The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1888-03-21
ATOUTS WITH HERMANAGER
John W. Mckinney Files Suit Against
Clara Morris and Her Husband.
He Demands Per Cent. of the Net Receipts
Of the Last Seasons Performances
by the Great Actress.

For the present theatrical season John w.
Mckinney says he was engaged by Fred c. Her
riott to serve as advance agent and manager for
his wlss. Clara Morris. While there was no
written contract to that effect, Mckinney states
that he was to receive 500 per week salary. and
5 per cent. of the net proceeds DR.. Herriott
paid the salary promptly. but when called upon
to settle for McKinney's alleged share in the
proceeds of the season. denied that his agent
had any legal claim thereto. This seems to
have been . cause of contention between the
agent and his employer. which manifested
in frequent disputes wherein anger had as much
part as argument. DIR. Herriott said to McKin-
neys attorney yesterday morning. that man
has abused me vilely." He referred especially
to the dispute the two men recently had in the
Palmer House at Chicago which resulted in
DIR. Herriott dschareing Mckinney on the spot
The old difference TO the share in the net
proceeds led to the wrangle, but the desire of
Miss Morris 20 cancel her Indianapolis engage
ment accelerated the wrath between the two
Mckinney insisted that it should be filed,
and DR.. Herriott asserted that Miss Morris. be-
ing in bad health. could not afford to undergo
the risk in coming here for two nights engage
ment since the next engagements in New York.
was for period OF several weeks. He stated
that it was better for her to lose the two nights
than to fail in opening in New York at the date
fixed, which might be the case il she was forced
to come here. the trip and labor being likely to
make ner condition worse. Mckinney claimed
that he had at the beginning of the season made
q contract with the Dicksons for Miss Morris to
appear at the Grand Opera-h house. March 10 and
20, and if she did not he would take measures to
force the fuifillment of the contract In conse-
quenee of this. be telegraphed to George A.
Dickson the refusal of Miss Morris to
come to Indianapolis. Mr. Dickson
f17a IF 4hA hal inc Rad
out De. Herriott 1t is said, urged the sickness
Of Miss Morris and her inability play any
longer on her Western tour Mr Dickson
thought that if the lady was able to continue her
engagement in Chicago she could at least play
two nights in Indianapolis. As his utimatum
he said failure to come here would lead TO
suit for damages, and although Dr. Herriott
told a friend. yesterday, that he would rather
losa 900 than to have Miss Morris play the
Indianapolis engagement while her health
so poor. he and his wife finally agreed to
come to the Grand Opera house.
The interest that Mckinney took in having
the contract fulfilled. FASTENED the climax. it is
said between him and DIR. Herriott. McKin-
neyS discharge closed his connection with
the company at Chicago, but Dr.
until the Indianapolis engagement had boon
played Here the agent renewed his claim for
the per cent share In the net proceeds of the
season. which was. usual. refused. He then
sought the advice of Attorneys Hawkins q Nor
ton, who, Monday evening. addressed note to
DR.. Herriott. stating that amicable settle
mont coulO De r6acnSo, out IL Ne OecllneO suit
would be brought at once. The Doctor replied
that Mr.. Mckinney had been paid his salary in
full. Yesterday Judge Norton called the
Doctor in behalf of his client and renewed his
offer for settlement without litigation. DR..
Herriott again declined to consider the matter
otherwise than expressed in his note of the
evening before In the afternoon Mr.. McKin-
ney filed his suit in the Superior
Court against the Doctor and his
wife, asking Judgment for $500 for services
rendered. In this amount he claims
800 for his next weeks salary. he asserting
that his engagement will not terminate until
the beginning of the New York season. He has
OF stating definitely the Sum upon
which he should be allowed percentage. but be-
ieves from the best information he could obtain
that the has thus far Melted $4,000.
Summons was at once issued in the suit citing
DR. Herrott and his wife to appear in the SUI
perior Court April 2 A writ of punishment
was also served upon George A Dickson for the
money he is supposed TO have in his hands due
the Herriotts. DR.. Herriott gave bond with
Judge Martindale surety to relieve the
cepts of last night and whatever money due
him Mr.. Dickson might have from the effects of
the attachment. The Doctor did not desire to
make any statement of his difficulty with Mr..
Mckinney. except to deny the claim. Miss
Morris was confined to her bed, it is said, yes
terday afternoon. there being improvement
IN her health since she was in Chicago.