The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-05-05
GOLD FOR HARPS.
Now There Is a Musical
Scandal.
THOMAS WILL SAY NOTHING
But Some of His Underlings Appear to
Have Talked Pretty Close to
Blackmaif.
THOMAS WILL SAY NOTHING
Special to THE MORNING CALL.

CHICAGO. May 4.-From present indica-
tions tie music trouble at the Worlds Fair
is about TO become a scandal. Evidence
was produced at tc-day's meeting of the
National Commission which tends to show
that Musical Director Thomas, not satisfied
with using a contraband piano. is bent upon
boycotting the harps in his department
that are made by firms having exhibits at
the fair. This evidence was of such a
forcible nature that the commission adopted
a resolution directing President Palmer 20
appoint special committee Of six to inves-
tigate the matter.
Commissioner 1annan of Utah brought
the matter up this afternoon. stating that
he had some interesting evidence which
tended to show that there was bribery and
corruption in the music department of the
fair. He then produced q letter written to
Messrs. Lyon & Healy of this city, musical
exhibitors, by Miss Breitschuck, one of the
members of Thomas orchestra, stating
that she was very sorry that she could not
use Lyon & Healy harp, which had been
rendered her. because Director Thomas had
notified the harpists that the Lyon & Healy
harp could not be used in his orchestra.
Miss Breitschuck expressed great personal
sorrow, but stated that there was no going
behind orders.
Then Commissioner Lannan produced
another letter to the same firm from an
other harpist, Edward Schuecker. THIS
young man stated fatty that if the firm eX-
pected him to take any interest in its harps
it must guarantee him a fee of $1,000 year
and 10 ter cent on everything sold through
his influence. Furthermore, he must have
two new harps placed at his disposal The
firm promptly replied. declining to have
anything to do with Schuecker, and direct
ing him 10 return at once the instrument
that had been rendered him for use in the
concert.
The reading of these letters caused a
great sensation among the Commissioners
Lanuan said the matter shoud be thor
oughy investigated. and if the evidence in
the letters was substantiated the commits
sion should remove Mr.. Thomas.
This evening Professor Wilson, Director
Thomas agent, was seen by an Associated
Press representative regarding the matter.
"Mr. Thomas will not talk about the
affair."" said he. 1T is beneath his dignity
to notice such trivial things. He is too
great man to even listen to such foolish
charges, and l will not allow any one to ap-
pr9ach him on the subject
With this the manager and the director
entered carriage and we're driven away.
The Commissioners considered the piano
question at length again and finally adopted
the minority report of the judiciary CON-
mittee offered by Burton of Kansas, de-
clarlng that the council Of administration
had no jurisdiction in the piano trouble.
Tie Sunday-opening question comes up
tomorrow.
Tie council of administration has deter
mined to put a stop to the extortionate
prices charged by some of the restaurants
at the fair. and vigorous action viii be
taken to-morrow.
The Duke and Duchess of Veragua and
the members of their suit were the honored
guests at coaching party this afternoon.
which was concluded by a din ner at the
Washington Park Club.
Tonight President Hlggin bo than ten
dered the Duke and Duchess an elaborate
reception, 2000 guests being present.
New YORK, May 4.-The special train
placed at the disposal of the visiting naval
officers left the city this evening for Chi
cago. Commander Logan OF the Phiadel-
pha represented Admiral Gherardi and
looked after the welfare of the guests and
Lieutenant Fremont attended to the details
of the snip.