The Mitchell capital. (Mitchell, Dakota [S.D.]) 1879-1918, 1906-08-24
A Choir Of Million.ire..
From the Kansas CITY Star.

A Choir of Millionaires.
From the Kansas City Star.
London music lovers AVE been list
ening recently to what may be de-
scribed as the most remarkable vocal
organization in the world-the "Wiener
Mannergesang Verein," or Vienna
Male choir, which numbers a prince
and a count among it's members, but
which is principally composed of mil
lionaires. Brief illusions to this ex-
traordinary choir, which recently sang
before King Edward, already have been
telegraphed to the United States, but
remarkable record and the curious
character of it's entertainments prac-
tically nothing has yet been said.
1t is no exaggeration, however, to
describe the Vienna organization as a
choir Of ~milionaires," for among its
wealth than probably any other pri-
vate company In the world. One of Its
leaders, Herr Krupp. of the famous
gunmaking firm, is worth $4O,OO0,OOO
at least fifty other members a of
whom claims from 100000 to $10,-
600, 900 in his own right. AS a matter
Of fact, practically every member is
worth not less than half a million, the
/ majority being nearer a million than
Here, for example, is a list of some
of the most prominent members of the
choir, together with the amounts of
their fortunes:
Herr Herr K Scbpeid Esh%sher; straw hat SO 600 GOO
! Herr Duschnitz. rope maker...... $4,000
! Count Metzdorn .................. 5.75o,O0o
N. e. Kalafati, race horse owner 100000
Herr Herrenfeld, paper manufac- ~
CuTeT O,oVV,VVO
Prince S~chNenberg. feudal land M
/ Herr Ehrlich 4,5OO,OOO
Herr Antropp, nnanacier....-... 8,500,000
Herr Engelhardt, inventor........ 6,50O,06
Herr Moser, portrait painter. 10,5Oo,Wo
One dozen singers; total, $120.000,-
900; average wealth per man, $1O,000,-
goo. AS will be seen, however, the
foregoing list comprises only members
of the Vienna choir who are men worth
more h $4,000, 900.
1t gives a most pleasing sensation to
be sung to by a millionaire. At Earl's
court recently thousands of L%ondoners
gladly paid so cents a read to listen to
an aggregate vocal wealth of some
thing like 5000, 600, 1000, and the literally
golden notes We're so much appreciated
that encores came thick and fast.
Moreover, the men of wealth seemed
most anxious for public approval, for
they responded to their calls with great
alacrity, showing thereby that musical
fame was indeed dearer to them than
money. Indeed, 1t was a by one OF
the millionaires--Herr Ehrlich-that
h money kings were musicians first
and m~illionaires afterward, INC that
had they not been independently
wealthy they would have been profess
sional musicians.
over Europe as the Musical Million
aires" Everywhere they go-and they
travel extensively throughout the con-
tinent-they are welcomed in truly re-
gal style. They have the entree at
most Of the European courts, and their
audiences frequently include kings n
emperors. When in England recently
King Edward was a delighted listener
to their music, and Queen Alexandra
herself called for several encores. Her
majesty, who is a musician of no mears
parts, took a lively interest in the COM
pany, so much SO that she caused per-
sonal messages Of respect to be sent
to several whose voices impressed her
most favorably. AT their las perform
ance before leaving England they were
chester, Mrs. Leopold Rothschild.
Prince Francis of Teck and hosts Of
society folk. They covered themselves
with glory n musical critics raved
over them.
Though it is strange that this WON
,derful choir should be largely COM
posed of ~millionaires, 1t is stranger still
hat they really a sing. AS a gen.
eral rule, when a millionaire of any
nationality starts out to do any par
ticular trick he will find hosts OF
latterers to encourage him, however
atrocious his performance may be. Not
so with the members of the Wiener
Mannergesang Verein. Every mem
Der is a perfectly trained musician; in
fact nearly every one Is a composer.
No oro-,,n voottnrL hnuy v1,1lOh NM
he might command-can become at
tached to the Vienna Choral society
unless he is a genuine musician. Each.
person before being admitted to mem
bership must pass a rigid preliminary
examination and undergo the most diff
icult musical tests. Every prospective
chorister is required to read music at
first sight, and his vocal qualities must
be of he very highest order.
Even when Herr Krupp wished to
Join the choir-with which he has now
been associated many years-his vast
wealth played little part in his accept
ance by the committee of selection. He
had to undergo a severe examination
and his voice-which is a very rich
one-was tested in every possible way.
Herr Krupp is one of the most en-
thusiastic members of the association.
He comes forward on every occasion
and pays far more than his share of
expenses in forwarding the interests Of
the company. In fact, he has always
been one of the most assiduous and
Woodworking members Of the associa
iion, and it IS his splendid loyalty and
enthusiasm that has placed the choir
where it is today.
Judge Pettengilrs Joke.
From the Boston Herald.
A number of young men who were
shooting craps in an old barn near Mall
den one Sunday We're captured by the
police. When their names We're being
taken one of them answered Charles
.Iohnson doarM hut the aficar took thG