ROYALTY IN NEW YORK.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1390, 16 March 1912, Page 11

ROYALTY IN NEW YORK.

PETREL OF STRIKES,

One of the most remarkable women in Europe is Madam* Sorgue, a Frenchwoman of independent means, who during tho last ten years has taken part in some' 50 strikes in different parts of tho world. A London paper says she is regarded as a comrade by millions of workers, and it has been suggested that not Va little of tho labour conflict which disturbed Great Britain during tho summer of 1911 was duo to the visit she paid there the year previous. On that occasion this "stormy petrel of strikes," as Madame Sorguo has been termed, visited England on behalf of the French railway strikers, and during her stay her efforts were directed to appealing to the British railway and transport workers for financial help for their French colleagues. Madame Sorgue has assisted in strike agitation all over Europe, purely for-the lovo of the cause. Many times she has been arrested, and at Milan the Public Prosecutor demanded that she should be sent to solitary confinement for five years, but public agitation against this terrible sentence—which usually drives prisoners to madness or suicidewas so strong that Madame Sorgue escaped with two months' imprisonment. In personal appearance Madame Sorgue is quite unlike tho conventional agitator, being a woman of charming manner, youthful appearance, and attractive personality. Sap often wears a large red , bow over hor heart, in token of ner de votion to, tho causo of Socialism. She speaks perfect English, which is ft raro accomplishment for a Frenchwoman.

FASHIONS AT THE DURBAR,

It has been left to tho purveyors of fashion to discover that great ovents of history are not only great events of. history—they are also influences on'clothes (says an American writer). There was tho Durbar at Delhi, for instance. Tho Occidental imagination that went along with tho Occidental visitors to India was Ro stirred by the barbaric splcndourof tho Oriental colourings that anything short of the rich and riotous in colour Bchemos has, over since, seemed insipid and unsatisfying. The effect of this awakening of the colour sense has already mado itself felt in all the great dressmaking establishments in artistic and susceptiblo Paris. Chaud <• do ton is earnestly sought. Gowns aro on display in various combinations of coral and tho "indescribable blue of the Orient,"' ruby red, black, yellow, and violet, fraise, einpiro green, and royal blue—in words tho pageant is startling, but, in fact, tho combinations aro worked out with such artistry as to bo <i delight to the eye. Oriental silks and beads are mado to serve as plastrons and stoles and yokes and cuffs and collars, and there are insets and ompiccements, embroidered Byzantine borders, and tinkling fringes, tho central idea of noting shades finding expression in fascinating details. Among the evening gowns which are reflecting the moro lavish fancy of tho moment, a French blue satin, with gold brocade (lower pattern, opening over cloth-of-gold petticoat, is strikingly beautiful in effect. A stiff Oriental band encircles tha bodice and is caught togethor on tho loft side with a sash ornament of gold, studded with lapis and emeralds and bordered with gold fringe. ■Weddings.—Shower Bouquets for bridee and bridesmaids. Only the choicest of Flow,ors use;',. Specially packed and sent to any part?of the Dominion. Mis;, Murray, 35 Willis Street (Florist to his Excellency Lord Islington),

The visit of the Duke and Duchee of Connaught and Princoss Patricia to New York in .January created a "tremerillotia 6ocial stir." They were the guests of Mr. Whitolaw Eeid, ei-Ainerican Ambassador to London. For days before they arrived tho papers were speculating as to who would be invited to meet them out of New York's 400. It wa3 known thai the two dinners to bo given by Mr. and Mrs. Whitolaw Eoid and Mr. and Mrs. Ogdo-n Mills Reid would bo limited to 50 or 60 persons, and the after-receptions to 250 or 300, so the reporters vied with each other in publishing supposed lists of guests. All New York wanted to know who were to bo asked and who left out. But tho correct list was kept secret up to the last. The only names allowed to appear were thoso of tho special guests:— The sons of Abraham Lincoln, General Grant, and George B. M'Clellun, all former Presidents of tho United Stntes; Mr. Charles Francis Adams, son of the eminent Civil War statesman; the former Ambassador to Great Britain, Mr. Joseph Choatej the former Ambassador lo France, Mr. Henry White; General Horace Portor, who was staff officer to General Grant during the war, private secretary to Goneral Grant at White House, and Ambassador for eight years to Franco; Mr. John Hays Hammond, special Ambassador to tho Coronation of Kin? George V; the Governor of the Stateof New York; and tho Mayor of the City of New York. Tho reporters failed to obtain interviews with tho members of the Royal party, but followed them everywhere, and their Royal Highnesses were frequently cornered by pursuing hosts of photographers. ■ On the second day of his visit the Duke was' sighted by the "Sun" reporter in. Madison Avonuo shortly after breakfast, twirling his stick and turning his smiling face upon tho world. Tho photographers, crouched on the steps of Cardinal Farley's residence across tho way, unlimbored with shouts of excitement.

