The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-12-02
ADJUSTMENTS.
The Row In the American Opera Company
Attitude of Mr. Thomas

The Row In the American Opera Company
Attitude of Dir. Thomas.
NEW YORK. Dec. Mrs Frances B. Txurber,
Of this city, who is the originator and controll-
ing spirit of the American Opera Company, was
called upon last evening by reporter and asked
for information in regard to the trouble in the
company, which is now at st. Louis. She said:
1.-THE only news | have had is from Nine
Fursch- Madi, who sent me dispatch omplain-
ing that she had been insuted by the stage man
ager and had left the stage in consequence. The
rest of the story, including what is described as
the artiste's suspension, is news to me. There
is no truth in the statement that the matter has
been brought to the attention of the directors
and that they have decided to sustain the action
of Mcssrs. Thomas and Hook in giving Nine
Fursch- Maids roles to another artistic There
can have been no suspension. as that is an act Of
discipline that comes only within the province of
the board. Yes, l suppose Mr.. Thorn
role from one member Of She company
to another, but that is not suspe< sion. This af-
fair is unfortunate. but have no doubt it will
all be settled amicably in a few days l ex-
pect to receive full reports of it by mail to-mor
row morning, and as soon they come, provd
ed that all parties to the affair are fully heard
from, the directors will take it up. Mr.. Hook
is hasty man, and Nine Fursch Madi is a
friend of minen
There was so much meaning in the lady's
pause before the last four words and the slow
emphasis with which they were uttered. that the
reporter could not help remarking: "Mr Hook
then, seems to have made mistaken Mrs.
Thurber smiled as she answered: Mime Fursch-
Madi is very highly thought of by the directors.
Still, we cannot foretell results until we have
the whole story Mr. Thomas is on his way
here, and we will be able TO hear from him on
the subject I would like to sum up the situa-
tion as see II, in the statement that the board
has not yet met; that nothing will be done till it
does meet; that Nine Fursch Madi has not been
suspended, and that justice will be done in the
case and that all parties to the trouble will be
heard"
What will Nine. Fursch- Maids position be in
the meantime2'
She will not sing until the board has arrived
at it's decision"
St Louis dispatch reports that Theodore
Thomas, musical director and president of
the National American Opera Company, started
TO New York this morning. to meet the board of
directors OF the company, to which he will make
an official report of the Nine. Fursch- Madi
trouble Mr. Thomas is determined that he will
make strong stand against what he calls the
tricks of the star system. He said last night:
III any institution like the American Opera
Company depends on the caprices Of any one
man or woman, it is better to stop now than to
submit. think have right to speak about
properorg aniZation and discipline, for oEiy ask
OF others what L rigidly observe myself. No
one has ever known me one minute late for re-
hearsa! or performance, to take the least lib
erty that have not allowed to others under my
direction. / enforce the same discipline upon,
and show the same rights to. one and all alike.
An institution like the American Opera Compa-
ny can only be carried on the two strong princi-
pies which consider the secret of operate sue
cess-love for art and respect for one another
Before starting for New York Mr. Thomas
stated that he had decided that Nine Fnrsch-
Maids suspension should extend over one week
and it is rumored that if the board of directors
does not sustain his action, he would resign
from the presidency of the company
LATER-Mrs. Thurber said tonight that the
trouble had been adjusted. and that Mime.
Fursch-Madi would sing in aida" to morrow
night Mr.. Thomas right in the matter,
and his requests had been acceded to.