Mower County transcript., 1892-03-02
CARNIVAL MUSIC.
Fair Play Gives q Statement Of the Band
Difficulty With the Carnival
Association.

Difficulty With the Carnival
Association.
To the editor of the TRANSCRIPT. --s-"
There seems to be general feel
ing of disgust ut the way certain of11c-
ials of the Carnival Association attempts
to treat the Austin band by making an
excuse for cutting down their price, Of
fering $50, instead of $40 as per agree
ment, which is very small amount con-
sidering the work performed-equal IL
two full days when YOU include the eve
nings-giv:ng fine music and n great
deal of it. The contention is that they
did not obey the oriers of each individ-
ual officer, which was an impossihility,
as they were so contradictory and unrea,
sonable. For instance, on FRIDAY. the
last day of the carnival. the band was out
about one O'clock p. IN. and played q
number of fine pieces. to the delight of
the listening multitude. In about an
hour they were ordered to the Milwaukee
depot and marched in time for the same.
About half Sn hour later some Of the
officers of the association came IN hot
haste with orders for the baud to go to
the station. when they were already there
and on the march back. Now then, let
us note the incidents that occurred in the
long march from the station all around
to West Main street, up that to Water.
down Water to Main, bringing up at the
grand stand. After plaving number of
tunes at the station and on the way, some
one shouted for the band to play. They
replied that they would as soon as the
two drum corps stopped who were beat
ing furlously on each side of them. and
did so q moment after. Further on the
march they were ordered to play by sn
other party, and did so after turning a
corner and passing few rods OF very
rough road where it would have been i'm
possible to hold the instrument steady
enough Another tune at night some
one asked the band to play where the
roads were such that they could hardly
stand on their feet I have noticed some
of the complaints made against the band
by one or two officers of the carnival,
but the crowniag offense was at the
grand stand after the long march de-
scribed, The Austin baud alone did all
the playing before and after the speak
ing, except one piece by the Rose Creek
band. rendering number Of fine selec-
tons, until $50 p. m. and most Of the
people were leaving. the place was get
ting cold, freezing up their instruments,
and never supposing for moment that
any sane man would ask them to stay
longer IN view OF the extraordinary
marching and playing that afternoon,
and having to be On hand again IN the
evening for two or three hours OF march
iHg and playing. But they we're mistak-
en-. On turning to go to their room to
warm and rest. they were met by the
honorable president and ordered back
with the threat that they would not get
paid, which was considered not only
unreasonable but an abuse of the band,
who did what anyone having particle
of spirit would have done, marched to
their band room 1t was generally
thought at the time that the responsible
ity and dignity attached to such an cie-
waited position and the excitement of the
occasion had turned the presidents head,
coupled with the fact that he had taken
first prize the day before eating pie.
which might have soured his stomach
AID caused the evil spirit exhibited; but
not doubt was entertained that after a
night S rest the honorable president would
be governed by the golden rule, to do
unto others as ye would they should do
unto you"
Now it is quite evident in order to pre-
vent confusion that one man having a
knowledge of all the difficulties to be
encountered, especially in winter time,
should be appointed to order the band.
I am informed that that very thing was
done and agreed to by both parties, and
Mr., Austin, an excellent choice. was
designated One case of complaint is
that the Austin band refused to meet the
Kansas City train at 1870, and that the
Rose Greek band went. which was true,
but the case was misstated and faisifed.
The facts are that the Austin band, who
we're not expecting to be called on till |
p. m, could not go to the station at 1880
as the bandmen had not assembled, but
the leader of the Austin band arranged
with Mr. Austin, who was the authority
appointed to direct the band, to see the
Rose Greek band and together they made
amicabie arrangements with them for the
1880 tram. But it is not true that the
Rose Creek band, who played remarka
bly, well. we're playing for nothing
There is NO doubt, as they were young
band. this being their first engagement
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