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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (June 21, 1903)
THE SUNDAY OREGOfflAN. PORTLAND. JUNE 21, 1903. 17 THE AMERICAN AND HIS PLACE IN MUSIC BY EMLIE FRANCES BAUER J FIRST ARTICLE THERE are perhaps few subjects as frequently brought up for discussion among those -who talk muslc-and ' alas! this does not always mean those who understand their subject as the American and his position in the music of the world. That there Is nothing of more vital im portance to the situation is well known to those who understand all sides of the question. But, Indeed, It is not possible to Impart this knowledge, to others as the point of view is never the same, and nowhere is narrowness so pernicious as among those who are interested In the art of music. The. American Jb post .the stage where he needs the patrpnlzlng attitude from any one, and there Is no longer an excuse for taking him lightly. The hardest battle that the American has to fight is with hie own people, for there are many In respected positions in Europe, and many of the greatest artists and authorities of Europe hold Amer icans at their real value, which, after all. is all that any one has the right to ask. The American. Teacher. The most Important question is, "How does the teaching in America compare with that obtainable abroad?" Before answering I wish to state that he or she who has received a. musical edu cation In Europe, and knows nothing of the great resources of America is as little qualified to Judge the situation as is the one who has lived all his life in a small country town and understands nothing of the conditions whatever. I have no argument to offer these people, their point of view cannot be considered and will not be. There is no necessity to state for the benefit of those who know the characteris tics of the country that the American la In all sciences the most alert and the most analytical. He Is direct and to the point, h Is able to meet questions with reason and to answer them with intelligence. No one can question that this being the case, the first and most vital element of the teacher exists in and belongs to the American. "We have been remiss in finding this out due to shortcomings of the past rather and the conditions existing today are than to the inefficiency of the present. The Instruction of children was for many years the greatest blot that lay at the door of the American music teacher. A child was put to the same sort of work as was the woman of 20 and the conse quence was that as many talents have been killed as have ever been heard of in the entire history of music But it was not the European who has brought relief from that condition; it was the American who wa analytical enough and inentive enough to revolutionize the modus operandi, and it Is perfectly true that the teachers of children in America are not equaled in the world. That a pupil can go to Europe, under standing nothing of the language, and gain thorough Instruction and understanding is Just as Impossible as it would be for that pupil to go there to learn the literature of the country. There Is not a measure, there Is not a phrase where the pupil does not need the explanation in the language to which ho was born. He is not a self player that can be made to serve a skillful operator. America has for years suffered from these people, who having gone to Europe for their educations and gained onl" what the ear could absorb, have re. turned, bringing nothing but mistaken ideas and false impressions with nothing to disseminate but their own weaknesses. So much for the teachers of children, which naturally means the great founda tion upon which the monuments must bo reared. - . . 