The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1901-03-01
University Club Decides That the
Actresses Temperament"
Is Too "Dificult."
SOCIAL WORLD DISAPPOINTED.
But Chicago Clubdom Intimates
"Sub Rosa" That the Divine
Sarah Does Not Care for
Much Attention.

University Club has abandoned Its pros
1ected plans for the entertainment Of Mime.
Sarah Bernhardt.
When the French actress arrives, within
the next fortnight. there will be no festfvi-
ties in her honor out at the handsome
Grand venue clubhouse.
No flowers. no lights. no violins to play.
no spread in the club dining-room such as
shall make the chef swell with pride, no
crush of women guests In reception garb,
hocking in to gaze ~delightedly at the ivine
Sarah, and equally delightedly at the
sumptuous, If strictly masculine. club APP
pointments-none of this will there be. for
the House Committee has said may"
backed by the Entertainment COMMITTEES
and the a~ll-powerfuI board.
Just why there will be no reception when
"L'Aiglon' comes to town is a little Of a
mystery. A month ago University Club
men told their feminine friends that there
certainly would be another function this
winter. along the same lines as those Of
previous seasons, with a theatrical celebrity
-Bernhardt this time-for the lIoness: and
the best that could be obtained for ac-
compartments. As the University Club
never does anything by halves, and az
fashionable women of st. Louis who have
been privileged heretofore to attend its
affairs always anticipate such with eager
ness and refer to them with enthusiasm.
much was expected Of this seasons recep-
ton. Disappointment. consequently, II pro.
~portionately keen.
Club members are a bit reticent when Il
comes to discussing the reception which VIII
not be given. They do not state in 80 many
words that they fear their hospitality may
not be appreciated by the great French
woman. Out thew Shr1l0 their ahnfr1SopQ orA
declare that artists Of lofty altitude arc
always a trile difficult when 1t comes to
social amenities.
As the University Club did not nnd
Joseph Jefferson difficult nor yet Henry
Irving and Ellen Terry, who have all been
lavishly and Hospitality feted in the club
house. it is only reasonable to suppose that
they are wary Of the Bernhard for good
and sufficient reasons.
Mr.. Stanley Stoner. secretary Of the club.
said yesterday, in speaking Of the aban-
doned reception:
Yes, it has been for the last few years
to give afternoon reception for some the
atrical star of the first magnitude when
he or she happens to be playing a St Louis
enough to declare that such functions have
been successful But apropos the Bernhardt
entertainmentawell. the club heard this
Bernhardt played in that city that clubdom
there-and the best Of it. tooefelt some-
what doubtful over the result OF its effort
to be socially pleasant to the actress. she
did not appear to be either especially hon
ored or even complimented, and. in short,
was tolerably Indifferent to the whole thing,
which did not leave any too pleasant a
taste in the mouths Of her hosts. It was
one Of the best Chicago clubs. moreover,
which never does anything except in the
most elegant and elaborate style. 7515s
Nov. there is no reason on earth to sup
pose that Mime. Bernhard would feel any
differently toward plans for her entertain
ment projected Dv a st. Louis club IN
there? The artistic temperament. possibly.
must be held to account for her indifference.
It is a little difficult to- understand
Is the word, I think-'dif1cult.' The Uni-
versity Club Is not in the habit of prefer
ing courtesies that might be received doubt
fully; and" with a pleasant smile. I'VE do
not propose to take any risks"
That is why, when Mme. Bernhardt and
her artistic temperament come to town,
potted palms to greet her in the University
C1It