The morning times., 1896-02-16

For the past week there has appeared in
the daily papers an advertisement announc-
ing that benefit concert would be given
to Miss Cora Merriam Howes at Metzerott
Music Hall on Saturday evening, February
| Is.
The advertisement also stated that Miss
Howes would be assisted by the Washing
ton String Orchestra, Ernest Lent, con-
duCtor. Last night at O'Clock MetZerott
Hall was dark and deserted. There were no
| signs of an entertainment of any kind.
| But few people were on the street, and
there was no crowd about the doors await
| ing admission.
A man who was putting up board bills
for some future attraction said he knew OF
no concert to be given in the building dur
ing the evening, but that they would prob
ably know something about it at the store.
The store on street was closed and
the man in charge stated that no concert
would take place that night. Further than
that he knew nothing, but had been noti-
fled earlier in the day that the hall would
not be used during the evening.
GETTING AT THE TROUBLE.
In view OF the fact that the amoun cement
had been positively made that a concert
would be given at the place and time,
the mystery. An effort was also made
tosee Miss Howes, but she could not be found
last night. A close friend and one who
was much interested in the concert was
| seen, however, and presented her side
Of the case.
MIR. Lent said: About two weeks ago
was approached by Miss HOwes and asked
IL ! would assist al her concert with the
Washington String Orchestra. ] replied
that ] should be very glad to render her
any aid toward the success OF the entertain
| ment that was in my power. ] then ex-
planned TO her that guarantee would be
| necessary.
| Miss Howes showed me some very
| high references and also mentioned the
names of Col. E. b. Hay and a Gen.
| Brindle whom she said came from Penn
sylvania. She said that Col. Hay had
| promised to hold himself responsible
| for the guarantee.
MIR. LENT DECLINED.
| Mr.. Lent stated that he heard nothing
| from Mr.. Hay. Hearing nothing further,
however, about the guarantee, he ac-
| companied Miss Howes on Friday morn
| ing TO Metzerott Hall and found that
| but three tickets had been sold UP TO that
| time.
The money still being noticeable for its
! absence, a note was sent to the papers that
afternoon stating that the Washington
| String Orchestra would not appear at
the concert, all IeEorts TO the contrary
! Notwithstanding.
| 1t is said that Miss Howes was very in
! dignant at this action and has threatened
| to sue Mr.. Lent, but Just what for is not
stated. Her trouble with Mr.. Lent was
not the only difficulty that confronted
| Miss HoweS in her efforts 10 arrange a
concert. She went to several well-known
| piauists and asked for their services on the
night on her benefit. Among those APP
| preached was Mr.. John Porter Lawrence.
| He consented 10 act as her accompanist, hut
4 after having one rehearsal stated that he
positively could not appear.
| Miss Howes had given her address as
/ No. 921 / street northwest. She does not
/ live at that address, but has her letters
| sent there. General Brindle boards at the
/ above number and when seen last night
stated Miss Howes' side of the case.
He said that Miss Howes had been first
! approached by Mr.. Lent. who stated that
| he would like to repeat the concert of
| February s, and would be happy TO ar
range a benefit for Miss Howes. He also
| stated that Mr.. Hay first came TO Miss
| Howes and offered 10 become the guarantor
before she mentioned the matter TO him.