1 J-ArtUt-Teaclier. I have' no. desire to measure individuals In Europe against individuals in America, yet I am perfectly willing to mention the names of Joseffy. Huss. McDowell, Foote, Dr. Mason. Julie Bive-Klng. Fannie Bloomfleld-Zclsler. Sherwood. J. K. Paine and Lambert against anybody that Europe holds today for thorough. Intelligent and masterful instruction. That Europe holds more advantages for a student than Amer ica, I am unfortunately compelled to ad mit, but that is the fault of the people at large and will never be corrected until the people remedy the trouble. Mnnlcnl Atmosphere and Its Creation. Whereas this may hardly be the place to set forth the creating of a musical at mosphere. I cannot pass on without a few words upon the subject, for there is none that more directly bears upon the musical culture in Amorlca. and none that is more seriously neglected. It is unreasonable to expect the musical atmosphere of the entire country to be created in New York, or Boston, or Chi cago, for each individually and all com bined they cannot do it. Not any more than the musical atmosphere of Europe has been created by Paris, by Berlin, by Vienna, or by Florence could these few large cities solve the problem. It is not the duty of the large city It belongs to the village and to all of the villages for themselves, and for their country. The children of this country do not hear enough music If once in a season or, indeed, five or sir times in a season, an artist comes to the city his coming means amusement for the grown people. That this is what a student needs never seems to occur to the parents. That it Is too expensive to let the chil dren have this luxury Is again the fault of the conditions, because If a great artist Is brought to Portland, at best It only gives him tho opportunity to play two concerts, and then to come out on ex penses ho must play Seattle and Tacoma, and that only means three points after crossing the continent. How can he play at such prices as to enable everybody to hear him? Yet until the time comes when he can be heard generally in stead of exclusively there will bo no such thing as musi cal atmosphere There should be a fund to pay every artist that comes to a smaller city and, indeed, this may well be suggested for the largest cities to play one or two concerts for the children of the public schools. In this way the word music would soon mean something definite, whereas now, except in few cases, docs it mean nothing but a name. I do not mean to say that In tho large cities of America students have the opportunity to hear all the music that they require. That they do not is the reason that we are powerless to refute the statement that America has fewer advantages to offer the student than has Europe. For this reason and the tendency of Americans to go to Europe for their musi cal Instruction, many of our best teachers go to Europe to get their share of the American dollars that drift that way. It is a fact that the most noted teacher of harmony that ever lived In Europe was Otis B. Boise, who was the teacher of all tho great artists of today. Boise is now in America at the Peabody Institute of Bal timore, and -it Is to bo hoped that his great knowledge and power of Imparting will be appreciated, although it will not be. in all probability. Tle American an Execntnnt. "What has the American, done as execu tant? Much-and little. The' American is com pelled to turn his attainments to money too quickly to measure his art against that of those people who give themselves up without reserve and who are willing and able to live In a garret until such time as the art brings them out of it. A young girl has hardly heard of the word tone-production before she begins casting about for a "church position." and after Etudylng for about a year you will hear her complain that the "foreigners set all the good engagements," just as though they -were Interfering sadly with her pros- pects in life. Not only is this the case with vocal students, but in instrumental music It is still more deplorable that years before a .high degree of art has been ar rived at, the students are In the field for engagements, and it is needless to say that if they get anything at all it is more than they deserve. Among the great pianists of America we may turn with pride to Rafael Joseffy, Fannie Bloomfleld-Zeisler, Julie Rive King, Henry Holden Huss, Edward A. MacDowell, William Sherwood and a few younger artists such as Augusta Cottlow, Kathcrlne Ruth Hermann, Arthur Hoch mann, but it is a fact that with the ex ception of Mrs. Zelsler, the first named group of artists are so occupied with teaching that they cannot possibly keep before the public because to be successful before the public means to be there con stantly, because the artist cannot keep his poise and self-control if he makes only a few straggling appearances. To be suc cessful in this direction, an artist must be playing