The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1877-01-27

Maurice Strakosch and His
Grand Projects.
DISCORD IN MUSICAL CIRCLES
Whatever Happens. New York Will Have
"The Temple of Art"

kosch 10 inquire much truth there was IN the ru-
mors which circulating about disagreement be-
Tween him and the Harlem Railroad Company In the
Of proposed purchase fthe plot Of ground
lying between Forty-thifd and Forry-fourth streets
and Madison and Vanderbilt avenues Mr.. Strakosch
received tho emissary Of the press with his usual
poeness. and proiessed his surprise at tho rumors
which had been put into circulation
DIsowNEp RuxoRs.
Hc denied all responsibility Tor the articles already
published and wondered how any one could suspect
him having any thing do with their publica-
tion. In order to remove all doubt this point he
wished the reporter state his emphatic denial OF
having any OF tho persons who may have written
the articles which appeared in some OF tho morning
papers He would not, however, deny the substantial
truth Of these articles. II viii say" added Mr.. Stra-
kosch, s'that, while the published articles are
and truthful in thor details, l must
take exceptions to Tie meaning OF some
statements which were ascribed to me and which
may be understood in different way. may hore
say that respect and honor Mr. Sherwood-what
wish 10 say is that this affair only DO fully
planned by tho light of the antecedent negotiations
which took place between myself and Mr. Vanderbilt
This was before Mr. Sherwood had taken into his
hands the negotiations for the purchase OF the lots be-
longing to the Harlem Railway. on which It was pro-
posed to erect the Grand National Opera House" ~,
ssYes; have him myself called on him first
at his magnificent residence Fifth avenue and alter
Railroad
'How were you impressed by hime'
81 must confess that have been rarely impressed in
tho OF my life deeply by Mr.. Vanderbilt.
In tho first place, Mr. Vanderbilt in the expression OF
present Emperor William, OF Germany, whom have
had the good fortune TO know personally, whom
have frequently met in private, IN Baden Badeh du-
ring my stay IN Europe Mr. Vanderbilt received me
with courtesy and amiability which never be
enaccd from my memory. explained TO him my
project Of erecting a buildng-a temple OF art
which should be worthy OF this magnificent
metropolis and which originally intended to erect
the site at present occupied by Gilmores Garden 10
which project Mr.. Vanderbilt seemed give tho
greatest attention Nevertheless, observing that the
lines are so very hard, NO doubted that could
raise the necessary funds grand undertaking.
He told me to como TO HIM at hts Office at the Har
lem River Railroad Several times since have had
The honor OF seeing Mr. Vanderbilt at his office and
zach time have been more impressed with his vast
md extraordinary intellect, and at the same time
10 mis- fellow citizens. urged upon him the immense
benefits that would DO conferred the community by
lhe establishment OF grand temple OF ART which |
Uoud be dedicated TO the production of the immortal
nasterworks OF opera oratorios and classical music,
bhe citizens o! New York. but also OF those who dwell
In the vicinity, and could be easily reached by the
Hudson River. Harlem River and New Haven railroads
MIR. vanderbilt seemed TO give the greatest and most
charming attention my project, and finally
1HE IMPORTANT MAN
directed me TO Mr.. John II. Sherwood for whom he !
expressed the highest esteem US gentleman Of con-
sunmaie and scrupuous integrity ana large means
ma w no would be he only man II he would take nv
scheme his hands, to bring 1t to successful tcrmi-
nation. called Immediately on Mr. John H. Sher-
wood and found that Mr. Vanderbilt had way
overrated Mr.. SherwOod's capacity have spent many
pleasant hours with Mr.. Sherwood, who entered with
heart and soul into my scheme. And whatever may
happen shall never forget his courtesy and Kindness
Mr.. Sherwood, like myself the great bcuens |
which would accrue 10 that part OF the city between
number OF tho wealth,est and most refined people Of
this metropolis RESIDE and he consented 10 lend his
powerful aid To MY scheme, as well AS his great ability
ana Enowiedgc.' y
"Tnen Mr.. Sherwood threw himself into this project
and became interested in ty''
eyes. Mr. Sherwood entered into this project, |
bringing his profound knowledge OF business
ticai ability 10 making 1t successful AS he told me,
he had II paper drawn up begin subscriptions in |
order 10 obtain 100 shareholders at So, 900 each"
GOOD SPECULATION
"Ths subscription commenced most successfully, and
there DO no reasonable doubt that the sole |
Recommendation OF Mr.. Sherwood II would have |
proved successful, apart from the absolute certainty
The opening night OF the Grand Natona, OPERA which
projected should take place on tho 1st OF October,
1877. | am almost sure that would be able pre-
sent Nine Patti and Me Beocca the New Yorx
public that OCCASION"
what are your present prospectss"
81 have either Mr.. Vanderbilt or Mr. Shcr.
wood since the unfortunate controversy which has
been carried ON in some OF the morning papers. cam
not Imagine that the Harlem River Railroad, which
owns the plot Of ground on which intend build the
Grand National Opera House, will the very fair
price OF $500, 600, which has been offered Tor the
ground In regard the shareholders who are willing
taKc part in the project they that
my greatest difficulty viii he the admission OF ali of
them Each OF the hundred shareholders Of box,
which will contain four persons in which there
will be four aueuis as large and comfortable those
to which they are accustomed TO lounge in their
prncely residences Filth avenue, and one OF the
most magnificent opera houses OF tho world, con-
struced by that eminent architect Mr. Arthur Gilman,
Each box Will cost only $4,000, and will belong TO tho
purchasers forever 1t Is that tho pres
EFT Academy OF Music boxes have sold high os
Sl5. 000 1000 and even $50 000 Can be any
reasonable doubt that the OF this magnificent
temple OF art, constructed the centre most nc.
cessibc part of the city will DO So 900 on the
opening nights"
SIN you fail to obtain the proposed site, what
will you 2"
"You treading upon delicate ground. 1
can, nevertheless assure you that have made all
my preparations: that have the refusal Of another
plot of ground, which, although not as
this one, has many great advantages, and which
am most determined 10 build the Grand National
Opera House in case should succeed obtaining
the plot belonging to the Harlem River Railway, the
directors of which would sa1y neglect the crest of
their shareholders by refusing my offer account Of
some mysterious innuenccs.'
PERILS OF THE DEEP.