livery and will be until oratory is studied as an art as it was in Greece and Rome. In the meanwhile there is plenty for us to do in that department. Few of us could aspire, for instance, to better the forensic ability of our present Secretary of War, but more than one of us, I trust, could have shown him how to better his vocal technique. There are plenty of eminent clergymen who can compose satisfactory sermons, but whose action and utterance betray the lack of fundamental training which any well-trained elocutionist could have given. Let us prove that we can help them and eventually they will come to us.

Suppose, instead of throwing the blame for non-recognition on the shoulders of some other fellow, we set to work squarely to improve ourselves? Some of us have succeeded to a greater or less extent. Some of the most violent critics of the present state of things have, on the other hand, little professional recognition. None of us, I am sure, is quite satisfied with himself. Would it not be worth while, for example, to discuss fully the question whether King Lear spoke habitually in monotone, whether man

nerisms of voice and gesture should be allowed to obtrude themselves in a public performance just because the performer's excitement carries him away, and, if such habits are voted improper, what means of cure beside the study of emphasis or rhetorical form are legitimate and what must be discarded?

The discussion of these, and a hundred similar questions, would throw light on our faults and help us to improve ourselves and our pupils. If we are artists at heart, we shall get more profit out of such discussions than from waxing overearnest and personal over questions of a purely academic nature.

Mea culpa! But if my dear professional friends will drop it, I promise to avoid the subject, which I should not have touched upon but for their invidious suggestions that "expression" is an illegitimate word and savors of charlatanry. May I add, that I, too, have written a book called Elocution and Action," and that when I get ready I may write one on the broader subject of expression?

66

READERS

SINGERS

Mrs. C. Hervey Frye is teacher of elocution for the third year in Drury Academy.

Mrs. Anna P. Tucker opened her school September 26 by a formal reception.

Mr. Grenville Kleiser has issued a tastily-printed circular announcing this season's work.

The School of Vocal Art, of which Miss Ida E. Heyl is principal, begins its fall term October 8.

The Coombs School of Elocution and Physical Culture opened its fall term with an increased number of pupils.

Mr. Alfred Gerard-Thiers, the voice-specialist, has returned from his Western summer season to his New York studio.

Mrs. Frederick W. Pender recently recited in New York "After the Battle," "Picnic Time," and "Mamma's Precious Girl."

Miss Fanny Robinson, the Texas elocutionist, recited at Randolph College, Sept. 5, a scene from "Macbeth" and "As the Moon Rose."

Mr. David Ross, formerly of Winnipeg, has located at Toronto. He is the American representative of Prof. North's method of singing.

Miss Agnes A. Killin, graduate of National School of Oratory, and pupil of Emerson College of Oratory, will continue as teacher of elocution at the Barnard School for Boys.

Miss S. J. Baumes, pupil of Miss Jennie Mannheimer, has been appointed director of elocution department of Glendale Female College, one of the oldest institutions in Ohio.

Miss Marguerite A. Baker, graduate of the New York School of Expression, will teach elocution and physical culture this year at Albert College, where there are nearly 300 students.

Mrs. Kittie Middlebrook-Holton, director of the Danbury School of Elocution and Oratory, issues a prospectus showing that her work is based on Americanized Delsarte Physical Culture.

Mr. and Mrs. Hannibal A. Williams are still in New Zealand. In our November issue we shall give their latest portraits with a view of a bit of the city they were in at the time.

Miss Annie M. Lennan, at a recital before a Masonic lodge, September 20, recited "The Gipsy Flower Girl," Angelina," Hullo," "The Lady from the West," Good-bye, and God Bless You.'

Miss Louise M. Graff will read before the Brooklyn Institute this season, in a course of five afternoon readings, selections from Longfellow, Tennyson, Riley, Ruth McEnery Stuart, and Mary E. Wilkins.

The Toledo Conservatory of Music and Dramatic Art, Mrs. Lucia Julian Martin, principal of the Elocution and Dramatic Department, has issued an artistic prospectus, giving exterior and interior views.

Mrs. Anne Day Mayes, whose portrait appeared in our June issue and who until recently taught elocution and physical culture in Georgia, is dead.

Miss R. Anna Morris, after a summer term in Iowa, where for a number of years she was teacher in the public schools, has resumed work as su pervisor of reading and physical training in Cleveland public schools.

Miss Alice Washburn has opened a school of expression at Milwaukee, succeeding to the field formerly worked by Marion Graig Wentworth. Miss Washburn is one of the most striking personalities in the elocutionary profession.

