The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1852-08-13
Theatrlcals In London.
OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENCE.

LONDON, July "a, 1852.
Luniley Us. Sontdg.
The musical world was reused from the torpsr
under which it has labored ever since the elections
by the announcement that the great Lumley, not
satisfied with the victory obtained in the Wagner
case, is preparing to play the same game upon no
less a parsonage than Sontag, the world-rcnowned
soprano-the ambassadors cent from Paradise TO
give to us mortal beings foretaste Of what have
to expect in the "upper diggins Against whom
he has instituted legal proceedings for refusing to
appear at Her Majesty's theatre, g for limited
number Of nights previous to her departure for
America and as this process will create sensa-
ton, from the high position Of the belligerent par
ties. hasten to lay before your readers such facts
as have been able to collect
When Lumley was on the point of being routed,
in the month Of June, by the Covent Garden oppo-
stion, he applied to Madame Sontag, who was
at that time carrying everything before her
in Germany, where she was rapidly retrieving
the losses brought on by the revolutionary
movements Of lS4S. But as she had ample
reason to be dissatisfied with Lumley's conduct
durirg her former engagement she peremptorily re-
fused. Lumley then sought the interference Of the
committee Of noblemen interested in the prosperity
Of Her Majesty's theatrc;'' and Lord Clanricardc,
accompanied by Lord Ward, Immediately went to
Germany, and finally prevailed upon the great vo-
caist to come TO London and sing for twelve nights
il was however, understood that at least one half
Of the money still due TO her had to be paid TO her.
On the strength Of this contract, respite was OBJ
tanned from all the artists who had brought actions
against the imp,esdrio for arrears Owing to this
engagement, Madame Sontag declined appearing Mt
the Manchester and birmingham festivals, notwith-
standing the munifcence OF the offers made, and
was only waiting for information whether the money
had been duly deposited, TO depart for London. No
deposit being made, after lapse of ten days, be-
yond the stipulated time, she wrote TO Lumley, an
nouncing her firm resolution not to sing under his
management, and insisted upon her name being
Withdrawn. This Lumloy did not do. knowing thai
by doing go the orchestra and chorus, who had not
been paid during several weeks, would refuse to 20
on, and Immediately brought an action against Ma
dame sontag for breach OF contract against him,
and throwing the responsibility Of the deposit upon
the committee, who were not authorized by him to
accedc to that stipulation
II is very well known that Lumley's object is TO
gain time, and obtain release from his debt; and
the general opinion is that Sontag will come off
triumphant!y. This tricky proceeding Of the royal
innesdrio is universally condcmned and u IS even
reported that Her Majesty, who takes tho livelicst
interest in the great ivnr donna has signihed her
displeasure to Lumley, and granted to the Covent
Garden opera the exclusive privilege oil being called
Her Majesty's theatre.
To give O proof Of Mr.. Lumieys ingratitude,
raDsciibc the following passage, quoted from the
official report, and published, in 1880, under the
auspices Of Lumley himself
nWben the circums tanocs under which Madame
Sontag has once more appeared the horizon,
with undimnshed glory, are considered, feeling of
sopethng more than admiration takes possession
of tho observer. To behold a noble lady, OF whom
there is not one In so many millions, come in a criti
cal hour, uphold the greatest theatrical institution
in tho country and at once defeat all the workings
Of intrigue, envy ard ingratitudc partakes Of that
providental character Of events TO which oil others
arc secondary"
sball keep you az 'Gn & what y going q n
this matter Mr.