New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1922-07-23

ards, is we'll worth while When the new
National Opera House is finished the Mexicans
Will have performances on a grander scale
than those to which they have been accus-
toned Negotiations have been opened with
the Chicago Opera Company to give the in
augural series, and a huge Tiffany glass cur
tain is being put in place which the Amer
lean colony hopes will serve as refutation of
the Mexican theory that America has no feel
ing for art.
Then, too, Mexico has its Symphony Or
chestra and more than its share of vocal and
instrumental concerts. Godowsky always fills
large recital hall whenever he comes here,
at prices in substantial advance Of what he
receives in American cities. Tetrazzni was
prime favorite in Mexico City long before
she was heard of in New York or London. la
Boheme" was given its premiere there three
years previous to its first production at
the Metropolitan, and many important orches-
trail works have been played by the National
Symphony and other orchestras that are still
waiting for hearing in this country
The great hero of the hour is an American.
Babe White, "the human fly is climbing
nearly every day to the top of the great Ca
thedral, and Gel Hombre Mosca" is a name
that is on everybody's lips. Nearly fifty thou
sand Indians gathered one day in the Zocalo,
the immense plaza in front of the famous old
church, to witness his hair-raising stunt and
stood with popping eyes and dropped jaws
while he pulled himself over the ancient
stones of the facade and slid to the top Of
the fiagpole on the tower. The shout that
went up from the multitude Of ecstatic In
with envy.
A large detachment of soldiers provided to
keep the crowd in order had its hands full in
keeping the mob from storming the Cathedral
the great hero descended. Babe" ID
seems, has no liking for the embraces of en-
thusiastic Indians and was obliged to make
strategic exit through the sacristy to escape
them. His picture is to be seen everywhere
in the movies, in newspapers and magazines
while every peon proudly carries his photo
graph in the ribbon of his sombrero.
There is one class, however, which has not
Joined in the general triumph, and that is the
bull-fghter fraternity. The leading matadors
are said to be most cnvious of the Americans
spectacular success. Gaona, Silvetti and Bel
monte, spoiled dar.ings of the people ARE be-
are fearful lest thsir supporters acquire
taste for steeple climbing and lose their relish
for the sanguinary delights of the arena. But
Babe it appears, is not in Mexico for long.
He is looking for other worlds to ccnquer in
South America. In the Argentine ard Brazil,
where the corrida is taboo, he will probably
not come up against professional jealousy Of
serious nature and will be master of all he
surveys.
Bullfghting was forbidden under Carranza
and many attribute the old Presidents down
fall to the detested law. The day after the
news OF his death reached the capital a cor
s'ida was given with great ecIat in the bull
ring. Since then no reforrner has dared to
raise his voice, and bullfghting remains more
than ever national institution The govern
ment is Of the opinion that bullfghting is q
boon to Mexico in the present stage of it's evo-
luton. It Is supposed to act as a safety valve
for revolutionary steam. Be that as it may,
the gate receipts certainly show no signs of
dwindling. On the contrary, the 1922
season was a reeord-breaking one About
$4,000 people attended the recent Covadonga
corrida, paying Sc gold and more a head
for the privilege. President Oregon and the
aristocracy of the capital graced the func-
tion TO say nothing of the entire American
colony. American residents denounce bull
fighting to a man, but If one happens to be
looking for an elusive comp&triot of Sunday
afternoon one is pretty sure to find him
seated comfortably in front row Of the
Plaza de Toros.