The morning call. [volume] (San Francisco [Calif.]) 1878-1895, 1892-01-27
HIS CLOUDED STAR.
Actor William John kOhler in a
State OF Collapse.
Why There Was No Production of Louis XII
Last Night Disbursements and Receipts
on Unequal Footings.

The further production of "Louis XP' at
the Grand Opera House has been indefinitely
postponed. Shadows filled the auditorium
of the huge temple of Thespis last night.
Darkness filled the place of the avaricious
king and his glittering retinue of courtiers
on the broad stage. The box Office over
flowed with gloom and the cash-box ran
over with emptiness. William John Kohler
was not in it.
The story Of Kohler's brief flight toward
the goal OF histTlonic glory has melan-
chOly interest for the Council of Federated
Trades. About two months ago the aspir-
ing actor came before the council, and
through one of its most prominent members
stated that he would produce the drama
Louis Xr' at the Grand Opera House,
some time in January, in way that would
astOnish San Francisco play-gOers 1t
would be a spectacular production. There
would be ten horses on the stage. There
would be an orchestra of great power.
There would be multitude Of supernu-
meraries; and the actor himself, who had
spent six years in studying his part and had
visited all the places which the acquloitlye
king had frequented during his tumuituous
life, would appear In garments similar 10
those worn by the monarch.
AN UPHOLSTERED.
1t was said that Mr. Kohler was or had
been q member Of the Uph0lsterers' Union;
that when he had spent his little all IN
learning the great part lie took TO trade IN
order that he might obtain funds sufficient
to enable him to continue his studies.
He told the Council that he W nd give it
40 per cent of the amount which it would
obtain by the sale Of tickets for his per-
Torrance, and that if he succeeded 1t won Id
have the glory of having given him the
boost that landed him on the throne OF
fame.
The Council took some Of his tickets and
sold but limited number. Then 1t loaned
the actor $3.50. On last Friday evening a
further loan Of $50 was asked, but the
trades thought they had loaned enough and
closed their treasury. When the meeting
adjourned it was learned that just Sll worth
OF MI h0hler's tickets had been sold 10y the
unions.
TIE HORSES ALL RIGHT.
On Monday night the first and last per-
Torrance Of LOU, MP was given The
ten horses were on the stage and the spec
tacular features promised were not want
ing. But there was something wrong with
the house. it was papered. There Is no
good reason why a house should not be
pauered Paper is as necessary TO the sue
cess OF a wel-Tegulated house as several
farewell visits are necessary 10 the success
Of a prima donna. But when paper pre-
walls in the auditorium Of a theater it means
that there is distress in the cashier de-
par;ment.
This is said to have been the trouble with
k0hler's house. There was, it is alleged,
too much paper and too little specie. The
musicians learned the state OF affairs early
In the evening and refused TO 20 on with
their part Of the performance until $50 had
been obtained for their payment. 1t Is said
that but $50 was realized from the perform
anCe
THE STEAM TOO GREAT.
KOhler was informed yesterday morning
that the house would not lie opened last
night unless he paid the Indebtedness to the
owners. Re struggled 10 obtain the neces-
saTy amount. but failed, and a o'clock in
the evening there was an angry crowd Of
supers and tlcket-hUlders about the door,
who clamored loudly for their cash They
rushed into the dark and silent hallway
and sought relief for their rugged feelings
in bold and fearless blasphemy. Then they
formed in a line and paraded along Market
street toward the actors house on Tenth
street but were finally dispersed by the
rain.
1t is said that Kohler's Indebtedness
amounts 10 about $1,000. Of which $3.50 is
/ due to the Counci oil Federated Trades
! about 500 to the friendly members Of that
| body referred 10 above, and the remainder
! 70 the superuumerares, the owner Of the
l l. . L. . hot