davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26

NEW YORK. Dec. 23-Whew But
they're having d biz rumpus over tn'
theatrical trust" in the New York that
Is soon TO be only the boroughs Of Man
haitian and the Bronx, ia the new ana
greater city So excited are they getting
that certain folk nave actually charged
certain others with prevariCation, and the
"perfesh" is all stirred up about it.
While. as a rule the newspapers have
been careful not 10 take sides, one jour
nal has had several attacks of genuine
Mysteries over the trust matter, ana has
seen tit 10 insinuate all sorts OF things
against a sterling actor just because he
fails to regulate his conduct with regard
10 the trust by the rules the editor as
sumes 90 lay down for his guidance.
Far be IL from this writer to be less
discreet I'm discussing the trust than the
majority Of the New York papers. Doubt
less there are things 10 be said both for
and against a. but space 20 say them Is
worth good stiff advertising rates. | fam
cy. But IL did seem a little odd TO read
the other day that Charles Frohman and
Al Hayman. the trusts chief moguls,
were meditating tho REIMBURSEMENT OF
lot OF their business next year unless
there were less newspaper and other crit
icisms Of their methods IN tho near fu-
ture And II is entirely safe 10 write ii
down as highly improbable that either
Of these men will give mp any genuinely
profitable venture. just because some
body says "bOo" about them
DAN FROHMAN. OFFICE BOY
The real foundation Of the theatrical
trust was laid more than thirty years
ago. Just after the close Of the Civil War.
when the late Albert u. Richardson,
fresh from his victories as war CORE
spondent. employed a youngster whom he
called Dan as Office boy. clerk. and mes
sengor combined.
When Richardson went West 70 get
materials for his book. Beyond the Mis-
sissippi." I'm which he described so wildly
the RAPIDLY vanishing buffalo herds and
other features Of the greater Occidental
half of our great country ne got Dan
a place I'm the Tribune office. There he
served first as Office boy. then subscrip-
ton clerk. and last Of all reporter. going
thence with John Russell Young-now
chief OF the worlds most beautiful and
most costly library i'm Westinghouse
the Standard. paper then newly started
here by Ben Butler, Henry Clews. and
others. as business manager Had the
Standard lived. this young man. whose
last name was Frohman, in all PROBABLE
ity would never have gone into the the
atrcal line: and then there might have
been no theatrical trust. for Charles
Frohman. its manager. was pulled into
the theatrical business by the ears by his
older brother. However, despite the un-
doubted ability Of its manager, the Stand
ard died the death in its own good time.
and Dan Frohman went out on the road
ahead OF one Of Jack Haverly's enter
prises some time I'm the seventies, and
has been an amusement puryeyor ever
since
HAVERLY THEN AND NOW
There are some who read these lines.
no doubt. who never heard Of the -
doutable Haverly as an amusement king
but I'm the old days he was q tremen-
dous figure in the stage world. His enter
prises were not as numerous. indeed, as
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26

