Mahatma1preview

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THE ONLY PAPER IN TIIK UNITED STATES DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF MAGICIANS, SPIRITUALISTS, MESMEKIM -, I i

VOL.

I. No. I.

NEW YORK. MARCH, I8QS.

ROBERT HOUDIN. KATHI-.R OF MODERN

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MAGIC.

ROBHRT HoniiN was born on the 6th of December, 180s. in the town of Blois, France. His father a watchmaker in that city gave him a good education at the college of Orleans, with the idea of making him a professional man, a solicitor by preference; but Houdin was averse to this, having inherited his father's mechanical genius he wished to follow in his footsteps. To this his father would not listen, and forthwith bound him to a country solicitor, where he served two years, at the end of which time he was discharged having spent most of his time in constructing ingenious mechanical contrivances. His father at last despairing of making anything of him except that which nature designed. con-__ sented to his following his own bent, much to his son's joy. He was sent to a relative at a distant town to learn the watchmaking trade. While there, by the merest chance a treatise on conjuring fell into his hands that so charmed and fascinated him that he became averse to following his father's trade, his sole ambition being to become a conjurer; chance at this time throwing him into the company of a professional conjurer strengthened this ambition, but circumstances compelled him to stick to his trade; nevertheless he found time not only to perfect himself in sleight of hand, but to construct new mechanical tricks which he fondly hoped to exhibit some day.

So great was his ingenuity, that at the Paris Exhibition of 1844, he was awarded a medal for the ingenious construction of several automata. In 1845, Houdin had the good fortune to render a great service to a nobleman of considerable wealth, who in a spirit of gratitude pressed upon him the loan of sufficient money to enable him to open a small theatre in the Palais Royal, Paris. It was here that Houdin made reforms that entitles him to be called the Father of Modern Magic. The contemporary performers of his time dressed like astrologers, in long and flowing robes, embroidered with hieroglyphic characters, and pointed cap, or in a mountebank costume with short sleeves

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and bare arms. Houdin appeared on the stage in ordinary ••evening dress," substituting undraped gilt tables and consoles in the Louis XV. style in place of the cumbersome long draped tables of his predecessors. The enormous metal covers under which articles to be vanished had hitherto been placed, were replaced with covers of glass, opaque or transparent as occasion required; boxes with false bottoms and all apparatus of brass or tin were completely banished from his stage. At his entertainments which were given under the title Soriees Fantastiques, the originator exhibited certain illusions which not only by reason of the manner of their working, but of the principles" whereon they were based. inaugurated a new era of conjuring, these were the Second Sight, the Aerial Suspension, the Inexhaustible Bottle, the [Mysterious "Portfolio, the Crystal Cash-box. the Wonderful Orange-tree. etc. . including several pieces of •-_4ufniiiata.

The Soirees Fantastiques proved

a complete success and soon the little theatre was nightly crowded with the first circles of Parisian society ; though the number of seats were limited to two hundred, the prices were tolerably high, so that" Robert Houdin, thanks to the signal favor with which his performances were received by the public, was enabled to repay his generous creditor within a year afterthe opening of his theatre". He continued to enjoy uninterrupted success until 1848. when the revolution ruined all theatrical speculations in Paris, he then visited London, where his performances at the St. James' Theatre were universally attractive and lucrative; leaving London he made a tour through Great Britain with equal success, returning to Paris when France had settled down quietly under the rule of a President; he subsequently visited many other parts of Europe and was everywhere received with distinction and applause.

In 1852 finding his health failing he determined to retire, to his great regret his two sons upon whom he had reckoned to fill his place evinced from an early age, inclinations of a different character to those he had hoped. The elder, yielding doubtless to an hereditary predisposition, developed {Cloutinned on piig? 2. 1

flDabatma.

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TO OUR READERS. In presenting "MAHATMA" to the magical fraternity it is with the idea of (to use a time worn phrase) filling a long felt want. Every branch of any occupation, art, science is represented by a periodical of some kind, but magic whose devotees can be counted by the thousands has in some unacountable way been overlooked, therefore MAHATMA as a periodical is unique, and justifies our claim that it "fills a long felt want." The chief features of MAHATMA are as follows: beginning with the first number a series of articles will be given teaching Umbromania. or the art of shadowgraphv, also Chapeaugraphy, or a score of heads under one hat, tricks of various kinds and their manner of working, optical and mechanical illusions, and automa, the majority of which will be new to the profession at large, they never having been printed in book form. Juggling tricks will also be treated upon, in fact everything that pertains to magic directly or indirectly. "MAHATMA" will also cheerfully answer any questions pertaining to magic or any of its branches, and will keep track of all the noted artists of the day, telling of their doings, comings and goings, not only in this country but the world over.

The advantages of our advertising columns to the performer cannot be over-estimated, there he will find materials and tools advertised which will enable him to perform any or every branch of his art, also new tricks and illusions as soon as placed on the market, this is a great advantage for those living a distance as they can obtain the apparatus almost as soon as those living in the immediate vicinity: thus reaping the benefit of their purchase while it is still a novelty. To the manufacturer it presents unprecedented advantages; other periodicals are disseminated among thousands who never did, nor ever will, purchase one cents worth from them, while with this paper their advertisements go right to the fountain-head. It is also well to note that this paper is not published for the benefit of any one manufacturer, but for all who wish to advertise in its columns, that is, all honest advertisers—not to any person who may wish to thrive upon the curiosity or credulity of the readers of this paper, and any complaint having been received against an advertisement in this paper, if found upon investigation to be correct, our columns will be forever closed to them or any person associated with them.

"MAHATMA" is published by the proprietor, a new plant having been purchased for this special purpose, thus insuring to the subscriber an existence not for a month or two, but for all time.

