SIGNOR FIORI has arrived in London from Rome.

MRS. JOHN MACFARREN'S MATINEES.-A very agreeable entertainment was provided for her friends and patrons, on Saturday morning, by Mrs. John Macfarren, at the New Beethoven Rooms, Queen Anne-street. For a concert, which does not aim at the title "Grand," we have seldom seen a better programme. Mrs. John Macfarren shows herself a real artist, no less in her excellent pianoforte playing, than in the music she invariably selects for performance. The special pieces in Saturday's scheme were Beethoven's very grand trio in B flat (No. 4, Op. 11), for pianoforte, violin, and violoncello, executed in first-rate style by Mrs. John Macfarren, M. Sainton, and Sig. Piatti; and the same composer's sonata in F (Op. 24) for pianoforte and violin, by Mrs. John Macfarren and Sig. Piatti, which was equally well played. Besides the above, the bénéficiaire introduced Mendelsshon's Prelude in E minor (No. 1), and Lied Ohne Worte, in A minor, (Book 1), Cipriani Potter's Allegro Brilante in E (Pezzi di Bravura), and Thalberg's Don Pasquale. All these morceaux, so various in style, were mastered with ease, which proves that Mrs. John Macfarren is studying consciensciously, and striving hard to advance. Such perseverance in her profession will not stop short of excellence. That she is already on the "high road," cannot be denied; and that she will reach the goal we are convinced. Mrs. John Macfarren was, in the Vocal department, assisted by Miss Huddart, Mad. Weiss, and Madlle. Emile Kroll, and Mr. Herberte. The instrumentalists have been named. The concert gave entire satisfaction.

MADAME PUZZI'S CONCERT.-A_numerous and fashionable assembly was attracted to Willis's Rooms, on Monday morning, when Mad. Puzzi gave her annual concert. As usual, the display of talent, vocal and instrumental, was remarkable. Among the rest as novelties, we must especially allude to Mad. Fiorentini, Signers Salvi and Bottesini. Sig. Salvi cannot fail to be remembered as an accomplished tenor at the Royal Italian Opera, during the first two seasons of that establishment, of which he was a distinguished member, among a rare galaxy of talent. He sang with great effect as Edgardo (Lucia), Robert (Robert le Diable), Ernani, etc., etc., and, with few exceptions, sustained the characters at present filled by Sig. Tamberlik. A lucrative engagement allured Signor Salvi to America, where, for five or six years, he has been "starring" and adding to his reputation. The cordial reception awarded to him on Monday showed he was not forgotten by his London admirers. His manly style and artistic vocalisation were exhibited to peculiar advantage in a charming romanza by Bottesini, "La Folia." Mad. Fiorentini has a lovely soprano voice, rich, mellow, and sympathetic. She, too, has for some years been absent from London. Her principal performancebesides a duet from Donizetti's Adelia, with Signor Salvi, and "Sull aria," with Mad. Novello-was the well-known cavatina "Havvi un Dio," from Maria di Rohan, which she sang not only with the charm that naturally attaches to a beautiful voice, but with the utmost pathos and expression. Among other noticeable points were Signor Bottesini's solo-a marvellous display of execution; and a Duo Concertante, for clarinet and contra-basso, by Signors Belletti and Bottesini, and composed by the latter. Signor Belletti, an artist of eminent talent, with a fine tone and admirable execution, may be remembered in 1847-8, as first clarinet at Her Majesty's Theatre. Mad. Gassier, in her inimitably-executed "Valse variée; Miss Lascelles, in "By the sad sea waves; Sig. Marras, in a romanza, written by himself; and M. Ascher, a pianist of some notoriety in Paris, in three solos of his own composition, were also greatly admired. We must not forget the horn obbligato of Sig. Puzzi, in two songs, in which that

experienced artist proved that he had not lost the feeling, tone,

FOREIGN MISCELLANEOUS.

