The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-02-17
TO HELP THE STAGE
STARS OF THE SALVATION STAFF
WILL TRY TO RAISE ITS
TONE.
SOLDIERS DO THEIR TURNS"
TWO OF DARLINGTON BOOTHS
VOLUNTEERS APPEARING I'm THE
CONCERT HALLS.
ARMY GIVEN A CORDIAL GREETING
Ample Opportunity Afforded to Try
the Merits of the New EyanEe-
listic Scheme.

NEW YORK, Feb. 1.-two officers
OF the Volunteers Of America. actine,
under the instructions Of Commander
darlington Booth, have made their de-
put IN the vaudeville ranks. They ap-
peared on the stage Of Roster e
BARS during a regular matinee per-
Torrance, and successfully inaugurated
one OF the most novel features in
evangelical work that has ever been
attempted.
Inc innovation was the result of a.
conference at one Of the sessions of
the Grand Field Council of the Volun-
teers, held at headquarters last week.
The question under consideration was:
What is the quickest method Of reach
ing the artisan and wage earning
classes? ?" Many people in these classes,
1t was argued, were not church mem
bers, and looked to the theater and
music hall for the greater part Of their
amusement and recreation. The reso-
luton to invade the theatrical world
was unanimously adopted, and plans
were at once drawn up for the forma~
ton Of 1.-The Vaudeville Corps"
The project was explained to the
management Of Roster & Bial's concert
hail. and was very favorably received.
Permission to appear was granted to
Commander Booths officers during any
performance they cared to attend. Al
matinee was suggested as the most
convenient time for the first appear
ance Of the Vaudeville Corps" and
that was finally decided upon
There are number Of good accom-
panists in the ranks Of the Volunteers,
but Commander Booth has decided that
Capt. Anna Hughes will prove the most
satisfactory to the public. She has
often accompanied the Volunteers sing
ers at public meetings, and is a skilfuI
pianist. She will always wear her regu-
lation cadet blue captains uniform, and
Maj. Smyth, who does the vocal turn
will appear in the navy blue uniform Of
his own rank.
Appropriate settings for the stage
while the Volunteers singer is doing
his turn will always be provided byi
the concert hall management. 1t is
Commander Booths wish that there be
no sensational Introduction for his ar
lists, simple card being displayed
bearing the words: THE Volunteers Of
America when the time comes for
Maj. Smyth to sing.
Maj. Smyth has given much thought
to the songs he will render at these
performances. He considers the sacred
song, THE Holy City," as appropriate. !
and will retain 1t in his repertoire for
use in all concert halls. This song is
especially adapted to Maj. Smyth's
powers as a singer. and he can render
1t with exquisite tenderness and eX-
preston. It is song that never fails
to sway the sentiments of an audience.
Another song chosen by Maj. Smyth Is
Saved by Grace a beautiful melody
that goes straight to the heart of the
listener. When he sings 1t Is evident
to all who have ever heard him that the
singers entire heart and soul are in
the song.
Arrangements for the. appearance Of
Maj. Smyth and Capt. Hughes have
also been completed with the managers
of other music halls, and audiences this
week will be treated to an extra num-
Der not down ON the regular pro-
gramme.
Maj Smyth studied under Charles
Herbert Clark. and has sung in New
York choirs for many years. His most
recent work was at the Metropolitan
Temple concert series and in Hope
Baptist church He became interested
in the Volunteer movement Immediate
ly upon it's organization by Darlington
Booth, and will devote his life to sing
ing the Gospel under the Volunteer
standard. Capt. Anna Hughes is the
daughter of the Rev. DR.. George
Hughes, the editor of the Guide to
Holiness" She was one of the first
private secretary to Mrs. Ballington
Booth. The idea is to be carried to
other cities where there are vaudeville
performances.