New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1890-04-25
WHAT MAKES an ARTIST?
A HARD NUT FOR IMMIGRATION EXPERTS.
WORK OF THE CONGRESS INVESTIGATING COM.

WORK OF THE CONGRESS INVESTIGATING COM
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. WINDOW EXPECTED.
What constitutes an artist This. burning ques-
ton Of the hour in immigration circles and among
customs authorities was the subject Of an extended
inquiry yesterday with the Congress immigration In
vestigstng Committee at Castle Garden. The dis
cussion was started by Hugh Coyle, an amusement
manager, who was called 10 testify In reference to
the importation OF musicians in alleged violation of
the Contract Labor Law. Mr.. Coylc supposed that
he was TO have the contract for opening the new
Madison Square Garden with American musicians,
but when he TO submit his proposition. he said,
Manager French told him that strauss orchestra Of
Vienna and corps OF 100 English ballet girls had
been engaged for the purpose.
This incensed Mr.. Coylc and possibly led TO the
formation on his part Of decidedly radical views on inc
subject OF artists the Contract Labor law and every
thing connected with II. These views he expressed
with emphasis before the committee lie had no hesl-
tation in saying that to allow the Strauss orchestra
to land here would be fragrant violation
OF the contract labor law. lie clalnheu
to know all about the Vienna musicians. They
were not artists being neither solosts or composers,
like most Of the members Of Theodore Thomas : or
chcstra. They did not, nor could not. play scieh-
tihc or difficult music" Their efforts were confined 10
simple dance music waltzes etc. such as one might
hear at the Atlantic Garden In the Bowery. The Wit
limited that the English ballcttroupc that
will arrive here In few days should be stopped by the
Immigrant Inspectors lie also denounced the final
decision Of the Collector allowing the English tuba
player who was imported by Barnum to land, saying
that ID was ridiculous TO call such a artist
several other witnesses preceded Mr.. Coyle. Tho
most important OF these was Richmond Mayo smith,
professor Of political economy and social science at
Columbia College and author Of a book on Emigration
and Immigration which made part Of the COM
mtcc's record The Professor said that he was OPP
posed 10 the Chinese Exclusion Act lie thought that
immigrants should be excluded because Of their per
Of civilization in the country from which they came
His recommendations in brief follows: Rigid
enforcement Of the immigration laws prohibiting the
landing Of paupcrs that the steamship companies
should be held strict account for the character OF
their passengers that foreign powers should be given
TO understand by this Government that the shipping OF
paupcrs would be considered an unfrlcndly act United
states Consular inspection.
Other witnesses were Captain BRAND, Of the Pic
tora who attempted to deny the truth Of the state
mcnts made by Congressman owen as TO the filthy
character Of that ship, Emil ~ Boas Of the Hamburg
American Packet Company John VI. krke. OF the In
anssa,s ~ tbp RSIncc b n'sg aG the na
liable Lawson y. FULLER. who wants hcd-taA of 80
put each alien immigrant
secretary WINDOW may be here to-day to consult
with superintendent Weber in resarl tn the immigration
business. surgeon General Hamilton has been here
several days visiting Wards Island and conicrrng
with superintendent Weber and Collector Erhaidt on
immigration affairs. II Is reported that lie la, found
that a largo number Of immigrants sent Wards
Island by the state Board who should not have been
committed to the hospitals there. These Immigrants,
however, have Decn discharged. Bat he Is POW in
eating other ascertain whether they should
be taken care If hc pcnse Of the Government.
I'm improvement has been made IN the method of
handling baggage at the Large Ofice Hereafter bag
gage Intended for railroad transportation i To he
- paIa,cd the steamer piers from local baggage.
at the Barge ONCE which has caused great trouble.