The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-22
new FIRST VIOLIN A SUICIDE.
SHOT HIMSELF CLUTCHING MES
SAGE FROM OPERA HOUSE.
Gutlka Had studied in Europe Through
Rich WOman's BOunty-Nahan Frankie
Says He Had Genius-Left Mother and
sisters TO DIE al Instant Of Triumph.

Max Guhlka young violinist who lived
in a fiat house at So Fast Eighty eighth
street, was eating dinner with his widowed
mother and his two sisters last evening
when a telegram from Nahan Frankie.
who engages performers for the Metro
politan Opera House orchestra. was brought
to the house Offering the young musician
an engagement to play first violin at the
Metropolitan this season.
Guhlka read the telegram, excused
himself from the table, went into the parlor
adjoining, lay down upon sofa and shot
himself through the head The telegram
from Mr. Frankie was found on the floor
when his mother and sister rushed into
the room.
Ten years ago Guhlka was a boy of Is
with an ambition to become great violinist.
He had studied and played ever since he
was years old and it was his dream to go
abroad and take lessons from masters OF
the violin in Berlin and Vienna. His family
was comfortably situated, but there was no
money for the boy TO use in expensive tn
ton in Europe.
He went to Nahan Franko and AJAX ed
him what he should do. Mr.. Frankie asked
the boy To play for him and when young
Guhlka had played he told him TO come
back; he would see what could be done
Mr. Frankie knew of a wealthy woman
who. he thought, would be glad to pay the
boys expenses in Europe. He went TO
her. told her Guhlka had undoubted genius
and asked her il she would help him. She
agreed at once and when the boy returned
to Mr.. Frankie he was told to get ready
to go abroad at once
He went to Berlin, entered the Berlin
Conservatory and studied there for seven
years. His mother and sisters received
letters from him every now and then, let
tiers which glowed with enthusiasm. Every
minute of his time that was not spent in
eating and sleeping he devoted to his violin.
His letters were full of his work and his
ambition to become famous artist.
Vienna was his next goal and Strauss
his next master. He studied in Vienna
three years with the same intensity and
feverish devotion to his work, AT the
end OF the three years in Vienna he thought
he had gained all that it was possible Tor
him to learn in the technique OF his art
Two weeks ago he came home,
He played for Mr.. Frankie again and the
director of the Metropolitan orchestra
was amazed at the progress the young
violinist had made. The telegram that
preceded his death one minute was the
result.
Only one reason is advanced, for the
young mans killing himself-a mind sud
denly a,baianced. - II stis. supposed- that
the joy Of realising his ambition Hfter ten
years. toll and self denial crazed him. No
other cause is known at the Guhlks home,
and that is the reason advanced by Mr..
Frankie. 1t is thought that hard study had
also something to do with IL.
Mr.. FRANKIE said last night that Guhlka
was one Of the most gifted young violinists
he had ever known
1T is impossible to understand why he
killed himself" said Mr.. Frankie, when
he had 80 brilliant future before him,
unless it was that the good news came 40
suddenly and that his mind had been weak
ened by too close application to study. He
was fiery, emotional boy who did things
with his whole soul.
The widowed mother and sisters are pros
trated They were very proud OF the son
who had studied in Europe, and the neigh
borhood knew during the ten years Of young
Guhlka's progress step by step,
The noise Of the shot that killed Guhlka
was heard in the street Policeman Murtha
went into the house and found Guhlka dead.
He had placed the muzzle Of a so calibre
revolver against his right temple. DR..
Herman OF the Presbyterian Hospital went
to the house in response to call. He could
only saw that death had been instantaneous.