THE SUNDAY OKtiOONlAK, PORTLA1?
TO FORM AN ORATORIO SOCIETY
Question Discussed by Portland People Who Favor It Dr. Mor
rison Desired as Director.
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Tor on e,pks part remain ave been
heard In Portland musical circles as to
the desirability of organising an oratorio
society, with Dr. A. A. Morrison, rector
lot Trinity Church, as conductor. It haa
'been argued that the remarkable musl-
cal season Just enjoyed has demonstrated
an earnest and unmistakable desire lor
' the best music on the part of our people.
be unprecedented success of the Musical
bub with Its high standard of art. the pure
disinterested endeavor of the Eym-
Orcbestra which has received such
ty support from the community, indl-
a sUto of public feeling that will
Fsatlsfled with nothing less than tbe
bhest musical culture. The Idea pre-
Rills that If Dr. Morrison would consent
direct such an organization It could
3t fall of ultimate success, both because
of his eminent personal fitness for the
rork and because of his large musical
experience as a New Tork oratorio soloist.
The Oregonlan now endeavors to crystal
lize public opinion Into shape for Its read
ers. Only such persons Interested In the
musical advancement of the community
as could be reached at short notice are
Included In the following expressions of
opinion. Any one who desires to offer
further suggestions may at any time send
a communication to this office, which The
Oregonlan will be glad to publish.
Dr. Morrison's Ideas.
Rev. A. A. Morrison, D. D., rector of
Trinity Church If the public favors It. I
would be glad to undertake the work of di
recting an oratorio society here; but I
would not be willing to waste my time on
a half-dead-and-alive organization. Its
success would depend upon the aid ren
dered by Portland soloists. The best musi
cal talent the city affords must be Included
In the chorus. In no other way can the
society flourish. Many.of the finest voices
in New York are to befound doing ora
torio chorus work, and It should be the
same here. There ought to be 200 voices.
' If such an organization Is to be effected
the first steps should be taken toward It
now, without delay. For there Is much
preliminary work to be done In the way
of trying voices and putting the society on
a firm financial basis. All the time be
tween now and the end of the Summer
would be required for this work. Then
in the Fall regular practice could begin
and we would be ready to give "The
Messiah" at Christmas time.
The Society should be organized as a
musical Institution, with a number of sub
scribing patrons, paying so much a year
for Us maintenance. And out of the num
ber of patrons who would subscribe a cer
tain sum would be elected the board of
trustees that should govern the society.
The business of such a board should be to
look after the finances, assume responsi
bility for contracts, or any other legiti
mate indebtedness of which they would
approve, such as the expense of a place
In which to rehearse, the printing, and
the music. All this takes time.
There must be a certain number of
prominent people In town as patrons.
These must assume a certain measure of
responsibility. There Is not
ess to be done, but that little
ne In the proper way.
the function of the govern-
appoint the conductor and
gement with him that they
to carry on the work suc-
purse. the conductor Is the
stand the mechanism of
n. but at the same time
lonslblllty of tbe gov-
nd him.
lrectors or the patrons
roflts if there were any:
and Eif TOir "there would be If the so
ciety is managed reasonably well. In
fact there could not help but be profit.
Rose Bloch-Bauer and Others.
Mrs. Rose Bloch-Bauer, choir direc
tor and soprano soloist at Temple Beth
Israel I am heartily In sympathy with
tbe movement concerning the organization
of an oratorio society In our city. Port
land has long been In need of such a
society. Considering the large amount of
ability that exists here, such a move
ment ought to prove a success, particular
ly with a good financial backing, which
heretofore has been the great drawback
In similar attempts.
Dom Zan, baritone soloist and choir di
rector at St Mary's Cathedral I am de
cidedly In favor of organizing an oratorio1
society with Dr. Morrison as director.
Portland Is well supplied with good voices,
and there is ample material for a chorus
of 200. But I do not consider It ad
visable to begin regular practice until
next Fall, as the pleasant weather Is com
ing on nor, and It would be difficult to
hold a chorus together at this time.
"W. A. Cummlng A chorus of 200 voices
to form an oratorio society can be oh.
talned only with the co-operation of the
singing teachers of Portland. Such a so
ciety, encouraged by financial support,
would succeed.
