Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-07-04
The Opposite View.

Inc opposite view is expressed in letter
from one of the most prominent scientific
men IN Washington, who says:
am heartily in favor of the proposal to
mold the concerts of the Choral Society on
Sunday evenings. In reading the opinions
of the Boston clergymen, l am especial1v
struck with the objection of one who de-
PlofeS the commercial aspect of a Sunday
concert, and would suggest that we should
ask II this minister is paid for his Sunday
sermons The commercial aspect of the
churches who pay their preachers. and per-
maps their janitors, for Sunday services
may be equally deplored
sincerely hope that the members of the
chofls can so arrange their Sunday evening
services as to, enable them to take part in
the concerts. Further, | would state that
1t is not proposed to hold the concerts on
the Sabbath, as some of the Directing
ciergymen seem to think. Sunday is not
now, never has been and never will be the
SaDbath. That distinction is left for Sat
urday."
One great music lover takes the position
that If the laws of the land permit of
music mus being performed for pay on Sunday,
the society should make no further ado
about its proposed Sunday concerts" He
adds that he viii continue his membership
II the society will introduce an orchestra
with the chorus. saying that 'the grander
effects are lost without an orchestra
Between these conflicting opinions it may
be said that the board of managers of the
choral Society has a rather difficult posi-
tion There is not one of the board who
would not prefer to continue the oratorios
on week night if any auditorium were
available. On the other hand it may be
said that there is probably no one on the
board of managers, no matter with what
church he may be connected, who is will
ing to give up the presentation of orator.o
work as they all believe it to be entirely
proper for Sunday There is decided OBJ
lection on their part to taking any step in
YolVeq in Sunday concerts of sacred music
which will ALLEVIATE the support of any con-
siderable number of the good friends of the
society, who have supported it for many
years, but would be unwilling to attend
concerts on Sunday evenings. This feeling
is very strong here in spite of the fact that
1t seems to be pretty well assured that the
additional attendance OF others who are
seeking some appropriate form of occupa-
ton on Sunday evenings would more than
offset the loss in numbers of the present
subscribers.
Possible Solution.
The suggestion has been made from
many sources that an opportunity is pre-
sented to the Congregational Church au-
thorities to settle this problem in a very
simple way, and that is, to ask the Com
missioners whether their church would be
held liable to taxation if they permitted the
CHORAL Society to use it without rent. but
upon payment to the church authorities of
the actual expenses of gas and fuel con-
sumed 1t is the opinion of good legal au-
thority that this is entirely permissible
within the law. 1t is well known that the
Commissioners of the District would be
ready In any way within the law to aid in
advancing the valuable public work done by
the Choral Society.
The society itself, in the absence of such
an offer from the Congregational Church.
cannot very well present this question to
the Commissioners, but number of the
members of the Congregational Chuch have
expressed themselves as strongly in favor
of such offer being made.