Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-05-12
THE TOPICAL TALKER.
A River Party-KyrIe Bellows Latest-Chat
About WeII.Known Man-A BaIIade Of


THE steamer Scotia, which sailed from this
port on Friday evening had on board party
of ladies numbering nearly So They were the
wives and daughters of well-known professional
and other gentlemen of the two cities. 1t is a
pleasure trip entirely. The party will return
from Cincinnati, which is their destination,
with the Scotia. 1t was unfortunate for them
that the storm broke so heavily on the very
first night of their experience on the water,
but it may be some consolation to them to know
that the high water which follows such storm
will give them stage in the river to bring
them safe back again. The trip to Cincinnati
and back takes the Scotia about six or seven
days. The river trips used to be more popular
than they are to-day, but have noticed this
spring revival of this very pleasant way of
touring Thevalley of the Ohio just now is in
its most beautiful state. The trees are in full
leaf, and the green hills are resplendent in
color
KYRLE BELLEw, the male but not mascu-
line actor, who has been with Mrs. Potter all
this season, has added considerably to his un-
pleasant reputation as witness in the Carter
trial in Chicago. 1t is not to be presumed that
he cares snap about being connected in any
way with such disgraceful dispute as that Of
Mr.. and Mrs Carter for divorce. He has had
plenty of experience CT that sort.
remember funny incident which illustrates
this theatrical butterfys admiration of him
self. During the western voyage of the City
of New York, of the Inman Line, last summer,
a committee of passengers was appointed, as
the custom is, to get up concert for the bene-
fit of certain seamen's hospitals in New York
and Liverpool. They proceeded to gather in
all the people who had the slightest talent in
the way of singing or acting. Among the latter
Mr.. Kyrle Bellew was included; buthe said that
his contract with Mrs. Potter precluded his ap-
pearing at such an entertainment He told the
committee, however, that he had number of
photographs which he would be glad TO inscribe
with his precious autograph and allow them to
be sold for the benefit of the hospitals. The
committee. not unnaturally, respectfully and
gratefully declined this generous offer.
~
The other day was talking to an operatic
singer, or rather one who has at ono time been
on the operate stage, about the unfortunate
habit some singers have of drinking he said
the temptations we're always great for singer
to drink, that the exercises of the throat
seemed in some fashion to excite thirst. He
said he was always able to resist the temptation
except during the last week of the season, then
he said everybody from the callboy to the i'm
pressario and high.priced tenor, got, as sure as
fate, under the influence of liquor most beauti-
fully.
Nobody" he said, "could appreciate the
feeling of joy which fills an operatic singer
when he knows that the season is going to
close and it is only natural, If the singer be
man, that he should fly to drink
%x&
Mr.. LEONARD WALES the composer, con-
Quoting his own opera at the Grand Opera
House yesterday afternoon, contrasted strange
ly with Mr.. Leonard Wales the reporter, grind
ing out gems of thought from about the South
side two or three years ago for the benefit of
the Chronicle Telegraph. sincerely hope, as
do his other newspaper friends, that this is but
the beginning of successful career in music
for Mr.. Wales.
IT was graceful act of the Art Society to
ignore some silly reflections upon Chevalier
ScoveTs personal character made earlier in the
week, to invite him to their 150th reception at
the Pittsburg Club Theater on Friday night
As it was the last reception Of the season
very large number Of the members were pres
ent, and ChevaIier Scoyels singing was greatly
appreciated. He was in good voice, and the
impression he made personally was good also.
So
OF all the Judges who ornament in one way
or another the bench of this county, have al
ways considered Judge Ewing the most power
full in observation. That is, he seems to me to
be better able to read human nature than his
brothers on the bench. Yesterday heard
rather good story which confirms me in my
view
Sometime in 1868 Judge Ewing, with his sis
ter and some friends, took a trip through the
lakes to Duluth. The day before the party
landed the opening of the line Of railway be-
tween St. Paul and Duluth had been celebrated
with very many imposing ceremonies. A num-
Der Of distinguished statesmen had been asked
to be present, as it was deemed the most i'm
portant railway development of the West at
that time. Among the visiting statesmen were
]. Z, Breckenridge and Secretary Chase. As
Judge Ewing and my informant were strolling
through the town after supper, they happened
to see Secretary Chase with his daughter, Mrs.
Sprague, on the porch of the hotel. Judge
Ewing (who was then, should have said, plain
Mr.. Ewing) went up to Secretary Chase and
made himself known, and then introduced his
friend. A very interesting conversation ensued
which might well be given here, if space per-
mitted. Judge Ewing svlews were then hardly
what they are to-day on politics. The great
oratorical contest of Illinois between Abraham
Lincoln and Douglas was the principal subject
of that conversation. As Judge Ewing and his
friend walked away, the former remarked that
he thought that Chase's health was failing, for
his upper jaw seemed to be dropping, and other
signs indicative of paralysis. seemed to be
plainly present. Nobody else at that time had
any fear about Secretary Chase's health. A few
weeks later the first stroke of paralysis, which
was the beginning of series, overcame Secre-
tary Chase and he died soon after.
think this shows that Mr.. Ewing at that
time possessed in some measure the powers
upon which have remarked.
81
DURING the hail storm on Friday afternoon
a fish dealer on Wylie avenue, observing that
many people thereabouts were on the lookout
for large haiIstones, took large cake of ice,
and proceeding to an upper chamber, he
chopped up the ice into blocks about the size
of mans hand, and then proceeded to throw
them out one by one from the window. The
spectators who thronged the doorways made q |
mad rush for what they imagined were i'm
mense hailstones. Last night Wylie avenue
was ringing with the report of this extraordi
nary fall OF hail; but to-day there is nothing |
heard but the laughter of that very wicked
dealer.
~
IT seems rather curious that witnesses should
have been called to testify to Superintendent
Starr of the Fit. Wayne Railroads character.
Surely nobody for moment supposes that he |
subscribed willingly to that terrible accident
on Federal streef. Mr. starts soiourn in the
Criminal Court has been deeply regretted by |
Sewickley society, of which he is quite promi- |
nent member. he lives in a very pretty house |
on that beautiful terrace between Roseburg |
and Quaker Valley.
80
MAYS A CRADLE.
~ Winter tries to keep us tame,
Chains us with her fetters chill;
Dear desires little lame
When the snow is on the sill. |
Winds of winter seem TO kill
Tender hopes; we plan in vain.
There's no moving onward till
Loi in May we're born againl
Some there are who sigh for fame,
Start to climb the rocky hill;
Others take to Cupid's game,
r. ~