The Mnslcnl Club.
Mrs. Emily B. Trevett, president of the
Musical Club Any ono who appreciates
the educational value to a community of a
good oratorio society will undoubtedly do
everything possible towards establishing
one In Portland, as proposed. The choice
of Dr. Morrison as conductor seems a most
happy one; his acceptance would be the
guarantee of enthusiastic and earnest
work. It is to be hoped that the plan will
meet with sufficient encouragement to
warrant Dr. Morrison In carrying It out.
Mrs. William C Alvord, organist and
choir director of Unitarian Church It
would be un excellent thing for Portland
te have an oratorio society, and could not
fall to add Immeasurably to our musical
culture. Dr. Morrison Is peculiarly well
fitted to take charge of the work, as he
has lived In an atmosphere of the best mu.
slcal thought ever since he was 19 years
old. and owing to his long association
with oratorio work In New York City must
bar well Informed regarding matters of mu
sical detail along this line of work.
Mrs. Rosa F. Burrell I shall be glad to
give my influence and support In aid of a
movement to establish an oratorio society
In this city.
Practical Advice.
Edgar E. Coursen, choir director and
organist at First Prebysterlan Church
There Is ample material In Portland for
a first-class oratorio society. To be a suc
cess, such a society would have to start
out with a subscription list large enough
to cover all'expenses for an entire season.
The expenses would be large. Allowance'
should be made for hall rent (for re
hearsals), piano rent, salary of accom
panist, fees of soloists, rent of hall, church
or theater for public performances, and
.hlre of large orchestra. The orchestra
should be well paid, as at least six re
hearsals should be exacted from Us mem
bers. Dues should not exceed 25 cents per
month. No dues at all would be better.
An examining committee should rigidly
"reject all Incompetent applicants for mem
bership. The ultimate success of the so
ciety would depend almost entirely on
the Ability, energy and tact of the conduc
tor. Mrs. H. II. O'Reilly, contralto soloist at
Unitarian Church It Is a movement In
the right direction, and I shall be glad to
help It forward to the best of my ability.
It seems to me particularly Important that
our best soloists In the city should be will
ing to assist In the chorus work. They
are the ones to make It successful, and
this would be In accord with the custom
of the musical centers' of England.
Eugene Steblnger Portland should have
such an prganlzstlpn. Tp make It a. suc
cess considerable money Is required. Un
less you can select your singers, and by
paying them assure their prompt attend
once at all rehearsals, your undertaking
will meet the fate of the numerous at
tempts made In the same direction within
the last 20 years. Amateurs cannot be de
pended upon to submit to the continuous
and conscientious training necessary cor
rectly to perform the masterpieces of a
Handel, Bach or Haydn.
What Portland Seeds.
Mrs. 'Walter Reed, contralto soloist at
St. Mary's Cathedral In response
to the circular sent me regard
ing the organization of an oratorio soci
ety, I can say that an oratorio society Is
Just what Portland needs most for the
good of music and, under the direction of
so capable a musician as the Rev. Dr. A. A.
Morrison has proved himself to the Port
land public. It Is bound to be a success
artistically. Surely the singers of this
city will take all Interest possible in the
organization of such a. society, and will
help In any way they can toward Its good.
H. W. Hogue. tenor of the Cathedral
world for assistance, they have a sug
gestion of what an oratorio society may
lead to here."
Behind the Taller Towns.
Mrs. Fletcher Linn There ought to ba
no trouble about gathering together
chorus of 200 voices In Portland. Even th
little Valley towns about u haTe their
oratorio societies. Why should Portland
be behind them In this matter? From
my earliest recollections of musical study
I have always been accustomed to work
of this kind, and I miss It here greatly.
Dr. Morrison would make an Ideal con
ductor, since he has such large musical
knowledge of the subject, such a superb
voice and commanding presence, such as
compels respect and confidence.
Miss Susan GambeU, soprano soloist and
choir director of the Forbes Presbyterian
Church Replying to your request for my
opinion as to the advisability of organiz
ing an oratorio society, I will say that any
movement towards Introducing" to the
public first-class music, rendered by our
local musicians, should be encouraged,
end I will gladly assist such an organiza
tion in any way that I, possibly can.