Lifn seemed sour to them, because tho lijfht was fickle and the Duke stepped lively. t As he turned into Forty-ninth Street oa the way to Fifth round him, making'' , ,strange,. gp.sture'.i'' Taking all this laughed gaily, threw up his hands, and said, "I capitulate, gentleman. If your powder is dry, you may fire." Halfface, full-face, three-quarter they took him. He bowed all round, lifted his hat, and hastened away. The Duchess and Princese Patricia enjoyed every minute of their stay, except the big crush of tho curious outside the Metropolitan Life Tower, and, secondly, the invasion by press photographers at Grant's Tomb, when tho Royal party on tho steps of the tomb was surrounded and held captive until—to use a Now York expression—they had "delivered the goods." The Dnchesa and Princess Patricia were greatly interested in the American twostep dance, and were surprised to learn that.tho two-step had almost supplanted the waltz. They also saw illustrations of the "turkey-trot," 6uch as Mr. Gnruso, and Madame Destinn lately introduced in a polite form during a scene ,-in "Tho Girl of the Golden AVest," at the Metropolitan Opera House.

PASSINti OF A STAR,

DEATH OF MISS ST. JOHN. The death of Miss Florence St. John, fcho famous actress who in tho 'seventies and 'eighties captivated all London by th« charni of her voice and her personality, has aroused old and pleasant memories among countless . playgoers. Her death occurred at 40, Gloucester Terrace, Hydo Park, and was due to heart failure "following internal haemorrhage. Sho was not quite fifty-seven years of age, but her life \ras so lull of adventure and change, hardship and success, that one felt she had lived many years more than other women of her age. Miss St. John was born at Tavistock of a Scotch father and a Cornish mother. Music, singing, and acting were the solo passions of her childhood. At the ripo ago of fourteen years and seven months 6he married the late Mr. St. John. After his death a few years later she married tho late Mr. Manns, and her third husband, with whom her wedding took place only a few years ago, was Mr. Arthur Cohen. Her Greatest Success. Her most triumphant success raj in "Madame Favart" at the vanished Strand Theatre in her early twenties. The piece was mild melodrama tinged with obvious sentiment nnd obvious fun, and adorned with "catchy" tunes. Her pretty face and pretty voice and pretty manners, her archness and her gaiety, brought her enthusiastic admiration. Afterwards she played in "Olivette"—the operetta of "Tho Torpedo and tho Whale"—"Nell Gwynne," Bleue," "Luret'oe," and other pieces. " Her best work was accomplished between 1879 and 1890, and one of her last appearances was in "The Merry Peasant" at the Waldorf Theatre some three years ago. But before her triumphs she travelled a long and hard road. She used to relate that after seeing her first pantomime at the age of eight eho went home and

"played the fairy" .with sucli vigour that sho'swept a dresser clear of crockery with the broomstick which served as a wand, lier grandmother remarked, "That girl will come-to a bad oud—she is going, to bo all actress," and the hardship of the : iiexf'fefe'years seemed likely-;to.fulfil the prediction. " ' ■ '■

