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THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW.
WILLIAM STEINWAY HOME.
INTERVIEWED BY OUR REPRESENTATIVE—HE
CHATS FREELY ABOUT HIS TRIP ABROAD—
HIS VISIT TO THE EMPEROR OF GER-
MANY—MR. MORRIS STEINERT—
MR. STEINWAY MEETS RUBIN-
STEIN—REMARKS ON THE
POLITICAL SITUATION
—HE IS A PRO-
TECTIONIST.
A GERMAN MANUFACTURER'S ASSOCIATION—Hlh
VOYAGE HOME.
eminence and success bring with
them considerable responsibility and an-
noyance. Mr. Wm. Steinway, however, while his
position as a public man, and as the head of the
eminent house of Steinway & Sons, involves him
in no little care and worry, is fortunate in be-
ing so much respected and so popular that he
finds in the latter a counterpoise and compensa-
tion for the former. Ever since Mr. Steinway's
return from Europe, on Saturday last, he has
been besieged by callers of every description.
His patience has been sorely tried. That is,
meanwhile, the price of popularity, but it evi-
dently agrees with Mr. Steinway, for he looked
extremely vigorous and well when I called upon
him on Tuesday afternoon, with the compli-
ments of THE MUSIC TRADE REVIEW. Mr.
Steinway's ruddy and healthy appearance is not
owing to the effect of the sea voyage, for the
passage over was a very rough one, but to a
naturally robust and well-balanced organization,
refreshed and strengthened by rest and the salu-
tary hygienic treatment of the German Medical
Springs.
After congratulating the eminent principal of
Steinway & Sons upon his return home and on
his general appearance, I was favored with a
conversation—an informal sort of interview—
upon various events relating to his trip.
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In reply to a query bearing upon his recent
audience with the Emperor and Empress of Ger-
many, a brief account of which has already ap-
peared in these columus, Mr. Steinway remarked
that the Emperor was most friendly in his ref-
erences to the United States. He also appeared
most interested in the success of the World's
Fair. Mr. Steinway took pains to give the
German crowned head an idea of the modern
improvements in transatlantic travel, and of
the conveniences and luxuries which American
railroads afford to visitors, while assuring him
of a hearty welcome. Though the Emperor
could not positively promise to honor the United
States with a visit, the chances in favor of his
coming have been strengthened very materially
through Mr. Steinway's representations. Mr.
Steinway speaks in the warmest way of the cor-
diality of the German ruler, and of the Empress,
whom he describes as a lady with a most gra-
cious manner.
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'' How did you find German feeling in relation
to the World's Fair? Do you think Germany
will participate to any extent ? " were asked.
"Germany will make a great showing," Mr.
Steinway promptly replied.
Referring to Mr. Steinert's success at Vienna
with his valuable musical instrument collection,
Mr. Steinway expressed much pleasure at the
recognition accorded his friend in literary, art
and musical circles. Personally, he had not
seen Mr. Steinert in Europe, but had corres-
ponded with him frequently.
I ascertained, incidentally, from Mr. Stein-
way, that he met Rubinstein in Berlin. The
great virtuoso is still in the enjoyment of per-
fect health and of those rare faculties which
have won for him the distinguished place his
name occupies in the roll of musical genius.
Though cherishing grateful feelings for America,
where he achieved so many notable triumphs in
the past, he will never again cross the ocean. No
managerial or speculative offers could induce him
to face the tortures he always found inseparable
from an ocean voyage. Even crossing the English
channel, a matter of a few hours, is equally a
torture to Rubinstein.
Mr. Steinway also saw young Otto Hegner.
Rubinstein holds a very high opinion both of
Hegner and Josef Hoffman, and believes these
youthful pianists have a brilliant future ahead,
if not spoiled by indiscreet flattery and want of
direction and control.
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"What do you think of the political situ-
ation at home, Mr. Steinway ? " was ventured.
There was a slight pause. Presently the head
of Steinway & Sons looked at the questioner
with his remarkably penetrating eyes, and said
indirectly:
" Both of the presidential candidates are emi-
nently qualified for the office aspired to. I, how-
ever, believe that Cleveland will be elected.
Everything points that way."
" You are recognized as a very prominent
Democrat "
1 paused. Mr. Steinway antici-
pated a reference to the democratic tariff plank,
and remarked with some emphasis :
" Yes, but I am a protectionist, although I do
not believe in the necessity of the McKinley
tariff."
