Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1899-06-11

cation of the assertion that its expo
nents may be met with in the most
unexpected quarters. The writer was
close observer of events at the Eistedd-
fod, and saw abundant reason for con-
graduation to those taking part, and
particularly for the male musicians.
Those men came from the mills and
glass houses of West Virginia, Ohio
and Pennsylvania. They did not ap-
pear in dress coats, they were I'M
learned in the nicer usages of polite
society; their hands were hardened
with honest toil-almost without ex-
ception they were workingmen. But
they loved music, and knew the lam
guage of the Divine art as completely
as do those of ample means, and more
abundant opportunity for cultivation
in the fine arts. No twenty Or forty
of the well-dressed and elegant gentle
men of leisure OF this city could have
competed with them for any prize,
for they knew much of the art
they loved, and gave evidence of COM
petent tutelage, hard study and per-
sonal enthusiasm. Many individual
voices there could stand successfully
the most rigid criticism, and yet, as
one we'll dressed youth remarked, they
are only workingmen.
~
The criticism is true, and the more
honor to those Welshmen. They do
not receive invitations to exclusive
musicales. They have not had the adj
vantage of the musical culture which
those we'll off in this worlds goods
enjoy. They would lily grace draw
ing room, perhaps, but let it not be
forgotten that among the masses So
called music has a deep appreciation,
and that it is there quite as well I'M
derstood as in the more select, if not
higher, circles of society.
49,
The writer recalls some evidences OF
this culture among those in whom it
might not be expected A few years
ago he was on board Hudson river
steamer, en- route for New York City.
There was a very capable orchestra Of
rather more than twenty pieces, and
during the afternoon, after the band
had concluded the overture to Tam
hauser," the director strolled across
the deck, was recognized by one of a
group of gentlemen, and was introduced
to some others. Some kind remarks
were made about the orchestra, and
the conductor, with a slightly super
cilious air, said: Perhaps some Of
you are musical The remark some
what nettled one Of the group, who had
said nothing, and turning to the con-
ductor he remarked: May ! conduct
the next NUMBER" ooh, certainly"
said the musician, "and select it too,
if you please" The quiet man, who
CHANGED to be a reporter, stepped to the
conductors stand, raped sharply, and
announced, Overture to Poet and
Peasant There was a hasty dig
ging among music, the band straight
ened itself out, and without the notes,
that reporter led them with cane
through such a rendition as caused the
original smile on the conductors face
to turn to wonder, and at the end was
most warm in his congratulations and
very respectful in tone. The reporter
simply bowed, retired to his seat and
lit a fresh cigar.
On another occasion several gentle
men called upon a friend, at his resi-
dence, on business, and having by
chance been Joined en- route by a very
respectable workingman, who was a
mutual friend, he was urged to follow
the party, as the call was to be brief
one. Adjoining the parlor where the
business was discussed was a music
room, and there two very swell young
men were singing, to tSAa accompani-
ment of young lady Some chance
remark brought about mutual introduce
TOMS and in reply to an expressed ap-
probation of one of the numbers a
singer unkindly limited that he was not
aware he was within hearing of
critic. Not at all,'' said the plain
workingrssan, Ito criticise is often I'M
necessary, and almost always unkind.
But since you have spoken allow me
to sing the number for you" and there
followed tenor solo which left the
well-dressed vocalists abashed and
gracefully took his leave with his
friends.
You can never tell how much a man
knows, these days, if you judge him BY
his clothes. A tramp may quote from
Omar Khayyam, or. though his toes
be out, whistle the Pilgrims Chorus"
or hum the Dagger Song" from 1.-The
Huguenots" while he wonders where
he will get the next meal.
49,
I was once amused at a ragged and
half-intoxicated printer, who persisted
in embarrassing a school Professor"
by quoting Greek-but that's another
story.
On"