The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-09-22

tion of the audience, and many persons
present were astonished to recognize in the
offender one of the proprietors Of the house
Occupants of adjacent boxes protested
against the disturbance and were prompt
ly informed by Mr.. Hammerstein that he
owned the place and if they didn't like
his conduct they could go to u hotter re-
sort
Among those who expostulated with
tho irate manager was one George Kess-
Ter, wine merchant and man about town,
and him Mr.. Hammerstein treated with
particular contempt. The men finally adj
journed their dispute to the lobby, where
Mr.. Hammerstein smote the cheek of his
adversary and was promptly foored for his
presumption. Being fat man, the i'm
presario promptly rCbounded and was I'M
mediately knocked down again by the
powerful fist of his opponent. Thisopera-
tion was twice repeated, greatly to the edi-
fication Of a crowd of bystanders, among
whom Di Dio and her maid were conspicu-
Gus, before ''tho only Italian policeman on
the force" interviewed.
On repairing to the station house Messrs.
Roster 81 Bal promptly bailed Mr.. Kess-
Ter, but refused to help their partner, who
was left to cool his heels for few hours
till his messengers could find bondsman.
In court next morning the combatants
were discharged, with a reprimand, after
Justice Voorhees, had laid down the law
on a subject of interest to theater goers
everywhere
1.-The right of members Of the audience
to applaud is undeniable, said he. "They
have the same right to disapprove. But in
both cases the individuals should take care
not to interfere with the rights of others
who wish to sit quietly and do neither"
This affray has aroused good deal of
interest in Gotham first because the case
itself is very unusual and next because
the parties involved are men Of consider
able notoriety. Mr.. Hammerstein was
originally interested in the tobacco trade,
in which he made II good deal of money.
A few years ago he built two theaters in
Harlem and blossomed out as a theatrical
manager. While engaged in that capacity
his combative disposition has led him into
q number of rows which have gained more
or less publicity. In 1899 he built the
Manhattan Opera House in Thirty fourth
street, and after an unsuccessful season
there he entered into a partnership with
Roster 81 Bial and converted the house
into a music hall. He once wrote-or
said he wrote-the score and libretto of a
comic opera in "a hours ON wager.
Mr.. Kessler is personally one of the
very best known men in New York. He
10 81, L., h.,
including a hanson drawn by spank
ing team. His afternoons are devoted to
business and driving, but as soon as night
has settled over the city he appears in his
dress suit, and wherever men congregate
there he may be seen. He receives an enor-
nous allowance from the French wine
house he represents. Gossip has it that he
receives $500 for expenses and that he
spends every cent of it.
Hedividos his time between Hollywood,
N. j., and Saratoga Springs during the
summer season, and in the great club
houses there is no heavier gambler than
he In one night last month in Saratoga
he lost, $17, 900 in the United States club
house at baccarat. In the Saratoga club
house helnst SS, 900 at sitting.
Mr. Kessler gave famous clambake in
the betting ring Of the Saratoga race
track in August He had invited about
600 guests and had turned tho entire ring
into a agigantin dining hall. Nearly all of
the turfmen of that section Of the country
were present The feature of the repast
was the dessert. An army Of about 90
colored walters filed in after the food had
been discussed, each one carrying an i'm
mense watermelon, into which bottle of
champagne had been poured. Tho bot !