National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1881-01-15
.ELEANOR'S STORY.
AN INTERVIEW WITH MISS CALHOUN.
How She Became an Aetress-Her Debut in San
Francisco -An Ovation That BeWiidored
Her What She Expects to Ac-
eomplish in the Future.

feel like little bits Of atoms whenever they ar
obliged TO go into his august presence.
The representative of THE REPUBLICAN,, whose
pasteboard was intrusted to free American citi
zenof African descent cooled his heels against thu
counter, unnoticed by the gorgeous clerk, who re
| turned to his newspaper and the contemplation
of his immaculate linen for about five minutes
when the unbleached bell boy returned and said
Miss Calhoun will be down in moment. Please
walk disway, sab - and, following him, the pencil
Singer was ushered into the magnificent salon
and selecting O window where he could study
well the features of the young aspirant for his
trion;c fame, whose performances have shown
such decided talent, he anxiously awaited her com
ing.
He had not long to wait, for in q few moments
| the young actress came smilingly forward, and
placing chair for her. he for briefmomentl lost his
presence of mind and stared at her in rapt admira
| ton.
\ face with features not strictly regular but
flexible mobile, varying with every emotion; eyes
dark, liquid, and melting; lips full, rudy, and
with perfect cupids bow delcately-molded
| chin: hair of dark-chestnut, rich and glossy and
curling in little ringlets over broad, low fore
head, and figure of exquisite proportions, robed
in black silk with lace at the throat relieved
by little knot of scarlet cheneille-such was Miss
! Eleanor Calhoun in the parlor.
Tell me, Sdlu the seeker 1Of tLOr
| ii must not be supposed that The REPUBLICAN had
sent of its staff simply to pay his respects to
! the young lady, no matter how charming she
might be- oh, no; there was an interrogative
point in every look, and imaginary pencil took
down every salient point of the conversation,
when did you first think of going upon the
stagc?;
oh, Idon't know. l commenced the study of
elocution as an accomplishment for / had no
thought then of ever becoming actress, and
studied hard from the pure love of study My
first teacher was Miss II. d. Mechanic, who is the
teacher of elOcution in the State Normal School of
California. and from her instructions learned
great deal. Ny papa, Judge E. L. Calhoun. is we'll
known in the State and was very indulgent to me,
and ut that time was in very easy circumstances
and allowed me TO do just about as pleased. One
day overheard gentleman say TO him: Judge
that girl of yours ought to have her talents cult
waited to their highest extent. She will make a
splendid actress. / had never thought of going
upon the stage before, but next morning at the
breakfast table told papa that 1 had resolved to
become an actress. He acquiesced in my decision
after a little hesitation, and then 1 went to San
Francisco and placed myself under the care of
Mrs. Julia Melville, the mother of Miss Emily Mel
vile, who is well known East believe. Mrs.
Melville taught me all knew about acting when
made my debut
Where did you make your debut-that is, in
what THEATRE" asked the scribe, with a view Of
giving the little woman an opportunity to take
breath and at the same time to put a peg in his
memory.
AT the Operations in San Francisco" re-
sponded Miss Calhoun. 1t is an immense build
ing, and will seat 5000 persons. 1 expected
good house on the occasion of my debut, for 1
had large number of friends. but had no idea
that the house would be packed as it was. I
played JiAiet, and was very warmly applauded
and recalled after every act
What parts did you play in San Francisco?"
q played Juliet Julia in the "Hunchback,"
Mariana in The Wife, and Margaret Emore in
Loves Sacrifice"
:" remember reading that you had very fiat
ing benefit there said the news-gatherer.
YES, indeed. The ovation was so unexpected
that was wholly at a loss what to do say After
the performance was over vas surprised, on
ing out of the theatre, to find the street brilliantly
lighted and several of my friends met me and es-
corted mamma ndmyself to the carriage. Mamma
always goes with me; and then realized that the
horses had been taken out and that 1 was being
drawn by the people. Twas so bewildered could
hardly converse with some of my friends who
walked along by the carriage, saying all sorts of
pleasant things. When arrived home found q
band of music, and cheers upon cheers were given
for me. knew ought to make a speech, but I
couldn't think of anything to say but to thank
them for their kindness, which did from the bot
tom of my heart"
by the way" said the short-hander, feeling his
way gingerly, al think have seen a statement to
the effect that some bonanza king, some Frisco
millionaire. had taken deep interest in you, and
was ready and anxious TO place his fortune at your
disposal if necessary TO advance your professional
Tc fbar w truth in Ian tota
Not a word of truth in it," responded the Sue
cessor Of Nelson. 81 have seen that statement
published, and it has given me no little annoy
ance. While have the honor to know number
of wealthy gentlemen in San Francisco, who would
very probably aid me pecuniarily if should ask
them, 1 have not done so, nor has any one of them
offered to assist me with money. Fortunately I
am intimate with some ladies of wealth and posi-
ton who have been very generous and kind to
me, and to whom am very grateful; but am not
under the protection, guidance, tutelage of any
gentleman excepting my manager, Mr.. Ford"
"Well, speaking Of Mr.. Ford, what are your flu.
ture plans? How long is your engagement with
Mr.. Ford?"
90 am at present under contract with him for
some months, and am to travel through the South,
going possibly as far as New Orleans. Then he
desires to become my manager for term Of years.
don't wish you to think that imagine am per
feet. know I'm not want, when this present en-
gagement is fulfilled, to go to New York and study
with S1r. Vandenloff and Mr.. ElIsier. 1 know
have great deal to learn and much hard work to
de- but shall succeed; feel it,"
"What will be your repertoire?'
"For the present the plays have named before,
those that acted in San Francisco, and Love
and that which l 10 play tonight, Daniel
Rochat' Speaking of this play, do you know 1
have never seen it acted, nor did get the part
until last Saturday, snd feel some trepidation as
TO my success in the role of Leah 1t is a noble
part, hOwcver-one that appeals TO my Sympathies,
and can feel every word of it,
"Shall you return to Washington and play here
on your way back from the South? ."
q don't know" said she; - would like TO- for
would be glad to show how l have improved, for
by that time I shall show improvement. You
know this is the first city in which have acted
here i'll the East, and l have been so very kindly
treated that am deeply touched. SO 1 would like
to come back again. but it will depend upon Mr.
Ford
"WiIl you essay the higher roles-Lady Macbeth
for instance"
Not for some time yet. l have studied LGdy
Mdcbcth, and my idea of her is very different from
the generally accepted one. l don't believe she
was big, tall woman, masculine in action and
manner 1 think she was q small, dark-haired
woman, with a great deal of womanly affection;
that her love for her husband was most absorbing
and that her great ambition, which led to murder
was for his advancement l believe that in play
ing the part the womanly side of her nature should
be shown. But then it viii be years before can
be able to properly execute my conception of Lady
Macbeth"
Wishing the plucky little woman the most COM
plete and gratifying success snd thanking her for
tbp nlpASaOt conversation THE REpE-PTICAN foaIr