The morning call., 1890-05-09
HANDEL AND HAYDN.
A Vigorous Protest Against Dis
solution.
The Society viii Issue Circular Calling for
Public Support-A Schedule Of Dues
Adopted.

For an association which was announced
to be on the verge of dissolution, the Handel
and Haydn Society exhibited symptoms of
the most vigorous life at its meeting last
evening.
More members were in attendance than
have assembled for some time, the majority
of the seats in Pioneer Hall being filed.
During the progress of the meeting they
exhibited the greatest animation and en-
thusiasm, which they wished to be inter-
preted as a decided protest against giving
up thesghost as the ultra-cultiYated musical
BODY of the city.
President j. Ii. Dobinson opened the pro-
ceedings by stating that the society is $500
in debt, and that the object was to take
some Immediate steps for the continuance
OF the society. or to at once go out of exist
ence. He called upon 81. J. Stewart, the
musical conductor, to give his views.
MIR. Stewart responded, and said that the
large gathering showed both the interest
taken in music and the desire of the men,
bers not to disorganize. He had sent in
his resignation as musical conductor be-
cause convinced that the public support
had not made the concerts a financial sue
cess, and under the adverse circumstances
it would be foolhardy to continue under
the burden of growing debt. He declared
that during the three years of his connec-
ton with the society only one or two of the
concerts had paid. The general cost of one
has been S1000-sometimes more, sometimes
less.
PLEDGED TO THREE CONCERTS.
The society is pledged for three concerts
year. For this purpose $1,000 is required,
which could be obtained by 800 subscribers
at $40 per year. 1t had been suggested that
the society cease to give concerts; but he
was opposed to this course, for the reason
that there would then be nothing to work
for, and the interest OF the members would
die out. He was also opposed to reducing
expenses, or giving concerts on less am
bilious scale by cutting the orchestra down,
for that would produce a loss in
public estimation. The. high character of
the performances should not be lowered.
Besides the $1,000 for the concerts about
500 per month would be required for run
ming expenses, such as rent, salaries, new
music. This could be raised by means of
dues and assessments.
MIR. Stewart argued that the policy of the
society is to produce new music, and that
course should be kept up. II the funds de-
sired could be raised no one would be more
pleased to see the society 60 on and none
would be more willing to work for its pros
perity than himself. He thought It strange
that in such large and wealthy city as
San Francisco such musical body should
be allowed 10 60 to pieces for lack of public
support
AN ACCOUNT RENDERED.
These remarks were greeted with ap-
plause, and President Dobinson proceeded
to put the matter before the meeting He
read an itemized account of the debts due
principally for rent, music, salaries adver-
Using, printing and hire. The total amount
was S2113 81, of which he said $500 is guar
anteed. There are 10 members, and the
chair asked for the sense Of the meeting on
the question of dues.
A number OF motions were made on the
subject, providing that the dues be fixed at
so cents, 10 cents and 81 per month. The
appointments twisted the question in such a
phrliame ntary knot that to avoid confusion
the whole matter was laid on the table. A
new motion was made that the dues be
fixed at so cents for ladies and 81 per month
for gentlemen.
Mr.. Stewart suggested that no amount
be fXed, and that the society pass general
resolution guaranteeing to raise sufficient
money 10 meet the current expenses OF 500
per month.
President Dickinson said that unless some
action was taken the society would dis
solve.
A stentorian voice was heard exclaiming,
No we wont" which Created as much sur
prise in the proceedings as if apyrotechnist
had appeared with pocketful of squibs.
THE teTURE HOPEFUL.
We can't disOrganize," insisted Ormsby
Noble. We are incorporated for fifty
years and will continue to exist"
The result of the discussion was the
adoption of the motion. providing that the
dues be fixed at 90 cents for ladies and 81
tor gentlemen.
President Dobinson then informed the
meeting that it had been suggested that
circular be issued to the public, calling for
support and subscriptions. On motion, the
character Of the circular was left to the dis
erection of the Chair, who was authorized to
draw it up and circulate it as soon as pos
sible.
FL. B. Stewart and others addressed the
members on the necessity of soliciting for
subscriptions, urging that the circular
would not do much good, if not seconded by
the personal efforts of the members. a
number pledged themselves TO obtain sub
scriptions.
The matter of the resignation of Con-
ductor Stewart was not acted upon, as he
had signified his willingness to continue as
Conductor should the society be replaced
on proper financial basis.
The meeting then adjourned to the call
OF the Chair.