Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1901-04-05
THE "RONEY BOYS" CONCERT
Its Management Absorbed" About All the
Gate Money-Experience Has Not Taught.

The singing OF the Roney Boys"
at the theater Friday night, was sim
ply delightful, and indeed surprise,
coming as they did under n name
which carried the idea of low vaude-
vile and "horse-play." Scarcely,
however, had the first notes been
sounded before the audience realized
that they were to have rare treat.
The range OF voice exhibited was phe-
nomenal, and indicated what careful
training and continued practice will
do. The youngest of the trio of sing
ers possessed range of three octaves
and a note, and his voice was as clear
on the upper and lower register as on
the middle tones. Master Holbrook,
the violinist, displayed exquisite bow
ing and touch, and as result his
playing was more pleasing to both eye
and ear than of performers who rely
upon blare of trumpet to establish a
reputation and herald their approach,
and grotesque gymnastics on cat-gut
before the footlights to maintain it.
An explanation of the course Of
treatment which has brought such
satisfactory results was made by Mr..
Roney, at the close of the concert.
1t was entertaining and instructive,
as we'll as suggestive of imitation by
educators and pupils present. But as
there can be no work of art without
some flaw to the exacting critic, no
elimination of Natures grandest eff
forts without some blemish to those
disposed to be hypercritical, no har-
mony without discord to the super
sensitive ear, We will probably be par
doned for expressing the opinion of
nine-tenths of the audience that Mr..
Roney's mannerisms detractcd very
much from his address. The rhythmic
swing of his head passed the stages of
annoyance, to irritation, finally to
evaporation of his auditors-especial-
ly of nervous people. This. like the
name, is an error that may be correct
ed, and we note it to free this really
meritorious organization from a need.
less and serious hindrance.
The concert, after all the hard labor
of the directors and pupils to make 1t
success, Melted less than ten dollars
for the high-school library fund. This
but confirms, however, the oft.repeated
experience of our townspeople when
confronted by the Sellers-like bland
ishments Of some advance agent who
wishes to attach some popular object
as a tail to his speculative kite. These
exploiters are apt in figures and ripe
in experience, and generally manage
to pluck the benefcidre to the tail
feathers. and almost invariably get
away with the "sack" On final settle.
ment. There is fascination about
picking up money in devious byways.
Some people think there is Z" big
money" in public amusements, and
seldom relinquish the idea till their
fingers are burned. Repeated failures
are soon forgotten, and the trap when
set, seldom fails to catch game.
The concert of the Mendelsshon Co.,
a few years ago, was above the clouds
in ability, but Mr.. r. G. O'Brien went
500 "in the hole on guaranty,
every dollar of which the stony-heart-
ed director of the company exacted
from him on settlement. Many
others came out with the minus
sign denoting results, and only of
an unsolved equation to show how it
happened.
There is not a single instance now
in the mind of the writer Except the
first benefit to the band, when the
principal expenses were individual do.
nations, and the performance nearly
all home talent) wherein an adequate
or satisfactory benefit was realized by
those whose prestige made them a
success. And this gives force to the
admonition that it would be we'll for
societies, or organizations, to inform
themselves on the main facts that
have been SO amply demonstrated by
experience before they consent to be
made the cats paw for "swiping" Gas
Oily would say) the roast chestnuts
from the fire.