RIO JANEIRO.-Madame Charton and Madlle. Casaloni have

been the cause of a violent quarrel among the theatre frequenters. The respective admirers of these ladies almost come to blows during the performance. The manager has espoused the cause of Madlle. Casaloni, but Madame Charton is the greater favourite with the public. The emperor, the police, and the whole bench of magistrates, have been obliged to interfere, to prevent matters assuming a serious aspect. The city is flooded with pamphlets on the subject, and the ladies are especially active in the dispute.-Madile. La Grua has been engaged for the Lyric Theatre, by Sig. Antonio Porto, for two years. Her enormous salary has been guaranteed by the Government. TRIESTE.-(From the "Triester Zeitung.")-At a concert given in the Hôtel de la Ville, Miss Arabella Goddard fully justified the repuBeethoven's compositions, which she performed in conjunction with tation that had preeeded her, of being a pianist of the first class. In several distinguished dilettanti, ns in those of Liszt and Thalberg, Miss Goddard gave evidence of the most intelligent conception of both classical and modern music. It is almost superflous to add that the audience, composed of the most thorough musicians, and the élite of the city, overwhelmed her with enthusiastic and well-merited applause.

BARCELONA.-At the Italian Opera, L'Elisir d'amore and Linda di Chamouni have been played, Madame Tilli taking the principal part. At the Theatre of Santa Cruz, Nabuco has been played with indifferent success (by Mesdames Barbieri Nina, and Sontilla; Signori Gomez, Varessi, and Rodas), owing, it is said, to the general inefficiency of the

HANOVER.-The season is drawing to a close, and the theatre shuts on the 28th inst. Signor Verdi's Nabucodonoser will be performed on the 27th in honour of the king's birthday. Marschner, the composer, has been "betrothed" to Mdile. Theresa Janda, a member of the operatio company.-[Rather late in life.]

MUNICH. On the fiftieth anniversary of Schiller's death, his "Lied von der Glocke," with Lindpaintner's music, was performed in honour of the great poet's memory. STUTTGART.-In the interval between Palm Sunday and Easter, three oratorios,-Beethoven's Mount of Olives, Haydn's Creation, and Bach's Passionsmusik nach dem Evangelium Johannes, were performed.

ELBERFELD.-At the fourth subscription concert, Herr Carl Reinfirst time, complete, under the direction of the composer. At the end, thaler's oratorio, Jephta und seine Tochter, was performed, for the a flourish of horns and kettle-drums was given in his honour, and a laurel wreath was presented him.

BIRMINGHAM.-The concert of Mr. Cheshire, the talented harpist, took place at Dee's Assembly Rooms, on the 17th inst. The chief attraction, of course, was in the performances of the bénéficiaire, which were all received with great favour. But we must not pass off in silence the performances of a young gentleman, a Mr. Hart, from the Royal Academy of Music, London, whose performances of De Beriot's Fifth Air, and Sainton's Variations on La Fille du Régiment, proved him a very rising violinist. There were several vocal compositions by local professors, which were well received, in particular, a song by Mr. J. A. Baker, and one by Mr. Anderton, entitled, "The Wanderer's Dream." The vocalists were, Mrs. Bull, Mrs. Hayward, Mr. Thomas, and Mr. Mason.

ADVERTISEMENTS.

MISSssor of Music and Singing, 47, Alfred-street, River-terrace, Islington,

BLANCHE CAPILL-(Voice, Contralto,) where letters respecting pupils or engagements may be addressed.

MR..

AND MADAME R. SIDNEY PRATTEN, Professors of the Flute, Guitar, and Concertina. 131B, Oxford-street. Where their Concertina Classes are held, and where all their compositions may be had at the above instruments.

life, and are about to depart for Italy, and live in retirement.

her friends and pupils that she has removed to 3, Royal Oak-terrace, Wastbourne-grove.

HE LONDON ORCHESTRA. Conductor, Mr FRANK MORI; Leader, Mr. THIRLWALL. Including Messrs. Barret, Lazarus Baumann, Clinton, Lovell Phillips, Prospère, Mount, Mann, Cioffi, Zeiss, Tolbecque Nadaud, Chipp, &c. For terms apply to Mr. A. Guest, 1, Kingston Russell-place Oakley-square, Camden-town, or Messrs. Cramer, Beale, and Co., 201, Regent-street

announce his return to London for the season, to resume his Lessons in Singing after the true Italian method. 13, Panton-street, Haymarket.