how ever was not the same VINO mao
sailed away half decade before III"
mans face though not entirely unlike
that Of the other, was bronZed and beard
ed whereas his had been smooth ana
ruddy-white Moreover. on his face lines
indicating strength Of VIII ana tenacll!
Of purpose were engraved. II was the
face OF man who had fought a hard
fight and won Of a man who was glad
10 be alive not simply that he might pass
the time in thoughtless pleasure. but be
cause he had learned his own powers and
how to use them.
Owing 10 calm seas the ships passage
was some hours shorter than had been
expected. and she was locked early 30
the morning so that there were few 10
greet the passengers as they descended.
the gang-plank: and Roberts was one az
those whom no one met He was no.
sorry for this. since IL gave him an OPP
portuntv 10 find himself again In New
York when no one was by. Calling car
rage he wss driven 10 the hotel where ne
had last seen Helene Sp2nshell, and there
he breakfasted. Then he went to the ste
nographcr in attendance 70 whom ne
wished 10 dictate some letters.
Raleigh Roberts had been surprised
many times in his life and more than
once since sailing away from Ne" io'N
had found IL necessary TO summon 20 his
assistance all the nerve he possessed
But he had never undergone n seNereT
test than that which now confronted him
for the figure Of the stenographer was q
familiar and graceful one, and the eyes
that were lifted TO his were the same that
had bantered him five years before, when
he had been almost dared to extend
never forgotten invitation. But the race
was paler. and the gaiety that had been
radiated from II was now gone. There
was nothing OF coquetry In the brie'
business-like gaze with which she re-
rarded him. Plainly something was amlss
with her: and plainly she did not rec
ognize him. all Drowned and bearded as
ne was So. pulling himself together
he began. IN n voice that was signify
tremulous 20 be sure. 20 dictate letter
But he had not spoken complete sen.
tence before there was little cry ana
the nlmble fingers stopped their WORK
Don't be startled. child" the grave
bronzed man said quietly Let me 30
on with my dictation for little so as NOT
TO excite attention. and then you snail
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26
hear what 1 have to say, and tell me all
about it,"

hear what have to say, ana tell me All
about it,"
After the brief dictation he told her
Of his despair five years before, ana no"
his friend. by Offering him chance 10
take charge OF a business enterprise ih
the southern half of the world ma
hardly civilized people. had AFFORDED MN
an opportunity to begin life anew. but
ne did not then say that he bad won a
new fortune. Her story was mainly one OF
reverses-though she had won a victory,
TOO.
The family fortune had been swept
ov,av nv baa Investments. and there had
been nothing for the girl 10 do but 10
take uD the burdens Of her own ana her
mothers support II had not been m
easy task: it had been full Of humilia-
tions and discourageThcnts and strivings'
but she had wagcd a successful nsht.
DO YOU suppose" said Roberts. when
hoth stories had been told. that your
mother would accept second invitation
10 listen to Trinity's New Year chimes!
That evening a party OF three sat again
in the mooncast shadow or TRINITY
apire. trying TO hear the bells amid the
din Of the horns. Before the drive uptown
was begun the man I'm the party returned
to the older Of the two women much
worn letter. Then ne said
Wei. 10 matter what he said. II IS
enough that before he was silent again
he had asked certain important ques-
lions Of both. and that the replies were
entirely satisfactory 10 all concerned.
rut {, was not till after he had re-
ceived these replies that Raleigh Ron
erts explained 70 Mrs. SpaneheN ana
her pretty daughter that his efforts IN
the southern half of the world ma re-
suited I'm the winning ~ a. fortune much
larger than the one he had squandered'
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26
ONLY One NIrtim.

CHICAGO. ILL. Dec. 25.-The fire
which last evening destroyed the Coliseum
nj Sixty-third street and Stony Island
avenue. claimed only one victim. lie was
\ II. Johnson whose charred remains
wore recovered from the ruins to-day.
Johnson was fireman employed about
the building He had evidently remained
al his post until the last moment, men
rushing out an immense piece OF glass
feu from the roof. piuionlng him 20 the
earth. while the flames slowly smothered
him. Shelan Hunan. an Armenian. en-
md who was thought 10 have been kill
ed returned 10 his hotel this afternoon
after having wandered about the city
an night He had run 10 the wrong exit.
and inhaled so much smoke that dell
rum set IN and cCr fused him. The fresh
air finally revived him and he appeared at
the ruins this afternoon.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26


