The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-05
BRILLIANT CAREER.
John Philip sousa, Band Masterand Com
poser Enjoys Such a Reputation

The brief, but brilliant career OF "El
Captains" composer, is an instance OF the
sudden prosperity that sometimes visits
men OF talent. Not more than five years
ago, John Philip Sousa was an humble
sergeant OF marines and the conductor of
the United states Marine Band. stationed
at Washington, and, doubtless, many VINO
read this article who visited washington
during the period of time referred to, VIII
recall TO mind the enloydnie concerts
given by this band In the Nmte House
Grounds. S0usas pay was thirty dollars
a week and he was content with II, until
one day the bee Of ambition buIzed IN MS
bonnet. and he asked Congress 70 ailoW an
appropriation sufficient TO enaDle MN 70
employ better players FOR the re-0rSaniza-
ton of the band, ard also improve the
Marine Orchestra, which was always Ill
demand upon STATE occasions. MI Sousa
had every right 10 ontreat TINS favor, LOT
he had spent twelve years IN tne SeIEIce
of the government, aud during thdt tune
his ability as a leader and a composer OF
sprightly swinging marches had given tne
Marine Band a national reputation. Iils
request was refused. and SOusa was us
heartencd, but private cltlZsh, Who
afterwards became Sousas manager rec
ognizing the musicians talent, oicred 10
organize a band, place him at It's mead
with salary of 100 dollars per week, IN
GLIDING a share of the profits OF the sea-
son. SOusa accepted the oner, resigned
from the service. organized the band ana
went on tour The result more than Jusu,
ned his friends expectations. inc tota,
receipts Of a twelve weeks tour amounted
10 $4,000 and the profits were S-o,VuV, OUT
Of which SOusa drew 5000, leaving ms
friend and manager the neat sum 1l 30,
600 dividend from the venture. Duilns
this time SOusa spent his leisure hours IN
composing and from the sale OF MS
marches alone he now draws royalties 70
the extent Of $4,000 year. Ihese ear u.
ings, with his receipts from ri captain,
bring his present yearly income up 10
about $4,000. Yet. five years ago, MS en-
tire earnings amounted TO $l.JJ a year
John Philip Sousa was born in WASH
ingiOn, and under the SHADOW Oh w
Capitol. His father was a Castillian, ana
I'm the ancient town Of SaragOssa IN
Spain. where he was born and reared, he
attained considerable local renoWn as Il
skilled musician His mother was a patrl-
oic American woman ana a memDet ot
one Of Marylands leading families. Sousa
is shOrt-sighted and has TO wear eye
glasses. even when he is listening TO mu-
sic. but the lens Of his spectacles are so
powerful that he can already see hlmseu
rich man long before he IS am ora man.
The popularity Of SOusas light comic
operas, among ell classes OF theatre-go-
crs. is evidenced by the fact that ever
since the opening Of De Wolf Hopper
present season i'm SOusa's and klein's III
Captain" it's gross earnings have ayerag-
ed nearly ten thousand dollars each week,
and the composer and author are now IL
viding $500 each week In royalties. This Is
the heaviest drain on the operate eXche-
quer outside Of the general running eX-
penses OF the organization, but, OF course,
Mr.. Hopper does not object 10 that, Tor
the more money paid Gel Captains pro-
genitOrs. the more money comes into his
own treasury and if the prosperity holds
up 20 its present standard, SOusa and
Klein will divide many thousands OF dol
lars and Hopper and his business associ-
ates will be able 90 declare enormous dlN-
idends ere the beauties Of the opera Wane,
and IL Is placed in retirement along with
wang" "Dr. SyntaX,' and other prede-
ccssOrs.