TO VIOLINISTS, WANTED, an efficient Leader

WANTED, an efficient Leader

Violinist, and able to Arrange Music. The Society will guarantee him £40 per annum. There is at present no good violinist or teacher of the violin in Carmarthen, and there is a very fair prospect of remuneration from Pupils. Apply, with Testimonials, etc., to the Secretary at the Carmarthen Journal Office, Carmarthen, South Wales.

place at 27. Queen Anne-street, Cavendish-square, on Wednesday next, May the 30th. Begiù at Eight. Vocalists-Miss Milner and Mr. Herberte. Instrumentalists-Miss Emma Busby, Mr. Sterndale Bennett, Mr. H. C. Cooper, Herr Kreutzer, Mr. Webb, and Mr. Lucas. The Programme will include a Quartett by J. L. Ellerton, Esq. Tickets, 7s. each, may be had at the Music Warchouses, and of Mr. Cooper, 44, Upper Charlotte-street, Fitzroy-square.

MR.

and friends, that his Annual Concert will take place at the New Beethoven Rooms, 27, Queen Aune-street, on Monday evening, June 4th, 1855. Tickets, 108. 6d. each. Family tickets (to admit three) One Guinea.

ISS MESSENT and MR. BRINLEY RICHARDS'

ANNUAL GRAND CONCERT will will take place at St. Martin's Hall, on WEDNESDAY EVENING, June 13, to commence at 8 o'clock, when they will be assisted by Madle. Jenny Ney, Mdme. Rudersdorff, Miss Amy Dolby, Mr Sims Reeves, Signor Belletti, M. Sainton, and M. Benedict. The orchestra will be conducted by Mr. Alfred Mellon. Stalls, 158. each, and Reserved Seats, Half-a-Guinea

R. S. PRATTEN'S PERFECTED FLUTE (on the

old system of fingering) This instrument is universally acknowledged to possess the most powerful tone, combined with perfect intonation, sweetness, and ease to the performer. Prospectus and testimonials on application to John Hudson, Manufacturer, 3, Rathbone-place.

THE CHEAPEST CONCERTINA. Messrs. Boosey

above the cost price, for the express purpose of superseding the worthless instrument called the German Concertina, which, from having but half the proper number of notes, is thoroughly useless in a musical sense. Case's Four-Guinea Concertina has double action and full compass, and is a perfect concert instrument. A Post Office Order for Four Guineas will ensure the delivery of one in any part of England. Case's Concertinas may also be had of every quality and price, from £4 4s. to £12 12s. each. Instruments exchanged and let on hire. Boosey and Sons' Musical Instrument Warehouse, 28, Holles-street.

Library, Old Bond-street; of Miss Dolby, 2, Hinde-street, Manchester-square; aud of Mr. Lindsay Sloper, 7, Southwick-place, Hyde-park-square. Gallery Tickets, 58. each, and Area Tickets, Half-a-Crown each. May be had at all the principal music warehouses and libraries.

M

RS. JOHN MACFARREN'S TWO ANNUAL

MATINEES of PIANOFORTE MUSIC. Pianoforte, Mr. W. Sterndale

Established A.D. 1844. Parties desirous of INVESTING MONEY are requested to examine the Plan of this Institution, by which a high rate of interest may be obtained with perfect security. The interest is payable, in January and July, at the Head Office in London; and may also be received at the various branches, or through country bankers, without delay or expense. Peter Morrison, Managing Director. Prospectuses and Forms for opening accounts sent free on application.

Signor Piatti. Vocalists, Madme. Weiss, Miss Stabbach, Mr. Weiss. The Vocal Music accompanied by Mr. Walter Macfarren. The SECOND and LAST MATINEE will take place at 27, Queen Anne-street, on Saturday, June 16. To commence at 3. Erard's Pianofortes will be used. Tickets 78., to be had only at Ebers' Library, Old Bond-street, and of Mrs. John Macfarren, 40, Stanhope-street, Glo'ster Gate, Regent's Park.

ERR ERNST PAUER has the honour to announce

that

of the celebrated Orchestral Union, under the direction of MR. MELLON, at the Hanover-square Rooms, on Friday, June 1, 1855, to commence at 8 o'clock precisely, when he will be assisted by-Vocalists: Miss Emilie Kroll (from the Imperial Opera, Vienna), Miss Dolby, and Herr Reichardt. Conductors: Mr. Alfred Mellon and Herr Ernst Pauer. The members of the highly distinguished London Deutscher Männer Chor have kindly consented to perform, on this occasion selections from Mendelssohn's "Antigone and Edipus." Herr Ernst Pauer will play Hummel's Concerto in A flat, and his new Symphony in C minor will be given for the first time.-Stalls, half-a-guinea; tickets, 7s. each, may be had at all the principal Music Warehouses, and of Herr Erust l'auer, 32, Alfredplace West, Thurloe-square.

