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HOME T0BLGHTY FOR L. . HARNE Gunnery Sergeant to Head Contingent With Naval Delegates. When Gunnery Sergt. Thomas| Charles Baisden of the Marine Corps shoves off with his contingent of 10 picked men to assist the United States delegation to the London Arms Confer- ence, it will mean going home to| Blighty. Sergt Baisden was born at| Norwich, England, on December 23.“ 1885, and has been in the United States Marine Corps since 1908. During his service under the Amer- ican flag, Sergt. Baisden has seen much foreign service, having done duty with the Marine Corps expeditionary force at Vers Cruz, Mexico, in 1914, in Haiti in 1915, and his re-enlistment in Feb- ruary, 1921, was effected at London.| Since 1925 he has been stationed at| Marine Corps headquarters at the Navy | Department. ‘The 10 Marines will be under the command of Capt. John Halla, who is side to Maj. Gen. Wendell C. Neville, the Marine Corps commandant. Capt. Halla, who enlisted in the Marine Corvs in June, 1917, served in France with the 13th Regiment of Marines during the World War. His foreign service includes that in Santo Domingo and Haiti. Capt. Halla is Marine Corps aide to the White House and is a native of New Jersey, where he was born Sep- tember 19, 1897. First Sergt. Charles Willlam Harr- mann, who will be the ranking enlisted man with the contingent, was born at Peoria, Ill., and during his long service in the Marine Corps, dating from April, 1917, he has served in various parts of the world. ‘The names of the other members of | the Marine Corps contingent follow: Gunnery Sergt. Francis Lee Brauer, Gunnery Sergt. Henderson Paul Clary, Gunnery Sergt. John Stanley Domzal- ski, Gunnery Sergt. Franklin Edward Freeman, Gunnery Sergt. Ernest Ves- Maddox, Gunnery Sergt. John Glenn Mason, Gunnery Sergt. Jesse Lee Reynolds and Gunnery Sergt John | Hill Rice. ——e MARK ANNIVERSARY DAY. Oriental Custom Observed in Honor of King Ibn Saud. JERUSALEM, January 9 (#)—Great ceremonies in accordance with Oriental | tustom were proceeding throughout the | Hedjaz and Nejd yesterdasy in honor of | 3 oclama- | tion of Ton Saud as King of the Hedjaz | and Sultan of the Nejd. Pestivities marked the celebration everywhere, and Ibn Saud's eldest son received many deputations in behalf of his father at the palace. STEADY DECLINE IN QUALITY OF OPERA IS SEEN BY ALDA Famous Prima Donna, Retiring From Metropolitan | e/ kept for Radio, Believes Lie in Broadcasting. BY MARGUERITE MOOERS MARSHALL. Special Dispatch to The Star. NEW YORK, January 9.—Frances Alda, last of the grand old guard of New York’s world famous prima donnas, has_left the Met: litan Opera House —although even indirectly the adjective “old” should not be applied to Alda, who at a frankly-confessed 45 is also at the splendid height of her gpryncnl vitality, her vocal powers and dis- tinguished art. ‘What she has done, from her point of view, is to attain her operatic ma. jority. ~For 21 years she has sung the Metropolitan. Her ‘“retirement” means merely that she seeks fresh fields and pastures new. She is now creating grand opera for the radio, broadcasting the leading soprano roles of six Puccini operas this season. Also she is going to make a singing motion picture. Mme. Alda makes no secret of the fact that she finds a steady and seri- ous decline in the quality of opera and its performers since, in 1908, she made her New York debut in “Gigoletto,” singing with Sembrich and Caruso. I had suggested, tentatively, that the 21 years that followed might be called the golden age of American opera. Recalls Stars of 21 Years Ago. “I would not call it the golden age,” Mme. Alda exclaimed, with a vigorous shake of her handsome head. “I would call it anything but that, for what we have seen during that time has been a great drop in performance and per- formers. Think of four great Metru- politan singers of 21 years ago—Sem- brich, Eames, Caruso, Scotti! What have. we today to compare with them? “There are still beautiful voices at the Metropolitan—Ponselle, for exam- ple, and Rethberg, who has one of the most_glorfous voices now heard there. But I have seen so many come—and gu. And now—well, I do not often go to the opera, and when I go I cannot stay | bet! long. d I come away wondering i these are indeed the great artists ot whom I have read so much in the newspapers! “See what is the result!” she con- tinued. “Without great singers—and I certainly do not consider modern sing- ers the equals of the earlier ones—ww cannot give the great musical maste:- pieces. There are, of course, certain operas which almost any one can sing. But what of those which demana breath control, legato—what of Mozart? Who can sing his beautiful music nowadays? Ask anybody what happens when there is a revival of such an opera as ‘Don Glovann{’—What hurrying and scurrying there is to find singers competent to handle the roles!” “But why is this?” I asked. “Are no more great voices coming into the world? To what reasons do you ascribe operatic deterioration?” Takes Years of Training. “There are two reasons,” Mme. Alda answered promptly. On Our Second Floor THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, D. C., THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1930. Future Hopes May work hard enough—and they are pushed too fast. “These singers who go into opera from musical comedy or revue, who have a few months’ practice—what can you expect of them? It takes years—years of the hardest kind of work—tp make a great opera singer; the voice, al- though, of course, it is important, is almest the smallest part of what is needed. You must have intelligence, musical culture. You must know the languages. You must study deportment, acting. And you mu:t sing one role over and over again to attain perfection in it; you must do that before you are allowed to go on to another.” Mme. Alda herself, born in New Zea- land of English parents, studied in Paris with Mathilde Marchesi, and sang with distinction and success at the Opera Comique in Paris, at the Monale in Brussells, at La Scala in Milan and Covent Garden in London before -she came to New York. “And how I had to work!” she re- called, her eves flashing. “Fifty-two times I sang the role of Manon before they allowed me to sing anything else. Eighty-four times I sang arguerite.” “What happens today? A young singer is thrust into many roles before she has mastered one thoroughly. She 18 pushed before the public before she is ready, and at first there is great ex- citement. Then, in two or three months, they begin to find things that are wrong with her. Then you begin to| hear of her less and less. And finally | she is gone. | Victims of American Policy. | “There are beautiful voices, voices America, but Am};ricln licy of hustle and rush.” Mme. Alda herself sang Manon in her final Metropolitan appearance the other day. It was the general consensus of eritical opinion -that she never sang s 3 8 H 5 = 3 %E 2 o § ter. “And why not?” she demanded. “I am only 45, and at that age a singer | should be at her best. I have sung in 45 different operas and for a total of over 500 performances in my 21 years | at the Metropolitan. During that time | I have never missed or cancelled a per- | T planation Is that T lived a per- | “The explanation - | fectly n:gml, healthy life, and I did | not allow my voice to be over-strained. | I have never missed or conceled a per- | singers—wear myself out in concerts. I take cold baths every morning and, | even when I am in town, every morning CLAFLIN Opticicn—Optometrist 922 14th St. N.W. Established 1889 I take exercise. I put on woolen stock- | ings, low-heeled shoes and walk. Also T eat what I want, in reason. Prefers Voice to Figure. r who ace some wide—"and I will show you a singer who is no g:od It you sm, must be fat to have the power of lung expansion, the physical vitality. T'd rather keep my voice than my figuse. “All the great older singers had a long singing life—many of them have it still—and who cares if they are fat? Calve was over here a year and a hall ago—an old woman, but singing mar- velously, I heard Melba sing “Mim! in “La Boheme” when she must have been 58, perhaps 60, when she was fat— but_the smttn was wonderful, divine! And“::ok af g'cnhdumnngiu‘:lk. -lnxlflw as S lay—w] going think oznfin aheywellh! or the fact that she is a grandmother?” “‘But isn’t there the necessity for creating an illusion by acting in opera?” I suggested. “I have been told that modern opera demands the