The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, November 8, 1896, Page 23

ISCO CALL, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1896 23 — BEHIND THE SCENES IN SAN FRANCISCO THEATER Well, Jack, Frances and I had our heart’s desire last night. We were behind the scenes—really talked with the actors a=d saw them making whiskers and put- ‘on grease paint. It was heaps of fun.- Ob, whew! I wish your cigar was more expensive. Why, Jack, don’t you know, actors srgever so much like every-dav people? .What did I expect? I don’t know. I guess some thing different. But to begin. We svent first to see Mr. Friedlander and toid him we wished to inspect the dress- ‘ing-rooms of his theater, “Why, with pleasure,” he said, *and You'll find none better in the land.” * By the way, he’s tickled to death that McKinley's elected. Now. don’t frown. . You’d better take off that white necktie— ~here’s a vellow one. Then Mr. Fried- lander whistled through a tube and told 90m, the stage doorkeeper, to admit and show us everything. We went round and Tom ushered us in— i course, Frances had to trip on the stairway and then gigele, Itold her to stop, as giggling wasn’t becoming to in- 5! rs. Well, we went through a sort of aggage depository directly to the sacred precinets of the actors. The members of the “Tennessee’s Pardner’”” company are like a happy family, but most of them Were on the stage, and so we had an ex- cellent view of the rooms—eight large war carpeted, shelves, cup- boards, running water, electric lights, and ®o forth. But we were anxious to talk to some so Frank Kelly (he’s the stage fthe company) introduced us Mainhall. He bhadn’t fin- making up, but Frances asked how he liked the apartments for the players in the ia Theater, His features immedi- .ately lighted up with a bright, satisfied Emile. shed “How do I like them? Why, im- -mensely! They are comfortable, well ven- iilated and clean, and remind one of a . neatly furnished flat with all modern im- Pprovements, the very latest improvement being cleanliness. Just think, there isa window in each room letting in God'sown fresh air. What a luxury that is when we aré used to being cooped up in rooms that are’ foul from bad ventilation — amid grewsome odors,”” he continued, as he deftly giued on his mustache. ““We very often have to dress on trunks has the largest trunk has the most com- modious dressing-room; and then we have .o view ourselves from tip to toein a hand- mirror. Four years ago I played ina stock theater in the East for three months ‘where the flooring of my room was actu- ly rotting. In consequence I contracted ‘malaria and have suffered from it ever since. ‘Man wants but little here below,’ but I insist on cleanliness, plenty of chlo- ride of lime, a nice looking-glass and, &bove all, & wholesome smell.” Just then the pleasant voices of the quar- tet broke in upon us. Mr. Mainhall heard - his cue, and with a pleased-to-have-met- you-ladies bow he rushed away to make his entrance on the stage, and our chat was concluded. However, Mr. Kelly es- corfed us to the exit—he’s so gentlemanly, you know—and volunteered his opinion, which, to quote him, was: “My experience .bas been long and varied, and 1 consider * the Columbia Theater dressing-rooms gems of comfort and the bestin America out- side the Avon - Theater in Pittsburg— | Jack, you're not falling asleep, are you?" | Our next destination was the Alcazar. | We had to go way underground to see Miss Bugkley, Miss Lee, Mr. Sullivan, Mr. Doane and all those folk. What a gentle, lamb- like’ creature Miss Buckley is, and how bubbling over with merriment Amy Lee seems; she reminds one of ginger ale when the cork pops. Although the quarters apportioned the Whoever | | | stock artists at the Alcazar are somewhat dingy and suggest dampness, yet the occu- panis do not compiain; they talk, sing, laugh merrily and appear to enjoy life. Let us imagine they do. I must teil you | about John T. Sullivan, the leading man— Rose Coghlan’s husband, you know. His Cressing-room is the funniest. Ha! hal ha! You'd laugh heartily at the spectacle. He has no Juxuries, but many comforts, and among them a gas stove. The chief ornamentation is confvsion—paints and cosmetics are strewn about everywhere; hats, numbering six at least, are some on l | the floor, some on the wall and others just In a Style as (lib as You Like 3282 where they happen to fall. his wearing apparel, it'woul services of a magician. Yet “he claims he ‘l never has to hunt for anything. ‘ Frances asserts that disorder is a neces- sary equipment of genius. Few great