pproach, then closed as she passed, amid applause which was
deafening, and she could do nothing but bow her acknowledgment to the
audience. As she sang Vive l'America, in spite of her years, her
voice rang out pure and clear. Again and again she was forced to
respond to encores and when Judge Gibson finally led her off the stage
she was repeatedly cheered."

I do not think I would have done quite so well had it not been for an
incident that happened as I stepped upon the stage. When I saw the
immense crowd my heart gave one throb and I thought I had made a
mistake coming there at my age to sing. Like an electric flash I took
in the situation and said within me, "Dear Lord, help me once more,"
and in answering to the repeated cheers I glanced downward to the men
in the orchestra and to my surprise saw their looks of sarcasm as if
to say, "What can that old woman do?" In one instant my patriotic
spirit was roused within me and I gave them a look of defiance and
said within myself, "I'll show you boys what she can do," and nodded
to the pianist to begin. It took just one line of Vive l'America to
make them sit up and take notice. Every eye was turned upon me, the
leader sat back in his chair and folded his arms and never moved only
to applaud with all the rest between each stanza and continued to do
so until the song was completed, and then I received a rally from all,
tributes of flowers and tri-colored ribbons floating in graceful loops
from them. I responded with Annie Laurie, and the perfect attention
with which it was received was most affecting, and I was fully repaid
for my efforts, old as I was. I had won the battle nobly and to the
people of Oakland I give my heartfelt thankfulness for their
appreciation of my efforts to please them in legitimate song and show
my loyalty. More honors awaited me at the close of the exercises. As I
stepped from my dressing room there awaited me many prominent men and
women who came back of the stage to greet me and take my hand. Among
them were Rabbi Friedlander, Major Sherman, Alfred Wilkie, Judge
Gibson, Rev. Dr. Brown, members of the different committees, unknown
to me. About thirty minutes later, when I left for my carriage, I
found to my surprise that the sidewalk in front of the theater was
crowded with men, women and children, awaiting my coming. It was with
difficulty that I reached my carriage. I must needs take the hands of
these well-pleased people who wished to thank me.