singing ac- tress and that opera singers have im- proved, at least in the quality of their acting.” Sees Hope in Radio. “Isn't that a wonderful excuse for the women who can't sing?” dryly comment- ed Mme. Alda. “I have always considered that the acting of the older singers, who could sing, was adequate. And, after all, the person interested primarily in acting acrobatics should go to the thea- ter—not to grand opera.” Interestingly enough, it is in the most modern of ail musical developments— radio broadcast—that Mme. Alda thinks we may find hope for the opera of the future. “The radio can do a great deal for opera,” she declared, “not only because of the tremendously wide audience it reaches, and the mnw‘uenuy wide- spread education o6f national musical taste, but because broadcasting is so| rigorous a_test of the singe At_the | WASHINGTON'S NEWESTI | 500 ROOMS RADIO IN EVERY ROOM l | HAND BALL COURT - SWIMMING POOL Complimentary to Guests Heaurh Cuus RATES rroM $300 Special Rates to Permanent Guesls BN R O/ INVEST IN N First Trust Notes Yielding 6% Interest Money to Loan on Real Estate J. LEo KoLB 923 New York Ave. District 5027 Tome, " seentry, #o stage musagemment ume, no scenery, no ‘managemen to aid her. She must depend simply upon her voice and her art. That is why um‘;e singers broadcast once—but not again.” (Copyrisht, 1930, by Merth American News- CHURCH LEADERS MEET. Lutheran Synod Presidents in Ses- sion—Draft No Recommendations. HARRISBURG, Pa., January 9 (#).— The meeting of synod presidents of the United , Lutheran Church adjourned here yésterday without draftin recommendations to the biennial con- vention of the church to be held next October. One of the prominent subjects to be brought before the conference was a suggestion, made by Dr. J. J. Scherer, president of the Virginia synod, t the supporting subsidies granted by churches to financially limited students for the ministry be withdrawn. There was a general approval of the idea. WHITE TO RUN IN OHIO. Former Democratic Chairman Sees Victory in Gubernatorial Race. LIMA, Ohio, January 9 (#)—George White of Marietta, former Democratic national chairman, announced his can- didacy for the Democratic nomination mrz':x":n:?' at a Jackson day rally here last 3 White made the prediction that his party will be harmoniously united and will bgo forward to victory next No- vember. - GUARDSMEN PROTECT SUSPECT IN SLAYING Kentucky Governor Promises Troops if Threat of Mob Violence Arises. | By the Associated Press. BOWLING GREEN, Ky., January 9. —Guarded by National Guardsmen, El- mer Grayson, 21 years old, of Indianap- olis, indicted for bank robbery and as one of the slayers of J. Robert Kirby, Smiths Grove bank president, is to be formally arraigned in Circuit Court here Saturday morning. ‘The announcement that troops would be used to prevent the possibilityv of mob violence was made by Common- wealth Attorney“Frank R. Goad, who said he had been promised by Gov. Flem D. Sampson that use of the troops would be granted on request. Search is still in Iro[reu for two others indicted yesterday, Richard Mc- Nice and Ben Orville, alias Sexton and Seville. Both were involved in the same robbery. Women in Crime Study. NEW YORK, January 9 (#).—Twen- ty-five young women investigators are to be employed by the police at $3,000 a year in an effort to prevent juvenile crime. They will keep tabs on chil- dren who show wayward tendenciles and to get them to join boys’ elubs and other organizations. ROSENWALD AND BRIDE SAIL FOR TOUR OF EGPYT Couple Leave New York for Trip Down the Nile and Visits in Southern Europe. By the Associated Press. NEW YORK, January 9.