ROBERT HOUDIN.—Continued.

an intense love for mechanics, and after going through an extensive course of study on that subject, devoted himself to clockmaking, a profession which had been followed by that family for generations. The energetic and decided character and military tastes of the younger caused him to adopt the profession of arms, after gradunting at the military academy of St. Cyr, he lost no time in attaching himself definitely to the army. A former pupil named Hamilton having married his sister, Houdin made him his successor in order that his theatre and the fruit of his labors might remain in the family, and after a short tour through Germany he retired to a retreat

in the neighborhood of Blois, there to devote himself to his favorite study, the application of electricity to mechanism, a lingering love for his old clockmaking trade made him choose chrohometro-electrical works as the objects of his study, and so well did he succeed that at the Great Parisian Exhibition of 1855, he was awarded the gold medal for his scientific application of electricity to clocks. In 1857, at the special request of the French Government which desired to lessen the influence of the Marabouts whose conjuring tricks, accepted as actual magic by the Arabs, gave them too much influence, he went to Algeria, as a sort of Ambassador, to play off his tricks against their tricks, and, by greater marvels than they could show, destroy the prestige which they had acquired. He so completely succeeded that the Arabs lost all faith in the miracles of the Marabouts, and thus was destroyed an influence very dangerous to the French Government. Houdin has been considered of such importance and interest in France, that in Didot's -h^onvelle ^Biographic Generate a whole page is given to him.

Upon again seeking retirement he wrote his celebrated memoirs under the title Les Confidences d'un Prestidigitateur, which has been translated into English by Dr. R. Shelton Mackenzie. French and English critics have warmly eulogized M. Houdin's confidences.

Robert Houdin's desire to perpetuate the Soirees Fantastique has been realized to a degree that must have been even beyond his fondest hopes, as July 3d. 189s. will be the celebration of the soth anniversary of the Theatre Robert Houdin as a Temple of Magic.

THE MAGICIANS REVENGE. A neat story is told how a wily magician got the best of one of those would be clever fellows that are met with in almost every audience, to the sorrow of the performer. They pretend to know the secret of_ every trick that is being performed, and give the explanation in such a loud voice that all within two or three rows can hear them. This particular story happened to-lie'enacted in a small country town, and the smart individual who made himself unusually objectionable was the local photographer. The Professor had no trouble after the performance to find out the man's address, and the next day he paid him a visit in his studio. He made a bargain for a lot of large sized photographs. The Photographer was all smiles in anticipation of the good profit from the order. He placed the Professor who by the way was quite bald, in the most advantageous position anJ proceeded with his business. Having taken the plate to the dark room he returned after a considerable time smiling very uneasily and said that he was not quite satisfied with the pose. He placed the Professor a little differently, put another plate in the camera, and took another snap. This time he remained very much longer and emerged from the dark room very much perturbed, giving as an excuse, that the plate was not perfect. For the third time he went through the business and when he came out from the dark room he was pale as a ghost and trembled violently. "What is the matter?" asked the Prolessor. "1 am very sorry, I am not able to take your picture, there is something very queer about this." The Prolessor who was very good natured. after having enjoyed the discomfiture of the photographer said: "If you knew as much about your business as you pretended to know about mine yesterday, you would liave found out what was the trouble; I will explain it to you. I have painted on my forehead with a certain acid of quinine, which is a colorless liquid, a skull with crossbones; you cannot see that, but the camera reproduces the picture perfectly and that is the reason you found every time the skull reproduced on the plate. The magician washed off the chemical and there was no more trouble with the next sitting.

/IDabatma.

AN INTERESTING FLOWER TRICK. While there are many small tricks, to make them effective they must be so combined as to make them appear to the best advantage. The following is an interesting flower trick: The performer comes forward holding in his hand a small cardboard box which he says contains various kinds of llower seeds.

"There is no need of moisture, earth', or time to cause the seed to germinate, the plant to spring up arid the flower to bloom. Everything takes place instantaneously.

Would not a rose in my buttonhole produce a charming effect? A stroke of the wand upon the seed deposited in the desired place, and tile rose appears. A few seeds in this little box (Fig. i A), (hat we shall cover so that it cannot be seen how flowers are born. .

Take off the cover: violets, forget-me-nots, and Easter daisies are here all freshly blown.

"You are suspicious of the little tin box and of its cover. Well then, here is a goblet, the transparency of which is perfect, and this borrowed hat with which 1 cover it can have undergone no preparation. Let us remove it quickly, for the flowers. . . What! no flowers? Ah! I forgot to sow the seeds. Let us begin again. What flowers do you want?—a mignonette, a violet, a marigold? Here is a seed of each which I place in the glass.

Let each one tell me the flower he prefers. Now I cover the glass and count three. . . . See the bouquet!" (Fig. 5.)

The trick is finished by taking from the hat a number of bouquets for the ladies. An explanation of it: 1. Tlh' Biillonliole 7(ose.—This is a stemless artificial rose of muslin, which is traversed by a strong black silk thread arrested by a knot. To this thread, whii.li is live or six inches in length, is attached a strong rubber cord.

dle of the bouquet, which has been placed upon a bracket, as shown in Fig. 1, and, raising his finger, introduces the flowers into the hat, taking care not to turn his gaze away from the glass to the bouquet or hat, as one might teel inclined to do. This introduction of the bouquet should be done quickly, after which the hat is held aloft, while with the left hand some imaginary seeds, the kinds of which are designated in measure as they are taken, are selected from the cardboard box and deposited in the glass. This time the flowers will appear.

4. Small "Bouquets in the Hat.—There is not a second to be lost; the spectators are admiring the bouquet.

The operator quickly profits by this surprise to introduce, by the same process, small bouquets tied together with a weak thread that can be broken in the hat. We have not figured these bouquets upon the bracket, in order to avoid complication. A skillful operator will not hasten to produce the small bouquets; he will advance toward the spectators as if the experiment were ended, and as if he wished to return the hat, making believe answer a request, he says: "You wish some flowers, madam? And you, too? And are there others who wish some? 1 will empty into the hat the rest of my wonderful seeds, and note the result. It is at this moment that all eyes are open to see the advent of the flowers.

