[Gutenberg 34302] • The Operatic Problem

[...]thus accorded, always took the form of a monetary subsidy granted either by a Sovereign or by a municipality-at times for a period of years, at others for a specified occasion, sometimes unconditionally, sometimes under certain restrictions, now limited to a given figure, then giving the manager carte blanche. The solicitude and favour shown by the State went at times the length of taking a direct interest in the management of an opera house, as was the case for a certain period in France.[...].