The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-07-01

1t is practically an assured fact that
the tabernacle choir VIII make tour
of the principal cities of the west next
fall. Frank d. Higbee of New York,
who has promoted numerous enter
prises of similar character. is ready
TO back the project If it is successful,
Mr.. Higbee will take the choir 10 the
Paris exposition next year.
About 200 Present.
About 200 members of the choir and
the singing classes under Professor
Stephens assembled In Choir hail on
Richards street last night to hear his
explanation of the scheme. Professor
Stephens made a little talk. in which,
without giving any names. he said that
reliable parties were behind the prop
osition.
They have made proposition" said
Professor Stephens, Ito take the choir
100 or 200 strong, on a six or eight
weeks tour that will include the prin-
cipal cities of the east and the middle
west The plan includes an orchestra
and soloists. with the understanding
that if the trip is successful a journey
to Paris and Europe will be undertaken
next year.
ut is proposed that the start be made
late in October. and wind up about
Christmas. First-class transportation
viii be furnished 10 all SOlOiStS and
members of the choir. and after deduct
ing the expenses, the net profits will be
shared between the promoters and the
choir, at the rate of so per cent for the
former and 10 per cent for the latter
"Of the 40 per cent 1 propose TO give
10 per cent to the soloistS and 80 per
cent to the chorus. You all may re-
turn with about 10 Genus each. and you
may return with considerably more. In
any event, you will have had a delight
full trip, practically without expense to
any one of you"
Kansas City Offers $500.
Continuing, Professor Stephens said
ne had read a letter from prominent
people of Kansas City, guaranteeing
$1,000 for a single concert. During our
tour" he continued, 1--WE will give
forty-two concerts and twenty-four
matinees. Suppose all the night per-
formances can be sold at the rate OF
$1,000 each. and the matineeS at half
that sum- Our expenses will probably
be about 800 per day. This would leave
$500 per performance profit, and figur-
ing the matinees at half that amount,
would be $500, or S42, 200 for the trip
This, L may say, is a Sanguine out
look. but it is within the range of prob
ability. The choir will appear in the
first-class houses. such as the Auditor
ium or Music hall in Chicago, and
houses of similar class in other cities"
In conclusion. Professor Stephens
asked all who desired to go and all who
would use their best efforts to make
the trip. to hold up their hands The
response was practically unanimous.
The meeting was then adjourned 20
the tabernacle, where the choir. as
sisted by Professor j. ]. Daynes. gave
a brief programme for the benefit of
Mr.. Higbee and Fl. NJ. Clay of the
Union Pacific, who has been acting as
Mr.. Higbee's sponsor. The programme
included the "Hallelujah Chorus "Oh,
My Father The Soldiers Chorus
from Faust" and other selections. At
it's conclusion Mr.. Higbee briefly adj
dressed the choir.
Expressed His Approval.
Ee expressed great approval Of the
music and congratulated the choir on
its successful rendition of the various
selections. "Grau never gave such
chorus as that in Faust. he said.
The voices here are fresh and musical
They haven't the hard. worn, metallic
ring that Grau's chOruses had. / would
not be afraid to place this choir in Mil
waukee or Cincinnati, where they have
German singing societies"
At the Alta club last night. Mr. Hig-
bee said: After hearing the choir sing,
[ have no desire TO withdraw my prop
)Sition. which was as stated by Mr..
Stephens. The contract for the tour
has not been closed as yet. but the final
papers may be signed today. If L take
he choir east it will travel in a special
train, with all expenses, even laundry
bills, paid.
Il believe the tour will prove to be
IN immense success. If present plans
20 through, we will go first tG, Laramie,
hen to Cheyenne and Denver Atchi-
son. Kan. Kansas City. st. Louis. Terre
daute. Chicago and other eastern cit
es-'
No possible hitch seems likely at
present Professor Stephens laid the
question of a tour before meeting of
he first presidency of the church and
he apostles yesterday. and received