MAGIC - U N I T Y - M I G H T
l^nrieig of American Hagtriatts Jlnntlflij VOL. XIII Nos. 1-2-3 ^
^""-"m
Two Dollars
NEW YORK, JULY, AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, 1923
Smgh
C pleS
°
zo cents
WHOLE NOS. 124, 125, 126
MAGIC AND MAGICIANS OF AUSTRALIA BY
(OUR LATE LAMENTED COMPEER) ROBERT KUDARZ
Kudarz reads M. U. M. in the Geographical Centre of New Zealand 500 feet above sea level, 1922.
On the 27th of December. Dr. Lynn appeared in Melbourne at the Freemason's Hall, but afterwards shifted to the Athenaeum Hall, where he presented his famous Palingenesia illusion, in which he took a living man to pieces and restored him by instalments. In anamiouncing this "Great Vivisection Feat," performed by Dr. Lynn upwards of-1100 times in the Opera Theatre of the Crystal Palace," medical men "desirious of witnessing this astonishing operation were informed that they could obtain tickets from the money taker, and the same ticket would admit to the remarkable physicospiritual exhibition of the Blood Writing on the Arm." After witnessing Dr. Lynn's Soirees Miraculeuse colonials could reiterate the statement of the London Morning Post that "Dr. Lynn's posi-
tion is one of peculiar and exceptionl eminence." After doing Australia, Dr. Lynn made a successful tour of New Zealand. In one of the towns visited he had "the bottom knocked out" of one of his most cherished illusions, in this wise:—A Maori gentleman, who had went forward from amongst the audience for the purpose of assisting the Dr. in his Vanishing Lady Illusion, upon being asked to seat himself in the chair, did so with such unnecessary force as to completely break the bottom out of it, and so utterly spoil the performance of the feat, much to the discomfiture of the magician, the surprise of the Maori, and the laughter of the audience especially when the native Kudarz said, looking up at Dr. Lynn while Mr. W. E. White wedged between the chair legs A quiet chat on Magic in the New "Tats de damn goot trick; de MaZealand Bush. 1922 orite Fellow!" camotage d'une personne vivante" Harvard was another conjuror was advertised as "the instantafrom London who appeared in St. neous disappearance of a lady George's Hall, Melbourne, in De- whilst seated on a chair, the chair cember, 11886. He was a member being placed on an ordinary table, of Agrati and Lesseros Star Combi- showing at once that the marvelous nation, which also included that won- illusion is performed by Harvard derful performer, Wainratta, "King without the aid of a stage-trap"; of the Wire." For some reason or while Dr. Lynn, not to be outdone other, this clever combination fell by a mere conjuror from the Lonto pieces shortly after their opening don Music Halls, notified that in in Melbourne, and consequently presenting his Vanishing Lady IlluHarvard was very little seen in Aus- sion "no table or second lady will tralia. Unfortunately for Harvard, be used!" Thus, both these clever Dr. Lynn had "got in" first with performers, from London, endeavthe Vanishing Lady Illusion, where ored to kill De Koltas good old goose he was presenting it at the Athenae- in Australia. um Hall when the Star Combination of the best known wielders opened in St. George's Hall, and in of One the magician's wand in Australia consequence of this competition, the is Mr. G. W. Heller, who, with the public were "made wise" to Various valuable assistance of his wife, Maumethods that might be used in con- deena, have given entertainments all nection with this famous illusion. over Australia and right through Harvard's presentation of "L'esContinued on page 178
174
jswtelg of Amfrtran iKagtiiana
M. U. M. Published Monthly by THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS for its members—to perpetuate Biography of Magicians past and present. Edited by the President, to whom communications should be addressed.
Organized May 10. 1902
OFFICERS 1922-23 HARRY HOUDINI, President, 278 West 113th Street, New York City.
