St. Landry clarion. (Opelousas, La.) 1890-1921, 1900-12-08

ecution of this difficult selection the
vocal gem of the concert, though all
the singers were above the average in
excellence Mrs. Bischoff is an eff
feient and enthusiastic assistant of
her gifted husband. DR.. BischoH has
endeared himself to the Washington
public not only by his musical attain
ments, genius and ability as an in
structor, but by his genial bearing
and those estimable qualities which
constitute man of integrity and cul-
tivation.
The blind organist does not need
guidance about the church which he
knows so well, nor does he need help
of any kind at the organ. While it is
likely that he might be bothered with
the handling of any other organ, he
knows his own as a father knows his
child. It is marvellous to see him enter
the church and take his place before
the beginning of the services. It is
wonderful to see him run his fingers
over the keys; and it is still more thrill
ing to see him reach forth into the
darkness which envelops him, no mat
ter how bright and beautiful the sun
may be for others, and manipulate the
stops which produce the exact effects
which are running through his master
full mind.
The pastor, DR.. Newman, says: "Dr.
Biscchoff has gone forth into our COM
munity in many capacities. He has
given us concerts at various times, and
he has given benefit concerts, going in
to the different churches to help the
causes which have appealed to him
By his unselfshness and generosity he
has endeared himself to thousands of
our people. He has gone into the
homes and hearts of the bereayed and
afflicted with me and the previous pas
tor by singing omniscient and omnip-
otent love to them in the funeral serv-
ices, thereby Tightening the burdens
which have to be borne in the moments
of seeming darkness when loved ones
have been apparently lost, but really
lifted up into the realms of light and
supernal joy. His music on such oc-
casions has been as benedictions from
the source of all music, which is the
source of all love.
''He is not only master of the organ,
but a master of organization. He is
not only musician. but man of the
keenest and kindest sensibilities and
susceptibilities. Having wide view of
the world, having astute knowledge
and being constant reader, he is alive
to current events and expresses him
self in his chosen and beloved sphere
with force and eloquence. In addition
to his musical genius, he is good COM
rade and a desirable element in the
community"
One can see in him, in his converse
tons, in his works and in his manners
the manifest fact that in being obliged
to lean on others because of his infirm-
ity this strong man has learned to lean
upon another, who has said that like
as a father pitieth his children, so the
Lord pitieth them that fear Him.
There is no gentler, manlier man. His
weakness has been made strength unto
him, because he has devoted himself
unto others. Beginning sife without
sight, he found himself helpless, but
only in one sense. He realized that he
must develop some one of his remain
ing talents, and he developed his best
talent. This world would be the bet
ter probably if every man having sight
could do as well and develop his best
talent. There are many thousands who
struggle on untimely to their tombs
without knowing which of their talents
is their best talent.
The life, the career, the success of
the blind organist ought to be an in
spiration to all of us. We might well
emulate his example and walk by faith,
and not by sight. Whoever has a win
viii not be lacking in finding a way.
Almost every man is good for some
thing. The successful men are those
who find out what they are good for,
and have the will to proceed in that di-
rection, forceful1y using all of their
energies to achieve.
But, after all, the greatest of men
have achieved their most wonderful
successes by falling on their knees, as
Bisehof did I'M childhood, and asking
for guidance from the Guide of al
guides.
SMITH .. FRY.
His Rerly