New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-11-09
A HUMPERD|NCK OPERA
Scene of "Die Marketenderin"
Laid in War of 1918.
POTATO CURE FOR DESTINN
Singer Gets Thin by Eating
Tubers Boiled, Without
Any Butter.
INV cable 10 The Tribune.l

Rerlin. Nov. S.-Professor Engelbert
Humperdinck, the composer Of "Hansel
and Greter" and "K6nigskinder," has
now finished new opera called Die
Marketenderin 1.-THE Vivandiere').
The setting is the great War Of 1913,
and the chief character is Marshal
Butcher. whose part, however, includes
no singing. for Germans would never
admit that their famous hero would be
obliged to sing on the stage. The
Marketenderin is a legendary girl spy,
whom the German military authorities,
believing her TO he a French secret
agent arrested before crossing the
Rhine. but who later was of great use
to Germany, leading its army across
the river.
The opera, which is in two acts, lasts
two hours and will be produced for The
first time early next year at the Berlin
royal opera. Robert Misch wrote the
book.
New Workers who are surprised to
see how much thinner Emmy Destinn
is than she was last year viii be in
terested to learn that to the humble
potato is due all the credit. There is
no secret whatever" the singer laugh
ingly explained to The Tribune CORE
spondent on the eve of her departure
from Berlin.
I'm a disciple of the so-called po-
tato cure. oh, yes, | know you will
tell me that potatoes are the last thing
I'm the world to eat If one wants to
keep down weight. Yet II is an actual
fact that potatoes eaten according TO
the regimen / have been following are
an indispensable part Of the diet need
ed to offset the feeling OF hunger when
otherwise results.
THE potato cure was recommended
TO me by a friend who reduced her
weight more than fifteen pounds with
out the slightest Ill effects or incOnven-
fence. ] myself have already lost sew
eral pounds and intend 10 continue tie
cure after | reach New York.
THE regimen which l am following
is this: The first thing in the morning
drink coffee or tea without sugar and
eat one dry roll and as much fruit as
| like during the forenoon. At midday
dinner / eat no soup but have fish and
five large potatoes. boiled in the skins.
without butter, sardines or anchoyies,
II desired. and whatever vegetables |
like. without butter. Liebig or maggi
however. may be substituted for butter
in cooking. ! also eat white meat,
without butter. and plenty Of fresh
fruit, but no stewed fruit or desserts.
At , o'clock have fruit. The even
ing meal is about the same as the mid
day meal only IL is not necessary to
eat potatoes again. although one or two
do not matter. My drinks consist OF
one or two glasses OF white wine after
each meal. Water is also permitted,
but only after eating.
ITO sum up. the cure consists OF no
sugar or butter. very little milk and no
cream. desserts, stewed fruits or pre-
serves. On the other hand, five large
potatoes must without fail be eaten at
the midday dinner. Instead OF sugar,
saccharine may be used, and instead OF
butter, Liebig.
After about eight days there should
be a pause Of three or four days. then
the cure should be resumed for another
period Of eight days"
Emmy Destinn also declared that she
is very partial to that favorite German
article OF food known as 'rohen schin-
ken" which is raw ham. The singer
stated that this is excellent for the
throat and is especially adapted for
singers.
The Tribune correspondent asked
Miss Destlnn II she smoked cigarettes
and she answered promptly, Goodness
no. / consider smoking very bad FOR
the voice and never indulge"