The herald and news. [volume] (Newberry S.C.) 1903-1937, 1922-12-12

. Ei!t>S : 's:.! P-s - - ivy 80 tI' oe'
ianS suggestion CT a preliminary no
| tice was frowned upon.
Barnum Past Master
II have always seen an enthusias-
tic admirer Of P. 7. Barnum, whom
consider to be the father Of the
great army Of publicity experts Of To-
day n some respects believe Bar
! mum has never been equaled.
His genius fer aaaiyzing the psy-
cholcg% OF his audience was at least
! half century ahead of his time. His
use CO thaa5er passes was especially
skillful. Although q very bus; man,
BarHum found time to call personal
ly at the newspaper offices before the
opening cf any OF his attractions and
distribute the passes in person. Ev-
e~y one accepted free seats.
"Barnum on his visit to the news
papers did nos. however, give away
tickets. A form of printed pass was
common in those days, but Barnunl
on these occasions did not use even
these. Instead he would draw from
his pocket blank form and before
the eyes of.the newspaper man would
carefully sign the paper himself.
These passes bearing Barnum's sig
nature received special attention at
the tneater. The bearer Of such pass
was received with special warmth
at the box Office. At the entrances an
usher would BE hastily summoned,
who would show the guest to a seat
with unusual for:nality. The pass
thus served double purpose, and the
editors returned from the show BEAM
ing with satisfaction.
A Dirge For Lincoln
''Many stories were put over in
those days by utilizing unexpected
situations. The Georgian Minstrels
Glanced to arrive in Springfield, ILL.,,
in 1878, on the anniversary of Lin
coins birth. Shortly after leaving
the train I learned that the band of
white musicians which was to lead the
parade to Lincoln's tomb and take
part in the exercises had suddenly
struck for more pay and refused to
take part. I instantly volunteered
the services Of the negro ,5and Of the
minstrel troup, which were gladly ac-
cepted. The necessary preparations
were made with a rush. The music
for dirge was found in local music
store and the band hastily rehearsed.
"When the long procession of no.
tables from al parts of the county
was formed a few hours later to
march to Lincoln's grave the nego
band marched at the front. I had
addressed the minstrels, recalling the
friendship Of Lincoln for the black
race and urging them to do their best.
The emotional nature Of the negroes
naturally responded and they played
and sang with a fervor which strong
ly moved the great audience. At the
conclusion of their songs thousands
Of people wept. The appearance Of
the musicians, who so recently had
been slaves, at this service at Lin
coins grave was naturally comment
ed upon in papers throughout the
country: The size and enthusiasm Of
the audience in sprinfeld may be i'm
agined.
''The attitude Of the newspapers
tcward publicity half century ago,
l found, was much more LIBERAL out
side New York. Nowhere had the
press notice yet appeared, but a jll-
dicious distribution Of passes would
often work wonders. The editors
were as rule somewhat less sophis-
ticated, it would seem.
Sereraded Grant
During our visit to Louisville, KY,
General Grant, who had just return
ed from his trip around the world,
passed through the city and was en-
tertained by Henry Watterson. The
promptly serenaded him.
The New Yorl: papers. at the time
would have ignored the incident, but
in other cities such an event was con-
sidered news.
Il was we'll esta blished in the dra-
mstic field when my brothers chose
their careers. The first managerial
experience of Charles Fcohman came
VIXEN he was but IS years old. It
consisted in marching with me a. the