SARAH BERNHARDT IN RUSSIA

Temuka Leader, Issue 924, 2 March 1882, Page 3

SARAH BERNHARDT IN RUSSIA

The Paris correspondent of the Daily Telegraph gives some particulars received in that city of a brutal demonstration made against “ the divine Sarah ” at Odessa on November 25th. It appears that during the day the gifted actress had received several •warnings that something of an unusual character was likely to occur. In consequence she deposited her diamonds in a place of safety, but took no other precautions. The performance that evening was as successful as ever, and when it was over a friend offered to accompany Mdlle, Bernhardt to her hotel, and the carriage had proceeded some 2UO yards without any interference. Suddenly, however, it was stopped by a furious mob, which cried, “Down with the Jewess I Out with your money V’ Stones were hurled at the vehicle, but the coachman, stimulated by the promise of a handsome tip, b oke away and reached the hotel m safety. Here another crowd had assembled, and the attack recommenced with unabated vigor. Mdlle, Bernhardt with admirable presence of mind, opened the case containing the jewellery she had just worn on the stage, and flung the glittering toys among the people,. A scramble immediately ensued, and the actress and her companion, taking advantage of the lull, rushed into the hotel, the doors of which were at once closed. It was not a moment too soon,, as, while Mdlle. Bernhardt lay fainting in the hall, the mob endeavored to effect an entrance, shouting, “ Oat with the Jewess ! She has given us false diamonds. Out with her, or we will smash everything ?” The actress, who. had quickly recovered from her swoon.

laughed gaily, exclaiming, “ Do these gentry think that I am going to cast pearls before swine ?” Quiet was not restored till past midnight, and a number of arrests were made. The troops occupied the houses of the wealthier Hebrews, to defend them from aggression, and patrols promenaded the streets inhabited by the Jews all through the night. Nevertheless, many excesses were committed, and several shops were wrecked, including that of Solomon Bernhard, who was believed by the crowd to be a relative of the actress. Through the night Mdlle. Sarah Bernhardt never closed her eyes, and in the morning she was found in such a state of nervous excitement that she could not utter a word.