GEO. W. HELLER, First Vice-President, 71 Fifth Avenue, New York City. HOWARD THURSTON, Second Vice-President. JOHN MULHOLLAND, Treasurer, 599 West 190th Street, New York City. RICHARD VAN DIEN, Secretary, 230 Union Street, Jersey City, N. J. COUNCIL—Harry Iloudini, Richard Van Dien, G. C. Laurens, Lionel Hartley, Francis J. Werner, Win. Berryman, John Mulholland, Geo. W. Heller, Leo Rullman, B. M. L. Ernst, J. S. Fuigle, Jean Irving, Frederick M. Schubert. TRUSTEES—Francis J. Werner, Wm. R. Berryman, Leo Rullmann. COMMITTEE ON ADMISSION — Irving Watson, Leo Rullmann, Richard Van Dien. SERGEANT-AT-ARMS—Charles Nagel, Harry C, Park. LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE—B. M. L. Ernst, of Ernst, Fox and Cane. REPRESENTATIVES AT LARGE — Horace Golden, Carl Rosini, Arthur D. Gans. MEETINGS—First ' Saturday Evening each month. OFFICIAL REPORTER—Richard Van Dien. OFFICIAL REPORTER AT LARGE—Clinton Burgess. ENTERTAINMENT—T. Francis Fritz Chairman. COMPLAINT—T. W. Hardeen, Chairman. AFFILIATED ASSEMBLIES —Chartered and Franchised GOLDEN GATE ASSEMBLY No. 2, San Francisco, Cal. Albert A. Rhine, Pres., 555 Post St.; Dr. Harold F. Kaufman, Sec'y, 209 Post St., San Francisco, Cal. CHICAGO ASSEMBLY No. 3, Chicago, 111., Wm. R. Walsh, Pres., 1040 McCormick Bldg. A. P. Felsman, Windsor Sec'y, Clifton Hotel, Chicago, III. PHILADELPHIA ASSEMBLY No. 4, Philadelphia, Pa., Oscar M. Thomson, Pres., lames C. Wobensmith, Sec'y, 404 Bulletin Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa. DETROIT ASSEMBLY No. 5, Detroit, Mich., Jos. W. Speke, Pres. 6359 Scotten Ave., H. E. Cisle, Sec'y, 5250 Beaubien St., Detroit, Mich. FELICIEN TREWEY ASSEMBLY No. 6. Baltimore, Md. Jos. E. Sanisbury, Pres., P. O. Box 253, R. W. Test, Sec'y, 13 W. Baltimore St,. Baltimore, Md OMAHA MAGICAL SOCIETY ASSEMBLY No. 7, Omaha, Neb., C. S. Bowman, Pres.. 92 Dover St., A A. Schrempp, Sec'y, 954 So. 50th St., Omaha, Neb. ST. LOUIS ASSEMBLY, No. 8, St. Louis, Mo., E. B. Heller, Pres., Robert G. Williams, Sec'y, 4959 Wabada St., St. Louis, Mo. BOSTON ASSEMBLY No. 9. Boston, Mass., James E. Gordon, Pres., Henry C. Bordicott, Sec'y, 48 Lawton Ave., Lynn, Mass. CLEVELAND ASSEMBLY, No. 10, President, Floyd W. Seymour, 501 Caxton Bldg., Cleveland, Ohio. QUEEN CITY MYSTICS, ASSEMBLY No. I I , - Cincinnati, Ohio. Joseph Schreck, Pres., Leslie P- Guest, Sec'y, 1511 Vine St., Cin, ""cinnati, Ohio. MINNEAPOLIS ASSEMBLY No. 12, St. Paiir. Minn., Carl Jones, President, c / o Minneapolis Journal, Minneapolis, Minn.
