New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1878-07-31
BANKRUPT ENTERPRISES.
Mr.. McvICKERS FAILURE.
THEATRICAL MEN NOT sURPRIsED-A LOSING BUsI-
NESS FOR sEYERAL YEARS.


THEATRICAL MEN Nor sURPRIsED-A LOSING BUsI-
NESS FOR SEVERAL YEARS.
The bankruptcy of j. II. MeVIcker, proprie-
tor Of McYicker's Theatre az Chicago, topic OF
conversation theatrical circles yesterday, but oeea-
stoned neither excitement surprise. person wen
informed dramatic matters said that the announce
ment was probably more unexpected at Gil
cago than among managers or actors elsewhere IL
was well known that Mr.. Mcvicker had been doing
losing business several years he had given up the
star business and attempted through the season
with stock company and few plays; his rivals mao
been on the alert had visited NewY0rk to obtain the
earliest information regarding new plays ana leading
stars, and had done a paying business. Mr. McFieker
be said, opinionated and stubborn In carrying our
his views, and had not been able W naAe his P'"s
pay In their execution.
What effect" was asked will his failure have upon
star companies and actors who have been engaged 1o
the season 7" "None whatever" was the reply very
few star companies interested for the reason that
have given, and all engagements will doubtless be
carried out The theltre will doubtless be managed by
Mr. Mcvicker stl, under authority from the assignee
and all contracts will be carried out.
He is not indebted actors for their services He al
ways paid promptly, and in that way kept up reputa
ton soyency long after he ceased to deserve It, lie
was an excellent business in this respect People
saw-they have seen-that he was not making ex-
penses but II they said they answered by the
to DO embarrassed for funds In other things, 1t IL
said, with how much truth l cannot say,
that he was not o good business man. There
loud talk about funds intrsed TO him for the bene
III Of sufferers by the Chicago re, and Tor which ne re-
fused account. When asked 10 do so, he TOOK lofty
stand and sad lie mad distributed 1t properly, ana
that t implication his honor to ask him to ex-
pam Some said he gave 1t 20 his wife, who was heaVy
loser by the flrr. Then there was Mrs. somebody,
relative OF his who charged that lie had had H6OOOO OF
her money trust and that be had failed 10 account Tor
it. She talked loudly and made no secret OF me matter
but Mr. McYicker attempted to eXpaindnatters"
ASKED, how was he able 10 pay promptly y with
borrowed money" was the reply. Prompt payments
kept up his reputation aud he able To bOrr0wfnOugh
10 keep him running until he should have good sed-
son and retrieve his After the fire lac borrowed
$4,000 each Jefferson Booth, Maggie Mitchell and
Lolita, who lent IL 10 him without interest. IIs
is doubtless a part of the indebtedness OF S00'-
600 reported as secured by mortgage on the
thcatreb The speaker sad II was not an
unusual thing for manager 10 carry LOAD
OF debt year after year, until favorable season
enabled him clear away old and begin anew
with money in his pocket. He gave as an instance Tie
case OF a Well-knOWn manager VINO made FlOOOOO last
season. aud found himself square with the world Tor the
first tifno many years. lie added that Mr.. McYeker
was formerly quite rich, and had been one OF several
citizens OF Chicago TO on the bond OF David > sage,
then city who aterSard defaultcd for nearly
million dollars Efforts had been made To collect from
the bOndsmen, and II probably an attempt to push
the Judgment for 5000 600 against Mr McNicker that
induced MIN to 20 into bankruptcy.