The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1918-05-14

those who lived in Kankakee. and
those who lived in Cincinnati. and
those who have lived in any town all
over this large country and who have
seen fhe various actors and actresses.
vaudeville stars and various picture
stars. that should they hear that any
Of those well known people have
taken the trouble-have cared suffi-
clentIy-to cross the ocean and take
some small risk and put themselves
to some financial loss to undergo con-
siderable inconvenience in many
ways; that they have done this in
order to show that they cared 'suffi-
GENTLY for those people who have
gone over there to offer their lives
for us. is going to affect their morale
very deeply indeed.
When | was about to 60 on this
mission with Mr.. Ames, / conhded my
purpose to friend of mine He i'm
IN ediately began to smile. and he
said. This is the first time that
ever heard that fighting men found
it necessary 10 carry about their com
pany of comedians. Probably he had
not been recalling his history very
closely. because | believe there was a
time when distinguished monarchs
had their dancing girls and accom-
panying vaudeville teams.
hSIOFS Nt1St Learn.
Those of us who have taken part
merely in plays will have to learn a
very important lesson of our brothers
and sisters in vaudeville. When we
get over we shall find that we shall
not be able TO perform our plays.
The conditions would be of such a
nature that ! was practically use
less for entertainment. | went to in
Vestigate but while / was very eager
to entertain and consequently I per
suaded myself to recite--a thing
have never done before in my life.
am sure ! did not do 1t very we'll
There was no stage. and | got on
ahles and on counters and I stood
against the soldiers and did what
could
| merely mention this because when
We appeal 20 those of US who have
been in the habit of playing plays. as
J have been doing myself. we will
say. What can do? I have been In
The habit of being supported by COM
paDy. ! have never been able. a 5 the
vaudeville artists so brilliantly do to
get up and entertain by myself" But
YOU viii be called upon to do II and
it you are not able to do il now. the
thing 10 do is to get TO work and learn.
! am very sure that those qualities
that have enabled you to distinguish
, eNTSSii III the lH6dteT proper Will
enable YOU to do something which is
important.
Tribute TO n Great Work.
The Y. NJ c. \. unfortunately had
not come in contact with this country
tcfore | went on this excursion. I
feel ashamed that that was the case,
I am afraid il was due to the fact
that I rehearsed great deal when
was in the theater. but I did not get
the opportunity for rejecting on a
great many matters.
templated what the Y NJ c A. was
doing, 7, with Mr. Ames, and Mrs.
Nmes who accompanied US was en-
trely overwhelmed The office func-
ton that the Y. NJ. c, A. fulfils In
France is one Of the most amazing aud
most difficult accomplishments that
YOU can possibly imagine merely
wish to offer my own tribute to the
activities which are carried on a the
front by the Y. NJ G A.. and to plead
on behalf of the Y, NJ. c. A. that You
viii recognize in It the inevitable tip
the great instrument with which you
arc favored in fulfilling this service
and in conclusion. ladies and gentle
men, may I humbly plead to you to
respond to the appeals that are GO
ing to be made TO you. l should be
very proud If any word OF mine could
induce you to such a response. II I
could induce you to go over there and
stay over there until all is over over
there, I shall be very happy to have
contributed to the result.