The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-05-05
The Worlds Fair Piano Muddle
Promises to Become a Vul-
gar Scandal.
Thomas and Others Apparently
Blackmailing Makers of Mu-
sical Instruments.
Mrs. Palmer Scolds tho Women. Who Melt
into Tears nnd Resolve to Nehavo
Ihemsolves.

CHICAGO, May 4.-From present indioa-
tions the music trouble at the Worlds
fair IL about to become q scandal. Evi-
dence was produced at to-day's meeting OF
tho national commission which tends to
show that Musical Director Thomas. not
satisfied with using contrnband piano. ~
bent upon boycotting pianos in his depart
ment that are made by firms having oxhib-
its at the fair. The evidence was of suoh
forcible nature that the commission
adopted resoi ution directing President
Palmer to appoint special committee OF
six TO investigate the matter.
Commissioner Lannon. OF Utah, brought
the matter up this afternoon. stating that
he had seen some interesting evidence
which tended to show that there was brib-
cry and corruption in the music depart
ment of the fair. He then produced let
ter written to Messrs. Lyon q Hsaly.
of this city. musical exhibitors, by
Miss Breitschuck. one of the mem
bers of the Thomas orchestra. stating
that she was very sorry she could not use
the Lyon d Hesly harp which had bsen
tendered her. because Director Thomas
had notified the hal pists that tho Lyon IL
Healy harp could not be used in his o1ches-
ira. Miss Breitschuck expressed great per-
sonal sorrow, but stated that there was no
going behind the orders. Then Cammis-
sioner Lannon produced another letter to
the same firm from another harpist. Ed
ward schuecker. This young man stated
fatty that II the firm expected him to have
any interest in their harps they must guar
antee him fee of $1,000 year and 10 per
cent on every harp sold through his influ-
ence. Furthermore, he must have two new
harps placed at his disposal. The firm
promptly replied, declining to have any
thing to do with Schueoker and directing
him TO return at once the instrument they
had rendered him for use in the concert.
| The reading of these letters cause q
great sensation among the commissioners.
| Lannon said the matter should be thor
ouRhly investigated. and it the evidence in
letters the proved true the commissioners
should remove M. Thomas.
Il This evening Prof. Wilson, Director
Thomas agent. WAS seen by an Associated
press representative regarding the matter.
"Mr. Thomas will not talk about the
TO notice such trivial things. He is too
great a man to even listen to such foolish
charges. will not allow any one to ap-
proach him on the subject" With this
the manager and the director entered .
carriage and were driven away.
The commissioner considered the piano
question at length again and finally
adopted the minority report Of the Judi
ciary committee, offered by Burton, OF
Kansas, declaring that the council OF ad-
miniss alton had no jurisdiction in the
piano trouble.
The council of administration has de-
termined to put q stop to extortionate
prices charged by some OF the restaurants
at the fair. Vigorous action will be taken
to- morrow.
The duke and duchess of VeraRua and
mombers of their suite were honored guests
at coaching party this afternoon, which
, concluded by a luncheon at the Washing
ton Park club.
local Wotld's fair directory. rendered the
| duke and duchess an elaborate reception,
1000 guests being present.
Mrs. Potter Palmer, resident OF the
board OF lady mana0ers of the World'a
fair, announced at the opening Of q meet
ing of the board Shis morning that shs
t would be compelled to resign II the ladies
did not quit quarrel;ng and behave In q
more dianifed manner. The meeting wai
very interesting and many members were
in tears before it was over:
Some of the ladies even cried aloud and
d speeches in support of the president were
;. made in broken voices. accompanied BY OK
| pressiops of heartfelt sympathy for Mrs,
Palmer. Finally resolution supporting
y the president, and thanking her for the
s noble work she had done. was unanimously
v passed. A resolution empowering the presi-
i dent to appoint a committee to formulate
4 plan for a great organization of ladies. OF
i which the present board of lady manageri
. is to be the foundation, was adopted, the
8 ladies stating that when their Worlds fail
work is done they desired to band them
, selves together to further the interssts ol
, their sex,