The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1893-08-12
MUSICIANS.
The Committee of the
Fair Condemned.
MITCRELL'S r1ISSION EASI.
Colonel Andrews Denies That East
err Bands Are to be Engaged 10
Play at the Exposition.

The members of the Musicians Union
were very angry at the executive COM
mittee of the Midwinter Fair yesterday
because it was reported that the Sousa
and Liberati bands were to be brought
out from the East to play during the fair.
1t was reported that R. 3. Mitchell of the
executive committee, who Is now in
Washington, had been authorized to
engage these Eastern bands, to the ex-
cIusion Of the local musicians.
Director General De Young and Vice
President Stump we're both out of the city
last night, and the only member of the
executive committee who could be found
was Colonel A. Andrews. In reply TO a
series OF questions he stated that no in
structions about engaging bands had
been given either to Mr.. Nit
chell in Washington or 10 Mr.. Cor
nelly in Chicago. both having gone
East Oh entirely different missions. He
also stated that the executive committee
had taken no action about the music. and
would not do so until building was we'll
under way. lie admitted that The ques-
ton of pr occurring renowned Eastern bands
had been discussed, but he was confident
that neither the director general nor any
one else connected with the management
of the fair had taken any action or entered
into any negotiations regarding Eastern or
local musicians.
At the monthly meeting of the Musi-
clans Union yesterday afternoon a men,
Der stated that r. b. Mitchell of the
executive committee had been instructed
to engage, while in the East. the Sousa
and Lberatl bands TO play during the
Midwinter Fair. The member said that
Mr.. Mitchell had communicated this in
formation 10 him prior TO his departure
about a week ago.
This announcement caused a great out-
burst of Indignation. Members recounled
the fact that the union had subscribed
$3.50 toward the far, besides furnishing,
without charge. music for the public de-
mOnStratlon month ago, this service be-
ing valued at $500. Besides, large num-
Der of individual members stated that they
had personally subscribed small amounts.
making large aggregate contribution.
Speeches were made to the effect that
the mem berS of the union were working
men who had shown by their donations
and their actions their desire TO advance
the interests of the exposition. But be-
Ing workingmen, they were obliged to
earn living. Many of the number are
should have the first call on employment
within the State, and especially by the
public of the State.
1t was pointed out that the Sousa and
LiberatI bands were Eastern concerns,
and that their importation TO California
would deprive local musicians of employ
ment which the latter had a right to eX-
pect. The Eastern bands would demand
much greater remuneration than the San
Francisco musicians. and finally. many OF
the latter being now unemployed, it would
be unjust, unfair and unpatrotic to pass
them by in favor Of nonresident per-
formers.
By the time all these ideas had been ex
pressed there was a perfect tumult of
wrath.
a resolution was presented denouDcing
the executive committee in unfattering
terms for It's actinn and calling upon the
residents oil Sau Francisco to protect their
fellow citizens by withholding all contri-
buttons unless the engagement OF the
Eastern bands was revoked. A majority
favored the adoption of this resolution.
but wiser counsel prevailed. and it was
agreed to defer this action Tor two days.
In the meantime a committee consisting
of Z. Z. SehmitZ, L. Gilman, S. Davis, c.
Ablatti aud Ell. Stockton was appointed to
interview the executive committee and
cenfer with the Council of Federated
Trades TO arrange for a concerted action
on the part of all the local unions. The
COIUullLCC vas SifCu luli pUWcI W dCi
without calling another meeting of the
union.
The first act OF the committee was to
proceed TO the Midwinter Fair headquar-
tiers. Secretary Badlam of the executive
committee was asked as to the truth OF
the engagement of Eastern bands. The
musicians afterward stated that Badlam'S
reply was non-committal and altogether
except that 1t was tact
r.
of the Eastern bands. The musicians
committee instituted inquiries in various
directions, and as result expressed the
belief that the members of the executive
committee who had urged the importation
of the bands were: Director General de
Young, r. B. Mitchell and A. Andrews.
The action, they said, was opposed by
Irwin G. Stump and Fulton G. Berry. The
other members Of the committee are said
to have been absent during the cOnsldera-
tion of the matter.
The director-general has temporarily
aDpOln ted as press agent Z. +. johnson,
the chief stenographer. Mr.. de Young
was authorized by the committee to en-
gage a permanent officer to take charge of
the bureau of publicity and promotion.
The place has been offered to two San
Francisco newspaper men, both of whom
declined the position. Two others, well
known in local journalistic circles, are
now being considered, and either one or
the other will probably be appointed. The
salary will be $3.50 month.
Among the additional contributions re-
ceved yesterday from those who had pre-
viously subscribed we're: NJ. Ehrman &
Co.. $50; Charles Montgomery. 500; Fon-
tana & Co.. $50; l.. Morgenthau. $50; d.
Block & Co., $50.
Other donations included District Lodge
No. 80. q. o. 0. F., S21; San Francisco
Glass Works. S100; Isabelle Levy, $50.
The firm of Warren & Maliey, contractors.
have subscribed $500 worth of grading to
De done on the grounds whenever ordered
by the executive committee.