New-York tribune., 1894-01-07
BOSTON PLfIHOTSTS.
BURNING OF THE GLOBE-A BAD SEASON Fol
TIIEATRES-FIVE-CENT DINNERS FOR
NEEIIY

! BURNING OF THE GLOBE-A BAD SEASON FOR
THEATREs-FIvECENT DINNERS FOR
| THE NEEDY.
| Boston Jan 6 (SpeciaD.-The burning Of the Globe
| Theatre early on Tuesday morning has reduced the
number Of regular theatres in Boston to eight. The
cause Of the fire is still mystery. as it first
discovered in a closet over the coatI Experts
| say that it could not have caught from electric
| wires, perhaps II due to lighted cigar
| stump rats. The house about twenty
| years Old and although Mr. Stetson had spent a
good deal Of money on ii within about twelve years
| it was not the most comfortable playhouse in the
| city. Many eminent actors have played there dur
ing its existence including the elder Savini, Henry
| Irving Mime. Christine Nilsson. Wilson Barrett
Nine Bernhardt and Richard Mansfield Mr.. Stct-
son not insured. on account Of the high rates
on theatres. and says he has regrets In that d-
rection for although his loss is about $4,000. he
would In eighteen years have spent nearly as much
on insurance. Mr.. Stctson says he viii rebuild
somewhere in Boston. If he cannot make salts
factory arrangements with the owners OF the land
he will seek another site. This is however. a good
one, being easy of access from all parts Of the city
The theatre was built originally by the late Arthur
Cheney after the destruction Of the first Globe
Theatre in 1873.
Theatres in Boston this season have. for the
most part had little encouragement business has
been bad excepting for few popular stars, and
even they have not done nearly so much as in other
years They have in many cases not paid expenses
Willard. while he played "IIamlet." for one week
played TO good houses, but did not do nearly as
well in other things as on former visits. Mansfield.
at the Globe. Shylock did only fair business.
John Drew. who last year packed the Hollis to the
doors with "A Masked Ball" did little with 1t this
season butterflies" which he put the second
week has drawn WELL so that his season will
show up on the wrong side Of the ledger. although
much below the receipts of last year. Irving has
drawn well at the fremont. but his house has not
bpoD fuil at
is undoubtedly due to the vicious system Of specu-
lation carried right under the nose OF the mana
gers. is said that the house is all sold out for
the Saturday matinee. Mr.. Iryings "Becket' has
received the unanimous approval Of the critics.
The French company. headed by CoGuelin-Iiading.
filled the fremont two occasions ony-Wcdnes-
day night and Saturday matinee. The houses on
the other nights large. but not full.
An organized movement has begun In Boston for
the relief of the army of unemployed, and for the
care Of the and children. great many
sad cases of destituon have been discovered. and
considerable money has already been spent in re-
lief IL is believed that the wscst course is 10 pro-
vide employment for these people. SO far as possi-
BILE. rather than 10 foster dleness. and several
schemes have been devised TO furnish work. TO
create speak. forms OF labor. for the purpose
OF stimulating industry. and to enable The recipients
Of the bounty Of their fellows to MAINTAIN their
The city. corporation could rot 10, legally fur fur
one excellent form Of charity Is the establishment
Of large dining-room on Kneeland-st. IN a To-
cality where "A large number of poor people I'VE.
and convenient for thousands OF needy people. \
good comfortable and nutritive dinner Is furnished
there every dav for five cents. The bill of fare
consists Of beef stew. mutton stew beans bread and
coffee. The amount furnished Is practically as
much n hungry man or woman can eat ana inc
idea conveyed Is that the five cents pays the actual
cost. n mild and harmless form of deception which
enables to feel that he is not actually eating
the bread Of charity. As matter OF fact 1t costs
perhaps a cent more than is paid FOR each meal but
inasmuch hundreds OF tickets are purchased by
well-to-do people which will never be redeemed 1t
Is probable that the deficit the part or those
who put In the money TO start and Keep the scheme
going Will not be great was NJ nrst ex-
pccted The largest number fed in one day has