davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09

Four men who make a business Of writing
thrillers for the popular price theatres
and find that It pays are Theodore Kremer,
Charles Taylor, Charles E. Blaney and Hal
Reid First among them is Mr.. Kremer,
with record Of thirty-five melodrsmas
in the eight years that have passed since
he took up playwriting. Mr.. Taylor is
second with thirty-two; Mr.. Reid next, with
thirty, and Mr.. Blaney last with twenty
three. All the men are still young and
vigorous.
Mr.. Blaney. however, is regarded as the
richest of them. Unlike the others he pro-
duces his own plays and collects his own
royalties. He has ten companies on the
road
n was by chance that Mr.. Kremer en-
tered the melodramatio field. AL Woods,
formerly OF the theatrical firm OF Sullivan,
Harris d Woods, was looking for a man
to write a melodrama ohook full Of stirring
situations and thrills. He had the title Of
the play. 'The Bowery After Dark, and
needed some one to furnish the drama.
He communicated with several play
wrights of reputation, but all seemed too
busy or too proud to take the job. Event
ually the trail led to Mr.. Kremer, who ex-
pressed unlimited confidence In his ability
to produce the desired results. Having
outlined his ideas Mr. Woods left the matter
In the hands Of Mr.. Kremer. In short
time Mr.. Kremer completed the play and
submitted it to Mr.. Woods for approval.
The verdict was favorable and the play
was accepted. But 1t was not wholly salts
factory because Mr. Kremer's ideas Of the
Bowery were distinctly at variance with
those OF Mr.. Woods. He evidently believed
that all frequenters Of that famous thor
oughfare were conspicuous for their manly
virtues. In one scene In the opening act
he represented one Bowery character as
saying BEG pardon to another whom he
jostled
To this Mr.. Woods objected with con-
siderable vehemence. He Is q stickler for
realism and made Mr.. Kremer change the
manuscript then and there.
make one Of them Use brass knuckles
or a knife Woods suggested. That's
the way they do things there, or they used
to-
Woods also threw out a swell drawing
room scene and substituted den OF snakes.
The play as amended made hit, and since
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09

1T was easier than had hoped. The
A rst review to which I wrote needed
shorter novel to bring in between two long
ones. The editor, happy over his coming
promotion in the Legion OF Honor, inter-
rupted me at once:
~ accept anything on your reoom-
mendation, old man. Bring on your George
Sand.
Il fastened to send the good news to
Jean Seguin, begging her to send me the
novel at once, as the review was waiting
for it. To my keen surprise. the young
girl did not come to my office, nor did she
send me any reply. The days passed. I
wrote again. Then I received the follow
ing telegram:
Pardon me, monsieur but pray forsct
about my book. My father fs very siok
Just now and cannot leave him oven FOR
moment.
More than a moment passed. The
editor Of the review found another novel,
and must confess had almost forgotten
Jean Seguin, when one morning Constant
brought me her card.
.The young girl entered, shook hands,
sat down. There before mo was still tho
same face, kind and intelligent, but worn,
almost lined, with WEAKNESS and sorrow.
She smiled sadly.
My father has heart trouble she OK
planned, and these attacks are always
terrible. But, for the present, he 10 out OF
danger
And aThe Moral Test"9 Have you
brought me nothing"
.She looked straight into my eyes, bit
her lips with amusing hesitation and then,
as I repeated my question, she suddenly
burst into food Of tears. She sobbed
and sohbed. gasping out the words:
1T is finished-I-I-I can-never pub
lish it,
AT last, when she grew oaimer. she wiped
her eyes and said:
forgive me, MONSIEUR have been
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09
Tho Philosophic Chick,