reported by 111. Mulholland as being in progress but delayed by numerous missing addresses. He was instructed to publish in M. U. M. PARENT ASSEMBLY The 227th regular meeting of the such names and members will be society was held Saturday evening, asked to supply such new addresses July 7, 1923, at the Hotel McAlpin, as may be known to them. Committee on Exposures New York City. Through 111. LeRoy report being Attendance, 27. M. Illustrious President Houdini, 111. Vice-Presi- ready to present to the Council the dent Ernst, 111. Second Vice-Presi- result of their work and plans. dent Thurston-, 111. Past Presidents Banquet Committee 111. Hartley reported additional Werner and Van Dien, 111. Trustees Berryman and Rullmann, 111. Ser- expenses since last report, $28.95. geant-at-Arms Nagle, 111 Compeers On motion of 111. Ernst this amount LeRoy, Goldin, Laurens, Hardeen, was ordered drawn from treasury, Irving, Mulholland, Maguire, Mey- subject to approval by the Council. enberg, Fuigle, Guissart, Rinn. Trustees Report 111. Werner reported an aggregate Mme. Adelaide Herrmann, Gallatovich, E. Herman, Magner, Raymond of the various funds on hand, exand Dorney of Chicago and the new- clusive of accrued interest, $5,ly elected 111. Lieut. S. R. Webb arid 239.89. Unfinished Business Dr. S. H. Hodgson. Amendment, Sec. 1, Art. VIII, Meeting opened in full ceremonial form by M, 111. Houdini. Min- By-Laws, presented for publication utes of the 226th regular and 21st May 6th. On motion by 111. Harannual meeting read and approved. deen laid upon the table. Propositions f o r membership New Business Motion by 111. Nagle that the inread, referred to the council and on the approval of that body unani- stallation of officers be public as a mously elected: 1081, Gus Fowler, feature of the meeting October 6. M. 111. Houdini reported on the Birmingham, England, endorsed by missing Herrmann table supposed Houdini and Werner; 1082, Dr. Alexander Schwartz, San Francisco, to have been purchased by DunGolden Gate Assembly No. 2 ; 1083. ninger, that Mr. Dunninger will Purvis W. Miller, wSan Francisco, cheerfully return it to the Society Golden Gate Assembly No. 2; 1084, if properly identified as such, but Dr. Samuel H. Hodgson, New York, he does not think they are the tables endorsed by Houdini and Werner, in question. On motion 111. Mulholland apand 1085, Lieut. Smith R. Webb, (J, S. Army, Panama Canal, en- pointed to arrange for a meeting room in the McAlpin for the fiscal dorsed by Fuigle and Meyenberg. 111. Hodgson and Webb were la- year, subject to the approval of M. ter obligated in short form by 111. 111. Houdini. By 111. Laurens carried that durPast President Werner and given a hearty welcome by all the mem- ing the vacation months the Assembly authorize the Council to transbers. act all business for Parent AssemCorrespondence From Cincinnati Assembly No. 11 bly. Secretary instructed to present to accepting Compeer Walter G. Peterkin as their Representative in Minneapolis Assembly No. 12 the Council. Chicago Assembly No. 3 name of 111. T. W. Hardeen for accepting 111. Mulholland. Cleve- approval as their Representative in land No.- 10 accepting 111. G. G. Lau- Council. 111. Thurston recorded the name rens. St. Louis Assembly No. 8 warning magicians against one F. of Ralph Richards as (presenting C. Brosseau. Will Goldston, Lon- without authority the Thurston spedon, notifies that Mr. H. Llewelwyn, cial tricks. Adjourned at 11 p. m. to meet Past President of the Melbourne, Australia, Society of Magicians, October 6. 1923. will sail from Southampton for Richard Van Dien, New York July 26. Official Reporter. Motion by 111. Ernst, carried, that REGULAL MONTHLY this society tender him an official MEETING reception." 111. Goldin and Fuigle appointed to~arrange for such recep- WILL BE HELD IN THE "EAST ROOM" tion. " •' • ; _••""•""" HOTEL McALPJK Reports of Committees Broadway on 33rd Street New York City Publication of membership list SATURDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 6
The Society of American Magicians
