Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1915-08-18
SECOND HALF OF
CHAUTAUQUA WAS
MOST EXCELLENT
EVERY NUMBER ON LATTER
PART OF PROGRAM WAS
PLEASING

Band day was the time of much
merriment in Chautauqua circles this
year. Signor Pallaria and his band
gave concerts both afternoon and
evening to a tent full of people. The
event was truly great one and the
programs were we'll liked. Prominent
among the numbers given were selec-
tions composed by Palaria himself.
These especially were heartily ap-
plauded
The address on Thursday afternoon
by Ex-Governor Shallenberger of Ne
braska was another red letter event
Mr.. Shallenberger has that sane and
far-sighted business instinct that ev-
cry American citizen should possess
in a larger measure. He is a man
with message to the American pub
lie and he is delivering it with zest
and punch that drives it home to the
thinking minds Of the respective COM
munities.
The Maurer Sisters Orchestra ap-
peared on Thursday afternoon and
evening with the usual rhythm and
good natured air characteristic of this
company. 1t was the second time
they had appeared before a Belding
audience within year, but this fact
did not detract from the enthusiasm
with which they were received.
John B. Ratio, impersonhtor and
major attraction for JOY night, was
assisted by the Maurer Sisters in Civ
ing the evenings program. Mr.. Rat
to's "makes up" in full view of his
audience and then turns TO present
the character of some unique person
age with extraordinary ability. He
is truly one of the greatest platform
entertainers before the public today.
One of the best parts of the program
of Thursday night was the imper-
sonation of the different rulers of
European countries now engaged in
war and also of some of the noble
character in American history. These
were given, while the orchestra play
ed the national hymns of the coun-
tries, by Mr.. Ratio as he stood be-
hind canvas wall and looked
through window made to represent
a niche in the wall.
On Friday the discussion by Thomas
Brooks Fletcher of the subject, "The
Martyrdom of Fools" created quite a
bit of favorable comment. His was
truly one of the strongest lectures
of the week, and his discussion touch
ed matters in every ones life that
could not fail to benefit. Mr. Fletcher
stated repeatedly that he was not go-
ing to advocate anything new, because
that was not possible on account of
the manner in which his remarks
might be received and turned to the
defeat of another Chautauqua. Yet,
Mr.. Fletcher came so close to advocat-
in new things at many points that his
hearers could not guess the intended
meaning, and hence his address was
made the more interesting. He pos
sesses a unique wit in his speech
that strikes home without offending.
In the sorg recital given in the
evening by Alice Nielsen, one of the
worlds most noted prima donnas, the
mammoth audience was given a rare
treat. Never before had great
prima donna been in Belding. Large
delegations from Ionia and Greenville
came here to attend the recital. Miss
Nielsen was unusually graceful and
pleasing in her manner. Her voice was
clear and under perfect control. No
matter what the variations in her
selection might be her voice was al
ways in perfect accord with the in
strument which accompanied her.
Miss Nielsen travelled in a private ear
and was attended by full compile
ment of servants. A violinist and an
accompanist of rare ability was also
in her party. With Miss Nielsen's re-
cital Belongs second great Chautau-
qua was brought to a close.