Page:Women of distinction.djvu/135

Rh color. Under the tuition and guidance of this lady she made her debut April 25, 1883, at Washington, before an audience that was cultured, critical and large. She was introduced by the Hon. Frederick Douglass, who takes a deep interest in her success.

On this, her first appearance, her success was instantaneous and she received a veritable ovation. The Associated Press flashed the news throughout the world, and Miss Davis at once took her place among the professional women of the age.

A few weeks after her first appearance she made a tour of the principal cities of the East under the able management of Lieutenant James M. Trotter and Mr. William H. Dupree. At Boston, Hartford, New Haven and other places she was received with every mark of approval by both press and public.

In April, 1884, Mr. Thomas T. Symmons became her manager. Mr. Symmons is one of the few gentlemen of our race who possess the ability and spirit of enterprise calculated to secure success. He formed a dramatic and concert company to support his star, and by novel and liberal advertising brought her to the notice of new audiences. At Buffalo, N. Y., she received most flattering newspaper notices and was the recipient of much social attention from both white and colored admirers. Again at Pittsburg, Pa., Cincinnati, Ohio, and Chicago, Ill., and in fact wherever she has appeared, her genial manners and modest deportment attract to her many friends.

Miss Davis has received numerous presents from individuals and from the public; a massive gold star