An excellent addition to the foregoing experiments is the flower (Fig. 2) that changes color three times. This can be produced in the small box (Big. 2), or among the small bouquets in the hat. the performer stating that he not only has power to make flowers grow at will, but to assume any

Fig. 2.—THE MAGIC FLOWER.

THK H1RTH OF THK FLOWERS.

The free extremity of the rubber traverses, in the first place, the left buttonhole of the coat, and then a small eyelet formed beneath, and passes over the chest and behind the back, and is fixed by the extremity to one of the right hand buttons of the waistband ol" the trousers.

When the performer comes upon the stage, the rose is under his left armpit, held by the arm. He raises his wand toward the right, and looks in the same direction to attract the spectators to that side; but, he separates his arms slightly, and the rose held by the taut rubber suddenly appears. The effect produced by the appearance of tins llower is instantaneous.

2. Tin- Flowers in the Sunill Box.—In this second appearance of flowers, produced by means of the small apparatus shown in Fig. 2, there is nothing very mysterious. The object of it is to bring into relief the experiment that is to follow, and of which there can be no'question of a double bottom.

Moreover, the means employed contributes toward astounding the spectators.

Fig. 2 shows in section the three pieces of the apparatus, which are placed separately upon the table in Fig. 1. A is the cylindrical tin box in which the seeds are sown, and B another box of slightly larger diameter, but like the first, which it entirely covers. To the bottom of B is fixed a small bouquet of artificial flowers. By slightly squeezing the cover, C (which is ol thin brass), toward the bottom, the box, B, with the bouquet, is lifted. If, on the contrary, the box is left upon the table, the spectators do not perceive the substitution made, and think that they see the first box, whence they believe the flowers started.

3. The Bouquet in Hie GLiss.—This is an interesting part of the experiment.

The glass is first covered with a hat, aiul the performer feigns astonishment upon the flowers having not appeared, but at the instant the hat is lifted, when all eyes are upon the glass, looking for the bouquet announced, the performer, who, with the right hand, holds the hat resting upon the edge of the table, sticks his middle finger in the cardboard tube fixed to the han-

color that he desires, which he proceeds to do in the following manner: Fig. 2 represents the tri-colored artificial flower; to the left of this figure (No. 1) we see a white flower. This, by an abrupt movement of the arm, is rendered blue and red. The white flower, made of thin paper, is folded like a Ian and is placed between two flexible leaves, provided at their upper extremities with a small piece of lead. By a dexterous movement the green leaf is raised and the white flower is folded under its weight, and a blue flower makes its appearance on one side and a red one on the other. If quickly done the eye cannot discern the means that are employed to effect the transformation.

UMBROMANIA, OR THE ART OF SHADOWGRAPHY. Professor Hermann, in 1S89, toured through this country a variety company known as "Hermann's Transatlantic Vaudevilles." the chief star of which was Trewey, a juggler and sleight of hand performer of great merit, described as "The Absolute Master." not only for his great dexterity but for the originality of his performance, the principal features o which were novelties in this country, namely: Umbromania, or the arlofshadowgraphy, andChapeaugraphy, or a score of heads under one hat. As a complete treatise on these arts have never before been printed in this country, our explanations will be very acceptable to the magical fraternity.

In calling this "act" a novelty of course we do not mean that there is anything new in projecting shadows with the hands, such as the dog, rabbit, swan, etc., which, in itself, must be as old as the hills, but in its improvement which has raised it to the dignity of an art. An Italian painter

/IDabatma. named Campi seems to have been the first to try and improve this art. He devised new and amusing forms of animals that delighted the school children, whom he loved to amuse. An imitator named Frizze imported the art into Belgium, where Trewey got a knowledge of it, which he still further improved. The art now consists not only in forming innumerable figures of birds, fishes and animals, but in giving them life-like motions—the cat making its toilet, the swan smoothing its plumage, the bird taking flight, the ropedancer, who before walking on the rope rubs resin on her feet, etc. Before giving any of these we must point out the fact that there are various exercises of the hands and fingers that are indispensible in order to give life-like motion to the silhouettes. The first exercise consists in bending the little finger as much as possible without moving the others while the hand is spread out. Second, the little finger is raised and an effort is made to bend the middle .uul ring fingers while the fore and little fingers remain extended. Third, bend the two last joints of the fore and little finger while the ring and middle fingers are bent inwardly. In this position, if the thumb be bent inwardly, it will be found that the shadow made by this profile on the wall will lorm the head of a cat. Fourth consists in leaving the two last joints of

the first and little lingers bent, and extending the middle and ring lingers. Afterward follow exercises in separating the fingers from each other by opening them in the direction of the middle of the hand. First it is the little finger that is isolated, the fore, ring and middle fingers resting against each other; then it is the separation of the fingers into two groups, the little finger against the ring finger and the middle finger against the fore-finger, the latter and the ring linger making as wide an angle as possible. Then comes the assembling of the lingers, the extremities of each being hidden behind the middle finger, so that the hand has the profile of a spear head. Finally we have the exercises in which each finger is made independent of the others, one being bent to the first, the other to the third joint, the latter extended as when the hand is open, the former elongated and at right angles with the hand. It must be understood that all that is done with the right hand must be repeated with the left. The next thing to be considered is the screen and the source of light. In practicing at home a white wall, white paper or muslin thrown over a clothes-horse will answer as a screen, and the source of light may be obtained from an ordinary oil lamp or even by a commnn candle, the mirrors and all brilliant objects having been veiled or re-

moved to prevent reflections, quite dark and sharp shadows may be obtained. In the theatre the performer must have a screen of muslin provided with metal eyelets, fastened at proper distances apart on the four sides, so that cord may be fastened into them for the purpose of stretching the screen until it is smooth. The source of light necessary for public exhibitions must be a single lamp, oxyhydrogen or electric, inclosed ina projecting apparatus throw very divergent rays.

The lens must consequently be of very short focus. So much lor the preparatory part of this art. In our next issue we will commence teaching the forming of the latest and best of these silhouettes.

