Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1874-03-05
LUCCA AND HER TROUBLES.
The operate scandal in Cuba.

Writing from Havana on February
2lst, correspondent supplies the fol-
lowing version of the operate imbroglio
already noticed in our telegraphic dis
patches from Cuba nine days ago:
"The refusal of the three impresarios,
Nine. Lucca, Nine Di Murska and Sig
nor Vizzani, to pay the salaries and re-
turn passage money of the New York
chorus and orchestra, resulted in an or
der of the Governor prohibiting the
three from leaving until they had salts.
fed the just demands of the claimants.
When the women belonging to the cho-
rus called on Nine. Lucca demanding
pay, they received very emphatic, but
not very elegant, word for an answer.
So far, the lawyers only had quietly
talked about the matter, but on Thurs
day morning the chorister on guard
near Nine. Lucca's residence in
Cerro, saw a suspicious movement of
trunks, and Immediately communicated
the fact to his companions. Since
Tuesday evening a musician or chorister
has been on constant duty before the
houses wherein the three managers
dwelt, he being relieved by his compan
ions every two hours during the day or
night. The Germans did guard duty at
the hotels and the Italians on the wharf
and on board the steamers ready to sail.
The Columbus was advertised to sail at
4 O clock on Thursday, and little be-
| fore that hour some big trunks with a
big .whiskered man were spied by an
Italian chorister. The articles were
soon recognized as Nine. Luccas prop
erty, and the police we're notified. The
servants of Nine. Lucca were on board
when, few minutes later, small boat
was seen coming near the ship contain
ing the closely-veiled form of one lady,
and the half.veiled face OF another. The
half-veiled figure was Immediately recog-
nized as that OF most intimate lady
friend of Nine. Lucca, while another
| figure. that of man, was also distin-
guished as that of an acquaintance. A
sign from the ship denoted that the coast
was not clear, and when within hailing
distance the boat turned around and
the figure raised her veil, disclosing the
once sympathetic features OF Nine.
Lucca now distorted by rage. A Lu.
crezia Borgia-like wave of the hand and
the prima donna had to return to shore,
disappointed in her attempt to escape
the vigilance of the vocal and instru-
mental detectives. Nine. Lucca's hus-
band, servants and baggage were brought
on land. The attempt to escape gave
the people a nice chance for scandal.
Finding it impossible to leave by stealth
and abandon about fifty men and women
to the pestilential effects of the vomito
and without the means to leave or to
earn living while here, the trio were al
last obliged to deposit the amount
claimed by the subordinates. Only
Nine. Murska showed pity for the poor
people. for she offered TO sing until they
were paid, having no cash money tc
give them. To-day, seeing the i'm.
possibility of escape, they disburseo
the money. Mr.. Sharfenberz, the
Austrian Consul, went security fol
Nine. Murska until she could furnish
him with the amount from New York
Now comes sequel 1t is averred thai
Mr.. Jarrett, the companys agent, hal
been keeping accounts after fashion ol
his own. His conduct needs scrutiny
according to the empresa, and his ac
counts still more, The empresa has
appointed Judge Battanero to represen
it, and while its members are sailing to
ward New York, Mr.. Jarrett remaini
here against his will, to give an aecoun
of his stewardship if he can. At frs
Mr.. jarrett acted for the three principa
singers, and they say that when he could
not get anything more out Of them h'
turned against them. His career as {
theatrical manager is considered at al
end, and every member Of the eompan.
dasnises and hates him