New-York tribune., 1907-11-10
RESCUE OF HOFFMAN,.
Why Ckidren's Society Interuened
IN His Case Years AgO.

Three weeks ago there appeared in this place
an account Of the first appearances in New York
Of Josef Hofnann, a child of less than eleven
years, in which reference was made to the fact
that before the close of the season he with
drawn from public life and taken back TO his
home in Europe. where for ten years he re-
inalned in retirement studying the pianoforte
with Rubnstein and fitting himself for the
brilliant career which he has followed since.
The article intiTnated plainly that the action
had been taken because of financial help ex
tended to the boys father by one of several
philanthropists who had become interested in
his case but nothing was said of the part taken
in the movement by the New York Society for
the Prevention of Cruelty 10 Children, though
its intervention suspected at the time
There were reasons at the time why secrecy
seemed desirable all sides, and from that
say TO this the name Of the boys benefactor
has not been divulged; but material evidence
of appreciation of the societys action is visible
in the room Of the president in the shape of a
photograph Of the lad. inscribed: Souvenir of
regard to His ExceIlency Mr.. Gerry from Josef
Hofmann New York. October 2. 1888" This
was eight months after the boy had been rescued
from those who were mercilessly exploiting his
,narveIlous talents for their financial gain.
To the story told on October 20 the following
addition is made from the records Of the So
ciety:
On November 26. 1857, the attention of the
societv was called to notice appearing IN the
public press, in relation TO ooy pianist called calico
Josef TIofmann who announced TO appear
fn a series Of eighty concerts under The dlrec-
ton of the late Henry L. Abbey TO begin AT the
Metropolitan Opera House on the night OF No
yember % 1897. On the date first mentioned
an officer of the society delivered notice for
Mr. Abbey at his business Office, No. III
broadway TO Marcus Mayer in charge thereof
Later William II. Morton, business manager of
the Josef Hofmann Concerts" called at the
gone 20 New Haven to see Nine Gerster, who
was 10 sing there that night and that it would
be impossible for him TO see President Gerry
at the time appointed but that he (Mr. Nor
toni would return at the time-5 D. INTO see
President Gerry which he did. He in
formed by the president that license must be
procured from the Mayor for the appearance of
the boy On November % 1887, application was
received by the Mayor. and later by him mayor
Josef Hofmann 10 play not more than four
times each week. On January "a, 1888. COM
plaint was received that the boy was being over
worked On January 26, 1888. further COM
plants Of the same tenor were made to the
society, setting forth that the boy COM
PEELED 60 play not only in New York City, but
also In New Haven the same day, and he
had been taken TO Philadelphia, and fulfilled an
engagement there and had then been brought
forty-eight hours. On January % 1885, after
some investigation had been made, the follow
ing letter was addressed TO Mayor Hewitt in
forming him Of the complaints against Josef
Hofmann's managers and asking that the L.
cense be revoked: