not one of more than farcical consequence. Evidently the artists of the United States would be having an unhappy time of it if they depended upon this source of supply, but it is obvious to all who are familiar with the history of the stage in this country that our actors have made their fortunes without the assistance of English writers,-Joseph Jefferson, E. H. Sothern, Richard Mansfield, Otis Skinner, Nat Goodwin, the Tabers, Roland Reed, Francis Wilson, De Wolf Hopper, Della Fox, Sol Russell, Mrs. Leslie Carter, James A. Herne, William H. Crane, Lillian Russell, and, in fact, all of our dramatic and comic-opera stars have been and are depending to-day entirely upon American writers for operas and for plays.

In short, the attempt to demonstrate that, in a theatrical sense, we have been swallowed up by England is entirely without foundation. We are depending upon

our own resources to an extent never known before, and the American successes, dramatic and operatic, outnumber those current in England two to one."

CULTURE OF THE VOICE.

A translation of an article on the human voice, from a German periodical, appears in the Chautauquan for November. The author, Dr. Otto Schwidof, writes with authority and with practical knowledge. He first mentions the defects in modern methods of voice-culture, and then shows how the faults are to be corrected. We quote:

"The following method of voice-culture, taught by Mr. E. Engel, of Karlsruhe, instructor in voice-culture for speaking and for singing, many physicians, myself included, learned because of the blessings it imparts in endurance, good tone, and expression. I suffered from chronic catarrh of the throat, a malady that defies all phy. sician's skill. Soon I began to value the instruction for myself, and had opportunity to observe its wonderful benefit to the voices of others.

"In this voice-culture the very first step is continual practice of the vowels-first alone, then in combination with one, and finally with several, consonants. This is to learn the correct management of the tone and to acquire proper command of the organs needed in producing the sounds. At the same time stress is laid on the uniform drawing of the breath, whereby much strength and labor are saved. Gradually, the instruction leads to words, sentences, and small selections for reading. Detached poems are memorized in order to fix in mind what has been learned. Later on, when the student takes up the more difficult classics, he for the first time realizes the beauty of their language in all its grandeur. Even in the highest grades of passion which can be expressed by words, no force need be employed, for, by adjusting the voice-media properly, the speech carries much farther, is fuller toned, and better sounding.

"Not until speaking is well mastered, and this takes from four to six weeks, does the instructor begin on singing, which undoubtedly represents the highest and most com. plete grade of speech.

"The compass of the voice is then determined and gradually increased, without any labor and straining, but almost by playing from tone to tone. At first, a or one of the other vowels always is sung. When the voice will retain its proper position throughout its entire compass, it is allowed gradually to undertake little exercises.

In singing, too, the chief objective point is pure vocalization. This means correct adjustment of the vocal organs, provided they are correct as far as flesh and blood goes. Every exercise is sung on the single vowels. All the variations are sung in this way and then words take the place of the vowels. Gradually, the instruction progresses to longer and more difficult tasks,

"Voice-culture should begin with the first school-year, before faulty training in producing sounds has progressed too far. The culture accomplished at this age is almost play, while in later years the same progress requires very much effort. Moreover, instruction in singing is not finished in one year as in these days is often supposed. It requires long and thorough study to reach the desired goal; but when at last the voice is well developed the singer has the assurance of its complete mastery and with ease can perform parts of which other pupils scarcely dare to dream. Whether he is called upon to sing a part from Wagner or from Mozart, his tones well forth without any trouble, pure and full, and, what is most important, his voice is not strained in the attempt, his listeners are not annoyed, and the singer stays in voice for a lifetime.

"One more thing must be mentioned. While by a correct manipulation of the vocal organs the voice is not strained, and every irritation of the parts concerned is avoided, it is a fact that throat-catarrh constantly annoys those professional orators who have not had training in voice-culture. Even after this disease has injured the range and the endurance as well as the richness of the voice, it will vanish before voice-culture, though previously it has defied all the physician's skill.

Voices entirely spoiled and almost worn out may, by proper culture, not only be arrested in their collapse but greatly bettered and even cured. Such has been the experience of many teachers, officers, pulpit orators, actors, and singers, who when almost compelled to give up their professions on account of voice-failure have by judicious voice-culture been enabled to remain at their posts. Moreover, defects in speech, in so far as they are not inborn defects but are such faults as stuttering, lisping, or faltering, may be cured by voice-culture."

