The herald., 1897-11-10
ON THE STREET

The visit Of the Henschels this week
should be fair test of the musical taste
and intelligence of Los Angeles. When
heard that Mr.. Blanchard had been to
San Francisco and engaged these two in
comparable artists for a couple of con-
certs my gratitude was tempered with
admiration for his boldness. Such en-
terprise in the light of recent bitter dis
appointments deserves. indeed. not only
the highest commendation but some
thing good deal more substantial-pro-
nounced success. Mr.. and Mrs. Georg
Henschel have made their impress upon
the musical taste of the civilized world.
Their art Is exquisite and unique. the
essence Of refinement and withal splen-
didly rich. The royal reputation that
they bring with them from Europe has
been endorsed by the press and public
of this country alike. The San Fran
cisco Chronicle of last Monday says:
The California theater was crowded at
the Henschel concert last night. The foyer
held as many standing as 1t could accom-
modate, the balcony was the same, and
the gallery was full 10 its capacity. 1t was
one of the largest concert audiences the
town has seen. and 1t Is not unlikely that
business.
San Francisco has proved worthy OF
its privilege. sincerely hope Los An
geles may do the same. One thing Is
perfectly certain-that IL this engage
ment does not terminate successfully
we may reconcile ourselves to a future
devoid of the best music. Too many
great artists have already given us the,
go-by. If we reject the Henschels we
shall deserve all the punishment we are
sure to get. Therefore 1t behoves every
one who knows who the Henschels are.
or who has had the rare enjoyment of
listening to their charming singing. to
do little missionary work on their own
account, as well as for the benefit of their
friends. Simpson tabernacle should be
crowded on both Thursday and Saturday
evenings.
The financial earthquake in the Jona-
than club has. I am assured. been satis-
factorily bridged over. At the ''in-
formal meeting of the club, summoned
by the president last Saturday night.
harmony was the rule, and the premedi-
tated kicks of few rebellious spirits
were never brought home. The men,
bers of the Jonathan club have surely
no objection to paying their debts but 1t
seems a dubious policy to make the as
sessment redeemable by the entrance
fee of a new member. The proposition IS
simply this: A is asked to pay $25 in
stead of So, his regular monthly dues for
the current month. His receipt for this
s25 is to be received in full payment for
the admission fee Of new member. A
induces B to join the club, and If 3 is
willing to pay the ordinary entrance fee.
s25. why then A will not only be en-
tirely recouped but also will not
have had any regular dues to pay for
November at all. If r thinks he would
like to Join at reduced rate, apparently
it is within AS discretionary powers to
submit his name at any figure A and L
may arrive at. If the Jonathan club is
anxious to preserve it's prestige, such u
course seems dangerous. The action of
the board Of directors simply amounts to
placing premium on touting for new
members, who, it is hoped, will relieve
the liability of the present members.
Some of the members, am told, defend
the action by declaring that it is a busi-
ness proposition. There should surely
be other equally businesslike and less
Objectionable methods by which the
finances of the club may be established on
a sound basis. BYSTANDER.