Los Angeles herald., 1907-03-13
CROWD ENJOYS
BARNUM BENEFIT
GEORGE ADE MAKES HIS FIRST
APPEARANCE
Program One Of Great Varlety-Rev
Robert j. Burdette Makes Crowd
Laugh at Analysis Of
Humor

When George Barnum appeared on
the Belasco stage yesterday afternoon
in the role of Uncle Dan in "Marse
Covington" he was accorded a recep-
tion that must have warmed his heart.
AS the old negro character he stepped
to the footlights a few moments later
and poured forth thanks to the gath
ering which had assembled in his
honor.
To say that the Barnum benefit was
a success would be idle for never be-
fore has such a crowd surged about
the play house doors on Main street.
Seats were selling for any price yes
terday morning and many were the
disappointed ones who turned away
minus the coveted pasteboards.
At o'clock Signor Ferulli waved his
baton and the popular organization
auspiciously opened an afternoon of
good things upon which the final cur
tain fell after 6.
1t seemed as though Mr.. Barnum,
with his genius for such things, was
directing stage proceedings, for, con-
trary to the usual run Of theatrical
benefits, there was no hitch and each
number followed in quick succession.
FNhS diNo " FNbOiSliSS
To a major portion of the audience
perhaps the appearance of George AIDE
proved the most interesting feature.
Not that George said anything bril-
liant; in fact, he looked as though some
other place would be more agreeable.
AT any event, the celebrity was there
and he spoke nicely of Mr.. Barnum,
referring affectionately to his first
name, which, Mr.. AIDE declared, all the
tt1iNro wiz nP hi icto Y~y-in6 ohn11t
with them.
George III was great in his way"
said Mr.. Ade, "but would have met
with more success had he not been
opposed by another George" Mr. AIDE
glanced apologetically at his audience
after a few more such happy remarks
and then wound up with a reference
to Mr. Barnum, which placed him SOL
idly with his listeners.
At this juncture the famous Hoosier
reached toward the wings and drew
therefrom Mr.. Barnum. Another signal
for applause, which, subsided, the vet
eran actor again made known his re-
gret at leaving the scene of recent
labors and asked that fellow COM
panions of the Belasco be accorded the
support which he believed their past
efforts deserved.
No Morefor AIDE
AS Mr. Barnum referred to the pres
ence OF Ade in the light of first ap-
pearance the latter was heard to re-
mark, And my last" as he edged to-
ward the wings.
Alice Nielsen proved delightful in
Tosti's "Good-By," and, encored, gave
Coming Thro' the Rye"
The artist flowed through Harry
Mestayers Bohemian reading and Har-
ry came back several times before sat
isfaction settled over the house.
Bill Desmond turned neat trick on
the matinee girls, which was very
clever indeed. IAN Old Sweetheart of
Mine" staged William before a cozy
fireplace with pipe in hand and a gem
eral appearance that was all that
of view. AS the end drew nigh in
which the reciter discovers that sweet
heart is wife, Mr.. Desmond arose and
really did behold his wife in the door,
way.
"Marse Covington" Hit
George AIDES "Marse Covington" is
probably the best thing the Hoosier
ever did. 1t made decided hit, the
moro so, as Barnum carried the part
of Uncle Dan.
Rev. Robert J. Burdette shared hon
ors with John Burton in lending a cleri-
cal aspect, and Mr.. Burdette's version
IF sorrow and happiness blended well
with the flow of stage color.
Burdette on Laughter
Mr.. Burdette said in part:
Three thousand years ago the
preacher, speaking for a king who had
looked upon the Seamy side of life by
way of Investigation and experiment.
who had tried every pleasure that mon
ey could buy, just to see what it tasted
like, wrote as one of his positive con-
clusions, L said of laughter, it is mad
Well, the most of it certainly is in
congruous
You have had delightful afternoon
until came on. Do you know what
you have been laughing about? Prob
ably because somebody has seemed to
be in trouble. Possibly because some
man whom you love and esteem has
been bounded by adverse fortune.
That's what people usually laugh
about. Not long ago, because a score
of sufferers from a fearful explosion
over on Second street were moaning on
couches of pain in the hospitals, a lot
~, L