Mr. Virgil A. Pinkley has opened his own school of elocution and oratory in Cincinnati, and reports large enrolment of pupils. The prospect is that his work will exceed that of any of the seventeen years he has been in Cincinnati.

Miss Mary Bass Merritt has resigned from the faculty of Emerson College of Oratory to become associate principal of Laurel Institute, where she will have charge of instruction in expression, physical culture and physical health.

"

'In Imminent Peril," "Her Letter," The Cherry-tree," and "The Shadow of a Song were the principal numbers of a recital given Sept. 5 by Miss Martha Stuart Millar, of the California School of Elocution and Oratory, Miss Emily Curtis, principal.

The address of Mr. Henry M. Soper, as president of the National Association of Elocutionists, is being circulated in separate leaflet form, before its appearance in the official report. The Soper School of Oratory's prospectus for 1900-01 makes a good showing.

Miss Ethel Mason, the Texas elocutionist, recited September 28 "Under the Buggy Seat," "My Ships," "If We Knew," "Bird Song." End of the Honeymoon," Rejected," "A Set of Turquoise," Candy Pull," and gave the pan. tomime of My Faith Looks Up to Thee."

66

Mr. W. H. Webbe, who recently wrote an extended account of American music journals for the New Zealand Graphic, announces a series of seventeen music lectures from May 3d to November 29, showing that our friends in that far-off land are fully abreast of the times in musical matters.

"The Crossing of the Red Sea," and "The Light That Failed," two excellent recitations, were first read by Miss Jennie Mannheimer, who is one of the few readers that have sufficient courage to read new selections. She does not wait for others to point out good pieces, but discovers them herself.

Mr. Duncan Campbell Lee, professor of oratory at Cornell University, made quite a stir at the New York State Democratic convention, at Saratoga, in forcing through a declaration against the Ice Trust. It is said that his speech was most effective and graceful, a practical illustration of the art he teaches.

Miss Sarah McGehee Isom, professor of oratory at University of Mississippi, has brought a second suit against the company who rented her California property for residential purposes, but who has taken therefrom large quantities of oil without her knowledge and without offering to compensate her.

At the 291st dinner of Ye Twilight Club, of New York, recently, during a discussion of the subject, "Whose Names Should be Enrolled in the American Temple of Fame?" Dr. Henry Hanchett gave an interesting sketch of some of our notable musical composers, including L. M. Gottschalk, the pianist; Stephen C. Foster, the song writer; Professor McDowell, of Columbia University; Mrs. Beach, of Boston, and A. J. Goodrich, who is known as the most prominent writer on musical analyses and theory.

Miss Minnie Swayze, formerly teacher at New Jersey State Normal School, at Vassar College, and for sixteen years at Hotel Albert, New York, now has her studio at Westminster Hotel, Irving Place and 16th Street. Few teachers have as many pupils actively engaged in teaching elocution and physical culture.

Mrs. Evelyn Gurley Kane, graduate of Highland Park School of Oratory, took part at a recital at Lamoin, Aug. 31, reciting How the La Rue Stakes Were Lost," "Seein' Things at Night," "Goliath," "There, Little Girl, Don't Cry," "It Ain't a Feller's Fault," "The Rivals," and the Prison Scene and Arena Scene from "Quo Vadis."

Mrs. Louise Humphrey Smith, who was unable to appear on the program at St. Louis convention of elocutionists, writes from California that "the outlook is one of reasonable activity, notwithstanding the presidential campaign, which with us is usually sufficiently absorbing to distract attention from ordinary pursuits, even from those of art.'

"

Miss M. Elizabeth Millard, principal of Mary. land School of Expression, has issued a neatly printed prospectus, concisely and comprehensively stating the aims of her school and giving many references and testimonials from pupils. At her seventh annual entertainment at Ford's Grand Opera House "As the Moon Rose " was considered the most taking selection.

Miss Helen K. Alt-Müller, teacher of elocution at Packer Collegiate Institute, wishes to give Mr. Alfred Young credit for the special coaching received by members of the Institute's Associate Alumnæ at their recent presentation of "As You Like It," at the Brooklyn Academy of Music. The girls, however, had received elocutionary instruc tion from Miss Alt-Müller during the school

course.

