New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-11-16
THE TROUBLES OF mASCAGNI.

Signor Mascagni is in trouble. His visit to
the United States is marked with veXation and
ANNOYANCE In the course of his operate vent
ures certain business claims have been pre-
ferred against him to secure the satisfaction of
which the claimants have caused his arrest. 1t
is, of course, unpleasant for any man TO De
arrested. 1t is particularly eXasperating Tor
one TO he thus treated who, because of his at
tainments and repute probably expected-and
by innumerable enthusiastic admirers was I'M
doubtedly expected-to be treated everywhere
as an honored guest and to have a veritaDle
tour Of triumph in the United States. We may
add that it is a general cause of sincere regret
that his visit 10 these shores should thus have
been marred This country properly prides IT.
self on being courteous and hospitable 10 dis
tinguished foreigners. and deplOres anything
that may. however unfOundedly, create a con-
trary impression
ANY impression however, that SignOr Mas
agni is being prosecuted or i'll treated by the
American people AT large, or that he is de-
prived of the equal protection of the law. is
unfounded There seems. therefore, TO be no
good ground for diplomatic representations or
talk of international complications. The Italian
Government will be right in watching the prog
ress of his case with attentive interest and with
a readiness 10 protest if he shall appear to be
unjustly treated. But it will doubtless perceive
that all things are being done fifty and in order.
and that there is no cause whatever for inter
vention. Such we are informed is the testi-
mony of the Italian Consul at Boston and such
we have no doubt. will he the testimony of all
judicious observers. The Italian musicians
wrongs" as he calls them, may be real or
fancied. We are"not passing upon that point.
If they are real he will get redress; of that he
may be assured: and that without any impas-
stoned appeals to King Victor Emmanuel If
they are fancied we cannot be expected to take
them seriously.
II will not do for Signor Mascagni or any one
else TO adopt in this country the D'Annunzian
notion that genius is absolved from amenab ility
TO the common law and is 10 be treated as a
thing apart therefrom. Artist and artisan are
here equal before the law. and thus they must
remain. Moreover. it is not merely as a genius
If genius he be-that SignOr Mascagni is visit
ing the United States. He is here on practical
business errand as WELL intent upon making a
substantial profit in good American dollars
Certainly he cannot justly complain If he is
treated a purely business basis and is held
10 the fulflment OF contracts just as all other
men are. AS TO the validity of the claims made
against him. as we have already said that is
not for US but for the courts TO determine. and
we have all confidence that the courts will de-
termine il with expedition and with equity. 1t
is cordially TO be hoped that Signor Aiascagni
will have a speedy and happy deliverance out
OF all his troubles, and that the remainder of
his American tour will be marked with pros
perity and felicity But whatever happens
there will be no occasion for fear of a war with
Italy over his woes.