The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-12-12
MORE TROUBLE AT THE ACADEMY
OF MUSIC.
RESIGNATION or MR. ROYAL PHELPS.

RESIGNATION OF MR. ROYAL PHELPS.
The resignation of Mr. Royal Phelps. who only
few days ago elected the President of the Board
of Directors OF the Academy Of Music, accepted
yesterday. This is understood be not only the
result Of qarrels and complications that could not
be adjusted in ordinary way. Int of the ndispos
tion OF q gentleman who has many large interests
at stake to cxpcnd unnecessary time mere
intermediary between. the contending factions
1t Will be remembered that Mr.. Kingsland
recently resigned the Office OF secretary under
similar conditions. and it is evident that some
other firm and iudcio,.s brain is required to solve
what stephen Backpoo called "a muddle' before
affairs at the Academy drift into an even and
healthy current 1t has been sugsestcd-and there
may he something in the thought-that Mr.. August
Belmont shall the executive position and give
to the benefit of his large liberal business expert
ence; but he has not yet determined on the accept
ance of the proposition. The stockholders
of the Academy consist OF two classes
which is disposed to be generous to the existing
management and to make certain personal sacrifices
looking to the ultimate and substantial success of
operate enterprise in New York. and the other to
misnterpret the letter of their original contract to
hold to their seats under all circumstances demand
the last arthng to which they may be entitled and to
ignore everything else save their purchased priv
ileges. considerable diversity of opinion has nat
urally resulted.
WHAT COLONEL MApLEsoN SAYS.
Meanwhile the imprcsSario Is quietly fulfilling his
contracts. representative of the HERALD, who
called upon him yesterday, heard from his lips the
following expression of views:-
I'm the first place have endeavored to present
series of operas with tout ensemble that am sure
nag faft nst ao lae r Paris hav
supplied excellent artists, whose reputation and
musical attainments have Allied the Academy from
the orchestra to the uppermost gallery. Gerster,
Campanin Galassi, Sinico, Hauk, Fisani, trapolli,
Foil. Labache. Robiatn and others constitute an
array OF talent that fifty illustrate the earnestness
with which have undertaken the task OF making
the opera successful and SO far as the audiences
are concerned l have been successful TO crafty
ing degree As manager looking TO general
results. l have been admirably rewarded but
as a manager looking at his balances on the cash
book free to confess that more or less OF dsap
pointment has rewarded the strenuous efforts have
exerted am speaking frankly and without reserve.
profits eaten up by the parsmonious policy OF
the stockholders. They absorb hundreds of
co olas They Withhold the Simplest tribute
when ask their aid TO make new scenery and supply
the absolute wants Of The stage. and, in short con-
tribute little than their gilded presence to make
what your newspapers call success. tell you, dear
sir. that kid gloves and lorgnettes. diamonds and
pretty faces unless backed by cash. will never make
your Academy prosperous l understand what
was meant by stockholders privileges
1--WE have trite saying in America, Colonel Maple
son. which you will me for repeating to you
what are you going to do about It?
Nothing just yet. am biding my time. There
are other places in New York than the Academy of
Music which can and may secure at moderate
price to which am satisfied the public will follow
beats have realized to what degree my operate
efforts are attractive, and ! am in that
condition Would Of t,k mind the wasR u cD,ns y
Of base. / propose, ,howevers to- move slowly. It
has been my aim to be generous IN outlay and to
partn,ent; but let that go. All require and demand
is that shall be met half way in generous spirit be
AFFORDED an Opportunity Of realizing reasonable
cnm
repeat it and not be hanpered with con-
slant revolution among number OF gentle
me only as his humble and obcdient servant
BY the way. not sure that if were to move over
Sixth Avenue Railroad would not offer me premium,
for my audiences would add thousands OF dollars to
their revenue ! am furthermore tolerably sure that
should receive from that management a corporation
that would enable me to present the several phases
of opera with larger degree OF beauty than has been
nearly years. in all the varied history of that
great building. scarcely as much scenery has been
painted or wardrobe supplied would furnish Wal
lacks or the Union Square for single season. To
tell you the truth, didn't come to America to give
..But didn't you find the Academy fairly supplied
with scenery s,Iitable for your purposes?"
mot by any means.', ssd COLONEL Mapieson. ~
ind much that valuable of which could avail
myself. but inspection I discovered that
Illustrated the best operate works presented
during the last six or years. such Aida
and Lohengrn together with all OF the properties,
such spears. guns. swords &c.. had been removed
All this want have been compelled to supply, with
out the least aid from the stockholders Next season,
when produce Aida it will probably cost $4,000.
There is reason why, under proper direction in
the past. the expense should have amounted to half
that sum-"
The last remark made by Colonel Mapleson as the
writer left him ut the door was:-"H you don't think
have been earnest, you may Judge from the tact
which have not before stated to wit that my
pcndure the wardrobe and general outfit for this
American expedition before set foot the steamer,
was 900. Can you wonder that am anxious on
both personal and general principles as TO the result
when the people who ought to be most interested
take microscopic views.
Inquiry made from various parties who are sup
posed to be familiar with the pending situation
revealed no Trustworthy information to further
plans, and not until further meeting and discussion
Of the subject takes place between tho directors of
the Academy are the public likely to know the result
I.,ft Il .tlt tine NJ huya asplir rn1