For The Columbian Organ

On Friday evening an enthusiastic meeting or students, members of the faculty and citizens was held in Frieze Memorial hall of the University School of Music. It was presided over by Prof . Francis VV. Relsey, president of the University Musical Society. He explained the object of the meeting, being to devise nieans to extinguish the debt of $8,000 still resting on the Columbian organ, and make the dedication organ recital December 14, the great event in the musical history of Ann Arbor. He related how when the organ was first offered at the low price of $15,000 they had made great efforts to raise the money. They considered the chance one of a lifetime. The great music director, Theodore Thomas, had pronounced it the finest organ in America. There was no other instrument, about which clustered so much historical interest. It was the result of four hundred years of civilization in America, and national interest would be always centered about the Columbian organ for centuries. The citizens of Ann Arbor, and friends of the University, had subscribed $7,000 when the financial wave of depression struck the country. The board of trustees feit that as soon as possible the citizens of Ann Arbor and the alumni would come to their rescue. Now was the time to do so, and try to clear the debt before the organ was dedicated. Prof. Kelsey then outhned a general plan of subscription. Those that subscribed $25 would be entitled to a ticket to the concert with the tïrst choice of seats, then those who gave $15, then $12.50, and down to $2. This was generally discussed by those present and approved. A central committee of seven was appointed, and a sub committee consisting of Moses Seabolt, James H. Wade, Ottmar Eberbach, Dr. Wiiliam F. Breakey, Maj. VV. C. Stevens, G. Frank Allraendinger, Eugene K. Frueauff, E. F. Mills, H. S. Dean, Fred H. Belser, S. W. Clarkson, John Duffy, John V. Sheehan, William Arnold, Dr. David Zimmerman, Fred Schmid, J. D. Ryan, H. J. Brown, D. Fred Schairer, George Moore, George Wahr, E. E. Beal, S. W. Beakes, Judge William D. Harriman, George H. Pond, Joe T. Jacobs, J. E. Beal, J. J. Goodyear, A. C. Schumacher, Hon. C. G. Darling. Every citizen of Michigan, and particularly of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw county, should feel honored by the great Columbian organ of the exposition being placed in University hall. It will add to the pleasure of generations of students and citizens. It is an honor that would be coveted by the citizens of the largest cities of the world. Every one should try to do his part in trying to clear the debt at once, so that, as Prof. Kelsey said, "each note will sing out of debt." The organ, very fittingly, will be played at the dedication concert by the raaster hand of Prof. Stanley, who has worked so faithfully and industriously for its success. The people will be privileged and he will have the honor and privilege to show the melody and tone of the great instrument.