The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-09-27
hartley CAMPBELL STRANDED.
The Curious Career of Famous Playwright
Up the Hill and Then Down Again.
liapona1fa EourpoI

Special to the Indianapolis Journal
NEW YORK, Sept. 26.--For some time past
BARLEY Campbells financial condition has been
a subject of frequent discussion among s'profes-
SIGNALS" and others interested in theatrical
affairs, and now his serious embarrassment is
reported in way that leaves no room for ques-
ton.
Eight years ago BARLEY Campbell was well
known as writer of hopeless plays and leader
of forlorn dramatic hopes The production of
new piece from his pen was an event which
excited unbounded laughter from the thespians
who focked in on dead head tickets to see the
first performance. Campbells turn to smile
came about six years ago, when my Partner"
achieved distinct success at the Unon-square
Theater His smile broadened into laugh
when the Galley Slave began to coin money fog
its author at the Fourteenth-street Theater
Then Campbell began to make money with
startling rapidity, and the first use he made Of
of various ''old scores" owed to unfortunate his
trions who had gathered under his banner in
the days of his adversely. He wrote plays and,
acting as his own manager, cleared large profits
Two years ago he had an income of two or three
thousand dollars week, and was flying from
one end of the country to the other looking after
the affairs of his different companies. His tall
stumbling figure, and kind. honest face no lon
ger excited derision on Union Square. When he
made his appearance on the thespian's Ralto it
was with horde OF retainers at his heels They
followed him into bar-rOoms and drank cheeriiy
at his expense. Those who had known him in
the ''old days" had claim on his bounty, which
he willingly recognized. 1t was not enough to
treat them to drinks and make their hearts glad
with miscalled loans Places were made for
them in his many companies, histrionic ability
counting for less than old-time associations It
was always easier to do business with him on
the strength of having known him in New Or
leans before the war than for any purely mer-
camille reason.
Look a here, Campbell" said an advertising
man who had discovered his weakness. II want
your advertisement because I've got to live as
well as YOU Live and let live that's my motto.
and I'll put you in for $25."
That's a fact replied the dramatist you've
got to live. certainly. and I'm not the man to
stand in your way. Certainly you ought to live.
Put the ad. in and send me the bill. y
Campbells business methods, always peculiar
became still more as he prospered. He had
bank account on which he drew checks with reck-
less abandon, sometimes borrowing blank checks
from his friends and sometimes using bits Of
wrapping paper or leaves torn from his memo
randum book.
Theatrical business was so bad last season that
prudent managers retrenched their expenses in
every possible way, but BARLEY Campbell went
through under full SAIL although his losses must
have been great He is said to have crippled
himself further by locking up large sums of
ready money In real estate. He spent the sum-
mer in Europe, and sent back word that he had
leased theater in London and another in San
Francisco, and arranged with Sardou for the
production, IN this country and in London, of
new play by that distinguished dramatist Some
how or other these things fell through. and now
Campbell is left with only one theater-the
Fourteenth-street--to manage. He ought to
make money there, for, under favorable condi-
tons, 1t is very profitable house l have no
doubt that in short time he will be able to real
ize on his real estate and get on his feet again.