The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1876-04-18
TItiens, visit 10 the white House

| Washington Letter from Olive Logan to the
Graphical
+ saw at glance at Mrs. Fred. Grants
face at this juncture what she was long
ING for. She wished Titiens would sing,
but feared to ask her. We have all
heard those crushing stories of prime
dome in society withering the suapli-
cants for song by some insolent re-
mark about their price being flOO, or
some saucy sarcasm of that sort. Tales
like this are plentiful, especially con
cerniDg Grisi, who must have been, If
these stories are true, rather more i'll.
bred as woman than she was great as
cantatrice. An artistic in society is
lady, and nothing more, to be sure,
but singing and playing for each other
lis exactly what ladies do when visiting
another's drawing-rooms, and that Is
precisely what Mile Titiens did when
Mrs. Fred Grant wished her to sing.
The difficulty with all great vocalists
here presented itself Titiens is rot ac-
customed to singing to her own accom-
paniment. To the surprise and pleas
ure of all present Mrs. Colonel Grant
seated herself at the piano, and with a
sureness Of touch and a. brilliancy OF
execution most unexpected in an anna
teur, accompanied the diva in her varied
selections. A situation more interest.
ling could scarcely be imagined. Stand
ling by the piano was the woman ol
world renowned fame, at WHOSE feet ev
! cry guerdon of the musical empire has
been laid, and seated there, playing her
accompaniment the yotag beauty to
y whom music is cherished pastime, the
most delightful diversion. The kinshiI
/ of music made these two ladies seem a
. once like friends. iH tt
4. Titiens sang thrice, and her noble
i voice never rang ont with better advan
|tage than in the lofty halls of the White
!, House. Everybody was delighted. anf
:. no formality. The con nversation turned
llfrom music to- other pleasant themes,
, and back to music again.
4 There was one joke during the even
ing which is too good to keep, and which
has not a particle of i'll SAVIOR in it. Saie
i Mrs. Grant to the prima-donna: II
{ must be proud moment when an artist
), feels that she is holding great audi
| ence enthralled--hanging spell bound OF
[ her magnificent utterances.
Q eyes, yes" answered TitieDs,. warmly
r Isit is grand; for instance, in Norma
r there are certain moments when | fee
that the people are listening almos
r breathlessly for the next phrase. Not
! Ipinfall is to be heard. When the music
E al climax is reached, a deep sigh, as 0
relief, is audible all over the house. Blu
. still that must be the same in oratory,
q continued the prima donna in turnin,
/ to the President "General Grant mus
: know very well how that is. ;"
: An amused smile crept over the Pres
t dents face. "Why, my oratory r sal
t he and without adding another word b
g broke into a ripple of laughter in whic
all Joined except Titiens, who SCENE
!, vastly puzzled. On the way home | ez
8 planned the conspicuous absence OF ors
!, torical ability in General Grants chal
!. acter. The matter amused her greatly
e She was familiar with General Grant
}, military achievements, but had not hear
II of his forensic achievements.