New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-11-03
DR.. Muck Plays
National Air,
Then Resigns
Boston Symphony Director
Enters Silent Protest After
Submitting
ig1eciii Cyrespr1dsnol

BOSTON. Nov. pr. Karl Muck,
director of the Boston Symphony Or
chestra, waved his baton this after
noon while the orchestra played "The
Star-Spanglcd Banner"
A flag loated from the pole above
Symphony Hall. the audience stood
during the playing of the national an
them ard the structure rocked with
the storm OF applause that was prompt
ed. partly by sentiments Of patriotism,
partly at the change Of attitude on the
part Of the director, who also Is leader
Of the Royal Opera, Of Berlin, and
Koeniglichcr Preussischer General Mu-
six Direktor.
Then DR.. Muck resigned. The resig-
nation was announced from tho stage
by Major Henry Lee Higginson, found
or and principal patron Of the SYM
phony. He said that he had asked the
orchestra TO play the national anthem,
adding that the orchestra never had re-
fused to play il. lie did not say, how
ever, tina. the resignation OF the leader
had been accepted.
ale has placed his resignation in my
hands" said Major Hgginson, "that
no personal feeling against him may
prejudice the welfare OF the orchestra.
70 lose him would be disaster. The
matter rests with me. 1t will have my
earnest consideration"
The playing of the national anthem
this afternoon came as climax TO the
controversy that began more than a
week ago, when, at concert gwen by
the orchestra in Providence DR.. Muck
refused TO play 1.-The Star-Spangled
Banner" at the request OF several
members Of the audience. Later. he
issued statement in which he said
that il was Every embarrassing" for a
man of his artistic temperament TO be
asked to play such a selection, adding
that to insist "was almost an insult"
Major Higginson backed up this asser-
tion by announcing that he would close
up Symphony Hall and disband the or
ohestra II the public persisted in the
demand that the national anthem De
played as part of its programme.
This afternoons programme tech
nically was the public rehearsal OF the
orchestra, which usually is society
event. To-day, however, the hall was
crowded not only with its usual patron
age but many others who sought seats
in order to see the outcome of the
"Star-Spangled Banner" controversy. /,
had been reported that the license OF
the orchestra would be revoked unless
the anthem WAS PLAYED and it was be-
lieved that the afternoon performance
would test the strength Of the director
1t is thought that the orchestra now
will play the anthem at every concert
given in the future. There has been
no announcement TO that effect. how
ever. Tomorrow evening the orchestra
plays its regular weekly concert. On
Monday evening it will play in Phiia-
delphia, Tuesday in Washington,
Wednesday in Baltimore, Thursday in
New York. with an additional concert
there Saturday afternoon, and Friday
evening in Brooklyn.
When asked about the future policy
of the orchestra in the matter OF play
ing "The Star-Spangled Banner,
Charles A. Ellis, its manager, said that
only to-day had been arranged for, but
that the orchestra would abide by the
wishes of its patrons. At Providence,
he said. no regular subscriber had
asked that the anthem be played, and
that was why it had been omitted.
Since the outbreak of the war with
Germany neither DR.. Muck nor his
wife have taken any part in the city's
social activities. On all questions per-
tanning TO the war he has kept q per-
sistent silence. No expression OF opin-
ion could be had from him at any time
BY the press. whose curisoty was
whetted through persistent reports as
to the presence of German spies in
the orchestra. The Muck home in
Maine was searched last summer by
Federal agents.