Imaginary Interviews

A. E. Smith, Governor of New York: " In a political speech in Brooklyn I described ' young Colonel Roosevelt' as being 'hopelessly ignorant of state politics.'" Mrs. Margaret Sanger, birth control proponent: " I announced that hereafter Chicago--not New York-- will be the birth control capital of the U. S. In Chicago we shall established our headquarters; from Chicago we shall disseminate our information." Feodor Chaliapin, famed Russian basso: "At a rehearsal in Chicago for Boris Godunov, opening opera of the season, I lost my temper. ' Imbeciles! Pigs! ' roared I to the musicians. Maestro Spadoni, who was in charge, stalked toward me, hit me squarely on the nose." Clara Clemens, daughter of the late Mark Twain: "At Town Hall, Manhattan, I gave a recital. Said the critics: 'Sincere, eager, creator of a poetic atmosphere . . . technical shortcomings as a singer . . . indistinct pronunciation.' My husband, Ossip Gabrilowitsch, who usually is on hand to play my piano parts, was not present. Boris, King of Rumania: "The American press made much of a rumor that I plan to come to America in search of a wealthy wife. The Daily News, tabloid newspaper of Manhattan, was bold enough to nominate various candidates for my hand. First, Miss Millicent Rogers, who ' despite her industrial wealth does not look like an American. . . . When she appeared at the Southampton Street Fair ... in a hindu costume. . . .' Secondly, Miss Abby Rockefeller, 'pretty granddaughter of the oil emperor,' who is 'well chaperoned by her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller, Jr.' Thirdly, Miss Alice De Lamar, late mine operator's daughter, ' worth ten millions in her own right' and ' reputed a beauty.' Fourthly, Miss Alice Muriel Astor ('five millions is not such a lot with which to model a kingdom,' said the News, ' but it would be sufficient to finance a vice crusade on Sofia's night life'). Fifthly, Mimi Brokaw, ' one of the season's debutantes,' who ' being extremely young, the idea of queening it over the Bulgarians might tickle her fancy.' Last, Miss Muriel Vanderbilt, ' an engaging little person . . . with a sense of dignity.' "Gerard Swope, President of the General Electric Co.: "Following the death of Dr. Charles Proteus Steinmetz, wide publicity was given to the alleged fact that he was paid no ' regular' salary by the General Electric Co.--just ' received at his own request irregular amounts when he needed them.' Following the publication of this falsehood came an official statement from our Company asserting that Dr. Steinmetz regularly drew ' one of the largest salaries' ever paid to an official of the organization."