We were talking one evening over our
cigars and coffee In Armand G--'s beauti-
full library, after a dinner that was perfectly
planned to stimulate the minds OF men
who live by their brain and pen. We spoke
Of woman's invasion In the field OF contem-
porary literature.
The name OF @authoress" Is legion in the
English language. Out Of every three novels
from across the Channel OF the wider ocean
two are signed by feminine name. And
the custom Is spreading In France.
v, a surly protectionist in all matters
Of art, detested the feminine party.
Not single one Of them has shown
he growled, and they exceed the biggest
Of US In envy and vanity. ! keep away
from petticoats as would from raging
fre."
upon my word, must have been
more lucky than you in my meeting of
tho fair writer's exclaimed our host. Il
have the most cordial relations with certain
literary petticoats. And just recently ]
was forced to make comparison between
one Of my brother authors and his opponent
which was entirely to the advantage OF Miss
Pettiooats.
We Immediately demanded the story.
willingly he replied. 1T is instructive
and interesting. A scholar would even
say that It was a good contribution to the
chronicle Of literary feminism. I will be-
gin at once.
Like all the rest OF you, receive a good
many letters from strangers. Many are
merely waste paper, some abusive. and by
far the greater number ask for help in In
6uenoe or money.
these last I never read without twitch
at my heartstrings. In the face Of the
paper dated from some country town or
sooentrio corner Of Paris imagine
can read such anxiety and distress az
onoo felt. . struggling writer without
genius or fortune.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09

foolish to give way so-but you have been
90 kind-I owe you an explanation
should not like you TO think me . fool. Only
/ ask silence on your part. My real name
10 Georgette l.
-she told me a name that you would all
recognize, the name Of a man famous In
our fathers time. Bitterly Jealous, he had
auarrelled with tho other members OF bis
sect and since then he had lived, solitary
and lonely, with his daughter. or rather,
she had supported him.
1.-THE thin. yellow face, the rasping voice
Of this wretched man rose before me as
listened to the voice Of his daughter. She
explained why had not reoedved Tho Mortal
Test and why her novel would never BE-
published
Her father. spitaful in his home a. among
his oonfreres. had always Knocked 1t the
idea OF his daughter ever writing. But,
overcome With Joy 1T the good news sent
her. Georgette had rashly told the story
Of her success to her father.
81 thought he would sunocste on the
spot she said simply; he fsh back In nus
several moments he could not speak.
When at length he found his voice,
no buried me beneath the horror OF hts
wrath, accusing me OF brtbtng the editor
and yourself, MONSIEUR Then came fresh
siYocation and for . week his life was
In the greatest danger.
Then I arranged with the doctor,
who Is ono OF his old friends and Knows
him we'll. Q story Of how my hopes had been
dashed and the editor OF the Rsrisv no longer
wanted my manuscript. Papa saw that ]
was heartbroken; 1t did him good. He
grew slowly better. -
Now he 10 all right. only he suspects
me. He has looked up. my manuscript
closely whenever he secs pen in my hand.
But what will you dor asked her.
s'What ID there left for mef I shAll
remain . sohoolmistrees.'
And two big tsars rolled slowly down
her cheeks. At her very start she bad INST
the Interest enemy Of women writer's In
all Paris---hor fatherf'
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09
DRAMATIC THRILLS MADE IN A HURRY

especially the one who likes melodramas
does not stop to think about accuracy OF
detail or proper Characterization. AL ne
wants Is to be entertained, and OF you can
.Give him pathos and humor IN small
doses, and alternate them 80 fast that he
will have no time to got bored.
Il try to be as true to LIE In the minoa
incidents Of my plays as possible II you
don't do this all your pathos and humoi
your thrills and situations, these bits must
be there Human nature 70 human nature
the whole world over, and even so-calleo
sensational melodrama must contain
quota Of it.
me make note of 1t for fut ure reference
"Onoe saw o little newsboy meet With
an accident in the street on the East Side.
He had been run over by a truck and was
MORALLY hurt.
aThey took him in an ambulance 70
ambulance and on the plea OF being friend
gained access to his cot.
THE little fellow had not lost conscious.
ness, although he was badly injured. !
sat beside his cot and tried to cheer him.
but It te was a evident that death was not isi
away. asked him lots Of questions. He
was an interesting character and he told
me something Of his life. With all the
strength he possessed he begged me to do
him favor.
s'I know I'm going to die he said, but
promise me this: When I do caah In toll
the doctors to clean my nails. They are fun
Of dirt. allus took care OF me nails, cause
me mother said should be neat.
1The request was strange one, and
promised to soc that 1t was done. The
next minute he passed away, and told
the doctors about It. They cleaned his
nails.
Il intend to use this incident In one Of
my new plays. No doubt the critics will
harp on 1t and say it Ii ridiculous, but
1t happened in real Life and 1t 10 good enough
for the STAGE
Blaney was in the out rate brokerage
business in Columbus, Ohio. before he
began writing for the stage. His first play
was a farce called "A Railroad Ticket.
He made a small fortune out Of II. He
has been writing for fifteen years and never
had any stage training prior to his first
production.
Tayors forte is plays containing West
ern characters. He has been ranohman
scout and stage driver in the West. He
was once an actor in company headed by
DIR. Carver the rife shot. His best plays
from financial point Of view are From
Rags to Riches" and king Of the Opium
Ring
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09

