The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1891-08-29
A PArRlorlc PIANIST.
An Incident OF Gottschnlls's First Appear
ance In Canada.

died. while still quite young, about
twenty-five years ago. He was OF
French descent, and as French was the
language of his childhood, he spoke
English with an accent which often
caused strangers to mistake him for
foreigner But he was as thorough an
American as ever breathed, and was
conspicuously faithful TO his country Mt
time when most men of southern birth
acknowledged no obligation of loyalty,
and sought to destroy the great republic
by establishing separate nation for
themselves.
His life, like that of many distiu-
guished musicians, was passed chiefly
in travelling about the world and giving
concerts. His popularity was remark
able, not only on account of his artistic
gifts, but also because of his varied per-
sonal attractions. The charm of his
manner and his refined courtesy won
him hosts of friends in every place
which he visited But with all his gen
tleness of demeanor, he had an abuu-
dance of manly spirit, as those who pre-
sumed upon his natural amiability were
sure to learn.
|
was at its height, his public engage
ments carried him to Canada, where he
was less known than in his own land.
| His first appearance was in large city,
the inhabitants of which had been in
formed that he camefr New Orleans,
but were wholly unaware of his strong
feeling against slavery or his earnest
devotion to the Union. Our Canadian
neighbors were not, as rule, well dis
posed to the Northern cause. Their
sympathy was with the states in revolt,
and they were not backward in pro-
claiming the fact. The advent of the
famous young southerner seemed to
afford them an unusually fine oppor-
tunity of avowing their sentiments.
Taking it for granted, without in
quiry, that he stood with the peo-
pie of his state and section" they
made up their minds to pay him what
they considered very pretty compli-
ment, 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 a 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, a loud call for
"DiXie" went up from the multitude.
He looked about in amazement, not I'M
derstanding at first the meaning of the
cry. While he stood irresolute, the de-
mand was loudly repeated, and followed
by wild chorus of acclamation for Sc
cessionists in general. Presently di-
version 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.
1t was trying position for the pianist
He believed that u refusal would give
intense irritation at the moment, and
would probably endanger his entire
tour through the British province The
wayward public is prodigal of bounty
and caresses so long as its caprices are
humored, but at the least sign of oppo
sition it is liable to turn upon its idols
and rend them. 1t is no trihing under
taking for one man to defy the will o.
this excited throng. Yet his resolve
was taken without an instants hesita
ton. Though he felt by his own act
} he would bring his tour to an ignomin
ious end, he saw but one course open tc
him. He waited till the uproar subsid
ed, and bowing tremendously, seated
himself at his instrument. For briet
interval all was silence; then his hands
| gn11 tlo I,,t -,
nor my Maryland" came in respons,
to his touch. Hail Columbia" was the
: strain that resounded through the hall
and fell upon the ears of the astonisheC
l Canadians.
The tumult that Immediately ensueC
I deadened the sound of the music, ant
the performer desisted from his labor
I, Imagining that he was terrified int,
submission, the audience signified
} willingness to give him another chance
4 There was lull in the storm, an,
Gottschalk, after bowling as formally a
. before, turned once more to his task
G This time he chose Yankee Doodle,
r which was no sooner recognized than
9 fresh outburst of disapprobation mad
p his efforts again inaudible.
"It did not matter to me-" he said, re
1 lating the story afterward. II was de
" termined to stay there all night if nee
v essary-unless was dragged from tn
0 platform-and give them an unmistals
5 able Union melody as often as / coul
get hearing. The only thing tina
. worried me was that we had no nationa
: song worthy of the name. l could nc
: use The Star-Spangled Banner whic
e is capital tune, because the music
) not American. But though my materia
was not frst-class tried to make IL
n for that by good playing. After Will
i the people grew tired of raging at me
and then they heard me at my best
n my very best, / assure you"
o And how did it end?" the pianis
: was asked.
:, 80, very unexpectedly, and most hal
e PLY. They had kept ominously still
l. long time, and / was wondering wha
n mischief was in store, when man wit
big heavy voice suddenly broke OF
'e laughing. That settled everything. l
e less than minute the whole audienc
n was laughing, too, in the pleasantes
"a possible humor. They began to chee
I, me as if l had done nothing but wha
t. they wanted, and l suppose my indt
l. pendence made them think better {
me than if l had yielded. From tha
" night was treated in the most friendl
a way. While / remained in Canad
1T there was no indication that / ha
n given offense by my obstinacy, an
10 pretty soon found that was eXpecte