" Grover Cleveland is one of my oldest
friends," said Mr. Steinway later on. "We
made each other's acquaintance at a singing
festival in Buffalo back in 1856, and our ac-
quaintance grew into a friendship which has
never ceased. At the time we first met I little
thought that the promising lawyer would rise
to the great position he has since occupied with
such admirable dignity and distinction."
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I am indebted to Mr. Steinway for the follow-
ing important piece of trade news :
The German piano makers are taking steps to
organize themselves on the lines of the Ameri-
can Piano and Organ Manufacturers Association.
A meeting was to have taken place on Septem-
ber 13, at Leipzig, but the cholera scare inter-
fered with this preliminary. The postponed
meeting will be held toward the end of this
month, however, when the idea will take definite
shape. The manufacturers in Germany, Mr.
Steinway remarked, have heard of the success
of the American body and are anxious to com-
bine with the same objects in view. The laws
of their empire are, so far as they aim to protect
inventors and originators of new ideas, rather
lax and lacking in stringency. To remedy this
condition of things will be one object of the
German organization. Meanwhile there are a
hundred advantages to be gained through com-
bination and disciplined action in all things
pertaining to their mutual good.
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Regarding the London branch establishment,
which I had the pleasure of writing up a short
while ago, Mr. Steinway expressed perfect satis-
faction with the state of things over there. I
mentioned the name of Mr. A. J. Hipkins, of
Broadwood & Sons, and ascertained that Mr.
Steinway called on that gentleman while in the
English metropolis. The presiding genius of
Steinway & Sons and Mr. Hipkins are excellent
friends and mutual admirers. Mr. Hipkins
speaks of Mr. Steinway in the warmest terms of
esteem and vice versa. It is, indeed, a pleasure
to note the prevalence of such good feeling. Of
21
the house of Broadwood Mr. Steinway expressed
himself in an equally friendly spirit to the writer
during the progress of this interview.
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Though the voyage over was an unusually
stormy one, Mr. Steinway was not incapacitated
by Neptune from presiding at the entertainment
given on board the Fuerst Bismarck on the even-
ing previous to coming into port. From an ac-
count given by one of the passengers to the
press, it may be gleaned that he directed the
events of the concert with characteristic tact and
grace, and threw himself into the .spirit of the
occasion so unaffectedly that he sang a humor-
ous song. At the conclusion of the entertain-
ment Captain Albers was tendered a flattering
compliment by the passengers in a set of reso-
lutions signed by Mr. Steinway, chairman, and
several other notables on board, among whom
were ex-Postmaster General James and ex-Judge
Dittenhoefer, of New York. Captain Albers,
however, received a more lasting and practical
compliment in the shape of an order for a Stein-
way upright piano, one of the best styles, as a
tribute to his two musical daughters.
Jo (jilmore.
M. J. H.
What tears can now awake that buried heart ?
What anguished cry can pierce that deafened
ear?
And yet a nation mourns for him who lies apart,
For him who oft has held enchanted with his
art
The youthful bard and hoary-headed seer.
Thou great commander ! truly loved wast thou,
By little children and by men grown grey.
Thy deeds shall live though marble be thy brow,
Though stilled the baton hand, and quiet now,
For over all men's hearts thou didst hold
sway.
An alien wast thou from a foreign land,
But loved thou much this country of thy
choice,
To it thou brought'st the power of a most gifted
hand,
A mind which through all ages shall forever
stand,
And the rare treasures of thy mellow voice.
Thy name shall ever be a household word
'Mong lovers of the music for which thou
lived.
Thy hand could wield the baton or the sword ;
In peace or war thy patriotism stirred
The hearts of those who loved and with thee
breathed.
The world is better for such men as thee ;
Thy work upon this earth was not in vain.
Now pray we that thy mantle we may see,
Resting on living shoulders dear to thee,
And thus in spirit thou shalt visit us again.
THE cornet band has been reorganized at
Toms River, N. J., with Daniel Hoffmire, presi-
dent, and Samuel Williams, vice-president.
THE Keystone Flute and Drum Band has been
organized at Chester, Pa.
THE Roosevelt Organ Co., of New York, have
sold their entire plant to Farrand & Votey, of
Detroit, Mich. The terms of the transfer have
not been divulged.
THE citizens of New Benton, Pa., are very
much interested in a new cornet band which has
been organized there.
NUMEROUS improvements are being made to
the music store of Manby & Sweeney, McKees-
port, Pa.