The Olneyville times. (Olneyville [Providence, R.I.]) 1887-1917, 1901-12-06
STORIES OF SINGERS
TIMES WHEN THEIR VOICES WE'RE
OF MORE WORTH THAN MONEY.
santIey's Adventure with n Band of
Mexican Bandits - some Expert
epces Of the Tenor Msrio-How La
bIache Put n bear 10 Flight.

bIacbe Put "a Hear 10 Flight.
Many years since. when travelling
with some friends In Mexico, Charles
Santlcy was captured by halfbreed
bandits and. being unable to pay the
large ransom demanded, carried off to
the mountains. over supper the sing.
er. by no means weighed down 10y
his mlshap. chanced To break into song,
which SO delighted the brigand chief
that he demanded an encore.
Santley saw his chance and ex-
pressed his willingness to comply on
condition that he and his companions
were granted their release. The sug-
gestion was accepted. and for over two
hours was the singers voice raised In
such exquisite melody that the bandits,
true to their word, allowed him and
those with him TO depart
The late Joseph Mas had n some
what similar experience. Years back.
when with "a companion buffalo hunt
ing on the American pralrics. he was
captured by Indians and carried TO
their camp. When at his wits end
how TO extricatc himself from the
dilemma, his friend suggested the pow
er OF song. Forthwith he commenced
an operate selection that 80 delighted
his captors that they loosened his
bonds and urged him. Mt the point OF
their spears. TO continue.
Luckily his voice had n soporlflc ef-
feet upon the Indians, who one by one
dropped asleep until. just az he was
on the point of stopping from exhaus-
tion. the last passed into the realms
OF dreams. Then he and his compan-
lon quietly stole away.
His wonderful voice on one occasion
placed the great tenor Mario In some
what invidious position. When travel
ing with some companions I'm Spain. he
fell into the hands OF party OF ma
rauding gypsies, who demanded the
customary rpnsom. Mario tlckled at
the situation. answered their request
In impromptu song, which he delivered
with such exquisite mock dignity that
his captors with unanimous ncclama-
tlon elected him captain OF their band.
The singer automatically acquIesccd In
their decision. but In the course of the
following day contriyed TO make his
escape with his friends.
On another occasion In Madrid the
same singer. as he was returning late
one night from the thcatcr where he
was engaged. was arrested by the po-
In OF 20
tent. In vain he asserted his Identity.
He was carried before their chief, who
likewise smiled incredulously at the
captive's asseverations.
Greatly angered, Mario vehemently
demanded that his friends should be
forthwith communicated with. but the
official shook his head and remarked
that IL indeed he were the great tenor
he possessed In his voice n sure means
of proving the truth OF his words Ten
minutes later Mario was bowed out
with many regrets and profuse apollo
gies.
When travelling TO Paris with some
other ladies, Nine. Grisl had thrilling
adventure. At a small wayside station
n man entered the carriage. and IL soon
became evident from his threatening
gestures and eccentric behavior that he
was n dangerous lunatic.
Though her companions were panic
stricken. Mime. Grisi retained complete
presence OF mind and with the utmost
composure began to sing. At once the
maniac was quiet; his whole attention
was rlveted on that magnificent voice.
and he remained the most appreclatlve
of listeners until the train reached the
next station. where he was secured. II
transpired subsequently that he was n
maniac with homicidal tendencies who
had escaped from an asylum.
An amusing story Is told OF Lablache,
the celebrated bass singer. One day
as he was strolllng leisurely through
French fair n cry was suddenly raised
that n bear had escaped from the me-
nngerie. The crowd fed In every d.
rection-all save the singer. whose mas
siye proportions precluded the idea of
rapid motion. Amid the general com
motion he among them all stood un-
moved. calmly awaiting the advent OF
the ferocious beast. which sure enough
came slouchng rapidly toward him.
When within n few feet, II halted as
uaaash to gather itself together for q