Evening journal., 1895-08-17
WILLIAMSON OUSTED.
Delightful News for Theatre
Goers.
OPERA HOUSE LEASED BY BAYLIs


The President OF Council Has Secured II
for Five Years-win Assume Charge on
MondaY-Result OF n Meeting OF the
Board Of Directors Held Last Evening.
The Lessee Is a well-Kuown Theatrical
Man.
William r Williamson, the obnoxious
msnsger of the Grand Opera House, has
been ousted. The sails OF the yacht at
Ocean City, N j.. will doubtless be
drspsd with Grape for q period Of thirty
days unless q. Parke Postles objects
Mean while the bunting -bedecked row
boat OF the board Of directors a lats
trlumphantly on the swelling bosom OF
the Christians
President OF Council Jesse X Baylie,
one Of WilmiDgton's bsst known citizens,
and an old theatrical manager Of national
reputation, has leased the house for FIVE
years. and will give it his personal
supervision, assuming control on Mon
day
This is the result of meeting OF the
Board OF Directors Of the Masonic Hall
Company held Ia the temple last evening
The vote TO oust Williamson and lease
the place to Mr. Baylis was, II Is under
stood, unanimous Williamson had been
engaged for another year, but the
directors succeeded In getting rid Of
him. despite that fact, probably paying
him a sum Of money to release them from
the bargain.
The trouble which led TO this desirable
change Is not Of recent origin It dates
back two years or more Williamson
began his career by endeavoring to brow
beat the press OF the city, reducing the
advertising and demanding big free
notices for grudgingly- bestowed favors
BE acted In such an ugly manner towards
the patrons Of the house that it became a
matter of general complaint. When
meiitorious attractions were brought
here the schedule OF prices was raised
without public notice and that created
widespread dissatisfaction Despite this,
the directors clung to him until his one.
nights benefits began TO constitute nearly
half as much as the yearly clearances OF
the house, and q scandal arose owing 10
him wearing 3 Knights Templsr mark,
ana then they began thinking about
making a change.
Last January Mr.. Baylis made them an
otter It was not accepted at the time
b1t u set them to thinking They
thought until last night when they
acted. giving Mr. Baylis certain con-
cessions not embodied in his original offer.
the terms being the result OF con
ference with him about a week ago.
Mr.. Baylis was manager Of the house
from January, 1874 to March, 1889 and
was most successful In the administra.
tion Of its affairs Proctor and Soulier
then leased It and Williamson, who
was employed by them after his rsturn
from Lancaster, succeeded.to he.manage
ment when they ra leased it In 1891 and
the Masonic Hall Company resumed
control
Mr. Bsylis taxes the place now. subj sct
10 the bookings already made This was
necessary in order to secure the lense he
says that he will dispose of his other
business as soon as possible and devote
his whole time to making the house
attractive to theatre goers. When he
has any unusual attraction which com
pes him TO raise the prices in order to
meet the expenses of It's securement the
fact will be advertised in order that the
play-goers may know Of it
Mr. Baylis was born in Wilmington on
feDfuAfy lOtn, loto, ne mas always
been one OF the most public spirited men
OF the city. For six or seven years he
did efficient service on the Board Of Eiu
cation At tbs last municipal election
be was elected to the presidency Of City
Council by the Democrats, aud Is non
holding that responsible position.
He Is one OF the leading Masons Of the
city. being a member OF Washington
Lodge, No /, st. Johns Royal Arch
Chapter and st. Johns Commandery, No.
/. knights Templar Industry Lodge.
No 2, A o. U. NJ also has his name on
It's roll.
His Lucky Letter and Number.
IN is certainly your lucky letter, re
marked Mrs Baylls to her husband this
morning 1T stands thirteenth in the
alphabet, but that makes no difference
You married Mason, you are
Mason, also a merchant
member Of City Council. manager Of
the Opera House and mayor for the tine
being. Further than that you we're asked
on the thirteenth Of the month to take
the Opera House. there were thirteen al
the final meeting last night and the
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