"William J. Belcher, tenor at First Con
gregational Church The movement which
is now on foot to organize an oratorio so
ciety should meet with the approval and
hearty support of each and every person In
"Portland, which I am sure It will, for
Portland people are not slow to see and
appreciate anything that tends to uplift
and better the musical condition of the
city, which the study and singing of org.
REV. A. A. MOItniSOX, D. D., RECTOR OF TRIXITT.
quartet In response to your request for
an expression of my opinion of the move
ment for an oratorio society of 200 voices,
under the directorship of Rev. Dr. A. A.
Morrison, rector of Trinity Church, I take
pleasure In saying that I am heartily In
favor of the plan. No enterprise of a mu
ciial nature could be more worthy of sup
port. There Is ample material at hand for
such a society, and I believe that under
Dr. Morrison's guidance results can be ob
tained which will be a surprise to the
public as well as a credit to the singers of
Portland.
With Symphony Orchestra.
Mme. Jennie NorelU, soprano soloist at
the Unitarian Church The organization
of an oratorio society would in my opin
ion be of great value to Portland and Us
musical development. From the many
young and fresh voices now under the
training of the different vocal teachers of
the city could be chosen an excellent
chorus, which under proper direction could
render the compositions of the great mas
ters, while the Portland Symphony Orches
tra, a most excellent organization, could
aid In producing a most perfect result. I
feel sure that the professional musicians
of Portland will welcome such an under
taking and do all In their power to sus
tain It.
In this connection, let me also point out
the necessity of a first-class music hall
In Portland, where good music can be
given and enjoyed to best advantage.
Paul Wesslnger The starting of an
oratorio society In this city ought to find
unqualified support from all those who
love music In Its highest sense. It Is my
oolnlon that It should not be difficult to
find 120 to 150 singers In this city with
falrlr well-trained voices and capable of
readinc somewhat at first sight. The ex
amination of those to be accepted as ac
tive members should be pretty strict. m it
has been found In the past that the good
singers do not like to be overworked on
account of those who are not qualified.
There could be an Inactive membership
of those who love music In general, as
well as oratorio works In particular, and
certainly In a city of Portland's size there
should be found a sufficient number of
high-minded people who would gladly help
the matter with liberal subscriptions, as
the production of works of such masters
as Bach, Handel. Palcstrlna, Haydn, Mo
zart, Rossini, Schumann, etc.. Is of Im
measurable value from tbe standpoint of
musical education. As we are now hav
ing a symphony orchestra here. It might
be possible to have the two organizations
work together In the production of ora
torios. As to myself, 1 wish to sap that
I would of course gladly assist a matter
of this kind In the future with the same
energy as I have repeatedly done In the
past.
Unqualified Snpport.
C. E. Masten I wish to give my unqual
ified support to this movement, and will
be clad to help It along In every way I
can. To organize an oratorio society of
200 voices, with Dr. Morrison as con.
ductor, seems to me perfectly feasible and
in every way desirable.
W. F. Werschkul. director of the Arlon
Society and tbe Y. M. C A. music classes
am heartily In sympathy with any
movement that has for Us aim the culti
vation of a taste for oratorio music, and
hope that from the ashes of past efforts
there may arise a permanent organiza
tion, after the order of the Handel and
Haydn Society, of Boston, or the Apollo
Club, of Chicago, that have enjoyed an
unbroken existence of many years. In
the ranks of these societies may be found
many of the best teachers of both cities,
who do not think it beneath their dignity
to sing In the chorus. By all means, let
us have a, choral society. I will do what
I can for Us success.
The following communication cornea un
signed: "To your request for an expres
sion of opinion from me upon tbe oratorio
movement, I gladly accede, giving the pro
posal my most hearty indorsement and
my promise of personal support and In
fluence and In money, at least up to the
cost of tickets for all concerts.
"If the citizens of Portland will Inform
themselves as to the success of such so
cieties in Eastern cities of about Port
land's size (Worcester, Mass., i and Bur
lington. Vt, for example), and learn what
centers of musical Interest and attraction
they have become at the time of their
yearly or frequent musical festivals, em
ploying the h;?t mu?lc".l talept Jn the
torio certainly does. And In a city where
there Is so much superior musical talent
as Is here. It would not ne long until we
would be giving oratorios In a way that
would compare favorably with those
given In our Eastern states. Personally,
I hope It will meet with success.
