Jenny Lind and Barnum.
The recent disaster which has befallen the veteran showman, P. T. Barnum, by the burning of his menagerie at Bridgeport, Conn., lends interest to an anecdote related to Mr Frith by Jenny Lind regarding her experience while under Mr Barnum's management in her American tour.
On' her arrival here, Miss Lind found that she had greatly underestimated, hex " draw-
ing power," but her contract was " ironclad." She represented to Mr Barnum what she considered to be the equities of the case.
" This, Madame, is the document you signed in England, is it not?" said Mr Barnum, producing a deed.
" Undoubtedly," said the lady, " and I am ready to abide by it, if I have been unable to convince "
"Be so good as to destroy it. Tear it up, Madame; and if you will instruct your lawyer .to prepare another from your own dictation, naming whatever you think fair for your services, I will sign it without hesitation."
This was done. The terms were satisfactorily increased and the engagement was fulfilled so successfully as to leave Mr Barnum a substantial reward for his generosity.
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Bibliographic details
Otago Witness, Issue 1895, 16 March 1888, Page 35
Word Count
187Jenny Lind and Barnum. Otago Witness, Issue 1895, 16 March 1888, Page 35
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