Fanny Davenport is another who IA
brought 10 mind by tho trust. FOR the
papers here have been having a fne
time discussing her attitude with regard
10 the organization. and the air Is FUN
OF Davenport stories wherever dramatic
folk are cOngregatcd
''Once when Miss Davenport was nav.
ing I'm Denver" said a member OF ths
'perfcsh who is now wishing the trust
or somebody else would give him an en-.
gagement. she told every body sn-
saw she wished she had dish OF straw
berries. Now Strawberries were nractf.
cally unattainable in Denver just then.
as Miss Davenport believed. but somehow
her desire for n taste OF tho little red
fruit became known and the next dev
she had d call from an unexpected vis-
tor.
MISS Davenport was about beginning
breakfast when this visitor raped tim
idly az the door and was hidden 10 come
in 10 was n little girl. sun-burned. ragged
and awkward. but I'm her hand she held
a basket OF wild Strawberries
" 7 heered yer wanted some She said
and [ knowded where some growed ar-
7 went and picked 'em, and I've brung
'em TO YOU
Miss Davenport's eyes sparkled as shc
looked az the tempting fruit and She
offered the child dollar and the warmcst
thanks.
" 'Rut-but- faltered the girl. 7 49,
didn't want money for 'em. II wanted
ter see the show
Fanny offered the girl iickct
" But mum. -but-but-ma and pa and
the children would Ike 20 sec %. too.
faltered the girl.
How many are there or YOU quetled
tn actress.
Only leven OF Ms. num- reDfsd the
girl
Miss Davenport sighed. for -he lad
Just been told that the house was al
ready nearly sold ont and there was 70
way ~ accommodating the 'leven OF u.s.
but by giving mp the stage box.
But Davenport IS nothing IL not thor
oughbred. and the girl got an order for
the box. Then the star ate more tAltu-
slve plate OF strawberries than sne las
even parralen Of either bei)'e az since
MISS TOMBSTONE BENNETT.
From Fanny Davenport TO the per
former who is known as tombstone Ben
nett, with the prefix Miss before the
name. is I admit. a far cry. but this
young woman Is -gain the subject of
much theatrical gossip hereabouts. al
though-Heaven be tnanked-the trust ana
the newspapers are not quarreling over
her as yet.
Miss BENEFITS present notoriety comes
from her decision 20 abandon the gents
furnishing" business forever. and here
after 70 stick 20 her art. no the same
time she has discarded her recent part
ner in a haberlashery and theafr'cals.
6 Miller Kent. for George w. Leslie.
Miss Bennett has been fairly pictur-
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26

FOR tho evening though her manner or
receiving the young man was excessively
formal and freezingly polite. and Miss
Helene did not appear at all.
Young Roberts sent a brief note 10 his
friend saying that he was prevented from
Joining him until very late. though ne
might appear at the club an hour aftsr
midnight. Then he went somewhere, no
really never knew whittier. 10 pass the
time till near 1890. Not for one moment
could he forget himself. and the hateful
refrain was with him constantly
through all the slow moving hours. But
all things come to an end and so at last
did the tedious beginning OF that dreary
New Years Eve
1t was a strange party Of three that
was al last driven down town 10 listen
10 New York's noisy way OF ushering
in the new year The sky was clear.
the moon shone brilliantly through the
TRANSPARENT azure. the crowd was un-
counta bic. and the noise was simply pro
digious. or course the bells were heard
not at all but the horn-blowers maintain
ed their reputation to the very utmost.
Miss Helene was in great spirits. at
least apparently, and her gaiety was so
contagious that at times the young man
half forgot his troubles. But the dreary
and hateful Jingle would intrude itselt.
and the horns kept repeating II over ana
over. ~ -. ooso
The mother was clearly III at ease
h,, though silent in the MAN. she re-
trained from actual rudeness, ana al
last they drove back TO the hotel. Wnen
Young Roberts handed the ladies' from
the carriage the older one gave MN
letter. and they separated-as ne thousht
forever. Yet there was a look IN ,le
e,rl's ewes as she prettily babe MN goou-
oicnt that awtke fieeting resolution
ON his mart; a resolution that was smoth-
cred while vet only half formed by the
mono, onous clamoring OF the old refrain-
A wasted life,
And a fortune gone
He looked at his watch and drove TO the
club. pv'lara was sim there surrounded
by a little crowd OF jolly chaps. When
he saw me ula~n lace of young Nooerts
ne knew that something was wrong, ana
excusing himself. insisted on taking his
guest apart and questioning him closely.
At iirst Roberts was silent. but the strain
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26