ISS MANNING begs to announce, that her Concert 31st, when she will be assisted by the following distinguished artists: Madame Clara Novello, Miss Huddart, Miss Lascelles, Herr Reichardt, Mr. Miranda, and Mr. Frank Bodda. Pianoforte, Herr Pauer; Conductor, Signor Pilotti. Tickets 10s. 6d., to be had at Messrs. Cramer and Beale's, 201, Regent-street; Mr. Mitchell's Royal Library, 33, Old Bond-street; and at Miss Manning's residence, 67, St. George's Terrace, Kensington.

rent, let, sell, or exchange estates, houses, leases, advowson, or goods, chattels, farming stock, or other personal property, are invited to order the "Illustrated Property Advertiser," a Monthly Stamped Newspaper, published by Mr. Alfred Cox, Land Agent, 68, New Bond-street, London, price 98. or twelve successive numbers for 8s. in advance. This periodical contains Advertisements of a vast number of Residences, Estates, Cottages, etc., in the market, as also particulars of property wanted by numerous applicants. The "Landlords and Tenants' Guide," a volume of 400 pages, with Geological Map and Gazetteer of Great Britain, also edited by Alfred Cox, price 78., or handsomely bound 108., It treats upon obtainable likewise of Simpkin and Co., and all Booksellers. arrangements of houses and grounds, agency, agriculture, architecture. cost of building, climate, conveyancing, domestic economy, ecclesiastical property, fixtures, geography, geology, hire and purchase of houses and lands, landscape gardening, law of real property-landlord and tenant, and of agents, leases, rural economy, rates and taxes, statistics, surveys, tenures, topography, valuation, and ventilation. The Agency Office," No. 68, New Bond-street, London, conducted by Mr. Alfred Cox, offers great and unusual advantages both to those seeking property and those desirous of disposing of it. Terms far lower than those warranted by custom of trade. Auctions are held and Surveys made in distant parts of the Country on terms less than the local agents.

PERSONAL REQUISITES. ROW

ELEGANTCASSPERS on delightfully fragrant and transparent prepara

tion for the hair; and, as an invigorator and beautifier, beyond all precedent. In dressing the hair nothing can equal its effect, rendering it so admirably soft that it will lie in any direction, and imparting a transcendent lustre. Price 38. 6d. 78.; Family Bottles (equal to four small), 10s. 6d. ; and double that size, 21s.ROWLANDS' KALYDOR, FOR THE SKIN AND COMPLEXION, is unequalled for its rare and inestimable qualities. The radiant bloom it imparts to the cheek; the softness and delicacy which it induces of the hands and arms; its capability of soothing irritations, and removing cutaneous defects, discolorations, and all un8s. 6d. per bottle.-ROWLANDS' ODONTO, OR PEARL DENTIFRICE, prepared from Oriental Herbs with unusual care. This unique compound will be found of inestimable value in preserving and beautifying the teeth, strengthening the gums, and in giving sweetness and perfume to the breath. Price 2s. 9d. per box. Sold by A. ROWLAND and SONS, 20, Hatton-garden, London, and by Chemists and Perfumers. Beware of Spurious Imitations!!!

MR. AGUILAR respectfully announces that he will give a Matinée Musicale at Willis's Rooms, on Thursday, June 14th. Vocalists, Mdlle. Anna Bochkoltz Falconi, Cantante di Camera to H.S.H. the Duke of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, Madame Ferrari, Signor Ciabatta, Signor Ferrari, and Mr. Miranda. Violin, Herr Ernst; flute, Mr. R. S. Pratten; violoncello, Signor Piatti; pianoforte, Mr. Aguilar. Conductor, Mr. Frank Mori. Reserved seats, 15s.; single tickets, 10s. 6d. To be had of Mr. Aguilar, and at the principal music-publishers.

THEL NEWCOME WALTZ, by HENRI LAURENT,

ETH

May 29th, Half-past Three, Willis's Rooms.-Quartet No.79, in D, Haydn; Trio, No. 2, in G, Pianoforte, Beethoven; Double Quartet in E Minor, Spohr; Solos, Pianoforte.-Executants: Sainton, Cooper, Hill, and Piatti, Goffrie, Carrodus, Webb, and Paque. Pianist Hallé.- Visitors' Admissions to be had of Cramer and Co., Chappell and Ollivier, Bond-street.-Owing to the crowded state of the rooms, no more Free Admissions can be given to Artists. All Letters to be addressed toJ. ELLA, Director.

exquisitely illustrated by Brandard, in colours, price 4s. This is the best Galop Guides, Boosey and Sons, Holles-street. XCELSIOR.-MESSRS. BOOSEY AND SONS' edition of this attractive poem, by the American poet, Professor Longfellow, set to music by J. T. Cooper, never fails to enlist the sympathies of the classical amateur and the accomplished musician. Order expressly, Messrs. Boosey and Sons' "Excelsior," 28, Holles-street.

