The San Francisco call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1895-1913, 1895-06-10
IMPERsoNATING THE GREAT.

man who goes about the world represent
ing different characters is apt to meet with odd
experiences. For instance, one evening, in
Rome, gentleman came behind the scenes OF
the theatre where was performing and threw
his arms round my neck, exclafming: "Ahl
caro- AMIGO, you have shown me my beloved
father once again. 1 could not understand
his meaning till learned that he was Carl
baldi-the son of the famous patriot
l had an odd experience with Bismarck,
once, in Berlin. The Chancellor sent for me to
give a performance in his house, the small
audience consisting chiefly OF members OF his
family Anumber of impersonations were pre-
sented, and then Bismarck asked suddenly:
''Do you ever represent me?"
AS soon as had recovered from the surprise
of the question 1 answered. ayes, Prince, and
you have always been the greatest of my sue
cesses." The Iron Chancellor laughed and
said: "If you have the famous three hairs in
your Bismarck wig, 1 can readily understand
that they bring you good luck" The comic
papers in Germany have for years abounded
with illusions to the three solitary hairs on
Bismarck's crown, which are supposed to stand
up straight when he is enraged. But Bis
marck did not ask me to show him how he
looked.
On some occasions, however, I have been
commanded to give representations in the
presence of the people themselves In the
spring of 80 was performing at the Eden in
Milan. Count Bellinzaghi, the Sindaco, what
you in America call Mayor, was immensely
popular with the townspeople and every even
ing when came on the stage they cried out
for al Sindaco" The King, Umberto, heard
OF this and one evening he came with the
Slndaco and party of courtiers and occupied
box near the stage. I was ordered to open
the evenings entertainment and the Duke OF
Vlsconl came behind the scenes to request me
not to forget to impersonate the Sindaco. 1t
seems the iovial King had brought the Mayor
there as joke and they afterward told me when
the Mayor was being impersonated the King
| turned to the Mayor and said, laughing, "Look.
Count, for now you see yourself as others see
you"
There was another occasion when / was Or
dered to give an impersonation that has not
LETT such a cheerful impression on my mem
ory. Every one must have heard of the late
General Gourko, the terrible autocrat of the
Russian army, who if he had had his way
| abroad as much as in Russia, would certainly
| have exterminated everything German. About
eleven years ago was performing in Odessa,
where the general has palace, but though
am German I never expected to attract the
| attention of so powerful a parsonage.
One evening, however, received q mystic
T1ous message, which said, "Study General
Gourko." In Russia it is better not to inquire
WV S4Oocly IulO uldIItrS ILdG OHc dOtS hOL ILL
derstand, so, though I could not imagine any
| reason for the suggestion, l used the hour that
lay on my hands before going to the theater In
studying an impersonation of the autocratc
Russian general, whom had seen once as he
passed on the street in his carriage.
Just as the performance at the theater was
about to begin that evening body of gen.
darmes marched behind the scenes with a
ukase for the immediate arrest OF myself and
the twelve men in the orchestra, by order OF
General Gourko. Without any explanation we
| were led through the streets to the generals
palace, which we entered, and, after little de-
lay, were taken into handsome apartment,
where Gourko was seated.
"They tell me that you impersonate cele-
brated men-impersonate me" Numbered the
general, in a tone of military command.
| Now the gendarmes had seized what acces-
series use and they were at once brought for
ward and arranged. Giving last look at
Gourko turned TO the mirror to impersonate
him. 1t was an anxious moment, assure you,
| for if the general should take exception to the
| caricature he had unlimited power to show his
| resentment by imprisonment or the lash-not
| to speak of Siberia. However, steadied my
nerves, and, making up the representation,
! turned to Gourko with copy of his own face
| and overbearing manner. What seemed to me
| a long time-but was probably second or
| two-passed, and then the general broke into a
roar of laughter. while turned away quickly
| and the ordeal was over. 1t seems he was inn
menselY amused to see the copy of himself an d
| at once ordered more 1mpersonauons. The