Evening star., 1940-04-23
Funds Sought
As Truce Saves
Symphony
Delay Is Seen as
ImperiIing the
Orchestra Season

remaining obstacle to the SYM
phony's immediate future-the task
OF raising sufficient funds to sustain
the orchestra next season.
Within the next day or two, a
committee appointed by the Board
Of Directors of the Orchestra Asso-
citation will meet to develop plans
for sustaining fund campaign.
The committee, headed by Harold
D. Brooks, veteran of many SYM
phony drives, will decide what the
goal will be and the dates for the
campaign.
The Orchestra Association ad-
mittedly is approaching the cam
paign with considerable misgivings
because of the lateness of the sea-
son and other unfavorable condi-
tions," according to a statement
issued by the Board of Directors late
yesterday. L. Corrin Strong, presi-
dent of the association, expressed
hope, however, that the recent evi-
dence on the part of the Washing
ton public of their interest in the
symphony would sufficiently offset
the unfavorable conditions to make
the orchestra possible"
Compromise Accepted.
Settlement of the protracted con-
troversy between the orchestra man.
agement and the Musicians Protec-
tive Union over next seasons con-
tract came yesterday afternoon
when the associations directors
voted unanimously to accept a COM
promise formula which already had
received the musicians approval.
In the midst of the general re-
Jolclng over the successful outcome
OF the renewed negotiations, leaders
OF both the union and the orchestra
management took time to pay trib-
ute to DR. John r. Steelman, direc-
tor of conciliation of the Labor De-
partment, and Samuel r. Rosen-
baum, vice president of the Phila-
delphia Symphony Orchestra Asso-
citation, and chairman of the Labor
Committee of the National Asso-
citation of Broadcasters. Both played
parts in bringing about final solu-
ton.
Terms of the final settlement pro-
vide a wage increase for the mu-
sicians and varying length of sea-
son, depending on the amount of
funds secured, it was announced.
The plan also calls for a two-year
contract, instead of the customary
one-year contract.
Under the agreement, the musi-
clans will receive an increase in their
weekly base pay based on a sliding
scale arrangement. If the sustain
ing fund campaign provides only
enough money for a 20-week season,
the weekly base pay will be $58; if
enough is raised for a 21-week sea-
son, their base salaries will be $57;
If 22-Week season is provided, the
scale calls for a $50 wage, and if
there's enough money for a 23-week
season, the base salary will be $55
per week. There will be NO decrease
in the present number of musi-
cianS-80
Salary Chief Issue.
The salary question has been one
OF the chief points of controversy
between the union and management.
At the outset of negotiations last
November the union had demanded
fiat increase in base pay from $50
to $50 and a 27-week season.
In commenting on the settlement
Mr. Strong said it represented "im-
n
both the union and the orchestra as
sociation. He added:
Credit for a final settlement is
largely due to the attitude of men,
bers of the Board of the Musicians
Protective Union, who at all times
showed their willingness to work
with us in friendly way.
'"The helpful assistance of DR..
Steelman and his wisdom in select
ing Mr.. Rosenbaum to assist was Of
greatest value. Mr.. Rosenbaum's
long experience in such matters
made him especially fitted to grasp
the problem, and his advice to both
parties was largely responsible for
the settlement"
that solution had been worked out
and that he had been able to take
part in it.
Both sides have been very pa
tient and cooperative in working
out a difficult problem" he said.
Mr.. Rosenbaum issued state
ment, following approval Of the
attention to the task faced by the
orchestra management in conduct
ing the sustaining fund campaign.
He said:
"In Washington, with its large
nonresident and transitory popu-
lation, so many Of whom have no
roots in the soil and no incentive
for local pride, the problem of the
symphony association is especially
difficult and its achievement cor
respondingly remarkable. It would
have been tragedy for Washington
and the Nation if the work of the
last nine years had come to a stop.
Sees Handicap in Delay.
IT am happy to have been of some
service in removing some obstacles
which appeared to prevent a friendly
and cooperative understanding be-
tween the players and the associa-
ton. Nevertheless, the delay which
has already taken place will increase
immeasurably the difficulty the asso-
ciation will encounter at this season
of the year in raising the large sum
required to make the next season a
possibility.
''The decision of the Washington
directors to undertake their cam
paisn in spite Of the loss of three
valuable months is one which DEM
oNerates courage and perseverance
" q nigh order. Washington is to
oe congratulated on possessing citi-
asi,s with so distinguished a sense
OF public obligation and Of unselfish
loyalty to high cause. They are
emitted to the utmost s,,nnort every