Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1893-05-11

Chicago, May 4-F'rom present indi-
cations the music trouble at the worlds
fair is about to become a scandal.
Evidence was produced at today's
meeting of the national commission
which tends to show that Musical Di-
rector Thomas, not satisfied with using
a contraband piano, is bent upon boy
cotting harps in his department that are
made by firms having exhibits at the
fair.
The evidence was of such a fOrcible
nature that the commission adopted
a resolution directing President Palmer
to appoint a special committee of six
to investigate the matter
Commissioner Lannon brought the
matter up at noon by stating that he
had some evidence to show that there
was bribery and corruption in the mu-
sic department of the fair.
He then produced a letter written to
Messrs. Lyon & Healy, of this city,
musical exhibitors, by Miss Breitschuk,
one Of the members of the Thomas
orchestra, stating that she was very
sorry she could not use Lyon d
Healy harp which had been rendered
her because Director Thomas had mott
fed the harpists that Lyon q Healy
harp could not be used in his orchestra.
Miss Breitschuk expressed great person
al sorrow but stated there was no going
behind orders.
Then Commissioner Lannon produced
another letter to the same firm from
the instrument they had offered him
for use in the concerts.
The reading of these letters caused a
be thoroughly investigated and if the
evidence in the letters was proved the
commission should remove Mr.. Thomas
great sensation among the commission
ers. Lannan said the matter should
The firm promptly replied, declining
more, he must have two new harpS
placed at his disposal
the firm expected him to take any
oouo le u1nqeI o. u1!q Suno9I!p pure
IoYoonQJS JpIM op o. SuIqlEuB 9AeQ o.
interest in their harps they must guar
antee him fee of 81 900 a year and 10
per cent. commission on every harp
Eold through his influence Further
]! 4gP Gpgg poluls uem SunoG sIqL
.I7Ho9nQoS pIRMpT 'ls!dIeq l9poue
This evening Prof Wilson Director
Thomas agent, was seen by an Asso-
ciated Press representative regarding
the matter Mr.. Thomas will not
talk about the affairs said he, lit is
beneath his dignity to notice such trivi-
al things. He is too great man to
even listen to such foolish charges.
I will not allow anyone to approach
bin on the subject" With this the
manager and director entered carriage
and We're driven away.
The commissioners considered the
piano question at length and finally
adopted the minority report Of the jul
dietary committee offered by Butron,
! of Kansas, declaring that the council
Of administration had no jurisdiction i'll
| the piano trouble.
| The Sunday opening question comes
up tomorrow. The council of admins
| tration has determined to put a stop
to extortionate prices charged by some
of the restaurants of the fair. Vigorous
action will be taken tomorrow.
The Duke and Duchess Veragua and
members of their suite were honored
guests at a coaching party this after
noon which was concluded by a lunch
con party at the Washington Park club.
Tonight President Higinbotham ten
dered the duke and duchess an elabOr-
ate reception, 1000 guests being pres
ent