The Washington herald., 1908-05-03
The Magicians.

AS far back as the authentic history Of
man extends. we have record Of the re-
course TO oonjuring. legerdemain, or so
called magic for purposes of entertain
ment, religious observances, or the fur
thering of political enterprises. In Exc
dus il is related that Aaron cast down
his rod before Pharaoh. and it became a
serpent. The early history of Greece es-
tablishes the fact that the art was sue
eessfully used by the priests at Delphi,
The early Persians were adopts in its
use, the renowned Haroun Al-Raschid be
ing himself a patron. if not actual partici-
pator in extensive entertainments by its
means. and the misty annals of primi-
tive Britain are tinctured with the ac-
counts OF the enchantments of Merlin,
who must have been a past high priest
OF its mysteries.
Although always fiourishiug in the Oc-
cident, especially in Germany and France,
in which latter country it probably at
tained its Western zenith in the attain
ments Of that celebrated trickster. Robert
Houdin, who employed 1t In many forms,
and wrote a famous textbook, which is
stin extant, furnishing material for many
modern disciples, it was in the Orient
that the art OF producing extraordinary
effects by ordinary means reaches its
greatest perfection. In India and the con-
tiguous territory the production of illu-
sionary spectacles, either by sleight-of-
hand or mechanical contrivance. seems
to have been studied by the high caste
devotees for the purpose or religious use.
and BY the low caste for the uses of
mendicancy; for ages and so marvellous
are the accounts furnished by some of the
European visitors as to go beyond the
bounds Of rational belief; and even the
authority of Sir Henry Havelock himself,
after the Indian Mutiny, was accepted
with some mfsgiyings.
1t is nevertheless true, however, that
the Hindoos are the possessors Of the
highest principles Of the art, both as re-
CARDS skill Of the hand and use Of
scientific mechanical adjuncts, and it is
to them that most Of the famous modern
exploiters of the science have looked for
instruction. our present leading purveyOT.
Kellar. publicly acknowledging his In
debtedness to them for a skill derived
from long sojourns In that country and
a close study OF their methods.
After nearly fifty years spent In afford
ing acute and amusing entertainment to
several succeeding generations OF Ameri-
cans, this man can now retire to private
| life conscious of having enlivened the
recreation hours Of thousands by an ex-
position Of his art IN its most pleasing
phases, claiming nothing beyond scien-
the study and practiced skill. and never
STOPPING 10 the base uses of charlatanrv.
As a mere entertainer he figured. and
NOT as the priest of any subverted re-
ligious sect or occult cult, which latter
role he might have assumed with per-
haps more satisfactory financial results.
had he chosen to use his knowledge as
a means Of separating the ignorant. the
supersititious, or even the simple minded
from their ever ready shekels. He has
creditably filed a very necessary place
In the world of amusement, and may
his successor ill out another half cen
tury as fun OF honor. There is no form
OF diversion so prolific Of genuine won
derment to the young or so fun Of
reminiscent quality TO the aged II is
from such spectacles that most Of US
obtain our first impressions OF theatrical
things, and however eopversant we may
become with the details of their produc-
ton, we never cease 70 enjoy them when
skillfully demonstrated, nor to revei in
the snatching from passing life the few
brief moments of rejuvenated youth.