Evening star., 1917-12-16
"The Sporting Widows.

Fun of rare quality is promised the
patrons of the Gayety Theater next
week by THE Sporting Widows" in a
new burlesque entertainment abound
ing in bright, catchy songs and grace
full dance numbers. The company is
headed by Harry Cooper, who is assist
ed by Drena Mack, "a prima donna
with grand opera voice; Savo, a
comedian; Frank r. Cooke, Jack
Strouse. Irene Meara and Jean Pollock
the latter pair of sprightly young wom-
en- whose nimbleness of feet and
grace of carriage are notable. The
chorus is composed of two dozen at
tractive young women. singers and
dancers Unusual stage settings and
gorgeous costumes are announced.
LADDERS Farewell Tour. When
Harry Lauder concludes this, his
farewell tour of America, he is go
ing back to England and devote his
time to speaking and singing to the
soldiers on the battle front. should the
war last that long. When il $ ended
he and his wife will retire to their es-
tate in Scotland. which he purchased
last November for his son, Capt. John
Lauder of the Argyle and Sutherland
Highlanders, who was killed at Arras
a year ago, hardly month later
1t is largely the loss of this son which
has caused Harry Lauder to abandon
his stage career at it's zenith. His life
was wrapped up in this boy-his only
child. He never tired of talking OF
him. He said repeatedly that all the
work of his life was devoted to giving
, John every advantage which he. the
father. had never enjoyed.
Ladders tastes are extremely simple
he never courted or enjoyed ostentation
To him a bit Of a home, a blazing fire.
place, an old pair of slippers and pipe
"a tha Stn S,f ~, CT
palatial hotel. But Tor John he wanted
everything that could be obtained by
money or power. and for John he toiIed
and saved. and was ready with the
fruftfon of his hopes. when the world
war changed everything. Yet he is in
tense1y patriotic.
In an address he made at one of the
camps France last year he said in
and fire:
"One evening in the cleaning in
northern town j was sitting by my
parlor window when | saw an old man
with pole on his shoulder come along.
He was a lamplfghter and made the
| lamp opposite my window dance into
| brightness. Interested in his work. /
watched him pass along until the
cleaning gathered around and / could
see him no more. However I knew
just where he was, for other lamps
| flashed into fame. Having completed
his task. he disappeared into a side
street. Those lights burned on tbroug gIl
the night. making it bright and safe
| for those who should come behind
them. An avenue of lights through the
| traffic and dangers of the city,"
| Then with passionate earnestness
Lauder cried: Boys, think of that man
who lit the lamps, for you are his sue
| cessors. only in much nobier and
grander way. You are not lighting for
a few hours the darkness of passing
night You are lighting an avenue Of
lights that will make it safe for the
| generations of all times. Therefore,
you must be earnest to do the right
| Fight well and hard against every enc
my without and within and those of
| your blood who come after you Will
look up proudly in that light Of free
dom and say, The sire that went be-
fore me with lamp in those heroic
days when Britain warred for right.
Be careful how you bear yourselves
Quit ye like men Be strong,'"
A Distinguished Pedigree-one of
the cleverest stars in vaudeville. VIII
! fred, Clarke Ia the son of John Sleeper