FIRST TIME lit FORTLAXD.
Statners "Crucifixion" at First Con-firrea-atlonal
Church.
Stalner's "The Crucifixion" will be given
at the First Congregational Church on
Palm Sunday evening. April 8. The regu
lar choir, consisting of Mrs. Rose Bloch
Bauer, soprano; Mrs. Frank J. Raley,
contralto; William J. Belcher, tenor; W.
A Montgomery, baritone, will be assisted
by Mrs. Pollard Clifton, soprano; Mrs. R.
M. Sturgls, contralto; E. Drake, tenor;
Charles H. Hoeg, bass; W. A. Montgom
ery, director; Ralph W. Hoyt organist.
"The Crucifixion," by Dr. J. Stalner,
with words selected and written by the
Rev. J. Sparrow Simpson, Is a meditation
on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Re
deemer. This work differs from the
standard oratorios In that It Is founded
on New Testament Scripture. The music
admirably sets oft the words, and seems
to give an added significance to their
meaning. The whole work breathes forth
a deeply religious feeding. The choruses
are truly grand, and especially the two,
"Fling Wide the Gates" and "The Appeal
of the Crucified." Interspersed through
the work are hymns to be sung by the
congregation and choir.
The most effective solo in "The Cruel
fllxlon." "King Ever Glorious," which
sets forth the majesty of the Divine Hu
miliation, will be rendered by that gifted
singer, Mrs. Rose Bloch-Bauer.
This will be the first presentation of
"The Crucifixion" In Portland, and un
doubtedly It will create a deep Impression.
MAY mWIX AXD DALY.
Tells of Her Experiences With the
Famous Manager.
Since the death of Augustln Daly many
stories have been pubiishea jbout the early
days of his famous company. Several of
the prominent stars began their careers
In his organization, and among these was
May Irwin. She was Interviewed recently
along these lines, and this Is what she
had to cay about her experience In the
theater that formed tHe school of so many
players:
"My sister Flo and I had been appear
ing In a vaudeville sketch at Tony Pas
tor's when. In 1SSZ, I gave all that up to
Join Mr. Daly. We had been playing In
New York all Winter, and In the Sprlnz
we went on the road. We played in Chi
cago and Mr. Daly happened to be there.
One night he came to our theater Just
before my sister and I went on for our
sketch. I learned afterward that he came
to see us. I recognized him In a box.
and, as I tried to do my best, of course
I got very nervous.
"The next day I got up at 6 o'clock and
went fishing. I was In the broiling sun
until noon, and my face was one large
blister. I had Just got my face" well
greased when Mr. Daly's manager called.
I was so excited I could hardly get Into
my clothes. Mr. Dorney said he had been
sent by Mr. Daly to find out If I would
Join his company. I nearly dropped dead.
To be a member of Daly's company had
been the height of my ambition. Mr. Daly
paid me some of the nicest compliments
I had ever received. He said I was a
diamond In the rough. I certainly learned
the best part of all I know at Daly's. I
was with him four years, and left him be
cause I could get more money.
"The first part I played at Daly's was
no more suited to me than Is the part of
Lady Macbeth. It was the part of a
cranky, sour, dyspeptic old maid. I think
the reason It was given to me was because
no one else would take It. The memory
of the strict stage- discipline at Daly's al
most frightens me. I had played all
sorts and conditions of women, from girls
in short skirts to decrepit old women.
Now r was to appear In straight parts.
I was to be developed as a comedienne.
We played Red Letter Nights' and 'After
Business Hours.' 'A Night Off was a
bowling success. We played that In Lon
don and the principal cities on the Conti
nent. I was Susan in that, and Betsy
In 'Nancy & Co. I didn't have any sing
ing to do In these plays, but I did elng In
the old comedy, 'She Would or She
Wouldn't.'
"I had the greatest difficulty at Daly's
In keeping myself fxorn making 'asides,'
YOU complain of fulness and pressure
after eating; your head aches, usually
in front. You are subject to .the annoyance
of bad breath and an unpleasant taste.
You are hungry even after a good
meal, and you keep thin and weak.
These things affect your temper and
disposition, and .you arc none too sweet
to those around you.
