HOUDINI APPEARS BEFORE JUDICIARY SUBCOMMITTEE IN SUPPORT OF BLOOM BILL
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) On February 26, 1926, the famous magician Houdini* "appeared before the judiciary subcommittee" in support of legislation to stop fraud in fortune-telling.
The Star reports that the committee room was filled with "fortune-tellers, spiritualists and mediums of every description."
The Bloom** bill, if passed, would provide for a $250 maximum fine, up to 6 months in prison, or both, for obtaining property of any kind by use of "fortune telling or any trick."
*Harry Houdini, a.k.a. Erik Weisz, (1874-1926) was born in Budapest, Hungary & became the most famous magician of all time. HH was known for his daring escapes. The magician died on Oct 31, 1926 from the swelling of the abdomen possibly brought on by repeated blows.
**Sol Bloom (1870-1949) served in the US House of Representatives (D-New York) 1923-1949. Previously, SB had been an entertainment presario.
SOURCE
"Houdini Urges Bill To Curb Mediums," The Evening Star, Washington, D.C., February 26, 1926, Chronicling America, Library of Congress, www.loc.gov/