Mr. V. A. Austin, of Kansas, reports increased work this year. He will graduate à large class in May.

Miss Corah A. Mooney is teacher of elocution and physical culture in El Dorado College this

season.

Mrs. S. Etta Young, a pupil of Miss Mary A. Currier, is actively engaged with her pen and by teaching and reciting in Wisconsin.

Miss Polly Tupper gave, with 15 of her pupils, a recital Dec. 19, which consisted of 25 numbersplay, monologue, recitations, songs, etc.

Mr. J. T. Trowbridge, the venerable American author, gave readings from his own works at the Boston School of Expression, in January.

Miss Agnes Crawford was the reader at a musicale given at the Van Norman Institute, Jan. 15. Her program was wholly from Tennyson.

Miss Iva M. Blaydes, of Georgia, who is holding special Browning classes this year, says that she receives much encouragement in teaching good literature.

Mrs. A. L. Richards-Claggett, a Texas elocutionist, died in January. WERNER'S MAGAZINE extends its sympathies to her friends in their be

reavement.

Our sympathies go out to Dr. H. G. Hanchett, the well-known pianist and musical writer and lecturer, because of the sudden death of Mrs. Hanchett, Feb. 1.

In rendering the monologue "Flirts and Matrons," Miss A. Louise White recites 66 The Light from Over the Range," "The Tell-tale," and "A Country Dance."

Miss Nell Adams, elocutionist, and Mr. William J. McKinney, were married Dec. 23. Their home will be in Kansas City. WERNER'S MAGAZINE extends congratulations.

Mrs. Harriet A. Prunk, principal of the IndianaBoston School of Expression, graduated her '07 class in January. She reports a higher respect for elocution in her section.

Mr. H. L. Southwick, at a recent lecture on "Hamlet" before the Playgoers' Club, argued that Hamlet was not weak or purposeless, but that he was wise and self-controlled.

Miss Stella M. Ransom recited at the Ohio Soldiers' Home, Jan. 21. Her program included "How We Kept the Day," Mammy's Li'l' Baby Boy," 'Jane Jones" and "The Secret."

Any teacher wishing to settle in California has a good opportunity now to get a school already established and that is for sale. Further information may be obtained at this office.

Mrs. Virginia C. Stapp's recitals in Virginia are highly spoken of by the press. Much attention is given to elocution in the Valley Female College, at which Mrs. Stapp is teacher of elocution.

Mrs. Elsie M. McCollum, of Tennessee, writes that "Preciosa, the Spanish Dancing Girl" is making so favorable an impression that her pupils are called upon to repeat it at different places.

Mrs. Elizabeth R. Walton, who contributes an article in this issue on "Physical Culture in Washington High Schools," began, Jan. 22, practice in the Basket Ball Game with the Central High School girls.

Miss Adelia R. Luse, teacher of elocution and physical culture at the Hiawatha Academy, gave at a recital in Dec. "King Robert of Sicily," " O'Shea Sees Hamlet," "Binnorie," and "Mice at Play."

SINGERS

energetic pupil in Miss Mae Lee Younge, who in private life is Mrs. H. N. Butterworth. Miss Younge reports much success in her work in Northwestern New York.

Miss Julia A. Orum gave a lecture on "The Dramatic Study of Shakespeare" before a meeting of Philadelphia Methodist ministers, Jan. 18. The ministers were so pleased that they passed a vote of thanks to Miss Òrum.

The fact that Mrs. Hannibal A. Williams gives "A Midsummer Night's Dream" accompanied by Mendelssohn's music, shows that she approves of musical recitations. Both she and Mr. Williams are still on their Eastern tour.

The Chaffee-Noble Training School of Expression, of London, England, has removed to 19A Hanover Sq., W. Miss Fannie Mason, the principal, holds monthly receptions which are attended by prominent professional people.

Mr. Elmore Lucey, who won lately a gold medal for declamation, in Arkansas, would like to attend an elocution school in a city where he could earn his way. We should be pleased to forward him any suggestions that may be offered.

Miss L. May Haughwout's junior class gave "Captain January" as a Christmas recital. The story was divided into six parts, each of which was taken by a girl. The entertainment was unique and gives a helpful suggestion to other teachers.

Dr. John C. Zachos, in his 77th year, is a good illustration of what the Rush system can do for a voice. At a recent entertainment at Prohibition Park he won the sympathy and admiration of the audience by his remarkable command of voice. He gave several Dickens selections.

