The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1894-07-14

lected by every one but his landlady, and
the contralto, Miss Minnie Huff. The
latter had been in an opera company
conducted by George Lo esch, and when
she heard of his condition promptly de-
cided to give an old friend what help
lay in her power. The plucky little singer,
like most artists, could not afford much.
but she visited the invalid several times a
day and tried to interest people in his be-
half.
Unfortunately George Loesch was not a
man who had many friends. He was out
spoken and irritable with his men. like
many other sincere musicians When,
with the assistance of William Krelling,
he built up the TivOli orchestra. he never
spared home truths to his performers.
telling those who could not read, or who
showed a want of ear, that they had mis-
taken their vocation AMI should be hauling
bricks. On the other hand, lie appre-
ciated men of real merit, and did more
than any one else in San Francisco
toward securing them adequate salaries.
"a good man is worth good pay" was one
of his aXoms, and the union frankly ac-
knowledges to-day that many thousands
of dollars that have been reaDed by its
members are owing to the good terms
secured for them by George Loesch.
But he never managed to lay by much for
himself, though Loesch has filled many
splendid positions both in Europe and
America. Domestic troubles drove him
from the East and made him reckless,
though he never forgot his misfortune In
dissipation. He worked necessarily and
T. ba do ~ 1of,
composition and orcheStration work for
which others got the credit, for he was
careless about making a name. Recently
he managed to save $3.50, and was induced
by sharper to invest in an ink manufac-
ture. The sharper decamped with the
money and Loosen was left pennless.
When seen by CALL reporter yester-
day the unfortunate man had almost the
first lucid interval since his attack.
Strapped TO cot in the dim ward, lighted
only by few electric jets. be scarcely
seemed to heed his gloomy surroundings.
or to notice the groans of wounded man
covered with unsightly bandages in the
next cot
How agreeable it is TO see visitors" be
said, smiling with pleasure, "a hospital
is quite pleasant when one has so many
friends" There was no unconscious
irony in the sick mans voice; it was evil
dent that he imagined himself the objec I
of the kindest attention from every one.
"She brought me some soup this morn
ing" he added, smiling at Miss Huff, land
now l have another visitor"
Talk 10 your visitor about music" said
the singer. George Loesch's face lighted
up Immediately, as he exclaimed 'Mu-
sic! l always Ike to talk about that to
any one who appreciates il" and being led
on by few questions, he told Of the nine
years when he was first violin with the
Boston symphony orchestra; he described
how he had toured with Seaman as con-
ductor for four years, and how in London
Alfred Collier, the composer of ''Doro-
thy" had tried to secure his services to
conduct that work. This was mentioned
among many other brilliant opportunities
which he appeared TO have let slip with
out regret.
The sick mans conversation was per-
fect!y rational and according 10 facts. He
onIy came back to his surroundings TO
ask every few minutes for water, which
he drank feverishly, and then went on to
ralk OF his beloved music. "You will get
them to take me to hospital. won't you?
he asked, as Miss Huff rose TO 60. II
sbould get better there more quickly"
Indeed I'll try" replied the singer,
and the sick man, who knew she meant
If rested content with that assurance.
A meeting of the San Francisco Mu-
sicians' Union was held yesterday after