The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1886-05-20


do little but thrash over the old straw Of Eu-
rope. 1t is in no small degree humiliating to
realize that we have no Independence in this
respect. There does not appear any cogent
reason why we should not have American
operas, presented by American singers, trained
in American schools. Such would be much
more in harmony with our own tastes, customs
and education than the WORKOUT operas, many
of them immoral in their tendencies, wholly
the work of foreign composers. There is no
sense in giving Italian opera in this country.
1t would be considered the hight of absurdity
to render an opera in English to an audience
in Florence or Milan. Why is ID less prepos-
ferrous to imagine that we can enjoy an enter
tainment in language of which we cannot
understand a syllable better than if given in
our own tongue? The English language is
good enough to talk in; it ought to be good
enough to sing in.
The new enterprise bids fair to be entirely
successful. Thanks to the genius and ability Of
Theodore Thomas and to the assistance Of few
public-spirited citizens, whose generous sympa-
thies were supplemented by financial aid, there
has been gathered together from all parts Of the
United States within single year material for
a grand opera company. This more or less
crude material has been with infinite skill,
patience and judgment so trained that the re-
suits have been frankly hailed by press and
people with expressions of astonishment and
acknowledged to be an artistic success. They
are of American manufacture, from workshops
established for the express purpose Of produc-
ing them. The orchestra is unrivaled, the
chorus exceptional, the ballet graceful, and,
fnally,-the star" system having been dis
carded as opposed to the educational principle
upon which the opera is established,-the solo
artists are deserving of every encouragement
for the talents they have exhibited and the re-
suits they have achieved. Enough has already
been accomplished to demonstrate that many
things which year ago were considered i'm
possible were in reality feasible, and are to-day
q fact. 1t is evident that with moderate
amount of encouragement, American opera viii
become a permanently useful and beneficial
institution.
The operas that have been already given
have been put on the boards as complete in
costume, grouping and accessories as any that
have been produced by the managers of foreign
companies, and the music, the vocalization, and
even the acting, have alike shown what good
musicians and vocalists We have, and how much
skillful training has already done for them.
The success of the presentation Of American
opera has been 80 great as to warrant the belief
that it will soon attain TO higher excellence.
We have superb voices scattered everywhere
throughout the States that only need the train
ing that the conservatory viii give to free rs
from the necessity for looking abroad for artists
permanent institution.
CHANGE OF INAUGURATION DAY.
The proposition to change Inauguration day
from March A to April 30 seems to meet with
almost universal favor. In fact the arguments
all on one side. It is not easy TO find any good
reason for not making the change. Several
petitions from military organizations in adjacent
States have been sent to Congress, asking that
the proposed new date may be adopted. The
Inauguration of President will always be
made the occasion Of military display. The
discomfort and injury 10 health suffered by the
parading columns in years past ought to go
long way toward settling the question as to the
advisability Of the change. If the matter can
be brought to vote il is believed that there
will not be any serious opposition in either
House Of Congress. It will have to be done by
change in the Constitution, and there is little
doubt that the concurrence OF the necessary
number of State Legislatures would be promptly
given.
THROWING THE LIFELINE.
The new lifeline rocket invented by Patrick
Cunningham, of New Bedford, Conn.,, was tried
experimentally at the Navy Yard on Saturday.
The experiments were witnessed by many naval
officers prominent among whom were Commo-
dore Nicholson and Capt Mccormick, Superin-
tendent of the Life Saving Service Sumner j.
Kimball, and Supervising Inspector Dumont.
VI luc IcdouIJs Inc 0AoldhCC dbtdihCA W bAO
rocket was $50 yards, which beats all former
records. The circumstances under which the
tests were applied were SO unfayorable that it
| is believed q much greater range can be OBJ
tanned. The rocket carries its own line instead
of dragging the line from the shore. trial Of
| the rocket will soon be given at Coney Island,
| by request of Mr.. Kimball, before the full Life
Saving Inspecting Board.
INDUSTRIAL TOPICS.
Carroll ID. Wright, the Commissioner Of the
Bureau of Labor, has sent letter to the Score
tary of the Interior, recommending a line Of
| investigation for the second annual report Of
| the bureau. He advises, first, an inquiry into
the number causes, duration and results Of all
| strikes in this country since and including the
year 1881; the hours of labor, wages paid and
| condition Of railway employees; an inquiry into
convict labor and its influence upon the in
| dustries of the country; also into the distribu-
tion of products, the cost of producing. and all
the facts as to cost and methods Of distribution.
He further recommends an investigation into
| the employment, wages, condition, ETC., Of the
women workers of the great cites. The Secre-
| l. dat nd