all the time, and even after a vacation he is not equal to facing the public until he is again in harness, as it were, and few know what the artist un dergoes in those first few performances. It will therefore be readily understood that after being occupied with large classes and writing, with the responsibility of several pupils who are themselves before the pub lic, the pianist who is also thus engaged has neither the desire nor the nerve to cope with such pianists who do nothing but fill from 60 to 100 engagements during a season. America has the pianists, but It does not give them a chance to devote them selves to the art; It forces them into the commercial pursuit and then it never ceases to wail over the fact that it has no art. EMILIE FRANCES BAUER. Pupils Recital. An enjoyable muslcale was given by Mrs. Edgar E. Cdursen's pupils last week Monday night at her studio, 65S Lovejoy street, and she was assisted by Miss Til lle Klumpp, piano, and Henry R. Fall ing, violin. Those of Mrs. Coursen's pu pils who took part were: Misses Lee, Barnes, Smith, Taylor. Bennett, Mathe son, Spencer, Knapp, Clark, Burllngame, and Holman; also Alexander Chalmers, 44S.U - SSri rendered; there were four encores, Tour's "Only Come," a Schubert-Heller piano number. Beach's "Ecstasy" and Pierne's "Serenade." The programme: Class Vocal Club Waltz Song Wekerlln Tenor (a) I'll Sing Thee Songs of Araby..Clay (b) My Dream of You Rodney Piano Rondo Capriccloso Mendelssohn Soprano (a) Nocturne Nevln (b Serenade Nevln Violin (a) Simple Aveu Thome (b) Madrigale Slmonetti Class Vocal Club opring Song Well Popular Concert Series. The last concert of the series under the direction of Elmore Rice, violinist, which was postponed from May 25. owing to President Roosevelt's reception on that date, will be given the evening of Wed nesday, July 1, at the First Baptist Church. The Hldden-Coursen String Quartet, with soloists, will furnish tho programme, and. Judging from the Inter est shown and attendance at the previous four concerts, the last evening will prove o CANDIDATES FOR QUEEN OF very successful. An elaborate programme will be rendered. Mr. Rice, who was called suddenly to the East, has Just re turned after several weeks" absence, and will personally attend to all details. Musical Xotes. The Schubert Club, of Seattle, will give a concert. June 30. Mrs. Fletcher Linn returned from Eu gene last Friday, where she sang at the commencement exercises of Eugene Uni versity. Miss Emma Ramsey, one of Utah's well known singers, recently gave a concert at Payson, Utah, assisted by Dr. J. Lewis Browne, organist. Baltimore, Md., was quite gay last week on the occasion of the Saengerfcst cele brations. There were 35 musicians In the orchestra, and 5735 " voices In tne chorus. Musicians In the Kiltie's band, who re cently played in this city, have arrived home In Canada, around Toronto, Hamil ton and Montreal, and will take a rest before taking the road again for the new season, which opens July L Mrs. Rose Bloch Bauer has returned from Monmouth, where she sang at the commencement exercises of the State Nor mal School. She is to sing at an enter tainment to be given for the benefit of tho Seamen's Mission, at the Y. M. C. A. hall, Wednesday evening. Miss Frances Pclton Jones, formerly organist of the First Congregational Church, this city, recently gave a pupils recital of piano members In Brooklyn, N. Y-. assisted by Mrs. Carolyn Brown Dexter, soprano, ot San Francisco, and William Grafting King, violinist; Mrs. Brown-Dexter will be remembered as the brillant coloratura vocalist who sang with such success at one of the Portland sym phony concerts last Wfnter. Mrs. Albert C. Sheldon, Mrs. Walter Reed, W. J. Belcher and Dora J. Zan gave two song cycles, Lisa Lehman's "In a Persian Garden,"" and A,. Lane Wilson's "Flora's Holiday," at the commencement exercises at Forest Grove, last Wednes day, and their artistic singing was highly praised. Edgar E. Coursen was at the piano. The Ladles' Musical Club, of Seattle, have elected the following officers for the ensuing year: President. Mrs. H. C. Tay lor: vice-president. Mrs. Georgia King; corresponding secretary, Mrs. N. M. Shef field; recording secretary. Mrs. A. S. Kerj-; treasurer, Mrs. William Hickman Moore; board of trustees, Mrs. Abel