The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1905-01-03
LEVEL WITH FLOOR.
Organ Console VIII Be Where Musical
People Want 1t.

KeOpIe " ant II.
BY a vote of seven to three the
council last night decided in favor of
the Pipe Organ association as against
the Nidwinter exposition in the much
moOted question regarding the placing
of the console of the new pipe organ
which is being installed in the Audi
torium.
After the routine of the evenings
business had been disposed of Frank
Foster appeared before the council in
behalf of the Organ association and
agitating the interests involved in the
placing of the console requested the
council to make an inspection of the
instrument before passing finally on
its merits. The council acting upon
the suggestion took a 15-mfnute re-
cess and in a body went downstairs
to the auditorium where the position
of the console was inspected and its
interference with the view of the
stage from the main part of the audi
forum was considered R. S. Brig
ham in behalf of the AIidwinter ex-
position endeayored to show to the
councilmen that the placing of the
console as planned by the organ as
ISOLATION would interfere detrimentally
with any performances or exhibitions
which might take place upon the
stage and that to overcome this an
extra platform of the same strenth
as the permanent platform would
have to be erected in order to over
come the obstruction caused by
placing the console on the floor level
After viewing the situation the
council retired upstairs and listened to
the arguments presented by the inter-
eStS contending. Mr.. Foster stated
that he had interviewed almost with
out exception every one of the mem
bers of the organ association and
those who had contributed materially
in bringing the organ here and that
of tel
of these interviews that the associa-
ton would feel outraged if the con-
sole would be placed in a hole. He
had seen q number of authorities and
consulted with others regarding the
placing of the console and the advice
received had been as against the
placing of the console in a hole. He
concluded: II believe that the feeling
and wishes of this organization which
is making possible this splendid gift
of an $4,000 organ to the city should
be considered. -
r. S. Brigham responded in behalf of
the MidwinterH exposftfen.- He stated
that he failed to see where any artistic
effect would be injured by lowering
the console and thought a serious mis-
take would be made If the council per
United the placing of the console on the
level of the floor as planned. He stated
that there was a feeling prevalent to
the effect that the organ association
was attempting to gain control of the
within 1t and that this feeling would
be added to by the placing of the con-
sole where it would obstruct the stage
and a consequent overriding of the in
terests other than artistic. He contin-
ued that the exposition was an import
ant institution as regarded the welfare
of the city. That it brought in the
of some 10, 900 people into
the city VINO spent money here and
that it was to the city's interest to look
after the welfare of the show as much
as to consult the artistic effect which
would be produced by leaving the con-
sole in front of the stage and upon the
level of the floor.
Prof. Penny responded to the cues
tons raised by Mr.. Brigham and said:
Il believe that the development of the
artistic interests in this city will do as
much for the city as the commercial
interests which are involved in this |
question. The musical attractions go on
throughout the year. It brings people |
here. 1T adds to the number of musical !
students residing and studying in the
city Already the artistic development |
in Topeka is far in advance of any 9TH |
ar town in the state. As far as am |
personally concerned it makes no diff |
ference to me where you place the con- |
sole or me-
DE. Warner and Mr.. Frank Crane ad-
dressed the council in behalf of the |
organ association.
Councilman Holiday on the placing |
IF the matter before the council for a, /
vote said: THE placing of the console |
will not effect in the least the MidWin- |
-er exposition. The attractions which |
Mr.. Brigham talks about are only
minor features. They correspond with |
-eference to the exposition what the |
bike or midway plaisance do to the |
great Worlds fair. They are merely |
he froth and the foam introduced to |
nveigle a certain class of people to at /
end. 1 believe that we should give the /
association anything that they ask for |
)rgan in the auditorium. We ought to /
De glad that there are some people who |
ire willing to go to the trouble and (
sacrifice necessary to bring a great or
gan to the city"
Dr. Ryder, councilman from the First /
ward. thought that class distinctions /
shouldn't be introduced with reference |
o privileges granted in the use of the |
He wasn't willing to grant |
he commercial or vice versa. He
hought that the auditorium belonged /
o the common people of the town and /
hat their interests should remain par
mount. / think this matter should be 1
gone over outside the council" he con- /
,luded. Councilman Green sided in /
With the view expressed by DR.. Ryder. |
On vote the council stood as follows:
\ yes - COuncilmen Hughes, Howe,
Swendson, Kutz, Griley and Holiday. !
es-Councilmen Ryder, Green and
Vellis.
To Revise 1908 Racing Dates.
Chicago. Jan. 3.-Horsemen from
learly every turf center of the middle
vest assembled here today to par
icipate in discussion at the Western