Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-01-26
FOR SUMMER MUSIC.
Manager Johnston Negotiating for
Companies in New York.
HE NOW HAS FOUR ON THE STRING
The Only Difficulty Will be to- Get a
Guarantee of the Money.
RICH MEN ASKED TO ADVANCE THEDUST

Manager j. II. Johnston, Of the Exposi-
tion Society, returned yesterday from New
York, where he has been for the last two
weeks figuring with the managers of the
most prominent musical organizations of
the country for their appearance in Pitts
burg under the auspices of the Exposi-
ton Society. Mr.. Johnston was seen last
evening at his apartments in the st.
Charles Hotel, and when asked what ar
rangements he had made for the entertain
ment of Pittsburgers said:
81 saw the managers of number of
musical organizations while was East, with
view of having them appear in Pittsburg
in the early part of the coming summer.
The cost, as you can fully realize, for a
irst-class organization will be no small
amount of money. My idea in all things
of that kind is to have only frst-class organ
izations for two reasons; first, the public to
whom we are catering would not consent to
patronize an inferior or cheap entertain
ment, and the other is that the Board of Di-
rectors would not consent, and would not
recommend anything but frst-class organi-
cations. That, you know, means the outlay
of considerable money and the assuming on
the part Of the Board of Directors of fairly
sized contract.
ONLY FIRST-CLASS MUSIC.
CIV neither they will be willing to do that
or whether they can see their way clear is
for them to say, and will be made known
after the meeting on Tuesday next. In a
matter involving several thousands of dol
lars, of course you will understand, before I
can close any engagements positively must
present the facts to them and secure their
approval. ! think we are all of one mind
in the matter of holding sum
mer night concerts, as suggested
by The DISPATCH, but of course
for prudential financial reasons we must
look before we leap.
"By the way. while thinking the matter
over to-day, it has occurred to me there may
be, and doubtless are in Pittsburg, like I
have found in other cities, men of generous,
liberal impulses, who are great lovers of
music, and who may feel disposed to offer
substantial encouragement in the matter of
q specific guarantee to make our directors
feel that they are not assuming the entire
responsibility.
1t must be born in mind, and think it is
clearly apparent to everyone that the Ex-
position directors, no matter how great the
success OF the enterprise, make no money
for themselves individually. That same re-
mark applies equally to the stockholders.
SOME FIGURES SECURED.
''That being the case they necessarily con-
slider every question looking to the expendi-
ture of money or contracting obligations
against the society with the greatest care.
will simply say to you that have seen four
of the best musical organizations in the
United States with view to bringing them
to Pittsburg. have obtained their figures
and ascertained the dates on which they
could be secured to give entertainments in
this city. I have found out the terms.
and, in fact, everything as far as
can go. All that remains now
is to make the selection OF the one deemed
most advisable, and find out whether the
board, as board, will assume the response
bility. I may say that have great hopes
that a plan may be adopted whereby the
scheme can be carried out.
II know the vast amount of pleasure it
will give our people, especially in the sum-
mer season when the theaters are closed.
These organizations will fill the bill happily
and pleasantly, and cannot for one mo-
ment think there will be bit of risk to
those who will assist the directors in the
way of a guarantee. Entertainments of q
similar character have been successful in
other cities, and there is no reason that
know of why they should not be in Pitts
burg. That is all 1 have to say in relation
to the matter just now, but at the meeting
of the directors next Tuesday something
definite will probably be decided upon"