CHAPEAUGRAPHY OR A SCORE OF HEADS UNDER ONE HAT. This act, which we have every reason to believe is original with Trewey, is to make from a round piece of felt (shaped a sombrero minus the crown;) numbers of different shaped hats by simply twisting the felt into different shapes, and then by simpfy turning up his coat collar or tying his handkerchief around his neck and changing the expression of his face, he would personate a score or more ol different characters in pantomime. Any one seeing Trewey perform would imagine this feat a very difficult one to master, and so it would be to the one who attempted to learn it without some guide to aid him. He might practice a year and not get all the combinations. It must be borne m mind that the success in Chapeaugraphy does not consist in the skill of making the hats alone, but also in the facial expression and pantomimic ability of the performer. Some imitators of Trewey not possessing his mobility of countenance use accessories, and as many of our readers will find themselves handicapped in the same way our explanations will include them; they consist in prepared chalks, white, black and rouge; a false mustache and imperial, a false nose, a cane and a looking glass (lying flat on the table).

In explaining the making of the different hats we shall do so with the aid of two illustrations (A. B.) A will show the folds and twists required in each hat; B will show how the hat looks when on the head, also the proper facial expression. Fig. i. The Scout is so simple as to require no illustration. Having first shown a round piece of felt, you turn to your table, and, looking down into your looking glass, you place it on the back of your head a" little on one side, the same as you would any wide-brimmed hat, attach moustache and imperial; you may also dust your face lightly with rouge in order to look sun-burned; pick up the cane and hold it in front of you like a gun; turn around and you will represent a Western scout. The coat should be tightly buttoned and a handkerchief tied around the neck. N. B.—It may be well to state here, although it seems superfluous, that to perform Chapeaugraphy it is necessary to be clean shaven.

MAHATMA'S NEWS. Professor Alexander Hermann lias met with crowded houses in Omaha, Neb. Professor Kellar performed in Newark, N. J., to packed houses. His season has been a very prosperous one.

Powell is again the attraction of the Eden Musee, this city. Mr. Powell has the reputation of not only being a thorough gentleman, but is one of the cleverest exponents of magic in this country.

The great Imro Fox has returned from his last successful European tour, in which he played all the large cities on the Continent with great success, and is now filling an engagement at the Casino, New York. Mr. Fox for the season of 95-90, will be a special feature with Donnelly & Girard, Rain Makers.

Chevalier Thorn, has concluded a run of 100 performances at Vienna, Austria, to crowded houses. The Professor is deservedly popular.

Edna Wood reports very fine business from Santiago de Chili.

Balabrega, in company with the Bemoles, is reaping a harvest in Valperaiso.

/IDabatma.

A NEW OPTICAL ILLUSION. An optical illusion was exhibited a year or so ago in New York in connection with the Crystal Maze (a labyrinth built of mirrors), which, though exhibited some years ago at the Paris Exposition, was an entire novelty in this country. The illusion is to make a few persons appear like an innumerable throng. It is simply an enlarged modification of the kaleidoscope, inert bodies being replaced by living beings. Three glass mirrors about six feet square are placed together so as to form an equilateral triangle, a person (entering through a trap in the floor), placing himself in the centre of this triangle sees his reflection reproduced in groups of six at all three joining points ol the mirrors. Each of these groups are in turn indefinately reflected until the last are lost in the dim prospective. Several persons walking about have the appearance of an exi d pp b Thi i l l i cited mob. This illusion ought to prove a valuable addition to any museum as a side exhibition.

MAHATMA'S NLWS Prof. Queen, magician, and Prof. McCarthy, illusionist, are at the Dimeodeon, San Francisco, Cal. Geo. Reba, magician, is with the Mohawk Indian Medicine Co., No. i.

Sato, the juggler, will go to Europe in May, opening in Berlin, Germany.

Prof. Ferguson, magician and juggler, is a member ol the Topqua Medicine Co. Prof. De Camio, magician and mesmerist, is with Dr. C. J. Foster's Comedy Co. Prof. Frank Emerson, illusionist, is now booking through •the New England States.

Prof. George A. Milligan's Magical Show is en route through Ohio and Indiana.

Prof. Ira Vilton and Mile. Valletta, mind leaders, are with Cameron's Palace Museum.

Cliquot's performance is one of the attractive features with Orrin Bros. Show in Mexico.

Prof. Charles F. Hndor, the magician, is manager of the Kickapoo Indian Medicine Co. Prof. B. G. Arden, magician and fire eater, is a member of the White Spear Medicine Co. Prof. J. C. Kam, magician and mind reader, has joined the Oregon Indian Medicine Co., No. 4.

Prof. Adrian Plate, the originator and successful manipulator of the mystic art, reports a successful season.

Mons. Forber, juggler, is at his home in Toronto, Can., visiting his parents for the first time in twenty years.

Herbert Quin, magician, was married in Fort Wayne, Ind., on February )d, to Myrtle Van Dyke, a non-professional.

Prof. Harry Stork, magician, and Wiliiam Medbury. in Psychic Phenomena, are very successfully "working" private clubs, etc.

Prof. Harry Helms, magician and juggler, of Milwaukee, Wis., writes that he is at present filling local "dates," and is doing very well.

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Thomas L. Finn, ventriloquist and illusionist, has signed with Charles Lee's London Shows for next season, making his second season with that show.

Barry and Ella Gray, marionette manipulators, have signed with the Ringling Bros. Show for the n?xt season, making their second season with this show.

Irr Prof. H. J. J. Black, magicianand marionette manipulator, is resting at his home in Stockto n, Cal.. for the winter, where he is preparing a new and startling program.

The Vernelo's magic and second sight artists, having closed a very profitable season in the Northern States, are now touring the South with equal success.

Geo. W. Gilchrist, magician, has left Forster's Comedy and Pavilion Theatre Co.. which is now touring Southern Texas: his place has been tilled

by Roxy Connolly.

Prof. Yerac. magician and shadowgraphist, has finished playing dates for the season and is getting ready for his annual tour through the New England States and Canada.

