Rock Island Argus., 1899-12-07
THEATRE is ASSURED.
Promoter Johnston in Readiness
to Undertake the Enter.
prise.
COOPERATION OF ROCK ISLAND CLUB

They Can be Depended Upon to Do The ir
Part t-TeIephone Plans Approved.
A largely attended meeting of the
mem bership of the Rock Island Club.
indeed, one of the most thoroughly
representative since it's organization,
WIS held at the clubhouse last night.
The fact that the meeting was called
to consider and take definite action
On the new theatre project was re-
sponsible for the unusual attendance,
as we'll as for the interest and enthus-
iasm manifested.
G. ii. Johnston, of St. Louis, the
theatre promoter with whom the
committee has been cooperating, and
whose proposition, su omitted at
former meeting, was before the club,
was introduced by the theatre COM
mittee. Mr.. Johnston briefly outlined
the plans he proposed to carry out in
Rock Island, and the conditions es-
sential to his undertaking the enter
prise here. Mr.. Johnston's PROPOSE
ton was thoroughly and in
telligently discussed, and he was
piled with many questions bearing
upon the project. and the prompt and
comprehensive manner in which he
replied to every inquiry together vita
the earnestness and thorough famil-
iarity with the subject displayed on
his part, made a splendid impression.
Finally at the suggestion of members,
Mr.. Johnston renewed in writing,
with unImportant notifications, the
proposition which has had previously
made. This, in effect, is that he
agrees to erect in Rock Island
ground floor theatre building to cost
not less than $50, 600, exciu i've of the
site, the theatre to nave seating
capacity of l, ,125, and to be thorough
ly modern in all respects. In fact Mr..
Johnston stated that he would give
his guarantee that it would be the
finest theatre in the state ontside of
Chicago. The stipulation upon which
he Carrying out of this design is con-
tingent is that the seating capacity of
the house be sold at SO seat in
cluding boxes at 800 each for the
opening night. This subscription is
not to be available until the roof is
on the house, aud at that time MIR.
Johnston agrees to give a sufficient
and satisfactory bond or other accep-
table security in an amount double
the subscription for the seat sale that
he will complete the building accord
ing to the design agreed upon.
Hearty and Earnest Endorsement.
Upon presentation of this PROPOSE
tion F. A. Head offered the following
resolution, which was UNANIMOUSLY
adopted:
Resolved. That the proposition of
George II. Johnston to build theatre
building in the city of Rock Island be
and the same is heartily indorsed by
this club, and we pledge him~our sup
port and influence in making the sale
of tickets for the first nights enter
tainment. Be it further
Resolved, That a committee of 25
members of this club be appointed by
the chair to assist in making such
sale, and that said committee also act
with the standing theatre committee
of this club, and that said original
theatre committee be continued as a
permanent committee, and that they
have charge and general supervision
to see that the proposition made by
Mr.. Johnston be carried out faithfully
and according to plans and specitica-
tions.n
In accordance with this resolution,
President Bahnsen will shortly ap-
point the committee of % provided
for, the gentlemen composing it Serv-
ing in relays as an Introductory COM
mittee TO act with Mr.. Johnston's ex-
perienced ticket subscription solicitor.
who will be here in a few weeks. The
advance sale must be completed by
Jan. 15, as at that time Mr.. Johnston
goes east to book his attractions for
19OO-1901, and he stated last night
that he would give to Rock Island the
for an expression as to
what is desired for the opening at
traction. which would be as good |
rs a any thing on the road; that
the house would not be opened |
until such a performance was secured |
as would be Defitting an inaugural |
occasion and as fixing and indicating |
the standard of amusements to be |
given at the theatre. On the point of |
the distribution of the tickets. Mr.. |
Johnston stated that when that time |
came all would share alike in oppor- |
tunities for seat reservations. and |
that while there would be parquet, |
balcony and second gallery, that the
house would be so constructed that |
in reality no seat would be better
than another in point of vantage, as
far as enjoying the performance is
Mr. Johnston was SO
frank and fair in all that he said that |
everyone present was more than
pleased. He explained fully wherein
his profit was to come, stating that he
was not in the business for his health,
and the more successful he could /
make the theatre building and all that
applied to it as a source of revenue
the better, of course, it would he for
him.
Would Sell to Local People
If. when the building was COM
pleted, there was a desire on the part |
of local people 10 acquire it. he would
sell the whole structure, giving the