Cameron County press. [volume] (Emporium, Cameron County, Pa.) 1866-1922, 1901-12-19
STORIES OF SINGERS
TIMES WHEN THEIR VOICES WERE
OF MORE WORTH THAN MONEY.

Mexican Bandits - Some ExperI-
ences of the Tenor MarIO-Hoyv La
bInche Put n Bear to Flight.
Many years since, when travelling
with some friends in Mexico, Charles
Santley was captured by halfbreed
bandits and, being unable to pay the
large ransom demanded, carried off to
the mountains. Over supper the sing
err by no means weighed down by
his mishap, Glanced 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
We're 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 companion buffalo hunt
ing 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 pow
er of song. Forthwith he commenced
an operate selection that so delighted
his captors that they loosened his
bonds and urged him, at the point of
their spears, to continue.
Luckily his voice had soporific eff
feet upon the Indians, who one by one
dropped asleep until, just as he was
on the point of stopping from exhaus-
ton. the last passed into the realms
of dreams. Then he and his compan-
ion 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 in Spain, he
fell into the hands of a party of ma
rauding gypsies, who demanded the
customary ransom. Mario, tickled at
the situation, answered their request
in impromptu song, which he delivered
with such exquisite mock dignity that
his captors with unanimous acclama-
The singer automatically 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 po-
lice in mistake for n political discon-
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 If indeed he were the great tenor
he possessed in his voice a sure means
of proving the truth of his words. Ten
minutes later Mario was bowed out
with many regrets and profusc apollo
gics.
When travelling to Paris with some
other ladies, Nine. Grisi had thrilling
adventure. At a small waysldc station
a man entered the carriage, and it soon
became evident from his threatening
gestures and eccentric behavior that he
was a dangerous lunatic.
Though her companions were panic
stricken, Nine. Grisi retained complete
presence of mind and with the utmost
composure began to sing. At once the
maniac was quiet; his whole attention
was riveted on that magnificent voice,
and he remained the most appreciative
of listeners until the train reached the
next station, where he was secured. 1t
transpired subsequently that he was a
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 strolling leisurely through n
French fair cry was suddenly raised
that benr had escaped from the me-
nagerie. The crowd fled in every di-
rection-all save the singer, whose mas
sive 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 slouching rapidly toward him.
When within n few feet, it halted as
though to gather itself together for
final rush, when Lablache stepped for
ward and from the lowest depths of
his immense chest sent forth such
thunderous roar that the terrified ami
NAL turned and fled.