Dr. Forest Gordon, magician, en route with the Chippewa Medicine Co., No. 26, writes that in May he will open, under canvas, with ten first class stars and tour the Middle States,^ Glidden, mind reader and magician, has so far during the present season been entertaining at private affairs in Minneapolis, Minn., but is now making elaborate preparations to go on the road.

Prof. John G. Sheidler, magician, and Mollie Roberts, mind reader, have signed with Leon W. Washburn's Circus for the coming season, this making their second season with this show.

- Prof. Harrie Pierce, "The celebrated London Illusionist," now of New York, writes' "That on account of special business he has decided to play only city houses and nearby towns this season.

Dr. A. Merlin and wife (Margaret Hayden), who claim to be the undisputed mind readers and second sight performers of the world, are now in their twenty-fourth week at White's London Musee. Chicago, 111., and will remain until May, 189s.

Prof. Jas. H. Teel and wife, who are now touring New England States, writes that he is doing week stands in large cities only : also, that this coming tenting season he expects to arrange to run a side show with a well known Western circus.

Henri Cazman, the lantaist. intends next season to send out a first class organization of international vaudeville stars, headed by himself and Mam'selle Flossie. The season will commence about the end of October and end April, 1896.

Mr. Cazman returns to Europe shortly, and will sail for New York the end of September, bringing the European contingent with him.

Prof. Hermann is now organizing a vaudeville company, which he will place upon the road at the beginning of the season i89S-'96. It will be known as Hermann's Gigantic American and European Vaudeville Organization, and will be booked in first class houses only. This will in no wise interfere with his tour, which he will make accompanied by his wife as heretofore.

flDabatma.

Prof and Mme. Annetto, the Mexican Life Readers, are closing a three week's stay in Harrisburg, Pa., to crowded houses; they will be in Pottsville, Pa., the week of Feb. 28th to March 6th.

Prof. E. J. Dwelly, the magician, of Springfield, Mass., is making preparations for an extended tour of the New England States this coming summer.

Prof. J. C. Green, the wizard, of Montreal, Can., is getting an entire new act, and will open in London, at the Trocadero Music Hall, next August.

Prof. Green will introduce an entirely new program.

Rapp the conjurer and illusionist of Milwaukee, Wis., will introduce this coming season the "Phantom Trapeze," a lady disappearing from a trapeze hung over the audience. Mi. Rapp is making extensive preparations lor the coming season, and will have one of the finest outfits on the road.

Gabe Rasgorshek, of Omaha, Neb., reports good business.

Mr and Mrs. W. P. Denis, illusionists and aeronauts, of Terre Haute, hul., open on May 1st, at Fountanett, hid., under canvas.

Prof. Shapiro, Cross Folks. Pa., will open on April islh his coming season.

Prof. Anton F. Zamloch, of Golden Gate, writes: 1 have been on the road 2} years, mostly on the Pacific Coast, South Sea Islands, British Columbia and Mexico. This year will end my career on the road. Next May 1 will build on my own property in Golden Gate, Cal.. a Temple of Mystery, to be devoted to conjuring and spiritualistic expose.

Astarte made her first European appearance in Vienna, a Etablessement Ronacher, meeting with decided success. On January 1st, Astarte had the pleasure of presenting her act before the Royal Family of Austria.

The editor of thi$ paper while filling an engagement in Bridgeport. Conn., had the pleasure of visiting the den ol Fred. W. Hurd, where he was entertained by that aspirjng magician, who reports good business.

Thegre.it Rheutell, magician, of Grand Rapids. Mich., will open his season with 7 people, including Hunt and Wilsey.

Mr. Elmer P. Ransom, the successful magician, is presenting an entirely new program this season, and is meeting with his usual success.

Prof. French, the clever magician of this city, has secured many return engagements from Lodges, Churches, etc.; his dates are well filled for March.

THE SECRET OUT. Magic taught in all its branches. Personally or by mail. Sleight of hand a specialty.

Care MAHAIAIA.

PROF. BROWNIE.

PROF. -R. A. READER,

MAHATMA wants to hear from every person interested in magic, etc. all news interesting to magicians to this office. size of this paper.

FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT. The conjuring fraternity in England, with the exception of a favored few, among which I am fortunate enough to be able to include yours truly, have suffered not a little during the past year from the dullness which has prevailed in business generally. In the first part of the year 1 heard of many cases of genuine distress among the humbler exponents of the Black Art, and I fear that the summer which invariably finds some of these entertainers giving al fresco shows at the seaside towns, did not bring them any relief, for our summer has been an unusually cold and wet one. 1 took a vaudeville company around the South. Welsh and Lancaster coasts, playing at Theatres, and with the exception of August Hank holiday week at Bournemouth, I never saw Hnglish seaside places so bare of visitors in the height of summer. 1 am happy to say. however, that things now seem more promising. The theatres are doing a good business, and the Egyptian Hall, Maskelyne & Cook s "Home of Mystery" is crowded at every performance. I went to a matinee their recently and found the cosy little hall packed. Several new and clever items appear on the program. A clever slight of hand performer, one David Devant. has been permanently engaged by "M, & C." to assist at their entertainments, and is very popular with their audiences. His work is neat and finished and his style and patter exceptionally good. Although it cannot be said that he has invented any new tricks, he has an criminal method of presenting old ones. He is quite a young man, with but a few years experience, but he gives promise of a brilliant future. Mr. Meskelyne's new illusion sketch. Modern Witchery, designed vith a view of exposing the tricks introduced by thi called Theosophy, scarcely does what it claim's. It is very humorous and well presented, but it is susceptible ol great improvement in its illusory work—a man strapped to a board placed on the backs of two chairs, the board being raised by invisible means, and suspended in the air, then the chairs are removed—is scarcely up to the standard of this truly great inventor of illusions. The appearance of Koot Hoomi, the Mahatma in his astral body is simply a repetition of an illusion arranged by Mr. Maskelyne for Mr. Tree at the Haymarket Theatre last winter for the play "The Charlatans," An opposition Was started to the "M. & C." establishment some months ago in a hall near the Egyptian Hall, by a performer who graduated as a conjurer with "M. & C." Several good illusions by a very clever inventor. Mr, J. \V. Winstan, were presented, but as the show closed 1 presume it was not a financial success. The Egyptian Hall. iat which I had a most successful and profitable season during "M. & C." last provincial tour) is too thoroughly established to admit of.i rival. In music halls the most successful conjurer is the American magician, Carl Hertz. His lime is always well filled, and he draws I should guess almost double the salary of any of his English competitors, although not an invenior he nearly always has a good illusion on hand, generally obtained on the Continent and which he takes the precaution to patent in England- It is rumored that he will shortly present in London a new version of the vanishing lady. An illusion on entirely new lines is much wanted. Tell your American inventors to put on their thinking caps. .