That's
Dyspepsia
f " Tor two years I suffered from dyspepsia, until for days at a
time I could not eat a thing. I had tried almost everything, but
Um2s ssz gsi .ellef. I then thought I would try Avers Sarsapa
rilla, and In one week I was a new man. My tired feelings were
gone ; I was stronger and better In every way. I believe now If
it were not for this medicine I would be In a dying condition."
Joux MacDonals, Philadelphia, Pa, August 1 6, 1899.
" I was troubled with dyspepsia for over twenty years, and It got
so bad I came near dying. I was then Induced, as a last resort,
to try Ayers Sarsapanlla, and after using several bottles of it, I
became entirely well, and have felt well and strong ever since. I
have used it in my family the last fifteen years, daring which time
we have not required the services of a doctor." L B. Williams,
Central Point, Ore,, July 6, 1S99.
That's
Overwork
"Last July my oldest daughter was taken sick, and I was on
my feet, it seemed to me, night and day for weeks taking cars of
her. I had no other help than that which my husband gave me,
and by the time daughter began to mend I w vmi sick myself.
I was discouraged, and did not care mnch whether I lived or died.
My husband got ma a, bottle of Ayers Sarsapanlla, and its effects
were magical. Two bottles of this medicine put me on my feet
and made a well woman of me." Jane M. Browtj, Bentonsport,
Iowa, Jan. 19, 1900.
"In 189S my daughter, after graduating, was taken down with
nervous debility. She had no strength, no appetite; copld not
sleep, and doctors did not seem to do her any good. At last, by
the advice of a friend, I gave her Ayers Sarsaparilla. After taking
two bottles of this medicine there was a decided improvement.
We followed up this treatment for two months, and my daughter
quickly recovered her health." lots, ullis XIELMICE, Uardiner,
Ore Dec. 20, 1899. m
A Sarsaparilla made of chemically pure drugs, thoroughly examined,
scientifically exhausted, and prepared with the utmost care.y
"VTOU arc as tired in the morning as you
are at night. You do not know what
it is to have sweet, refreshing sleep. You
have an appetite, yet your food seems to do
you no good. Your mind does not respond
quickly and your memory fails you. You
lack energy, the eyes droop, the head is
tired and heavy. You want to do many
things, yet do no one thing satisfactorily.
i'
SbKsBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBV
mm El
fiSSs. JaaaV
mm
Manufactured under the personal supervision of a graduate in
pharmacy, a graduate in chemistry, and a graduate in medicine.
"V7"OUR muscles are flabby and flat. Your
shoulders stoop. You are weak, list
less, and tired. You are too cold or too
warm ; short of breath. You are like an
engine that needs more fuel. You are one
day sick and one day well ; yet one day's
good work brings three days'' weariness.
You feel old and ready to drop all the
time.
Blood
" Last spring I could not walk, my feet were so swollen. I was
emaciated and my blood was like water, it was so colorless and
thin. Eight doctors tried to cure me, but they did me no good.
A council of doctors said that I could not possibly live. Then I
thought I would try Ayers Sarsaparilla, as I had read so much
about it I took three bottles, and now I am perfectly well and
weigh over 150 pounds." Mrs. M. E. Slatzk, Pulaski, N. V,
July 13, 1S99.
For Biliousness, take Aycr's Pills. Take them
with Aycr's Sarsaparilla; one aids the other.
T7"OU worry over trifles, and strange fan
cies, born of a disordered mind, rob
you of sleep. Things which would not
trouble you in the day take horrible shape
at night, and you get no benefit from your
sleep. Or you toss uneasily, asking for
morning to ceasa Sights and sounds annoy
you and stillness oppresses you. You com
plain of numbness and a prickling sensa
tion in the limbs.
That's
Nervous
v
Prostration
" During Ir.U year I was suffering with nervous prostration. For
weeks I grew worse, became thin, could not sleep, nad no appetite,
and was in a wretched condition. After taking several kinds of
medicines without result, I took Ayers Sarsapanlla with more than
pleasing results. My appetite returned, I slept soundly, my strength
and weight increased, and now I am well and strong without the
slightest trace of my old trouble. Indeed, I would hardly believe
it possible for medicine to bring about such a change in any per
son." Clara Mealy, Winter Hill, Somerrille, Mass December
2i, 1899.
