Smyrna times., 1897-11-03
DEFENDED HIMSELF.
COST BANDMANN "a HUNDRED AND
FIFTY, BUT WAS WORTH IT."

How Clay Clement Became an Expert
SwOrdsman-After the Initial Encounter
the Tragedian Forgot All About the Ex-
pensive Training.
Clay Clement is one of the most ex-
pert swordsmen on the American stage.
His proficiency with the broadswOrd is
due to a long course Of training which
he took many years ago under rather
peculiar circumstances.
Young Clement carried letter Of in
PRODUCTION to Daniel Bandmann, the
tragedian, and asked for an engage
ment. The old man was charmed with
Clements reading of Shakespeare and
after long elocutionary trial remarked
in rich brogue: my poy, think you
will do. You are engatched But, tell
me, are you able to defent YOURSELF"
"Why, yes; I guess So" doubtfully
replied the young aspirant. 81 don't
know never had a fight in my life,
but think I could take care Of myself
i'll pinch.
"Vell," continued Bandmann, you'll
haf to. 1 want "a man who can fight.
Ven l play Richard, eet makes me sick
-pah-if 1 must be kilt by a Richmond
who could not kill checker i'll real
life. Ven I am Macbeth, Wy shoult be
kilt by fellow who could not carve
cheese? I am tired of ct all. You must
defent yourself Do you know the broat-
sword?"
"WeII, no-I don t." admitted Glenn
ent. "But couldn't l learnt" he added
eagerly.
"Ha, yes-inspec- cried Band
mann. You shall learn. Do you know
my frient Colonel Monastery of Chicago?
No? Netfer mind gif you letter to
him"
Turning to writing desk, Band
mann wrote a letter of introduction
and filled out check for $50
"Gif dose to my frient Monastery, 4"
he said, land he will show you how you
shall defent yourself That check will
pay for 20 lessons. If you feel you need
more lesson, my letter say you shall
take as many more as yOu like and the
bill l will pay. Bat, remember! You
! must fight; if not, think / Will keel
! yOu-yes.
| Clement came to Chicago to begin in
struction. In this city he met several
actors who formerly had been members
Of Bandmann' S company. They all told
the same story. The tragedian, they
sad, was Il most dangerous antagonist
i'll stage duel, and very ofen forgot
his surroundings and Put up a real
fight. If his opponent showed the white
feather, the old man would fly into q
paroxysm CT rage and fight like a de-
mon. On more than one occasion he haC
completely driven Richmond and Mac
duff OH the stage.
These stories scared Clement half tC
death. lie began to lcgaId his training
as a life and death matter, undertaken
strictly in self defense. At the end 0.
the 20 lessons he felt that he was only
a beginner i'll swOrdsmanship, and in
struction was continued week aftel
week throughout the entire summer.
On the opening night of Bandmann't
next season a letter was handed to thr
tragedian. 1t contained bill for pro
fessional instruction i'll sword practic
extra lessons for Mr.. Clement on ac
count of Mr.. Bandmann-$l5O."
The old man gasped. "Vot" h
cried. Are you drunk or am l crazy
A hundred fifty tollarl How ees eet
How can it pei"
well, you sent me to Colonel Mon
stery yourself and gave him cart
blanche to teach me as long as 1 needer
| -
"Oh, my poy, my poyW exclaime
Bandmann. Il sent you to Monastery
yes-but deed not tell you to leev
with heem."
Suddenly the old man stopped
"Vell," he said, chow eez Get? Can yo
defent YOURSELF"
''I'll try" was the calm reply.
$50 will l." sententiously remarke
Bandmann.
That night when Richard faced Rich
mond ON Bosworth field there was
baleful CLEAN in the crooked backe
mOnarch's s eyes which none of the con
pany ever had observed before Il
sprang at his antagonist like a cati
. mount; two swords clashed and a show
| ~ Va SIeAAAS EttNb NN AhNANO VI AllO AOAN
, which sentthem together. Then follow
! ed what was probably the prettiest an
most scientific sword fight ever seen G
the American stage. The old man fougl
y wickedly, dangerously, desperately. TT
Q aggressor, at first, he pressed his youn
antagonist hard. The air was filled wit
0 sparks from the circling swords and IL
clash of steel was almost cOntinuou
:. Then Clement began work i'll earnes
Step by step the bloody monarch Wi
% forced backward, and his blows wel
parried and beaten down, until ut las
Y from sheer exhaustion, his grip WI
lOosened and a deft blow sent his swol
g flying into the wings. y moment lat
RichmOnd's victorious troops we
, cheering over the death of Gloster al
J. the play was ended.
a A couple of solicitous actors help,
"a Bandmann to his feet. Painting and a
most breathless, he flung his arms abo
% Clement kissed him on both cheeks al
D. exclaimed, 1T cost me hundret al
10 fifty, but it was wort it."-ChicaJ
III Times Herald.