The Denison review. [volume] (Denison, Iowa) 1867-current, 1901-12-06
STORIES OF SINGERS.
TIMES WHEN THEIR VOICES WE'RE
OF MORE WORTH THAN MONEY.

VI WiSnC tC1StS WOFN6Y. +
santley's Adventure with Band of
Mexican Bandits - Some Experi-
ences of the Tenor Aario-HOw La
blache Put a Bear to FIight.
Many years since, when travelling
with some friends in Mexico, Charles
Santley was captured by ha1fbreed
Bandits and, being unable to pay the
large ransom demanded, carried off to
the mountains. Over supper the sing
el, by no means weighed down by
his mishap, CHANGED 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 a 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 50 delighted
his captors that they lOosened his
bonds and urged him, at the point of
their spears, to continue.
Luckily his voice had a soporific ef-
fect 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 a some
what invidious position. When travel
Ing with some companions In Spain, he
feiJ into the hands of party of ma
rauding gypsies, who demanded the
customary ransom. Mario, tickled at
the situation, answered their request
tn imprcmptn song, which he delivered
with such exquisite mock dignity that
hts captors with unanimous acclama-
ton elected him captain Of their band.
The singer automatically acouiesced 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 DO
lice IN mistake for a political discon-
tent Ia vain he asserted his identity.
he was carried before their chief, who
likewise smiled incredulously at the
capdve's asseverations.
Greatly angered, Mario yehemently
demanded that his friends should be
forthwith communicated with, but the
official shook his head and remarked
that II 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 profuse apollo
Eies.
When travelling to Paris with some
other ladies, Nine. Grisi had thrilling
adventure. At small wayside station
a man entered the carriage, and 1t soon
became evident from his threatening
gestures and eccentric behavior that he
was 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 be remained the most appreciative
of listeners until the train reached the
next station, where he was secured. 1t
transpired subsequently that he was
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 a
French fair cry was suddenly raised
that bear had escaped from the me-
nagerSe. The crowd fed In every d.
fecti0n-an save the singer, whose mas
sive proportions precluded the idea of
rapid motion. Amid the general com
motion he among them all stood I'M
moved. calmly awaiting the advent of
the ferocious beast, which sure enough
came slOuching rapidly toward him.
When within a few feet, 1t halted as
though to gather itself together for a
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
mai turned and fed.
When Will q Man De Too Rfchs
What will eventually be the limit Of
Individual wealth? Half q century