The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-12-25

cisco Is the outgrowth of an attachmen
Lucky Baldwin formed for her, and which
resulted In his persuadlng her parents to
lake her from the stage for the present
and permit him to give her such an ednca-
ton as his wealth will permit. In fact,
Mr.. Baldwin will assume the relation of
guardian to the little mite, has promised TO
educate her at the best of schools, and, it
is said, to settle upon her a portion of his
Immense fortune. If her fondness for the
stage continues when her school days are
over, it is said Mr.. Baldwin will see that
her return to the footlights is made under
The most favorable conditions. and prob
ably her second debut. if there be one.
will be made in the Baldwin Theater.
Zelda, who is now II years old, was only
two years before the public. but in that
time she became known as one of the pref
test children on the stage. and also as a
most acknowledging and persistent op-
ponent of Elbridge T. Gerry and his So
ciety. Two years ago Zelda was merely
pretty, little blue-eyed girl, who lived in
Brooklyn and went to Sunday-school duti-
fully. Her father, William S. Sanders,
was an easy-going man of 40. Like the
father of Lillian Russell, he was printer
Much of Zelda's success is due to her
mother. who is with her at the Baldwin.
Zelda is the only child. and her entrance
into the world of stage people was in itself
almost dramatic.
One oppressively hot Sunday in July,
1892, she was taken by her mother to the
closing meeting OF the Christian Endeavor
Convention in Madison-souare Garden.
The main entrance to the building and
the streets surrounding it were choked
with crowd of 5000 people, waiting for
the doors to open. The child and her
mother were pushed about in the swelter-
ing crowd until at length a big Missouri
delegate lifted Zelda lightly out of the
mass of humanity and set her upon his
own broad shoulder. where she could get
breath Of fresh air.
Dressed all in white and with the de-
clinng sun clarifying her lustrous hair
and setting off the exquisite dellcacy of
her complexion. she made picture which
quickly caught the eye Of an enterprisng
theatrical manager away back in the
crowd. Keeping her in sight. he elbowed
his way through the crowd to her side
and learned her name and address. The
managers visit few DAYS later was fol-
lowed by trip to Sarony's. The photog-
rapher and artist declared that Zelda was
the most beautiful child he had ever seen.
Shortly after small part was given her
in juvenile production of "Pygmalion
and Galatea." So naturally did she take
to the footlghts that regular course of
stage instruction was arranged for her.
Zelda soon became known to fame
through Press Club benefit at Palmer's
1heater She was down on the programme
to sing and dance. but Mr.. Gerry's society
| interposed its veto. Zelda applied to
Mayor Grant for permit. but after a
hearing he yielded to Mr.. Gerry's argu-
ment and refused 1t. She promptly man.
damused the Mayor and the case was kept
in the courts for nearly year, when it
was decided against her. But while she
was fighting the Gerry society in the
courts. Zelda also determined to educate
| public opinion. In the winter of 1893-94
she called meeting of stage children and
organized the Anti-Gerry Society. Consid-
cradle worriment was provided for Mr..
| Gerry by sending delegates to Albany to
get the seciety's powers curtailed and by
issuing periodical manifestos bewailing
the lot of stage children. and referring to
| Mr.. Gerry as despot and tyraut.
| Zelda was present at hearing before
| Justice Van Brunt In which the man.
| damus case was argued. After listening
impatlen,ly 10 Mr.. GUMS arguments for
some time, she surprised and amused the
court by running eagerly up to the bar of
| justice and saying to the Justice with great
earnestuess. as she shook her finger at
| Mr.. GUM:
''Oh. Judge, don't belieye him; he's a
| bad man."
| As Mr.. Gunz went out she scowled at
him savagely, but he stopped and kissed