The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1897-05-26
Doc BROWN BEATEN.
Kansas City Cake Walker Third in
Contest With st. Louis and Topeka.

Kansas City, May 26.-In his own city
and surrounded by hundreds of his
friends, Doc Brown, bOasted champion
cake walker of Missouri-and of the
world for that matter-weGlt down to
defeat at the Third regiment armory
last night.
The cake walk was given under the
auspices of Trinity camp No. 1868, Mod
ern Woodmen of America The armory
had been arranged as an amphitheater.
leaving a space of about 50X20 feet in
the center for the grand cake walk.
Mayor Jones, Judge Clifford, Chief Hale,
Mayor Marshman Of Kansas City, K an,
and Mayor Drake of Westport acted as
the judges. The armOry was packed,
and when Doc Brown was seen max
ing his way to the front there were
long and deafening cheers. Only one
change was noticeable in the doctors
costume from that in which he appears
daily on the streets. He had made no
attempt to shine his shoes, and in
places his hosiery glared through. But
in place of the familiar silk hat, which
the doctor dOffs at almost every step
when on the street, was a glaring mill
tary helmet, with gold lace and brass
ornaments.
Following the doctor came Henry
Brown, the champion of Kansas. He
was attired in the latest mode, costume
de rigueur, a la Topeka; high standing
collar, patent leather shoes, CATERS and
shining tile. With the grace of a Ches-
terfield he swung a heavy walking
stick. He had trim, neat figure, the
direct contrast of the doctors, and his
clothes fitted him, while the doctors
did not.
Then came Albert Collins of St. Louis.
He was a happy medium between the
two Browns in figure, bearing and dress.
He wore delicate, faWn-cOlOred trous-
ers, creased a la razOrback, dark
checked vest, dark cutaway, light
overcoat and a time-wOrn silk hat. He
also carried heavy cane. Both the
fascinating Collins and the captivating
Topeka Brown were accompanied by
their ladies.
Having no lady, Doc Brown was COM
PEELED to wait until Collins and Brown
their ladies' Collins walked with the
grace of an Apollo. the hghtness OF a
fawn, the witchery of fay Brown
of Topeka also got in some good HckS
in these directions AND an the tlIne I7
Doc Brown stood at one end of the hall
and glared from beneath his helmet at
the other Brown.
'eWhy, sub, ah knows dozens of fel-
lows what can beat de life out oh dat
fellow he exclaimed, referring TO
Brown of Topeka Finally the doctor
was called and the ladies were dismiss
ed Cheers broke out again, and that
part of the audience in the galleries
rose to it's feet to see every movement
of the cake walkers. Doc Brown step
ped out in the open space, threw his
head back, raised his elbows and crossed
his feet. 1t was dramatic attltuoe
such as might put many tragedians to
shame. For some seconds he posed and
was greeted with cheers.
In a flash he was off, and in the
length of the open space he changed his
movements a score of times Someone
in the audience threw a half dollar IN
front of the walker. He stopped,
salaamed, grabbed the silver piece and
Started again Then dimes, quarters
and nicl5els were thrown around him,
and he stopped for each one This love
of money interrupted to a sad degree
the continuity of his gyrations Col
Inns strobe on and disdained to even
look at the coins. He was after the
cake. Brown of Kansas glided around
the space with an air that plainly show
ed him above the need of filthy lucre.
So the judges decided that Collins
fairly won first honors; Brown OF Kan
sas. second, and Doc Brown had TO be
content with the collection