The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-08-01
FLORIDA BLOSSOM MEN"
PAY VISIT TO WERNER


The sun poured scintiuating rays
into the offices Of police headquarters,
where Major Werner sat alternately
tanning himself with an old report
and hopping his heady brow with
gigantic handkerchief which he says
was made in Germany"
Extreme heat is rarely conducive
to exceptionally good humor, Conse-
quently, when the door OF the chiefs
Office opened To admit two ultra gaud-
lily dressed made persons of Senegam-
hian origin. the smile of welcome
which appeared on the chiefs usually
happw countenance was cold in exact
proportion to the amount that the
usually genial major was hot.
There ensued moment Of painful
silence. Major Werner looked inquisi-
tive, but said nothing. Probably he
was rendered speeches. by the cos
tunes Of his visitors, Both wore pur-
pie vests and pink knitted sCarfs.
Both wore blac kand white checked
trousers, white shoes, green socks and
collars that for height seemed de-
signed especially for the use Of a full
grown giraffe. Both also twirled
canes and smoked cigarettes--and the
major doesn't like cigarettes.
After all three had looked each
other over in mutual distrust- the
black duet began to speak.
We represent" began the tall
one---
The Florida blossoms" chimed
in the other--''greate aggregation OF
colored talent ever asse mi led in this
or any other COUNT. TIM the star
end man, / have
Vas. sub, and Use the manager -
broke in the tan one / assuah yo =
/
notwithstanding strictly moral
and first class Among the mum bprs
foh instance, theh is
Il sing a fine song" interrupted
the short "eud man Il write the
song. and, believe me. Mr.. chief, II
is the goods. Why down in North
Carolina
''Snough S'nough" broke in Ma
jor Werner What is it What do
you want Want to give me some
complimentary tickets idon't go
to the theatrc--tco busy. I'm"
The very tall very back manager
stopped y" chiefs statements With a
graceful wave Of q near bediamonded
hand
What We al wants is a permit to
give parade through the streets Of
this hcah city--and another permit
foh us TO give two performances. one
Monday afternoon and one Monday
night, In big tent We wants to erect
at Leigh and Harrison streets
Anything Jokes about Jack John
son in that show" queried Major Wer-
ner suspiciously.
''Well--as. an yes--that Is" began
the end man hesitatiugly
nough," muttered the chief Of
Police. Riots maybe-more work on
me and my men Wen. you'll have to
see the Mayor. but / warn you'll
warn YOU beforehand that l am OPP
posed to granting the permit. But
III take YOU to the Mayor. Come on"
Accordingly Chief Werner escorted
his human Kaleidoscope across the
hall to the Mayors Office AS he en-
tered Miss Bernie Atkinson, secretary
TO Mayor Richardson, gave one terri
tied glance and then looked for
chance to flee. There was no. way OF
escape. and 30 she turned and faced
the gay raimented ones bravely.
To her the end man and the man
ager explained their mission and were
referred TO Mr.. Robert Whittet. presi-
dent Of the Board OF Aldermen and
acting Mayor in the absence OF Judge
Richardson, who is out of the city
on a vacation.
The two minstrel men finally left
the City Hall. TO the accompaniment
Of gasps from all those who saw them.
They found acting Mayor Whittet at
his office and got the permit,
And so the Florida Blossoms will
parade an dwill crack jokes anad sing.
Meanwhile Major Werner mutters
concerning Jack Johnson and possible
riots, and still insists that he is OPP
posed to the whole proceedings.