jgwtetg of Attteriratt iRagictatts Any member knowing the address of any of the following compeers will confer a favor on Compeer John Mulholland, who has publication of address list in hand, and thereby facilitate its completion. Also any change in address contemplated in the near future should be reported at once: 277, Joseph E. Waitt; 581, Joseph J. Shea; 813, Maurice F. Raymond; 592, Robert J. Maurice; 737, W. E. McCorroll; 421, Jacob Losk; 748, Laurence J. Hoffman; 67, William J. Hilliar; 493, F. F. Hill; 165, Harry Haywood; 636, Clarence B. Harrold (Harrold is reported dead) ; 642, Charles W. Hardman; 961, Gerard Gerard Thiers; 482, Truman M. Fritz; 601, Guy C. Fairbrother; 825, Benjamin F. Broyks; 143, Edgar C. Butler; 537, Henry A. Brooks; 696, George Barnard; 789, Alex F. Victor; 546, Emil A. Sepesy; 1000, Max Malini; 524, Bert Kalmer; 638, Henry C. Huber ; 803, Robert Hale; 534, H. Rea Fitch; 665, Lem. H. Ellis; 577, William Everett; 531, Charles J. Carter; 802, Harry Blackstone; 567, Louis D. Beaumont; 331, Rev. E. A. Becher; 661, John F. Burke; 492, Fairfax C. Burger; 657, Herbert Brooks; 327, Alfred Benzon; 880, Walter H. Paige; 660, Simon J. Peters, Jr.; 603, Alexandre J. Romani; 600, Frank Joseph Schweizer; 551, Eugene Devine; 767, Anton Gustav Weiland ; 684, Edward Kalbfleisch; 550, Henry Mayer; 790, Michael T. Coogan; 226, Harvey Emmett; 571, Frederick E. Fisher; 564, Ralph Dixon Lewis. The seventieth regular meeting of the Golden Gate Assembly No. 2, S. A. M., held at the Aladdin Studio, July 5, 1923; President Albert A. Rhine presiding. Dr. Schwartz and Mr. Miller were elected to membership by secret ballot and given the obligation. The applications of Mr. Everard Heim and Michael Spiro were accepted. By Compeer Stull reported on the Pay Show. Cash received, $100; tickets taken at door, $160; expense printing tickets, $7.00, nmltigraphing letters, $2.50—total, $9.50. Other routine business followed as usual, which is of interest to local members only. Dr. Harold F. Kaufman, Sec'y. The seventy-first regular meeting of the G. G. Assembly No. 2, S. A. M., was held at the Aladdin Studio, August 2, 1923; Albert A. Rhine, President, in the chair. Mr. Heim and Spiro were elected to membership. • Correspondence was read
from Max Holden, Van Dien, Britton, Jones and Thompson. Amended report by Compeer Stull on the Pay Show. Cash received, $125; at door, $45; total $170. Expense, $9; unpaid tickets, $3. A report of the committee was accepted with thanks. The following officers were elected : Second Vice-President, Bob Stull; Trustees, MacMahon, 1 year; Mueller, 2 years; Spears, 3 years. One hundred dollars of the proceeds of the show was set aside to be ordered banked. Ten dollars was set aside for the purchase of certain magic books, same to be selected by the Compeers. It was suggested that Compeers might donate any books which they desired. At this time Gus Fowler, who was one of our guests of the evening, gave a nice talk on how magic was conducted in England, and closed his remarks by the donation of a book for our library. Due to the sudden death of President Harding, the meeting adjourned at 9:50. A silent prayer was given. Entertainment was suspended. Dr. Harold F. Kaufman, Sec'y. The Society of American Magicians gave a very interesting entertainment and supper Thursday evening at their headquarters, the. Aladdin Studio Tiffin room, in honor of B. M. Cunning and G. W. Fowler, two visiting members who are appearing at the Orpheum and Pantages theatres. Many interesting and mystifying tricks were performed for the members and guests, among whom were the Duncan Sisters, Nana Bryant, Catherine Chisholm Gushing, Mildred Boots and Harriet Hoctor of the "Topsy and Eva" company; Marguerite McNulty, who has recently appeared with William Collier and is spending the summer here, and Charlton Andrews, the well known New York playwright." That's what Golden Gate Assembly is doing. The 33rd regular meeting of the St. Louis Assembly was held at the American Hotel, Saturday evening. July 7, 1923; President Badley, with the following members, present: 111. Badley in the chair, Williams, Sharpe, Ouass, J. Heller and Johnston. Routine business followed and a long list of correspondence was reported; bill were ordered •paid. The business session was followed by a social hour, being devoted to magic and sociability, to the delectation of all assembled. Robert G. Williams, Sec'y.
