight. I'll postpone
my trip and work a month. for him for
nothin'. I'm de champion, don't you see?
Lester started out from Atchison and
is now headed for Manhattan. From there
he expects to go west to Arizona and New
Mexico, returning by route farther
south, landing in Oklahoma. dis cham
pionship trip will take me about year.
he said. Il ffgger that 1 kin make more
money with snakes than l kin with corn
and L am Quittin' farmin' for that length
of time"