Smith, Mrs. A. K. Fisher. Mrs. J. W. Cllse, Mrs. M. A. Gottsteln. Mrs. Thekla Plelns Horr, assisted by Mrs. Archibald Jones, soprano, and Mr. HJalmar Anderson, mandolin soloist, re cently gave a recital in Seattle A good programme was rendered by the following: Misses Olive Powles, Elsie Westover, Hazel Smith, Pearl McDonald, Annette Fountalne, Florence Huebner, Mrs. Archi bald Jones. Mrs. Thekla Plelns Horr and Mr. HJalmar D. Anderson. There Is considerable interest at The Dalles and surrounding country in the musical recital to be given at The Dalles Tuesday night hy Miss Mamie Helen Flynn, planiste, asslted by Mrs. Waiter Reed, and Reginald L. Hidden. of this city, and the programme Is a most excellent one. The proceeds will be devoted to the fund for the Heppner esufferers. Miss Ellen Kinsman Mann has accepted the position of choir director at Taylor Street Methodist Church, made vacant by the resignation of W. H. Boyer, and will assume Tier new duties, early in Sep tember. Mrs. Mann is well known In this city for her work in voice training. She Is the musical director of the S Cecilia Club, an organization of 100 women's voices that gave an enjoyable concert at the First Congregational Church, May 22. W. H. Boyer, who has been choir leader at Taylor-Street Methodist Church, for five years, lias accepted a similar position at the First Congregational Church, Park and Madison streets, and begins his duties there in September. The choir will con sist, of a quartet and chorus, the quartet being: Mrs. Rose Bloch Bauer, soprano; Mrs. W. A. T. Bushong, contralto; W. II. Boyer, tenor, and W. H. Montgomery, bass. Miss Leonora Fisher, organist. Miss Helen Lord, the beautiful prima donna of "The Runaways," was recently wooed and won by Raymond Hubbell, the composer of that sparkling comedy. In a novel and ingenious manner. He first fell in love with her at rehearsal, began Tvrit lng her love songs and superintended her singing of them. Mr. Hubbell was bora at Urbana, O.. 23 years ago, and the wedding of the two young people will take place shortly. Miss Lord, In an In terview, said: "I am almost as pleased over the fact that I am to leave the stage forever as I am in the possession of my fiance's love. I am a little tired of the theatrical profession, and in singing songs. When I was singing In the chorus it was different." Miss Kathryne Llnehah, MIsa LIna Llne han and Miss Stella Llnehan are three sisters who have recently arrived with their parents from Qulncy, 111., to make their home in this city. They are all mu sical people, and are quite an acquisition to the Portland musical colony. When In their Illinois hpme, they organized the Elko ladles' quartet, and propose to be gin similar quartet work here as soon as they get a first contralto. Miss Kath ryne is an organist and planiste. and she. sings second contralto. She is also a musical composer, and among others wrote a pleasing composition for the piano entitled, "The Governor's March." Miss Una. is a first soprano, and she sang with success in church choirs both in Qulncy and Chicago, 111. Miss Stella is a second soprano. Miss Reba Anita Hobson has Just re turned after a year and, a hairs absence in New York. She may be remembered as the charming soprano often heard here in the Schott concerts, and who. for the past IS months, has been studying under New York's famous instructor, Karl Breneman. Since leaving here Miss Hob son has appeared in concert in New York City and Buffalo, and has held an Im portant solo position in one of New York's prominent church choirs. She is an en thusiastic member of the Pitch and Power Club, which has done much toward the betterment of vocal art. Among Brene man's noted pupils are Christie McDonald, In private life, Mrs. Thomas Jefferson, who opens a new Weber ,& Field's house the coming - season, and Will CarlOon. who has been giving such successful re citals at the Waldorf-Astoria. Senator Fulton, a brother-in-law of Miss Hob son, visited her on his way from Wash ington and brought news of her musical progress. It Is hoped that she may be heard hero before ner return to New York the coming Fall. By the sudden death of Giuseppe Cre moninl, the tenor, Italy has lost one of her best known and most sympathetic artists. Born at Cremona Sfi years ago, he began his studies under tho Cavallere G. Cima, and made his first appearance