HhKCAT

SISTERS LYNN, THE CELEBRATED JUVENILE ARTISTS, Can be engaged for Churches, Lodges, etc.

Address 1368 Herkimer St., Brooklyn, N. Y.

MAGICIAN.

There are others but only "One French."

Magic, Mystery, Illusions, Address, 253 W. i2Sth St., N. Y.

PROF.J. H. SMITH, VENTRILOCLUIST AND MAGICIAN.

Can be engaged for all kinds of entertainments, rates reasonable.

Drop a postal or call at 49 Lincoln Ave., Cohoes, N. Y. JOHN W. LITTLE, Prestidigitateur.

Latest illusions in conjuring.

Address, 18 Broadway, New York.

ELMER V. RANSOM, 12th Season. " Preslidigitateur."

Address, 172 South 9th Street, Brooklyn. " HEWITT," Prestidigitateur and Illusionist. Twenty years before the British and American public, address Box 14, Station E, Brooklyn.

F. A. DANA, Magician. Entertainments furnished for Lodges, Clubs and Parties. Terms reasonable.

Address, No. 70 4th Avenue, Pantucketville, Lowell, Mass.

GEO. H. LITTLE, Prestidigitateur and Shadowgraphist.

Can be engaged for Churches, Lodges, Theatres, etc.

Address, MAHATMA.

MUSICAL RUSSELLS, Instrumentalists, Specially adapted for Churches, Lodges, Theatres, etc.

Eor terms, address O. M. Russell, ay-27 3d Ave., N. Y. City.

LAYMAN, MAN OE A THOUSAND FACES. Address, care Miner's Bowery Theatre, N. Y.

MAGIC TRICK JUGGLING GOODS. VENTRI1.OQ.1MST AND JUDY FIGURES. SWINGING CLUBS. Send 20 cents in stamps for 2$6 pages Magic, Illustrated Catalogue. Catalogue for Juggling Goods, Clubs, Ventriloquist and Punch and Judy Figures free.

COLUMBIA MAGIC TRICK M'F G CO., 121 Bowery, N. Y.

HIGH CLASS MAGIC,

FOR SALE.

Can be engaged for Churches, Lodges, etc.

Address. 102s Boston Road, N. Y. City.

I'ROE. B. FRENCH,

Send

Their will be no limit to the

All interesting news will be published.

MEEKER & MACK, SONG AND DANCE ARTISTS, In their own original creations.

Address No. 189 East 12th Street, New York City.

PROFESSIONAL CARDS. (/ <; cents per no:tparcil line.)

Pupils fitted for Drawing-Room or Stage.

Weston Bros., of Hilton, N. J., are going on the road this Spring.

The Houdinis, Harry and Bessie, go with Welsh Bros, show this season.

AN ASSISTANT FOR MAGICIANS.

FOR SALE, one lirst class Sterecoplicon with oil and oxyhydrogen, lights, screens, shades, everything as good as new COM $400. Price Si'? Win C-oodfellow. 9 Clay Street, South Norwalk. Conn.

THI-i DONALDSON LITHOGRAPHING COMPANY. No.

W.

EIGHTH ST.,

CINCINNATI, O.

An assistant of experience can be engaged for single entertainments in New York or vicinity.

Address, ASSISTANT, care MAHATMA.

W. D. LEROY. Manufacturer of MAGICAL APPARATUS AND AN Tl SPIRITUALISTIC ILLUSIONS. NOVELTIES IN ALL BRANCHES OF THE ART. Office and School of Magic: 103 COURT STREET, BOSTON, MASS.

We have six stock lithographs in Magician's paper, but acting under instructions from Mr. Jack Curry, we offer for sale the entire line of superb paper ret eitly gotten out by him forZanzic.

The paper is for sale as it is without stripping or dating, but is easily rendered available for use by any one ESTABLISHED 1851 BY N. E. CHASE. No. 63— T. C. &Cakt\1—Whole sheet, 4 colors.

MAGICIAN. A beautiful bill. Magician and devil. Sample \Ylmli*itli mill Ililnil. luniitm.

Ilrsigm I and sent by mail on receipt of o cents in stamps. Price per 100 $7.00.

No. 150— T. C. Nabugum—Half sheet, 4 colors.

MAGICIAN. A magician in evening dress executing the hat trick. Sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price per 100, S4.00.

No. 499—7. C, Nafo/ot— Halfsheet, 4 colors.

CIOLU FISH TRICK. A magician executing the gold fish trick.

Sample sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price per 100, $4.00.

No. 498—7. C. &Qofolik—Half sheet, 4 colors.

LE COCOON. This well known illusion beautifully portrayed.

BOSTON, MASS. , U. S. A. Sample sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price per 100, $4,00. c No. 497—^- - V^ofolej—Half sheet, 4 colors.

SPIRIT CABINET. An illustration of the cabinet trick. Sample sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price yper 100 $4.00.

No. 496—T. C. hiof olah—Half sheet, 4 colors.

I HK VOODOO. An illusion somewhat similar to Le Cocoon.

Sample sent by mail on receipt of 5 cents in stamps. Price per 100, $4.00.

No. 49s— T. C. Nofolttg—Three sheet, 4 colors.

LilH/i si llnlisi in Hi, I'nilfil Stntrs.