artists, she says, were known to love tem and order. What interesting stories | Mr. Sullivan can teli of Edwin Booth, Lawrence Barrett and several other kings of the stage with whom he played juve- nile and light-comedy parts. There is a good wide exit for che actors | As to finding require the | 1415 37TE[aT2] 28] A ] DRESSING-ROOMS OF THE STARS IN SAN FRANCISCO THEATERS. black eye by bumping against some of the lumber and scenic properties in the entry. Frances would go to the Orpheum, so after seeing all we_ could in this pretty family theater we™ niade our way to the sidewalk and crossed over to the vaudeville house. How hospitable the Germans are, anyway. We were-told we wouldn’t see boudoirs of elezance, and we didn’t. “Elizabeth Ann, you'll have to use your elbows here,” said Frances. Such a jam of people; such clouds of cigar-smoke. Ina few minutes we were at the Alcazar 1n case of fire or panic, | behind the curtain. * Four walls, a table, only they must look out and not get alchair and looking-glass compose the make-up box of these friends, for friends they are, to hundreds of people whom they compel to laugh and forget their troubles for a whole evening. To the left of the eight dressing-rooms is a large space filled with—well, everything from a safety- pin to adonkey. Everybody was busy, and interviews were impossible. How quiet these dancers, tumblers, jokers, etc., are /in the wings, ana how well-fed they look. They must get their salaries every weck promptly. Good-looking people, too, though most of them are such ugly sights from the audience. \ Bat behind the scenes at the Baldwin Elizabeth Ann Inspects Dressing-Rooms and Gives Her Views DTt L with Julia Marlowe-Taber and her im- mense following it appeared likea holi- day in some ancient village. Let me see; twenty-six dressing-rooms and a green- room, five on a level with the stage and the rest below. been taken for the safety and health of ye merry players—two exits, fire hose, and the best of plumbing. Order reigns supreme. What fascination to watch men and women arranging wigs and disfigur- ing their faces with cosmetics! Mr, Taber and his wife dress in adjoin- ing rooms. His room appears like every male individual's domain, but Julia Mar- Every precaution has | lowe’s becomes a sanctuary by her very presence, The soft, delicate perfumes, the dainty articles of toilet and the flowers— roses and violets everywhere, and she the loveliest flower of them all. Frances soon became tired at the Baldwin. No giggling is allowed there. Where did we go then? Among the humbler poets at Morosco’s Grand Opera- house. You have to traverse a long, dark alley—afraid all the time of ‘‘seein’ things”—before you are ushéred into the presence of the people who labor in the cause of the melodrama. Victory Bateman is very proud of her cozy corner. She has the wainscoting covered with yellow cretonne with a large pattern of pink roses. To the left, above this wainscoting, is a row of photographs of celebrities and their autographs, On the walls are brackets with bric-a-brac and etchings, all having a history. A Japan- ese writing-desk stands in the left corner._ Her dresser is furnished with silver ar ticles, the gifts of friends and companions in art.. There is a divan, a rocker, an armchair, blue draperies, portieres, dolls of every nationality, and—oh, I never "|eould enumerate all she has, and the ar- Trangement ‘is* so tasteful. This dear creature of romance says she was never better contented in all her life. It's well some women are petted. Too bad she suffers from neuralgia. As for Leslie’s room—um! Red, bright red is his color; red velvét carpet, red wallpaper, red cushioned chairs with gilt backs, a hole in the wall with red pillows where he can lay him down. A three- '| sided mirror is reaching from ceiling to floor, so’ he can see the tail of his coat asy well as his eyebrows; but it’s too difficul to describe. » Yes, we saw, Elyia Seabrooke at the Tivoli. She looked like a rag baby. X never saw Sucha tattered apron, and what a talker, she .is. She loves everything from’ her 10-year-old Yorkshire tervier down to a,row of stuffed owls. *I dote on .| Della Fox,” she said as she kissed her lithograph, *“and there’s my horseshoe hung upside down, so the luck won’t run out. No place like Frisco to live in. I'm engaged for a year here, but I'm going to try to make it five years. Look at my mascot, ain’t he cunning?’ The idea of any one thinking a Chinaman or his pie- ture cunning. Ferris Hartman was in his usnal good humor after receiving several encores. “I've been five years in this little pen and wouldn’t change it for the finest room in the Palace Hotel. That chair, water pitcher, basin, nails and so forth have been with me all the time. Of course my towels have been laundered two or three times.”” “Tell ussome joke about yourself, Ferris, won't you?” His brain was muddled and he couldn’t think of any, but he read us a piece of poetry sent him with a gift when he played Ko-Ko in the “Mikado.” It ran thusly: You are all tnat Is rococo, And par excellence 1n joke, oh, May you never become 10co 1s our fervent prayer oh, Ko-Ko. Smash!and a jar of vaseline was broken; this was our cue for flight. Wasn’'t he mad—the man of the jar, I mean, Forty dressing-rooms in the Tivoli and 100 people engaged weekly. George Lask must have a jolly time managing them. | Now, Jack, haven’t I been entertaining | this evening? Frances has given up the | thought of being an actress, the pathway to fame is too like the *“Rocky Road to Dublin,” She has satisfied one ambition in iife, though; she has seen where the actor and actress live. Fancy how jealous the girls will be when we tell them of our adventure. The curtain’s rung down, Jack, ‘Where’s my applause? Fast asleep! Men are such stupids. EL1ZABETH A BAIRD With the advent of the new woman has come the absorbing question of female athlet To what extent can a woman " imitate a man in physical exercise? With this thought in mind I have taken up the - pen to consider the subject in as popular form as consistent with the clear under- standing of its merits. It is entirely unnecessary for me to call attention to the fact that there is a vast erence between the organization of man and that of woman; I only mention it to remind those wno need reminding, -&s it is a fact not generally known that there is a goodly proportion of a com- " munity bordering on ignorance that there s any practical difference between man and woman. They would be astonished if Fyou were to accuse them of ignorance on ‘this subject. However, if you were to press them closely about the matter they would explain that the difference between the sexes is like the difference between two houses that they will point out to yeu standing side by side—one somewhat - taller than the other, having a gable roof “in contrast to a flat roof and having a porch over the door in contrast to none at ell. This is about all some people know of the wonderful difference between man and woman. _ Leaving details to the medical profes- sjon and those who wish to consult with physicians on this interesting subject, let us consider the difference between the ‘sexes from an athletic point of view. - Observe two children of ten years of age—a girl and 2 boy of the same size, You will soon perceive that in matters of personal strength the boy is the stronger, but in a race the girl will run faster fora block or so. This demonstrates that the frame of the male is by far the sturdier, vraereas the nerve force of the female pre- dominates. To definitely understand just what I mean the reader will have to refer to my letters of the latter part of July, as 1 cannot repeat two or three columns ia ‘order to explain. In brief I there set forth the principle that the elements of strength and speed were digestion, cir- culation, nerve force and muscular power, Now, on the two first points the sexes are about equally equipped; on the third the female'excels in some respects, but on the last the male is decidedly the -superior. If man is a creature of fiber and force, womanis & mass of nerves and overflowing withthat element in an elec- s tric state. Now, while it is true that the average woman is liable to overtax her muscular and vital strength by reason of excessive * dynamic force inherent in all of her sex; nd while it is true that men can under- ke with impunity feats of strength that ’R°ud be rash in a-woman, let it be re- “Amvered that the physical constitution ©of% female can be developed to a degree +-that is astonishing beyond messure. 