New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1884-01-06
FPAU KATERNA'S LAWSUIT.
DETERMINED TO SING IN AMERICA FOR A
HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS.

[FRoI Az OCCASIONAL CORRESPONDENT OF TIE TRTBrSEI
VIENNA, December -.
A novel lawsuit is now pending III this city which
greatly interests a famous opera singer, an impre
sariO. and indirectly, the lovers of music in the
United States. Herr Poui who manages the
principal theatre in Hamburg. and who has acquired
reputation and fortune in yarions dramatic enter
prises several months conceived the idea OF ex-
tending his ambitious projects to the United States.
Accordingly, with the financial support of a number
of men in New-York-theatrical agents, bankers, or
whatever they may bc-he persuaded six members
of the Imperial Opera Company in this city to ac-
ccpt an engagement to sing in the United
states from October l, 1851, to March 81,
1850. AT extrayagant salaries. Fsooi these singers
are neu whose names may o. may not be lamiIlar
ac oss the Atlantic hut the sixth is no less per-
sonage than Frau Friedrich Ma erna who was to
receive 500. 900 besides travelling expenses and
the cost of luxurious living for herself and one at
tendaut
Preliminary agreements were signed some time
ago, on the understanding that the iual con ract
should be signed as as the engaged singers
proved themselves able TO clrry out their par Of II,
" en- the mpresario's American partner were to de
post a large guarantee fund with Vienna
banker. The affair was to be kept strict secret,
but in some manner it became knownto the general
public as well rs the managers of the Opera
that the cnterpr.ing Americans became DESTROYS of
canceling the bargain and caused il TO be d.
yulgcd. The conductors Of the Opera House much
startled at the pro ..cct of losing their greatest
singers declared thai that they could not think Of
granting any one such long furiOugL, aud chat
they would nave to the legal means of re-
dress in case their own contracts were broken. As
the New Workers foresaw, the singers could not in
consequence Of this declaration. justify themselves
in finally accepting Herr Pollini's proposals. The
engaged singers signed a deed Of revocation at
least, the five gentlemen did-where-
upon Herr Polliui ab,olved the agent
whom the Americans had sent o.er TO represent
them. This gentleman departed, and the affair
seemed Ia be at an end.
But there is an appendix 10 the story. At the
time the document of remuneration was signed,
Madame Materul happened 10 be ILL., and could not
append her signature; and when she was asked for
il later on, she refused; saying that she insisted on
the fulhlment of the preliminary agreement.
Herr Polliui thought the lady was joking, but she
told him she was neycrmOrc IN earnest.
. But you cannot sing as You have no company
TO go with =, am not tastIdious; engage another
company, OF let NE sing in concerts Bnt you
cannot go to :, hmeIlca bo as Sou NV VIII b6 NO.
g grt If fTrO Choose to break nv contract
with the Imperial Opera, II is no concern OF yours
a. long as / am willing 70 fulfill my engagement
lose your position here Never mind. If once /
have your 800 900 III my pocket, shall retire INTO
private life. WHAT, then, do you wish 10
snc i'm America for the sum OF 100000, besides
travelling expenses and the cost of living on
large scale for six months, for my self and enc COM
panion." . ..
Herr Pollini, having absolved his American part
ners is now solely respOnible for the possible con-
sequences of his great project. lie offered damages
and other equivalents lol the eleIgItIc iau1 ,I;i
pectations; but she insists on her bond. POlllm
declined TO comply with Madame Materials de-
mands wheTeupOn she brodght an ACTON against
him 10 the settlement Of which the public are
eagerly looking forward ia the meantime, the
legal advisers Of the two litIgants are exchanging
letters with view of carrying their points III
friendly way.