New-York tribune., 1917-12-11
Fritz Kreisler
Not a Martyr,
Says Vig;lante
Member of Society Declares
Sympathy Is Wasted on
Niolinist

Too much sympathy has been wasted
upon Fritz Kreislcr, the Austrian vio-
liuist. because he feels that the United
States has treated him badly since the
war began, in the opinion of Charles j..
RosebaUlt OF the Vigilantes
Press agents. friends and admirers"
said Mr. Rosebault yesterday, have
united to make him appear a martyr to
art and American chauvinism."
he then went or to say that if Kreis-
lcr has been persecuted in the United
States, Germany has dealt out far more
bitter punishment upon musicians Of
enemy nations caught inside her bor-
ders when war began.
Germany Does Same Thing
Yet Mr. Rosebault continued, people
have pointed the finger Of scorn at
Americans who objected TO the appear
ance Of an enemy alien in the limelight,
no matter how great an artist he might
be. he snys:
Perhaps these are justified. Pos.
sibly art should be Judged solely as an
;mpersonal thing Of beauty and the
artist held superior 20 decisions af-
foctins common folk. When sll the
world agrees upon this America viii
surely not be found to lag behind.
But what is the record of Mr.. Kreis-
ler's own country and what is the
record Of Germany in respect 70 art
and artists?
There is in this country to-day
very wonderful Russian yiolinist by
the name Of Heifetz. This artist, who
has been acclaimed by all critics and
music lovers, was playing in Berlin
when the way broke out. lie was
highly regarded by the music lovers
there. Did the Prussians uphold the
exemption Of the artist? Mr.. Heifetz
spent two years-two long. valuable
years-in an internment camp.
Joseph Joachim was almost q
musical god in Germany. When he
died his place at the head Of the
Hochschule was given 70 Henri Mar
teau, FrcnchnGn. This placing OF
foreigner upon Joachim's musical
throne created n furor. But Marteau
had caught the Kaiscr's good will.
Moreover, he had been a pupil--and
the ablest-Of Joachim. So the storm
Of Prussian chauyinism broke against
bim in vain. But what happened when
the war came? Marteau lost his place
and was interned as an enemy.
Gabrilowitch Arrested
"Gabrilowitch, the great pianist. was
a resident Of Munich and strongly pro-
German in his sympathies. SO was his
wife, daughter % our Mark Twain. lie
was arrested, and obtained his release
only with great difficulty.
"Adolph Brodsky. the distinguished
Russian violinist, who had been IA
vorite Of the music lovers of Vienna.
was there on a holiday visit when the
war came. lie WAS placed in an in
ternment camp in Hungary.
HE was past sixty, had spent the
greater part Of his life in Vienna and
was known 70 be attached to the peo-
pie; moreover. the Niennese were proud
TO acclaim him as q product Of their
schools.
"And it remained for certain musi-
clans resident in this country "a lot Of
III, pro-German musicians refused TO
sign the petition) 10 secure Dr.. Brod-
sky's release. At that time Austria
was desiTous Of continuing friendly re-
lations with Americans.
an the light Of these various in
stances, Americas narrowness Of spirit
is not 80 clear Nor is this all that is
to be said. Some Of these distinguished
musical artists who are posing as
martyrs are not altogether what they
seem. Protest as much as they wish.
it is difficult TO accept their assertions
Of detachment from the German cause.
They have been 700 OutspOkcn hereto
fore.
Or. Muck Admits Symnathies"
"There has been a great to-do about
the opposition To Mr. Muck, the very
able conductor Of the Boston Symphony
Orchestra. Here again American chau-
yinism was held up TO scorn. But re-
verse the case. Imagine an American
conductor az Berlin or Vienna. Where
would he be now? We must allow Mr..
Muck credit for having made no secret
Of his sympathies. Nor has he con
cealcd the fact that he still holds
place under the Prussian government
and is looking forward TO a Prussian
pension for his old age.
"Of late, many of our visiting mu-
sicians have been more than Jealous in
performing The Star Spangled Ban
rer.' Even pianists have pounded out
tae national anthem But this has not
succeeded in breaking down all the op-
position. Some suspicious Americans
talk Of camoufoge. And they add that
they see no reason why American dol
lars should 90 into enemy pockets
when American musicians like Albert
Spauldng, Roderick White and many
others arc sacrificing their careers and
risking their lives for America