11 Ilive to be 100 T shall never forget a woman I once saw at Barnum’s Circus in 1881. Her size aml weight do not cut any figure in my narra ON THE POSSIBILITIES OF WOM ances were not feats of lifting, pushing or puliing, It was the masterly handling of her own body that attracted my attention, and from that time on she was my ideal— not only of womanly strength, but of menly strength as well. The feats she per- formed were of the first order and included the front horizontal from the trapeze, which means that she hung from the swinging bar with both hands, then, bend- ing only at the shoulders, drew her feet up until her body was positively horizon- tal from her forehead to her ankies. I have seen a few men do this, but never could imitate it myself, though I spent years in practice. The other feat was even more marvelous, Her companion hung from the trapeze by her knees and this paragon among women clasped her hands and hung therefrom. She proceeded to do the horizontal just described, then, draw- ing up her knees proceedea to do the back horizontal. Having accomplished this in a manner similar to the front, her back being uppermost, and with such ease that perhaps not one person in ten realized the magnitude of the performance she pro- ceeded to do the flag. Giving her body a slow twist she placed herself in the position a person would as- sume if she were to lie on her right sidein ped, her whole body being rigid. Let the person pass her right hand behind her and seize the hand of one standing di- rectly over her, the forearm being perpen- dicular. It was in this posture, and it was by this position of the right hand and arm, that the actress was suspended from the hand of her companion. I have at. tended many a circus and witnessed scores of gymnastic performances since, but neither by man or woman have I seen this extraordinary feat equaled. I have seen men attempt it and partially succeed, but their performances lacked the finish of my ideal. Now, this incident vroves that it is possible for a woman—some women—to equal man in physical strength. Now, I am not idiot enough to conclude that be- cause one member of the fair sex can reach such perfection in muscular strength it follows that the majority counld do likewise and rival man’s boasted supe- riority; not at all. I mention it simply to call attention to the possibilities of female development. During a few weeks in September and October I gavea biogra- phy of L. E. Myers, whom I consider the greatest all-round runneg, that ever lived, Now, because Myers could run 100 yards in ten seconds, and 1000 yards in two min. utes and thirteen seconds, does not mean that 2ll men can do so, but it does reveal the possibilities of the human constitu- tion. Ever since the inspiration of that re. markable woman’s acting I have believed that the appalling weakness to be uni- versally found in what is most justly known as the ‘‘weaker sex” .is entirely unnaturgl. I would not for 2 moment give my indorsement to the almost brutal tive, for her perform- | custom among the peasantry of one of the foremost nations of Europe, where women not only go out in the fields and work like I the galley slaves of old, but in the cities | are literally beasts of burden—carrying great loads and drawing barrels of water and other freight. Such a condition of affairs not only descended from the bar- barism of- antiquity, but it was, it might be said, perpetuated by centuries of war which demanded the flower of the nation’s young manhood. Nordo I regard the life of an Indian squaw an ideal one, inured as she is to the severest kina of work and even manual labor. Nevertheless, I can- not but admire the remarkable health and physical strength enjoyed by these classes of females. I say “enjoyed’” advisedly, as that person must enjoy life who is in the full possession of her faculties, who knows nothing of aches and pains, who is astranger to weaknesses and nervous pros- tration, and can endure the ordeal of ma- ternity with more or less indifference. However, I am aware as well as the best ’ ILLUSTRATIONS = DEMONSTRATING THE POSSIBILITIES OF WOMAN’S PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT, N'S PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT. informed that the women of our civiliza- tion associates coarseness of physical fiber with coarseness of locks and manners. You think it impossible for a woman of powerful muscles to be refined, or one with broad chest and a circulation like a small hydraulic pump to be cultivated— in other words, to bealady. Some people have an intense admiration for whatis known as ‘‘the spirituelie,”” which means that the poor creature has a pale, delicate face, slight limbs, languid eyes and a still more languid manner. As long as she is not scrawny and as white as a sheet she is considered a type of heavenly beauty. It is difficult to know how to deal with such insanity. They say Lord Byron lived on crackers at one time in his life to im- Prove the delicacy of his complexion, and would sit with his hands held up by some excuse that the blood might flow out of the veins and leave the skin white. 