The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-06-06

ways ready, out unn0ticed utllltyl 10 De sure,
| I never approached Meisseurs the critics with
any appeals to notice me favorably, or In any
1 way iatteerd them; and while on this subject
/ must say that / have often been disagreeably
| impressed with the manner with which many OF
my younger associates would, at rehearsals as
| well as at performances, swarm around
our singing professors and operatic
managers in the corridors, fairly besieg,
| ing them, and clinging to their arms. This
| could not, or would not do. Better. thought 1,
to seem unamiable and unapproachable than to
| to push ones self forward thus. All, however,
that criticism has said in friendly spirit for me
| is written on my heart, and my gratitude for
words of appreciation has not been extingulshed.
| Let me now express my feelings with regard
to my associates. would might testify every
| where to the aid, the. sympathy and love have
| received from them. They helped me to reach
the height to which l have already attained,
and above which / yet hope to soar. 1t may
surprise some to know that their presence is
what miss most nere. l am happy to say this
openly Upon every joyous or sad occasion In
my life, my dear COLLEAGUES of the drama,
as well as those of the opera, showed
me such kind and tender affection that
/ could find no words for my gratitude
After the first performance of each Of my great
roles, they shared in the joy of my success with
testimonials of flowers, hearty embraces. nay,
even tears of Joy; and should ever return to
Berlin l should feel that in coming again to
their arms was seeking safe shelter.
My DEAR dear companions, all of you, take my
boundless thanks for your goodness and sympa-
thy. 1t is all engraved on my heart. shall speak
your praises over the world; and could wish for
nothing happier than to belong again to your
circle Thanks! a thousand thanks!
Now dear friend, laH,me show you the great
advantages of my American trip.
Herr Won Hulsen was kind enough to allow me
longer leave of absence, that | might he en-.
abled to gain the very considerable sum offered
me here. very grateful to his Excellency, and
rejoiced over the accorded permission. while l
wondered at my being allowed to leave at the
same time that Frau Voggenhuber was also alb
sent How well I have been pleased with
America, and how we'll l have pleased the
Americans, you we'll know. Life at the Metro
politan Opera house suited me exactly. The
same high tone prevailing in Berlin is to be
found here. The management is far
seeing, and very quiet and sys-
tematic, and the artist is therefore
free from anxiety. l have a position
perfectly suited to me- and hindered and envied
by none That am ten times better paid than
at home is certainly an additional pleasing
feature.
Before the opera season here closed, received
offers for concerts, and could not prevent the
General Intendent from being approached for
permission for q longer leave of absence The
season was TO end on the 9th of March, and
my passage was already taken lot
the 9th, and l had not as yet signed
any contrat for the following year, as l
was waiting for answer TO the letter had ad-
dressed to his EXcellency Unexpectedly, over
lures were made meantime to me, by response
BILE business man, for concert tour in the West
A considerable sum was Immediately guaranteed,
and, following my friends advice, begged MS
Excellency to say good word for me to our good
Emperor, that my leave of absence, which would
| result in such brilliant manner to me, might be
extended. Ipromised in exchange to sing for the
coming months of August, September and Octo-
Der. gratis and to accept no pay for my next
winters vacation. l confess that had counted
with much certainty on their acceding to my re-
| quest, since they had managed so well without
me, and knew were expecting to make spring
| engagements with outside stars. felt grieved
| never to have received any answer. contin-
| ued to walt, but in vain; the manager here be-
came pressing in his anxiety, and l signed with
him.
twas not the mon ey alone which decided me.
| Had had the line of parts suited to me. would
| glady have remained in Berlin at the same
| salary. But did want to see little of the
! world, for you know of old my love for pilgrim
[ ages on foot through mountains and valleys,
and then my friends calculated how easily
| might earn in six months here as much as
could at home in six years, and that even II
were adjudged to have broken my contract,
| few months would easily settle all that the
| penalty would entail in the fine and loss of my
| pension. The money question has never played
leading part in my artistic striving. hut having
struggled all my life conscientiously, ii any one
knew how inadequately. compared to Others
was remunerated. they could easily understand
cause they are goldeneaved.
! have been very sorry that the name of our
gracious Emperor has unavoldably been intro
duced into this statement of facts. To be sure,
| he closes or dissolves all contracts but know
that had his Majesty known the causes for my
| dissatisfaction, and of my failure to return, he
| would be less unfavorable to me, and not con-
! denim me utterly. He is well aware that tried
| often to be released from my trying position.
| This could not accomplish. despite repeated en-
treaties and it has come about otherwise.
| 1t is with deep grief that 1 say farewell to the
home of art in which labored for fifteen years
| faithfully, and to which devoted my youth, all
| my abilities, my industry and efforts
Unfortunately, l cannot hope that our gra
| cious monarch will ever see one word of these
| lines, and must remain satisfied with the fact
that the public and my colleagues will at least
/ know he'truth.
| in me: make no complaints against anybody,
1 and / contemplate the situation coolly and
| clearly. Believe me- dear friend, had no idea
| that they really wished to, release me. or be
| rid of me, as it seems now, although l am well
aware that no one exists who cannot be replaced.
| May Berlin keep kind thought for me. May
my justification be found in the artistic position
l was forced to occupy, and which no longer
| harmonized with me. The future will show
whether have so greatly misjudged my power
God forbid! STILL should l stop singing this
| year. am, in material point OF view so much
better off that it would be difficult for me to
| have equaled it in ten years in Germany.
| ARTISTS can only have full possession of their
| faculties when opportunity is given for their ex-
| ercse. but it is very bad thing to be obliged to
wait on others caprices, or illness, and to sing
Princesses for fifteen years!-nothing worse
could be devised for earnest, ambitious singer.
| / have had enough of it, believe me!
| And now. tell all che good friends that keep
/ them faithfully In mind In the new world. Tell
| them that shall always consider Berlin as my
| home. / nope shall have atoned for my seem
ing delinquency by the payment in a few days of
1 the conventional penalty.
| Do you also remember me, dear friend, and
receive the heartiest salutation Of
Yours, always sincerely,
LILLI LEHMAN.
Strange Story About n Divorce.