The morning times., 1897-03-11
HOBART BROOKS RESIGNS
Internal DissensiOns in The Heart
of Maryland"
Mrs. Ca nrter Still UnwelI-A Row
Between tn Press Agent
and the Manager.

A performance of the Heart OF Mary
land" was given at the Lafayette at the
matinee yesterday and again last night
Mrs. Leslie Carter, however, did not take
the part of Maryland.
In her place was a very nice young
woman, an ingen tie, who does not pretend
to any great ability as au emotional
actress, like Mrs. Leslie Carter She
and walked through the scenes, emitting
, the belfry scene.
Mrs Carters throat is still very much
affected. Dr. Gardner, her physician. has
ordered her not TO play her part until she
has entirely recovered, andit is feared that
this may not be until tomorrow night. He
tells her that the penalty of disobcdience
10 his orders will mean the loss of her
voice temporarily and perhaps its pcrman-
ent injury. 1t caunot be surely stated that
Mrs. Carter will be bic to appear tomorrow
night or Saturday.
The substitution OF an understudy for
woman like Mrs. Carter in a play Ike
The Heart of Maryland where the
personality of this lady so dominates the
whole action and life of the performance,
cannot tut be unsati sfacrory, to put it
mildly. The belfry scene, too, is Ger
tainly a most essential one to the con
tinuity and completeness of the play.
There were many expressions last night
of the opinion that a HiSta ke had been
made in attempting to play without Mrs
Carter. 1t is learned, too, that both Mrs
Carter and Mr.. Belasco, the author of the
play, do not approve OF the production
under these difficulties, and are sorry that
1t has been given. No decision has Yet
been announced as to the intetion of the
management in the event that Mrs Garter
continues too i'll to take her part.
THERE'S another story q bout The Heart
OF Maryland" people this week, which
may be Slightly connected with this alb
sence OF Mrs. Carter, and which, at least.
has been associated with it in gossip
ABOUT town during the last two days
Mr.. Hobart Brooks, a well known Wash
ington newspaper man, is the press agent
OF the company. 1t is sta ted that his
work throughout the country this season
has been most successful
Mr. Brooks had promised a box to one
OF the Washington newspaper men for in
auguration night. The Washington rapers
had treated The Heart of Maryland well
and tie was disposed to be liberal
Mr. Max Bleman, the manager and pro-
prietor OF the play, and company, refused
to honor MI Brooks order. The news
paper man was grievously offended. Mr.
Brooks was more so. he called Mr. Bile
man names. Mr.. Blieman is said to have
expressed an utter lack of respect for all
newspaper men. including Mr.. Brooks and
the gentleman who had not received the
box.
In addition to this he suggested to Mr..
Brooks the advisability of a severance
of the relations between them, a suCges-
ton in which Mr.. Brooks immediately
acquiesced.
Mr.. Belasco, who is only receiving royaI-
ties from Mr.. Bleiman and has no voice
in the management, telegraphed the press
man to continue as press agent
for Mrs. Carter and to draw on him for
his pay. His telegram, which is one
OF the documents in the case, is q most
cordial expression Of his regard for Mr.
Brooks.
Such an arrangement would have been
impossible, however. Mr.. Brooks could
not have continued any kind of connection
with the company In antagonism to Mr.
Blieman. Mr.. Blienian would have cut off
his seat supply, and what S press agent
without seats to distribute. These diff
culties Mr.. Brooks explained to Mr.. Be-
lasco, and last night finally declined his
offer Mr.. Belasco has engaged Hobart
for his next season.
1t is said that quite probably Mrs Car
ter's illness has been accumulated by this
occurrence.
Brooks was appointed at the request of
Mr.. Beiasco, end Mrs. Carter is also g
warm friend of his, and has been ex-
tremeiy well pleased with his exploitation
of her charms.
Last night, however, MI Brooks and
THE Heart of Maryland" Company parted