The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1901-12-25
SAVED BY THEIR VOICES.

Many years since, when travelling with
some friends in Mexico, Charles Santley
was captured by breed bandits, and,
being unable to pay the large ransom
demanded, carried off to the mountains.
Over supper the singer, by no means
weighed down by his mishap, CHANGED to
break into song, which so delighted the
bpigand chief that he demanded an en-
core.
Santley saw his chance and expressed
his willingness to comply on condition
that he and his companions were granted
their release. The suggestion was ac
cepted, and for over two hours the
singers voice was raised in sucn eX-
quisite melody, that the bandits, true to
their word, allowed him-an those with
him to depart.
The late Joseph Mas had a somewhat
similar experience. Years back, when
with q companion buffalo hunting on the
American prairies he was captured by
Indians and carried to their camp. When
at his wits end how to eXtricate himself
from the dilemma his friend suggested
the power of song. Forthwith he COM
menced an operate selection that so de-
lighted his captors that they loosened his
bonds and urged him-at the point of
their spears!-to continue.
Luckily his voice had soporiic effect
upon the Indians, who one by one drop
ped asleep, until just as he was on the
point of stopping from exhaustion, the
last passed into the realms of dreams.
Then he and his companions quietly stole
away.
His wonderful voice one occasion
placed the great tenor Mario in a some
what invidious position. When travelling
with some companions in Spain he fell
into the hands of party of marauding
gypsies who demanded the customary
ransom. Mario, tickled at the situation,
answered their request in impronrptu
song, which he delivered with such ex-
quisite mock-dignity that his captors
with unanimous reclamation elected him
captain of their band. The singer dip1o-
matically acquiesced in their decision,
but in the course of the following day
contrived to make his escape with his
friends
On another occasion in Madrid the
| same singer, as he was returning late
| one night from the theater where he was
engaged, was arrested by the police in
mistake for a political discomfort. In
! vain he asserted his identity; he was
carried before their chief, who likewise
smiled incredulously at the captives as
| severations.
Greatly angered, Mario vehemently de-
manded that his friends should be forth
with communicated with, but the official
| shook his head and remarked that if in
| deed he were the great tenor he pos
sessed in his vote sure means of prov
ing the truth of his words. Ten minutes
later Mario was bowed out with many
| regrets and profuse apologies.
When travelling to Paris with some
! lodi Tod C,,;e l,a
| adventure. AT small wayside station
man entered the carriage, and it soon
became evident, from his threatening ges
| lures and eccentric behavior, that he wa
| a dangerous lunatic.
Though her companions were panic
stricken, Madame Grisi retained complet,
presence of mind, and with the utmos
| composure began to sing. At once TIL
| maniac was quiet-his whole attention
was riveted on that magnificent voice
and he remained the most appreciativ
of listeners until the train reached tn
next station, where he was secured. L
tranSpired subsequently that he was
maniac with homicidal tendencies wis
had escaped from an asylum.
An amusing story is told of Lablanche
the celebrated bass singer. One day a
he was strolling leisurely through
French fair a cry was suddenly raise,
lldl ID pSdi udu eSc@peu lioiii Tic nc
nagerie. The crowd fled in every direc
tion-all save the singer, whose massv
| proportions precluded the idea of rapit
motion. Amid the general commotion h
amongst them all stood unmoved, calml.
awaiting the advent of the ferociou
beast, which sure enough came slouchint
rapidly towards him. When within few
feet it halted as though to gather itsel
together for final rush, when Lablach,
stepped forward, and from the loves
depths of his immense chest sent fortl
such a tremendous roar that the terrified
animal turned and fied.-Seattle Post.