New-York tribune., 1900-10-01
MERE TRIFLE TO MANSFIELD.
ACTOR HAS LITTLE TO SAY ABOUT ROs-
TAND'S SUIT FOR AN ACCOUNTING.

Richard Mansfield is undoubtedly more interested
in the coming production Of king Henry V than
sle is In the suit which Elisabeth MarbuTy repre-
senting Edmond Rostand, Of Paris, has brought to
demand an accounting of the box office receipts OF
"Cyrano de Bergerac." which had such success
fuI run last season. and 10 recover royalties
amounting to about s25 900. An opportunity was
given Mr.. Mansfield yesterday afternoon to tell
about his side of the suit, which has just been
filed.
There is nothing about the outside Of the sub
stantial stone house at No. S16 Riverside-ave. TO
indicate 1t is the home OF actor. The minute
the front door opens however, there are plenty
Of evidences. The young woman who is on guard
tells the story in the far away look in her eyes
One learns the cause when Mr.. Mansfield IS asked
for
Mr.. Mansfield? Ohr' she says, lowering over the
words as If they were sacred. Yes he is in"
''Will you tell him that a Tribune reporter would
like speak with him for a moment" is tie next
request.
She backs out of the room as though she were
leaving stage palace after waving the reporter
chair with overdrawn sweep Of the arm
which could only have been learned from an under
study
It is a rather interesting hall room IN which he
is so tremendously left. On wall is whiprack
which testihes TO Mr. MansfeG's love of driving.
II is full Of whips long and short, and each dec
GRATED with different shades of vivid ribbon. The
walls dotted here and there with neatly framed
hunting and racecOurse scenes, all Of which go we'll
Win the whips. In an alcOve is a writing table,
and on stand is a punChbowl overhowing with
visiting cards. and if the names sprnkled over the
top are any indication, most Of the cards left
by people who are well worth knowing The floors
are Of polished hardwood. and match the wall
panels.
Mr. Mansfield finally enters with a stagelike
rush. hauls un short and checks his bow before it
Is o half AT made ma Perhaps he remembers that he is
ana MS And what can do for you has genial
Golf Mr. s t A4s aa s soR s
IRE suit! Oh yes to be be snTe what ehou+
it?" he said, if the thing was of so little I'M
That is what We 1iSd woaId ike Ike 5'h to have you tell
'oh, well. If there is anything to be said wen
say it in court he said buttoning his blue serge
but the waistcoat which ba covered 0T M m M9ad
f me coat and he has dozen fancy wastcoats just
That suit doesn't amount to much It doesn't
worry me. I've been in suits before" continued
rain coat thing that he viii not attempt to
come In which he will play the king.
Ro5tsrg was TINS TINS way volunteered to pay Mr.
was not legally bound to do so I desired to pay
@ tribute to his cleverness. That was ali. After
began a to TO- trouble . me too much Other people
Well he wanted ROYALTIES, and so did others. In
By fbis time ei bia Inns Ions stopped opp payments
stage stricken maid again appeared.
startsd M say b,+ cofch @ awadts was what she
out My Lord Your carriage sir" was her
statement on second thought
I've got to CO." he said with smile You'll
What decision do you expect in the case Mr.
MansheldY" asked the reporter as he entered the
carriage.
They will get nothing more out of me-" he said
in positive tones, and he drove off with smile
10 think about the invasion of France, which he
brings of next Wednesday night.
Miss Marbury alleges that Mr.. Mansfield made
an agreement with Mr.. Rostand in March 1888 to
pay royalties for the purpose Of getting the orig
inal French production; that he agreed to supply
weekly statements Of the gross receipts of his
productions in this country and to make weekly
payments Of the royalties. II is alleged that his
payments ceased February 25 1899