The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1901-02-27
War of the White Rats Still On
Photo by Dswney, London.

The war between the white Rats and
vaudeville managers, inaugurated by the
strike OF the latter in many Eastern the
atres last week, is stil raging merrily
both sides claiming TO be certain OF ulti-
mate victory. Reports from New York,
however indicate that the end may come
sooner than many have expected and
that the managers will not at that time
be found 10 have made any concession
other than they had already agreed 60
before the strike.
Many OF the reports put in circulation
by the White Rats have been shown 90
be somewhat wide of the mark OF strict
accuracy. while the managers appear To-
have been acting rather than talking; and
the result has not been to strengthen con
ndence i'm the position taken by tn"
rodents"
In Providence there appears to he little
likelihood OF any serious trouble, though
the Rats keep representatives here, who
devote their time 10 missionary work
among the members OF their profession.
The knowledge that Rhode Island laws
are not altogether encouraging 20 con
tract breaking IL likely 10 be a rather
serious consideration Ia any who might
otherwise be inclined TO listen To the
voice OF the tempter and the superior
strength of the show booked for the pres
ent week at Keiths is "A most effective
demonstration OF the ease with which the
managers can get along without the
White Rats.
AT the same time. II il evident that
the result of the war will he satisfactory
to theatre goers as II Will result In the
presentation OF a larger number of new
"A agfa N II
and Manager Lovenberg of Keith's states
that the bill for next week is already as
suming proportions indicating its surpris-
ing strength, and that the bookings al
ready made for the entire remainder OF
the season Indicate that the standard of
excellence will be more than maintained,
with every reason to look for even better
bills than IL has been possible To secure
during the past two or three months i'm
cluding number OF 'headliners' who
have already repudiated their White Rat
membership and have signed contracts
with the managers for long terms and
several we'll known Legitimate players
who have decided To enter vaudeville.
Every possible effort has been made by
the walking delegates OF the rodents
to induce performers playing at keiths
this week TO join the army of invalids,
ny feiguing sickness and declining TO fill
their contracts on that preteNt; and u
Is stated that the offer has even been
made TO performers TO supply local phy-
sician who would sign sick certificate"
for them, although they were I'm perfect
health. one lady was threatened with "a
general boycott by the Rats II she did
not Join their forces, and was told that
she could not secure bookings from
we'll known Western circuit unless she
did so: but on the following day she re-
ceived contracts from that circuit at "a
handsome advanc. I'm salary and With
other particularly acceptable conditions
All the performers thus approached have
sstlV refused to entertain the various
nronositions OF the White Rats repre-
sentatives. Who offered 90 pay their sal
aries during their term OF idleness. and
have assured the local management OF
their determination to carry cut their
contracts to the letter. and IN the event
oc anv illness among others even to
render extra service II needed.
SWEET NELL OF OLD DRURY"
After an absence OF nearly three years,
Miss Ada Rehan returns 90 the scenes Of
her former triumphs, In one of the most
noteworthy and successful productions OF
tb, ,,aason sweet Nell 81 Old Drury."
since Miss Rehan said farewell 10 Amer
f~sn theatre -gocrs as RoNanne IN 'CN-
rano d. Pergerac." the stock company %
which she WAS 50 long the leading lady
has gone out Of existence. and managers
,n ali parts Of the land have tried 10 Sc
cure her a. star kiaw Erlanger
were the sortunatc once and they have
given her production I'm every respect
worthy OF her rare talents. Nell Gwyn,
of history. was n wonderful per-onsge.
a cheap. common orange Eirl. Who be
came the most noteworthy actress oi The
dsv. and had a King under her fascinating
smell what q chance for Ada Rehsu,
comedy and psth0s combined. New
York critics were unanimous in her
praise. snd AZ The knickcrhurltcf Thcotre