Miss Isabel Goodhue has achieved distinction as originator of various artistic drills and pantomimes, among which may be mentioned "Nearer, My God, to Thee," "Greek Mirth Drill," and "Comin' Thro' the Rye," the last two having appeared in this magazine, and the first named having been published with an artistic setting on heavy enameled paper, suitable for framing, and very appropriate to be hung in Sunday School room or in a home.

the

The Smith-Premier Typewriter received Grand Prize at Paris Exposition, leading all the other twenty machines exhibited, the award being, in the language of the jury's report, "for gen eral superiority of construction, and efficiency at the highest rating." WERNER'S MAGAZINE can testify to the excellence of the Smith-Premier, one of our Smith-Premier machines having crossed the ocean several times and having been used by our representative in various parts of Europe.

Miss Leila Olivia Hume's School of Practical Elocution began its fifth season in September in new and larger apartments, necessitated by growth of the school, which has a well-ventilated hall, equipped with stage, etc. A special feature is the "silent course,' planned for the benefit of people too busy to prepare lessons, but who wish to improve. These 'silent" pupils attend classes, absorb all the information they can and are not called upon to recite or answer questions.

The American School of Opera, incorporated under the laws of the State of New York, has begun its first season at Carnegie Hall, New York, William G. Stewart, general director. The vocal instructors are: S. C. Bennett, A. Y. Cornell, F. X. Arens, Anna Lankow, Herbert Wilber Greene, Edmund J. Myer, Marie Seymour Bissell, Nora Maynard Green, Emma Howson, A. A. Pattou, Max Bendheim, Dudley Buck, Jr., Arthur D. Woodruff, Lena Doria Devine, Theo J. Toedt.

HE season of the New York School

THE

of Expression opens October I, with evening classes for young men. The regular professional courses, however, do not begin until October 17. At present writing the prospects for the year are exceptionally brilliant, the number of applicants being the largest in the history of the school and a considerable number having already registered. A gratifying feature is the enlarged registration of professional men in the special classes in oratory and voice-culture.

The importance of the proper cultivation of the speaking-voice is becoming more and more widely recognized, and the vocal methods of the N. Y. School of Expression challenge comparison with the best. Genevieve Stebbins and Mr. Southwick have been enthusiastic students of this subject, both in America and Europe. They have investigated and compared the teachings of elocutionists and musicians of the highest authority, and the result is a method which, while constantly directed toward the improvement of speech-tones, has no affinity with the vociferous and unnatural mouthing which frequently usurps the title of elocution. The essence of the method may be described as the attainment of power through beauty. The aim is to conserve the fresh normal quality of the voice through all degrees of pitch and volume. Strange as it may appear to many students, breathing, while of great importance, is not the secret of beautiful tone, nor is a relaxed jaw the sole means of attaining excellence in vocalization. There are other requisites of equal importance, and these receive adequate attention.

A special feature of this season's program is the Saturday Morning Course, which has been considerably broadened, and is now so arranged that students in the suburbs may, in two seasons, virtually complete the work of the full Junior year.

A novel experiment is the normal practice class, in which advanced pupils will give instruction under the direction of members of the faculty.

From II to 12 on Saturdays there will be a lecture, reading or other public exercise in the auditorium. The list of lecturers is not yet complete, but will include the principals and a number of well-known professionals. We hope to have Prof. Raymond of Princeton. in readings from his own dramatic works; Prof. Fulton, in a lecture on "The Sources of Power in Ora

tory"; Charles F. Underhill in readings; and, later, Mr. S. H. Clark. There will also be recitals by advanced pupils and graduates.

Besides the Saturday lectures there will be six evening entertainments during the season, including the usual commencement exercises.'

The alumnæ are planning a reception to the students early in the season.

Some pleasant reports have come from graduates since the publication of our latest bulletin.

Miss Laura E. Aldrich, who has spent the summer in Europe, writes most enthusiastically of her work in Walnut Hills High School, Cincinnati. Miss Aldrich knows how to teach oratory as well as reading, and has several successful debates to her credit. She has also drilled an elaborate spectacular play, "The Riddle of the Sphynx," in which over 100 pupils took part. It was a feature of the School Class Night, and included a very effective presentation of "The Eastern Temple Drill." Miss Aldrich is treasurer of the Ohio State Association of Elocutionists and a director of the National Association of Elocutionists.

Miss Marguerite Baker, whose excellent work in "Beside the Bonnie Briar Bush" will be remembered by all who were present at our graduating exercises last year, has accepted the chair of elocution and physical culture in Albert College, Belleville, Ontario, succeeding Prof. Shepherd.

