Los Angeles herald., 1906-09-20
FINDS FORTUNE
IN OLD VIOLIN
ITALIAN BOY MUSICIAN TRIES
TO RIVAL BAND
Rich Notes Of instrument Attract At.
tentlon Of Chicago Bookseller and
He Gives the Boy Chance
to Develop His Talents
Special to The Herald.

special TO Inc Herald.
CHICAGO, Sept. 19.-There was fes-
tival in a tumble-down hut in an alley
In the italian quarter last night. The
occasion was the coming into what ap-
pears rs a real fortune in the eyes of
the frugal sons of Italy by Antonio
Leonardo, 16 years old, who hitherto
has made a meager living playing on
his violin on the streets of the North
side. Chance and happy idea on the
part of Antonio himself brought the
shabby fiddle to the notice of Frank
Morris, the old-book-store man. who is
connoisseur and collector of rare
violins, and bargain was struck by
which the instrument became the prop
erty of Mr.. Morris and Antonio was
made the recipient of $3.50.
The violin is a Del Gesu, which, while
not so rare and valuable as a "Strad, -
Is make of great renOwn among
violiniSts and ranks about second in
the ella Ssification in rare instruments of
its kind.
Meets Luck at White City
Antonio had not met with a liberal
response on the part Of his North side
patrons during the last few days, and,
coming into possession of a ticket to
White City, and learning that large
crowds were in the habit of congregat-
ing there he conceived the idea of go
ing to the park to run opposition to
Morin's band. He carried out his idea
yesterday afternoon, gaining admit
tance with his violin under his arm.
He walked around for a while on the
board walk, his eyes brilliant with ex-
element, and when he had gazed his
| fill, unlimbered his instrument and be-
gan to play. He had played only a
few bars, getting but Scant attention
from the passersby, when he was ap-
preached by policeman The latter
informed him that his services were not
required and ordered him off the
grounds.
But 1 had a ticket" protested the
Italian.
well, that's all right then" the pa
trolman replied. But put away the
fiddle. That sort of thing don't go,
See!"
Gray-Haired Man to Rescue
Antonio was sadly consigning his
cherished instrument to a bag in which
he had carried it, when a gray-haired
man who had stopped to listen stepped
up.
Lets see the fiddle" said he.
Antonio, somewhat grudgingly. ex-
tended the instrument to the stran ger,
apparently fearing its confiscation.
Where did you get it?"
MY fader had it, and my fader's
fader had it," was the reply.
would you sell it?" was the next
question.
Antonio shrugged his shoulders. mo
sella- He mal<a me my living"
II might give you more for it than
you could make in year." continued
the stranger.
"OIn, well, maybe I get me Mother"
said the Italian, frightening
Come with me-" said Mr.. Morris.
"and will see what l can do for you"
His Violin Is Identified
Antonio and his violin were taken in
tow by the bookshop man, who visited
the office of a downtown instrument
maker to get the latter to confirm his
own belief that the violin was Del
Gesu-
The inspection proving satisfactory,
Mr. Morris handed Antonio check for
$3.50 and went with the lad to the bank.
The boy Immediately laid out $25 of
his newly acquired wealth in the pur-
chase of a new instrument, and when
seen last night he declared it was his
intention to organize an orchestra and
join the union.