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| THE CHINESE THEATRE - Although a considerable
distance from the western gate, this
structure was the most noticeable object on the north side of Midway
Plaisance, going in. Its color was blue, its trimmings were reddish,
and its architecture was too open and too evidently ornamental to
please the Western taste. The Wah Mee Exposition Company was
organized by a Chinaman named Sling, who came from Ogden, Utah. The
fact that Chicago carpenters built this temple may account for the
somewhat angular appearance of the principal towers, and the early
bankruptcy of the Wah Mee Company suggested either the prejudice of
Americans against the Chinese, or their lack of the qualities of
entertainment. As the Receiver continued in business, it is probable
that the patronage of the last months of the Fair was more
satisfactory. A large troupe of actors played a drama called "A God
in Heaven," with Joss and other idols on the stage. Men impersonated female parts, as in the
early days of our own drama. A perfectly hideous noise made on a
great brazen gong rendered the stay of a Caucasian terrible in these
precincts, and probably ruined the commercial prospects of the
enterprise. In the bazaar, entrance to which was free, a very wise
Chinaman, with huge and mirth-provoking spectacles, told fortunes to
an admiring circle of men, women and children. The wise man had an
interpreter, who read and explained the prophetic writings. |
