New-York tribune., 1918-10-20
Music
BY Alfred E. F'reckelton. Jr.

future college career if we don't win
the war;"
But why the "if"? All good Ameri-
cans believe and know that we are go
ng to win the war.
Knowing that, why deprive Mildred
md John Of what means SO much to
hem now and will have an increasing
value every day of their lives--increas-
ing value to themselves and to their
beloved country?
When war was declared, and even up
10 date, there have been many wild
IDEAS advanced as to what constituted
an essential or q nonessential industry.
The question as to what is essential is
difficult to solve. A given industry or
profession may not on the face Of it
contribute to the direct winning Of the
war, but. on the other hand, it may be
;trong factor in maintaining the morale
# those at home. with resulting
trengthening Of the boys cover there"
To the best of nay knowledge our
s'overnment has not held education in
my of its branches among the nom
ssentials.
In fact, on the contrary, it has sgni-
led it's desire that educational courses
g completed whenever possible.
John, the student engineer, will be
value to his country upon the COM
letion Of his studies.
Mildred and John, the student mu-
cians, will be and are equally valu-
bic. Now, with their music, they can
40 their bit to keep the home folks
md friends cheerful; later it may be
heir privilege to instruct others in the
same art; also they may be called to
ct as camp Gong leaders" or to enter
ain "the boys"
Then there is another side to this
question of depriving Mildred and John
Of their music or education in other
ranches that would have strong
financial effect upon the people and
government.
In this country there are thousands
of men and women who have devoted
heir lives to the study and practice Of
music as profession. Many of them
Some world famous and others known
only in their own home town-are al
ready "over there" Others soon will
DC. But there are and will be hun
dreds and hundreds who because of
age or physical disability are unable to
20 where their hearts and thoughts
lead" These men and women have re-
ccived an education, the result of which,
is really highly essential to the well
fare of the country, but in the major
heir knowledge to any other industry.
At least not to an extent which will
ring due return to. their country
ither in results or financially. Why?
Well, # you deprive Mildred and
ohm of their musical instruction the
Professional musicians income will i'm
rcdiately fall, the instructors immedi-
tcly and the concert musicians gradu-
'ly. The nation will lose financially.
Those who have been fortunate
enough to earn sufficient to bring them
m the class paying the income tax will
have to cease paying. Even the least
!."own mu~;cars have been, are and
VIII be purchasers Of Liberty bonds
and war savings stamps. This will
nave to cease. Last but not least, the
musician has been moro than generous
with his art, time, services and money
all of OUT various "drives"-the Lib
rrty Loan. the Red Cross, the Y. M.
9. A. and the war savings stamp.
1t would make interesting reading
TO learn how much musicians as class
a'ith q thrift stamp, the financial gifts
would climb to John McCormack's two
drives for 100000 each. Speaking Of
these two drives, Mccormack would be
unable to obtain the money but for
music lovers, and music lovers would
soon become an unknown factor ie
study should ~ d'~ro94iruoi. Nv IL
Il you deprive Mildred and John of
their music only short time would
elapse before the musician would be
unable to offer his or her money or art
to the cause. and only short time
before he or she would become drag
upon the public-for only few Of
those who will remain here will be
mentally or physically equipped to en-
ser other lines Of work.
This is not to be taken as a threat
it is an economic fact
You will say that we musicians are
apparently thinking only OF "No. l."
Yes and no. 1t is said that every mans
work is an essential in his own mind.
NO doubt 'hc ".lter Of the article con-
tanning the question that this dwells
upon WGD q u&iCs resent tSe sng-
gestion that magazines and books are
non-csscntials. and that we refrain
from purchasing during the war, "be-
cause of what use magazine or book
II we don't win this war!"
But am speaking solely for the rnu-
sicians? NO!
One Of my little girl pupils came to
me recently and asked if she could
study the famous march of Sousa, "The
Stars and Stripes Forever"
l asked her why she wanted to study
It. Here is her reply:
my brother, Charley, was a fine
player before he went to France. He
could play almost anything. He used
u play tn: Stars and Stripes and