The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-05-03
AT THE WORLDS FAIR,
The Piano Question . Sorc Point-Work
ON tho Grounds.


CHICAGO, May 2-Director General Da-
Wis was summoned before the national
commission to explain why he had not
carried out the instructions of tho commits
sion regarding the use of pianos made by
non-exhibitors. This vexing piano ques-
ton seems to have caused decided clash
of authority between the national COM
mission and the council of admins
tration. Each of these official
bodies claims to have jurisdiction
in the matter and each appears
determined that the other shall withdraw.
So far the council of administration seems
to have the best of the wrangle. 1t is in
favor of allowing the directors of music,
Thomas and Paderewski. the use of
piano made by a non-exhibitor. Today at
a concert given in music hall. at the fair
grounds, such piano was used in open
violation of the order emanating from the
national commission and with the consent
of the council of administration. When
Director General Davis appeared before the
commission this afternoon he stated
that upon receipt of instructions he had
ordered the director of works to remove
the Objectionable piano. He had taken 1t
for granted that the order was obeyed and
he had been go busy that he had not time
to see the director of works in person.
President Palmer, Of the national commits
sion, then read a communication from
Acting President Peck, of the local direc-
tory, in reference to the discussion had by
that body over the matter and stating
that it was on April % referred to the
council of administration.
In the meantime the council compile ted
its investigation and reported to the ma
tional commission, the report recommend
ing that tho exclusion of non-exhibitors'
pianos should not be law in this case. If
the non-exhibitors' pianos were excluded
it would cause failure of the musical pro-
gramme in . large degree. Furthermore.
the carrying out Of such an order would
not be for the best interests of the exhibit
ors at the fair, and adding that the coun-
ell would formulate rules to govern
the matter. This report was not kindly
received by the large number of commits
sioners and heated discussion ensued, as
the result Of which Commissions: Burton,
of Kansas, offered q resolution declaring
that the council of administration had no
jurisdiction in the piano question. The
resolution was referred to the judiciary
committee and the commission adjourned.
While this wrangle was going on Messrs.
Thomas and Paderewski were pusily en-
gagged in Music hall at one Of the pianos
declared contraband by the national COM
mission. Piano exhibitors are greatly
exasperated over the matter. and while
none Ct them will withdraw, they ex-
pressed themselves in anything but
pleasant terms regarding the turn matters
had taken. They are awaiting the out
come OF tomorrow's meeting.
Work on the unfinished portion of the
Worlds fair grounds was resumed this
morning, and thousands of men were
soon busy putting the finishing touches on
the great show, while other thousands
we're at work putting exhibits in place.
Teams. loaded with wonders from the
tour quarters of the earth, passed here
and there among the buildings, and loco
motives with loaded trains puifed and
steamed through the grounds. In
midst of all, throngs of sightseers
strolled through the grounds, mostly en-.
gagged in getting an idea of the archi-
tectural splendors OF the position, which,
as far as outward appearances 60. are COM
pIete. This alone is more than can be ac-
aomplished in a single day. The i'm
mensity of the work grew on the spects-
tors as they moved from point to point
and found the amount of exertion neces-
sary 10 merely walk around the great
structures. The mere sight of them does
not afford fair gauge OF their size, be-
cause they are ali so large that there is
nothing of ordinary dimensions in sight
to turkish a standard of measurement.
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