Evening star., 1898-01-26
DiSCORD AMONG MUSICIANS
Meeting Of Women's National Federation Of
Musical Clubs.
Dispute Between Mrs. Thomas and
to Spring Up.

CHICAGO, January 20.-Peace, harmony
and sisterly love are not hovering over
the meeting Of the National Federation
Of Women's Musical Clubs and Societies
The first session of the federation in Stein
way Hall had not progressed far before
the delegates were saying unkind things
about one another. and there was talk
of secession and revolt.
One faction is led by Mrs. Theodore SUIT
70 of New York and the other is compos-
ed OF the friends Of Mrs. Thomas, wife
of the famous orchestra leader. The lat
ter has said that the former used her
name fraudulently, and it was an attempt
by Mrs. Sutro to refute this which led
to the unpleasantness.
Purpose of the Meeting.
The meeting was called for the purpose
OF making permanent the organization,
which started in New York in June
last at the ninth annual session of
the Music Teachers National Associa-
tion. Delegates from over fifty anna
teur musical organizations are in at
tendance and more are coming At the
New YORK meeting Mrs. Sutro was unani-
mously elected temporary president Both
sldes agree that Miss Amy Fay and Mrs
ray Pierce, sisters of Mrs. Thomas were
present, and assured Mrs. Sutro that Mrs.
inomas would undoubtedly accept the po-
sit1on OF head of the executive committee,
MRS. Sutro accordingly issued a circular
With Mrs. Thomas name as chairman
Ihereupon the latter took offense and de-
cIared that Mrs. Sutro was using her name
fraudulently.
Tne fll-feeling broke out afresh on the
Ieaolng OF the report of the president. In
the report the Thomas affair was referred
10 as delicate and sorrowful subject"
ana the president said her honor was at
stake and that she must. therefore, touch
upon the subject in her report
Charge of Fraud Resented.
The use of Mrs. Thomas name in the
circular was explained and the charge OF
fraud resented. How much better and
wiser it would have been.'' concludes the
report, IF our secretary. Miss Ralston, in
stead Of spending her time in sending out
printed notices. pronouncing my work in
eHectuai. had spent her time working for
the success of the meeting
Ih1s reference to the matter raised
storm of protest and the Chicago friends
of Mrs. Thomas insisted that it be ex-
pugned from the report. Mrs. Sutro, as
sisted by Mrs. Clara KoSn, the New York
composer, insisted that in justice to the
mitted to remain. The report was finally
laid over and the discussion will be re-
newed.
Mrs. Thomas is not attending the meet
ihS, diiu IldS ueCidFeO tndt She mas no
further interest in the proposed fedora
ton.
Both sides profess to deplore the turn
affairs have taken. Mrs. Sutro has this
to say:
Il deeply deplore the feeling which seems
to exist 1t is all the result of wretched
misunderstanding. l intended to compli-
ment Mrs. Thomas in the position / gave
her and was exceedingly panied when
she publicly charged me with dishonesty
L sisters
favoring me for the presidency, and 1 am
exceedingly sorry Mrs. Thomas has with
drawn her support to the movement
Position of Mrs. DOrr.
Mrs Dorr of st. Paul spoke for the other
faction and said: 1.-The report was Had
vised. This organization grew out OF
worlds fair meetings held by Mrs. Thomas
and We have tried every means to get her
to be with us again and lend her valuable
aid. 1 have nothing to say against Mrs
Sutro. and / hope we shall elect the best
candidate for president Mrs Thomas
friends love her dearly and are loyal. to
her.