New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1905-03-26
MIsLED AS TO HER VOICE.

a manager. whose speciality is musical comedy
and whose reputation for absent mindedness is
marked, recently had somewhat trying ex-
perience with of these moneyed aspirants
for stage honors. He received from a prosper
Gus city in Iowa most Iadylike communica-
ton written on the very smartest stationery.
The writer had been training her voice for
years. but she realized that she must begin at
the bottom-would he give her a position in the
chorus? In reply, his stenogra pher sent a form
letter setting forth the fact that it impos
sible for any one to judge of her capabilities
without personal interview. If she desired to
make the trip to New-Yorll he would be glad to
give her an audience. ETC. Then the man
ager promptly proceeded to forget her exist
ence. until reminded by second letter. She
had decided to come to NewYork. Further
more. she had decided that. after years of train
ing, It was not necessary for her begin in the
chorus. Perhaps he might have small part at
his disposal. he might know of a struggling
playwright with a musical comedy which she
, could produce at her own expense. with the man.
ager her sponsor At any rate, he might ex-
pect her. with voice and handbook in tow, on
such and such date. And again the manager
forgot her existence and plunged back into the
absorbing details of a new production. But. in
exorable as the hand of fate the date and the
woman were coming nearer and nearer to New
York, and the manager woke up with a start
one morning to find himself looking at a vague
~ familiar name an engraved card. And a
moment later he was gazing up at a plump,
matronly figure, backed by a tall. strapping
youth. who looked as if he would make fine
centre rush football team.
I'm Mrs. Jones. from D." the caller re-
marked. in a coorless voice, land this is my
son. You remember 1 wrote you from home.
We're stopping at the - mentioning OF
the most fashionable of the 5th-ave. hotels
The manager blinked hard and fast as his
glance travelled from the plump matronly fig
10 the stalwart
Yes. yes; I remember. You did write. and
let's see-what did you want?"
The woman's face turned purple and the boy
moved forward aggressively.
I'm a singer. You promised me position
in one of your companies
'sEh. what?" murmured the manager indis-
tincty
And I've come to have my voice tried-not
that it's necessary have a bookful OF no.
tees"
Exactly answered the manager, Frightening
visibly. I'VE are trying voices this afternoon.
between l and 2 at the - Theatre Come
around, come around, and Til introduce you to
the musical director. Good morning, good
morning. Peter, send in Mr.. Standoff."
That afternoon certain well known musical
director had the shock of his life when ma
tronly looking woman appeared at the piano
with the positive assertion that Mr.. Manager
was going to engage her for the leading role,
and 1t was all nonsense for her to undergo this
trial before a lot of gggling girls. The musical
director, In dazed fashion. struck a chord and
the girls stopped giggling Perhaps 1t was the
very pathos Of the womans attempt at singing
which stilled the laughter. The musician looked
at her with plying eyes. took her name and
address, which she gave with funny air of
tolerance and promised she should hear from
him in the morning. That afternoon the man
ager found himself debating this letter to his
stenographer:
Mrs. Jones, - Hotel, city.
Dear Madam: l regret TO learn from our
musical director that your voice Is Quits I'M