Pages from m u m vol 6 10591

MAGIC

UNITY

MIGHT

EDITED BY T H E P R E S I D E N T No. 51

ONE DOLLAR PER ANNUM

NEW YORK, JUNE, 1917

Vol. 6

THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS

•xs>o (INCORPORATED)

OFFICIAL

ISSUED TO

MONTHLY

MEMBERS

BULLETIN

ONLY

ILLUSTRIOUS COMPEERS: The next regular meeting will be held on Saturday evening, July 7, 1917, at the Magical Palace, 493 Sixth Avenue, 8 o'clock sharp.

There will be no meeting during August and September.

ELECTED TO MEMBERSHIP 520 Ladson Butler.

521 Joseph W. Zarro.

522 John Waechter.

523 Clarence Hoyden Allis.

524 Anton Cypra.

525 Henry Edward Bordicott.

526 Guy Fletcher Boyd.

527 Herbert Frank Heith 528 Leopold Keller.

HARRY HOUDINI M . I . PHEH1DENT

Attest:

SINGLE COPIES TEN GENTS

OSCAR S. TEALE,

SALUTATORY 111. Compeers:

In electing me as your presiding officer, it will be my great pleasure to study the welfare of our organization, and ask to permit my actions to bespeak my appreciation.

Though my predecessors may have been more competent and your future presiding officers more applicable for the proud distinction, I assure you that none could have entered, or will enter, on their duties with a greater determination to make good; and none can try as hard as I will to advance the best interests and reputation of the Society of American Magicians.

The 167th regular and fifteenth annual meeting of The Society held at The Magical Palace, 493 Sixth Ave., New York City, on Saturday, June 2, 1917. Opened in ceremonial form by the most illustrious President Richard Van Dien. Officers present: Second Vice-President Borrows, Treasurer Rullmann, Secretary 111. P. P. Teale. Others present: 111. P. P. Sargent, Homburger, Hatton; Honorary Compeers, Mme. Adelaide Herrmann, Harry Kellar, Harry Houdini; 111. Compeers, Martinka Domitz, Jarrell, Laurens, Taylor, Benedict, Kline, Irving, Heller, Goodwin, Rice, Heiles, Crosby, Lee, Harrington, Marks, Leroy, Raymond, Grout, Meyenburg.

Minutes of the 166th meeting read and approved. Upon favorable reports of the Committee on Admission, the following were elected to membership by a unanimous vote: Anton Cypra, Worcester, Mass.; Henry Edward Bordicott, Lynn, Mass.; Guy Fletcher Boyd, Indianapolis, Ind.; Clarence Hoyden Allis, Derby, Conn.; Herbert Frank Heath, Carroll, la.; John Waechter, Chicago, 111.; Leopold Keller, Allentown, Pa.; Ladson Butler, Buffalo, N. Y.; Joseph W. Zarro.

Communications received from Hon. Compeers Mme. Herrmann, Harry Kellar and Harry Houdini, and from Mr. Charles Carter, acknowledging invitations to banquet, and a letter of regrets from 111. Thurston. Other communications from W. D. Leroy, Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Sargent, E. Fay Rice, C. D. Irvin, J. Q. Vandermast (Iowa), H. A. Lee, E. C. Butler, Chas. Hout (South Africa), H. S. Dusenbery, J. P. Badger, R. Geysel, F. W. Bilger, Prof. M. Toch, Prof. Mack Brinkley, J. Serwey, B. Adams, Prof. Robt. Spice, P. Lennox, Sectv. Australian Society of Magicians, Harold C. Hammout, Pres. of the same Society.

Committee on Loving Cup for 111. Leroy, reported through 111. Houdini having completed their work. P. P. Homburger, as Chairman of the Banquet Committee, reported the affair a success. Chairman Houdini of Entertainment Committee also reported. The Committees were discharged with thanks. A rising vote of thanks was also given to all who had so contributed to the entertainment. Reports of the Secretary, Treasurer, Trustees. The Committee of Audit, and the Annual Message of the M. 111. President, were received; ordered on the minutes, and published in "M U M."

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS The first order of new business was the election for officers. The Tellers were Mme. Herrmann, W. D. Leroy, Irving & Kline. The following officers were elected unanimously: President, Harry Houdini; First Vice-President, James T. Burrows; Second Vice-President, G. G. Laurens; Treasurer, Leo Rullmann; Secretary, Oscar S. Teale; Trustees L. M. Homburger, D.D.S., 3 years; Harry J. Kline, 1 year; Sergeants at Arms, G. A. Domitz, P. A. Vincent; Committee on Admissions, H. H. Jarrell, 3 years; Council, J. W. Sargent, G. G. Laurens, L. M. Homburger, D.D.S., C. F. Crosby. Tellers discharged with thanks.

Past President Teale, being the senior officer present, installed the newly elected officers in a forceful address, and he in turn was installed by P. P. Homburger. On motion, the Secretary was instructed to transmit to the Magic Circle of London, the sympathy of this Society in the death on May 15th, of their Honorary President, Mr. John Nevil Maskelyne. A vote of sympathy was given to Mr. and Mrs. P. P. Sargent, they having lost an only daughter on May 20th. The Society having heard of the renewed illness of P. P. Werner, the Secretary was instructed to express not only sympathy, but the most earnest hope that he may speedily recover his old-time health and vigor. The meeting closed at 12 midnight.

FRANCIS J. WERNER, Official Correspondent, Per V. D.

Address of the M. Retiring 111. President.

111. Compeers :

ices and it still remains with us to show him our appreciation of that service, and with the able co-operation of our Secretary, Past Pres. Teale.

Organizations in Buffalo, Detroit, Rochester, Pittsburgh, Kansas City, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Columbus, Toledo, Cincinnati and Oakland, Cal., have become interested and it is to be hoped that in the near future there will be perfected plans to unite them with us. Thus far the only one being Golden Gate No. 11 now working under charter with nineteen members.

The committee on revision of Constitution and By-Laws has done good work preparing laws to meet the new requirements to bring about the final union of auxiliary branches.

The initiation of members has not received attention, owing to the time taken up by routine business, and partly that the present form is too lengthy. A committee is at work on a revised ritual which promises to be complete and attractive, which will replace the short form now in use.

The Official Publication of the Society, "M U M" has been published regularly. Since it started it has been through custom, a part of the duties of the President to compile and issue it, but it should be put on a regular business basis, that its value may be augmented.

Past President Sargent has a carefully prepared plan for establishing a corps of editors which should be considered and acted upon.

At this opportunity, thanks are extended to 111.

Hatton, Sargent, Laurens, Werner, Teale, Domitz, Rouclere Houdini, Kellar, Powell and Dusenbery for articles which have helped to make "M U M" readable.

An item of special interest is the record of 111. W. D. Leroy, Boston, with 104 propositions for membership to his credit. 111. Leroy joined the Society June 7, 1902 (No. 33), and has always been a zealous worker for magic and all it means.

April 17, 1917, 111. Francis J. Martinka announced his retirement from business and from the Magical Palace where the Society has met since its organization in 1902.

In the term of my office the mandate of the Mighty Magician has called to himself 111. Waring, Dr. Woodward, A. Martinka, Knight, Morse, Dr. Wheeler, Hendrickson and Kellogg; added to this there have been losses in the families of many.

To all, our sympathies have been extended promptly and sincerely.

It is not only the tie of Magic which binds us together and which promotes our harmony, growth and influence, there are also the strengthening bonds of fraternity and friendship and on such foundations we have a right to hope for and predict success beyond present comprehension, are my personal closing sentiment towards you all.

R. VAN DIEN, June 2, 1917.

President.

During the two years in which I have enjoyed the honor of Presidency, I have endeavored to "govern with wisdom and equity and to keep in mind that measure of harmony and unity tending to the advancement of our ancient and honorable art." The adage, "that uneasy lies the head that wears a crown," has no application to my crowned head, for I have only received at your hands the most cordial, willing and loyal support; upon my successor I wish the same good fortune.

There has been an endeavor to introduce an entertainment of some sort to add to the interest of the regular meetings and while it has been somewhat difficult at times to secure unengaged talent, yet in a measure it has been successful.

A very entertaining lecture by 111. Prof.

