New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-01-24
is GERMAN OPERA IN DANGERl
WHAT METROPOLITAN Box-HoLDERs SAY.

TALKS WITH ADRIAN IsELIN, C. p. HUNTINGTON,
JOSEPH W. DRExEL AND CYRUS ". FIELD.
The effort Of the Metropolitan Opera House directors
to the of the stockholders OF that splen
did institution to whether II should or should not
DO closed next year, to have surprised good
many OF those financially nerestd In the opera house,
who had looked upon the matter settled by tho action
OF the board fortnight ago., They had not expected
reopening of tho question for at least year and con-
sequenly most OF them were entirely uDprepared to
give opinion the subject, when asked to do so
last evening by TR BUsE reporter II was impos-
sible to mako anything like complete canvass OF tho
situation or to obtain tho views of majority OF
the stockholders. Enough was learned, however, TO
warrant the belief that while there Is sentiment
In favor OF giving opera next thcre also
strong feeling against closing the opera house
The stockholders who have discussed the matte"
appeared be divided, In regard to these questions
into three classes those who think That opera should DO
given next year; those who believe 1t would DO wise
close the place for season, and those who have not
yet made up their minds as TO which Is the wiser
course to pursue.
MR.. IsELIN'S PRACTICAL VIEWS
Adrian Iselln may be taken a representative Of
the first group. lie took decidedly practical view
Of tho proposition "No" he said I'm response to the
reporters inquiry, 81 cannot say thd am In favor
of closing the opera house next year, and judging by
the expressions that have heard from other prominent
stockholders to-day think share the views
Of great many Others Taking a
severely practical view of the nrtter, you
It Is going cost at least 81 200 apiece to do
without operate close the place. viii this sum be
paid by al some have not yet paid all the assess
ments. How you going 20 got them to pay when
nothing I'm the way OF performances is givenl think
when this TACT IS borne in mind, when We remember
what clOsiDg the house entas-in other ways, well
thisthero viii be decided hesitation about taking
such a radical step. At all events have heard of
at least half dozen to-day who VIII vote against
closing"
Tho sentiments OF those opposed to Mr.. Iseln were
set forth by Joseph W. DrcXcl, who believes that tho
He feels convinced that the action OF the directors
should be rcscinded THE people, he remarked
=" have been fairly satlated with the German opera
We have had the best and most of Wagners produc-
tions There is comparat lively little OF Importance
belonging to him that we have not heard ms ana
the feeling Of the public makes 1t plain that the house
had better be closed"
C. p. HUNTINGTON MORE CAUTIOUS.
c. p. Huntington, who stands between the first and
third classes had scarcely given the matter any attcn
ton, no said and had not made up his lnnd one way
or other though he felt the opera house had been
an expensive pleasure Yet he heartily enjoy ed good
music and would be perfectly willing to abide by the
Will Of the majority.
81 have 50 much on hand,' he added, that I'll
really have let others decide this question: and I'll
abide by what they determine IS tho proper course
to pursue. can't read a note Of music, but I can
tell good music from bad, and there is something In
these German operas that seems to agree with my
constitution"
Similar sentiments were expressed by Cyrus W:
Field Mr.. Field has been away from the city and
had just returned i" / don't go to the opera much
myself he said, but my family and my friends
only decide tho matter integenty at lnfor-
NAL meeting Of the stockholders, which should be
are high and might be reduced by letting the place
more than has been done, but whether should 60 so
far as to close entiroly-wen I'm not yet ready to
SAW