LK COCOON. A beautifully designed and splendidly executed Si ml Stitmii fur list 11/ .Vcic Trick*. poster. Sample sent by mail on receipt of 26 cents in stamps.

Price per 100, $21.00.

Znnzic paper consists of one sixteenth-sheet stand, one threesheet poster. Le Cocoon, one-whole sheet, and four half-sheets, which we will sell at the low price of 6 cents per sheet. A Nuthiuu hut tilt Jiiieat apparatus made at this maun sample set of the paper will be sent to any address in the factory, and at prtces.iJiat defy competition.

United States or Canada on receipt of $1.32.

C. MILTON CHASE,

45 to 51 Cambridge Street,

ZlDabatma.

MANUFACTURERS OF

Ib^roocn d3ae, anb all apparatus pertaining to tbc same.

OFFICE AND LABORATORY:

1 8 7 ancl

1 8 9M U L B E R R Y

S T R E E T , N e w Y o r k , BETWEEN BRUOME AND SPRING STREETS

Theatres, Halls. I'imiis, Tulih ini.i. I'mresxian*, Piililirnl Mrrtiniis. FAc. Sii

MANUFACTURER VENTRILOQUIST!

OF STER EOPTICONS SIXTY

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MIMIC ELOCUTIONIST

i h n i i i i i i l S I , i I r h i x H it h o t i l

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linl with it First Class Light.

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I h tint a I iiu.l i I c , Urn I I hue*'.

Entertainer, l-ioiu

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h i m

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I 7 n i « l i it ml Ettitur Ma lull ma.

Mum

A. j MARTYNE. NO. 90 4TH AVENUE, N6W YORK.

Ur^ r ]^T r.

I-

CABINET OP

V «

SHADOWGRAPH APPARATUS.

•KM

NEW ! !

IMPERIAL ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU O. MATT

RUSSELL, MANAGER.

Agency for the most noted Entertainers. Musical Celebrities ,-ind Entertainments in every branch of the profession. nished for all Instruments, also musicians for dancing or otherwise.

2X-27 'iff Areiitu% Room

SPECIAL I I I

L'i4, opposite

Coojtrr Institute,

These Cabinets comprise a complete set of properties used in the production of shadow pictures, together with a fully Illustrated Book of Instructions showing the shadows and position • 'Ithe hands and fingers. The properties numbering 20 pieces .ire put up in a handsome box. which is sent free of charge on receipt ot 60 cents.

MART1NKA & CO..

Teachers fur-

MANUFACTURERS.

40', SIXTH AVENUE.

AT. I'.

TO F I R E

NEW YORK.

I'F m-i m M w > s r.ivEN FOR PARTIES AND THEATRES AT SHORT NOTICE

1 nm now putting up ;i special $5.00 FIRE KING OUTFIT. I his outfit is the nt-:ite^t and cheapest practical outfit ever put on sale in this country. It contains everything necessary to perform nil the leading li Fire Tricks." It is suitable for Stage or Drawing Koom Entertainments. Each outfit is put up in a handsome casket, including a complete book explaining 28 of the best Fire Tricks, so that "ANY ONE" can perform them with very little practice. E. BAKNELLO, 176 N. Clark St., Chicago, 111.

JOHN J. WHALEN, MODERN

MAG.C

Permanent Address

IN ALL I T S B R A N C H E S .

40", S I X T H

AVENUE,

N.

Y.,01

HARRIGAN'S THEATRE. ACADEMY OF MEDICAL M E S M E R I S M ' A N D HYPNOTISM. Illustrated pamphlet, " How TO FIvr-N0Ti7E; or the Science of Suggestion." Price 15 cents. Weekly Experimental Clinics and Class Seances, MONDAY and FRIDAY evenings at 8 o'clock; admission $1.00. Metaphysical and Fsychophysiological instruction j / " A T A 1 f~\C Latest Novelties, Tricks, Songs, photos. daily and by illustrated correspondence. For regular course of instruction, " How to Hypnotize." Full particulars on receipt o L f t l A L U U free. W i l l J A M E G G E R . illuS]i mailed ostage. Address:—DR. MCCARTHY, 256 West 115th St., N. Y. City.

157 TREMONT STREET, BOSTON, MASS. " STOP THIEF," and send io cents for my New Catalogue containing all of my own Original Coin Feats and the very Latest Experiments in Magic, Spiritalism, Etc., Etc. T. NELSON DOWNS, The King of Koins, Marshalltown, la.

DO YOU WANT TO GO IN THE SHOW BUSINESS, if so, all you need is a good act; here are two that require no skill you can do them soon as you have the outfit. Black Art. full act, §3S-co, the best thing in magic. Sword Walking Outfit §/.o,> with secret how to walk Barefooted on Ladder of Sharp Swords; one third with order, balance C. O. D. \V. Nhl.SON. Manufacturer, r, Fulton Street. Worcester. Mass.

.MUSSCI

i . s ._ fl..v

, „ n . _ LXNTERNSWANT E

D ' M S

IHARBACH&CO.809Filbertst.Pliila.Pa.

STEREOPTICONS afford t h e best mill t iniipi.-t meHns o f object lesiehing for

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I f von w M i (o k n o w h o w t o nrder. h o wIn ,uinlii.i I ' m lor K i i t i - r | . i i M n . . | i ( s f ( . r i , l e i i M i r . - o r I ' u b l i c ' F . x h i h i l i n i i M . >•!<., f o r H I A K I N 4 ; K I O N K V .

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5 NT K RT-A IN M Y, N f l 5 U R K A11, E THE LARGEST ENTERTAINMENT BUREAU I N THE UNITED STATES.

ALL

OK T H E LEADING

IMo. 29 P a r k Row, XVew York, ARTISTS

OK THE DAV.

i

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4 9 3

S i x t h NEW

YORK

A v e n u e

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CITY.

DEPOT FOR THHATRICAL HARDWARE AND S (Joncral

Afjcnt

Cor Kasforn ;in<l M i d d l e St;it<> (or . 1 . I{. C L A N C Y , of S y r a c u s e , N . Y. Sole M a n u f a c t u r e r K X C K L K I O K 1 ' K O F I L K , KIOYSTON ISN a n d C O K N E K S .

