The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1893-05-05
MUSIC RACKET AT THEFAIR.
The Trouble Is About to Become
a Scandal.
ATTEMPTS TO BLACK MAIL.
Letters Produced Before the National
Commissioners.
1t Looks as If Musical Director Thomas
Was Working a Hold Up Game,
and Further That lie Ought
to BE Removed

CHICAGO, May 4.-From present indi-
cations the music trouble at the World
fair is about to become a scandal. Evil
the national commission which tends to
show that Music Director Thomas, not
satisfied with using contraband piano,
is bent upon boycotting the pianos in his
department that are made by firms having
exhibits at the fair. The evidence was of
such forcible nature that the commits
sion adopted a resolution directing Presi-
dent Palmer to appoint a special com
mittee OF six to investigate the matter.
Commissioner Lannan OF Utah brought
the matter up this afternoon stating he
had some Interesting evidence which
tended 10 show that there was bribery
and corruption in the music department.
of the fair. He then produced letter
written to Messrs. Lyon & Heaiy of
this city, musical exhibitors, by Miss
Breitschucke, one of the members OF the
Thomas orchestra stating that she was
very sorry she could not use the Lyon
& Healy harp, which had been rendered
her, because director Thomas had notified
harpists that the Lyon & Realy harp
could not be used in his orchestra. Miss
Breitschucke expressed great personal
sorrow but stated there was no going be
hind 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
expected him to take any interest IN their
harps they must guarantee him a fee of
81 COO year and ten per cent. on every
harp sold through his influence. Fur
thermore, ne must have two new harps,
placed at his disposal.
The firm promptly replied, declining to
have anything to do with Schuecker, and
directing him to return al once the instru-
ment they had rendered him for use in the
concerts.
The reading Of these letters caused a
great sensation among the commissioners.
Mr.. Lannan said the matter should be
thoroughly investigated, and if the evil
dence in the letters proved true, the COM
mission should remove Mr.. Thomas.
This evening Professor Wilson, Direc-
tor Thomas agent was seen by an Asso-
ciated Press representative regarding the
matter Mr. Thomas will not talk
about the affair, - said he, sit is beneath
his dignity to notice such trivial things.
He is too great a man to even listen to
such foolish charges, and will not allow
any one to approach him on the subject :"
With this his manager and director en-
tered carriage and were driven away.
The commissioners considered the piano
question at length again and finally
adopted the minority report of the judi
ciary committee, offered by Mr.. Burton
OF Kansas, declaring the council of adj
ministration had no Jurisdiction IN the
piano trouble. The Sunday opening
question comes up tomorrow.
The council of administration has de-
termined TO put stop to the extortionate
prices charged by some of the restaurants
at the fair, and vigorous action will De
taken tomorrow.
The Duke and Duchess of Veragua and
members of their suite we're honored
guests at coaching party this afternoon,
which concluded by luncheon at the
Washington Park club tonight.
President Higgenbotham, of the local
Worlds fair directory, has rendered the
Duke and Duchess an elaborate reception,
2 600 guests being present.