National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1884-05-26
THE AUTHORS OF "DEs1nrE."
souso and Taber Bsnquotcd by Tn cir
Muslo-LovIlag AcauaIntnncoa.

sousa ana Taber Benquotcd by Tn cir
Muslo-Lovlng Acquaintance.
Asuppor was given on Saturday night to
Mossrs. John j. Sousa and Edward NJ. Taber,
tho composer and lbrettist of the opera of
"Dosiroe," which was so successfully pro-
duced at tho National theater recently by
the McCaull opera troupe. The affair took
place Mt Ficlt's, on Pennsylvania avenue,
between Ninth and Tenth streets, and the
company included about 100 ladies and gem
tlemcn nearly all of whom are identified with
the various musical organization in the
city. A long table extended through
the center of the spacious parlors in the
second story, while at the south end Of the
room was cross table ut which sat the guests
OF the evening on either side of MIR. II. Il.
Hay, who presided. A largo section of the
Marine band volunteered to- assist in doing
honor TO Mr. Sousa, their leader, and during
the evening dscoursed exquisite music, the
selcctions being entirely of hr. Sousas COM
positions, including the prominent numbers
of "Desiroe" The menu cards were hand
somely gotten up. and contained appropriate
quotations from the catch lyrics of "Dosiroe,"
whilo tho bill Of fare included the most
tempting yiands, and tho supper was served
in admirable STYLE The company sat down
about $3.50 o'clock, and for an hour the clatter
of knives and forks and tho hum of convcrsa-
tion were most animated.
When tho appetites Of all had evidently
been satisfied Mr.. Hay raped the nssemblage
to order and briefly stated that they had
gathered there to do honor to two Washing
tonians who by their work had reflected
credit upon themselves and the national
capital. He then introduced DIR. Frank Il.
Howe as tho toastmaster Of the occasion, and
that gentleman announced as tho first regu-
lar sentiment tho following:
| American 0pera-After years of trial by Amerl-
can musicians with dismal failures as the con.
spicuous results, 1t is believed that in "Desiree"
an opera has at last been produced BY an Amerl.
can composer and an American librettist which
| will compare iavorably with the works Of the
most distinguished authors Of comic opera abroad
and which will prove of immediate and lasting
popularity: Tho fact that the composer of the
| Washngtonians Is just cause for congratulation
and pride to ourselves as citizens Of the national
capital, and all honor should be bestowed upon
| the two men who have shown that successful
American opera is all accomplished fact.
In few graceful words DIR. Howe intro
ducod Mr.. Sousa, who was greeted with
hearty applause. He thanked the ladies and
gentlemen for the honor that had been con-
ferred upon himself and his colleague. Mr..
Taber, and then gave % brief history of the
incidents which led TO the composition OF
"Desiree," the time occupied in its construc-
ton, the caro- and solicitude felt by its
authors that it should be launched upon the
sea of popularity in proper manner. He
complimentod Col. John McCaull for the en-
terprise no displayed in accepting the opera,
coming as it did from American hands, and
no thanked the press of this city for
tho generous treatment tho opera
had received after its presentation. His
speech was frequently interrupted by ap-
plause, and at its close Mr.. Sousa was loudly
cheerod.
DR.. Howe then introduced Mr.. Taber, the
librettist of "Desiree," happily compliment
ing his work, and predicting that many
of the epigramatic expressions in the lyrics
would become familiar quotations and catch
phrases of conversation.
Mr.. Taber made neat response, modestly
referring to his own work, but becoming on
thusiastic over that of his colleague.
Other sentiments were then proposed and
responded to as follows: 1.-THE Washington
operate Association" by whom Mr.. Sousa''
first opera, '"The Smugglers," was presented
by Mr.. l.. b. Hay, the president Of that asso
citation: "rhe National Rifles" under who's,
auspices THE Smugglers" was first brought
ont, by Lieuts. J. +. Oyster and G. w. Evans
Musical Criticism" by Mr.. Charles
f. Towle, of tho Boston Traveller; 9Th,
Apollo Club" Mr.. Frank NJ. Pear
son; "The Elks," Mr.. j. Harry Rathbone
washington Musical Composers" Prof
Steven ii. Jecko; Washington Amateurs,
Mr.. w. b. Daniel, and THE Ladies'" by MI
Cliff Warden and DIR. Frank I. Howe.
. The whole entertainment WAS exceedingl.
pleasant the speeches rather above the usua
order of post prandal eloquence, and afte
passing vote of thanks TO the Marine band
and all singing "Auld Lang Syne," the com
pany separated just in time to avoid encroach
ing upon tho Sabbath.