A GREAT TENOR AND HIS MONEY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 8545, 27 March 1908, Page 6

A GREAT TENOR AND HIS MONEY.

The closing of its doors by the New Amsterdam National Bank (says _ a New York correspondent) was productive of a curious scone at the Metropolitan Opera House, in which Signor Caruso was the chief actor. Some thoughtless individual, after the first act of "Manon Lescaut," told Caruso the news of the bank's suspension. ' The bank is situated in the Opera House Building, and most of the leading singers deposit their money with it. Caruso has £8000 there. No sooner did the tenor hear the news than lio rushed to. his dressing-room, slammed the door, and sank trombling into a chair. He declined to answer questions shouted through the keyhole, and he refused to be comforted. Panic reigned on the stage, for how could the opera be concluded if the great singer refused to appear ? There was. an unsuccessful hunt for the individual who had blurted out the bad news. Meanwhile time drew on. "Second . act," shouted the call-boy, pounding on the door of Caruso's room, whence issued only sobs and groans, and the lamentation, "My money; oh, ray money," delivered in tones' of agonising intensity. In vain did one of the higher officials knock at the door, pleading that the singer should proceed with' the opera. Still came in doleful tones, "My money, my money; oh, my forty thousand dollars (£8000)." ' Then someone found a depositor who had a typewritten copy of the bank president's statement declaring the bank s ability to pay depositors in full. This document was handed to Bartolemy, who accompanies Signor Caruso, and who. standing. without the closed door, read the contents in a loud voice. The effect ; was instantaneous. The great tenor, assured of the safety of his money, got up 1 from his chair and announced that he was ready to go on in the second act. He did so, and.his singing betrayed no hint of his recent emotion.