The times., 1898-09-25

II was week ago Tuesday at Kernan's
and a Times man was talking over things
in general with Jack Hirsh. who was
here ahead of the Rogers Brothers.
During the conversation Mile. Nooyah
began her disrobing act and the subject
turned to Charmion. who had first intro
duced that turn into the best theaters.
by the way" said the press agent.
did you ever hear the true story of ths
Frenchwoman' origin?''
No replied the newspaper man.
Well was the response, II think
you'll find it rather interesting. The
Charmion of whom we know was born
only two years ago. Melville StOItz had
Just returned from trip 10 Australia,
and he was financially in desperate
straits There was no chance of employ
ment ahead and no money in his private
exchequer. Having nothing else 10 do,
the gentleman used to spend much of his
time in what is technically known as
'loafing. One afternoon he had gone TO
Sutro's Baths, near the Cliff House. in
San Francisco, and was engaged in
watching wire act there, when his at
tention was drawn to two women next
him. who were discussing some profess
siOnal matter. As he turned toward them
one of the pair remarked, It's nothing. 1
wouldn't be afraid to undress on the
Ia
The words stuck in Mr.. Stoltz's mind,
and he thought them over so rapidly that
his scheme was formed before the turn
was finished Frequently he had seen
disrobing acts in the cheap variety
houses and they had been passed over
lightly, but it had occurred to him that.
done in proper style by woman who
was totally unknown 10 them. the work
might create a sensation with the au-
fhaf ferb-
ters. To its success considerable daring
and diplomacy were necessary. but the
idea seemed a good one. and before leav-
ing the baths the manager had accOSted
his neighbOr. had learned that she was
a trapeze performer, and had got her
address. On the following day he saw
her again and put his plan to her care
fully. She was to do an undressing act,
part of which had already occurred TO
her and re was to direct the tour He
promised to pay her $50 week for six
months and 500 after that. with the priv
ilege of renewing her contract at any
time The girl was making about SIS a
Sunday and living in absolute squalor.
Naturally she grasped at the offer
eagerly.
.'Stoltz wanted TO try the scheme be-
fore leaving town, but found it difficult
to do so because the girl had not the
proper clothing and he could not afford
to buy it. He borrowed some beribbOued
underwear and lingerie. however. from
a friend and the turn was put on at
vaudeville house in town 1t was met
with indifference, mainly because the per
former was well known to her audience.
Some ladies left the theater and there
the matter ended for Frisco But the en-
terprising inventor of the plan immedi-
ately made his way to New York and
hunted up Alfred AarOns at Roster SS
Balls This gentleman had already been
auxiousiy looking out for something new
Stoltz told him that in Australia he had
come across a pretty French woman
who accompanied a clever bar act in one
of the music halls with a sensational dis
rohing turn and Aarons agreed TO bring
the girl on at salary of 500 She was
to be engaged for two weeks. though, in
case of failure. he reserved the privilege
of dismissing her. Thus put in desper-
ate position Stoltz wired the woman. who
started to Gotham at once
.'Her rehsarSals at the house were few
and she came little in contact with the
attaches. all of whom had been told
of her bogus nationality. No one in tbs