Correspondence (incoming) - A

and on that account it had not the proper course. My attempt to take the project back failed. I was answered by the Chief of Police, Mr. Kennedy, that it was [recorded?], and that by patient waiting for a more suitable time for its realization I would not love the right to it. Finding myself thus [eluded?] I accepted the offer made to me by the Command of regiment 8th Inf. U.S.A. for the organization of its band. I remained with it two years, after which I asked for my discharge. I remained in New York practicing the profession, and eight months after the Command of the [Lame?] Regiment made to me a more convenient offer. I accepted, returning to the previous position. Three years after I again asked for my discharge. Only a few months, and I was again called in the [said?] Regiment with an increased salary and extra privileges. About twenty months after, in February 1884, I obtained the third discharge. I enclose the document, (1) from which you may learn the cause of my last discharge. From my services in Venezuela and in [said?] Regiment you may be able to judge as to my professional capacity and moral bearing.

Since I left the Regiment I reside in San Francisco. Here I had ample time to judge the local musical element. The best portion of it, numerically small, is employed in Theatres, etc., each musician making from $2,000 to $2,500 per year. The second and third-[rated?] musicians, of whom the element is principally composed, are, with [few?] exceptions, yet in the infancy of the art. While I was making said observations, I read in the "San Francisco Chronicle" that President Cleveland in a message urged the Congress as follows: "It is about time to properly attend to the claims of American citizens against the Government of Venezuela, for they are long [waiting?]." Soon after I received a note from my attorney (as it is proven by the enclosed documents, no.2), requesting my naturalization certificate and the three discharges. I was then expecting to soon realize my claim and to retire from the profession, the amount due me being more than sufficient for me and my small family. Finding, however, latter on myself [deceived?], I studied the project which is herein submitted to the honor if your

consideration. My idea is to organize a corp of forty-six selected professors, each one of a distinct musical talent and of an irreproachable character and honorability. There should be among them several concertists and also several professors of cord-instruments. All combined would form a most excellent corp, known under the appropriate name of Philharmonic, not band. The elements for such a corp should, necessarily, be procured in Italy, the most distinguished country for music. Moreover, it is to be prefered among them the same language and habits of nutrition, in order to obviate disagreements; for such [element?] should be gently and comfortably treated, being a virtuous body of professional students. The Philharmonic would be at your sole and exclusive service, at the following conditions: The management to be conducted solely by me, thus causing no trouble whatever to you. The virtuous members of the Philharmonic while they will be justly proud to be at your

service, will naturally desire as sole director and conductor the person receiving all orders from you, and as sole authority over their services and as a competent judge of their [respective?] merit, receive from me compensation accordingly. In the highest ranks of European nobility there are individuals who dispose of a band of [lilettanti?]. It is not at their service exclusively. They have the right to use it only in certain occassions, for their luxury or otherwise for the privilege, they pay a portion of the director's salary and contribute to the expenses for instruments and music. They would do otherwise if their means would allow it. The Philharmonic at the exclusive service of Leland Stanford should be without its equal in the world, in order to be worthy of him, he being an exception among men for his exceptional virtues and munificence. The musicians should be engaged for a term of no less than five years. They should be prohibited to use, under all circumstances,

their professional ability outside of the service required by their director, who, in turn, shall never dispose of the musicians, except for obeying the orders received from you or your legal representative. The Philharmonic should be used on all grand occassions and in all circumstances deemed worthy by you. One or more times per week it might also be used in the [plaza?] of the colossal Leland Stanford Jr.'s University, during vacations. Music, excellently executed, would certainly tend to inspire the studying youths, and it would cause pleasure to any selected audience. It could also be used for the religious service in the Chapel. Constituted as intended by me, it could be divided into [fractions?] for any circumstance [desired?]. It sould be ever ready for service, and [unbusy?] days, if any, it would, necessarily, practice. There would be thus very little rest for the professors and their director. It would be on your part a most noble act to dispose of the Philharmonic for benevolent [scopes?]. Several months in the year, for instance, it could