New-York tribune., 1907-12-23
HAMMERSTEIN'S PLEA
RESTS WITH OPERAGOERS.
Must Hare Support or He WdI
Haze to Shift HeaUy Burden.

Oscar Hammerstein director of the Manhattan
Opera House made public yesterday circular let
ter addressed to the subscribers of his house tell
ing them he had not received from them the sup
port he thought his efforts deserved. He goes so
to say that unless the situation is changed
he Will in the future give eithS opera at all IN
New York only a season Of a few weeks. The
remainder of the season, Mr.. Hammerstein says,
he will devote to Philadelphia, Chicago and Boston,
where he says he obtain guarantees.
The director OF the Manhattan Opera House re-
iterates that he not actuated by spirit of
commercialism In establishing alone and without
financial aid second opera house in this city All
the obligations of the enterprise he says, he bears
himself but he adds that the operagoer have not
rewarded him for what he has done in their in
terests. Mr.. Hammerstein mentions also that ne is
not wealthy and intimates that this sup
port that he asks must be given. He does not,
however want to be "patronized" or helped
along" Mr. Hammerstein's letter reads:
Under date of October 90 from Sidney. Australia.
Nine. Melba writes that the state or her heallh
prevented the fulhlment OF her contract Win me
/ Immediately placed myself in communication
with Signora Luisa Tetrazzini, then singing IN
London, and succeeded IN securing her serves serves a.
my Manhattan Opera House fer the balance OF
fh1ee fis ta 9e eeHnff esgons ffooWng ' ~
I.usa Tetrazzini is to-day the regning coloratura
nous verdict of the musical critics of London. her
vocal attainments stand unsurpassed IN the ahlaiS
of the musical history of the present generaton
In securing for my subscribers such an adatGon .s
forces, at an enormous salary and time of d
business depression affecting in no small degree the
attendance at all operatic and theatrical tnsutu-
tions. ! compelled to remind not alone my sub
scribers but also the opera loving public of the
necessity If not duty, OF thelr strongest PoSslole
support of my efforts.
modern masters. entirely new to this country. at
an expense incredible to the layman, am accom-
nils of
may be proud-no other institution here or else
have etlE receEed number Of copiai6ts from
F6sTs as It to & the re- dTh in Of 5g he s & T
hearsals for the works going on day and night
of repertoire operas and that the Offering OF an
entirely new opera each costing enormous SUMS SUMS
is. even from financial standpoint alone an I'M
Bv devotng the Manhattan Opera House. Of
which / the sole owner (standing on the records
IN In my xeSr rena TO %e Of s the am
music; shouldering a responsibility OF cor
three-quarters OF million dollars above all this, l
am devoting my own personal efforts exclusively to
the purpose, al almost incessant physical and
been associated with my Undertaking nor have they
enthusiasm for the cause my desire to add TO the
musical greatness Of city and its educational
results. the only factors prompting my posi-
i have absolutely and positively no associates Of
mine is invested in this gigantic work have no
financial backing or any kl00. allyDouy CidliLNE
the contrary is simply impostor; not an fota or
influence. also. by any can be brought 10 bear
my managerial actions.
AS wealth is computed to-day, am not even a
wealthy man. Arraycd against single. n
solitary figure. is institution OF operatic preten
sons. created supported and conducted by men OF
almost unlimited means
| am told that the influence OF my efforts in the
operatc field lifted this other institution into
a less toCuiar position than II held for the past
several years. 1t is universally admitted that my
artistic forces. well as the presentation OF the
operas at my house. superior to the other
Nevertheless my subscription is not equal TO me
one obtained by the other house, while my eX-
pcnses in most departments are equal
II / am instrumental in improving the standard
OF grand opera at my expense, am entitled and
have a right demand great support as Is
accorded any other institution.
The existence OF only one opera house IN New
York can only result in retrogreSsion OF the art
and bring the opera lovers into position OF ser
Witty those who remain willing TO distribute
musical aims, in lieu Of the maintenance of their
distinguished social aspirations and exhibitions
Any other attitude on the part OF the public Is
but a humiliation to and artists. compelling
me in future give either none or but a short
few weeks opera IN this city and divide the bal
ance of the season between Boston, Philadelphia
and Chicago which cities ready n furnish com
plete guarantees. / don't want TO be patronlzed
or helped along" Respectfully.
OSCAR HANIsIERSTEIN-
y RSTy subscribers are accorded to first choice
Of seats for themselves their friends for the
forthcoming razzini engagement for any per
fornance not incluued in their subscriptions The
mail demand being already sufficient 10 more tina I
fill the house. the earliest possible notice should
| be given.