Maximilian Toch; A memory test by 111. D. M. Roth; Socials conducted by 111. Burrows, Merton, Vincent and the President; Talks by Rouclere, Houdini, Kellar, Brown and others, and entertainments by Burrows, Plate, Rullmann, Werner, Vincent, Carl Fricke, Domitz, Paul Poole, Bamberg, Goodwin, Ducrot, Myenberg, Jarrell, Everett Kemp, Arthur Moore and Marks have added to the interest of the meetings.

Gifts of symbolic Placques by 111. Laurens, a mcture by 111. Benzon and a handsome banner by 111. Vincent have been suitably acknowledged and adorn our meeting room.

The most important event to be recorded is the By a letter written to our Dean Harry Kellar, start towards the establishing of auxiliary Trewey has offered a portrait in oil of himself to branches throughout the country. At the October, be hung in the rooms of The Society of American 1916, meeting, 111. Houdini volunteered his serv- Magicians.

SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS REPORT

OF SECRETARY FOR YEAR ENDING MAY 31, 1917.

Financial.

RECEIPTS. For Proposition Fees For Dues For Electrotypes DISBURSEMENTS.

By Cash to Treasurer

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON BANQUET. Receipts.

140 Dinners @ $3.00 Disbursements. $197.50 145 Dinners @ $2.50 224.50 Tickets (printing) 1.15 Menus (printing) $423.15 Music Flowers .$423.15 Tips, Postage, etc

Membership.

Total active membership as reported by previous Secretary, May 31, 1916 332 Admissions during the year 40 ~372 Decrease by death 3 Active membership to date 369 Total enrollment since organization 527 Shrinkage from all causes 158 Active membership of record to date 369 Respectfully submitted, OSCAR S. TEALE. New York, June 2, 1917.

TREASURER'S STATEMENT.

Balance in bank June 1, 1916 Received from various sources

$ 24.10 . 524.15 $548.25 Disbursed, per warrants 401-430, inclusive • 413.09 Balance in bank June 1, 1917 $135.16 LEO. RULLMANN, Treasurer.

June 2, 1917.

The Society of American Magicians.

We have examined the books and vouchers of the Secretary and Treasurer, and found them correct as submitted.

Signed GUSTAVE A. DOMITZ, JAMES BURROWS, HARRY J. KLINE, Auditing Committee.

TRUSTEE REPORT, JUNE 2, 1917.

THE SOCIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS.

Bankbook, Excelsior Savings Banks, No. 47483.

Balance to January, 1917 $1,869.23 1 desk, 1 glove used by Alexander Herrmann, 3 chairs, 1 gavel, 1 wand, 1 ballot box, 1 deed to Bosco's Grave (gift of Houdini), 1 safe, 1 floor cloth, 20 glasses, Certificate of Incorporation, 12 Rituals, 1 minute book, 1 center and 2 side tables from Herrmann, 2 small side tables from Herrmann, 1 trunk of costumes, 1 tag from J. Wyman, 1 ornamental postage stamp emblem, 1 engraving, "The Mountebank," 2 emblems, 1 inlaid table, 1 trunk of various curtains, etc., 1 red silk banner.

FRANCIS J. MARTINKA.

$420.00 $362.50 4.00 8.75 16.00 7.00 4.75

$403.00 Balance on Hand $ 17.00 Respectfully submitted, LIONEL M. HOMBURGER, D.D.S., Chairman.

GOLDEN GATE ASSEMBLY.

The report of the above assembly made by its Secretary, H. Syril Dusenbery, together with copies of minutes recorded of their meetings typify a live organization and a strong organization. With such earnestness of spirit and devotion to purpose in the far west and the parent organization at the east, the intervening territory should blossom to a flower of perfection.

The Secretary forwards the following interesting item: "The most important magical event of the west took place in the ball room of Hotel Fairmont, San Francisco, Saturday evening, May 26, 1917, at which time the charter of the S. A. M. was formally presented. The room was filled to capacity, and the local press devoted much space to recording the affair. Frank Bilger of Oakland, Western Representative of S. A. M., explained the history and object of the parent body, dilating on the prevailing propaganda for establishing assembly in affiliation. Mr. Bilger summoned the newly elected officers to the stage and formally presented them with the charter, the official birth certificate of the Golden Gate Assembly, an act endorsed by enthusiastic applause. Brother Mueller accepted the charter in behalf of the new organization. In return Mr. Bilger was recipient of a wand, symbolic of power (a gift from the members) and invited to accept the office of presidency, to which honor Mr. Bilger acquiesced and the completed organization of Golden Gate Assembly was effected.

