New-York tribune., 1906-06-10
When Conried Was a Hustler

A S director Of the Metropolitan Opera House
n and backed by the richest in the
town, Heinrich COnried Is to-day a noteworthy
figure in New York life; but the time was
displayed IN their management of Sonnenthals
first New York season a capacity for huStling
and strategic finance that made them the envy
OF all the native managers IN this city.
Nearly twenty-five years ago at the close
of their two years management OF the Thala
theater, they found themselves broken IN
purse. but with a most envlable reputation
among European artists managers who
could be depended upon to keep their con-
tracts They had brought innumerable play
ers TO MISUNDERSTANDING Gallmayer knaack
Barnay, Stubel-and each one had returned
to Europe unrobbed, although Hermann had
been obliged to devote the proceeds OF his own
testimonial benefit to the payment Of his
chorus and minor people Now all that the
two men had TO do business on was their good
reputation
Among their assets was provisional con-
tract with Sonnenthal, one OF the greatest of
German actors, for short season in New York
and as soon as Conried could raise money for
the trip, he departed for Vienna, and when
next heard from driving through the
streets OF the Austrian capital with a small
African perched on the seat beside his coach
man. ColOred people We're a rarity in Vienna
then, and II was not long before the town rang
with tales Of the wealthy American manager
and his black satellite; for 1t was agreed on
every hand that a man who had such a servant
as that must be worth millions Having al
lowed this impression to gain ground Conried
knocked at Sonnenthals S door and said Well,
are YOU ready TO come over to America>'
The famous actor was ready. provided OF
course, certain thousands of marks were de
posted as a guaranty OF good faith.
&c \ mere bagatelle," said Conried. That
part of the bargain viii be all right, and three
weeks later he turned up in New York, bear
ing with him a precious parchment by which
Sonnenthal covenanted TO give twenty-one
performances III New York under his direction.
There was nothing more to do except to
provide for the mere bagatelle, which must
be deposited in Vienna before the artist would
start On his Journey. and as this sum amounted
IN American money 70 several Thousand dol
lars. the problem was by no means an easy
one At last they hit upon scheme They
caused a number OF subscription blanks setting
forth the dates of Sonnenthals appearances.
10 be printed, and placed these in the hands Of
canvassers. with instructions to call on the
wealthier German citizens and ask them TO
buy their seats SIX months in advance # they
--ished to see the great Sonnenthal.
Germans do not a rule, part readily from
| their money for entertainment that lies SIX
months ahead Of them: but this time thev
Welded fearing that If they did not buy their
seats then they would be unable to get them
| at all So Il came 10 pass that long before
! the time set for SOnncuthalS departure for
! this country the house during the entire term
| Of hiS engagement was practically sold out,
| the thousands Of marks were deposited in the
| bank in Vienna. and Hermann and Conred
| were once more on the road to prosperity.
| And there are some who say that II II had not
been for the impression given 10y the African
hal i