The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-10-08

toddlng infant. just born on the banks of the majestic Potomac, this band then in reality but a fife and drum corps. was it's chief plaything and means of diversion. This is why the Capital City has always been so proud of it's Marine band. They have grown up from infancy together, and today there is no other capital in the world which equals Wash ington, there is likewise no other gov eminent band in the world that equals Uncle Sams pet musical organiza- tion.
 For more than 100 years every in- augural procession that has left the great dome capped capitol escorting the na- tion's new chief executive down Pennsyl- vania avenue to the White House has marched to the martial music of the Ma rine band. At every inaugural ball, at every state banquet, at every presiden- tial reception. in fact, on all fete days when Uncle Sam turns host and invites his own fellow citizens or the repre- sentatives of other nations to be his guests he relies very largely upon the red coated members of the Marine band to add to the merriment and happiness of the occas sion
 But all days are not "fete days" It may be said as truly of the nation as of the individual that
 Unto each life some rain must fall Some days be dark and dreary.'
 And there have been dark and dreary days indeed. for our nation when not with triumphal march, but with funeral dirge, and muffled drum and muted horn, the Marine band has led the solemn pro- cession as our "Martyred Presidents, ' Lincoln. Garfield and Mckinley, have been borne to their final resting places.
 "Fantasma" at Bijou
 Hanlon's new "Fantasma." described as the sumpreme delight of 'bewidering. dag zling, glittering, gorgeous and stupendu- ous production, viii De seen at the Bijou theatre TOT an engagement of six nights and three matinees this week.
 'Fantasmar is a spectacle that delights the old and enthralls the young. The production this year is new in every respect and is staged under the per- sonal direction and supervision of Will liam Hanlon. The book has been revised and brought up to date by Herbert Hall Winslow; there are new pallets, new spe- cialties and scores of new Hanlon tricks. The. illusions that these masters of stage wizardyy have introduced this year in "Fantasma", are said to be the most won- derful that ever emanated from their braIns.r ft,t..ss 4
 There Is something new and surprising every minute in "Fantasma.'' The story deals with two lovers, whom a demon at tempts to part, but who are, eventually united by the good fairy 'Fantasma." :"
 It takes nearly 100 people in this great production and a number of car loads of scenery. There are several wonderful transformation scenes and some glittering pallets. Some of the beautiful scenes show the bottom of the sea. the haunted cas- tle, the mysterious bed chamber, the wonderful fairyland and the enchanted automobile There are fairies, devils, mer- maids, clowns, acrobats, gnomes, statues that come to life, chorus girls, dancers and a whole host of others that go to make up the setting part of this glorious production. There are some new and wonderful specialties introduced and a most excellent cast has been provided.
 Frances Lee. the prima donna soprano. very beautiful lady with most won derful voice. will be seen as ''Fantasma. Clara. Thropp, a dainty little soubrette wht, also does funny speciality, exploit- .inn tie harem and hobble skirts. will be seen as Kitty; George D. Melville will play Pico, the clown. For the past five years MT. Melville has been one of the leading clowns at the New~York Hippo drome. George 1Ianlon. IT,. will appear as Drinkwatcr Knott and John A. Alex ander as Zamale, and Kitty Cosgriff as Lena. M
 t,nopg the snecialities will be seen the .'fving butteries, an aerial ballet. the Yungman family of six people In a sen sational acrobatic wire act with comedy fAs+,,-es and the York-H Herbert trio with instrumental music novelties.
 Playhouse Gossip
 Since leaving Chicago. where 1t broke