Article on the Musical Mutual Protection Union

“The musicians of the city who do not have fellowship with the Musical Mutual Protection Union, together with some of those who have heretofore belonged to that body, propose organizing another Musical Protection Society whose objects shall be similar to those of the former, but whose administration shall be more in accordance with what they consider right and proper. The movement undoubtedly grows out of the ‘strike’ made several months since for higher pay in the theatrical orchestras. At the meeting referred to, there were some sixty musicians present, although the orchestras of two theatres were compelled to remain away, by reason of rehearsals at the same hour. Mr. Appy presided, and Mr. Monce was Secretary. A committee was appointed to prepare a code of regulations for the proposed society, and it was agreed to issue a call for a general meeting of all musicians favoring the objects of the present assembly, to take part in the formation of the new organization. It is supposed there are at least one hundred musicians who are not connected with the Musical Union; and in that number are included those who play in the orchestras at Wallack’s, Niblo’s, Winter Garden, the Olympic and the New and Old Bowery Theatres, and the New-York Circus, besides a large number of others, among them several of the most distinguished performers in the City. Undoubtedly this movement will either induce a spirit of compromise, by virtue of which the entire musical profession will be reunited, or else it will inaugurate a warfare which will result in an anarchy which will favor only the managers.”