The Press., 1891-10-01
A PATRIOTIC PIANIST.


 by the United States was native of New Orleans named Gottschalk, who died, while still young, about twenty-five years ago. He was of French descent, and as French was the language of his child hood, he spoke English with an accent which often caused strangers to mistake him for a foreigner. But he was as thor ough an American as ever breathed, and was conspicuously faithful to his country at 8 time when most men of southern birth acknowledged no obligation of loyal ty, and sought to destroy the great repub- lie by establishing separate nation for themselves. .,
 His life, like that of many distinguished musicians, was passed chiefly in travelling about the world and giving concerts. His popularity was remarkable, not only on account of his artistic gifts, but also be- cause of his varied personal attractions. The charm of his manner and his refined courtesy won him hosts of friends in ev- cry place where he visited. But with all his gentleness of demeanor, he had an abundance of manly spirit, as those who presumed upon his natural suitability were sure to learn.
 In 1862 when the war of secession was at it's height, his public engagements car ried him to Canada where he was less known than in his own land. His first appearance was in large city, the inhab- itants of which had been informed that he came from New Orleans, but were wholly unaware of his strong feeling against slav- cry or his earnest devotion to the Union Our Canadian neighbors were not, as a rule, well disposed to the northern cause. Their sympathy was with the states in revolt, and they were not backward in proclaiming the fact. The advent of the famous young southeTner seemed to afford them an unusually fine opportunity of avowing their sentiments. Taking it for granted, without inquiry, that he stood with the people of his state and "section,' they made up their minds to pay him what they considered very pretty com pliment, and at the same time to indulge themselves with lively demonstration of their fondness for the confederacy.
 The concert was attended by an i'm mense audience, and Gottschalk was greeted with an ardor which somewhat surprised him. He had no suspicion that he was regarded as representative of the rebellion, and it was not until the end of the evening that anything occurred to enlighten him. As he came forward for the last time, loud call for ''Dixie" went up from the multitude. He looked about in amazement, not understanding at first the meaning of the cry. While he stood irresolute, the demand was loudly repeat ed, and followed by 8 wild chorus of ac- clamation for secessionists in general. Presently 0 diversion was made in favor of "My Maryland" one party clamoring for that stately air, while another contin- ued to shout for the more lively ditty.' It was trying position for the pianist. He believed that refusal would give n- tense irritation at the moment, and would probably endanger his entire tour through the British provinces. The wayward pub lie is prodigal of bounty and caresses so long as it's caprices are humored, but at the least sign of opposition is liable to turn upon it's idols and rend them. It | was no trifling undertaking for one man l to defy the will of this excited throng. Yet his resolve was taken without an in- stant's hesitation. Though he felt by his own act he would bring his tour to an ignominious end, he saw but one course open to him. He waited till the uproar subsided, and lowing ceremoniously, seat 1 ed himself at his instrument. For a brief | interval all was silence; then his hands fell upon the keys but neither "Dixie" nor My Maryland" came in response to his touch. "Hail Columbia" was the strain that resounded through the hall and fell upon the ears of the astonished | Canadians.
 l The tumult that immediately ensued deadened the sound of the music, and the performer immediately desisted from his labor. Imagining that he was terrified into submission, the audience signified a willingness to give him another chance. There was a Hull in the storm, and Gotts- chalk, after lowing as formally as before, turned once more to his task. This time he chose "Yan<ee Doodle," which was no sooner recognized than fresh outburst of disapprobation made his efforts again inaudible.
 l "It did not matter to me-" he said, re- lating the story afterward. "I was de- termined to stay there all night if neces- sary-unless was dragged from the plat form-and give them an unmistakable Union melody as often as I could get a hearing. The only thing that worried me was that we had no national song worthy of the name. I could not use 'The Star Spangled Banner which is a'capital tune, because the music is not American. But though my material was not first-class, I tried to make up for that by good playing. After a while the people grew tired of raging at me, and then they heard me at my best-my very best, l assure you."
 "And how did it end ?" the pianist was asked.
 "Oh, very unexpectedly, and most hap oily. They had kept ominously still a long time, and was wondering what mis chief was in store, when man with big heavy voice suddenly broke out laughing That settled everything. In less than g too, in the pleasantest possible humor They began to cheer me as if had done uothing but what they wanted, and sup pose my independence made them think better of me than if I had yielded. From that night I was treated in the mos