The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1897-06-01
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.

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 a 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? p
"Why, yes; guess so" doubtfully
replied the young aspirant II don't
know. / never had fight in my life,
but think could take care of myself
in pinch. "
"Vell," continued Bandmann, you'll
hat to. / want man who can fight.
Ven play Richard, eet makes me sick
-pah-if l must be kilt by Richmond
who could not kill checker in real
| life. Ven am Macbeth, Wy shout be
kit by a fellow who could not carve
cheese? l am tired of ct all. You must
defent yourself. Do you know the broat-
sword?"
"Well, mol DON'T" admitted Glenn
ent. "But couldn't l learn?" he added
eagerly.
"Ha, yes-inspee- ration!" cried Band
mann. "You shall learn. Do you know
my frient Colonel Monastery of Chicago?
No? Neffer mind; gift you letter to
him."
Turning to writing desk, Band
mann wrote letter of introduction
and filled out check for $50.
"Gif dose to my frient Monastery, F"
he said, "and he will show you how you
shall defent yourself. That check will
nay 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 will pay. But, rememberl You
must fight; if not, | think l VIII 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 company. They all tolc
the same story. The tragedian, they
said, was most dangerous antagonls
. in a stage duel, and very ofen forge
| his surroundings and put up rea
, fight If his opponent showed the white
: feather, the old man would fly into
paroxysm of rage and fight like de
mon. On more than one occasion be hat
completely driven Richmond and Mac
! duff off the stage.
These stories scared Clement half t
death. He began to regard his trainin
as life and death matter, undertake
strictly in self defense. At the end c
S the 90 lessons he felt that he was onl
}, beginner in swordsmanship, and IL
= struction was continued week afte
: week throughout the entire summer
!: On the opening night Of Bandmann
l, next season letter was handed to II
$. tragedian. 1t contained bill "for PR
g fessional instruction in. sword practit
2, extra lessons for Mr.. Clement on a
y count of Mr.. Bandmann-$l5O.
7. The old man gasped "Vot?
i. cried. "Are you drunk or am Graz.
A hundred fifty tollar! How ees ee
How can it pc"
"Well. YOU sent me to Colonel MOI
E stery yourself and gave him car
blanche to teach me as long as need'
~ instruction, explained Clement.
to "Oh, my poy, my poyV exclalm'
t. Bandmann. 81 sent you to Monastery
ce yes-but deed not tell you to lee
err with heem."
Suddenly the old man stoppe
n "Vell," he said, chow eez eetf Can "
y defent YOURSELF"
"I'll try" was the calm reply.
$50 will l." sententiously remark
lg Bandmann.
ne That night when Richard faced Rlc
ne mond ON Bosworth field there was
a a. baleful CLEAN in the crooked back
T., monarch's eyes which none OF the COZ
TO- nany ever had observed before.
We sprang at his antagonist like Cal
ed mount: two swords clashed and sho
er of sparks gave evidence of the fol
which sent them together Then folio
es ed what was probably the prettiest a
NJ most scientific sword fight ever seen
ad the American stage. The old man foue
ys wickedly, dangerously desperately. L
oh agpressor, at first, he pressed his you
ng antagonist hard. The air was filled WI
on sparks from the circling swords and
oh clash of steel was almost contlnuo
leu Then Clement began work in earne
Step by step the bloody monarch v
forced backward, and his blows W.
ay parted and beaten down, until at la
'n, from sheer exhaustion, his grip v
v W., loosened and deft blow sent his sw'
NV flying into the wings. A moment la
5es Ricbmond's victorious troops w
IN cheering over the death of Gloster 9
the the play was ended.
A couple Of solicitous actors hell
Bandmann to his feet. Painting and
,,s most breathless, he flung his arms alb
The Clement, kissed him OH both cheeks
I'd exclaimed, "It cost me hundret
ory ffty. but it was wort it. "-Chic'
on Times Herald.