—Bound for & honeymoon' tour of the Mediterran- ean, Julius Rosenwald, 67-year-old Chi- cago philanthropist, and his bride, the former Mrs. Adelaide Rau Goodkind, mother of his son's wife, sailed on the liner Saturnia today for Egypt. They were married yesterday at the suburban home in Abington Township, , near Philadelphia, of Lessing J. Rosenwald. Many telegrams of congratulation ‘were recel at the Rosenwald suite before the liner sailed.. Among them was one from Alfred E. Smith, who re- cently had been associated with Mr. Rosenwald and Calvin Coolidge in dis- tribution of the Hubert fortune. The couple plan a tour of Egypt, in- 3“‘3{’“& ; trtpndown the Nile and visits ern European ports, return! to this country in April. e BAR REVIEW COURSES D. C. and Virginia Beginning January 15, 7:30 P.M. At ¥. M. C. A. Law School Herbert R. Grossman 1L M, Ph. D. Natl. 3370 61/ Investment Bldg. JANUARY FEATURE OFFERING Savings of Real Merit—Number Seven of Our January Features Antique Crackled Parchment Paper With Charming Printed Panels And Leather Interlacing OFF/ICER IS SENTENCED.: Highest Ranking Colored Saldie} in World War Jailed. s [CAGO, January s g gt g gt highest ranking colored officer in the tenced to fouf L. Duncan was relieved of comman of ‘the 8th Infantry, Illinois Natio: Gunrd, when first implicated in thy embezzlement. Somewhere There Is a Man Who has demonstrated real ability in publicity work, but who ~ clearly sees that his present opportunities for de- velopment do not measure up to his ambition. If he is a man of character, who can be trusted with important assign- ments and contacts, and has the capacity to do corisistently outstanding work, such a man wilt find an uncommon oppor- tunity with a nationally recog- nized business organization. Write in strict confidence, giv- ing full particulars, experience, age, salary desired. This is of interest only to. a high-type man of broad writing_experi- ence in newspaper and maga- zine fields. Address Box 31-K, Star Office. - LANSBURGH & BRO 7th, 8th and E Sts.—FAMOUS FOR QUALITY SINCE 1860~-National 9800 1,000 Hexagonal Lamp Shades in Three Sizes Bridge, Table and Floor Lamp Sizes, Usually $1.49 to $2.95 The smallest size—the These are shades that will be a bridge shade—is a won- derful value, but this re- markable January Fea- ture Offering makes it possible to buy the cov- eted large floor and table size to match at the same low price! Choice . House Any Pair of i HANAN SHOES in Stock Formerly $12.75 to $22.50 Shoes famous for their Fashion appeal and inherent quality. No Reservations. All of our latest styles are included at this price. $0.85 -New Winter Style Shoes Were $12.50 and $13.50 center of interest, by daylight or lamplight, for they have beauti- ful scenic panels! The brown and green colorings are soft and mellow. The panels have the added beauty of leather lacing! Lamps—Sixth Floor $eeoesessssse. JANUARY FEATURE OFFERING Silk Frocks in | Radios Priced theNewFlowing | For Clearance! Silhouette.. «+s+s | Featuring 9 Atwater - Kent—Model 40 - - $0.74 " WITH MODEL E SPEAKER In the Inexpensive Shop—Second Floor i $49.50 Many Selected Styles of RED CROSS Were $10-$13.50 This famous shoe is too well known This group comprises the' newest and smartest Winter styles—includ- ing styles for every occasion, both to need any description. We have selected many attractive styles and included them in this group—one of the most important groups in daytime and evening. this sale. $7.85 $8.85 Footwear Specialties In Our Fountain Room $97.50 (All Sets Less Tubes) Just 9 left to sell at this low price! Models that mfloorumplu.lndnbituhth!dhm There never was a time when detail counted so much in+ the making of a smart frock! This season there in perfect condition! | S l are d{atp;l_s tand flares, with 2_RCA tola 41 $215. Now “.' an intricate appearance, lhd‘ were . . 34 Styles 34 ty ol clever seamings that mold 1—RCA Radiola 62, was $375. Now... ..$225.00 the figure, sleeves that are the last word in individuality - —and even these inexpensive frocks boast every one of these fine touches | Patents, kids, tans, suedes and satins, in e new materials and the most desirable shades. $3.25 A group that has won tremen- dous popularity, all smart styles and outstanding values. $4.2 4—RCA Radiola 18, were $124.00. Now........$59.50 7—Atwater Kent 47, with Dynamic Speaker, were $127. Now cPrses STOES Were $6.50 Were $8.50 1—Pooley Cabinet with Speaker, for A. K. 40, Black crepe and georgette and the new brilliant colors; i % 94 ii“lesf;gmissesandwomcn, was $75. Now............. : i ] ],} 1—Red Lion Cabinet with Speaker, for A. K. y bG G J, 40, was $50. NoW.............0rvvnnnns I 1 l 3 Phersionen b ot 6—Newcomb Hawley Tables, were $40. Now..$20.00 tails to its credit. $9.74. Inexpensive Shop—Second Floor May Be Bought on Budget Plan Radie Salon—Fourth Floor TWELFTH=F ST8, Eyre