The Pacific commercial advertiser. [volume] (Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands) 1885-1921, 1898-11-08

the journey, and accordingly ne was
left on the island. under the charge OF
competent nurses. His disease did net
improve, and death finally claimed
him.
Charles H Watson was one of the
best known musicians in the North
west. For many years he was director
OF the First Regiment Band, an organ
ization which he founded, and by his
untiring energy had brought 10 a high
state Of perfection. In his following
were some OF the best musicians in the
West. He had afaculty for leading
men, and in band and orchestra mat
ters he was the recognized leader in
Minneapolis. Aside from his band he
was the conductor of WatsOn's Orches-
ira, which played at some of the best
entertainments, and for the year past
was in charge of the Bijcu Theater Or
chestra.
Aside from his work as leader, he
was musician of no mean ability,
| the violin and basOon being his favor
| tie instruments, although he under
| stood them all, and was an arranger of
considerable merit. He arranged many
! OF the numbers played by his organi-
cations. His most notable work was
in the gathering of large military
bands for special grand street work,
that used ar the Elk's parade being
one of the largest ever seen in Mime
| apolis. Lately, in company with Otto
! PankOff, of the Bijou, he engaged in
| the publishing business. the first pub
~
enjoyed a good run.
When the war broke out Mr. Wat
son linked his fortunes with his regi-
ment, leaving mis- wife and child at the
residence, 90 Thirteenth street south,
| and going where duty called him. He
was exceedingly popular with the So
diers. and it is said OF him that he
did not have an enemy in the regi-
ment. His death was untimaly, cut
ting short a promising career, and he
viii be sadly missed in musical circles
in Minneapolis. where his pleasant
personality and kindness, especially
! TO young composers, was marked and
distinct.
A concert for the benefit Of the dead
bandmaster's family was given at
Lake Harriet on August u, at which
a band of sixty trained musicians, as
sisted by numerous sOlOists. took part
and a comfortable sum (S550) was
realized and paid to widow.
A strange thing Oct. FRED in cOnnec.
ton with the REMEMBERING of the Min,
[ nesOta regiments. which is thus allud
: ed to by the Minneapolis Tribune:
When the news of Bandmaster c
D II. WatSOn'S death at Honolulu reache
g the Minnesota soldiers at Manila,
2 great many of them viii recall a pc
I Culiar incident which aroused theu
r surprise at the time, but which wat
7 partially forgotten during the press o
so much excitement.
The day that Governor Clough de
cided to renumber the three Mime
. sofa regiments Mr.. Watson was in hi
office. He learned that day that h
was to go with the regiment, and alst
that its number would be Is. Whel
he left the office he saw a brass but
ton lying on the floor, and, picking i
5 up, was surprised TO find that il hat
o the number Is inscribed on it. H
: made extensive inquiries, but coul
find no one who could explain any
: thing about the button. He decide,
that it was his mascot, and for loni
time wore it on his coat. He told tn
- other officers about it, and they de
clared that it was quite coincidence.