when very young- at the -Pollteama, of Genoa, and his success at once Indicated a brilliant future. He immediately re ceived numerous offers of engagements and appeared in .most of the Italian the aters. But his' activity was not limited to his native land; he appeared for two seasons in South America and for two seasons In this country, under Mr. Grau's management, and he sang also in Madrid, Monte Carlo. Alexandria and for two seasons at Covent Garden, London, and was always received with enthusiasm. His repertory was extensive and he was admired equally In "Lohengrin," "Romeo" and "Faust." He created Des Grieux in Puccini's "Manon Lescaut" in Turin, and was selected for Franchettl's "Flor d'Alpe" at La Scala. Milan. He appeared also In "Regina dl Saba" at Trieste. Cre monlni sang at Hazard's Pavilion in the Grau company two years ago. Peninsular School Graduation. The graduating exercises of the Penin sular School will take place next Wednes day evening at the Presbyterian Church, a few blocks south of the school build ing, as there is no suitable room In the schoolhouse. Seven girls and two boys will be graduated from the grammar department of the public schools. Among the exercises of the evening will be pre sented "A History of Our Flag" by 12 young girls of the school. The various flags of our country, until the adoption of the Stars and Stripes, will be shown. Mr. H. Wittenberg, chairman of the Board of Education, will present the di plomas and address the class. Officers of Woodstock Schools. Mrs. Robert W. Pool was elected School Director of tho Woodstock district, and Miss Carrie McCabe was re-elected Clerk. Mrs. Pool moved Into the Woodstock dis trict from Pleasant Hom.e about two years ago. She Is a prominent member of the Woman's Relief Corps and a woman of energy. The Board of Directors re-elected J. M. C. Miller principal of the school, which position he has held for the past four years. The number of murders per million popula tion is 5.13 In England. 6. in Germany. 11.C5 In France. 15.42 in Austria. 70.11 In Italy and 44.70 In Spain. THE WOODMEN WILL BALLGT-EQR-QUEEN WOODMEX OF WORLD BEGIX ELEC TION TOMORROW. Fair Damsel Caesea Will Preside ' Over Carnival WhIch Will At tract Thousands te Portland. The Woodmen of he World Carnival Queen contest will commence tomorrow. Ballot boxes will be placed In various prominent places throughout the city where the enthusiastic supporters of the contesting Queens may aid their favor ites to victory. Six contestants, prominent in Women of Woodcraft circles, have already been persuaded by their admirers to enter the contest. It is now confidently hoped and believed that there wilL be 50 beautiful and charming ladies in tho race. Those selected for candidates are from the very best families In the city, and. It matters not which candidate is elected, the Wood men of the World will be proud to honor her as- their sovereign ruler. The Portland Queen will be the reigning Queen, and the Queens from other cities in the North west will attend her coronation and as sist In tho brilliant ceremonies. The Queen's throne will be ornate, and fash ioned after the elaborate style of that of the monarchies of the Old World. The throne scene will be unique and Intensely Interesting. To be crowned Queen of the Carnival will be an honor that any young lady might covet, and neither time nor money Is being spared to ma"ke the gala occasion one long to be remembered. The King of the Carnival has dispatched heralds announcing the fact that his am bassadors are on the way to Portland and that His Gracious Majesty will be here in person during the carnival, to welcome his loyal subjects. His Majesty will place the beautiful crown upon the brow of the fair Queen and participate in the festivities. The royal presents to be showered upon the carnival Queen are now on exhibition in the show windows of the respective donors, and are attract ing -widespread attention. There will be 12 Queens in all. The Portland sovereign will rule, while the other 11 ladles of high degree will repre sent the 11 leading cities of the North west. Each of the visiting cities will com mence balloting for their Queen tomor row. In order that the voting may be completed In time for Her Majesty to pre pare her royal robes for the occasion of her visit to Portland on July 14. The