The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-03-12

about three feet high, and proper
toned accordingly, hoisted one
diminutive foot over the other, and
shifted the man's-size cigar to the
other corner of his mouth.
1.-The Countess he explained, tiles
down. We come from Denver. the
high altitude. Therefore the atmos-
phere is here depressing. So.''
The Count speaks with marked
italian accent, although he has a per-
feet strangle-hold on English, and
speaks several languages fuently.
Everything about mis- little gentle
man is a boiled down imitation Of any
Through miniature spectacles he
looks UP at the world. A miniature
ELK" charm adorns his coat lapel
and watch charm. He wears, how
ever, grown persons diamond, and
smokes a full-grown club cigar with
no visible effort.
All, here comes the Countess
Lavina Warren of our grandfathers,
Mrs. General Tom Thumb of our
fathers, Countess Magri of the pres
emit The little woman who has been
before the public for the past so years
exploited by the late P. T. Barnum,
a woman who has visited all civilized
countries on the globe, and hob
nobbed with the royalty Of a dozen
nations.
The tall reporter bows three feet
above the Countess, and inquiries the
state of her health
Excellent, except for the fatigue
Of travel replies the little lady in
the voice Of a small girl. I'VE have
made some long trips recently, begin
ming at Seattle. and appearing in a
number of western cities on the
Sullivan-Considine vaudeville circuit
And do not stand the travel so well
as I used to. Now we have a week in
which to rest. Next week we appear
at the Novelty theater In our little
comedy"
1.-THE Countess. in connection with
our appearance, gives aIso a short
| speech" begins the Count
Talk, my dear. not Speech cor
| reefs the Countess hastily. 'It is
| just short talk. I relate, in brief,
the story of my life in public, but I
do not call it a speech
The seats in the hotel parlor were
high. but the little Countess effected
| in a very dignified manner by rocking
| the chair forward to lower the front
| edge. Meanwhile the Count was sort
| Ing over some newspaper clippings in
an attempt to give the reporter an
| outline of their recent travels
Notwithstanding the size of the lit
tie Count and his wife, rney both en-
| joy remarkable health. The Countess
| is now Sc years of age, and has been
appearing in public ever since the
age of 16. when she was discovered"
by P. T. Barnum. and was exhibited
with General Tom Thumb, later her
first husband Commodore Mutt and
his little wife Minnie Mutt. OF this
| little quartette, famous SO years ago.
the present Countess Magri is the
only survivor, and she does not look
| her age, by number of years.
| Myself says the little Count,
| digging out a match which is too LONG
for his miniature vest pocket and re-
kindling his perfecto, ct have been
sick in bed less than one week in my
| life. too, however, tire with travel. %
While in public, Countess Magri
| preserves the name of her first hus-
| band, General Tom Thumb, who was
| during his life, the best known little
man in the world. On the hotel regis
/. tiers, the names appear thus:
Count and Countess Magri, (Mrs.
Gen. Tom Thumb"
| II do not think we will ever travel
| with the circuses again" says the
| Countess, ION account of the incon-
venience.-poor accommodations
| do not like the circus"
The reporter thought of many
J questions. but did not ask them. Il