The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1893-05-05
The Piano Case Reveals What
May Prove q Scandal.
THEODORE THOMAS IMPLICATED
Mrs. Potter Palmer Causes the Women
to Weep by . Sharp Reprimand.
The Commission - Suppress Extortion
OF Rsstaurants on Fair Grounds
The Atteedance 10 Poor Owing to
bad WeatheP.


is about to become q scandal. Evidence
was produced at today's meeting of the
national comm ission which tends to show
that Musical Director Thomas, not satis-
fed with using q contraband piano. is
bent ON boycotting pianos in his depart
ment that are made by firms having ex-
hibits At the fair. The evidence was of
such forcible nature that the commission
adopted resolution directing Presi-
dent Palmer to appoint a
special committee of six to
investigate the matter. Commissioner
Lannon, of Utah, brought the matter up
this afternoon, stating he had some. inter-
esting evidence, which tended to show
that there was bribery and corruption in
the music department of the fair. He then
produced letter written to Messrs. Lyon
q Healy, Of this city, musical exhib-
itors. by Miss Breitschuck, one Of the
members of Thomas orchestra, stat
ing that she was sorry that she
could not use the Lyon & Heaiy harp,
which had been rendered her, because
Director Thomas had notified the harpists
that the Lyon Il 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 Lannon pro-
duced another letter to the same firm
from another harpist, Edward Schuscker.
This young man stated fatty that
if the firm expected him to take
any interest in their harps they must
guarantee him fee of 1000 year and 10
per cent. on every harp 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 di-
rected him to return at once the instru-
ment they had rendered him for use in the
concert. The reading of these letters
caused . great sensation among the COM
missioners. Lannon said the matter
should be thoroughly Investigated and if
the evidence In the letters proved true tho
commission should remove Mr.. Thomas.
The commissioners considered the piano
question at length again, and finally
adopted the minority report of tho judi
ciary committee offered by Burton, Of
Kansas, declaring that the council of
administration had no Jurisdiction in the
piano trouble. The Sunday opening ques-
tion comes up tomorrow. The council Of
administration has determined to put
stop to the extortionate prices charged by
some of the restaurants at the fair. Vigor.
ous action will be taken tomorrow.
This evening Prof Wilson, Director
Thomas agent, was seen by an Asso-
ciated Press reporter regarding the matter.
He said:
Mr.. Thomas will not talk about the affair Il
is beneath his dignity to notice such trivial
things. He IL too great . man to even listen to
such foolish charges I will not allow any one
to approach him on the subject
With this manager and director entered
q carriage and were driven away.
Mrs. Potter Palmer, president Of the
board Of lady managers of the Worlds
fair. announced at the opening meeting of
the board this morning that she would be
compelled to resign if the ladies did not
quit quarrelling and behave in
moro dignified manner. Tho meet
ing was interesting. and many mem.
bers were In tears before it was over.
Some Of the ladies even cried aloud, and
speeches In support of the president were
made in broken voices, accompanied by
expressions of heartfelt sympathy for Mrs.
Palmer. Finally q resolution supporting
the president and thanking her for the
noble work she had done was unanimously
passed. A resolution passed empowering
the president to appoint committee to
formulate plan for great organization OF
ladies, of which the present board OF lady
managers is to be the foundation, the la
dies stating that when their Worlds fair
work was done they desired to band them
selves together to further the interests of
their sex.
The cloudy cold weather caused light
attendance at the Worlds fair today. Only
about 5000 entered the grounds during the
forenoon.
The Duke and Duchess of veragua and
members of their suite were honored
guests at coaching party this afternoon,
which concluded by a luncheon at the
Washington Park Club. Tonight Presi-
dent Higginbotham, of the local Worlds
fair directory. rendered the duke and
duchess an elaborate reception, 1900
guests being present