Queens will be accompanied by a royal escort of a large number of mem bers from the divers lodges of the Wood men of the World, as well as of the Women of Woodcraft. Excursions will visit the cltyjfrom every city, town and hamlet for miles around. The manage ment expects 50.000 visitors to the carnival during the two weeks from July 14 to 25, and the one serious problem confronting President J. W. Morrow's committee on hospitality Is the accommodation of the guests during the festal days. A tented city has been suggested by -one of the di rectors, to provide sleeping quarters for the visiting brethren on the occasion of the excursions from Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma and Walla Walla. The erection of fences inclosing Park street from Washington to the end of the North Park blocks and the park blocks also, will be commended In a few days, and the business houses' booths will bo built and the grounds prepared at once. The Southern Carnival Company, which will furnish the attractions, will arrive In Portland on Sunday, July 12, and will spend the time up to Tuesday, July 14, the time for the grand opening. In prepar ing the attractions and putting everything OF THE WORLD In readiness. The carnival company carries-over- 360 -people, among them the best at the various feats performed by ouch shows. In the midway a programme of ten free acts will be rendered every af ternoon and evening. Fifteen special J snows also accompany the carnival com pany. The Stadium, where the main entertain ment will be given, will be the leading feature. It will replace the German Vil lage of other carnivals, and will be a thoroughly first - class entertainment throughout. No liquors of any kind will be sold on the carnival grounds, but the Woodmen promise to make up for this oversight by giving a good, clean attrac tion. Among the special attractions with the company are: The animal show, the elec tric theater, the statue turning to life, dreamland, the American Theater, Lotta the fire dancer, Esau the phenomenon, the Venetian glass blowers, dog and pony show, Ferris wheel. Bteara gondolas. Mat Gay in his 100-foot backward dive, and Rose and Lemon la . a tandem bicycle ride .down a 90-foot stairway. Steve A. Woods, the personal repre sentative of the carnival company, has been in the city for sometime, working zealously In the promotion of the-carnival, and promises that the event will surpass any outdoor entertainment ever given in the Northwest. His headquarters are at the W. O. W. headquarters, on Washing ton street. Mat Relss, proprietor and general manager of the company, is also In the city, accompanied by T. H. Burch and Ed Davis, also of the carnival com pany. The company has been on the road for three years, playing continually, not losing a week In the entire three years. It Is by far the largest carnival com pany on the road and is highly recom mended in the Southern and Eastern States. The company travels on Its own special trains. The carnival management has already been offered $750 for the confetti con tract, but as yet has not awarded it. It will. not be overlooked, however, and the confetti fiend will once more be In his ele ment at 5 cents per. Each and every committee of the Wood men is hustling and all report splendid progress In their work. Director-General Jennings Is more than pleased with the work done and assures the public that Portland will see the largest assemblage of visitors ever known here. THEIR SCHOOL DAYS OVER Class of Jnae, 1003, to Graduate From Hlgk School. The graduating exercises of the Port land High .School will be held in the Marquam-Grand Tuesday, June 23, at 8 P. M. The programme is as follows: "Travlata Fantasia," Verdi, Spanish Students; vocal solo, "The Spring Has Come." Maude White, Willis C Haynes; address to the class. Professor B. F. Mulkey, president Normal School, Ash land: "Esperanza Mazurka," Palaclos, Spanish Students; presentation of di plomas, Mr. H. Wittenberg, chairman Board of Education; vocal solo, "Sing Me to Sleep," Edwin Greene, (b) "Calm As the Night." Carl Bohm. Willis C. Haynes; Pos Des Fleurs Valae, Delivlo, Spanish Students. Mr. Haynes, who will sing at the ex ercises, la a son of the teacher of physics, the late D. P. Haynes. He was graduated from the High School February, 1SS3. Since graduation he has