The Jersey City news. (Jersey City [N.J.]) 1889-1906, 1897-05-08
HOB6KHN BRUTALITY.
Variety Performers Dragged
Through the Streets in
Stage Dress-couehee-
Couehee Raid.

AS a result of complaint made by the
Rev. H. I. Beatty Of the First Presby-
terian Church, Hoboken, Chief of Police
Donovan of that city ordered raid last
night on the concert hall known as 1.-THE
Royal at No. 157 First street Four
women and two men were arrested; but
when the prisoners were arraigned this
morning Recorder Mconough released
them all excepting David Grou the pro-
prietor, and Lizzie Gray, "a song and
dance artist" of No. III West Seven
teenth street, New York. The latter was
announced on the billboards as an imi-
tation Little Egypt" The other pris-
oners included John w. Uevis, a come
dian, of No. 50 Fourth street, Hoboken,
Mary Brown, who refused to give her ad-
dress, Lille Robinson, of No. SOB Eighth
avenue, New York and George Bert of
No. 80 West Twenty y-sixth street, New
York.
Several days ago Pas-or Beatty sent
letter to Chief Donovan stating that he
had been told that improper exhibitions
were taking place every evening at the
Royal Music Hall. Pastor Beatty alleged
that the performance, referred to, was
announced to take place every night.
between 11:30 and 12 o'clock. He called
the Chiefs attention to tht fact that the
law was being violated and the latter
thereupon ordered the raid. George
Jacobs, of No. 1Q6 Third street, who it
is said was one of Pastor Beatty's in
formants, swore out warrant for Pro-
ing disorderly house.
A squad of police, including Detectives
Weinthal and Quinn. Policeman Leahy
and Chancemen Meyer and Heckt went to
the hall about II o'clock last night. Heckt
was detailed to go in side while the others
waited on the street until he notified
them when the alleged immoral show ap-
peared. The concert hall was crowded to
the doors. Shortly before midnight Heckt
gave the signal to his colleagues and the
squad entered. Leahy and Heckt rushed
through the crowd and jumping up on the
Egypt" who they alleged was performing
the "coochee cOochee."
The other women, all of whom were
engaged at the hall were found in the
police appeared on the stage the audience
made mad rush for the door and for
q, time there. was small sized riot in
down and trampled on and one of the
walters who was carrying a tray of
drinks, was pushed over table The
pOlco, however, only arrested the per-
formers and the proprietor The women
were taken to Police Headquarters in
their, dancing costumes, but were allowed
to change their dress later. AS they
walked along the street in their scanty
attire crowd followed them and when
they reached the police station there was
a mob in front of the door that reached
out to the middle of the street.
Captain Hayes had left orders with Ser
geant Flattery to refuse to accept bail
for the women and consequently thew
We're locked uD in the cells all night.
Proprietor Grou and Nevis furnished
bonds for their release. This morning
Police Court Jacobs, who had made the
complaint against the place, did not ap-
pear. Counsellor John I. Weller appear
ed on behalf of the prisoners, all of whom
denied that any immoral show was given.
Policeman Dennis Leahy testified that he
coochee" in imitation of the Seeley din
'ner.
How were you dressed?' asked Re-
corder McDonough of Lizzie Gray, one of
the prisoners.
I had on blue satin costume to the
knsf, knees, with !. white blouse and sort of
Were you doing the dance referred
to?" continued the Court
NO, sir. | never attempted it. In the
first place I can't do It, I was sinn1v
doing a Spanish dance with castanettes
IN my hands which I held above nv
head AAs
The other witnesses corroborated the
woman ssstatement, but the Recorder de-
c1ded to hold her and the proprietor FOR
furtherf ddamination ~
Grou purchased the concert hall five
weeks ago from Solomon We}nthaI
pro5her tho5 OF Councilman Joseph S. Vein