New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-08-26
TRYING TO STOP OSCAR.
agent of italian Firm Holds Up
Scores of Operas.

Oscar Hammerstein and the New York agent OF
Hicordi g. Co.. owners of the copyright the
operas OF Puccini, have come TO war of words
over an alleged contract which may seriously in
terfere with Mr. Hammerstelns plans for th.
opera season at his Manhattan Opera House,
in West 3sth street
Mr. Hammersteiu had completed every arrange
ment for the formal opening Of the house and
was rehearsing operas while waiting for the
scores OF others. when, he says he was informed
by George Maxwell. Ricordi & Co.'S agent here,
that the Italian firm held the copyright of la
Boheme and La Tosca," which MIR. Hammerstein
had intended producing this season.
He swore last night he would produce them at
any cost and informed the firms counsel that un-
less Maxwell turned over the scores of LA Bo-
heme' and ia Tosca'' TO him at once he would
nave them copied at Maxwells expense. He says
he had a verbal contract with Maxwell for the
production OF these operas the consideration being
$50 night. This is the consideration. Mr.. Ham
merstein says, Mr.. Conred. OF the Metropolitan
opera Company. pays. Mr.. Hammerstein de-
clares with emphasis that Conried Is at the
root OF all the trouble. He declares he could see
him out
But Ill not be crowded OUT" he said last night.
Il IL produce these operas, and my house will open
Oh time. This is fine trick TO play me. These
operas nave been played in every country for ten
years past, and never knew that any one man
hao an exclusive right TO them or could get an
exclusive territory. If the eminent composer of
La bonefne and La Tosca' knows about this bust
ness and has Endorsed 1t. he has in my opinion
come down TO the level of a common huckster.''
Mt Hammerstein first learned OF the trouble
brewing about the middle Of July He had he said.
verbal contract with Maxwell early in February
which he considers binding. II was made in the
presence of witnesses. On July Is he says, Max
wen sent him a letter that he had heard he, Ham
mersten, was about to produce the operas in ques-
uon' and warning him that Ricordi & Co. were the
sole owners of the copyright and that there was a
penalty for violation OF copyright. Hammerstein
was almost struck dumb.
But he recovered quickly and wrote long letter
20 maxwell. reminding him Of the verbal contract
and the consideration. Later he received letter
from Dittenhoefer. Gerber and James Maxwelrs
counsel in which they said Maxwell denied abso-
lutely all knowledge of contract such as Mr.
Hammerstein intimated
If you have contract the letter read 'let US
see 1t. We warn you that if you attempt TO pro-
duce these operas we will at once begin proceed
tngs to enjoin you"
Hammersten stuck his hands deep down in hi.
pockets when he got this, and dictated a reply
which briefly informed the law firm that the operas
would be produced. and that IL their client did
turn over the scores of LA Boheme" and LA
Tosca" 20 him at once he would have them copied
at somebody's expense.
I'm not in the habit OF turning over to my OPP
ponents law firm gratuitous information Of this
sort Mr. Hammerstein wrote. The contract
communication to me, after he returned from
Europe, Mr. Maxwell coolIy informed me that he
sole rights TO La BOheme,' La Tosca' and other
operas of Puccin in this city. He did not care
contract the more inviting"
Mr. Hammerstetn. when seen last night, said his
company would continue Tehearsing, and that he
would have the operas in question copied if he
did not get the scores soon.