The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1908-09-02
A New Romeo and Juliet
BY THE LATE
L n A r L E s n. D Az,
In the Dramatic News
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS EYTfTfTV
When Joshua Jackson was negoti-
ating for the purchase of the menag-
erie of Maybell & Co., retiring, there
was only one hitch in the deal that
for the time being brought matters to
a standstill. Jackson explained:
81 am not buying pig in a poke;
the price is all right, but what is the
use of my taking the elephant Romeo
in the trade without l am assured
that Carpenter, his keeper, can be
had to handle him at reasonable
figure. You know that the animal is
terror and that man is the only
person who can do anything with
him-a part of the time"
"A part of the timer" interrupted
Maybell.
"Yes, part of the time; when the
huge rascal feels like it he goes on
rampage, Carpenter or no Carpenter,
and then there's damages to pay and
all that sort of thing, lawsuits and
claims"
Ii
in the United States" asserted May
bell.
"The worst elephant on earth," an
swered Jackson.
"The greatest card in the show
business" declared Maybell. "He is
famous"
"As he Is infamous"
~We have made a fortune out of
him and when his tantrums have
caused us expense we have charged
1t up to advertising"
"That is all very well, Mr.. May
bell," said the shrewd Joshua Jack
son. "you just send for Carpenter;
II I can strike bargain with him,
we'll and good; otherwise the dicker
is off, and we'll talk bushes with
Romeo left out of the sale."
Maybell returned, Romeo goes
with the outfit; no Romeo, no SALE
We are going to lump the whole
business, but will send over to the
winter quarters and have Carpenter
come up"
The elephant keeper reported and
was introduced to Joshua Jackson,
who explained to the handsome young
fellow: "Mr. Carpenter, have an
Idea of buying your managers menag-
erie, as you probably know they are
going out of the business, having
made all the money they desire. 1
am still hunting the dollar. Now If
/ should buy, can you be hired for
this coming season and what is the
fgure?"
"One hundred and fifty dollars a
month" was the prompt reply.
"That is more than ever paid an
elephant trainer" returned Jackson.
"You never owned Romeo said
Carpenter. Il don't care to risk my
life for less"
II think I can get man for less, E"
observed Jackson.
Carpenter smiled as he responded: :
@Mr. Jackson, there isn't an expert
enced elephant trainer in the country
who could be hired to take my place
for one thousand dollars a month. 1t
man up against that monster!"
Joshua Jackson wanted the menag-
erie badly. 1t was his ambition to
have big show and the present op-
portunity was one not to be lost.
After some hesitation he decided.
Carpenter, 1t is a go; too much
money, but l will have to stand it. "
Then turning to the manager he said (:
"Maybell, write me out a receipt for
the amount; I've brought the green
backs along with me-"
In five minutes the menagerie of
Maybell & Co., including the mighty
war elephant, Romeo, became the
property of Joshua Jackson, the ris-
ing Philadelphia Snowman.
Jackson determined to make his
opening In Chicago, and shipped his
show to that point, and there added
the newly purchased menagerie.
The manager had a very lovely
daughter. and as soon as he an.
nounced his purchase to the fair
Juliet, he added: "And what do you
think is the name of the elephant?
Romeo" Father and daughter
laughed, and he said: "The rea
Romeo is his keeper. young fellow
named Carpenter; brave chap who
risks his life every day. for you mus
know that Romeo is the very worst