EX

VERDI'S "IL TROVATORE,"

EW EDUCATIONAL PERIODICAL-Published on

NEW

Extracts from the Prospectus issued in 1854. "Principals of, and Assistants in, Boarding and Day Schools; Private Governesses; Lady Professors of Music, Painting, Drawing, Languages, or other particular Branches of Education; Mistresses of National, British, Parochial, Private, or other Schools for the masses-form together one of the most enlightened and (in a high sense of the word) influential communities of the age." *** Although the Press teems with Periodicals on countless subjects, amongst which that of Popular Education is deservedly conspicuous, still there is not one really independent journal devoted to the interest of Teachers and Education. Every Educational Paper is the organ of some particular Institution or Society, and consequently advocates views more or less partial. We have nothing to say against this: on the contrary, we should be glad to see a periodical exposition of the views of each Educational Party; but what we consider far more essential is a journal available to all-offensive to none." **** "Devoted exclusively to the interest of Female Teachers and to the subject of Female Education. Educational Publications of the day are not ostensibly for Male Teachers, but a superficial perusal of any one of them will show that they are really so. Very few Lady Teachers, even of the highest class, feel to any great extent an interest in problems in higher mathematics or abstruse classical disquisitions."***"We feel convinced that Education to be real must be religious." "Whilst there

**

The

are points upon which the majority of good Teachers agree, and others upon which they can agree to differ, there are, unhappily, points which cannot be adverted to without occasioning dissentient feelings of an unpleasant nature.

'Religion should extinguish strife, And make a balm of human life;

But friends who chance to differ On points which God has left at large, How freely will they meet and charge! No combatants are stiffer.'"

Extracts from reviews.

J. THORNE HARRIS.-Two new Compositions for

Pianoforte, by J. Thorne Harris, of Manchester. one of the most promising English Composers. No. 1. Premier Nocturne, dedicated to Julius Amschel. No. 2. Impromptu à la Valse, dedicated to William A. Morton. Price 3s. each. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street.

GOLLMICK'S BELISARIO, Grand Duet for the piano

forte, performed frequently in public and always encored. A popular edition, with all the brilliant effects, but moderately difficult, price 58. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street.

THE

HE ROSE'S ERRAND.-New Ballad written and composed by Charles Mackay, Author of Cheer Boys, Cheer; Far upon the Sea; To the West, &c. Price 2s. I sent a message by the rose That words could not convey;

Sweet vows I never dar'd to breathe

And wishes pure as they;

A mute but tell-tale messenger,

It could not do me wrong;

It told the passion I conceal'd
And hopes I cherish'd long.

My love receiv'd it with a smile,
She read its thought and sigh'd
Then plac'd it on her happy breast,
And wore it till it died."
Immortal Rose; it could not die;
The spirit which it bore,

Lives in her heart, as first in mine,
A joy for evermore.

Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street.

"An excellent Magazine-the only one on the subject of Education which assumes an independent tone, and addresses itself to the sex on which the work of Practical Education mainly devolves."-" On the general subject, there are works and writings enough in all conscience *** This work ought to be valued as a public benefaction."-"Whatever may be the particular views of the writers in THE GOVERNESS, there can be no doubt as to the ability displayed on the various subjects on which they treat."-"The catholicity of sentiment, and the literary ability which characterise THE GOVERNESS, can hardly fail to insure its success.' -"The most interesting work on Education we have met with."-"We should like THE GOVERNESS to be introduced into every family, as well as into every become a general favourite amongst ladies of every rank and grade: the subjects on which it treats are such as must interest every Englishwoman."-"This work, while fitted to be a great help to mothers, is principally designed to help the professional teacher in the nursery and the school-room. Nor is it intended simply for the Governess, popularly so called, but for trained teachers, wherever employed -a class of educators most likely to appreciate its value, and by their communications add to its worth."-"The increasing wants of a rising class, demand a class literature of improving excellence, and this, we feel compelled to say, has not been supplied. In the periodical before us, we see much reason for congratulation ; it is adapted to every class of Female Instructors, from the private preceptiess to the Village Infant School Teacher; and we earnestly hope will receive their universal support as an important auxiliary in the efficient performance of the great work in which they are engaged."

