“In New York, as in China, (Ching Ling Foo) offered a challenge to rival wizards. If anyone could duplicate his bowl production, it was announced, Ching would pay $1000 for the pleasure of seeing it. William Ellsworth Robinson, “The Man of Mystery,” a New Yorker who had been with Kellar, Hermann and other masters, accepted the offer, but learned it was just a publicity stunt.

Furious Robinson built a complete act along the lines of Ching Ling Foo’s production and took it to Paris, where he masqueraded as a genuine Chinese. Later in London, as Chung Ling Soo, he was a sensation.

Ching Ling Foo went on from the United States to play continental theaters, then returned to China. In January, 1905 Ching was performing at the Empire Theatre in London while Chung conjured at the Hippodrome. Ching challenged Chung to a battle of magic. Chung arrived for the test, but Ching didn’t. Ching said that unless Chung would prove he was a real Chinese, he wouldn’t meet him. There the matter ended.”