The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-13
WHY MIR. PHELPS RESIGNED.
Tho Inharmo moniousness In the Management OF
the Academy OF Music.


Royal Phelps, who has resigned as
treasurer Of the Academy Of Music.
said last evening that his action was
not the result Of personal unpleasantncss
with any one either in the association or with
whom he has had to deal in the management OF
the Academy =" 1 resigned" said Mr.. Phelps
because l believed that my efforts in the in
terests Of the stockholders were not appre-
ciated.' He added that n meeting Of the stock
holders was held Nov. 90 in President Belmonts
house. Mr.. Belmont had sent out circulars.
but they brought together only thirteen out OF
sixty-thrce stockholders. Fourteen others.
most Of them holding only one share each. sent
their proxies. Altogether. about ninety Of the
two hundred shares were represented. This
was sufficient for legal action. Tho principal
matter to he considered WIS tho floating debt Of
the Academy, which is $4,000. and has long
been burden. When Mr.. Phelps took the
stockholders to give up their sc0ts and privi-
leg"s Tor two years, except on operQ nights. IL
they would do this. he promised that the debt
should b" paid.
Ny position in leasing the Academy has
been this" Mr.. Phelps said: When the Acnd-
envy has been wanted for concerts and similar
purposes. have said TO the applicant You can
have Il at our terms Of $500 per night. They
would accept; but I am obliged to add. two
hundred seats must be reserved for the
shareh don't think they will come.
at, last only a few Of ~ them will.
applicants 20 to Steinway or Chickering Hail.
and we lose their money. NY idea was TO offer
tne me-, Aeausmy 20 ,hoie p9ple ON !ust as good
parties. They would rather have the Academy.
but those two hundred seats stick them. the
worst of II Is, very icw Of the seats are desired
10y their owners ON these nights. 30 that no one
MIR. Phelps was positive that he could nay of
the deut in two years, and then return to tho
stockholders their full privileges. Tho plan
WAS not accepted, although n circular Is being
passed around for signatures which will give
Mr' Phelps permission to do as he secs III with
the soats ot the signers on all nights hut opera
nights. Having refused Mr.. Phelpss plan, It
became necessary 10 devise nj once some
other. Assessments and subscriptions were
proposed but both were deemed obiee-
tionable. because in the end either would
result in the debt being paid 10y n comparatively
few liberal stockholders. II was considered
best 70 place a morlgage on the property for the
thirteen stockholders voted TO place such u
mortgage: but there was want of unanlmy
in the meeting that determined MIR. Phelps to
resign. He WAS requested 10 discharge the
duties OF the ofice until his successor should be
APPOINTED. and he consented.
Mr.. Phelps also said that the former MANAGE
mcnt had been lacking IN economy and many
reforms which the present managers had
undertaken in the interests Of the shareholders
had caused dissatisfaction. Ho Is accustomed
TO deal with business men and in "A business
like manner and al N is age he could not afford To
undortnke a task that was annoying by reason Of
the whisperings and Indirect complaints otthose
whom he wHs striving 20 benefit. His relations
course. Maplrson wnnted all he could get but
Mr.. Phelps says that he has dealt with him as
u landlord with tenant. He told Mapleson
that he did not rent a furnished house.
but at tho same time. realizing that
Maplcson has done q great deal to
give good opera in New York. he has been as
liberal with him as he consistently could be.
The Colonel has the Academy az s7j per
night-a price that barely pays the eN-
pensrs OF opening. lighting, heating. and
cleaning.. He a@o has the lobby privileges.
The Executive, Commitiee. composed Of
Messrs. Belmont. Brandon. Bradford. and Sew
ard. held meeting la BelmOnts OH re yester-
day afternoon. Before his resignation. Mr..
Phelps was member. Tho principal bus mess
related 10 the scenery. When Mapleson
took the Academy tho scenery was inade-
quate TO his purpose. AMI thnt on hand
has been rut in ~ considerable expense To
r-n.unrruie the Stockholders for this outlay il
was agreed that Maplesou should give "A special
performance. The sto. shnlirrs Will give up
their seats for that evening. and All the seats
Will he sold 10y, auction. Dec. 26 Wa. nNed
ns the drte. The new mortgage OF 5000 o
will nereaSe the debt sl25 1000. The sos 900
already plurnd is divided lu three mortgAg =
OF s65, 900. s25. 900. and $4,000. Two are held
| 10y one person. meeting of the stocsi olders
Will be held next week 10 further consider the
condition of their affairs.