The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1888-07-16
A NOVEL INSTITUTION.
Some Facts About the Theatrical Ex-
change.

CuduSes
New YORK, July 14-On Fourteenth
street is a simple sign which reads "The-
atrical Exchange" A short fight of stairs
leads the visitor to a long hall occupying
the second hoor. 1t is at least 30 feet wide,
100 feet long, and is broken by windows,
through which a delightful breeze is for
ever blowing. Tho decoration is appro-
pirate, and consists Of samples of litho-
graphic and acknowledgement art There
is CORY scene In which an S-foot villain
with 24-inch dirk is about to carve the
heart of the 5-foot hero, while the 4-foot
heroine with a 4-inch derringer comes
around the corner in time to punish vice
and reward virtue. Here is a charming
face of ''Weezie BoGgins, the star Of
Idaho" while not far off is the portrait of
some transformer of the Texas wilds
Tne furniture consists of little desks and
chairs. 1t is 10 o'clock and the place is
packed with customers and subscribers
A few feet away a dramatic editor is
apOlogizing to an inebriated villain while
tall and ancient maid stands waiting her
turn III which she will ask for a lovely
notice in next sundays Bazoo At a third
desk is the agent for a Chicago printing
house chatting with a circle OF friends. The
short, slender, nervous and black-eyed
youth Is n. S. Wood. the boy scout,
although u score of years have rolled by
since he assume the name. The tail, hand
some, smoothly shaven man next to hun is
II. NJ. Pitt, better known as Harry PITT,
lately Of Edwin AtwelPS comedy, dis
Lordship.' Over both towers handsome
Paul Nicholson, still alert and interesting,
though gray with fifty years service on the
stage. Nicholson Is the spokesman and is
describing his last experience on the road.
- was with Campanini and we did
royal business. But operate people are not
theatrical people. They won't mako hay
while the sun shines They are all abiect
slaves of his majesty, themselves. We
were no exception TO the rule | was in
Chicago when the telegraph boy handed me
message: Season closed; come homer
Here was pretty 60, had about do liar,
and owed bills amounting to seventy five
| teleSraphed back Immediately for cash,
received no reply, stayed in pawn a week,
and the borrowed enough money on my
personal credit to pay my debts and get
home with. No more music for me for
some time to come
At the next desk is a crowd of managers
talking to a booking agent. The card over
his desk explains his business:
"Open time in Omaha Lincoln, Atchison,
Leayenworth, Topeka, Wichita, ct ceJ."
A second card reads:
open dates i'll Altoona, Pittsburgh.
Wheeling and Louisville
A veritabIe meeting of the east and west.
The managers represent melodrama, "legit-
mate variety and light opera One Of
them remarks:
"How this knocks out the old way of
doing business. 1t took me two weeks writ
ing and tel graphing, exchanging contracts
and signing to close date, and cost me a
good round sum for postage and wiring.
Now | rush 1t through in a few minutes and
it SITS nothing"
There Is the same advantage on TIE other
side, rs the commission paid by the distant
theaier owner is far less than his booking
expenses under the old style of administra-
ton.
The company are listening to a chapter
in Bray tJn's career as Manager of Maude
Granger.
M star had done very well for several
months, and unhappily got a slight attack
OF the dis ase which at acks ali actors at
times, 'bishcad. We had arranged to
take tae 10 O'clock morning train. the ONLY
one that would reach our noxt stopping
place IN time for a performances. TAe com
pany and baggage we're at the depot, but
where was the start | went to her room as
mad rs "A hornet and found her in bed read
ing IA novel. In reply to my remarks.
wnich were very brief and pointed, she
SAID: a,
80 let them be disappointed; I'm going
10 stay IN DcdI
~ ruslet out, hired two huge porters,
ana came back in n trice We entered the
room aud drew out my watch
Miss Granger if you're not up and
dressed Ia five minutes, these men will roll
YOU up IN blanket, carry YOU TO a car
rlage and pat you Oh the train Just as you
are
"She saw meant it, and that the two
mon would do the kiduap act. In three
"a.
to depart
"As they talk a district messenger dashes
IN with IA telegram, which is Immediately
pasted on one Of the bulletin boards. IL Is
from san Francisco and reads: davenport
played 81, i54 o-night-largost q hist nv of
house. W. r. s. FALEs.
Tact n the life Of the live senses. Il is
the open eye, tho quick ear, judging taste,
keen smell aud lively touch and longing
desire tp smoke Grand Republic Cigsrros
and Buhos. Sold by all hrst-elass dealers.