The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1883-03-01
TELEGRAPHIC NEWS.
THE PASSION.
VINO are BaekLng NIerse,

New York, 28.-Those who have
watched the attractive and completely
equipped theatre invest 23d street, which
10 known as MOrse's Hall, have taken il
for granted that men of capital and q
great deal OF it, were associated with
him. No defined figures can be obtained,
but it is said that nearly 100000 has
been expended in putting the house into
the present shape, in supplying large
stock of excellent scenery and in provid-
ing properties and costumes for the Pas
sion. The bills for ell these expenditures
it would appear, have been promptly
met. Who the persons are, who rendered
Morse this financial assistance has been .
matter for much curious and eager spec
ulstion. Manager Abbey and 1hos.
Mcguire, of California, who was asso-
ciated in tts production in San Fran
cisco, have also been mentioned as
probable partners, and so have
number of Roman Catholic
clergymen. These reports have been
foundtone sfter an other to be groundless.
While looking for capitalists it seems
that Morse was approached by Ferris,
whom he had known in San Francisco.
Ferris interested AN old associate in the
business, and q brother Californian,
named Severance. The lease of the
present building Immediately began. A
| Wall street man of well-knowu wealth,
named Roberts, has been mentioned in
connection with the scheme, but il is
stated that ne simply advanced the money
to Severance and Ferris on security and
personal credit, and has no imme diste
intel est whatever. Severance and Ferris,
it is said, wer some years ago, men OF
enormous wealth and in substantial bust
ness position in San Francisco, but they
have been of late years unfortunate in
their ventures.
The Herald says one OF the hackers Of
the Passion Play ives interviewed,
George D. Roberta, formerly of Califor.
mia, heavily engaged /, in mining aHd
other Specul9tions, and reported to be n
man Of large wealth. Roberts is gem
tleman past middle age, Of rather slight
build, full face, gray mustache and chin
VhiskerS.- He 6Aid l'sI viii tell you
the Whols story. Some time ego my
friend severance came to me and desired
me to 20 into the matter. i declined.
He then asked me to advance him
had on deposit with me, some $1,000
e0Si Go VI baAnAhA hSOSAs OOApAloA " te0
his request, and gave him several tAous-
and dellRrI then. Since then, Is be
called for il, / have advanced
further sums. I know now that
they have been invested in the Passion
Play, but personally have, no connec-
ton with il. / advanced. go, Coz AS O
deposit with GriBwold & Darling, owners
Of the building, to cover possible me-
ehanics' liens and things Of that kind.
There was . balance due Gibboa upon
his contract of 81, 600. In order to re-
ceiYe back my Sl0,0 I agreed 10 pay
him $40. 600, which didiby check this
morning, and am to receive my deposit
to-day. have advanced about So. COO
in all"
From Trustworthy sources the follow
ing facts were obtained: The whole thus
Ear invested in the Passion Play is about
$50, 600. OF this Roberts has advanced
indirectly about half. One Of the mem
bers of the co-pArtnership says there are
four people pecuniarily interested In the
production Of the play: Esves, Sever
anee and Ferris, and another whose
name is not given. This would not ex-
elude Morse, for it is said he is not the
fourth.