DANCE FROCKS. There is a spirit of transition about the length of our dance frocks (writes the London correspondent of tho Sydney "Daily Telegraph"). Some of us are rk-lding to the temptation c.f a s'.ight train, "whilst others are ftiU faithful to the useful short frock. The latter "all-in-one" i=. MiHic-ienlly slim in its effect to roeuncilo us to the loss 01 that greater dignity which the of train might give us. he debutante, above nil, should cling to tho short skirt, nnd, if she is wise, the girl who is two or three seasons "out" will do so also. It is youthful looking and dainty, and it is the ideal dacning raiment. Some of the "small" evening frocks err on tho side of a too great eccentricity. A favourite mode in Paris is the tunic effect of a contrasting moussclino do soie draped over ono shoulder baclc and front; whilst tho other shoulder is bare. Though called a tunic, it is really rather like a toga, and is edged with ft soft-looking feather trimming. Then there is' the tiered frock with, in somo cases, not very frilly flounces, and in others "volants," where, at discretion, the frilh.or "volants" may creep up to the corsage or waistband. Carried out in finest muslin and lace with very deep bands of velvet symmetrically arranged under each "volant," and granted a slim and elegan tflgure, the result is fairly attractive; but it is not likely to become popular. It is reminiscent of the crinoline period, but without the charm of the crinoline's width, and the fashions of the early Victorian era go ill with our present ideas on tho moulding of our silhouettes. Tho fur edging is much to bo seeu on our lightest and mo tsdainty afternoon and evening frocks, and in spite of its incongruity, its effect is wholly delightful when avranged by a masterhand. The line, either pointed or square, which separates an overskirt of mousselinne do soio from, its underskirt, will bo found edged with some dark fur—mink or Bkunk for preference—and the same reappears on the elbow sleeve or the cors-

Singing in the Streets,

When, she was fourteen a friend of her family bought a diorama— tho clumsy predecessor 01 the kinematograph—and engaged a company to tour with it. The leading lady falling ill, Miss St. John, homo for tho holidays, was , allowed to take her place. Her first marriago followed wry shortly, and her parents were 60 incensed by it that they refused to allow her to return home. In Ehecr nvecsBity she sought work on tho stage, nnd failed to get it. She came to London, and to support her dying husband was reduced to singing with a wheezy organ outside public-houses. Next slip obtained an engagement' at n'Bristol music-hall, where the audience tore up the seats, and she and "the"seriocomic lady, a big, beefy-looking.woman," had to tacklo the manager to prevent his escaping '.with the available, cash. Alter that she travelled with a phantoscoro or ghost-show, at which she did most of the Hinging and nearly all the piano playing. I'hcro followed an engagement at fifteen shillings a week at tho Oxford Music-hall, and then she joined an English opera company, singing in "Cinderella," "Maritana," and other pieces. ' >, In 1879 she scored her great success as "Madame Favart," for which she received at first only .£8 per week. "Olivette" followed, and, curiously, Miss St. John outlived, almost all tho other members of the casis. Engagements at the Avenue, Umpire, Comedy, Gaiety, and littrick Theatres followed. Her only failure was in the "Grand Duchoss." "Tho Teeth That Did It." Miss St. John used to eay that »he learned more about acting from Air. H. U. I'aiaie than from anyone else. "He used to Mare the souls out of everybody. Ho would get into , fearful rages, and jump on his hat and smash it at rehear- | sals. 1 was the only one who ever maJe Farnifc cry on the stage, and that was done with a song that ho introduced in the last act of "Madame Favart,' called 'Oh, Thy Heart.'" It was an amusing accident on the first night of tho play that brought Miss St. John credit for tho most merry and natural laughter ever heard on tho stage. She had found difficulty in satisfying Fa.rnie with her stage-laugh, and he watched her anxiously from tho wings. At the crucial moment his false teeth fell cut, and tho sight of him groping for them eent her into peala of genuine laughter at precisely the right instant. "It was the teeth that did it," said the actress afterwards in reply to Farnio's congratulations. She had a frank and outspoken manner and tt nature kindly, moot generous, and exceedingly sentimental, so much so that eh a would eomotimes break down vtilo Binging any eong of a tragic character. Her career as a "star" of tho first magaituro ended before she had much passed her prime. But in good fortune and ill she was ever ready to help a_ comrade, to join in a jest, and to rejoice her friends with tho charm of manner and spirit of which the elder playgoers, of today have so warm a memory.

W.C.T.U.