. batter way than to forget and that was
40 set manfully about the Work OF ic-
trieying himself. But he had not YET
learr ed to be strong, and had loriheo
no definite plans whatever. beyohu .he
Dassing of one evening in thoughtless
,ouiacation with the jolliest chap he had
aver known. Perhaps after that one IN
,erval of forgetfulness he would end IL
all in the towards way. II he ala ne
would do II cleveriy. No one should sus-
nect that he hal made way with himself
least OF all dainty Helene Spangheii' tne
girl of girls TO his way OF thlnNins-'he
prettiest the richest. and the most unat-
faiuable-in whose mothers eyes ne Wen
Understood himself TO be. and quite Justly.
a hopeless "detrirnentaL" He would just
BE- missing. .,a
He didn't know whether Helene wouio
care anyway. for though he was iully
aware Of her mCdhe1 Nutnde to"aiu
rim he hadn't the slightest notion OF
,ne daughters. The strength of self-re-
Nance had not vet come 10 him-perhaps
A. never would: hut he was proud; he
was a gentleman and he had never
spoken. MA,
As he turned from Broadway into Fifth
avenue he saw tho girls dainty hgure
ahead OF him. At first he determined 10
turn about for she probably had not
seen him. But ne hesltated and. OF
course. walked on. Surely there could be
no harm In Overlooking her and passing
che compliments OF the season.
Something in the half coquettish. half
hesitating manner OF her response to his
greeting made him suspect that she had
seen him first. After a bit she practically
confessed as much.
lyon understand mamma pretty well.
AZ Roberts" the girl said with an arch
ing Of the eyebrows. as they strolled
along and YOU are quite aware OF her
regard for YOU"
"wenY" he responded. his personal
equilibrium DESERVING him for an instant
well" repeated the girl ''you havn't
answered my question, but you need not
You can help me n YOU care TO- just now
though you may not wish 10 DO IT,.
"Weil?" he exclaimed for the SECOND
time. more puzzled than ever
1--WE were called 10 New York suddenly
on a matter OF business" the girl contin,
ued. 'and we shall remain here severai
x.vs wont r,anrra 10 30 down town
vuS me tonight when TrlniSs chimes
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26
GOSSIP Of THE GREATER NEW YORK.
HysteriCky Over Theatrical TruSt-The FroIi-
nnans and Jack Haverly-Joe Jefferson,
Fanny Davenport and Others

used himself 90 be interlocutor. lie had
good shows, too. shows that used to cause
the display Of the standing room only
signs I'm houses that no other attraction
could crowd; shows that used 10 make
folks laugh till their sides were sore;
shows that were almost as mrth-ptO-
voking as those given by the San Fran
cisco Ministries Of blessed memory OF
which Billy Birch and Wambold and
Backus. with his prchenslle mouth, used
TO be the main guys.
But though the day OF black face MN
strelsy was long IL had its evening tide.
and Haverly's sun went down tn MIN
strelsy's afternoon. Yet Haverly is stil
alive-very much 50 indeed-for only the
other day l heard OF him here in New
York though I havn'e yet had the pleas
IRE Of meeting HIM. much as l would ike
10. Leander Richardson--the son Of Albert
D. by the Way-says Haverly looks as
smooth and almost as young as ever.
lie has been doing something IN tho min
ing world West somewhere FOR the past
few years. but he has now some great
plans for an eastern venture. whether
theatrical or not. do not know
RIP VAN WlNKLE JOE.
Writing about the theatrical trust brings
Josonh jefferson % mind for h Us RIP
Van Wrinkles" attitude toward the trust
that has given the high strikes 20
one Of the New York newspapers, and
the result has been the recalling OF a
whole lot Of anecdotes new and old about
him. Here is one that may never have
appeared in print before. though l am
NOT positive about ir:
In 1854 when Jefferson was playing
I'm Philadelphia he got a letter one
morning from furniture dealer. The
letterhead was adorned with picture
Of one Of those folding beds that look
on paper so much like dark-colored, por-
table stone tombs and the letter itself
read something as follows:
"Sr: / have seen your play and an
pleased with IT, Now I have a scheme
II when the curtain is rung up on the
tho third act tonight you viii say. as
YOU rise an stiff and sore after your
twenty-year sleep-'How much better !
would feel this morning n ! had slept on
one Of rs folding beds. which are war
rantod not to shut MP unexpectedly. and
I'm addition are durable and comfortable
am sure 10 would bring down tho house.
Besides T should ~ course. Doe glad 70
nav Won vol Kindly consider above prop
ositlon. and # ear'o is agreeable TO you
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26

