| Page 14Buffalo Bill.
this celebrated scout, border hero and actor last night made his fourth appearance before a Youngstwon audience, and it is superfluous to say the Opera House was crowded from gallerty to parquette front. The play, "Prairie Waif," scarcely gives opportunity for the grand natural dramatic powers of Mr. Cody, the central figure, but taken altogether gives general satidfaction. Right here it is not out of place to say a few words, now that the show is over, regarding this remarkable man, Cody. Only 38 years of age, his life has been a strange and eventful one. Frank Leslie's Times says of him:
"Of his numerous adventures, narrow escapes, Indian battles and hardships, volumes could be written, for he made his name famous along the border from Utah to texas, and, though a mere boy in years, few men were his superior in strength and endurance, while the cunning of the red man he matched with equal cunning, and, in fact, won the name of being able to out-Injun Injun."
In regard to his soubriquet "Buffalo Bill," the same authority says:
"When a boy-hunter to one of Russel, Major, and Waddell's trains carrying Government supplies west to the forts, he was alone on the prairie one day hunting, when he espied a tremendous herd of buffaloes coming toward him at full speed.
The train encampment was miles away, the boy was on foot, and there was but one chance to escape being trampled to death, and that was to reach a lone cotton wood tree some distance off.
A fleet runner, he gained the tree, and drew himself up into the branches just as the herd of thousands of buffaloes came tearing along beneath him.
Scarcely had he mentally congratulated himself upon his lucky escape, when he espied behind the herd half a hundred Sioux warriors in full pursuit, and he knew they would make short work of him, for they would also pass under the tree.
To remain was certain death, and his fertile mind saw a chance, one in a thousand, and he seized upon it at once.
He would drop down on the back of a huge buffalo bull, and thus ride out the danger.
This he did, landing astide of the back of an animal that, frightened fearfully, endeavored to throw him off, but in vain.
Fortunately the herd headed in the direction of the train encampment, and as the men ran out to secure fresh buffalo meat, they saw that one of the bulls has a rider, and a crack shot bringing the animal down, it was found to be Bill Cody, who was then and there christened Buffalo Bill."
Personally, Mr. Cody is a quiet, gentlemanly eprson in private life. During the past year he has lost over $30,000 on his ranche in Nebraska, fromthe severe winter, he being a heavy dealer in stock. The writer has vivid recollections of many thrilling incidents occurring during two years passed with Mr. Cody in Nebraska. Cody's nomination and election to the Nebraska State Senate, under the circumstances, probably goes as fat to show his popularity at home as anything else. The district is overwhelmingly Republican; Mr. Cody is a Democrat; the "boys," not liking the Republican nomination, nominated Cody and elected him by a handsome majority.
Shortly after his election, and during a legislative vacation, the Sioux, who are ever at war with the Pawnees and Omahas, made a raid under these circumstances: Each summer the Pawnees are allowed six weeks in Southern Nebraska to hunt buffalo. In 1873, while making this hunt, the Sioux gathered about fifteen hundred warriors, and making a forced march, corralled the poor Pawnees, only about 800 in number, all told, in a canyon on the Republican river. The news came to North Platte just before the terrible event which followed occurred. Cody was enjoying a social glass of lager and teiling of Indian campaigns, when a cow-boy rode in, telling the story every settler dreads--"The Sioux are on the war-path!" In less than tn minutes, fifteen men were in the saddle, Cody leading. A terribly exhausting ride, with but few stops for "breathing" the ponies, and the canon was reached. Never stopping to consult anyone, Cody, revo'ver in either hand, rode into a perfect field of carnage. Three hundred Pawnees, among them squaws and papooses, lay dead and mutilated. The Sioux chiefs, "Whistler" and "Pawneee-Killer," two as blood-thirsty red devils as ever scalped friend of enemy, were wild drunk with their carnival of blood, and declaring war upon all mankind. To cut details, in less than five minutes quiet reigned. The Sioux stopped their onslaught, the Pawnees began gathering their dead, each family to itself, and so the situation remaind until military arived, and the marauders were marched back to their reservation. This is only one of scores of instances where Cody exercised his wonderful influence over the Indians. To this influence and his judicious exercise of it, he owes most of his popularity among the border settlers. An upright business man and generous souled gentleman, "Bill" Cody has [?] of friends everywhere, and [?] in Youngstown.
