New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-07-14
4 SMALL IN GREAT DEMAND
oUARRELLING OVER TOMMY RUssEIE
UNDER CONTRACT TO TWO MANAGERs-BorH
SIDES TELL THEIR STORY.


SIDES TELL THEIR STORY.
Tho theatrical engagements Of Tommy Russell, OF
"Fsuntleroy' fame, are in a decidedly curious and
mixed condition. Tommy is under contract for all
next season to T. Henry French yet last February a
contract for three years signed in his behalf
with A. H. wood. who IS building the West End
Theatre IN Harlem. How these two conflicting con-
tracts came to be made, and the story of the difficulties
that have arisen on Of them Is thus told in the
words Of those most interested
Mr. Wood said Yesterday Early in the year took
great fancy Tommy and decided to do something
for him, as did not think he being fairly treated
at the Broadway. offered his mother Mrs.
Lambrcch who has married again since the death OF
'Iommy's' father. 10 make contract for three years.
She told me she had signed a contract with Mr. French
for next season. but that IL had clause by which
either party could terminate It by giving TWO weeks
notice l then made a contract with her. under which
| could call for 'Tommy's services By giving three
weeks notice I began to pay Tommy salary of
1928 a week from the 9TH of last February. and intend
to continue 1t all the summer Mr.. French was paying
Tommy so a week regularly, and occasionally some
thing additional for extra performances
The amount French paid was returned to me. In
order that 'Tommys performance OF Fauntleroy should
be popuarzed. l have been in the habit Of buying
from 500 70 5000 worth Of seats every week Dur
ing the Centennial week l thus expended $1,000
have had PLAYS written for Tommy and have given
him a dog. a horse and some diamonds. also en-
gagged his step father, Mr. Lambrecht, as my secretary
and his sister, Marion Russell, to act with him. Now
| learn tfat Mrs Lambrecht does not intend TO
keep hcr contract with 1 discharged
Mr. Lambrecht last evening have spent many
thousands Of dollars I'm advertising Tommy and
intend TO make Mrs Iambrecht keep to the contract
with me- Tommy Is to Deg" with French on septem
Der > He must play one night. and then give TWO
weeks notice. and be ready to play under my manage
nent7
Mrs Lambr.cht who was seen later SAID; MT
Wood fairly worried MS into making contract II
was understood though not stated I'm the contract
that Tommy should begin TO act for Mr.. Wood when
his new theatre was ready, which we thought would
be early next year. This might As well have been
in the contract but 1 have plenty of witnesses 10
| prove IT, There was not at the time of making the
contract any thought Of putting Tommy on the roai
before the opening of the theatre. am Wiling 10 Keep
the contract when Mr. Woods theatre shall be ready for
opening. but | will not play Mr. French shabby trick
AT the beginning Of the He IS to pay Tommy
s1o5 week the same amount that We should receive
from Mr.. Wood.
want my boy to continue playing 'Faluntleroy.'
II IS true Mr. Wood gave Tommy dog, horse ana
little diamond ring. The dog he always continued 10
call hts and eventually took back. For the Keep OF
the horse he charged $50 for two months, which Mr.
| Iambrecht paid MIR. Wood sold the horse and said
| he would put the amount received in bank for
| Tommy do not know If he has done So The
ring not a very valuable one Tommy lost. Ny
husband gave up position ne had 5en Wn dor SetI b
under, tandng being that when the theatre shouu Dc
opened tie salary should b. ncre1sed contract
with me- AMI viii have to hcepr His mother assures
me that She has de'Ire 10 break the contract ~,
Meanwhile little progress mas been maze on MI
woods Harlem theatre since the laying Of the foun-
datlon stone Mr. wood AMI hts architect attribute l
the delay TO the dIlaorneaS OF the CONTRACTORS LOT
! the iron heamS.