The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1912-08-08
The First Ensllah Speaking Person 10
Sing Patriotic Song In the
imperial Theatre,
Toxic,
NOVEL
EXPERIENCES
He Is Now on the Homeward End Q,
His Extended Tour Through the
Oriental and Other
Countries.

Aeohuh Is Always proud OF the wOr-
thy achievements of her sons and
daughters, no matter beneath the
skies OF what country those honors
come. The jewels which brighten the
diadem of her sons and daughters add
lustre to the renown of the home
city. Yet it is not a selfish desire
that Keokuk rejoiees for heir sue
cess; 1t Is not to borrow glory, but
she smiles on their triumphs for their
own sake and they all love Keokuk,
and when away long to return to the
home scenes to sit and relate their
experiences had in other environ
ments and continued beneath other
and foreign skies.
William Farmer, is a Keokuk bow
born and bred, and he Is called boy
understandings, because 1t seems
only yesterday that he went his way
to school on these street about us,
sometimes reluctantly, with book and
slate; just as our boys and girls will
begin in few weeks to take up their
mdTCl 10 the same schools.
The last heard from him he was in
other lands. His return tour is on.
now and he is facing homeward. He
has met some novel experiences and
has won unusual laurels which he has
deserved He has worked hard for
the eminence he has attained In the
musical vrrarld ic1 oe hoc tab
en- him to Japan. He has played in
a real Japanese theatre where the
audience sat on curiously, and artis-
tically wrought mats, drinking tea and
smoking while the play went ON. At
Toxic he says their Imperial theatre
is the finest he ever saw, built in
European style and beautifully deco
rated, and what seems strange to re-
late he is the very first English
speaking person to sing patriotic
son in Japanese at the Imperial thea
tire. at Toxic, and In consideration for
this novel service received medal
from the management of the theatre.
A family letter has just been re-
ceived from him, nearly month old,
however, in which he says: eve are
on our way back to Manila and then
play few nights at all the ports on
4 the way back to Calcutta from where
/ sail for England"
From his letter it seems he would
be glad to see the familiar and low
/ ing faces of Keokuk home folks and
| friends He Is gathering some hand
some presents for. his mother, novel
souvenirs of the far off oriental coun-
! try.
/ For a young man of his age he has
won unusual progress, he stands far
up on the plane of the worlds most
accomplished vocalists. With a fine
natural voice, faultlessly cultured. and
an eminent dramatic force capable OF
4 the most exaeting in tragic opera. he
/ has not yet reached his zenith, but In
years to come, and not far away, nc
name will stand higher than that OF
William Farmer, the gifted Keokuh
boy
4 He has captivated the most cultur
ed audiences in his home city 1t Is
said that a prophet is not without
honor except IN his own country. Sc
pronounced is his genius that he has
defied the rule and received tbs
warmest plaudits from the people Of
1 his home city and they are ready anc
anxious to give him further enthusiasts
tic approval on his return from his
| present extended tour.