New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1897-06-07
MUSICAL COMMENT.
RooF-oARDEN CONGRATULATED STo'
RES ARE TOLD TO THE GERMANS
-sEIDL IN LONDON-NIKIsCH
IN PARASITIC FRENCH
AND WAGNER

IN PARASITIC FRENCH
AND WAGNER.
The weather N not yet propi,ious for roof garden
entert ailments, but commendable number OF
music-Iovers gathered on the Madison Square Gar
den roof on Saturday night. and showed their ap-
preciation OF the enterprise OF Mr.. Neuendorn ana
the Metropolitan Orchestra by generous though dis
eliminating applause. Mr. Neuendorh had prepared
q varied programme. in the compilation OF which he
disclosed a desire to follow the maxirns laid down by
the rue OF the wedding feast at Cana OF Gahiee he
gave them first freely OF the good wine OF music
and then something OF different vintage and poorer
brand Part had in 1t Wagner, 0odmark. Delibes
ard Creig; Part 2 Smetana, Reinecke, Jaxonf Sir
Arthur Sullivan and Verdi theel taps with water;
Part 3 Suppe, Strauss Uhe genial JonanD ana
Wagner The conductor performed his duties con.
scientlously and so did the men OF the band and
the music good II the weather clerk VIII help
the concerts ought to succeed.
II there is any limit to the creduty OF the German
Journalist touching all matters relating 70 America
or at least all those which reflect upon the Amefi-
can character IL has not yet been discovered seven
years ago. when the death sentence was Tor the
first time executed against murderer In this state
by electricity the "NationaZetung, OF Berlin,
which plumes itself upon writing for the higher
classes" devoted over column 10 story winch
told how the rivalry between the various makers OF
electrical apparatus for the privilege OF FURNISH
great that one Of them brbed the entire Legislature
IN corpore and thus secured the coveted contract
All this at time when II was well known that the
money which the electrical companies were spenc-
ing on the devoted TO an attempt 70 oe-
feat the law which made death by electricity the
penalty for murder in the first degree. An American
nexyspaper writer who CHANGED 10 be in Berlin at
the time and was acquainted With the responsible
Editor Of the "Nationazetung," drew his atten-
ton TO the falsy OF the story. but it was too in
genious and striking an illustration OF the rapacity
venality and vulgar cruelty Of the American peo-
Die 10 be corrected: and the tale has probably
place in German minds as part OF the history
OF American law morals and manners.
The incident Is recalled by recent feuhleton IN
the "Tagebatt,' Of Berlin. entitled Jenny Lind
and Barnum" written by somebody who calls him.
self Franz Fr.dberg and vouches for the literal
truthfulness' Of the story, which he says was told
him by Maurice Strakosch. Poor Strakosch alas. Is
dead and cannot defend himself. He was most
amable raconteur and none Of his friends were
ever disposed to the unadorned truth from
him when he was INDUCING his fondness for reminis-
cence but 1t il an insult 10 his memory 10 attribute
a story like this of Fridberg's ~ him Inc s'or! III
brief was as follows: Jenny Lind had won great
popularity in England. but earned no mercy TOT 'e
latter convenient commodity she was ooilsed 'o'"al
till she came 10 America. That visit was Drought
about In this way Godschmidt. her Accompanies.
had gone TO America TO seek his fortune. Il mad
been hard parting for he loved the singer me AZ
terward married herr and the result was dsaPpoi'
ment He was about 10 return home wren ne H'e'
Barnum and complained TO him OF mis- Ni-iuck' par
M n was equally unhappy. He had tried everything
circus violin virtuosos. dancers educSted apes
learned lecturers'-but all IN vain. Then Ho!d-
schmidt suggested that he knew q singer IN f@lE-
land who might be card in America
"A singer? Pah. whats her IA ne?'
Jenny Lind"
That's name
But she sings beautifully"
Good thing for her. but no business for me-"
But she's the greatest singer In England.
..petter still for her; but we'll talk about some
thing else"
After while spent in talk on other supJecls "o'~-
schmidt returned to the attack.
For Gods sake" Barnnm broke IN impa'ie"'s'
leave me in peace with your singer We have Is
many singers as there are sands on the seashore'
PITY" replied Goidschmidt. careiess!y. perhaps
after all something might be done with the S"e''sH
Nightingale"
Barnum leaped 10 his teet " ha' 'ii"'' S
ish'--
That's what they call her in England"
What is she called?
The Swedish Nightingale"
The Swedish Nightingale? Telegraph AZ once I"
Miss Jenny Lind. l will engage her Tor one nun
dred concerts: $1,000 down, free voyage ana living
fer three persons. Al once 49,
But nv dear friend. you haven't heard her'
Heard her. What the deVil 90 hHo~ oo"es
music? Swedish Nightingale immense And you.
unlucky wretch wait till now before telling me-!
C;odschmidt rushed 10 the telegraph office, sent
the message received answer and the thing was
| done.
This much Of the story Nigh, be accepted good
uaturedy even II the facts were no, Of record that
the contract between Barnum and Jenny Linz was
negotiated by Mr. Barnums agent. J. II. Wilton. IN
January 1859 with the singer herself that this was
a year and four months before Mr.. Goldschinidt
(who Joined her company here in May. isoi at'er
Mr. Julius Benedict. the original pianist, had re-
turned TO England ever saw America. ana that the
Geographic message pcremptorily ordered and
promptly sent dispatched eight years oefore
there was an Atlantic cable.
Rut the maryels are just beginning a new bridge
vas builiing in the harbor The newspapers an
,,ou,ced thar il was to be dedicated when Jenny
lind arrived There IT stands. regal structure
/ crowded with humanity waiting Tor the snip only
invited guests have been given access 10 H. Inc
shin comes In sight: tremendous excitement
seizes the masses; all crowd forward shrieknS
"IIurrah" waving handkerchefs. stamping with
,boir feet A crash. a scream OF horror. Tho
bridge has collapsed, Was IL an accident due 10
| the faulty construction of the bridge? Oh. mol
1t was Barnums most mastery trick he mao
provided the money TO build the bridge, hired the
/ .invited" public to stand on II at $40 per head.
placed those who could swim farthest from the
! shore the others nearer. and the moment the
ship landed the piers pulled away and the
structure with all upon II precipitated into the
water few hours later kilograms flashed In al!
| directions: Horrible catastrophe. Five hundred
| dead When the ship which brought the Swedish
nightingale to New-York hove in sight to-day
! there was such a crowd and a scramble on the
/ newly built landing bridge that il collapsed. Five
| hundred persons drowned. When Miss Jenny Linz
| heard OF the dreadful catastrophe she wept Bit
terly and at the p!ous artist resolved TO de-
! vote the proceeds of her first concert 10 the re-
| lief OF the families Of the victims" And Mr.. Franz
! Frdberg concludes. putting the words into the
! Of MI Maurice. 'RarnIm did the