The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-04-18
Two of His Followers Bring Their
Difficulties Into Judge Wood
mans Court.
The Big Plumber, Who is an Al
legged Actor, Found Not
Guilty.
An Amusing Case that Attracted q Large
Audience-Show Life Not q Bed
of Roses

The Tin Soldier company is certainly one
of the unhappiest theatrical families IN the
country. The fact that the majority OF the
actors are very poor transformers does not
necessarily indicate that they live in har-
mony. The evidence in Judge Wood
mans court yesterday showed that an army
of soldiers, not tin soldiers, will be neces-
sary to keep order, if the present Difficult
ties continue. The trouble all grows out of
the fact that Paul Dresser, the big plumber,
and Mrs. G. F. Lorraine, the Irish specialist.
cannot get along together. They have had
more or less difficulty during the season,
but no very bad breaks were made until last
Friday, when Mr.. Dresser, in few plain
words. told Mrs. Lorraine what he thought
of her. Neither she nor her husband, who
enjoys the distinction of being the worst &C
tor in the company, took Mr.. Dresser's re-
marks in kindly spirit. The result was
that Mrs. Lorraine secured Dresser's ar
rest upon two charges, one Of carrying
turbinp the peace. Dresser was arrested,
but secured bail, and the trial was set for
yesterday. In the mean time the company
went to Butte to fill an engagement. They
returned yesterday to fill brief engage
ment with Judge Woodman. The trial
the profession" having large representa-
ton. All members of the Tin Soldier COM
pany were there, including "Rats' with his
bowie knife mouth, Manager John Reming-
ton, of Ming's; Manager W. s. Greene, of
the Atlantic and Pacific circuit; Manager
local theatrical admirers and men about
town were also among the spectators: Every
seat in the court room was occupied. Mrs.
Lorraine was the cynosure of all eyes. She
is a big, stout, fierce looking woman
with sne bad ID lo9k This II her ssppsSsd
frequently during the trial, which was be-
gun with the first charge, that of carrying
concealed wenpons. Milton S. Gum, a
beardless attorney with an abnormal flow
of language, looked after the interests of
the defendant, while Henry G: Smith, also
the rights of Mrs. Lorraine and the state.
The sparring between the youthful attor-
news afforded considerable amusement for
the crowd. From the testimony it appears
that Manager Turner, of the company, car
ries revolver when he transfers his part Of
During the performance Mr.. Dresser has
charge of the weapon. Mr.. Lorraine hap
pened to see the revolver sticking out of
Dresser's pocket on Friday night at the
theater, and it Immediately occurred to
him that there was a chance to get even
Came.'' The evidence brought out some
funny incidents. When Dresser was asked
what his business was, he said: 81
am an alleged actor" The jury retired at
$50 and in a short time returned with q
verdict of mot guilty." This was received
by the spectators with howls of applause
Mr.. Dresser in beautifully constructed
speech. thanked the jury for the verdict and
added "that but few days ago he enter
tanned as guest the lawyer who said that
any man who travelled with him should
carry gun" In order to save time Mr..
Dresser pleaded guilty to the charge of dis
turbing the peace. The company plays al
Brainerd tomorrow evening and it was there.
fore necessary for them to leave on last
evenings train. The fine fixed at one dolla1
and the costs amounting to $25, were paid
by Manager Turner. The company left OF
the east bound Northern Pacific train las,
evening, leaving behind many hopes that
their presence in Helena will be delayed te
the longest possible date.