The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1871-06-21
THE MUSICIANS.

The Convention I'm Musical Fund Hall
Resolutions Adopted.
The Musical Convention met again this morn
ing at 10 o'clock. with U. G. Bird, of New York,
in the chair.
The committee, including Messrs. Luke MUIR
ply, of Boston, j. M. Finnie, of Philadelphia
and William Burkhardt, of Chicago APP
pointed Yesterday to draw a series of re-
solutions, reported this morning the same,
through Mr. Murphy. Is these resolutions give
a very fair statement of the case, we give them
in full
Fhereas The great progress OF the art and
science of music; and the steady, unceasing de-
mand for classical works requiring professional
musicians of talent and ability to render the same
acceptable to the present public taste and demand
the long and laborious study and the practical ex-
perence that it requires in order to fit musicians for
the profession, thereby making It impossible for
them TO devote themselves to other branches OF In
dustry, fact which is widely known to the p-ofes-
sion itself, but unknown to the public generally;
Resotued By the delegates representing the differ
ent societies throughout this country assembled at
Philadelphia In convention this 10Th day OF June.
1871 that the only safeguard against the abuses that
ailict and demorae the profession is, by unity of
action and organization under the Musical Ma
tlonal Association OF the United States"
RcsolUed, That the musical profession practically, is
unlike other professions or trades, the latter admit
ting Of speculation, and enabling individuals TO &C
cumulate wealth and 1t is the duty and ioteres OF
the public to encourage such associations, and to
discriminate between the professional and the anna
Resolved, That the good orchestral musician is at
present too poorly paid for his services and the
ability required 10 nll such position, and that the
salary at present received by him is insufficient to
allow him to bear the long vacations OF theatres.
ResoiUed, That greater demands would bee )me
necessity were it not Tor the custom Of allowing
substitute in case OF more lucrative and tempo
rary engagement, and although this fact has never
been acknowledged by managers, it has been the
means Of saving them money, and preventing de-
mands for an increase OF salary.
ResolUed, That the charge so often made against
protective musical associations to the effect that
they force the public to pay poor musicians is not
true because no association can assume TO make
any classification OF the abilities of its members.
The scale of prices are fixed at minimum rate as
basis for higher demands according to talent and
ability
9he sixth resolution declares against the unjust
judgment often formed by the public against the
orchestral musician in operate performances, aud
asserts that the orchestra has often to adapt itself
to the caprice and incapacity of the artist.
The seventh resolution declares that honesty, in
tegry, and fraternal spirit and desire to advance
the art and science or music should be the ruling
spirit that should govern musicians; and although
they do not propose to advance any unjust demands
yet they deem it an important duty to unite together
in one solid body for the protection and safeguard of
the profession.
The resolutions were adopted: after which the
convention adjourned to meet in the afternoon.