THE ORCHESTRA DURING THE WORLD WAR One year after the offer of the Unknown Donor had been accepted by the Board of Directors, the United States was in a state of war. The condition of Europe during the past three years had in a way been disturbing in orchestral circles, because no men could leave Europe and players were scarce. Also, foreign men were called home, leaving vacancies that were difficult to fill. Still, the orchestra had flourished and continued to advance artistically under Mr. Stokowski’s guiding hand. In April, 1917, however, musical organizations in America were facing a different and a serious situation. In everybody’s mind the questions lingered and would not be put away: “How is the Philadelphia Orchestra going to survive a war?” “Will there be any players, and will there be any money for music?” Philadelphians spoke not these words aloud, but they feared for the existence of the city’s most beloved art organization. In December, 1917, the four Women’s Committees were desirous of making a patriotic demonstration with the orchestra, and at the suggestion of Mrs. J. Sellers Bancroft, an American flag was presented at each of a pair of concerts. “PRESENTATION OF FLAG To the Philadelphia Orchestra Association by the Women’s Committees for the Philadelphia Orchestra Presentation of Flag MISS FRANCES A. WISTER, _President_ The Women’s Committees for The Philadelphia Orchestra The audience is requested to join in singing the National Anthem: The Star Spangled Banner (1 verse) Acceptance of Flag for The Philadelphia Orchestra Association: MR. ALEXANDER VAN RENSSELAER, _President_ The Philadelphia Orchestra Association Acceptance of Flag on behalf of the Orchestra: MR. LEOPOLD STOKOWSKI, _Conductor_ The audience is requested to join in singing ‘America’ (2 verses)” _Ledger_, December 23rd, 1917: “Viewed in the light of all that has been written, said and done regarding the relation of the musical art and its interpreters to the war and the conception of the majority as to what constitutes patriotism, the public action of the Women’s Committee of the Philadelphia Orchestra last week, on December 14th and 15th, when their president, Miss Frances Wister, introduced by Alexander Van Rensselaer, president of the Philadelphia Orchestra Association, presented the orchestra with a flag which was accepted by Leopold Stokowski, seemed full of deepest significance. In presenting the flag, Miss Wister made a graceful little speech about the relation of patriotism and art and said, among other things: