I was worried a little that age would tell in
such a great place, but if I failed it was for a good cause and my
country. I consented to sing after much persuasion from Sam Booth and
W.H.L. Barnes. I had in all my singing life never failed. I
reluctantly consented, trusting to my knowledge of how to use the
voice. At the appointed hour I was at the pavilion with Mrs. J.M.
Case, my accompanist. When I came upon the platform I was cordially
greeted by the old guard, W.H.L. Barnes, Sam Booth and thirty-five
other men of the committee whom I had met in former years. After
taking in the situation I was a little disturbed when I found the
floor had been left for dancing and I was obliged to sing to the tiers
of seats that arose as high as I could see and all that empty space to
cross and one single voice to reach this great mass of people. For
once I felt my voice inadequate for the effort. In the highest row of
seats were several of my pupils and they were to give me the signal
that my voice and words carried distinctly. I was requested to sing
Vive l'America, the old civil war favorite song. I arose when
announced amid a most tremendous recognition from the people of San
Francisco. I was so excited I forgot my age and began my song. I had
sung but one line and on looking up I saw the signal and it aroused me
to my best efforts which proved most satisfactory. When I finished the
policemen's sticks pounded on the floors, the band gave a grand rally,
the people applauded and for many minutes nothing could be heard but
the deafening demonstration and a recall was demanded.
Pages:
290
291
292
293
294
295
296
297
298
299
300
301
302
303
304
305
306
307
308
309
310
311
312
313
314