The Wichita daily eagle., 1903-11-01

edge where it becomes criticism, and
were l to say Wichita is musical | would
bring upon myself derision by those that
know, although they might not express
their opinion to that effect in just the
plain statement that Wichita is not mu-
steal, but here without wishing TO.
have really fully expressed myself. yet
I must be truthful to my convictions
Wichita is not musical in true sense.
Wichita is what would term music
loving There is quite Il difference be-
tween being musical and music-loving.
will explain myself.
The situation was plainly demonstrat-
ed last season. 1 was not here, but L
was told such an attraction as Susanna
Adams was a financial failure and
that Campanari met with not much
better success. Now this is deplor-
able when such artists ought to draw
crowded house. The truth of it is, or
was. that only the musical people knew
the merits of the artists. l have heard
a number say. why. l never heard o:
Susanne Adams. Hence, you can plainly
discern the facts that Wichita is not
musical and that the masses must be in
formed. even about celebrities.
But all this is not saying anything
about Melba. and yet what can say that
has not already been said of the inimit-
able Melba that would not be adding
another long list of adjectives TO those
already accredited to her?'
Nine. Melba stands alone, unrivaled il
her class of singers at present. Melba is
a Nightingale human bird, so II
ton and a study 1 want every pupil of
mine to hear her-I intend TO see TO it
myself. SO that they shall. Right now
l wish we could have in our midst i
Carnegie, a Nine. Russell Sage. Nine.
Morgan or a Helen Gould or some phil
anthropic person that had the mears,
who. for the love and desire to cultivate
and extend the progress OF music. would
provide for students that can hardly al
ford attending concerts of a high order.
and it is Just this that they need. Stu
dents need to hear fine music as well as
study. and not until we can have the
best artists regularly can We hope to be
come thoroughly musical.
If ! was able 7 would love % help to-
ward bringing music to higher stan
dard l should thoroughly enjoy beeom-
ing the Nine. Thurber Of the Wesct.
.sro the musicians and music-loving the
coming OF Nine. Melba viii prove gala
feast. and TO myself IL viii even prove
more than this. although / do not know
her personally ! have met those that - !
and know SO much of her charming perl
sonality aside from her artistic ability !
have stood on the very spot where was
her accustomed place 10 stand. in her
dear teacher. Nine. Marchesis studio. I
where a magnificent portrait. life size. of I
Mel5a adorns the wall. seemingly ready /
10 speak; have heard OF her many kind !
deeds but more interesting still Is that
am her country -woman-aa Australian.
I came very near being born among The I
bush rangers like Melha. and about n;
the same tine. ] almost wish il were 50 1
and that l might have been rocked n 1
the cradle az the bush ranger instead OF /
the cradle OF the deep, and that some +
one might have changed the babies in 1
the cradle. providing the voices could .
have been exchanged also But that 4
sounds selfish. No. il Is better So 1 i
shall content myself with the privilege TO
hear and see her again"
This truly was hearing something new
wherein Melba figured. and strange that
away out here On the Western plains /