, 1892-10-29
28th Oct. 1892

gole EditorQfhe st. Croi1 Avis q Bulletin.'
Dear Sir,
I deeply regret that your correspon-
dent "Veracity'' has made an uncalled for
exposure Of himself by attacking my letter Of
the 22nd inst.
For the information Of your readers, l beg
to say in reply, shat the letter referred to
did not point Individually to the last entertain
ment,' for, owing to professional duties, | was
unable TO enjoy the honour of being present
on the occasion. 4 reference to the letter
will show that, although a passing mention
was made OF Tableaux WANTS, the principal
portion Of my remarks was about the singing
that is generally heard at these entertainments.
no sensible man can undertake to c%r1tlclse a
performance which he did not witness.
The faults mentioned in my Saturdays let
ter are such as have been discovered since
the last S or 9 years; and which | have point
ed out, times without number tothose concern
ed. many Of whom are now gone to that land
from which none returneth. It may perhaps
be remembered by q few people that until
the year 1880, popular concerts were unknown
in St. Croix. In that year the writer had the
honour to conduct the first concert, which
took six monthsto get up. cost, from beginning
10 emu. Unity OO1AdAS, INV VIZ 0tAIANAA
ton of the fund with which was purchased
the organ which now graces the northern gal
lery of st. Johns Church, and Of which the
congregation is SO proud.
After that concert. the then Rector told me
that | had shown him the possibility Of hav-
ING concerts in st. Croix, and requested me to
undertake the conduct ef another as soon as
should have recruited my strength. readily
ZOO o4oJ 10 Il o.. b3tr vvbau no IArOpOSatI IN
introduce music of an inferior class, / positive
" declined to act as leader, and only agreed
to take O distinct part over which / should
have entire control. Subsequently, we found
that this last plan would not work, and as |
would not give up my point, and he insisted
on having music of lower tone, ! thenceforth
decided to take no active part in the perform
ances, but promised the Rector, that ] would
have no objections, when requested, to give q
song etc.
Whether the independence of my attitude or
my constantly pointing out to the Rector the
evil effects upon the minds of the people that
these low-toned entertainment would have,
gave offence, I know not but my services
we're less and less frequently solicited, and at
last | began to be looked upon as q fault
finder by all those who were unable to under
stand or APP ~reciate music of a high order.
I, however, intend to maintain my point,
that all popular entertainments should also
have as an object, the elevation of the masses,
and, inasmuch, as they are public, and are con-
sequently open to the criticisms of all compe-
tent persons, I mean to act sOithin the limits Of
my lawfuI rights, and %criticise freely and im-
partially, not from any unenviable motives,
but merely for the sake of improvement.
EXCELSIOR p and not Money should be the
motto in all our popular entertainments. 1--WE
ought to aim high although We may not sue
coed in hitting the moon"
l am glad to learn from the letter of Fair
Plav' If be is not after all oFonl PLAY that