became too great and he finally mace
clean breast of the whole story.
"Haye YOU read the letter puerleu
Billiard. who made no comment, Du.
whose sympathy was plainly Ioussn' ~
bls yaietv had quite departed IL "''
60 through IL while j leave you ~,
little. Then pull yourself together a"e
VOL discuss things. Nothing can o' %
had that IL can't be mended' bra.c W,
this matter can all be straigh'eneu gu.
r,ha Liter was brief and to the point
In II Uelene's mother set OUT cleail ~
facts as she understood them u"ei'ins
vi,b direct frankness upon Robert III
o,,olhiI,tv reciting concisely what sno
knew as to the sduandering OF NJ ~
tune and winding up with cutting re-
c,,os, tho, In future he should keep out
Of her daughters way. ,-,,.o mas
THO ars, effect OF this missiVe W.,
,,aod pohor,s remembered that ne ha"
$50, ,rtrude1 himself. and MS i'il,n,
49,, ,o,.er ~ do so. And he was hioN'N
,.,,h irreeie,ihle desire 20 begin ne ~
ard nrove TO this plain-spoken wor r.''i
no, there was something OF soOu
left in him. -. ala not read
Then Billiard returned. re ~ ,,,ba+
tho letter but he knew intul.INe az, no
n contained. and he had plhn A, ito
outlined rapidly and cohciSei''
conclusion he said; :, obo,,t the
81 don't care what you 40 advico
girl. but should you accept my g,s S", YOU
YOU will be able to win h gr a ~ wind
visb 70 And as for your talk apou' nnn-
w ,rc t Nj up why. that's sheer non
sense"
great ocean liner sailed out OF VI, ~
- ~ New York next day one "a
nsTD Doe ol was Raleigh Roberts a@ or
so FAR I: as; M, s sos ss in N %%ra
ne, Ned Builard. this passense, NAT
P plcteiy re GlsapR1s aon-exis'ent for v'
long years. dow of December
the same ship saiieu ~ The Atlantic
% %ses %S"y but iii. was the c.- a1s5 Bs
s s. ger named Roberts. This p's's"S'''
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26

DENVER. COL. Dec. 2j.-Failing 70
secure an appropriation from the last
state Legislature and realizing the i'm
possibility Ct raising The necessary 10000
funds for the State exhibit of the Mis-
ssippi and International Exhibition at
omaha next year. the various countries
ave been appealed 90 TO sustain the
lonor Of the State on that occasion and
he Ways and Means Committee of the
dorado Committee OF the Exposition
las issued circular letters 10 the boards
# country commissioners throughout the
state. asking them 20 appoint a stipulated
5um to dsfray the expenses Of the State
-.niIiI
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26

