New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-07-22
MISS NATIHEJTS CLAIMS THE WIFE,"
MEssRs FRouMAN AND BELAsco GIVE DE-

CIDED ANSWER TO HER STATEMENTS.
Miss Fanny Aymar Matthews. who IS we'll known
writer of short stories and cOmodcttas for the
zines and weekly papers claims that tho play The
Wife," produced at the Lyceum Theatre with The
names Of David BclascO and II. c. De Mile as It's
authors. Is a plagiarism from her piece Washington
Society," Tho claim is publicly put forward at a
rather late date. considering that The Wife, for
goo nights II appears that the Immediate
that has induced Miss Matthews. through her
counsel. John d. Townsend break silence, is that
she has also recently written novel entitled His
VIII and Her Way" This book published
anonymously, and as It contained several references
to the Lyccum Theatre paper published the belief
that Mr. Bcasco was the author Mr.. Townsend. for
Miss Matthews. claims the authorship and states that
wrongs done hcr by MI Frohman and the author of
Tho Wife" will be made the grounds of suit for
damages. Mr.. Townsend adds that in his opinion
the similarity between the two plays is most
marked"
One side OF a story generally sounds plausible TIL
the Oihcr IS heard Mr.. Townsend's allegations are
strong but the denias of Mcssr Frohman and Bcasco
arc stronger and definite. Miss Matthcws's
play said Mr.. Frohman. was first submitted TO me
several years ago when l was at the Madison Square
Theatre. Mr. Dc Mile. then the play reader there.
read it and pronounced II unsuitable. year ago
she sent me the manuscript here. read It and told
her that l opportunity of producing It, Then
chance. | consented AID that is where made mis-
take for put It away So carefully that haven't been
able to find it, though intend now to have thorough
search made. l informed Miss Matthews l had lost
her copy and paid for having duplicate made IN IT'S
stead remember her piece perfectly and 1t does
not resemble Tho Wife, in plot characters. incidents
or situations. Tho only similarity is In the fact that
there Is Senator in each In Miss Matthew's play
the Senator tries to beray tho wife OF his friend,
whom he sends away official business am sorry
Miss Matthews has been led into making such
charge for have known her for many years ana had
a high regard for her and her ability. l hope she
Will bring tho matter into court and have urged her
to do so.' - ...,
Mr. Bclasco less diplomatic and more outspokeh
than MIR Frohrlan. There wa, a successful
play yetp he said, that somebody didn't claim was
plagiarism. At first these things made me angry
was accused of having stolen May Blossom Every
play Sarlou writes somebody else claims. SO In my
small way / ought not to grumblc at similar rare
The ROY aes for Tho Wife are certainly worth
lighting for and II Miss Matthews has right 10 thcm
II must be easily susceptible of proof Why has she
waited till after the long here to put forth her
claim? | never read her play ard don't Know any
thing about 1t. except what Mr.. FIOhiHan toid me
today This IS. IN my opinion, a cheap attempt on
Miss Matthew's part to gain n0t0rieiy;. Leu hcr
hiring her suit | shall BE only too glad IL She docs
but mark my words. she never Will ii. u De
Mile the other author. Is in the country.