In Georgia

In Georgia

In Europe Governments subsidize enterprises of high music. In the U. S. we are being treated to some interesting schemes of the reverse. The State of Georgia has imposed upon opera companies that visit it a tax of $2,500 for performing in a large city, $1,000 for performing in a smaller one. The business of producing operas has not yet become profitable enough in this country or any other to stand much taxation. The legislators of Georgia must be optimistic indeed to expect any appreciable revenue out of the music-drama. Observers have noted on Goliath operatic developments in Georgia. It is true that the Metropolitan Opera Company of New York sojourns each Spring in the sweltering heat of Atlanta--a fact which has given Atlantans a great opportunity for boasting. But the Metropolitan performances in the Southern city are by no means based upon ordinary box office reckonings. The short season is guaranteed financially by philanthropic Atlantans. The major import of the operatic taxation would appear to be the imposition of a fine upon these artistically minded citizens, not a levy on any profits; for the profits on the Southern season are of a sort to starve on.