75 S5E5H5H5HSH5E5H55515H5H5Z5H5H5H5E5J
| EDITORIAL NOTES S Please take note: The influence of the phenomenal work of the S. A. M. has reached the McAlpin Hotel, New York City. It has transmogrified the 'Lounge" into the "East Room," so, hereafter our meetings will be held in the "East Room," and by a slight stretch of imagination compeers may possibly conjecture that no exchange or substitution really has been made, but that it is merely another illustration of delusion, or illusion, as result of mal-observation. We appreciate minute reports from assemblies but would also be pleased if each assembly had an official reporter to render items of interest to the members at large. Such items as will encourage other assemblies and aid to development of each and all. Minutes are of a private nature oftimes and of interest to local members only. The Daily Gazette, Karachi, India, July 21, 1923, reports a "Y. W. C. A. Variety Entertainment in which Compeer J. M. Finn, No. 1006. S. A. M., New York, U. S. A., distinguished himself during the evening by some clever exhibitions of 'magic', which were watched by the audience with wrapt attention." The program comprised music, recitation and magic. Surely the S. A. M. is contributing to the entertainment of the people of the world. On my way to Memphis, Tenn., stopped off at Kansas City and had a most enjoyable chat visit with Dr. A. M. Wilson. He was just fixing up Sphinx and looks well and content. Alex Weyer, Jr., son of Alex Weyer, who died two years ago in Cairo. Egypt, has journeyed to America and is now my assistant. I knew Alex, Sr., thirty years ago and it seems weird to see the Jr. on stage, just like his father was at his age. So time and fate work events, making "truth stranger than fiction." The Editor would appreciate clippings from newspapers or published articles or notes on the subject of Spiritualism, any phase of the subject, if Compeers coming in touch with them will kindly mail them to 278 West 113th Street, N. Y. City.
176 Noting the invitation in June M. U. M. for contribution of matter concerning "Spiritualism," I am sending to you the following extract taken from "The Riddle of the Universe," pages 304-5, by Ernest Haeckel, of the University of Jena. As you no doubt know, Dr. Haeckel is known as one of the greatest physicists and thinkers of the nineteenth century, being eminent as a zoologist, biologist and philosopher. What he says, therefore, on the subject of "Spiritism" comes with the weight of authority and will probably prove interesting to readers of M. U. M. if you see fit to publish it. The text of the article follows: "One of the most remarkable forms of superstition which still takes a very active part in modern life is Spiritism. It is a surprising and a lamentable fact that millions of educated people are still dominated by this dreary superstition; even distinguished scientists are entangled in it. A number of spiritualistic journals spread the faith far and wide, and our "superior circles" do not scruple to hold seances in which "spirits" appear rapping, writing, giving messages from "the beyond," and so on. It is a frequent boast of spiritists that even eminent men of science defend these superstitions. In Germany A. Zollner and Fechner are quoted as instances ; in England, Wallace and Crookes. "The regrettable circumstance that physicists and biologists of such distinction have been led astray by Spiritism is accounted for, partly by their excess of imagination and partly by the powerful influence of dogmas which a religious education imprinted on the brain in early youth. Moreover, it was precisely through the famous seances at Leipsig, in which the physicists, Zollner, Fechner and Wilhelm Weber, were imposed on by the clever conjuror, Slade, that the fraud of the latter was afterwards fully exposed; he was discovered to be a common impostor. "In other cases, too, where the alleged marvels of spiritism have been thoroughly investigated, they have been traced to a more or less clever deception; the mediums (generally of the weaker sex) have been found to be either smart swindlers or nervous persons of abnormal irritability. Their supposed gift of 'telepathy' (or "action at a distance of thought without material medium") has no more existence than the 'voices' or the 'groans' of spirits do. The vivid pictures which Carl du Prel of Munich and other spirits
j5>flri£tij nf Auifrtran iHagtriatts give of their phenomena must be regarded as the outcome of a lively imagination, together with a lack of critical power and of knowledge of physiology."—"The Riddle of the Universe," by Ernest Haeckel. The following is indication of the enterprise existing in The Magicians' Club: "I have very much pleasure informing you that a SILVER CUP has been presented by Captain Vander Kiste to The Magicians' Club, to be competed for annually by members for the performance of the best trick or series of tricks during the year. The tricks must be suitable for presentation in a drawing room or platform and may be either sleight-of-hand or small apparatus. Members wishing to compete must send their names to the Hon. Secretary before the 18th inst. (July). It is proposed that at the Wednesday evening socials, competitors exhibit their special tricks when the
members present shall vote for the best on each particular evening. At the end of the summer season a number of successful entrants will be asked to perform at the opening Ladies' Night and the voting on the part of the audience and the judging by a select committee will decide the winner for 1923. In the event of a member gaining the coveted cup three years in succession, it would become his property. In addition to this cup Mr. Will Goldston has kindly promised to present a gold medal to the winner of the 1923 competition, which shall remain the property of the recipient. Support is earnestly requested by all members both competing and attending the weekly meetings to vote in the preliminary stages of the competition." t~T , „ Yours fraternally, Harold P. Salter, Hon. Secretary."
