The morning call., 1894-05-05

the platform for the great tragedenne
when the assembly was called to order, but
it was evident Modjeska had not yet ar
rived
The first paper, Education of House.
keepers Among the Poor" by Mrs. Bessie
j. Isaacs Savage of Washington. was thor
oughly practical and full of sound advice.
1.-The Base Of the Pyramid" was the
somewhat enigmatical title that Miss
Adeline Knapp of Oakland had chosen as
the name of her paper, and most OF the
hearers had resigned themselves 10 hear
ing a treatise upon Egypiology. 1t must
be confessed that they were somewhat re-
lieved when, in a clear, well-enunciated
manner. that never gave rise to pathetic
appeals from holders OF back seats to
speak up." Miss Knapp began plea for
love of all Gods creatures, as the base
of the social pyramid, quoting the lines OF
COleridge: "He prayeth best who loveth
best all things both great and small"
Frequent applause greeted the speakers
pointed and true remarks about the care
less brutality to animals that refined
women not only tolerate but smile at, as
the fond mamma, who permits her cher
ished darling to pull helpless kitten
almost limb from limb. and then says. ad.
miri Dgly. He's so fond of animals"
An animated discussion followed the
paper. number of ladies urging the
furtherance of bands of mercy. and other
means for teaching young people to respect
the rights of helpless dumb creatures.
Mrs. Agnes w. Flint of the Associated
Charities next read q paper upon THE
Unemployed" The subject was one full
of interest, ami was necessarily treated in
thoroughly practical manner by one who
has had so much experience in com batting
the problem as Mrs: Flint. Unfortunately.
however, the iady's voice was scarcely
loud enough to be heard very far into the
hall, and in spite Of frequent cries of
louder the greater part of the audience
did not hear verv much of the paper.
While Mrs. Flint was speaking Nine.
Modjeska had ascended the platform and
quietly taken her place beside Mrs. John
Vance Cheney. The great actress looked
charming in stylish walking costume Of
white cloth, relieved by black revers She
wore large black hat, and the only dash
OF color In her dress was a spray of crim-
son roses at her throat.
After being introduced 10 the audience
by Mrs. John Vance Cheney Nine. Mod
jeska walked quietly TO the desk and un-
folded her roll of Ms. There was an ut
ter absence of any posing or theatrical
effect in the great actress manner; indeed
no lady at home in her own drawing-room
could have been more quietly composed
and unaffectedly natural.
Il regret" said Nine. Modjeska, not to
have prepared something worthy OF this
assembly. The letter dispatched four
months ago inviting me 10 assist only
reached me two weeks back. You will
pardon me therefore if / read you the pa
per l read at Chicago" An enthusia site
burst Of applause showed how willing tn @
audience was TO hear the Chicago paper,
and Ihen Nine. Modjeska unrolled her pa
per and polished her gold-rimmed eye
glasses with dainty lace handkerchief in
an unruffied ana leisurely manner that is
seldom exhibited by platform speakers.
The paper began with an interesting
historical account of what woman has
done for the drama, referring especially To
the gifted comedies written by a medieval
nun named Hrosyiha. one of whose char
acters had foreshadowed Romeo" and
another Goethe's Gretchen" The grad
ual Introduction of women instead of bow
actors for female roles was also described.
and the tragedienne went on 10 speak of
the life of an actress as it is to-day. de-
claring that though 1t had certain disad-
vanrages IL also had its com pensatious.
"it certainly must develop in us a sense
of independence, andtherefore of RESPONSE.
blity. On the other hand, 1t brings us
into contact with the highest creations Of
The master-plind. and is bound to open
both our hearts and intellects to the moro