Grand Opera House.
"THE PRAIRIE WAIF."
"Buffalo Bill," supported by a good company, appeared to a very large house last night--1,675 people. The Prairie Waif" is no doubt the strongest border drama now upon the stage, and contains a number of hair-breadth escapes, thrilling incidents and everything necessary to awaken the enthusiasm of the audience, as was manifest by the loud applause that greeted every act. The scenery was beautiful, especially the opening of the second act. The cast was as follows:
Buffalo Bill.....................................................................................Wm. F. Cody
Representing Three District Western Characters.
Mark Stanley.....................................................................................R. C. White
Jim Hardie..............{Danties}.........................................................Harry Clifton
Jack Hardie....................................{Danties}..................................Geo. T. James
Hans................................................................................................Jules Keene
Capt. russell............................................................................C. Wilson Charles
General Brown.................................................................................Robert Neil
E. Overton, a Sutler.....................................................................Harvey M. Pike
Lone Deer...................................................................................William Wright
Lieut. Saunders...............................................................................Harry Irving
Yellow Hand, Cheyenne Chief.......................................................Harry Melmer
Lieut. White..........................................................................................E. Booth
Jack Cass...................................................................................................Jerry
Onita...................................................................................Miss Lizzie Fletcher
Sadie.............................................................................Miss Connie Thompson
Miss Fletcher is a pleasing little actress, and renders her role well, though at times her voice is a little to light to giver the proper expression to the line. "Hans" and "Sadie" created considerable merriment by their witticicsms. Mr. Cody proves quite as good actor as he is a scout. His rifle-shooting was very fine. During the fourth act, a band of genuine Cheyenne Indians introduced a war-dance, which seemed very life-like. The play will be repeated tonight, and parties wishing seats should secure them in advanced and avoid the rush.
ACADEMY OF MUSIC-BUFFALO BILL.
One of the most blustering and disagreeable storms of the winter prevailed last evenign, and people arrived at the Academy covered with clinging snow, but despite this fact the house was crowded. The audience was immensely pleased with the play and forgot all its troubles in the enjoyment of the "wild romance of the far West." Hon. W. F. Cody, (Buffalo Bill) appears this time in a new drama "Prairie Waif," which permits of his impersonating three distinct Weastern characters. The piece has all the charm of the dime novel, embodied in living forms of scouts, Indians, Mormon Danites and wild animals, and represented in absorbing reality. Buffalo Bill acts with the same assumption of indifferent bravery which characterizes all his stage work. His exhibition of fancy rifle-shooting is very attractice. The company supporting is adequate to the play, and it is given with the requisite effect. The show will remain the balance of the week.
The reciepts at the Buffalo Bill performance last night were $825. In the gallery were 550 people, family circles 155 and 520 down stairs.
Josh E. Ogden, business manager of the Buffalo Bill combination, called at the Express office last night. He has held his present position for over eight years.
BUFFALO BILL.
Any person who is curious to know the number of our citizens who cultivate the style of literature of which Beadle's dime novels and the New York Ledger are fair samples should have gone to the Opera House last night, where that class of our residents was out in force. The drama of the "Prairie Waif," as rendered by Buffalo Bill, three or four Indians, a Dutchman, a couple of girls, several soldiers, some Mormons and a jackass is from the lurid pen of John A. Stevens who is also guilty of the crime of having perpetrated "The Unknown" upon a suffering humanity, though in justice to the author it must be acknowledged that the "Prairie Waif" is slightly better than any of his former efforts. That this sort of stuff is relished by a large class of people in any place must sorrowfully be confessed and that Terrie Haute is no exception to the rule is also true, anyone situated within two blocks of the Opera House during the course of performances last evening would have borne witness, for the boisterous approval of the audience must certainly have been heard a long distance. Buffalo Bill is a fine looking fellow and a good rifle shot but his best friend would never call him an actor. With a considerable amount of red fire, a small arsenal of firearms and a drama in which he always arrives in the nick of time to rescue the heroine, slay the villians, together with a paltry dozen or two of Indians, he usually contrives, however, to satisfy the not very exacting demands of the crowds which patronize him. Like Bob Ingersoll with is lectures he probably realizes that this sort of thing pays and don't care a "cuss" for those who don't appreciate it. The support was very fair.