"Souvenir of the Professor Trewey "—an interesting ver-batim relic of the late FELICIEN TREWEY (From Original Manuscript in Houdini Collection)
The first Magician I have met is spound and after he drop the past the Physician Loramus. I remem- in the hat in saying to me not make ber his as is yesterday I have only face my boy—that not spoilt the hat. 7 years of age in 1854, he have a but me I am looking what he do and pretty little Theatre on the Fair. 1 look all his mauvement. at once he am at the school in Marseille in the light a candle, he take the hat from South of France, one day our school my hands, wich he pass over the master take us to see his perform- candle, take a plate turn the hat and ance. I never will forget when the a nice cake drop on the plate, these curtain rize, we see about 9 or 10 great applause, so lie give me the tables full with apparatus—after a cake, send the plate in the air (who little piece of Music. Loramus make disappear) and I down to my place his entranze in the costume of an and eat the cake with my friends, Astronome, a black robe with ser- after he do some tricks with cards, pent, moon, stars in silver and a hat but what I remember is then he cut in point and one long stick in his one card in two, place in one pistol hand. After a long silence he be- and fire at once he present the card gin to speak and call the Sortilerie- restored, now after many other with some words in profane lengage, tricks, he finish his performance— Stradcmus! Polpus ! Diavolus ! Mor- after few minutes entr-acte he pretus! Maguis, etc. At once you see sent one illusion. One lady come, lightning, hear the tunder, silence she enter in one large sac (bag). and he begining his show by the old The Loramus fix the top with string, trie, the inexuisable bottle, with dif- went in the back the Hall, fire a pisferent liquors, rubbans and finish in tol, the sac opened a old man went taking a leg of mutton roast and out. Curtain Down. We went out warm, then all the audience applause all joyous, happy myself to have —his second trick be the ommelette help Loramus—and hear his proin the hat. there, he ask a little phetic. I said his prophetic as nine boy for help him, not one will go, years later on, I am myself a prowhen my professor push me and fessional, as Juggler, Equilibriste, say, go Felicien and with the red Gymnast, Mime Comedian and little face I up on the stage, then he Magician. When one day I meet place me in the center and tell me, Loramus, I present myself and tell open well your eyes, I will learn to him I have help him when I am a you a pretty trick and so later on boy. he shake hand to me, compliyou will be a Magician, as myself ment me and wich me to see my one — (there all my youngs commarade day a great artist. I have met him laugh and applause). So, Loramus often since and we come great give me one hat in my hands, he friend. He died few years ago in take one egg which he breaked in Asnierer where he retire in 1.902. F. TREWEY. one Cassin, put some flor with the
§>nriety of American ZANZIC, CHARLATAN SUPREME! Ziska, the well-known magician, informs me that during the World's Fair, the original Zancig spent some $5,000.00 in fitting up a house on Michigan Avenue in Chicago with trap doors, slides, panels, secret telephones, and numerous other devices, and with their aid, built up the strongest Spiritualistic studio I have ever heard of. He used three well-known professional magicians, as his aides, Ziska being one of the three—engaged a German physician and a lawyer and gave legal and medical advice to all his clients, who were, of course, totally ignorant of the source. He even went so far as to employ a wellknown forger, and with the aid of this man was able to forge names on messages from the departed, when occasion so demanded. He advertised himself as Slater, which name he borrowed without permission, for the original Slater was at that time the well-known charlatan medium. Zancig's real name, I believe, was Brenner, who originally came from New Orleans. He was a rather extraordinary man, full of grit and socalled courage. While doing a pistol trick in Denver in the upstairs Theatre, he accidentally kept his finger on the barrel of the pistol with the result that his finger was shot off. At another time, the wire of an illusion which he was performing pulled out from the ceiling and entered his eye. The same day that he was taken to the hospital and his eye removed, he appeared before the audience, giving an entire evening's performance, one and a half hours duration, suffering untold agony and carrying a glass eye. This Zancig is not the Jules Zancig of mind-reading fame In his Spiritualistic Studio, there was a trap cut in the floor under the table, which led into a room in the cellar, where two efficient mechanical magicians were concealed, with all kinds of tools, seals, solderingirons, duplicate slates, paper, etc., so that no matter how the messages were brought and how the slates were sealed, Zancig was able, through his accomplices, to give the
