HARRY KELLAR'S SEARCH FOR A SUCCESSOR.

WITH the possible exception of Houdini, it is doubtful if America ever produced a finer or more clever showman than Harry Kellar. He was a man who knew his work from A to Z, and his ability, coupled with a most delightful personality, made him an exceedingly popular figure on the American stage. He never performed in England, but his name was well known here, and many of his finest and most bewildering illusions were inspired by private visits to this country.

Kellar was an excellent business man, and conceived the idea of running his own road show. His confidence in this scheme was amply justified, and he amassed a considerable fortune by touring the larger towns of the United States. I have never yet met the man who saw him play to a poor house.

But, strange as it may seem, Kellar departed from all the accepted rules of honesty and fair play when it came to choosing tricks for his programme. If he saw an illusion which appealed to him, he would get it, if not by fair means, then by foul. I will do him justice by saying that he always first attempted to strike an honest bargain over such deals. If his preliminary overture failed, he would find out, either by bribery or close observation, how the trick was performed. Then, when a suitable period had elapsed; he would incorporate it in his own programme.

I can remember such an occasion about thirty years ago, when Hercat was performing the famous "Blue Room Mystery" in London with considerable success. Kellar, who was visiting this country at the time, saw Hercat's show, and decided the trick would do splendidly for presentation in the States. He approached Hercat with a view to buying the mystery, but the latter--a keen business man also--refused to listen to his proposals. But that didn't worry Harry in the least. Shortly afterwards Kellar staged "The Blue Room Mystery" in America with all the polish and effect of his rival's London show!

About the year 1904, Kellar decided to look for a successor. He was growing old then, and felt the time had come when he should choose a man to carry on his work when he himself went into a well earned retirement. He had seen Paul Valadon perform at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, and immediately for decided that here was the man whom he was seeking.

Valadon, naturally enough, jumped at Kellar's offer. The older magician promised to teach him his illusions, and introduce him to American audiences as "Harry Kellar's Successor." It was understood, of course, that any new illusions that were added to the programme were to be performed in the true Harry Kellar tradition.

The scheme was an utter failure. Valadon, although a very able conjuror, possessed a violent temper, and few people' were able to bear his company for any length of time. Not long after the partnership had started, he demonstrated his petulance in no uncertain manner. The older man could not see eye to eye with him on many matters, and quarrels were frequent. Harry suddenly found he had backed a loser; he forthwith "sacked" Valadon, and re-started his search for a man to carry on his work.

This time he was more fortunate. After much deliberation he picked on Howard Thurston, and, as far as I know, never had reason to regret his choice. Thurston has carried out his task nobly and well, and incidentally has netted a useful fortune for himself. I understand that he in turn is seeking someone to carry on the work. I wish him luck, and trust he will be as fortunate as was Kellar in choosing himself.