THE GOVERNESS is published at 6d., (or Stamped, 7d.); but Subscribers have it at half price: Namely, a Stamped Copy, monthly, for a year, for a subscription of 38. 6d. in advance. The Subscriptions may be forwarded in Postage Stamps: Advertisements not exceeding 24 words, 2s. 6d. ; for every 8 words additional, Os. 6d.; eighth of a page, 10s. Od. ; fourth do. 17s. 6d.; Half do. £1 10s. ; a whole page, 2 10s Teachers are charged half the above Scale. All Communications, Books, and School Appliances for notice in THE GOVERNESS should be sent to "The Editor of the Governess, 58, Holborn Hill." They should be sent by the 10th of the month, if carly notice is particularly desired.

MESSRS, BOOSEY AND SONS beg to announce the

publication of two new Catalogues. The first is a catalogue of all their numerous publications, so arranged as to greatly facilitate the selection of music by residents in the country. This catalogue includes all Messrs. Boosey's various cheap editions of Operas, Songs, and Pianoforte Music. To be had, postage free, for four stamps. The second catalogue is a complete record of the entire stock of Foreign Music imported during many years by Boosey and Sons. It comprises many thousands of imperishable works of every description, which can never be replaced, owing to the original editions, in many cases, being extinct. The contents of this catalogue is priced at a very low rate, with a view to the entire stock being disposed of immediately. It may be had postage free, price 1s., or the instrumental portion (exclusive of pianoforte) price 6d. 28, Holles-street, May 25th.

CLINTON'S NEW FLUTE TUTOR.-Just ready,

price 6s. (in cloth cover, gilt letters, containing 45 pages) BOOSEY'S UNIVERSAL FLUTE PRECEPTOR, by JOSEPH CLINTON; containing the elements of Music, and a complete course of Instruction in the art of playing the Flute, with a long series of Exercises, Studies, and Popular Melodies, forming, at once, the cheapest and most complete work of the kind ever published. By the same Author, LA SONNAMBULA, for Flute solo, price 2s. 6d. Boosey's Flute Journal, 250 popular solos, 12s. bound. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street.

These

ORDMANN'S TROVATORE for PIANOFORTE, price 48. complete; and price 8s. for two performers (in cloth). editions are published at less than one half the usual prices, although superior in adaptation and appearance. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles-street.

JORDMANN'S TROIS MORCEAUX DE TROVA

Il Balen; No. 3, Di quella Pira. These pieces are in the author's best stylebrilliant and effective, but moderately difficult. Boosey and Sons, 28, Holles

street.

N ESSAY ON FINGERING, chiefly as connected with Playing, by CHARLES NEATE. Price 158. To be had of the Author, 2, Chapelstreet, Portland-place; at Messrs. Longmans', Paternoster-row; and of the principal Music-sellers,

ORIGINAL CORRESPONDENCE.

THE SCHROEDER FAMILY. (To the Editor of the Musical World.) SIR,-Many reflections having been made upon my conduct for the part I have taken, and also upon the motives from which I have acted, in endeavouring to place the orphan children of the late Louis Schroeder in a way to help themselves, I am compelled to publish a statement of what has really taken place and of the position of the family, in the hope of setting myself right in the opinion of those whom I am bound to respect and value. Trusting that I may find a place in your valuable paper, I am, Sir, yours most respectfully,

May 1855.