then Mr.. Kremer has had only one failure
placed to his account, a drama called The
Evil Men Do"
The method of the writer Of thriller
differs from that Of the ordinary play
wright. Often the maker of one Of these
dramas receives from autographs his in
spiration for his theme and plot. Woods
believes this method essential to the suo-
GEES OF the production.
He usually conceives several situations,
goes to an artist with his ideas and has
posters printed. After the Autographs are
completed he gives copies of the posters
to the author with instructions to write
Sometimes he furnishes the title, too.
The more sensational the title and the
more attractive the Autographs the more
apt is the play TO make q hit, he believes.
Occasionally. q time limit is placed on the
completion OF the drama, usually from one
to six weeks.
Successful authors of dramas Of this
style get liberal terms. AS rule the
pieces DIRE disposed Of on royalties OF from
to as much as per cent. OF the net re-
ceipts and with cash bonus OF 81 200.
bonus Is paid. Some authors sell dramas
outright for sums as high as $4,000.
Kremer's best achievement in the Inelo-
dramatic line Is THE Fatal Wedding
The piece 10 now in its fourth year, and
ucdi ~ u uOLcH ~
in this country, England and Australia.
Out OF this play alone Kremer made over
500. 900.
He has had under construction four
plays at one time, finishing them all in
six weeks or an average OF about ten
days to each play. He is now writing
three more dramas and expects to have
them ready for the market within month.
He declares that he wrote his biggest sue
cess, "The Fatal Wedding In less than
week.
Il have no set rules for writing. said
Mr.. Kremer to q Sun reporter. Il simply
find out what the public wants and 60
ahead.
when write a scene figure beforehand
Just how long 1t should last. I also time
my comedy, and know exactly where to
make II stop and bring in the pathos.
"An audience wants to laugh and cry
just 80 long. II you go further than q
certain time the scenes will be lost and
your chances Of SUCCESS are hampered.
SIN the popular priced theatres the audi
enoe wants action and plenty OF It. As
soon as you allow any OF your scsnes or
situations to flag you will be unable to hold
the interest.
sNo matter how impracticable the scenes
may be. give the people In front action. or
course, there Is limit to exaggeration. but
remember that the average theatregoer,
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09

why should have succeeded where 90
many fail2 know well that certain pro-
fessional beggars write in turn to every
author. l do not care. ! answer each
letter as it comes, il only to say that am
powerless to help.
Toward the end OF last year received
a letter signed by a name did not know
Jean Seguin. He had written novel;
he wished to submit 1t to me, and, II was
pleased with 1t, would help him to find
a paper and an editor2
Il answered.: Send me your manu-
script. For II the reading Of strange
manuscripts is one Of our most tresoms
duties. hold that it is one OF the most
imperious.
Il did not have long to wait. It was
a large manuscript, finely written, In q
feminine hand which did not seem to me
that Of a professional copyist
i opened 1t without enthusiasm--it Is
so rare a surprise to discover anything
beyond an eager ignorance, or at the most
a certain clever imitation. read the first
pages YEARLY: they vert, heavy and en-
barrassed.
Later, a situation was sketched In a
ouriously handled environment. Evidently
1t was a woman's own history, with real
letters and Incidents that had happened.
Il became so interested that finished
the entire manuscript at a single sitting.
1t was at night, remember, and the clock
pointed to ten minutes past 2 when at
last looked up.
In the Joy Of my discovery. I sat down and
wrote Immediately to the author, con-
graduating him and begging him to come
to see me. told him he might hope fol
much.
1.-TWO days later, In the morning, my
faithful Constant handed me card: jean
Seguin, rue Renouard.'
The lady says that abe has.an engage
ment with you, sir
Il had guessed Alright; Jean Segutn was q
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09
why They Laughed.
From the French of Marcel Prepost.

