Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1893-05-03

: CHICAGO, May 2.-There appears to
be a decided clash OF authority between
the National Commissioners at the
Worlds Fair and the Council OF Admin
istration. The vexing piano question Is
the bone of contention, and each OF the
above mentioned official bodies claims
10 have Jurisdiction in the matter and
each appears 20 be 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 Director Of
Music Thomas and Herr Paderewski to
use a piano made by nOn-exhibitor.
To-day at concert given In the Music
Hall at the fair grounds such a piano
was used in open violation OF orders
emanating from the National CommiS-
sion and with the consent OF the Coun-
Gil OF Administration.
The question came up at the regular
meeting Of the national commission to-
day. Commissioner Burton announced
that Notwithstanding the commission
had ordered Director General Davis TO
cause all pianos made by non-exhioitors
70 be removed from all the public build
ings, there was still such an instrument
in the music hall. He further under
stood that the Objectionable piano was
TO be used at a concert 10 a few hours.
Director General Davis was sent for
and stated TO the Commission that upon
receipt OF the instructions he had or
dered the Director OF Works to remove
the Objectionable piano. He had taken
Il for granted that the Director OF
Works had obeyed him. He had been
so busy that he had not had time to see
the Director Of Works in person as to
what had been done.
On April 2S, the Council OF Adm inis-
tratIon adopted q report, after investi-
gation. which said, in effect, that the
Council had thoroughly investigated
the piano question and II had concluded
that the special report adopted by the
National Commissioners last Friday, by
which non on-exhibitors' pianos were ex-
cIuded, should not be the law In the
/; sitaasion. II non-exhibitOrs' pianos
were excluded II would cause failure
Of the musical programme In a large
degree.
Ii further declared the carrying out
OF such an order would not be for the
best Interests either Of the piano exhit-
Ors or the Fair. In conclusion 1t said
the Council Of Administration would
formulate rules to govern the matter.
This report was not kindly received by
q large number Of the Commissioners.
A heated and at time acrimonious dis
cussion, lasting for an hour or more,
followed.
AS a result Commissioner Burton, Of
Kansas, offered a resolution declaring
that the Council Of Administration had
ne jurisdiction in the piano question, as
II had never been legally referred TO
: that body. The resolution was referred
TO the Judiciary Committee aud the
Commission sdjourned.
While the Commission and Council OF
Administration were wrangling over
the problem. the first concert given at
the Fair began and was concluded. Di-
rector Of Music Thomas and Paderews-
XII were both there and used the piano
which was made contraband.
The piano exhibitors were greatly
exasperated over the matter and while
none Of them will withdraw, they ex-
press themselves In anything but pleas
ant terms regarding the turn matters
hSve taken. They ale awaiting the
outcome OF to-morrow's meeting OF the
commission with great anxiety.