been devoting a great deal of his tlraa to the study of music He Is a student of Whitney, of Boston, and Vannucclni, of Florence. The members of the class follow: Latin Mary Altheda Billings,. Hedwig S. Bleeg, Edna Blanche Church, Flora Alice Dunham, Margaret Inez Evans, Lena Maude Hanson. Alice C Hutchinson, Gertrude H. Hutch inson, Jay Loyd Magness, Robert Mac- CARNIVAL kenzie, Nellie Maxon, Oscar Theodora Olsen, Kate Protzman, Arthur Rosenfeld. Antoinette Wagner, Mildreds Irene Wal rath, Albert Loftus Young. German Grace Carter. Sarah Bernlce Church, Jullen Coblentz, Adelaide Fin negan. LIndsley F. Hall, Sophie H. Huff, Orllnda Lawrence, Gertrude E. Molden hauer, Elizabeth Ohle, Margaret Raz, Esther Segal, Isabel Wolfsteln. English Lena Maude Barendrick, Fred Norman Bay, Alda Lillian Broughton, Daisy Amelia Dunning, Marie Kathryn Ellefsen. Florence Adeline Fryer, Harriet Adele Garretson, Hazel H. Hardle, Janle Eleanor Heilman, Harold C. Howes, Helen Thornbury Hudson, Leslie Gloyd Johnson. Marie La Barre, Percy Albert Lockwood, Clifford F. Marshall, Eliza beth Inez MacKenzle, Marie Elizabeth Rau, Mary Isabel Rockwell, Eva Scott, Alice TIdcombe, F. lone Townsend, Frances Emily Wilson, Daisy Elizabeth Zander. B English and Latin Nathan Bishop Blackburn, William Harley Glafkc , English, Latin and German Frederick S. Wilhelm, Victor Hugo Wilhelm. The first honor pupils are: Mary Al theda Billings. Alda Lillian Broughton, Edna Blanche Church, William Harley Glafke. LIndsley F. Hall, Jay Loyd Magness.. Nellie Maxon, 'Kate Protzman, Arthur Rosenfeld, Victor Hugo Wilhelm, Albert Loftus Young. Kansas Need Harvest Hands. TOPEKA. Kan.. June 20. R. B". Gerow. director of the State Free Emnlnvmmt Bureau, has received final estimates as to tne number of outside harvest hands to be needed this year. The total num. AMUSEMENTS ViollR Recital. O Minor Sonata ....J. TarUn! Aniinto presto noa tropjpo. Largo allegro eotnodo. Aria "Tanabauaer ........ Wagaer Dlch Theatre Halle. "A Major Concerto".. ..W. A, Moaart (M&niMcript Cadenzas from Joaepa Jo&chlaa.) Allegro ajxrto. adagio, tempo dl salnu; etto.' (a) "Lynaove'a Bens".. KJerulf (b) "Ic5h Llefc Dica"... Grieg (c) "At Parting". ...... .James Sogers (d) "A Seng of Life-!". ijawley (a) "Ttoroaase." Op. 2..... J. Joachim (b) "Kora&Eis." No. 1 J. Joachim By his able, artistic violin playing at the Marquam Theater last night, Will iam Wallace Graham, who has recently arrived at bis native heath In Oregon af ter nearly seven years' study In Berlin, Germany, demonstrated to the entire sat isfaction of a large and critical audience that he Is easily In the front rank among violinists in the Northwest. It is Mr. Graham's Intention to make this city his home and to teach in the Fall. Mr. Graham was subjected to a severs test when he first stood before his audi ence last night, and It would have tried the nerves of a veteran to find nearly 1600 pairs of eyes gazing at him, watch ing every move. Mr. Graham has an ex ceedingly graceful style of bowing, his technique is sound, and he has a clear, rich, singing tone. It -was no small feat to- play the difficult A major concerto by Mozart, from memory, as Mr. Graham did, and he executed the number with the fire and abandon of a true artist. He was enthusiastically encored, and he came back and bowed his acknowledgments, but his admirers Insisted on hearing him again, and his two encores were the cele brated air on the G string by Bach, and theperpetuum mobile by Novacek. It is a pleasure to welcome such a finished violin player as Mr. Graham as a mem ber of Portland's musical community. He was assisted by Mrs. Rose Bloch Bauer, who was In fine voice and sang mag nificently. Her encores were Roeckel's "Looks and Eyes." and the ever wel come "Japanese Lullaby." Edgar E. Coursen was accompanist, and he played with fine taste and skill. Ralph Stuart's Farewell. There was a more than enthusiastic audience present at Baker's Theater last night to wish good-bye to Ralph Stuart and his excellent company playing in "The Virginian." The various members of the company were 'on their mettle, determined that their last night for the season at Baker's should be their beat, and the re sult was that a very good production of. the play was given. There were several rousing curtain calls, and when the cur tain fell at the end