New-York tribune., 1904-10-23
STORY OF YOUNG vIOLINIsT'S DEATH
Friend Tells How Max Guhlka Came to
Commit Suicide.

To the Editor OF The Tribune
Sir: Erroneous statements in this mornings
newspapers concerning the suicide Of young Max
Guhlka prompt 20 state the facts. Young
Guhlka-he was only twenty-four years old-began
his studies in this country nine years ago. He went
10 Europe and completed his musical education at
Leipsic Berlin Paris and London. Upon return
ing this country some two months ago he calied
upon Mr. Conried, with a view CT getting per-
Inanent work. Mr. Conried referred the matter
in the first instance TO Alfred Hertz. conductor OF
the Metropolitan Opera House Young GUhlka
played for Mr. Hertz about TWO weeks ago. Alr,
Hertz was delighted with his playing. and he was
1t once promised position as first violinist, and.
in addition, called upon 70 play all solos wherever
II any OF the Wagner operas. II was arranged
that lie should make his debut a soioist on the
occasion Of the first Sunday evening concert, and
he had arranged upon that occasion 10 play the
difficult Wienawsid concerto. with orchestral &C
compartment. His intended visit to AT. Franko
was purely for the purpose OF signing the formal
contract Of which matter Mr.. Franko had charge.
Last week also, by special invitation young
Guhlka played al Boston for Mr.. Gericke and
Willy Hess the new concert master Of the Boston
Symphony Orchestra, Both expressed themselves
as highly pleased with his playing. and at once
offered him a position with the Boston Symphony
Orchestra. which. OF course, ne could not accept,
owing his previous understanding with Mr.
Conried.
The young man had everything 10 look forward
TO: his career was OF unusual promise The work
gave him difficulty whatever. But one thing
caused him Uneasiness, and that was his cond-
ton Of health Fer many months he had
planned OF severe pains IL his arms while playing,
which at times had compelled him 70 stop in the
midst OF piece. He consulted eminent
specialists IN Europe, and received treatment there
for. but there very substantial improve
ment. On Nedn esday last he was taken Ill with
fever and chills- he worried extremely over his
physical condition, and the morning OF MS un-
timely demise was examining intently medical
work which he had procured. on that morning
also he stated that he believed that he was suffer
ing from tuberculosis and kidney trouble, he bav-
ing apparently consulted some physician the night
before, and as his father had died OF the sama
disease this pTeyed on his mind and leo him to
believe that his condition of health would force
him give up his career, for which he had worked
so earnestly and devotedly for many years. This
worry about his condition unbalanced his mind,
and he thereupon committed the unfortunate
deed.
As far as srn aware, he left only three letters.
all OF them Indicating great worry about his
physical condition and showing that his mind
that time not normal Those letters were
mailed by him Immediately before his death.
IS hard 10 fatEom the idea that who
possessed such attractive qualities. who was loved
10 them his sterling integrity and his disinteTested-
ness, should have suffered so terrible calamity
just he about TO realize al! his cherished
ambitions. I know Of one who had z
eEviable disposition. His every word kind.
ard his every thought WAS for the welfare OF
others. At the last moment he feared that with
failing health he would be burden TO those near
brother true friend has been lost, and the world
has been deprived of a genius of unusual promise.
HERBERT r. LIMBURGER
New-1ork City, Oct. .. 1904