Mrs. William Calvin Chilton, of Oxford, Miss., is planning an evening of readings from Thomas Nelson Page. Mrs. Chilton is exceptionally clever in Southern dialect. Her characterizations of the Mississippi darkey are as true to nature as they are amusing.

Miss Lena Sanford, of Lima, Ohio (1900), reports a very successful summer class. Miss Sanford made her debut last season as Ophelia. She has remarkable dramatic ability, and above all is a faithful worker. Though one of our youngest graduates, she will soon rank with the best.

Miss Luella Cothran ('98), 64 Elm St., New Rochelle, N. Y., writes:

IRENE ACKERMAN,
CORA WORRELL ALFORD,
ALBERT ARMSTRONG,
RACHEL M. AXFORD,
CHARLOTTE B. BARBOUR,
CHARLES BArnard,
LILLIE D'ANGELO BERGH,

STELLA L. Bieber,
EMILY M. BISHOP,
VIOLA ELIOT BLACK,
MARY A. BLOOD,

MRS. HENRY SMOCK BOICE,

CLARA M. BRinkerhoff,
ANNIE J. BRONSON,
FLORENCE G. BROSIUS,
F. H. BROUN,

MAY L. BROWNING,
FRANCES H. CARTER,
AMELIA M. F. CALKINS,
HARRIET E. CLARK,
S. H. CLARK,

CARROL LOUISE CLARKSON,
BERTHA L. COLBURN,
ANNE G. COLE,
MARIE COLLINS.
ANNA D. COOPER,
IDA MASON Cox,
AGNES CRAWFORD,
EVELYN CURrier,
HATTIE C. DAVIS,
F. BERNICE de Forest,
MARGUERITE Dunn,
M. LOUISE EDWARDS,
MARILLA EVANS,
EMMA FIELD,
ROBERT I. FULTON,
THOS. H. GILBERT,
IDA R. GORDON,

MABEL M. GORMLEY,
GEORGE M. GREENE,
LOTTA HARKNESS,
ROBERT H. HATCH,
HENRY GAINES HAWN,
OLOLA M. HICKS,
KITTIE M. HOLTON,
DAISY CARROLL HOYT,
SARAH MCGEHEE ISOM,
J. MORGAN JONES,
LOVE JONES,

EVELYN GURLEY KANE,
EDGAR STILLMan Kelley,
AGNES A. KILLIN,
STELLA KING,

LEO KOFLER,

EVELYN VAN DYKE LANGDON,
MARIAN LELAND,

FANNY GRANBERY LEVY.
HARRIET LIMING,
HENRY LUDLAM,
MARY MCCOWEN,
CARRIE MCINTIRE,

L. PIERCE H. MCINTIRE,
F. F. MACKAY,

DR. G. HUDSON MAKUEN,
JENNIE MANNHEIMER,
LOUISE JEWELL Manning,
EUGENE F. MARKS,
ANNA D. MARTIN,
LUCIA JULIAN MARTIN,
CARRIE P. MYERS,
LAURA MYGART,
LYDIA J. NEWCOMB,
ELEANOR EMELYN NICHOLS,
J. FLORENCE NOEL,
ANNA A. OBERLE,
JULIA A. ORUM,

MARIE BURt Parr,
PAULINE PHelps,
LUELLA PHILLIPS,
AURILLA COLCORD POTE,
LELAND T. POWERS,
BENJ. GRAEFF Printz,
HELEN J. REED,
GEORGE RIDdle,
IDA M. RILEY,
MIRA B. Ross,
GEO. H. Rowe,
FRANCIS T. RUSSELL,
SUMNER SAlter.
ANNA C. SCHNAbel,
E. V. SHERIDAN,
MARION SHORT,
ISABEL T. SMART,

W. PALMER SMITH,

F. TOWNSEND SOUTHWICK, HENRY L. SOUTHWICK, JESSIE ELDREDGE SOUTHWICK, E. L. SPALDING, GENEVIEVE STEBBINS, ANNA WARREN STORY, MINNIE SWAYZE, ELIZA HOOD TALBOT, MARY S. THOMPSON, WALTER B. TRIPP, MAUDE L. WALLACE, HARRIET WEBB, ALICE FRANCES WEEKS, EMMA ELISE WEST, CORA M. Wheeler, ELIZABETH WHIPPS, W. RAYMOND WILLIAMSON, LILY HOFFNER WOOD,

MARY V. WORSTELL,

M. HELENA ZACHOS.