1f I have slandered his lordship I will apolo- gize 1o his ghost the next time we meet. What I have said is from hearsay, but I look upon it as consistent with his life be- fore he assumed the role of a soldier. In aladies’ paper I once read an edi- torial that represented that a certain young lady, who was not very strong, was recommended to take up tennis. She did 50 and became quite proficient, and it Was just here that the author of the arti- cle in question went into convulsions. [c was shown that after a time the young lady came to lose the beautiful roundness and symmetry of form and limb, and in- stead became muscular, angualar and mas- culine. In describing this shocking state of affairs the writer fairly sobbed with ex- citement. Formy parc I read the story with min- gléd feelings of humor, scorn and indig- nation. The tone of the writing was that of a fond mother going into bysterics because her darling had burned her finger; but what made me indignant was that notbing had been said in gratitude that the girl had been transformed from sick- ness into health; but I regarded the wrifer with scorn for exhibiting an ignor- ance that was inexcusable in a public writer on such a subject. I am willing to admit that perhaps the girl went too far in ber efforts to be a:champion lady ten- nis player, but her iriends should have re- membered that health is better than beauty. I have heard a minister say that a mother always cries at the marriage of her daughter, and he explained it by say- ing that it was apprehension—that the uncertainties of married life wers such that the mother trembled in fear that she could not explain for the happiness of her loved one. Let us reflecta minute and guess: Could it be that the motbher is only too conscious that ber daughter is anything but a well woman; that though: her cheek in flushed it is more excitement than health; that the symmetrical form, so beautifully set off by the wedding dress, conceals vitals that are positively weak; that the charm- ing manner and lively air and ready smile, so attractive to the guests and par- ticuiarly to the groom, serve asa perfect mask for nervousness and frailty. Is that what the fond mother is weeping about? Is it possible thatthere are two persons in that brilliant gathering—the mother and the family physician—who see in the mists of the futare the possibility of two1 alternatives, an invalid’s room’ or a di- vorce court. What of the young man who awakes to realize that he has a sickly, peevish woman on his hands that he did A\ not bargain for, one who, unknown to him, has been much the same since girl hood. Who then is at fault? Well, first the mother, who hasspent her own life with little regarad to the laws of hygiene, par- ticularly it they conflicted with the laws of fashion; and, second, the girl herself, who would rather be pretiy than be well, would rather be stylish than be strong, who would rather eat candy and dance to excess, be petted and admired, than get up early and take a walk and be discreet in her eating. Iu my next letter I expect to have some- thing to say that will demonstrate thata woman can be strong and be none the less—perhaps more—lovely; that she can be healthy and yet more divinely fems inine. Geo. D. Barrp. e A New Danger in Dogs. The story is told in La Medicine Mod- erne of a seamstress who was in the habit of allowing her dog to lick her face. She was attacked one day with a severe in- flammation of the right eye. Oculists were consulted, but their treatment was unsuccessful, and owing to the fact that inflammation of the left eye was begin- ning the right eye was cut out. In it was found a tapeworm, which the dog had probably picked up while licking some less pleasing object than his mistress’ face. The danger of the transmission of parasites by dogs who are well known to be indiscriminate in choosing objects for the exercise of their tongues to the hands and faces of their masters would seem to be a great one. It is remarkable that ac- cidents of the kind related happen as rarely as they do. In Greece art was essentially reiigious; the Romans acapted it to nousehold decoration. NEW 710-DAY. cases than any living ing. him. He publishes a valuable work send their P.O. and Express address. From U.S. Journalof Medictne, Physician ; “r ed We have on this disease, which he sends We advise anyone wishing a cure V) Prof.W. H. Pecke, who makes a special- ty of Epilepsy, has without doubt treat- ed and cured more his success is astonish+ heard of cases of 20 years’ standing cured by with a large bottle of his absolute cure, free to any sufferer who may to address ®rof.W.H.PEEKE.F.D.4 Cedar St.N.%