The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1900-01-19

ka, people had limited the evidence of
their appreciation to moderately en-
thusiastic applause. The Won Weber
sonata is a favOrite selection of the
great pianist, and he expected and de-
manded at its close a demonstration
that would have been nothing less than
unmistakabIe and absolute homage to
his art. 1t was the reception rendered
his first number about which he was
raving in the dressing room while the
audience stood applauding in the audi
forum.
Had it not been for a series of cir
cumstances which put the artistic ma
ture of the great De Pachmann on edge
after his arrival in Topeka, it might
have been different also. He might not
have demanded so much homage at the
opening of his concert, and might have
been fairly satisfied with the applause
rendered the first number. But the
genius of the piano evidently used the
wrong foot in stepping from the Pull
man to the depot platform here, for
during the time between his arrival and
his appearance on the Crawford stage
several things occurred to ruff1e his
feelings.
When he reached the hotel at which
his manager intended he should stop
the atmosphere of the place did not
seem to suit him. He remarked the fact
to the gentleman who is responsible for
his actions on the American tour but
as is general with managers of gen.
luScSy that gentleman pd1Q no
to him. While he was registering De
Pachmann leaned over the counter and
said to the hotel clerk:
Il want a nice room with a nice
bath. OF course you have a room that
is nice with a bath that is NICE
The clerk shook his head. LAS it hap
pens" he said. "all our rooms with
baths are occupied"
What" exclaimed the pianist, step
ping back from the counter. You have
no bath for me, the cars pianist Ach
Colt, I can not understand I will leave
this place. 1 will stay first on the
streets. Let me out of this and turn
ing with his last outcry he started for
the door, wildly gesticulating with his
arms in his flight toward the open air.
There was nothing for his manager
to do but to follow. Outside a car
riage was called and the two drove to
another hotel. This time the manager
was careful to precede him by several
steps to the desk
Here is the original of all cranks :"
he said in an undertone to the clerk.
Tell him you have anything he asks
for, and give him anything he wants. -
When DePachmann reached the desk
the clerks countenance wore q radiant
smile I'VE have an elegant room re-
served for you,' he said
Has it a nice bath?" asked the pian-
list at once.
1.-The finest bath in the house." said
the clerk I'VE knew you would want
it, and kept it for your special use"
The smile on the face of the hotel
clerk was almost instantly reflected on
the countenance of the celebrated ar
fist. How nice it is that it is So" he
said. What a nice hotel this is, too
And what a nice boy this is as he
turned and caught sight of one of the
bell boys standing near. Here, little
! fellow, I will give you some money fo1
being so nice and working in such a
nice house, and he slipped a quarter
into the boys hand.
Again, the applause of the Topeka
audience might have been accepted as
sufficient and the humor of The musical
wonder remained at a standstil But
! it did not. In stepping out of the car
riage at the rear of the Crawford
I theater DePachmann struck his knee
against the rTckety stairs that lead Ut
to the stage. Before he had completed
the ascent he bumped his head against