All druggists sell Aycr's Sarsaparilla.
51.00 a bottle.
as I had been In the habit of doing. Ono
night I forgot and let out & side remark,
particularly directed at the audience. The
company stood petrifled, and when we got
off the stage everybody. Including my
self, waited to see what would happen. A
few moments later I had the pleasure of
an Interview with Mr. Daly In hla private
office."
ELXEX TERRY'S HAMMOCK.
Ces It Habitually Wherever She
May Be Pterin.
The most striking piece of furnishing In
Miss Ellen Terry's dressing-room at the
theater, no matter where she may have an
engagement Is the hammock. Into which
she flings herself between acts.
"Here," says one of her Chicago friends,
"I found her the other afternoon after the
matinee. Her hair was long and blonde
and crowned with a wreath of smllax. just
as she had come off the stage. She sat
there laughing, philosophizing and saying
the wisest things and the prettiest in the
world. In her animated, impetuous way for
an hour.
"With her was the child of a California
friend a big, pretty child of lt-who was
sharing the hammock. As I entered she
had Just cuddled down close to tho actress
and was saying, patronizingly:
" 'Oh, I liked the play so much, and I
thought you did real well. Miss Terry.'
"And Terry laughed happily and hugged
the little maid, as she loves all children
and looks upon them as her own. She Is
fascinating now as she was 20 years ago,
and she has a vitality with which six or
dinary women might thrive. She lay In
the hammock, her long shapely limbs
scarcely covered with a crinkly, fleecy
gauze and no stays to hamper her (for
Ellen Terry never wears them). There
she was when I left her; and there she
slept, with her wreath of smllax fading on
her head, until It was time to disrobe 'and
put on the chic frock of Nance OldSeld.
in which character she appeared for the
evening."
DOESXT JTEED "EM HOW.
Mme. Cal-rCa Early Experience With
Padded Calves.
"When I went to the Theatre de la Mon
nale. In Brussels, In 1&V says Mme. Calve
In Colller'c Weekly. "I made my debut as
Marguerite. My second performance was
to be Cherublno. At that time I was very
slight, My neck and arms were thin, and
so, of course, were iuy legs. I did not
think I could possibly appear In breeches
without something to make me look a lit
tle plumper, so I went to the costumer of
the theater and told him I wanted some
pads. He made them according to his own
Ideas of what they should be. and sent
them to me so late that I had no time to
try them on. I don't know what I must
have looked like when I stepped on tbe
stage, thin and girlish from the waist up,
but provided with the most enormous
calves.
"After the first act the manager rushed
around to my dressing-room. 'Gracious.'
ho exclaimed, "where In the world did you
get those legs. They certainly are not your
own.' I admitted that they were not and
said I thought I was too thin to dispense
with pads. 'Don't you know.' he said to
me, 'that a young girl with straight slen
der legs is far better suited to the part of
a page than when she disfigures herself
with such things as those? Take off the
pads and go out In your own legs.' I de
cided to follow his advice. When I came
on the stage again I was thin,-but at least
syrometrlcaL
"The effect on the audience was start
ling. I seemed to see the peoDla in the
theater craning their necks to discover
what had happened to change me eo. The
conductor of the orchestra stared at me as
If his eyes would pop out of his head. After
a moment or two the cause of the aston
ishing alteration In my looks seemed to be
understood, and there was a titter of
laughter through the audience. Since that
time I have never worn pads."
Miss Anthony's Portrait.
At the reception tendered Miss Anthony
In Washington by Speaker Henderson's
wife, tho venerable antl-suffraglst was
taken to tho private art gallery of the
Speaker and shown a fino bust portrait
in oils of herself. Mrs. Henderson gave
tho commission to an artist and had tho
portrait painted to present to the Cor
coran Art Gallery. It represents Miss An
thony In full profile, attired In black, with
lace at the throat and about her shoul
ders the historic red ellk shawl, which
gives the picture exactly the coloring
that it needs.
It Is a fine likeness, tho only criticism
that could possibly be made being that
not all the strength of her character Is
in evidence. Miss Anthony looked at It
with much pleasure. "Am I really as
nice looking as that?" she inlraih
!. 1