The enterprise began in failure and ended in scandal.

There had been no adequate preparation for the operas announced, and one of them was not attempted.
This was "Ratcliff." "Cavalleria rusticana," "Zanetto," and "Iris" were poorly performed at the Metropolitan Opera House in October, and an attempt at Sunday night concerts was made.

Signor Mascagni's countrymen labored hard to create enthusiasm for his cause, but the general public remained indifferent.

Having failed miserably in New York, Mascagni, heavily burdened with debt, went to Boston.

There he was arrested for breach of contract.