Seattle's Local Musicians Sidelined for Outside Talent
The Seattle Cornet Band expresses public indignation after being passed over for a local celebration contract in favor of an expensive imported band.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
The Seattle Cornet Band published a card this morning setting forth grievances. It seems that the Executive Committee on the Villard celebration appointed W. H. Pumphrey a committee of one to secure music for the day. This committee of one called for bids from our local bands. The Seattle Cornet Band offered to furnish sixteen pieces for $300, or thirteen pieces for $150. Both propositions were rejected, and the Carbonado Band of Pierce county was engaged at $350 and expenses, which will amount to $100 more. Such an act, to say the least, was very unwise. The people of Seattle furnish every dollar to carry forward this celebration, and the local bands, which are equal if not superior to any in the Territory, should not be snubbed in the manner they have been.
“The people of Seattle furnish every dollar to carry forward this celebration, and the local bands... should not be snubbed.”
The resentment over hiring outside 'prestige' talent over local professionals is a classic city-boosterism conflict, echoing current tensions over municipal contracts and local economic support.
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