Mr. Ad. M. Foerster gave his third recital of American compositions, Jan. 30. The composers represented were: Bernard Boekelman, Carl Retter. E. A. MacDowell, Constantin Sternberg, Arthur Foote, K. Ockleston-Lippa, Geo. W. Hunt, Edgar S. Kelley, Emil Liebling and E. R. Kroeger.

Miss Mary Elizabeth Redd, teacher of elocution at Jessamine Institute. gave a recital Dec. 23 with her pupils. Some of the numbers were: "ScarfFantastics," by Miss Middleton; "Little Grandmother's Song and Minuet Drill," scene from "The Lady of Lyons," and a pantomime of "Paradise and the Peri."

Mrs. Gaston Boyd, of Kansas, says: "It strikes me that we teachers are a trifle dogmatic in the enunciation of our views and convictions. One of my teachers used to say: "Let your thoughts be strong, but your words be mild." Will not Mrs. Boyd make a practical application and tell us just whom and what she means?

Miss Martea G. Powell, removing to Colorado, writes: "I want the magazine in this Western place as a substitute for my friends, as I am away from the favorable and stimulating influence of those interested in the same work." This is a sample of many other similar communications that cheer and encourage us.

"On a City Pier," by Miss M. Helena Zachos-a most powerfully dramatic piece,-was one of the chief numbers of the recital given by Mrs. Mary Drew Wilson, of Iowa, in Jan. Other numbers were: "Absolution," "Topsy's First Lesson," "The Shadow Dance," "Limitations of Youth," "Parhassius," and "The Family Drum Corps."

Miss Cora M. Wheeler has an enthusiastic and

The American Academy of the Dramatic Arts, from the opening of the season, Nov. 28, up to the present time, has given several plays, pantomimes, etc., which sustain the reputation for doing good work for which the Academy is noted. Mr. Franklin H. Sargent, the president, is nearing the realization of his ideal, namely, the establishing of an institution worthy of this great country.

Mr. Nelson Wheatcroft has reason to feel proud of the exhibition given, Jan. 28, at the Empire Theatre, of his Operatic School pupils. Their singing showed good voice-training, and their acting and pantomime did credit to the school. Many a professional company has not done better. This is the first recital given by the Empire Theatre Operatic School. The outcome is encouraging.

Miss Laura E. Aldrich, author of "Reminiscenses of James E. Murdoch," which will shortly appear in this magazine, will hereafter have entire charge of the elocution in the Walnut Hills High 'School, of Cincinnati. She has arranged a recitation from Prof. Lloyd's "Etidorhpa," which will be given in the form of a lecture, illustrated by her stereopticon views, in conjunction with mother, Mrs. Laura I. Aldrich.

and

Miss Annie Louise Teale gave a recital, Jan. 21, at Hartford. She recited "Aux Italiens,' and "Patsy" and gave a pantomime, "Nearer, My God, to Thee,' ""The Eastern Temple Drill the "Artistic Delsarte Drill," the two last being by Genevieve Stebbins. Miss Teale writes: "I have been very successful with my teaching, and have about 75 pupils. I attribute my success to the teaching of Genevieve Stebbins.'

The first annual convention of the Michigan State Association of Elocutionists was held at Ann Arbor, Jan. 9. About 50 Michigan elocutionists were in attendance. We shall publish a full report, probably in our next issue. Prof. Thos. C. Trueblood is president; Mrs. C. R. Smith, vicepresident; Miss Minnie H. Preston, secretary; and Mrs. Mildred K. Bolt, treasurer. The next annual meeting will be held at Grand Rapids.

Miss Bertha I. Collins, teacher of elocution in Tarkio College, after a year's study in London and Paris and travel in Italy, Switzerland, etc., comes home reassured that along all lines of expression our own America is far ahead of the older countries." She adds: "Toward this advancement no one has contributed more liberally and faithfully than WERNER'S MAGAZINE, and I am sure the elocutionists of the U. S. feel this and appreciate its efforts.'

Miss Eugenia L. Aunspaugh, teacher of elocution and physical culture in Virginia College for Young Ladies, gave a Tennyson recital, Jan. 2, the interprogram consisting of "The Princess," spersed with the recitations, "The Lotos-Eaters, "Charge of the Light Brigade," and a chorus of "Sweet and Low." Miss Aunspaugh writes: "I have always had my classes give one-author recitals and with much success. I consider such programs more educational than a popular and miscellaneous program."

