The herald., 1893-05-05
A WORLDS FAIR SCANDAL,
Interesting Developments in
the Music Middle.
Director Thomas Placed in san
Unpleasant Light.
1t Looks as Though Some One was
Guilty of Jobbery.
The Lady Managers Hold TsarfuI Sc.
sion-Mrs. Palmer Makes Her
Colleagues Promise to
Cease QuarreIins.
BY the Associated Press.l

BY the Associated Pressl
CHICAGO, May 4.--From present indi.
cations the music trouble at the worlds
fair is about to become scandal. Evil
dence was produced at today's meeting
OF the national commission, which tends
to show that Musical Director Thomas.
not satisfied with Using a contraband
piano, is bent upon bcycottiug harps In
his department that are made bv firms
having exhibits at the fair. The evil
dence was of such forcible nature that
the commission adopted a resolution
directing President Palmer to appoint a
special committee of six to investigate
the matter.
Commissioner Lannon of Utah brought
tne matter up this afternoon, stating he
had some interesting evidence which
tended to show that there wes bribery
and no end of corruption in the mnsie'
department. of the fair. He then pro-
duced a letter written to Massrs. fyon
Healy Of this city, musical exhibitors.
by Miss Breitschuck, one of the mem.
Ders or the Thomas orchestra, stating
that she was very sorry she could NOT
use Lyon & Healy harp which had
been rendered her, because Director
Thomas had notified the harpists that
the Lyon u HeRly harp could not be
used IN his orchestra. Miss Breitschuck
expressed great personal sorrow bat
stated there was no going behind the
orders.
Then Commissioner Lannon produced
another letter to the same firm from an
other harpist, Edward Schueeker. This
young man stated fatty that If the firm
expected him to take any interest in
their harps, they must guarantee him 4
Zee OF $1,000 year and 10 per cent on
every harp sold through his influence.
Furthermore, he must have rwo new
barps placed at his disposal. The firm
promptly replied, declining to have any-
thing to DO with Schuecker and direct
ing him to return at once the instrument
they had rendered him for use in the
concert,
The reading Of thesa letters Caused d
great sensation among the commissions
ers. Lannon said the matter should be
thoroughly investigated and il the evi-
dence IN the letters proved tLue, the
commission should removs Mr.. Thomas.
This evening Professor Wilson, Direct
or Ihomas's agent, was seen by an
~AonSSiASoN Aorcr1opOFt6l regarding Ll8
matter.
''Mr. Thomas will not talk about the
affair."" said he. ''It is beneath his dig
nifty TO notice such trivial things. He is
too great man to even listen to such
foolish charges. | will not allow any
one to approach him on the subiect,''
With this the manager and director
entered a carriage and were driven
away.
The commissioners considered the
piano question at length again and
finally adopted the minority report of
the Judiciary committee, offered by
Burton of Kansas, declaring the council
OF administration had no jurisdiction in
the piano trouble.
The Sunday opening question comes
up tomorrow.
The council of administration has de-
cided to put a stop to the exorbitant
prices charged by some of the restsu.
rants at the fair. Vigorous action will
be taken tomorrow.
Tho duke and duchess Of Veragua and
of their suits were honored
guests at coaching party this afteer-
noon, which was concluded by lunch
son at the Washington Park club, To-
light President Higinboth of the
ocal worlds fair directory, rendered the
luke and duchess an elaborate reception,
'00O guests being present.