Omaha daily bee., 1919-10-05

Royal Albert hall presented a
magnificent appearance Saturday
Its 5000 seats rising tier upon tier
balcony over balcony, round and
round its circular walls, were
filled to Overlooking with London's
most fashionable people attracted to
the place by the anticipation OF
hearing the worlds greatest prima
donna in matinee concert. This
is the empire of the Queen of Song.
As soon as Patti presented herself
upon the platform the fluttering fans
ceased to move. A storm of tumul-
tuous applause greeted her first num-
Der. AS encore after encore was
graciously responded to the audi
ence went wild with enthusiasm.
Other participants in the concert re-
ceived due recognition, but no
sooner was the encore to PATHS
last rendition completed. than half
this vast concourse of London's low
ers of music, already satisfied, left
their seats in their desire to retain
the final impression of their fav-
orite. Such an ovation on occasion
of her second appearance in the me-
tropolis and at the close of the sea-
son affords striking proof that the
diva now, more than ever, retains
the pre-eminent position which she
has so long held in the operat c
world. Patti is growing old, but she
is the youngest singer OH the stage,
always vivacious, sprightly and sup
pie. She talks freely about her 48
years, but points triumphantly to the
fact that she is the only woman III
the world who commands $500
$4,000 foS singing three or four
operate selections at a matinee
concert in London.
PATHS Palatial Car.
Patti off the stage is no less en-
tertaning, attractive, fascinating. In
England as in America, she is ac-
customed to travel in her own pala-
tial style, and with the consent @;
the prince of Wales the railway
management places the princes spe-
cial car at her disposal. An invita-
ton to visit Craig-y-Nos IS not to be
lightly rejected; add to that re-
quest to accompany its fair owner
on her Journey to London, 1t be-
comes simply a queens command.
When, shortly after 10 o'clock
Monday morning, Madame Patti
reached the station, she was immed-
lately surrounded by host OF
friends twho had assembled to bid
her goodby. There was much en-
bracing, re-embracing and hand
shaking. One farewell apiece will
never suffice. At last it is all over
and the train starts. The party set
ties down for an all-day ride; it
comprises besides Madame Patti and
her three attendants, Miss Wood
ford and her brother, my father and
myself. must not forget PATHS
Mexican dog and her last acquisi-
ton, bullfinch that pipes whole
tunes and melodies to perfection.
The car is elegant and comfortable.
upholstered with morocco-cushioned
seats In we'll arranged apartments.
We should never call it luxurious
nor venture to tender its use to the
prince OF Wales should he con-
descend to travel in America.
Patti could scarcely have been in
better hurnor. The delightful ex-
pectation of soon reaching home
that home of which she thinks
whenever she sings her famous con-
cert song-seemed to put her in
the best of spirits. She chats,
huns, sings, pets her dog by turns.
] remember the amusement de-
rived from hearing Patti Rosa sing
the ditty, "Oh, Caroline! Oh, Caro-
line! Meet Me round the Corner"
etc. What then was my surprise to
hear the same song hummed by the
divine Patti, to see her bob up her
bead and perform the whole &C
companying pantomime! How did
Patti Rosa obtain the rame? 20,
she took it," says Madame Patti,
because the cost was cheap" But
that marvellous voice must not
be endangered. First one window
is acloscd. the opposite zone
opened and shut. The ventilators
must be turned now this way, now
that. No currents of air can pos
sibly be tolerated in the car.
Home Sweet Home"
And now we are approaching
Wales. The landscape becomes
more variegated and hilly. At last
we reach the Severen tunnel, from
which we emerge after five minutes
rapid locomotion. and then we are
in Wales itself Madame Patti is all
excitement and ecstacy; she is again
upon familiar ground, again in the
country of her choice. The horizon
is hemmed in by mountains covered
here and there with verdant woods.
The arabic land is bright green and
divided into small patches by means
of the darker. lines of hedges. At
Meath we are given special loco
motive and pass hurriedly up the
steep grade. Now begins the cram
ing Of neeks and straining of eyes.
Everybody gazes eagerly out OF the
sindow to catch the first glimpse
OF Craig-y-Nos. At last it comes
into sight. There it is. nesting in
= clun,p of foliage, halfway up the
mountain slope; from the lofty flag
staff over the center tower flutters
Americas starry banner-most wei.