New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-01-11
LILLIAN RUSSELL PROTESTS.
OPPOSING ELBRIDGE r GERRY
SHE is PLANNING BENEFIT FOR STAGE
CHIIpREN-wIIAT OTHERS SAY

SHE is PLANNING BENEFIT FOR STAGE
CHTLDREN-wIAT OTHERS SAY
The theatrical war against Ebridge T. Gerry grows
hotter. Miss Lillian Russell has taken up the cudgel
In behalf OF the children whom Mr. Gerry has removed
from the stage. She declares that IL she has any
influence in dramatic circles the children shall have
q benefit the like OF which has not been seen in
New-York for many years. Only stars and lending
ladies viii take part, and they will all be mes, and
women who have served their time on the stage
as children.
Some Of them" said Miss Russell, are still under
twenty of age but their fame IS worldwide and
to let the putlic and Judge for themselves
Of the advantages Of early stage training In two Of
leading theatres mere girls are the stars Could
this re possible had they waited until womanho,d
before adopting their art Both of them healthy
and earn large salaries. One OF them has been
before the footghts since she four years Old and
a purer, swceter girl does not live. ! believe she
Is as safe on the stage In the bosom Of her own
family. The other actress has danced in the ballets
at Nblos since she ten years old, and is to-day,
though stu young girl, credit TO the American
stage. Patti sang at nnc and she is worse of for H.
"The proceeds OF the benefit will go to the needy
children of the stage, and pay the costs Of testing
a case in the courts / believe the children Of the
stage tho happeSt I'm the land. Many OF them
have homes that poor and wretched. where there
is nothing vary tho drudgery of their lives and the
few hours a day they spend tie stage is like
glimpse OF PARADISE IL Is not 10 them, and the
money which they earn procurcs them comforts and
benefits which they could not otherwise enjoy. Ny
rle girl has sung in public, and will do again at
the chldrcn's benefit she often comes to the theatre
with to enjoy romp with the children in their
payroom beneath the stage. Depend upon it,
mothers Of the stage will fight for them until justice is
done and the law is amended. Not one OF wishes
Il repealed, for it is good law and safeguard, bat
there must aid shall be amendment which will
take the sole power from one and vest II In
commission competent to act inteigcntly and hui
namely"
T. Henry French manager Of the Garden Theatre.
said that he knew nothing OF Miss Russelrs deter
minaton, and seemed surprised to learn of her move
ments in tie matter He admitted however, that for
the last few days various had reached his ears
that we-knOwn contemplating benefit
for children whom Mr. Gerry had taken of the stage
Perhaps Miss Russell had been approached by some OF
these women IN which he thought she would lend
best efforts to further the project but 50 far her
action was Independent and purely personal.
"As for myself continued Mr.. French. al am OPP
posed benefits and had hoped 10 be connected
IN any way with another However, II the members
OF society wish give benefit for this cause either OF
nv houses is at their service. Ny whole sympathy IS
with the children"
Miss Georgia Cayvan had heard nothing OF the oene-
it, but thought it a capital idea. l am still child
Of the stage" she said with laugh. $50 hope / am
eligible to participation. consider that MI Gerry
has made the mistake Of his life. and have no SYM
patty with his methods. l have been in close contact
with children Of the stage for many years. both at the
Madison SQUARE Theatre and the Lyceum and see no
reason why they should be ntcrfeed with in any rep
utabe theatre. For instance, there is girl now III
our company, Albertina by name Her mother Is
diving and what this child makes at the theatre Soe
toward maxim CHER mothers Inst days on earth com
Portable she is o careful little nurse and cooks ali
the meals the theatre keeps her away only three
hours and ste can then return 10 Dor mother ana put
sleep, she Away does She Is a dear A''!e
thing and only ten years DID, so Mr.. Frohmahs TWO
secretaries take turns seeing her home after the nights
performance. presume Mr.. Gerry wil advocate tax
ing this child tcr parent, whom she supports ana
placing her in charitable Institution; but II he coud
sec her sad lace light up she enters Mr. frouiah
reception room, which the children nightly turn INTO
nursery l think his heart Would warm and his eyes
glow TO sec how happy sic Is. believe the change
Is beneficial to her az er day in the sick chamber
Certainly she has grown fat since she came TO u.s. Oh
yes l am in favor Of the children going on the stage
while young, II with a good company
Why our baby, in Lady Bounuful,' gets go a
week which supports the mother and gives the child
,Ieosant home Three mothers handle the baby the
stage for few brief seconds then II IS taken on ana
during he baby scene in the last act fondie ooii'
but no one in the audience suspects this nave seen
too many children made happy by changing from
the workshop the stage. As long as the law allows
the children to work ten hours DAY III stores,
the children Of the stage should not be Discriminate
against By al means change the law, but do not
omen food gates. Let the children come with a
license through commission: Inc P'"i0'''o" -
aroused and will fight for tlis."
Mrs Ever. the mother Of Iegaloncia, SAYS thdt shc
has the full sympathy OF many women Welt known IH
society who take q great Interest IN LII KcGalohcla
and declare they will DO something 10 assist h"r !.
Harrison Grey Eiske, Editor 81 the Diahauc
Mirrors said am glad Mr.. Gerry intends enforcing
The law 10 the letter for believe II win result in it,
amendment Mr.. Gerry has often written Il u eX-
planning his position aud as long aS he tempered rs
alleged Justice with upheld MN, but l.in
last Of his raids Is unjust ard unwa~ait'o ana III.
Gerry no longer has cur sympathy or approval 70
morrow | win publish an Interview / have ha1 WIN
lin also his remarks in daily paper which he mas
allowed 70 stand uncOntTadictcd. lis 0"n worn; Ia
that he Is friend Of the children. A. for bcnelt
think it viii " unnecessary. The law VIII be
brOadened and the children can return rom uhFc
numeTtvc ddgerv IN the stores 70 their fW nouns Oh
pleasant work the stag
DR.. Alexander Strong lad tAs 20 say. 81 an
pleased to hear that action Is 10 be taken 'n this
matter The proper thing TO do in my opinion;
examination. to 70 The stage ana perform certain
acts designated In their certificates. II they over
step their Limit bet The society report them, and dcT
fair examination by q commission of not less than
three If II j. evident that the child has wtlfly over
stepped It's limits, suspend IT, take away The license
IS wrong 10 say that dancing IS injurious. If properly
taught A child who is practlsed FIVE minutes at W
time. and then rests. II not overwOrkcd, Is vastly
beI Gifted.
Mayor Grant was not inclined to take sides on the
question OF Mr.. GelTy's authority. The law was on
the society's SIDE and he compelled to respect it,