Buffalo Bill.
A large and appreciative audience repaired to the Grand Opera-house last evening, in the face of the storm to witness the rendition of "Prairie Waif," by Buffalo Bill and his support. The house was filled early and promptly at 8 o'clock the curtain arose, and it was soon evident that the audience would receive the worth of their money, a fact that has not been the case with several performances of a like nature that have visited the Star City. With a popular management the house would not have contained the crowd. The general attractice appearance, a good acting and fine shooting of the buffalo killer, gained him favor with the house. His parts were void of that swaggering, slouchy way so common to those representing the frontiersman. The support was very good, and to compliment any one would only be unjustice to all The company's scenery was of no little consquence, and added greatly to the effect. It entirely filled the bill. and was up to expectation.
Buffalo Bill nnd Texas Jack Confused.
Two little boys were holding an animated discussion on Printing House square Saturday afternoon.
"No you can't fool me" one of them was saying, 'Buffaler Bill's dead."
"Oh! git out," said the other "he's comin' here nex' week; don't I see the bill?"
"Doan' I tell you agin Buffler Bill's dead; did'nt I hear Jimmy McFadden say he read it in the papers"?
"How long 'go" said the other impatiently, as if he feared the sad intelligence might be true.
"Why he died 'bout year ago," was the withering reply.
The other boy looked crushed for a moment; then a big smile lit up his countenance and he cried out:
"Bill, it war Texas Jack you mean"
"Yes" replied Bill after a moments though "your right, it war Texas Jack that died; Buffler Bill war alive."
And then the two Young Ameican's strolled over to the bill board and stood for a quarter of an hour absorbed in the thrilling scenes of "The Prairie Waif" and the manly form of their idol "Buffler Bill." | Page 14Buffalo Bill.
this celebrated scout, border hero and actor last night made his fourth appearance before a Youngstwon audience, and it is superfluous to say the Opera House was crowded from gallerty to parquette front. The play, "Prairie Waif," scarcely gives opportunity for the grand natural dramatic powers of Mr. Cody, the central figure, but taken altogether gives general satidfaction. Right here it is not out of place to say a few words, now that the show is over, regarding this remarkable man, Cody. Only 38 years of age, his life has been a strange and eventful one. Frank Leslie's Times says of him:
"Of his numerous adventures, narrow escapes, Indian battles and hardships, volumes could be written, for he made his name famous along the border from Utah to texas, and, though a mere boy in years, few men were his superior in strength and endurance, while the cunning of the red man he matched with equal cunning, and, in fact, won the name of being able to out-Injun Injun."
In regard to his soubriquet "Buffalo Bill," the same authority says:
"When a boy-hunter to one of Russel, Major, and Waddell's trains carrying Government supplies west to the forts, he was alone on the prairie one day hunting, when he espied a tremendous herd of buffaloes coming toward him at full speed.
The train encampment was miles away, the boy was on foot, and there was but one chance to escape being trampled to death, and that was to reach a lone cotton wood tree some distance off.
A fleet runner, he gained the tree, and drew himself up into the branches just as the herd of thousands of buffaloes came tearing along beneath him.
Scarcely had he mentally congratulated himself upon his lucky escape, when he espied behind the herd half a hundred Sioux warriors in full pursuit, and he knew they would make short work of him, for they would also pass under the tree.
To remain was certain death, and his fertile mind saw a chance, one in a thousand, and he seized upon it at once.
He would drop down on the back of a huge buffalo bull, and thus ride out the danger.
This he did, landing astide of the back of an animal that, frightened fearfully, endeavored to throw him off, but in vain.
Fortunately the herd headed in the direction of the train encampment, and as the men ran out to secure fresh buffalo meat, they saw that one of the bulls has a rider, and a crack shot bringing the animal down, it was found to be Bill Cody, who was then and there christened Buffalo Bill."
