The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-02-26
A Barvtone,s Revenge.

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Everybody in the operate circles of this
city times agone knew John Gregg Many
remember him now. though he has long
ceased singing on this sphere.
Gregg was baryt0ne with a fine organ,
and the best training. for he studied under
the famous Joseph Standigl, bass singer at
the court of Vienna, and who owed his
reputation to the fine tone ana large COM
pass of his voice. Gregg had both these
good qualities, but unfortunately he had
some vicious habits that counterbalaneed
them. He was partial to snuff, overpartial
to alcoholic stimulants. and indulgence in
these set all the notes in his voice at cross
purposes. 1t was only when he abstaIned
for season that his voice returned TO him
in its native purity and beauty. lie used a
red bandana handkerchief. too, that rivaled
Allen Thurman's mouchoir in size. color
and containing capacity. His snuff-takIng
habits compelled him to do this.
Gregg was always in demand when
Bfanchi and Tom Mcguire ran operate
seasons in san Francisco, and we believe
was the only ore who sang "Maebeth" in
this city.
At the time his revenge" incident oc-
CURED he was singing for Mcguire at the
then new Academy of Music on Pine street.
some years ago converted to purposes of
commerce. In his craze for opera Mcguire
was engaging every company and singer he
could find opeu to terms. While Gregg was
with him he sent fer Peter Richings' COM
pany, the baryione of which was Ted
Seguin, husband of Zelda Seguin Gregg
had no knowledge of his act
About week before the arrival Of the
steamer some body asked him:
Gregg, do you know Maguire is bringing
out baTytone to take your place ,?
Il do not" be replied. who is hep"
Ted Seguin"
Gregg drew his bandana ard blew a blast
that rivaled the sound of Roderick Dhu's
bugle-h0rn.
"When will he arriye?" lie asked, calmly.
IN about week"
"Will You let me know the exact day. and
also he name Of the opera put up for that
evening al the Academy
"An right"
Gregg suddenly disappeared from the ken
Of his friends and acquaintance. during the
day and only made his appearance at night
when his name was in the distribution. 1t
was noticed. too, that he preferred temper
anee pOtaiions when he drank at all.
The steamer arrived in due time and on
the evening Of the day all the party-Rich-
ings, Seguin and the rest-were present al
the academy to hear the buffers" as Ma
guire described them, they were TO replace,
The opera was La Traviata," and Gregg
was cast as the elder GermOnt; he sang
Italian libretto with the utmost facility.
The performance proceeded until the time
came for Gsrmont pere TO sing 'Di Pro-
venza." Gregg cast glance at the group Of
newly arriY' d singers and began his num-
Der. he had lot proceeded very far before
there was a stir IN the audience and each
man looked at his neghbor Seguin grasped
Peter RichngS arm BeTv0usly. became pale
and tTem bled slightly The voice they beard
on the stage was simply glorious one, rich.
sonorous and remarkable in its nice phras-
ing. When the singer finished the audience
rose to him and shook The auditorium with
tbeir plaudits.
Can that be Gregg" they asked Of each
other.
AS for Seguin. be looked the picture of
despair.
'.Ay God, RiehiDgs." he exclaimed TO his
companion. is that the voice L am engaged
TO replace? l can no more sing Ike that
than / can fly"
There must be some mistake, Seguin."
said Richiugs; and turning TO Magnre told
him IN his deepest and most impressive
tones:
Mr. Mcguire. you have deceived Us, sir"
Tom was very cool. Il am as much sur
prised as yourself, Riehings. l never heard
Gregg sing ike that before. But it's only
q spirit"
spirit OF not" said poor Seguin, Ines
done for me. He's set a standard as a barry
tone executant that is hopelessly beyond my
powers. 1t looks as if he did il out of re-
venge."
Seguin was right. Revenge was the mo-
tive, ana Gregg killed him completely for
the engagement.
How did you do it, Gregg" he was
asked, when the furry was over
Easily enough. Diet and seelHsion, my
boy. Now l leave Seguin TO the public with
nv best wishes"
That night Gregg loaded mp his snufbox
afresh. got glorlouSly drunk and used up
TWO bandaDas.