of the last act on the domestic happiness of the honest Vir ginia blacksmith, there was a volley of ap plause, cheers and cries of "speech." In response Mr. Stuart stepped forward and said in part: "Thank you for your great kindness to me and my company. Not so very iong ago, .when we came to Portland we were strangers, but we soon got acquainted. Now we look upon It as home, and you all know how sorry every one Is to leave home. In the Spring of 1904 we trust to be with you again to en tertain you. Good night and good-bye." This evening the different members of the company will leave town for their homes. Mr. Stuart is bound for his home In New Jersey, but will stop at various places to arrange for dates for next sea son. Miss Helen MacGregor, the leading lady, goes to her Summer home at "Idle Hour," Staten Island, N. Y.; Frank Camp, Detroit, Mich.; Ernest Van Pelt. Los Angeles, Cal., and New. York in the Fall; A. C Winn, who recently arrived from Australia, will remain in the city; Will iam Harris, Boston; Mr. and Mrs. Priest ly Morrison (Mary Horne) California. New York and Baltimore; Martha Mayo, Loa Angeles, Cal.; Virginia Brissac, San Francisco; Don W. Brunaldo. New York. Mr. Brunaldo will Join the Stuart Com pany next season. A PLEA FOR PARKS THE number and condition of the parks of Portland are a reproach to a city of its size. It is true that in the past the wild beauty of the natural forests was at the city's gates, and so the need of cultivated parks was not felt- But with the growth of the city and the corresponding retreat of the natural groves, the Increase of business, which allows so little time for recreation, creates a demand for the cool, refreshing retreats from the artificiality and hurly-burly city life. Not only should the parks be cultivated, and their num ber increased, but all available space about the city should be turned Into beauty spots. The unsightly gulches about the city could be made "things of beauty" by tearing out the hideous wooden scaffolding and filling In with earth bridges, with proper provisions for drainage. Theea earthen bridges could bo terraced on the side and planted with flowers and vines until the sight of them would Indeed be a "Joy forever." The ends of streets that "run out" could also be turned into small parks. Nature has done much for Portland, so that with a little pride and pains this could be easily made the most beautiful city In the North west. These spots of beauty are not only necessary for the physlclal. but for the mental and moral welfare of humanity. Who will doubt that the grand forests of the West are capable of inspiring even greater awe and devotion for the Creator, as well as higher and purer thoughts, than all the wonderful cathedrals of the Old World? We hold our breath and step softly as we enter some deep forest glen, with Its carpet of velvet mos3 and Its pillars of lofty pines, that form a roof of entwin ing branches. And what sweeter incense Is there than the spicy odor of the pines, mingled with that of ferns and wild flowers? And there can be no music sung by choir or made on Instruments that is as soothing to the human soul as the soft sighing of the pines, accompanied by the song of birds and the humming of Insects. The busy ones who cannot "live near to nature's heart" In the country are depend ing on what the city can provide In the way of parks. And now let me make a plea for our beautiful trees. Spare your leafy com panions; they will give more pleasure and satisfaction, although it "may be necessary to make the walks narrow, than a broad sidewalk can on a barren, glaring street. Those of us who love trees shrink, with sympathetic pain when we hear ,pf their destruction. MRS. J. P. WAGER. No route across the continent 'offers so many attractions as does the -Denver & Rio Grande. Write the Portland Agency. 121 Third street, for illustrated booklets. STARTLING Wheat famine threatened in England. Russia. France and Germany. America's glow tap crop shows alarming shortage. Inside "facts in our special stock. Wheat and corn letters now ready. Write- for them today. Our Valuable Book Handsomely Illustrated la colors, history of Wheat from 2769 B. C to 1W8 A 2.. malted free. F. G. HOGAN & CO., Eastern and Western Board aad Exchange Mesabers. Ceasateree Blda.f Caleajrs, lU. ; ber foots up to 27,190.