An elaborate stage program followed, comprising many local artists too numerous for our limited space—the concluding number being by Dr. S. S. Baldwin, The Royal White Mahatma, featuring his famous spirit cabinet work. Concensus of opinion voted it the "best and biggest magical event ever seen in San Francisco."

111. Compeer Powell had a narrow escape at Kettle Falls, Wash. The stage was destroyed by fire from explosion of a gasolene lamp. Considerable apparatus was lost and Powell was injured. The S. A. M. congratulates him on escape from death.

SOGIETY OF AMERICAN MAGICIANS AHOY, THERE, RECRUITING OFFICER! Brett Page.

The Society of American Magicians, All slight-of-hand tacticians, Hold a contest to-night after dinner.

Picture nine hundred deceivers Without an audience of believers Trying to select a master winner!

They say that many members Of this army of dissemblers Are leaving all their valuables at home, And they're planning to be first Where the birds and bubbles burst So all THAT vanishing'll be their own.

Can't you picture Uncle Sam Enlisting every man And saying, "You're the regiment for me.

I've admired your magic spells, Come along and trick the shells And vanish all the U-boats from the sea!"

The above effusion by Brett Page at dinner at Hotel McAlpin, Friday evening, June 1, has been going the rounds of the public press.

SECRETARY'S PRIVILEGE

Past President Francis J. Werner has suffered a relapse of his late illness, being attacked while dressing to attend banquet June 1st. The painful news came to guests assembling.

June 21st—He is reported on high road to recovery.

Our honored Dean, Harry Kellar, made the trip from Los Angeles especially to attend Banquet, and it comes as a great shock to learn that he is now undergoing treatment at a hospital for blood poisoning, as result of bite by an insect or other unknown cause.

June 21st—Dean Kellar is out of hospital and will remain in New York another fortnight.

The rumor is still rampant of the possibility, in near future, of a theatre devoted exclusively to magic and kindred art being established in New York City.

Our sympathy goes also to 111. • Compeer Doc. A. M. Wilson, who suffered three fractured ribs by helping the Robert Houdin Club in an entertainment. Fractured ribs are truly "bones of contention" as the writer knows by personal experience.

Harry Kellar was numbered amongst the M. U. M. required to complete the Con- notable guests of Billy Sunday at the Tabernacle gressional Library file: August and Septem- Saturday, June 9th. ber, 1913, Nos. 11 and 12; July, 1914, No. 22, and October, 1915, No. 33. Who will suppi}? them?

A member of the S. A. M. in Australia sends the following interesting clipping from the SydIt may interest members to know that Mr. ney Sun, of Sunday, April 1, 1917: Harry Houdini paid for 44 tickets at Banquet.

"Basil Watson, a Victorian boy, was killed by collapse and fall of his aeroplane. He received Through its council, the S. A. M. has performed initial desire to fly on the occasion of the first a duty to Uncle Sam by investing $1,000 of its flight achieved in Australia. Eight years ago, at Diggers' Rest (Vic), Harry Houdini made the reserve fund in Liberty Bonds. flight. The boy's parents with their family had motored to the exhibition."

When our beloved Dean, Harry Kellar, learned there had been a slight hesitation about making this a unanimous consent of the council, he imA question comes from Boston, the Hub of mediately announced to the S. A. M. through the Secretary, that he would personally guarantee Culture. "Will you please inform me where I any amount that may be taken by the Society and can find the word 'Escamoteurs' used recently in stand ready to relieve it at par value with in- M. U. M.?" terest at any time. A telegram to Mr. Kellar The fact is that it is a French word, and therewill bring return check if needed. fore does not appear in ordinary English dictionaries. It may, however, be found in "Rogert's Thesaurus."

Harry Kellar is doing his duty toward Uncle Sam, having invested $50,000 in Liberty Bonds It is synonymous in meaning with Prestidigiand we are informed he has made application for tators, and mystifiers. Houdin and contemporaries made use of it. $25,000 worth more.