CHAPTER XCVI.
MADAM SELIKA.
As Afro-Americans there are many conditions and circumstances that tend to make life dreary and discouraging. Some of these difficulties are the results of our own life and thoughts, and constitute the foe within us;
MADAM SELIKA.
some are also due to circumstances over which we have but little or no control, and constitute the foe from without.
After all that seems dark and burdensome along our pathway we should feel that our condition to-day is far in advance of our condition one quarter of a century ago. We suffer, as a matter of course, much more than some other races at present, and yet possibly not more than others who have occupied a similar position.
Let us look up and look forward, patiently laboring and waiting and praying for a better day with greater and more lasting blessinos.
To do this one must grasp every opportunity for making a step forward.
As the years roll on, and as we ripen with the experience we shall gather, we may do our part in giving prestige to this race by economy and thrift and watchfulness.
Among those womanly characters that have done so much along this line is to be mentioned Madam Selika, who has well been called the "charming, enchanting singer." This lady seems to have achieved a victory in the beginning of her career as a public musical artist. We commend her achievements as worthy inspirations to many of our young women who already possess great and wonderful talents, who have many opportunities for improvement of same, and who seem to be greatly favored by nature in the distribution of certain special gifts. Each of you can do something to bless your race and country.
While you all cannot be a Selika, a Batson, a Harper, a Wheatley or a Brown in their special callings, you can be equally as great and as good in some other important calling. While we much regret that we cannot at this time present to our readers a full and just account of this great woman as an incentive, yet we are not to be blamed, as the facts were sought and promised, but never reached us.
However, we give the following from the Colored American as to her study, travels and accomplishments:
RENOWNED IN EUROPE AND AMERICA.
Just sixteen years ago there appeared on the stage in San Francisco a young colored woman who had spent three years in musical study under the great artist, Signora G. Bianchi. So great was the success of her debut that it became an ovation. This young woman was no other than Madani Selika.
Beginning her career at this time, she has continued winning triumph after triumph over all the world, until now she holds the distinguished honor of being the most skilled and most renowned of her race among the music-loving public. The Boston Herald, after complimenting Madam Selika in high terms, sa3's: "Especially sweet are her upper tones."
Madam Selika has not only won triumphs in this country, but she traveled five years in Europe, winning laurels in Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Belgium, and England. A little over a year ago she made a triumphant tour over Norway and Sweden, receiving marked honors at Christiana. In London our distinguished race woman appeared on the stage of St. James Hall in a concert given under the patronage of the Spanish Minister. The others of the programme were the renowned Madam Carlotta Patti, Madam Norwich, Messrs. Percy Blandford, Joseph Lynde, and Signor Vigara.
Madam Selika is erecting a beautiful home in Cleveland, Ohio, and w411 soon retire from the stage to take a well-earned retirement. All who have not heard her should not lose another opportunity. Those who have listened to her charming voice will not fail to hear her on her last appearance.