Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1901-12-13
STORIES OF SINGERS
TIMES WHEN THEIR VOICES WE'RE
OF MORE WORTH THAN MONEY.

snntIey's Adventure with Band of
Mexicnn Bandits - Some ExperI-
ences of the Tenor Mnrio-How La
blnche Put 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
er. by no means weighed down by
his mishap, 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 Maas had n some
what similar experience. Years back,
when with companion buffalo hunt
ing on the American pralries, 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 30 delighted
his captors that they loosened his
bonds and urged him, at the point OF
their spears, to continue.
Luckily his voice had soporific ef
feet upon the Indians, who one by ons
dropped asleep until. just as he wal
on the point OF stopping from exhaus
,fion. the last passed into tho realm
yof dreams. Then he and his compan
Ion quietly stole away.
His wonderful voice on one occasion
placed the great tenor Mario In a some
what tnyidious position. When travel
Ing with some companions in Spain, h,
fell into the hands OF party OF ma
rauding gypsies, who demanded tn,
customary ransom. Mario. tickled n
the situation, answered their reques
In impromptu song, which he dellvere,
with such exquisite mock dignity tina
his captors with unanimous acclama
tlon elected him captain OF their band
The singer automatically acqulesced II
their decision but In the course OF In
following day contrlved to make hi
escape with his friends.
On another occasion In Madrid tn
same singer. az he was returning lat
one night from the theater where h
was engaged, was arrested by the d,
lice In mistake for a political discol
tent. In vain he asserted his identlt,
He WAS carried before their chief, wi
likewise smiled lncrelulously at Il
captives asseverations
Greatly angered, Mario vehement
demanded that his friends should |
forthwith communicated with, but Il
official shook his head and remark,
that II indeed he were the great ten
he possessed In his voice sure meal
of proving the truth Of his words u,
minutes later Mario was bowed o
with many regrets and profuse apol
giles.
When travelling 10 Paris with sor
other ladies, Nine. Grlsi had Il thrill,
adventure. At small wayside stati
man entered the carriage and 1t so
became evident from his threaten
gestures and eccentric behavior that
was dangerous lunatic
Though her companions were PAL
stricken, Nine. Grisi retained compl,
presence OF mind and with the utm'
composure began 10 sing. At once
maniac was quiet; his whole attenti
was riveted on that magnificent vol
and be remained the most appreciate
Of listeners until the train reached
next station. where he was secured.
franspired subsequently that he wal