Evening star., 1945-06-25
Letters to The Star
Opposite Views of Proposal for


Orchestra Appropriation
To the Editor of The Star:
believe that this is the first time
that ever have written an open letter
to The Star but, while + dislike to op-
pose any civic proposition, feel that
at certain times such opposition is nee
essary. most carefully read the letter
of Dr. James A. Cannon, chairman OF
the Finance Committee of the Board
of Education, addressed to The Star,
June is. in relation to your editorial of
June 13 Oh the amendment proposed
providing an item of $4,000 for the
support of the National Symphony Or
chestra Association.
AS a former member of the Board OF
Education, most heartily indorse every
statement made by DR.. Cannon and
do think that more attention should be
given to the finances for better educa-
ton of the children by and through the
school system. The orchestra is doing
an excellent public service. but the
funds for its maintenance should come
from the large group of citizens who are
civic-minded AS I read the list of
many men and women who are asso-
ciated with the orchestra, I feel that I
would like to apologize to Congress for
the application for financial aid from
the Orchestra Association. 1t is we'll
said by Dr. Cannon that we need more
so that the children will come away
from the schools with at least some
intelligent education. Classical music
should be furnished by the citizens, and
l do not see the soundness of the pro-
posal to take S25 900 away from the
schools which are badly in need of
money.
I also noticed that there appeared
before the city authorities certain per-
sons who requested $4,000 for the
alcoholics" movement. This movement,
sponsored by an automobile association
which raised funds by subscription and
contribution, should be continued in
the same form.
I also think that when hearings are
had on civic matters. where application
is made for financial assistance, the
citizens, especially those who are tax
payers, should be heard on amendments
for extra requests out of the routine
of the District of Columbia appropria-
tions. JULIUS I. PEYSER.
To the Editor of The Star:
The Importance of children's concerts
has been acknowledged by every gov
ernment in every city which boasts a
symphony orchestra.
1t has been my own experience, based
on 80 years serious observation, that
America in general is becoming more
musical, and that all during this last
war music and its solace are playing
a role of the utmost Importance in
helping both servicemen and civilians
over many difficulties.
During the II years when I myself
was in charge of the children's con-
certs in the District of Columbia I am
happy to say that I have been told
many times that our concerts reached
the children more deeply. made them
more friendly to good music, than other
concerts did.
Now Dr. Cannon of the District
Board of Education, in his letter of
June 16 to The Star, confirmed and
expressed his own approval of these
concerts and of the activities of the
National Symphony Orchestra in gen.
eral. However, at the same time, he
stated that the 900 necessary to
continue these concerts should not be
part of the school budget.
I do not pretend to know whether
this opinion of DR.. Gannon's is correct
or incorrect. I do know that tens of
thousands of lives and hundreds of bill
lions of dollars now are being spent
to save our so-called civilization, of
which music for children has been
proved to be an essential part I re-
peat, do not know whether DR.. Gam
mons opinion is right or wrong. But
the absence of the $25, 900 "a sum less
than any other city government which
has great orchestra at its disposal is
willing to provide for its children's con-
certs) will have as an inevitable result
that the children of the Capital Of the
greatest and the richest country in the
world may, except for individual eff
forts, once again become musical il
literates. Such ill-advised economy is
to be deeply regretted.
HANS KINDER.