from Me FRENCH OF MdTcet FFepo6t'
woman.
She was introduced. / saw a lady Of
about Is, dressed in black, with irregular
features, but Of charming freshness, her
face surrounded by bands OF chestnut
hair that waved naturally. The mouth
rather large, was smiling the nose was
characterless. but the brown eyes, which
looked straight into mine, were deep and
intelligent.
.'You are the author OF 'The Mortal Test,
mademoiselleI' asked.
Yes, sir
Good. do not like the title you have
chosen, but the work Is full Of merit. am
surprised that 90 young woman should
have written so well at the start.
I have worked for q long time. mon
sieur.' she replied simply.
'Fearlessly, and even with q certain
PRIDE she told me that she had been q
schoolmistress. but had always loved htera-
ture, and from the time she was little girl
had amused herself writing stories.
my uncle, a professor in provincial
school, has written many books on eduea-
tion,' she went on, and my father, too, has
written
@'Ah' your fatherT
1T was some time ago. He does not
write any more now
.She changed the subject quickly and
naturally. did not insist
Presently she seemed moro at ease and
talked readily Of her plans for the future.
She was not ignorant of the difficulties
of literary life; rather, she exaggerated
them.
SHE pleased me. She was capable OF
the greatest enthusiasm but was with
out the slightest trace Of envy or bitter
ness.
I'VE parted warm friends. She took
her manuscript with her, for she wished
to make q few changes. The very next
day I set about finding an editor for her
work.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09
me Plsherwoman's Retsrt.

FFor1 LIppthc0Ht AOUuSSne,
PETIT Ridge 10 Of the opinion that the keen
est repartee. after ell. 10 that half uneon-
scious sort which springs 90 whole hsartsdly
from tho masses. and here 10 . story be tails
In support Of bis theory:
an omnibus With the empty basket on her
arm still giving forth an unmistakAble odor
OF the fnny tribe y had carried. She took
q vacant seat next a. young @genNsmAn,'
who drew bis coattalls away and plainly
showed his disgust.
y spose. remarked the woman. pres
Yes. / would. VS. the prompt reply.
There was Temsnt's pause aud then
came: 80 would l.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09
Nevada auan Dying From Appendicitis

Awaits corrss pondenoe Sacramento Bee.
Quail In Lander county are dying By the
hundred, and the cause Of their death ia due
to u dissase which physician on the witness
stand yesterday swore Ia appendicitis.
This strange testimony was brought out
at a trial Of q rancher who was accused Of
o oisonlnE the aunil. For the past two months
every Indication was that they had been
poisoned. There are a number of vineyards
IN this county and II was sprmised that the
prevent them from destroying the grapes,
So strong WIS this suspicion that arTeetS
dsd sha 81 ts &
which lodged In small intestine dosSy re-
osmbling the vermiform appen d xof Hmm
was the resulk
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09

Aunt aAllie WII1inG 70 Give HIM . Trial.
From, tie PkiisdslpAis Public Ledger.
A certain family In Tennessee is about
to lose tho best cook that evar baked -sAlt
rising or turned hoe-cake- Aunt salfe'
IA her name, and she measures about four
yards around. Hhe Is going 70 marry .
strange darby, who = said e have been
undertook to remonstrsts, sayina that no
one could tell anything about the prospsctivo
brideSroom-that he might have living
undesirable partner Indeed. Her sdmoni-
tons were NOT unmlxsq With q tnse OF salt.
interest, and she made quite an eloquent
plea ia. ..u, =.
tendon, and replied With cheerful philosophy
desc here NERVE KIN but ~ emf
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09

watching the Giants
Said the spotted, four-storied giraffe,
'On the youngsters we've got the glad
laugh.
They may think 1t rude In US
To be altitudinous,
But they wish they could be on our staff.
The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1904-10-09
The Censor in Italy.

From the Pail Mall Gaxshe.
A most amusing incident took place last
week, which shows the absolute absurdity
OF the censorship In Italy
The great actor, Ermete Novelli. now
In South America. has son who lives In
Florence. to whom was born bouncing boy.
The young Novelli. In haste 10 let his father
know that he had made him grandfather,
telegraphed: --Ermete Noyeili. l BIenos Ayres
called to the telegraph ONCE. where the fol-
lowing conversation took place:
You know we could not let your despatch
pass, M. u,r j., r,, r,oos.,~
And II did. what then? Is II not truei"
what! Are you crazy? know itlS
We'll anFywayt public Tad. nE order demands
b, s.issr.Pphns to my taher AND IN amy
case, what has the birth Of my son got to
do With public orderf Excuse me. have
YOU all taken leave Of your senses?N
your SOM" gasped the other: We Thought
you were telegraphlng about the Queenl"
OF an Earlier Generation.
From Lipptneotts Magazine.
A Russisn Immigrant OF tender age was being
registered In o downtown Philadelphia school,
The teacher qestoned, what Is your namef"
~Katinks," replied the child.
-And your fathers hamet"
az nsyysr hat one came the quick response.
-Then tell me your mothers name" again said
the tescher, kindly.
Il newer hat no mudder. neither" answered
nc nttie child, seriously. II was born OF my
gran mudder."
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-02-19
Call For Democratic State rconventIon.

There will be Convention of the Democrats of
Kansashsld in the city Of Wichita on april 7th
1904 at the h9urSl 10 o'clock m for the election
fisk delegates at large and six alternate dele
gates at:1arge, to the National Convention to be
held in St. Louis. Mo, on July 9th, 1904. And
also for the purpose Gratifying the election Of two
delegates and two alternate delegates to the said
National Convention chosen from each Congress
siona1 District: Said delegates to be elected by a
caucus of the delegation in attendance from each
Congressional District.
There will also be elected at this convention. a
National Committeeman.
The basis of the representa- ion of the delegates
attending this convention will be delegate for
each two-hundred votes, aior fraction thereof,
cast for William 81. Craddock for Governor in the
election of 1902, and one delegate at large from
each county, and that noIacounty have less than
two delegates.
1T is also recommended by sthe State Central
Committee, that at the county convention held
for the purpose of selecting delegates to this con-
ventiOn that the County Central Committees in
the several counties be chosen for the ensuing
years. And that they organize their committees
at this time and forward to the Secretary of the
State Central Committee. Charles McCrum at
Garrett, Kansas, the names of the Chairman,
Secretary, Treasurer and different members of
the committee and the townships they represent,
together with the report of the names of the dele
gates elected to represent their counties at the
above convention, not later than March 18th
EARLIER IF POSSIBLE.
The delegates for this convention shall be select
ed in such manner and at such time and under
such rules and regulations as provided by the
Democratic County Central Committees.
The Secretary of the several county conventions
are urgently requested to send to Charles Nc
Crum, Secretary at Garrett, Kansas certified
of credentials of the several delegates and
alternate delegates, Immediately after their
respective conventions elect the same.
Q This request is made that everything will be
in readiness for the State Committee to act in
diligently and prepare roster for those entitled
to participate in the preliminares OF the conven-
ton.
By order of the Committee,
CHAs. McCRUM, HUGH P. FARREILY,
Secretary. Chairman.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-02-19

Pap. Thomas Post No. so, G. a
r. invites all patriotic citizens to join
them in celebrating the birthdays of
Lincoln and Washington on Saturday
evening at o'clock at G. A. r. Hall.
The program will consist of music
and patriotic addresses, recitations,
and social remarks. We hope to
make this occasion of annual occur
ence in order to keep alive the memo
ries of these men, who were the fore
most of their time in organizing and
maintaining our form of government,
for the benefit of all future ages.
r. H. MOSES, Post Com.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-02-19
Go West Via Missouri Pacific.

Commencing March LIST and during
the months of March and April the
Mo. Pac. Ry. will sell one way
"Colonist'' tickets to San Francisco.
Los Angeles and all other main line
points in California and to Portland
Oregon, Tacoma. and Seattle Wash
ington, at rate of $500. To Spokane
Washington at $3.50. To Helena
Mont. Ogden and Salt Lake City at
$4,000. This route takes you
through the heart of the Rockies.
J. RAsoR. Agt.
Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-02-19
Executors Notice.

State of Kansas,
Barton County.
In the Probate Court in and for Said County.
In the matter of the estate of Samuel $. Shields
Deceased,
have been granted to the undersigned, the
Last VIII and Testament of Samuel s. Shields
late of said County, deceased. by the Honora BILE,
the Probate Court OF the County and State
aforesaid. dated the Doth day of January. a. d.
1904. Now, all persons having claim gainst id
Estate, heerby notified that they must present
the same to the undersigned for allowance within
one year from the date of said Letters, OF they
may be precluded from any benefit of such estate;
and that II such ella inns be not exhibited within
three years after the date of said Letters, fhey
shall be forever barred.
Margaret Shields, Executor of last Will and
Testament of Samuel S. Shields, Deceased.
Great Bend, Kansas, January 20, 1904.
4s4s