H. HILL.

In 1828, Louis Schroeder, a trombone player of most surpassing merit, was brought to this country from Germany by the then reigning monarch, his Majesty George the Fourth, and placed in his private band at that time a rare assemblage of talent. He remained in the royal service under the succeeding monarchs, dying in that of Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen Victoria, July 1854, after twenty-six years of faithful service, in great poverty and distress, overwhelmed with debts, leaving five orphan children to deplore his loss, with no hope or resource but the benevolence of friends or the parish workhouse. To two of them this fate seemed imminent. The eldest son had been educated as a musician in the Royal Academy of Music, the expense of which was jointly defrayed by His Royal Highness the Prince Albert and the Master of the Private Band-His Royal Highness paying £20, and the Master of the Private Band paying £10, making, together, the required amount, £30 per annum. The Master of the Private Band has, on many occasions, during the father's life time and since, claimed repayment of the money advanced on his part for the son, viz., £30 or £40, although an impression always prevailed that the boy was indebted to His Royal Highness Prince Albert, and to him alone, for his musical education. The two youngest children were provided for by the Royal Society of Musicians, the father being a member; the second and third, a son and a daughter, having no claim, were entirely without resources; a subscription was made, but the Royal Society of Musicians, with the purest generosity, granted them £1 11s. 6d. per month each for their support until means could be devised or found for putting them in a way to help themselves, thus saving them from being cast on the streets, and rescuing them from pain and misery. At the time of the father's death, there was owing to him twenty-five days of a quarter's wages, at the rate of £130 per annum-supper-money for some months, amounting in all to ten or eleven pounds, and a sum of £12 12s. was afterwards paid into the hands of the Master of the Private Band by the Honourable the Colonel C. B. Phipps at the end of the September quarter, it having been charged in the accounts as funeral expenses, although the Royal Society of Musicians had paid every charge connected with the funeral in August, immediately after application had been made by the son to the Society for the amount usually granted in such cases. This money, the £12 12s., etc., has remained in the hands of the Master of the Private Band until a few days ago, when he suddenly discovered that the children might have a moral title, if not a legal one, to the money; he has paid to the eldest son the sum of ten guineas as for funeral expenses-the rest remains to be paid. During the severity of the winter, the children, from the scantiness of their wardrobe, required assistance in the shape of clothes, shoes, etc., their large claims to a charitable sympathy was pressed from time to time on the notice of the Master of the Private Band without effect, his reply to such appeals being: "The money ought to be paid to the creditors; the family owes me £40; the children are minors, and have no legal claim." When urged to return the money to the Honourable C. B. Phipps, state

eimply the circumstances of the children, and ask permission to apply some portion of it to their relief and benefit, he replied: "I cannot do that."-" I must speak to my lawyer." It needs few expressions to say with how much pain and reprobation such an opinion, and such a resolution was received by those to whom it was uttered, and who had been doing everything, in their limited power, to alleviate the privations of the children. The eldest son's position was a very painful one; not having been able to obtain a situation in any orchestra, and living on the kindness of a Member of the Private Band, he was induced to take part in the performances of the Private Band, as second violoncello and harp. For his expenses, three shillings and sixpence per day was allowed him to pay his board, washing, lodging, etc. This pittance was only paid in part, at the end of ten weeks-£5 on account-the remainder was paid when he left, at Christmas-the boy being indebted to Mr. Egerton, whose kindness he had previously enjoyed, for the means of living until the money came to hand. The situation of the lad was much deplored by many members of the Private Band, and others did what they could to place him in a better position, in which they ultimately succeeded. He had no instrument of his own to play upon, and was not likely to have it in his power to purchase one. I obtained for him a violoncello, for which I paid ten guineas, and he agreed to pay me a few shillings at a time, as he could spare them, from his earnings. He is now engaged at the Princess's Theatre, and in a fair way for progress. The second son, every hope of getting him articled to a wood engraver having failed, from the large premiums demanded, becoming impatient of a life of idleness, resolved to be a sailor. He was apprenticed, in March last, to a merchant owner of Northumberland, and is now at sea. The apprentice fees, and cost of the outfit, was paid by the Royal Society of Musicians, except some extras, which I paid myself, amounting, in the whole, to nearly £30. The eldest daughter, after many failures, has, within the last week, obtained a situation as nursemaid in a gentleman's family, and every hope is entertained that she will do well. She has been furnished with the required funds, enabling her to set out in her new career with something like comfort and satisfaction. The Master of the Private Band has held the money before-named, until now, and doggedly refused to give one farthing to the children, in any way, until it was almost too late for any valuable purpose. These facts speak for themselves, and require no comment, simply placing the matter, it is hoped, in its proper light, and enabling every one to judge for themselves. The Master of the Private Band having held himself quite aloof from the affairs of these children, except as to the money matters, and those who have taken an active part having been exposed to much adverse criticism and reproach, I trust that this simple statement will satisfy every one that I have acted throughout with the best intentions, and have done the most in my power to forward the children's welfare, notwithstanding the many difficulties that have fallen in the way, and I can only regret that my efforts have

not been more successful.