Personally, Mr. Cody is a quiet, gentlemanly eprson in private life. During the past year he has lost over $30,000 on his ranche in Nebraska, fromthe severe winter, he being a heavy dealer in stock. The writer has vivid recollections of many thrilling incidents occurring during two years passed with Mr. Cody in Nebraska. Cody's nomination and election to the Nebraska State Senate, under the circumstances, probably goes as fat to show his popularity at home as anything else. The district is overwhelmingly Republican; Mr. Cody is a Democrat; the "boys," not liking the Republican nomination, nominated Cody and elected him by a handsome majority.
Shortly after his election, and during a legislative vacation, the Sioux, who are ever at war with the Pawnees and Omahas, made a raid under these circumstances: Each summer the Pawnees are allowed six weeks in Southern Nebraska to hunt buffalo. In 1873, while making this hunt, the Sioux gathered about fifteen hundred warriors, and making a forced march, corralled the poor Pawnees, only about 800 in number, all told, in a canyon on the Republican river. The news came to North Platte just before the terrible event which followed occurred. Cody was enjoying a social glass of lager and teiling of Indian campaigns, when a cow-boy rode in, telling the story every settler dreads--"The Sioux are on the war-path!" In less than tn minutes, fifteen men were in the saddle, Cody leading. A terribly exhausting ride, with but few stops for "breathing" the ponies, and the canon was reached. Never stopping to consult anyone, Cody, revo'ver in either hand, rode into a perfect field of carnage. Three hundred Pawnees, among them squaws and papooses, lay dead and mutilated. The Sioux chiefs, "Whistler" and "Pawneee-Killer," two as blood-thirsty red devils as ever scalped friend of enemy, were wild drunk with their carnival of blood, and declaring war upon all mankind. To cut details, in less than five minutes quiet reigned. The Sioux stopped their onslaught, the Pawnees began gathering their dead, each family to itself, and so the situation remaind until military arived, and the marauders were marched back to their reservation. This is only one of scores of instances where Cody exercised his wonderful influence over the Indians. To this influence and his judicious exercise of it, he owes most of his popularity among the border settlers. An upright business man and generous souled gentleman, "Bill" Cody has [?] of friends everywhere, and [?] in Youngstown.
Grand Opera House.
"THE PRAIRIE WAIF."
"Buffalo Bill," supported by a good company, appeared to a very large house last night--1,675 people. The Prairie Waif" is no doubt the strongest border drama now upon the stage, and contains a number of hair-breadth escapes, thrilling incidents and everything necessary to awaken the enthusiasm of the audience, as was manifest by the loud applause that greeted every act. The scenery was beautiful, especially the opening of the second act. The cast was as follows:
Buffalo Bill.....................................................................................Wm. F. Cody
Representing Three District Western Characters.
Mark Stanley.....................................................................................R. C. White
Jim Hardie..............{Danties}.........................................................Harry Clifton
Jack Hardie....................................{Danties}..................................Geo. T. James
Hans................................................................................................Jules Keene
Capt. russell............................................................................C. Wilson Charles
General Brown.................................................................................Robert Neil
E. Overton, a Sutler.....................................................................Harvey M. Pike
Lone Deer...................................................................................William Wright
Lieut. Saunders...............................................................................Harry Irving
Yellow Hand, Cheyenne Chief.......................................................Harry Melmer
Lieut. White..........................................................................................E. Booth
Jack Cass...................................................................................................Jerry
Onita...................................................................................Miss Lizzie Fletcher
Sadie.............................................................................Miss Connie Thompson
Miss Fletcher is a pleasing little actress, and renders her role well, though at times her voice is a little to light to giver the proper expression to the line. "Hans" and "Sadie" created considerable merriment by their witticicsms. Mr. Cody proves quite as good actor as he is a scout. His rifle-shooting was very fine. During the fourth act, a band of genuine Cheyenne Indians introduced a war-dance, which seemed very life-like. The play will be repeated tonight, and parties wishing seats should secure them in advanced and avoid the rush.
ACADEMY OF MUSIC-BUFFALO BILL.
One of the most blustering and disagreeable storms of the winter prevailed last evenign, and people arrived at the Academy covered with clinging snow, but despite this fact the house was crowded. The audience was immensely pleased with the play and forgot all its troubles in the enjoyment of the "wild romance of the far West." Hon. W. F. Cody, (Buffalo Bill) appears this time in a nre drama "Prairie Waif," which permits of his impersonating three distinct Weastern characters. |
