The Birmingham age-herald., 1914-09-12

Society has been interested from many standpoints in the war in Europe. There is of course the interest in hu- manity Srst, for who of us does not feel appalled, and mortified when read ing of the suffering privations and losses endured over there. It has been surprising to find how many people in the old country we really know or know of in a way so intimate that we feel a personal interest and personal sympathy. I was deeply interested and my heart ached when l read of the sorrow brought into' the life of that prince of violinists and splendid man Ysaye. When the Music Study club brought Ysaye to Birmingham winter before last he played to crowded house at the Jefferson and met a number of the club members in a social way. Mr. Emile Levy, who was at one time his accompanist, in- troduced him to a number of friends. He was entertained at the home of Judge and Mrs. Hundley, and his auto- graphed photograph is a prized posses sion of several people who met him. Among these is Mrs Leo K. Steiner. Mr. Ysaye's old home is at Liege, where one of the first battles of the war was fought and which was taken by the German army. His summer home is in the little town of Godinno, about 300 yards from the river. For the first time in 20 years Ysaye spent the sum- n.er at another home which he pur- chased recently at MlddlelIirke, l be- lieve. But Liege has always been known as the cradle of violinists, for it was there that ovid Muslin was born, also Caesar Thompson. Near Liege, Marsiclx was born and not far away is the birthplace of Gerardy, whose father is buried there and whose sister is the wife of hotel proprietor right at Liege. ysaye's father is buried there and he has or did have brother liv- ing there. Although too old to go to the front Ysaye has two sons who de- tended Belgium and he is himself said 1o have wanted to go but was refused on account of age.
 Fritz Kreisler, another distinguished violinist, is lieutenant of company and has seen active service with what result no one here knows, except he was one of the first to report for duty. Hageman, the tall military looking German who directed in Atlanta this spring, was also mustered Into ser vice. I remember him in Butterfly" on Friday night of opera week and saw him a number of times at the hotels.
 By the way, Antonio Scotti whom we also have seen so constantly in opera that even those of us who have not met him tand there are many Birming- ham people who have) if his country went to war would not have to serve because he is an only son and accord ing to the laws of his country an only son may not risk death by taking arms.
 Apropos of music and musicians Lil- lian Nordica's will has been read with great interest throughout the length and breadth of this country. She left an estate valued at more than million.
 This every dollar she acquired by her art and her fortunate investments. She began as a little shop girl in dry goods store. Her last will was writ ten on board ship after her illness be- gan by ex-Governor Adams of Denver, who happened to be crossing on the same vessel Her husband MT. Young. was cut off with nothing except about s4OO.o00 which she had advanced to I.im for business purposes. After all, the world fee1s very close to artists whom they listen and whom they see upon the stage even though there is no real personal contact.