The herald., 1897-07-12
LOS ANGELES RESIDENTS
WHO THEY ARE AND WHAT
THEY ARE DOING
A New italian Opera Company Which
Will Be Seen in the City-"Papa"
Schurtz' "Passion Play"

SEASON mas arrived, generally unuer-
stood by the outside world as being the
most disagreeable part of the year. Why
it should be so considered is unaccount-
able except on the ground of ignorance,
for to me it is the most delightful part
of the year. The rains cleanse the at
mosphere, wash out the sewers and de-
stroy the bad odors which were so
prevalent before they came. The i'm
preston that this season of the year is
not particularly pleasant in the City
Of Mexico is emphasized by the exceed
for business or pleasure, and the result
is that business is comparatively dull
and the inauguration of new enterprises
will not begin until fall.
This dull season, however, is not an
indication of any material letting up
in the tremendous strides Mexico has
made and is making in commerce and
civilization. 1t is simply a breathing
spell and temporary rest in prepara-
tion for the gigantic efforts in the fall.
The great wave of commercial energy
and business enterprise that swept
across the North American continent
until it met the Pacific ocean on the outer
edge of the Golden state will be repeated
in Mexico. That individualsm which
was so characteristic in the develop
ment of the great west, and particularly
in California, here finds room for ex-
panson unhampered by monopoly, and
by laws sectional in character. The
northern republics difficulties have been
to the advantage of Mexico. The giant
monopoles and class legislation in the
way of the tariff are causing an influx
of American business men and Ameri-
can capital into this country that is as
astonishing as it is exceedingly gratify-
ing to those who desire the advance
ment of Mexico.
The Dingley bill is causing no little
apprehension. In conversation with an
American who has lived here for years,
he said:
There is no sentiment in business,
and the loss of trade to the United States
by the enactment of the Dingley bill
will be considerable, and other coun-
tries, especially England, will gain big
advantage. The change in the tariff
policy is not slight one, and its bad
effects upon American importers cannot
at this time be estimated. The increased
duties upon Mexican products into the
United States will undoubtedly be met
with like increase by the Mexican gov
eminent, the result of which may en-
tirely change the current of trade, of
political and industrial development"
One singular fact which the learned
political economists of the United States
may ponder over is the large number of
inquiries constantly flowing into this
republic for business opportunities and
the prices of land.
A majority of these inqurers repre-
sent themselves to be worth from $4,000
to $4,000. Under the prevailing condi-
tons in the United States-the unset
tied state of currency, with the prospect
of the enactment of tariff schedules
which are best exemplified-a Chinese
wall of exclusion-the chances are
against the investment of such sums. 1
do not undertake to explain the reasons
that are causing the best elements of the
United States to seek new fields for their
energies. l simply state the facts.
AS an illustration of the difference be-
tween the administration of the laws in
the United States and Mexico, an Incl
dent may be given. Two gentlemen
having disposed of coupons in the regu-
lar business of brokerage, which had
been taken from the Mexican treasury
by dishonest employe, had their prop
erty seized to make up the loss sustained
by the unlawful abstraction of the cou-
pons from the government. Justice fol-
lowed quickly upon the commission of
the act; and it is at all times dealt out
irrespective of the influence or standing
of the guilty party. Many instances of
a like character might be cited, but the
above is sufficient for the purpose of
drawing attention to the fact that there
is absolute confidence in the impartial
administration of laws. From this i'm
partial and just Interpretation of the
laws under Gen. Diaz has grown that
absolute confidence in the security of
investments and protection.
Talking with Mr.. e. Bageard, who
represents the Orpheum circuit in Mex
leo, and who is we'll known all over the
Pacific coast among theatrical people,
he says that by the time the Burbank
is again ready for use there will be some
attempt made to open it with a season
Of grand opera. A company from Italy
| direct to this city, comprising seventy
people, with an orchestra of thirty and
a ballet of twenty, including two pri-
meria, will open at the Naconal in Sep
| tember.
| If proper arrangements can be made
the company will visit the coast, max
Ing the first stop at Los Angeles.
| The repertoire comprises all the stand
ard operas, including four new ones:
"Werther," 'Promessi Sposi," "Amico
Fritz" and Maestro di Capella." On
the opening night "Gismonda" will be
given. Among the sopranos of the COM
pany / noticed the names of Senoritas
Nina Mazzi and Linda Montanari, and
among the contraltos Emma Savini,
with Francesca Collenz as the leading
tenor and Giovanni Scolara as the
basso.
A wealthy Israelite' is the financial
backer of the company, and no expense
will be spared for the presentation of
grand opera. Mr. Bageard. an old and
experienced impressario. will look after
| the general arrangements and prac-
tically manage the company in this city.
The French Opera company had a
| financial success here, but not an artis-
tic one. The San Francisco papers went
into ecstacies over the artistic merits
Of that company. but they were more
or less of a disappointment here, and II