The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1899-04-16
Ei!lian Russell Resigned.
Rung Finally and Forever La Belle Helene

OF course it's nobodys fault. Edna
Wallace Hopper isn't to blame because
the wicked playwright made her wear
costumes that were SO inconsiderable.
Lillian Russell isn't to blame because
her. part didn't call for a bathing suit
like Miss Hopper's. Probably 1t is better
that Miss Russell dindt have to wear
one Wlfens you sread further on what
awful troubles. grew out of one very small
little comic opera queen with one very
very small costume you might imagine
what .frightfhfI things we might now have
to be telling If the generous figure Of
Lillian Russell had also burst upon the
troubled scene in "a futterihg bath robe
Misunderstanding the exact facts in tins
acknowledgements comic opera In real HE
we will relate the climax here; The LII
liam Russell-Edna Wallace Hopper Opera
company. abruptly closed its career In
Washington. The curtain was sorrowfui-
ly rung down on La -Relle Helene final
ly and forever. The remaining sixrWecks
itinerary of Edna Wallace Hopper and
her bathing suit were cancelled by Miss
Russell. So up went the managers notice
on the bulletin board, and King ASamem-
non and King Menelaus and the Oracle
and the chorus and the trunks are com
ing home, says tthe New York Journal
- Lillian Russell has resigned her part
as La Belle Helene in the comic opera
of that name 1t was largely a case of
dignity against nudity, and the latter
quality won a victory.
dignity and
Mrs Edna Wallace Hopper nudity. Mrs.
Hopper would also have us believe that
it is a case sin which frivolous public
preferred youth to maturity, but that is
too delicate a subject for the pen Of a
critic.
There had long been an unacknowl-
edged rivalry between the two stars of
comic opera. 1t eliminated in Philadel-
phia last Monday night after turbulent
and INDIGENOUS ovation to Edna Wallace
Hopper from the University of Pennsyl-
vania Students That was too much for
Lillian Russell. She decided to resign at
the end of the week.
The proportions of Edna Wallace Hop
per to Lillian Russell are somewhat like
those Of a wasp to a fine humble bee.
In other respects their relations have not
been dissinlar.. We all know that the
wasp usuallysgets the best of the bee be-
cause Tile loFInti lbs Gil 20
pacity for singing.
The audience that caused the trouble
was made up principally Of students
from the University of Pennsylvania,
noted for It's sporting proclivities. They
had heard of the interesting costumes
worn by Mrs. Hopper and went to the
theater prejudiced iii her favor, full Of
enthusiasm and, perhaps, something
stronger. sS5s
When Lillian Russell appeared they
showed i1npatience and impoliteness.
How did you win that foot race with
Venus?" asked one of them who had
very hazy recollection of the contest UNI
pfred by Paris.
Get a move en-. Show US your speed"
cried several.
Miss Russell naturally left the stage in
a. state of lust indignation. 1t was to be
heightened very much in the course of a
few minutes.
AS soon as Edna Wallace Hopper APP
peared she was greeted with storm OF
cheers bowls and more or less encour-
aging remarks, intermingled with the col
lege yell. All the classical learning at
the command of the students. together
with great many topical and personal
illusions was showered upon her.
{ When she first came on her costume
seemed as slight as the conventions of the
stage permit. But further revelations
were in store
/ whats the matter with Edna?" cried
voice.
She's all right answered the chorus
punctuated by the. college yell.
what do you think of her dress?'
:. It's all right, answered the chorus
again with the college yell.
1t required several pointed and forcible
remarks from Edna before she could go
on with her performance.
You deserve stolsbe spanked" was her
concluding observation.
Having agreed that she was all right
and fully vented their feelings. the stu
dents allowed her to act in peace. but
applauded vociferously at every suitable
point.
One studious and chivalrous young man
take up the case of the beautiful Lillian.
He described .Helen,s dress from man.
uscript which he held in his hand. While
he read others told the details of Lillian
RusselPs costume and makeup. The
reader yelled: Her eyes were length
ened, as were her brows, by blue line.