The Magazine of Magic ENGLISH OFFICIAL ORGAN Published by
WILL GOLDSTON 14 Greetr St., "LeicesterSquare—Londonr W. C. ~ Visiting compers may have their mail so addressed
177
client a satisfactory reply to any sending a check for double the secret message written or asked. amount. He came to visit Zancig These mechanical magicians would who told him that the Spirits had remove seals with heated steel knives been the means of this cure, and or take impressions with plaster of that this man's good wife had helped Paris so that they could replace the him. The German was very anxious to seals without apparently having tampered with them. They even re- know whether he could have a seance ceived messages between two plates in which his wife would be materialof glass in frames, and had the sys- ized and was informed that this tem down so fine, that one of the could be done. Zancig took a beautiful demiaccomplices, Robinson, would take the slates apart, so as not to inter- monde and from the photographs fere with the locking, sealing or re- and description which lie obtained, camouflaged this woman to look like gluing of same. the German's departed wife, and at The house was "covered" day and night by private detectives, who the seance she was materialized. As the German's wife's "astral would follow a prospective client until the proper name and sufficient body" appeared, he sobbingly eminformation could be obtained, fre- braced her, and finally had to be quently phoning long distance to the torn away and she slowly disappeared, which was accomplished by dupe's home town. One of the methods they used to one veil after another being placed receive messages was to have pigeons in front of her by the unseen black with messages tied onto their legs robed assistant. The German was anxious to spend or neck, and when the lights would an hour alone with his materialized be turned up, these pigeons would circle around the room and alight on wife and in lieu of a huge fee this the sitters, and eight times out of was arranged to take place the folten, the messages written on the lowing week. A large room • was paper carried by the pigeons would fitted up like a bridal chamber. A satisfactorily answer the question wedding repast was indulged in bethought of by the person on whom fore the materialization took place, and he was warned that he could the pigeon alighted. The materialization room was not spend more than an hour with double-curtained all over with black his spirit wife, as the flesh materials, velvet, and each form of materializa- etc., would dematerialize and that he tion would require two velvet clothed should not be near her when the deassistants. One of them would have materialization took place. All went well—The German was a black velvet 'bag, which he pushed out in the middle of the room with led to the bridal chamber. They the aid of a detachable fishing pole, closed the door and left him alone. and the second secreted assistant Then all of a sudden, while the parwould lift up the cover and elongate ties who assisted in this were grina phospohous-colored cloth, while ning all over themselves, they heard the other would use his voice to pre- a terrible shriek. They rushed in—the comedy had tend that the materialized form was turned into a tragedy. The man bespeaking. Zancig used solid rubber hands came so pent up with excitement at which were placed for six hours at the sight of his wife as she lay there a time on ice. Attached into the before him that he fell over dead. wrists of these hands was a fishing- They dressed him and laid him outrod, and in this way the hand could side of the street door as if he were a total stranger, but the man's sertouch anyone in the circle. The House of Mystery was ex- vant, who had taken him to the posed through one of those rare studio, saw them bring the body out and he notified the police. This was coincidences. An old German, who suffered the cause of the overthrow of Zanfrom bad eyes, came to be cured. cig's "Spiritual Temple". He manZancig sold him a small candy pail aged to evade imprisonment in some filled with common gutter mild, tell- manner and the thing was hushed up. the man that there was a magic Every Compeer in the Society of American Magicians should read the charm in same, and charged him '•SPHINX" $25.00 for the treatment, adding that The Oldest Magical Magazine if he were cured, he was to send a in the world Official organ of the S. A. M. check for $500.00. In less than two published by weeks, along came a check for -A. M. WILSON, M. D. $1,000.00. The man had been cured 1007 Main Street and wished to show his gratitude by Kansas City, Mo. U. S. A.