Unparalleled Scenes at the Palace Theatre.
Never in the history of Blackburn or music hall life has there been
witnessed so remarkable a scene as occurred last night. Houdini, the
Handcuff King, and Mr. Hodgson, principal of the School of Physical
Culture, provided a big sensation for the patrons of the Palace
Theatre, Blackburn.
Houdini, who has been appearing at the Palace during the week, claims
to be able to release himself from any of the regulation shackles or
irons used by the police of Europe or America, and offered nightly to
forfeit £25 if he failed to prove his claim.
Mr. Hodgson, of the Physical Culture School, Blackburn, took up the
challenge, stipulating that he was to use his own irons and fix them
himself. Houdini consented, and deposited the £25 with the editor of
the _Daily Star_.
The trial of skill and strength was fixed to take place last night,
and the crowd which came together to witness it crammed the theatre
literally from floor to ceiling--even standing room being ultimately
unobtainable.
Shortly after ten o'clock the parties to the challenge faced each
other, and excitement at once became intense.
Mr. Hodgson produced 6 pairs of heavy irons, furnished with clanking
chains and swinging padlocks. These were carefully examined by Houdini,
who raised some disappointment and much sympathetic cheering by stating
that his claim was that he could escape from "regulation" irons. The
"cuffs" brought by Mr. Hodgson, he said, had been tampered with--the
iron being wrapped round with string, the locks altered, and various
other expedients adopted to render escape more difficult.
Mr. Hodgson's answer, given dramatically from the stage, was that he
stipulated that he should bring his own irons.
Houdini again protested that Mr. Hodgson was going beyond the
challenge, but added that he was quite willing to go on, if only the
audience would give him a little time in which to deal with the extra
difficulties.
This announcement was greeted with great cheering, and the work of
pinioning proceeded.
First, Mr. Hodgson, with the aid of a companion, fixed a pair of irons
over Houdini's upper arm, passing the chain behind his back and pulling
it tight, and fixing the elbows close to the sides.
To make assurance doubly sure, he fixed another pair in the same way,
and padlocked both behind.
Then, starting with the wrists, he fixed a pair of chained "cuffs" so
that the arms, already pulled stiffly behind, were now pulled forward.
The pulling and tugging at this stage was so severe--the strong man
exercising his strength to some purpose--that Houdini protested that it
was no part of the challenge that his arms should be broken.
He also reminded Mr. Hodgson that he was to fix the irons himself.
This led to Mr. Hodgson's assistant retiring.
Proceeding, Mr. Hodgson fixed a second pair of "cuffs" on the wrists
and padlocked both securely, Houdini's arms being then trussed to his
side so securely that escape seemed absolutely impossible.
Still Mr. Hodgson was not finished with him.
Getting Houdini to kneel down, he passed the chain of a pair of heavy
leg irons through the chains which bound the arms together at the back.
These were fixed to the ankles, and after a second pair had been added,
both were locked, and Houdini now seemed absolutely helpless.
A canopy being placed over Houdini in the middle of the stage, the
waiting began, and excitement grew visibly every minute.
Meanwhile Mr. Hodgson and others kept strict watch on the movements of
Houdini's wife and brother (Hardeen), who were both on the stage.
At the end of about 15 minutes the canopy was lifted and Houdini was
revealed lying on his side, still securely bound. It was at first
thought he had fainted, but he soon made it known that all he wished
was to be lifted up. This Mr. Hodgson refused to do, at which the now
madly excited audience hissed and "booed" him for his unfair treatment,
and Hardeen lifted his brother to his knees. The curtain of the cabinet
was again closed.
Another 20 minutes passed, and again the curtain was lifted. This time
Houdini said his arms were bloodless and numb owing to the pressure of
the irons, and asked to have them unlocked for a minute so that the
circulation could be restored.
Mr. Hodgson's reply, given amidst howls, was: "This is a contest, not a
love match. If you are beaten, give in."
Great shouting and excited calling followed, which was renewed when Dr.
Bradley, after examining Houdini, said his arms were blue, and it was
cruelty to keep him chained up as he was any longer.
Still Mr. Hodgson was obdurate, and the struggle proceeded, Houdini
again appealing for time.
Fifteen minutes more: Houdini appeared and announced that one hand was
free.
This was the signal for terrific cheering, which was continued after
the canopy was dropped.
At intervals Houdini now appeared, and announced further progress in
his escape; and when, shortly after midnight, he came out with torn
clothing and bleeding arms, and threw the last of the shackles on the
stage, the vast audience stood up and cheered and cheered, and yelled
themselves hoarse to give vent to their overwrought feelings. Men and
women hugged each other in mad excitement. Hats, coats, and umbrellas
were thrown up into the air, and pandemonium reigned supreme for 15
minutes.
Houdini, when quietness had been restored, said he had been doing
the handcuff trick now for 14 years, but never had he been subjected
to such brutality as that to which his bleeding arms and wrists gave
witness.
When Houdini again obtained a hearing, it was to state that, not only
had the irons been altered, but the locks had been plugged.
It was well after midnight when the huge audience left the theatre, and
broke up into excited, gesticulating groups.
* * * * *
Condemned Murderers Released by Houdini.
_The Washington Post, Sunday, Jan. 7, 1906._