The San Francisco call., 1896-03-30
THE STRIKERS BENEFIT.
Fine Array of Professional Tai
ent for Next Wednesday
Night.
Nearly All the Seats in the Bush.
Street Theater Sold to Friends
of the Cause.

The benefit that the theatrical people of
this City propose to give to the striking
painters on next Wednesday evening
promises to be the best ever gwen on the
coast. Before the project was twenty-four
hours on foot there was enough volunteer
professional talent to run three shows
OF those who were requested to take part
in the entertainment not one refused or
made all excuse for not being able to lend
hand in the cause.
The idea of raising money for the relief
OF the striking painters originated with
W. Danielson, one of the hardest working
men in the cause of unionism. At first
the idea was not favorably received by the
strikers, who thought that it would be an
Improbable venture. but Danielson would
not have it that way, for he said, ..Boys, if
YOU will give me the authority TO go ahead
| will secure talent, hire a theater and fill
it and it will not cost the union single
cent. 1t will be clear gain and before
this strike is over $500 or 5000 will not
come in amiss. Just tell me to go ahead"
Permission was given and the enthusi-
astic fellow told to pick such committee
as he desired to help him. The sum of
$50 was also given to him for necessary
expenses. The committee he selected con-
sists of T. J. Maloney, Robert Barber, Al
Feline and L. Taylor.
1t was as Danieison said; there was
no trouble in securing the services OF those
who sympathize with the laboring
man and 1t was with great care that
the selection of the artists was made by
the committee.
The first selected was Frisky Barnett,
who is known as the Tony Pastor Of the
West, and his wife, who is known in the
h.
burlesque. This couple recently arrived
from the East and propose to open the
ater OF their own very soon. Atthe bene-
fit they will keep the audience laughing
with their local hits bearing upon the
strike. Barnett will officiate as stage
manager.
Gilbert and Goldie are also down on the
bill. This team of comic artists is we'll
known to the public.
Another who is we'll known and of whom
the people never tire is Ellen Coursen-
Roeckel. She will introduce a Golden
West song, the Banner of the Bear"
composed by her husband, Professor
Roeckel, who will officiate at the piano.
Professor G. P. Won Ger, a violin soloist
of no small pretensions, has consented to
appear in several selections.
Miss Annie Rooney, the balladist of
whom the boys sing so often, is also on the
programme.
An interesting feature will be introduced
in the shape of team of athletes from the
Olympic CLUB.
One of the striking attractions will be
the Swedish Sing ng Society, eighteen in
number. 1t will be remembered that this
body of vocalists took the first prize at the
vocal contest at the Worlds Fair at Chi
cagO.
By permission of L. Grover of the AL
cazar Miss Josephine Gassman, the special
ty vocalist, will contribute her talent.
One OF the best friends the Painters
Union has is Professor T. W. Bree, the
banjo soloist. He will be there also.
No show was ever complete without an
Irish vocalist. There will be one at the
benefit in the person of John T. Spickett,
who was among the first to offer his serv-
ices.
H. P. Barbee,. the silver-tone tenor, is
down for a numbe
La Petite Rosa and Bertie Brightling are
both well-known to the public. They will
appear in their banjo solos and specialties.
Carter and Greneli, Irish comedians,
Frank Silver and John Wyatt, the song
and dance team, Lillian Montgomery, the
vocalist; a. j. Holden, Thomas E. Leary
and Miss Kittie Belmore in "Night From
Oliver Twist" and many other favorites
will also appear in their special roles.
1t is predicted that the financial feature
will be as successful as that of the pro fes-
sionaI. The theater will hold about l 500
people and even at this early day the
larger part of the house is sold and but few
tickets are left. Carpenters Union No. 90
started out by ordering $50 tickets and the
Iroquois Club is down for a goodly num-
ber. Nearly all of the labor unions have
placed generous orders. All of the boxes
have been sold to prominent people.
Like the talent the orchestra is also vol
unteer and first-class, being the contribu-
ton OF the Musicians Union. Prof. Jacob
son will be the leader. Kohler e. Chase
have contributed the piano.
At o'clock Wednesday afternoon there
will be rehearsal in the theater.
There will be 10 free list and popular
prices are the order.