The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1881-11-16

14a 49,
The following from the PHILADELPHIA Re-
cora OF the 18th shows that the whites will
nor tolerate in the North what many OF
them commend TO the South:
what my be termed the cultured elc-
ment OF coiorcd society has been in state
OF indignation during the last few DAYS.
owing 10 the fact having leaked out that
MISS ida Giibeit had been refused admission
70 the Philadelphia Musical Academy on ac-
count OF her African descent. The lady in
tlie case, who has just completed her
nineteenth year, IL member OF family
known no almost every State In the
Union Tor their musical talent. They
occupy commodious residence on
twentieth street above Bcrks, which is
iurnished IN luxurious style. Nine months
OF tne year the quartette, comprising Mr..
and Mrs. Gilbert, Ida, and a Younger sister
travel rs concert combination, and among
their letters OF commentator are MANY
signed by men Of cminence in the musical
world. For two years prior 10 1850 Ida
was the organist at st. Thomas Protestant
Episcopal church, on Fifth street below
Walnut. The Philadelphia Musical Acad-
einy, which IL located on Spruce street
above Sixteenth, is extensively patronized
by West-End residents. IL was established
eleven years ago, and In that time between
5000 and 1000 children and adults, repre-
senting some OF the most prominent iami-
I lies in the city, have received their musical
education within It's walls.
/ The story which has aroused the leaders
Of colorcd society was narrated last eve
ming by Miss Gilbert, who has none OF the
distinguishing characteristics of the Afri-
can race. Her complexion is olive, her
/ type OF features decidedly Italian, and her
/ speech free and melodious. while her gene
raj address is refined and progressing.
MY only desire in seeking to enter the
/ Academy she said, "waS 10 obtain the
/ finishing touches 20 my style. j studied
under four professors before appearing in
public, and have completed my education
/ in velocity, lingering, and all the other
/ branches. My forte is classical music,
and / can render the most complicated
composition ut first sight. Wen,
went TO the Academy n short time ego and
/ informed Mr.. Zeckwer, the director, that
desired 10 enter one OF the classes. lie in
quired concerning my attainments, and at
I lis request | played Sydney Smiths lie
/ Torrent de Ia Montague on the piano.
/ When l hsd finished he said that the rem
dition was very good. / then asked him
/ how soon | could Join class. For few
moments be intently studied my face, and
then he said that he could not enter me in
a public class. / asked him why, and he
replied, con account Of your COLOR
then asked him il he could give me private
lessons, and he replied that lie would con-
suit with his secretary, and il he could
do so letter 10 that effect would
lie sent to me. Since that time
have heard nothing from the Academy. My
reception so chilled me-" she continued,
''that have been afraid to apply to any
other academy in this city. When | was
in Boston a few days ago, however, found
that | could receive "a hearty welcome at
half dozen academies, among them the
Boston Conservatory, Of which Professor
Julius Eichberg is director, and which is
at the head Of the musical institutions OF
New England, and the Petcrsilyea AcadC-
my, on Columbus avenue, another we'll
known institution. 1t would, however, be
4 great additional expense for me to go
from home. and consequently ain in doubt
as to what shall do next"
"Sacre!" calculated Director Richard
Zeckwcr when the substance Of this state
ment was narrated to him. Then, grow
ing calmcr. he proceeded: "Thc lady
came here and wanted to enter class.
Her touch was beautiful, and | was
going downstairs to get her an al-
plication-paper, when She suddenly
said: Il suppose my color won't
make any difference = l had been
under the impression that she was
u Spaniard, but she gave herself
away by that expression. Then, know
ing that many Of my patrons would Object
to a colored person being in the same class
with their daughters, told her that |
could give her private lessons; but before
| could say a word she rushed from the
house like q frightened deer. That was
tine last saw or heard OF her" Miss f.
Sager, secretary Of the Academy, corrobc-
rated this version Of the case.