A recital of American music will be given at Chickering Hall, N. Y., Feb. 9, 3 P.M., by Miss Kate Percy Douglas, soprano, and Mr. Henry K. Hadley, violinist. The composers represented will be Arthur Foote, Victor Harris, Victor Herbert, Harry Rowe Shelley, Sumner Salter, Henry K. Hadley, Louis R. Dressler, Henry Holden Huss, Clayton Johns, W. C. Carl, Edgar Newcomb and Dudley Buck. Most of the composers will be present and accompany their own songs. When this is not possible, Mrs. Florence B. Joyce will be the accompanist.

Mr. Alfred Ayres, in illustration of his theory that a powerful voice is not necessary to a good reader. gave, Jan. 31, a private exhibition of his pupil, Miss Virginia Howard, who read several Shakespearian scenes. He proved his point so far as correct pronunciation and the right placing of emphasis go. As we have stated repeatedly, the art of reading is a combination of several thingsit requires excellence in the use of all the agents that are concerned in the act of reading. We do not call that person a good reader who can render acceptably only those passages in which he has been coached.

The Manuscript Society, New York, held its 47th private meeting, Feb. 4. The composers represented were: Frederic C. Baumann, J. Hazard Wilson, Henry K. Hadley, Reinhold L. Herman, A. Seitmit Doda and Frederick R. Burton. The

singers were: Mr. Tom Karl, Mr. Heinrich Meyn, Miss Marie Stori, Mr. Lloyd B. Rand and Mrs. Gerrit Smith. An informal reception and program were tendered to Mr. David Bispham, the singer who has been so well received at the Metropolitan Opera House. During this part of the program, a charming song by Miss Laura Sedgwick Collins was sung by Mr. Hoffman.

Mr. Charles Barnard gave his picture story, "The Town Behind a Fence," before the American Institute, New York, Feb. 2. It is a unique and interesting story of a girl waif who, in learning of the Chautauqua Reading Circle, secures an education and social position. In other words, the entertainment is a pictorial illustration of what the Chautauqua Assembly is doing for the American people. Mr. Barnard shows much skill in the plot, and in its treatment. While the entertainment is a splendid advertisement of Chautauqua, it is something that will interest old and young, and is suitable for any affair where stereopticon views can be given.

The January reception of the New York Avon Shakespeare Club was a most artistic event. Among the musical artists were Miss Dora Valescka Becker, Mr. Townsend H. Fellows, Miss Minnie Blenner and Miss Ethel Whittmore. Several of Mr. Gustav L. Becker's violin compositions were played. The purely literary part consisted of a play, "The Shades of Shakespeare Women," by A. Laurie West. This is among the best amateur Shakespeare plays. In the cast were: Miss Mabelle Yerkes, Miss Betsy Beckwith, Miss Daisy Foster, Miss Daisy C. Wood, Miss Frances M. Slater, Miss Kathryn Leavitt Bissell, Miss Lily Hoffner Wood, and Mrs. Anna Randall-Diehl.

Miss Mary H. Ewer displayed her talents as playwright and actress at Carnegie Lyceum, Feb. 3. Her play, entitled "Marion," was given for the benefit of St. Luke's Home, before a crowded audience. The play showed much skill in plot and in construction, although a less sad end might be more desirable. The fourth act was entirely in pantomime and was a unique feature. Mrs. S. C. Fowler, Miss Caroline Sulley and Miss Mabel M. Gormley sustained their parts in an artistic manner, as did also Mr. J. H. W. Harris. Miss Irma Miller and Mr. J. H. Gifford as "Guests" contributed their parts creditably. The whole play was a success, and Miss Ewer is to be congratulated.

"Pau

The Cincinnati College of Expression will produce "As You Like It" with historical costumes, appropriate scenery and the traditional music, Feb. 1o, under the management of Miss Jennie Mannheimer, who also directed a benefit for the Industrial School for Boys. Dec. 15, when were given "Mary Stuart," "Rehearsing under Difficulties," The Little Rebel," and the monologue, "Behind a Curtain." She also read, Jan. 7, at a benefit for the Odd Fellows' Temple, giving "Over the Telephone," scene from "King Lear, line Pavlovna," "To-morrow at Ten" and "Mammy's Li'l' Boy." On Jan. 15 she read at Miami University for the purpose of raising funds for a scholarship at the Cincinnati Social Settlement, of which she is a director. On this occasion she read, among other things, "Sent to Heaven," "At the Photographer's," Seein' Things at Night," and a scene from "As You Like It." She also has read and will read at various other recitals this season. She is one of the most energetic members of the elocutionary profession. She also took part in the recent discussion in the N. Y. Press on professional women and marriage.

