Ladies in Philadelphia

Two thousand strong last week, ladies of the National Federation of Music Clubs marched on Philadelphia, gorged for seven full days on musical programs, musical talk. Their endurance seemed unlimited. Speeches ranged from the need of a fine arts minister in the President's Cabinet to a discussion of ancient Hebrew music. Singing went on constantly, thanks to amateur choristers. For special treats there were concerts by Tenor Giovanni Martinelli, Baritone Nelson Eddy, Violinist Albert Spalding, the Philadelphia Orchestra conducted by Jose Iturbi.

Best deed of the week was when the Federated ladies conducted their biennial Young Artists' Contest, awarded $1,000 prizes to the three most worthy applicants for whom the Schubert Memorial will arrange public engagements. Preliminary heats had been held in 36 regional districts. For the Philadelphia finals there were eight nervous survivors. The three big winners: Violinist Joseph Knitzer, 22, from Manhattan; Pianist Rosalyn Tureck, a pupil of Olga Samaroff; Contralto Margaret Harshaw, 23, a stenographer for Bell Telephone Co. in Philadelphia.

Fargo, N. Dak., made the proudest showing of any outside city. Fargo is the home of Mrs. John Alexander Jardine, the Federation's eager, grey-haired president. Fargo and its twin-city, Moorhead, Minn., contributed the week's lustiest singing. At Mrs. Jardine's suggestion the Amphion Chorus of 93 men traveled East. They represented 21 trades and professions, ranging from barbers and buttermakers to doctors and lawyers.

For their trip they had three private cars so that they could rehearse all they wanted. In the baggage car two journalist members set up a mimeograph machine, got out a daily newspaper called The Touring Tattler. Object was to inspire the Amphions with rousing editorials, to entertain them with such local bits as "Any of you boys who are suffering from missing buttons, holely socks or ripped pants need only apply to [Basso] Judge Leonard for relief. He, so they say, has a most neat and tidy sewing kit."

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