The Bozeman weekly chronicle. (Bozeman, Mont.) 1883-1889, 1883-10-24
GOTHAM GOSSIP.
Society Circles in. a State Of
Holy Horror Over a Pair
of Shining Lights.
Notes Anent the Newspaper War,
Monthly Magazines and Other
Timely Topics.

NVtCO AuCWS suV NVWCRoRVA Won ,
Monthly Magazines and Other
Timely Topics.
From the Pioneer Press.
The chief topic of local talk is the su-
perauity of opera with which we are to
be regaled this season, beginning with
the opening of the new Metropolitan
Opera house by Mr.. Abbey on the 22d. l
went through the Metropolitan Opera
house yesterday. Standing in the pro-
scenium arch, which is fifty-five feet in
the clear, the amphitheater of seats and
boxes sweeps aloft with tremendous
spaciousness. The orchestra chairs are
large and low, as well as numerous; and
above them are piled the three tiers of
boxes, snugly set, and above these the
balcony and the family circle. The
whole interior is rich monochrome in
gold, the notifications being only old
gold, copper and burnt bronze. The in
terror of the building does not at all cor
respond to the interior, being neither
beautiful ncr imposing. It has no more
style and architectural grace than barn,
and looks, to the spectator coming up
Seventh avenue or down Broadway;
good-deal like a Duluth elevator. 1t
might profitably have been put into the
hands of an architect of reputation and
taste. Mapleson shows to the public an
unblanched face and stiffupperllp, and
Ii apparently courageous for the fray, but
it is p.ivately reported that the academy
of music subscribers are making certain
conditions, that is specified number of
boxes and seats are not sold by the 10th
there will be arrangements for a short
season there, in which Patti will not ap-
pear at all.
In case the newspaper dramatic critics
are sharpening their pencils and wits for
an active campaign. blush to say that
some of the best known Of these gentle
men connected with the press of this city
have an exceedingly mercenary side, and
do not scruple or hesitate to "strike"
either managers or artists for money,
board, clothes, jewelry, or other valua-
bles. know an lmpressario who was
compelled to open and keep large sum-
mer cottage at Long Branch, where six
or eight of these gentlemen went with
their wives and stayed for many weeks.
I know two dramatic critics who were
discharged from the Herald; and one who
was very summarily put out of an even
ing paper for unscroupulously blackmail-
ing noted singers. Every prima dona
who ever sang season in New York has
had to pay money to some dramatic
critic for their fa-or. I know a critic
whose wife said to noted prima dona
who will sing here this winter: Come!
You are going to Europe this week.
Bring me camel's hair shawl when you
return in the fall. Don't fall" And the
cantatrice bought it and laid it about the
fair shoulders. I know another who
wears a watch got by the same compla-
cent assurance. What a world this is!
Charles Reade's soldier shouted, as he
marched through Europe, 'The devil is
deadv' But l now recollect that he
laughed when he made the announce
ment. The publishers of the New York
papers have seldom sold their opinions
except they have unhapp ly fallen into
the clutches of railroad or telegraph
magnates. But they are not always
wholly impartial. A celebrated singer
told me this week two stories of the elder
Bennett. When Parepa first came to
this country she called at the Bennett
mansion and presented letter of intro
duction which she brought from Europe.
Mrs. Bennett, who was dressy and
rather magnificent society lady, received
her in the parlor; and, after welcoming
her, bore her to the library where her
distinguished husband was at his desk.
Father" said Mrs. Bennett, "Father!
Here is Mime. Parepa, come to ask the
protection of our paper."
Mr.. Bennett expressed his pleasure at
seeing her. But Parepa bridled percepti-
bly,, and exclaimed earnestly:
"No! no! Pardon me! YOu surely
mistake. 1 do not come to ask the pro-
lection of the Herald, but only to present
personal letter of introduction from
your friends"
Constraint and embarrassment follow
ed. Mrs. Bennett was angry. The call
was short. And the Herald never gave a
word of cordial praise to Parepa till both
her host and hostess were dead. Another
When Madame Gazanigga, the finest
singer of her time, was in this city, she
called on Mrs. Bennett one day and
waited for her half an hour in the draw.
ing-room, and then left. On letting hel
out, the servant asked:
"Who shall tell her called?"
"Tell her." said the prima dona, ''that
she will find my card on the piano."
And there, sure enough, it was found
"Gazzanigga," scrawled in the dust thai
had blown in that summer morning OF
the polished piano lid! Instead of being
offended, Mrs. Bennett was at once
pleased by the impudence and livelines
of her caller, and thenceforward the two
were good friends, and the Herald coult
never say enough for her.
'I remember" said Mr.. George Jone
of the Times, to me the other day, "whe,
James Gordon Bennett was knocked
down in front of Broadway bank yonder
by somebody whom the paper ha'
offended-an actor, 1 believe. Mr.. Ben
nett jumped up, brushed off the dirt
picked up his hat, and said to the man
"Well, what's the trouble? What ar
.you striking me for? "For your d.
impudence!" said his angry assailaut
"But amt impudent," pleaded Bennett
"Its the paper" l don't know whethe
the man. saw either the force of the dis