Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1882-10-30

An Alleged Broken Contract Re-
suIEs In John A. stevens Baggage
Being Attached.

John A. Stevens, the "star" and manager
OF the company which closed profitable
engagement in this city on Saturday night,
was compelled to remain in the city until
last night, (his company leaving for Macon
yesterday morniug,) in consequence Of an
attachment having been Issued against his
personal property and wardrobe at the In
stance OF the well known veteran actor, Mr..
Harry Pearson, late member Of his
company. This attachment was Issued by
Magistrate Frank Molina Saturday morn
ing, who, not desiring to embarrsss Mr.. Ste
vens or interfere with the performance,
directed his constable not to enforce the
levy upon his personal property and ward
robe until after the close of the matinee.
At five and a half o'clock on Saturday sf-
ternoon, however, there was hearing be-
fore the Magistrate. Mr.. Pearson was rep
resented by Messrs. Denmark Il Adams, and
Mr.. Stevens by Captain A. P. Adams.
It appears that previous to Mr.. Stevens
arrival from Europe, and the commence
ment Of the present tour, his agent in New
York, at his direction, had engaged Mr..
Pearson as q member Of his COM
psuY, the contract being signed for
thirty weeks at $50 3 week. After
the signing of this contract
it is alleged that Mt. Stevens met Mr.. Theo.
Hamilton, who had Just returned from
Australia, and engaged him to play the
same parts as had been assigned to Mr.
Pearson. The latter. however, appeared at
the first rehearsal in New York, and started
out on the Southern tour with the company,
Mr.. Hamilton accompanying them, but not
playing. On reaching Charleston rupture
occurred between Stevens and Pearson, and
at the close Of the engagement In that city
on Thursday night Mr.. Pearson was dis
charged, and Mr.. Stevens offered to pay
his passage back to New York after settling
up his salary to that date. Mr.. Hamilton was
then engaged 10 his place. Mr.. Pearson
not considering the reasons advanced by
Mr.. Stevens for breaking his contract good
and sufficient, declined to accept the offer,
and followed the company to this city,
where, as stated, he instituted proceedings
against him for breach OF contract,
placing his claim at $1,000. At
the hearing before the Magistrate Sat-
urday afternoon the plaintiff, as usual
In such cases, offered bond In the sum OF
four thousand dollars, double the amount
OF the claim. Mr.. Stevens counsel filed an
affidavit Directing to the bondsmsn offered.
Toe Magistrate heard the objections, and
decided the bond insufficient, and granted
Mr.. Pearson until two O'Clock yesterday
afternoon to secure another bOndsman,
this being equitable to both parties,
the detention not interfering with Mr..
Stevens reaching Macon in time to fill his
engagement there. At the appointed hour
yesterday afternoon, Mr.. Pearson appeared
before the Magistrate with another bonds
man, who qualified that he was worth
81 600 over and above all debts, ETC., and
was accepted. The wardrobe OF Mr..
Stevens levied upon was valued at SlOO,
and was replevhed, he giving bond
in the sum of 5000, and the case is
made returnable at the December term Of
the Superior Court. Mr.. Stevens left here
by 7:30 train last night, but will return in
December, and states he will resist the pay
ment Of the claim. Mrs Pearson is known
| throughout the country as one OF the most
popular men In the profession, and Is first
class actor, who is never without an engage
ment during the theatrical season, and the
issue Of the case brought about by this
broken contract will be awaited with inter
est by the theatrical world.