Two New Recitations

A

FOREIGN.

CCORDING to documents published in Paris Illustration, the missing arm of the Venus of Milo, when it was discovered in April, 1820, held an apple.

** Ebenezer Prout, the English teacher, has been lecturing on "Handel as a Plagiarist."

The letter i in Chinese is pronounced 145 different ways, each having a different meaning

***A stage-version of Marie Corelli's "The Sorrows of Satan" was brought out recently in London and roundly ridiculed by critics. One critic thus delivers his dictum: "The play is not even aggressively or offensively vulgar; or, more precisely, the vulgarity lies rather in the fundamental conception of life, death, and the scheme of things, than in the surface sayings and doings of the characters. It is simply a stupid play for stupid people,-that is the worst and the best that can be said of it."

"Dolores," a new lyrical drama by Georges Boyer and Andre Pollonnais, will be performed at Nice, Feb. 20, with Patti in the title role. The scene is laid in Spain during Napoleon's campaign.

Paderewski has entirely recovered from his recent nervous troubles, and will make his reentrée into London in March, at the Crystal Palace concerts.

It is impossible for one person to learn the entire Japanese language, as it contains some 60,000 words, each word requiring a different symbol. A well-educated Japanese is familiar with only about 10,000 words.

In honor of its fiftieth anniversary, April 20, the French School at Athens purposes to present Sophocles's "Edipus Rex" in the Acropolis. Mounet-Sully, of the Paris Comedie Française, will be (dipus, a part he has long desired to play. The school was founded by M. de Salvaudy, minister of public instruction in 1846. object is to provide young university professors and artists with the means of perfecting themselves in the language, history,

Its

AMERICAN.

** In the course of a recent lecture on the cultivation of the voice, Dr. Augusta Brown-Girard said: "Breath-control does not mean lung-capacity. One may have great lung-capacity and yet be able to control little breath. The practice of blowing out a dozen candles is very efficacious. In blowing out one candle we can expend all the breath, but if we have twelve we reserve the breath carefully in order to retain sufficient to extinguish the last one. Before beginning this exercise, one should go through some preliminary movement to circulate the blood and animate the nerves. If from any cause one finds it an effort to use the voice, stop and exercise the body until comfortably tired; then take a nap. There is nothing like sleep to give freshness and vigor to the voice as well as to the whole organism."

*** A compulsory course in physical training will be started in the Minnesota State University, beginning next year.

have plagiarized one of Lyman Abbott's sermons. He won, however, on the delivery, the judges having marked him down on composition and on thought.

*** The assessed value of New York's principal theatres and hall property is as follows: Madison Square Garden, $1,250,000; Carnegie Music Hall, $1,000,000; Metropolitan-Opera House, $1,000,000; Ham merstein's Olympia, $550,000; Fifth Ave. Theatre, $530,000; Grand Opera House, $425,000; Herald Square Theatre, $400,000; Broadway Theatre, $375,000; Wallack's Theatre, $330,000; Daly's Theatre, $300,000; Casino, $300,000; Empire Theatre, $215,000; Chickering Hall, $205,000; Eden Musée, $205,000; Lennox Lyceum, $200,000; Harlem Opera House, $200,000; Columbus Theatre, $165,000; Hoyt's Theatre, $145,000; Garrick Theatre, $110,000.

Walter Damrosch purposes to produce Xaver Scharwenka's 'Mataswintha" at the Metropolitan Opera-House sometime this spring.

*

** David Bispham, in his five years' career in England, has studied a part in over forty operas, and appeared in twenty-five. He has sung in over forty oratorios and cantatas, in orchestral pieces besides, and 350 songs, mostly classical.

**

Rehearsals are under way of Sardou's new play "Spiritisme," which will be produced at the Knickerbocker Theatre, Feb. 22, under Charles Frohman's management. Among the actors to appear in it are Mau rice Barrymore, Nelson Wheatcroft, Fritz Williams, and Virginia Harned.

*** Fanny Davenport will act in London next spring.