226
A Phenomenal Success
-AT THE
GRAND OPERA HOUSE,
BROOKLYN, and
WINDSOR THEATRE,
NEW YORK, of BUFFALO BILL
-AND HIS
Mammoth Dramatic Combination,
Including the handsomest Indian maiden.
He Nu-Kaw,
and his tribe of Indian Chiefs, in his great drama of the
PRAIRIE WAIF,
A story of the far West.
W. F. Cody.......... Proprietor and Manager
Now filling time for Season 1882 83.
Address all letters to
JOSH E. OGDEN, Business Manager,
Care MIRROR Office.
227
A Philosophic Frontiersman.
The fact that Cincinnati, during the Dramatic Festival, is likely to be the home of a large theatrical colony, recalls an incident in connection with the name of "Buffalo Bill" (Hon. W. F. Cody) that may not be without interest. As is generally known, he is now a man of large wealth. Prudent investment, the establishing of a cattle ranch in Nebraska, his books and his popularity, have enabled him to accumulate more of the world's goods that usually fall to the lot of an every-day actor, and the old scout illustrates in his career the success that attaches to the well-directed effort. He is not a man, however, without social faults, and if Dr. Howard Crosby, or any, other self-appointed commissioner upon the conscience of his fellow-beings was to sit in judgment, he would receive less mercy than that accorded by Sitting Bull.
Passing through Cincinnati he met a pleasant-faced lad - a bootblack. Perhaps there was something about the boy that reminded "Buffalo Bill" of his own early struggles in life. At any rate, before parting with him, he insured place, position and an opportunity that made the lad's life a success.
It was while his boots were in process of blacking that he met Dr. Carver, who was then temporarily a guest at the Burnet House. The two had been [word?] hunters on the plains. Carver suggested [word?] to another old-timer, a Western man to whom both were known.
They went, taking a number of friends on the way. There was a glass of whiskey or two distributed, an interchange of reminiscence, and a game of cards. The Western friend had lost his arm in an Indian fight, and naturally, his part of the play was made with one hand. The stakes at first were trifling; but as the men progressed, the sum increased. The amount ran from five to ten dollars, then to fifty, one hundred, five hundred; and when the party separated at an early hour in the morning, twenty-three thousand dollars had changed hands, and a sorrier-looking party of individuals, whose nerves were ordinarily firm on the trigger, never went into their blankets. Cody is a good deal of a philosopher, and as he tucked himself in bed, he called across the room to Carver: "Doc, we've all been wiped; but great Scott! if wild John could do that with one arm, what would he have done with two?"
228
An old Army officer asked Buffalo Bill, the other day, how he liked the profession of actor.
"You're wrong," replied the scout. "I'm not an actor-I'm a star. All actors can become stars; but all stars cannot become actors."
And speaking of Bill reminds me that he is enjoying great expectations just now. His uncle, Philip Cody, owned fifty acres on Euclid avenue, Cleveland-the most valuable real estate in the city, in fact. W. F. Cody and other descendants are pressing a claim for this property, which, they allege, was taken from the heirs by illegal means. Should the claim be sustained, which is likely, Bill will stop starring and live on a couple of cool millions, together with the fortune he has accumulated in the profession.
229
Echoes of the Conquering March from the Western Plains to he Atlantic Coast of the King of the Road.
BUFFALO BILL,
(HON. W. F. CODY.)
HIS CLIENTELE -- The People. HIS RECORD -- Satisfaction. HIS MAGNETISM -- Continuous.
HIS RECEIPTS NO "IDLE FANCY."
VERACIOUS FACTS AND FIGURES: Individual Gross Receipts, $104,381.75; Profits Transferred West, $51,819.40. MR. CODY, appreciating the lavishly generous patronage bestowed upon him, has made arrangements to produce NEXT SEASON A NEW BORDER DRAMA, from the combined efforts of the successful authors, Col. PRENTISS INGRAMAM and CHAS. FOSTER, entitled
20 DAYS, OR BUFFALO BILL'S PLEDGE.
Interpreted by an Efficent Dramatic Company, and employinh in its vivid realsm a Band of Genuine Redmen, the Handsome Indian Princess, magnificent Scenic Views from the pencil of the celebrated Artist Hughes, of Cincinnati, thus insuring the EXCELSIOR ENTERTAINMENT of 1882 83. Entire New Printing. Uninformed Silver Cornet Band. A Daily Street Parade en cavalcade. W. F. CODY, Proprietor and Manager. JOSH E. OGDEN, Business Manager, to whom all applications for dates, sharing terms, etc., should be addressed, No. 274 West Fourth Street, or Dramatic Agents.
230
The Border Scout.
Josh E. Ogden, business manager for Hon. William F. Cody (Buffalo Bill), threw his handsome form into one of our office chairs yesterday and said, as he ran the fingers of one hand through his ambrosial locks and toyed with a massive gold chain with those of the other, that he had come up to rest his weary body for a while.
"How was Buffalo Bill's season 1"
"The best he has ever known. We have played to packed houses everywhere, and Bill has just gone home with over $51,000 as the net profits of thirty-four weeks' business."
"Does he go out next season, or will his Cleveland legacy make him ambitious to leave the stage?"
"He doesn't want to leave the stage. He has plenty of money; but the million he gets in Cleveland will help him some toward being a rich man. Yes, he goes out again, commencing August 29, in a new drama by Charles Foster, called Twenty Days; or, Buffalo Bill's Pledge, and it is the best thing he has ever had in the shape of drama. He will be supported by an entirely new company of twenty-five persons - actors and Indians - and will carry all of his own scenery and properties."
"Prospects good for next season?"
"Never better. Time all filled with good dates and increased terms. Next season we will clear $60,000."