ON Tho last day Of December. smooth
tsccd dcbonalr Raleigh Roberts-0etter
known ia the select social circles Oh INC
anterior city that was honoTed by ms
,esidcnce as "Our ROlly was IN Ne"
YORK whittier he had gone on the INVITA-
slon Of Ned Bullard. his one ume coiese
chum "a watch the old year out ana
the new one in after the somewhat costS
manner OF the rich who owen IN pothan,
As Young Roberts walked along Broad
uav ON his way TO llncheoh az no
friends club. he was espcciahy cohse'ou'
81 two facts The hrrt-that ne was u'eSS-
ed in correct form. ana thereioic no
likely to disappoint Ned, VINO
young man OF large expenditure aho 49,
Aevotion 10 the co,fect thing. oeing pa0h-
81 hv the practically unlimited bank ac-
covnt OF n multi millionaire father-saNe
Rober,s some satisfaction. But there WIS
No Measure in ceNtemplating the o'her-
,hai the moderate fortune left him by MS
own father had slowly melted under ms
assaults upon ~. until all that was iti'
was REPRESENTED by a neatly folded pa'h-
aoc 81 treasury notes which nc 'he"
had m mis- pocket. His own footsteps ''o
beafint OF the horses hoofs on the piNe-
ment the rhythmic putting Of the locoino-
t,yes IN he a." heard from iittle dls-
,apce seemed 10 repeat over ana over
~,tb a sort Of rhymeless rythm-
A wasted life. q.
And fortune gone
4 wasted life.
And q fortune gone
rl,h such a persistent monotony that
ho Was moved 10 quicken his pace. the
-, IN he with his friend where he
souid forget the dishcawening truth.
He yv suite we'll that there was
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26

GREENSVILLE. PA. Dec. Flames
and Samuel Lyttle were killed on the
Erie railroad to-day near Atlantic. The
brothers were driving TO a relatives
house to spend Christmas. While they
were crossing the track a west-bound
train came around a curve and struck
their wagon broadside. Both men were
hurled high in the air. and were dead
when picked up.
Samuels body was thrown a hundred
feet and then run over, mutilating 1t hor-
ribly.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26

embrolder, darn. or give money 70 char
tiles.
PRINCE KRAPOTKIN
/ did my best in this correspondence
not long ago 20 show that Prince hrap-
otkn has a more than Puritan con-
science by saying thae ne had refused
20 write for American periodicals because
Of his being under salary rom the Nine
teenth Century OF LONDON, and now he
has spolled his reputation. and mine, too
perhaps. by agreeing 70 write FOR ere e
the cheap magazines
But perhaps he means 10 turn over
what he receives for the promised Ar;..
Gle 20 the Nineteenth Century. Who
knows? OSBORN SPENCER.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26
Fired On bv Turks.

ATHENS. Dec. 25.-As the Greek gum
boat Actium was leaving the Gulf OF Am
praci to-day shot was fired at her by
De Turks at Fort prevesa on the north
side Of the entrance 10 the Gulf. The
Actium and several other gun-boats.
The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-12-26

please reply by return mail. naming
terms. Your ob't scrvt,
Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1897-03-20
"Earl Bread" Rarely Sent Rack

CHOW, if the baker sends us loaf of
stale bread" said the old soldier, Eve
send it back. But, dear me, we didn t
often do anything of that sort i'll the
army. We didn't get very much soft
bread anyway-that is, regular bread.
What we had mostly was hard bread,
sometimes called hard tack-a kind of
cracker, like soda cracker in shape, and
not unlike it i'll appearance, but thicker.
And hard bread of good quality and not
more than month old wasn't bad In
fact, 1t was very good. 1t was only
when we got some that was very old,
and that had foreign creatures boring
in it, so that you had to knock it against
something before eating it, that anybody
growled, and even then we rarely sent
it back. Sometimes if it was very bad
the regimental quartermaster would
send back the whole lot and draw new
if he could. But oftener we kept it, and
you could throw it away if you wanted
to, but that was all
''Still, our outdoor life was conducive
to good appetites, and after all one could
have poorer breakfast than moldy,
hard bread and coffee. For instance,
nothing. New York Sun.