National Arbitration and Peace Congress, New York City, April 14-17, 1907 This was a major effort, lead by Andrew Carnegie, to stimulate American participation in the Second Hague International Conference later in the year. Everyone who was anyone was on the program or organizing committees. For the complete program and lists of participants, go to http://www.archive.org/details/arbitrationpeace00amerrich. The program can also be found at the Library of Congress American Memories archive where these pictures were obtained. The opening session on Sunday night was a Choral Service by "The Oratorio Society of New York, with full orchestra, assisted by Mrs. Hissem De Moss, Soprano, Mr. David Mannes, Violin, Mr. Frank L. Sealy, Organ, and Mr. Frank Damrosch, Musical Director." |
NAPC Sessions related to this diary: Duras originally invited Blanche to the fancy banquet at the end of the Congress. President Teddy Roosevelt's peace making credentials were augmented by his role in ending the Russo-Japanese War of 1905, leading to the Treaty of Portsmouth (N.H.) in 1906. Roosevelt ended up sending a letter read at the first session of this Congress. The speakers Blanche missed at the Astor included Earl Grey (tea?), Samuel Gompers, and President Eliot of Harvard. Others spoke at the Waldorf-Astoria. The menu for the dinner at the Astor, and bothe programs are given here:
William Jennings Byan spoke at the Wednesday afternoon session. He is listed as the"Democratic Candidate for the Presidency of the United States of America, 1896 and 1900. Lincoln, Nebraska." The "Spaniard" was Senor Diego Mendoza, "Ex-President of the Republican University of Colombia, South America". It is not clear which Tuesday session Rose went to with Clarence Novotny. The morning one was entitled "The Relation of Women to the Peace Movement" and there were speeches by such luminaries as Jane Addams of Hull House in Chicago (located a few blocks from the original Jurka family residences). The afternoon one was for "Young People" and was chaired by the Superintendent of Schools. The evening one was called the University Meeting and featured representatives of Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Columbia, CCNY, the Ethical Culture Society, and Jane Addams again, as well as the Yale and Columbia Glee Clubs singing together or separately at points in the program. |
Sat Apr 13
An interesting rehearsal last night, working chiefly on Brahm's "Requiem''. It is very beautiful, and Miss McGrew has a solo which is about the most difficult thing I have heard her do. Oh, she opens up on her high notes! She scarcely opens her mouth for the attack, but when she has it, she then opens and the rich tone flows out. She said afterward, that she never thinks up for a note. Even a high C always thinks low, as tho' she were on top of each note. Today cleaned house all day and gave Millie a lesson. Mama has finished her second week in bed and altho' her nerves are quiet and she does not get hysterical, she has seemed for the last few days so "blue'' and says if she could only cry, she thinks that she would feel better. Poor darling.
Sun Apr 14
Mother seems to be backsliding again. She has spells, as usual in the morning. Dr. Pisek was here this morning and said she was better (she always IS when he comes) and he is going to Vermont to teach all summer. Mr. D. met me after church and explained the letter affair, and made some engagements for the week; the one that appeals to me most being Calve on Thursday. Took me to and from church in the afternoon and had supper with us. I find "being rushed'' great fun. In the evening, Mr. Novotny, another young lawyer, called and we all spent a jolly evening together. Mr. D. wants me to hear Roosevelt speak at a dinner at the Astor Wednesday and Mr. Nov. is to take Rose to the Peace Conference Tuesday. Oh, it's very exciting!
Mon Apr 15
These late hours due to beaux are awful. Did harmony all morning and then rushed around like mad to wash up dishes, make beds, get dressed, et al, in about 15 minutes. Was 25 min. late for harm. lesson. It was pretty good, and it pleased me when Mr. Cressman said "Your work is largely a matter of correcting details!'' I may be a Richard Wagner some day! who knows? Worked on soft light scales with Miss Thursby, and they were good; then when I came to a song, I sqwauked! I was so provoked at my stupidity. Then, to cap it all, came home and sang a phrase with a number of high notes, and they came perfectly easily. I am a mystery unto myself! In the evening, at home. At 10.30 a special came saying that Roosevelt is not to speak, so I don't believe I care to go.
Tues Apr 16
Hoped to get in some piano practice but had to clean up till time to go to the Institute. Oh this housework! and I do the least of it! Heard the Egmont overture at Krehbiel's lecture. and afterward Miss Rice, Ella, and I lunched together. Before the Italian lesson Miss Rice sang "Fors e lui'' for me, and I can see where it is all derived from the light, easy scales. Came home and practised them and it brings out the full tones so well afterward. In the evening, the usual church rehearsal but a very interesting one. We worked on Brahm's beautiful Requium, and afterward Leop.very carefully explained to us the points of chanting. He was full of fun tonight and when he is comme ca he is irresistible (to some people, not me!) Received 3 dollars for the wedding. Rose had a fine time with Novotny. They went out to supper.
Wed Apr 17
Went down to Mrs. C's for a lesson but she was ill in bed, so it came to naught. I sang a little bit, and we arranged about my singing for Mr. Schirmer. Then I had luncheon with her and "O. Gee'' which was very pleasant. Mr. Duras called at the Institute and took me to the Peace Conference to hear Mr. Bryan chiefly. He was interesting and his greatest gift is a fine resonant speaking voice. He presented his ideas clearly, too. The others, especially the Spaniard with such a strong accent and so low a voice, that no one understood, were boring. Mr. D and I had quite a discussion about the consistency of speakers who "want peace even if they must fight for it.''
Thurs Apr 18
Gave Millie an interesting lesson last night. I had her read a child's biography of Mozart, and she retold it with great zest. I think it is a good plan to try and broaden her conception of music by bringing the composers closer to her. Holbrook Curtis gave a lecture at 2. and of all the absurdities this is the worst - to try and explain the laws of electric sound waves and telharmony to a lot of students with almost no previous scientific education, in one hour. It was simply Greek to all of us. Sang the "Light of the World'' aria for Miss Thursby and she liked it. We work missa voce, and accomplish so much more. In the evening, I heard "Pagliacci'' and "Navarraise'' Calv\'{e} in the latter was absolutely fine. Her voice was so beautifully colored, so rich, and her acting so sincere. Only Bassi was remarkable in the former opera. A very melodramatic combination indeed.
Fri Apr 19
Mrs. C. says that the Fantasy is getting along well. She told me some interesting things about Calv\'{e}, with whom she dined on Sunday. She must be very naive, and Mrs. C. says her speaking voice is as musical as her singing voice; that she speaks in head voice all the time. And yet the Yersins advocate the exact opposite. A splendid Tapper lecture, touching upon the psychical and spiritual side of sociology. His ideas are fine but he presents them so rapidly that it taxes your brain to the utmost to keep up with him. Miss De Bow is going to loan me her college notes and I shall try to study it. But oh, it involves so many other subjects. Bought a darling pair of beaded slippers for only $2.00. That is practical economics. I think!
