Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1893-12-31

ness man that there could not possibly
DO any profit in his scheme 10 build the
most gigantic theatre the world had
ever known, which could be operated
for no longer than six months had it
been completed on time. That there
was bound TO be a loss was as plain as
the nose on his face.
Still, Mackaye talked his plans so
plausibly into the ears OF several promi-
nent and wealthy Chcagoaus that they
walked right up to his office In the Aud
torium and laid stacks of greenbacks
into his upturned palms, in return for
which they carried away Spectacular
stock. The building OF the great thea
tire began. Had 1t been completed, IL
would have been more ornate In design
and finish than any OF the fairy struc-
lures on the exposition grounds
adjoining. Its materials were q
framework Of steel-the sides
and immense arches OF the
redwood and staff. which is sort
OF white plaster that gives building
the appearance OF a marble structure,
very like the the fair buildings. But
after $500, 900 had been expended, and
il was found that the building could not
be completed before the middle OF Au-
gust instead OF by May l, as had been
expected, and even then only by the
expenditure OF $500, 900 more, the stock
holders eyes were opened, aud they
saw that their money was hopelessly
sunk. They refused to advance more
funds, and the enterprise was given up.
At last house wrecking company was
paid a substantial sum TO remove the
building, and now there Is not even
trace OF the great structure which was
designed 10 seat an audience OF 10000
persons, and across the stage OF which
il was intended TO have run a river Of
real water 50 feet wide aud ~ feet deep.
Then came the Isabella theater, away
out near the fair. IL was built with the
intention OF giving American dramas by
American authors. IL had handsome
stage and was supplied with 1900 opera
chairs. After three nights perform
ances by stock conf any OF S. persons
the manager fonud himself In hot water,
and In less than three weeks the theater
was In the hands OF sheriff. II was
opened again as variety theater. but
after q fitfu career OF few weeks was
closed for good. Another house In tho
Worlds Fair neighborhood was the
Corbett theater, named after the pugi.
listic champion, who was expected 10
appear Oh It's stage all through the sea
son, but who did not do so. IL had q
checkered career for several weeks,
when IL was besieged and captured by
the Salvation Army.
John Browns Fort War Museum was
failure on q smaller scale. The little
old one-story brick building that stood
for so many decades In the little town
Of Harpers Ferry was brought TO CHI
cago, as old Libby prison had been, re-
erected within an Enclosure and stocked
with war relics. II never had pro6.a-
bic day. Barlow's Music Hall, large
vaudeville house, failed because II was
surrounded by theatres OF better
grade.
Jack Haverly has had some sad eK-
periences in Chicago this year. He
leased the Criterion theater, well
built and handsome house, opened It
In connection with a summer garden
and called it Hayerly's Criterion Gar
den theater. It's inaugural was ac-
com plished with flourish Of trumpets,
but 10 TWO weeks closed with toot.
Haverlys venture with the Eden
MGsee, giving two performances daily
OF his "Mastodon Mlnstrels." was
also q losing one, and he gave
lup a few days ago and will retire
20 private life. mo more show business
for me-" says the colonel. He has made
and lost fortunes as minstrel man
ager, but says be knows when be has
had enough. The Savoy Music hall,
which was opened about December !,
has closed, with salaries for three
weeks unpaid; the Peoples Theatre,
only few seasons ago one Of the most
profitable piayhouses in Chicago, has
last at Tie holiday time closed its doors
for want Of patronage. and there are al
Deast half dozen more Of the ''up
Itown" theatres-theFe are several Of
tbem, located from one to two miles
from the business center OF the city
That are in bad financial condition.
t1oebt II there are three theatres in Chi
rzgo to-day making sny money. Truly,
tsese are troubiecus times.
/ I1spiie Of the IamentabIe fate Of mis-
s, ectatorIum, steele Mackaye Is uu.
d ;ntfed- u takes great deal 4
La va the author OF hazel Kirke. q,
I'M y auvsr" Tf