(By Telerraph— Press Association.) Dunedin, March 15. At the Women's Christian Temperance Union to-day reports wero presented dealinjj with work among tho Maoris. Tho Maori organiser reported that 44 unions, totalling 600 members, had been formed north of Auckland. Reports deoling with hygiene, press work, saving bank department, anti-narcotic department, work among seamen, and prison work, were also presented. A motion was adopted expressing profound sorrow at the death of Mr. 'J'. J , '. Taylor imd recognising tho valuable services rendered by him for the betterment of Inimanity. In the afternoon another batch of reports by various departments was dealt with. A banner was presented to Hie Nelson Union which lias made the greatest proportionate) increase in members this y«ir, its increase being IG4. chiropody. Mrs. Haybittle, No. 208 Lambton Onay (over Orr, Chemist), after many years experionco, undertakes to euro Corns, Ingrowing Nails, Bunions, etc. Relief from those distressing complaints is guaranteed immediately. 'Phono 1594.—Advt, Zouth Family Remedies, the modern medicines for modern people, are prepared in England. Zouth Gold Pills positively cure Constipation. Biliousness, Indigestion, "They Touch tho Liver." Store prioe*—Sample Box od. (12 pills), Iβ. od.

age; tut not on both. Fur on indoor dresses, is .used vdth tho. utmost discretion, and,seems more a suggestion of the reason, or. a concession. to it, than a definite overwhelming of other trimmings. It may be tlie most important accessory, but it is seldom more than that, and generally demands most beoutiful material or silk embroideries to go with it. THE GIRL--HER TRAINING.* No other English-speaking country has extended tho privileges of the higher education for women further than America. There nre few, if any, limitations to any course- of study a girl may choose, and practically all the professions are open to her. This is no new state of affairs, for freedom to the sex in tho matter of education was granted in tho United States years and years ago. But bit by bit signs arc coming forward which show that it is gradually being proved that the "same- as a boy education" is not being regarded favourably by American parents. They are discovering that it is becoming difficult for the ordinary girl who has received the regular high grade classic education to make her way in the world. She has to fight men at their own game, and, in addition to the undesirable tax on her constitution, blio is overstocking the market, for when women are educated on similar linos to men tho supply of recruits to the different professions is doubled, and the financial value of the education received is depreciated.- Jtost of the American magazines which make a feature of f«mmino interests are now laying stress I on this point, and they recommend that, instead of devoting all tho school hours to advanced Latin and Greek, higher mathomaties, and philosophy, girls should bo given technical information on subjects that would be not only useful to them as women, but would also oquip them with special knowledge which would be. invaluable as a wage-earning medium. Such subjects as household decoration, sanitation, hygeine, homo nursing, together with other domestic arts, are being introduced into the education course for girls in the American high schools. Other subjects particularly reommendod as being in keeping with the position most girls are taking in tho world includo the best possible training in oral and written English composition and literature, and dennito. comprehension of tho social, economic, and political institutions of to-day, together with practical training in homemaking. It sounds a curious mental mixture, but American oiperts in girls' education are practically unanimous in voicing the opinion that tho theories on the subject which were evolved 25 years ago ■arc- wrong, but at tho same time they admit tho new ones may in tho future "need some reorganising; etui, they are onvinced that tho new ideas will prove to be the right ones.

MBS. ROLLESTON. Ilegs to notify Ladios that hor Special Lotion for Falling Hair, Price 3s. Cd may bo obtained nt Misses Jlacnndrew and Hayes, Lambton Quay; also tho following:— Washable Human Hair Pads, ss. Gd. Imperial Hair Stain, all shades, 4s. 6d. Calvo Shampoo Powders, Gd. each, ss. (loz. Extrn Large, Superior Quality, Hair Nets, Is. La Cigalo Cream, 3s. 6d. Lα Cigale Powder, 2s. Gd. Hair Restorer, 7s. Cd., etc., all of which aro specially recommended. KEEP !T DARK. Clarke's Hair Dye restores blaok or brown hair to its youthful colour; harmless, odourless. Price, Is. 6d. and 2s. 6d., all chemists, or post free. W. Clarke Hβ Victoria Street. Auckland. rriiiA-BOOAIS, Wadestoivn, Pitt Street, .JL train eOop, inoraltij and afternoon