New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1896-02-27
RTNORS OF THEATRICAL WAR.
TALK OF A SYNDICATE TO DICTATE
TERMS TO ROAD COMPANIES.

ATTEMPT TO FORM A RIVAL COMBINATlON-
TRAVELLING MANAGERS NOT FRIGHTENED
R,.snors Of combinations Of theatrical managers
and of hot enmities between factions have been so
rife OF late as to make It seem likely that the
theatres would be more In need OF defences
than the coasts. The tales are Of great syndicate
headed by A. L. Hayman and OF another syndicate
ted for the purpose Of being its rival the Cd
ject of Mr.. IIayman's syndicate IS to control such
mighty circuit Of theatres TO be able to dictate
terms to actors and managers OF travelling COM
panes Hayman Frohman and their many aHieS
do already control many important theaters in many
cities and they have an especial hold on Phiadel-
phia This is regarded the stronghold ABOUT
which most Of the fortunes of war are to turn
This is be tho working principle: If certain I'M
por;ant travelling company will not play in the
theatre of the syndicate in each city that visi's
the syndicate will not give that company an en-
gaEement in any Of its Philadelphia theatres
Philadelphia Is too important city for theatrical
companies skip and therefore the refractory ones
will be brought TO terms. This is the plan Whether
Il works Just as 1t is intended to work remains TO
be seen.
There Is said TO be another syndicate formed to
oppose this. with A. NJ Palmer at the head Of it,
This report to be premature. Mr.. Palmer
received a call yesterday from w. II. and Henry
Rapley of Washlngton John r. Ford, Of Balt-
more and Henry Schwab and Henry Davis. OF
Pittsburg. They were anxious TO induce him 20 be-
come a member OF a rival syndicate Mr.. Palmer
left the matter IN the hands of his partner Samuel
Rorke. and the latter told the visitors that they must
come with definite plan. and that they must Sc
the cooperation of John Schoeffel or John
Stetson. represent Boston. and certain prominent
managers in other cities. before Mr. Palmer and
himself could join the syndicate.
Mr.. Palmcr's position seems TO be about this: lie
gives the most Of his attention 10 producing plays
himself rather than using his theatres for other
peoples plays. When companies managed 10y other
persons occupy his theatres IL is usually TO HI In
time not needed for his own attractions Accord
ingly the plans and r.valrcs of syndicates affect
him but little the manager of theatres, while as
a producer Of plays he expects that the syndicates
will do him good. they VIII have TO bid against
each other for hrst-class attractions, and the at
traction will reap benefit thereby.
This view OF the effec; on the travelling COM
ayers OF road stars ana combinations seem 10 be
quite iubilant the whole affair. 1T is all a
tempest In a teapot" said one manager yesterday.
The syndicate can do nothing unless X Is strong
enough dictate. and it Is not strong enough
Strong attractions will not submit and Will insist
on going other houses than those controlled by
the syndicate and they VIII have 70 MI In time win
inferior attractions and then their theatres VIII
lose money Besides that ii Will not take long for
q rival syndicate II one is formed TO build theatre
In Philadelphia. and so cut the whole knot.
IL may be remarked that rumors OF such schemes
as this have been periodic for the last half dozen