New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1921-08-08
Mollrne1's Hear
Record CarusO
Favored Most
Handel's Largo Is Played
Before Throng at First
Memorial Service Held
Here for Great Singer
Opera Workmen Attend
Tributes Paid by Italian
Priest, Episcopalian Min
lister and DIR. Stella

The first memorial service to the late
Enrico Caruso held in New York City
took place at o'clock yesterday after
noon at Campbells Funeral Church,
1870 Broadway. In spite of the rainy
weather the funeral chapel was crowded
and many Of those who went to do the
Great tenor honor were forced to stand
downstairs.
Four large wreaths were placed on
each side of the altar in the chapel,
one of which was the tribute of di-
rectors, singers and stage hands of the
wreath was q picture of Caruso, over
which was draped American and Italian
flags The altar and walls of the
chapel were also draped with the flags.
Opera House Workmen Attend
Among those who attended the serv-
ices was group of workmen from the
Metropolitan Opera House. Many of
the persons who work back stage at
the opera house were personal friends
of the tenor, whose comaraderie ex-
tended to all. Yesterday was the first
opportunity these friends of Caruso
have had to do honor to his memory.
The music of the service included
the playing of Caruso's favorite Vic
trola record, reproduction of Han
dels Largo. DR.. Antonio Stella, the
tenor's private physician said that he
had often played this selection to Ca
ruso when he was i'll in New York last
winter.
DR.. Stella presided at the memorial
service yesterday. In a short address
he recounted the many admirable traits
Of character possessed by the great
tenor, both as an artist and as a cit
zen. He said that he considered it
one of New York's great honors that
it had fostored and patronized Caruso
and helped bring out his greatness.
Father Ceraso, of the Church of Our
Lady of Sorrows, in Green Village, N.
J., spoke in Italian and concluded his
address with prayer. About onethird
Of those at the service were Italian.
Stephano Miele, head of the Order of
the Sons of Italy, spoke Of Caruso as
husband and father. DR.. Samuel H.
Prince, of st. Stephens Protestant
Episcopal Church. made an address on
the great loss to the world in the death
OF the tenor.
Carmela Ponse!le Sings
r. Everett Hall was organist for the
services and George Dietz played sew
eral harp numbers before the speaking.
Miss Carmeia Ponselle sang Nearer,
Ny God, to Thee and Face to Face"
Tonight the Italian program planned
at the Stadium concerts will be dedi-
Gated to Caruso. Victor Herbert will
conduct. Part of the proceeds of the
concert will so to the Italian Hospital,
a charity in which Caruso was inter
ested.
A number of personal incidents of
mouth Hotel, Spring Lake, N. j., by F.
c. Coppicus, of the Metropolitan Opera
Company. These showed the great
tenor's fondness for little Gloria. Mr..
Coppicus also expressed disbelief of the
cabled dispatches from Italy that Ca
ruso's will, drawn in New York in 1919,
made no provision for Mrs. Caruso and
the baby.
Mr.. Coppicus said also that whether
or not Caruso had regained his voice
at the time Of his death, matter about
which there has been discussion, the
tenor himself did not know as recently
as July s. In letter written to Mr.
Coppicus on that date Caruso said: 81
hope that toward the end of August
shall be fixed up. Regarding the voice
there is nothing to say, because I have
not tried it, but I believe it is fine"
ROME, Aug. 6.-The family of the late
Enrico Caruso has circulated through
the Stefani Agency a message of thanks
TO the people Of Italy and abroad for