ESTIMATE

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FURNISHI-ID

FOK

A1,L

S'I'AliE

SUPPLIES.

d

f

J O ALL WHO WISH

SEND TO THIS OFFICE FOR ESTIMATE. ^

CIRCULARS FOR MAGICIANS' A SPECIALTY. M CIRCULARS RE-WRITTEN IF DESIRED.

t*~; j

|

II".I STED.—Thc

nildreux of rmn //IIXO

intcrrstnl

in MAI1IC,

CORRESPONDENCE IN A L L LANGUAGES.

1V1

Etc.

107 West 29th Street, N. Y. City.

a g i c i a n s . — I'l«'i»s<' s e m i u s a l l n»'«->, i l a t r ^ , e l f .

MARTINKA & CO.,* AND

OF

493 SIXTH AVENUE, NEW YORK. LARGEST

AND

MOST

COMPLETE IN

THIS

STOCK

OF"

FINE

A.PHAKATUS

COUNTRY.

Bppnratud of evcr\> lunb 1na^c to oi^cr.

Our complete fully illustrated Book Catalogue with 500 engravings and description of every Trick and Novelty up to date, will be sent on receipt of l o c . Illustrated Catalogue of Parlor Tricks free on application.

IMPORTANT TO MAGICIANS. Since the issue of the new tariff we have reduced the price of extra fine Figured Felt, imported specially for Magicians' table coverings, from 4O cents to 2 5 cents per square foot. Send 2 cent stamp for Samples.

•

•

•

•

•

NHW ADDITIONS. M.igic change- of color of 3 white handkerchiefs, Glass Houlette. chosen Cards are blown out, Bouquet of Rowers produced on common Plate. S Paper Rolls in s colors, all sizes, and for all purposes, Improved Champagne Bottle for Pigeon or Guinea P i g .

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

if; 1 . 0 0

Acid tubes for Hash paper effect, per dozen. 30 cents.

MANUFACTURERS

\

THE ONLY PAPER IN THE UNITED STATES DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF MAGICIANS, SPIRITUALISTS, MESMERISTS, ETC.

NEW YORK, A PR II, j 89 5.

THE ORIGINAL HERRMANN. 'PRINCE OF CONJURERS.'

SINGLE COPY,. 10 CENTS.

his chief traits which made him so popular was his great charity, which was exemplified only a few days before his death by his sending 1,500 francs for the relief of the victims of the Opera Comique disaster. Herrmann's chief hobby while in retirement was the collecting of rare antiquities, in acquiring which he spared neither time nor money.

Herrmann died at Carlsbad in June, 1887, after a short illness, at the age of seventy-two, leaving his large fortune and collection of antiques to his second wife, a French lady.

His first wife was Rosa Essilag, a prima donna, from whom he was divorced. A number of amusing anecdotes are told of Herrmann, one or two of which will do very well as a sample. The first I shall relate is to the effect that Herrmann while on the River Platte was giving a private representation before the Patagonian chiefs, and, though exerting his wonderful abilities to the utmost, was somewhat annoyed at the stolidity and apparent lack of surprise with which they received the marvels displayed. Showers of gold and packs of cards were made to fall from their ears and noses, dozens of eggs from their pockets, and live canaries from their hair, and still they sat on undismayed. At last, after the entertainment was over, it was discovered that one of them had abstracted a valuable gold watch from the Professor's fob while the latter was disengaging a miraculous fowl // from the savage's breast; and that 'â&#x20AC;˘ the untutored mind of another had led him to improve the occasion by innexing a handkerchief and pencil case. The other anecdote is, that the unfortunate Sultan Abdul Aziz was among Herrmann's warmest admirers, and used to pay him a thousand pounds (Turkish) for every representation. During one of these performances he exhibited two pigeons, one white and one black, and did the trick, so popular in the beginning of this century, of placing the wl.ite head on the black pigeon and vice versa; this pleased the Sultan greatly and he asked Herrmann to try the same trick with a black and white slave, but the conjurer declared that this was beyond his powers.

The original Herrmann was CAKI. HERRMANN of Berlin, we say the original from the fact that a number of unscrupulous performers have adopted that name in order to bask in the sunshine of his reflected glory. Carl Herrmann was born in Germany in the year 181 > His father who was also a conjurer by profession took his son, while still a boy, with him to Paris, where the young conjurer by his dexterity attracted much attention; notwithstanding this, his great ambition was to become a physician, and he entered the Paris University to study medicine, but after ten years' struggle with poverty, ambition gave way before privation and he resumed his old profession, which brought him both fame and fortune. His style of performance was of the non-apparatus order, depending mainly on sleight of hand and address, and he possessed most extraordinary skill in this school of magic, fully entitling him to be styled "the first professor of magic in the world." He is the only conjurer who has had the honor of giving lessons to a Royal personage, he having at one time the Queen of Belgium as a pupil. In 1848 he made his first appearance before an English speaking audience at the Adelphi Theatre, London, where he produced for the first time in England " Second Sight," which he had copied from Houdin in France. Early in the sixties he made a tour of America, meeting with unparalleled success. It was at his farewell performance that he introduced his brother, the present Alexander Herrmann, as his legitimate successor in this country.

His tours extended over the entire civilized world, and there was probably not a Royal Court in Europe before which he did not perform and from which he did not receive some mark of favor. It is said that the decorations and tokens received by him would fill a small trunk. The Czar Nicholas, in particular, bestowed valuable favors on Herrman, who, it is said, cleared a million roubles on one Russian tour. Having amassed a large fortune he went into MAHATMA is published monthly in the interests of Magiretirement in Vienna where he was very popular, and when cians, Spiritualists, Mesmerists, jugglers, etc., at $1.00 per he celebrated his seventieth birthday, a distinguished com- year, payable in advance, For rates of advertising see second pany assembled at his residence to congratulate him. One of page.