Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-11-16

N any case the story could not nave Deen
entirely without foundation especially as
Mr. Schipa had been quoted as stating that he
had himself been present at the ceremony in
1927, and that the next meeting of the menu
bers of the cult was scheduled to take place on
August 2, 1880, ninth anniversary of Caruso's
death
IN order, therefore, to ascertain the truth. Q
visit to Naples an interview with Caruso's most
intimate friends, and finally pilgrimage to
the Cemetery of Our Lady Of Sorrows, where
the Caruso Memorial Chapel stands. appeared
the only solution, and was suggested not only
ON account Of the interest Of the story itself,
but even more in justice to the memory of q
truly great artist, who endeared himself to the
humble as well as to the great. on account Of
his sunny nature, kind heart and true devotion
70 his profession.
S.nce Caruso died in August, 1921. thousands
Of pilgrims have visited the exclusive burial
ground located on q hill overlooking the Bay
of Naples. They have paused before the white
chapel. brought wreaths and memorial tablets.
given elaborate tips to the caretaker in order
to have the bronze gate opened and be admit
ted to the interior of the chapel where the mar
bic sarcophagus stands. Until recently the lid
was made with sliding door that visitors
could look at the singer as he lay in glass
covered coffin.
A speculative as well as morbid atmosphere
had grown up around the place, and this, cou-
pied with the imaginative talk Of the Neapoli-
tan populace, seems TO have furnished the back
ground for number Of fantastic stories, Of
which Mr. Schipas is the best and most widely
known.
The facts, once assembled and carefully
checked in Naples, are rather different from
the story, but are in themselves most inter-
esting.
ENnICo CARUSo arrived in Sorrento In the
Spring Of 1921 and was. to his belief recov-
ering from very serious illness. Far from
organizing post-mortuary club he had at the
time entire faith in his ultimate recovery.
He not only made plans for his return to
New York, but spent several hours each day
with one Of his most intimate friends Nea-
politan art collector called Amedeo Canessa.
who advised him In his purchases and in the
ordering OF two collections, one Of ancient gold
coins, the other Of snuf boxes, which had be-
come q veritable hobby with the artist. He
planned to place them both In the villa which
he had purchased in Florence, eventually to
give them to some museum for permanent
preservation.
According TO the habit Of wealthy Neapoli-
tAns he had bought o plot in the private Gene
terry OF Our Lady OF Sorrows 0Gadonna del
Pianto) and had commissioned Canessa to de-
sign . chapel which would serve both as o
memorial and . family tomb.
He had seen the design. chosen the spot on
@ccount Of its being near to the tomb Of another
artist the famous violinist Scognamiglio. whom
he had known, but he had never gone into
any detail nor seen the chapel finished believ-
ing, as he did, that many happy years still lay
In store for him
In July Of that same year, the guests Of the
H0tel Vittorio. I'm Sorrento, where Caruso was
staying with his wife and little Gloria had the
aeAght Of hearing him sing the romanza from
E2otoWs Martha" sast- 81 81 49,
&. MS voice sounded clear and powerful, and
word o. his complete recovery was rapidly con-
Veyed 10 New York.
NOT many days after. fever appeared once
more. me Oarxsos moved % the Hotel We
gawss IN Naples. IA order - - wftllin eanw