New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-07-17
WORLD THEATRE TRUST.
Hundred billion Dollar Syndicate
SAID To Be Projected.

Chicago July 16.-"The Daily News says that
plans for the formation Of a $1OOOo0OOO world
trust in theatres became known to-day. A law
yer representing KIaw 6. Erlanger, it is said.
sailed from New York to-day for London 10 pass
upon the legal features of the plans before their
acceptance by the syndicate for which they were
prepared.
The International Theatre Trust will, accord
ing TO report, not only control the best theatres
in Europe, but have under contract the highest
talent in legitimate and vaudeville fields.
The attempted formation of this new the
atrical undertaking is said TO grow out OF the
recent decision OF the New York courts that
theatres and amusements are not trade and
commerce." and, therefore, their combination is
not in violation of law.
A L. Erlanger IS quoted as saying: Il will
say that it is true that we are about to make
our interests co-extensive with Europe and
America. l can see no reason why a homo
geneity Of management and ownership Will not
be highly beneficial 70 the public, the players
the producers and the owners. Whether some
Of the principal amusement interests of Europe
and America can be welded into one necessarily
requires a concert of thought and action on the
part of those who are the leaders abroad and
here in that line. Our counsel sailed this morn
ing the Kronprinz Wilhelm to investigate
and discuss and determine legal plans 1t will
take some time TO work out the proposition"
Pittsburg July 16.-A deal was completed
here late tonight between Klaw & Erlanger and
r. NJ. Gulick and P. J. 1IcNulty, local theatrical
proprietors. whereby the BijOu Theatre is taken
over by Klaw & Erlanger. The consideration
is about $1,2JO00O. 1t is said here tonight that
the deal is a part Of a general one now in prog
ress by Klaw & Erlanger in which theatres all
over the world will figure in an organization
having a capitalization of $10OOO0000.
The announcement that an international corpora
ton was being planned did not surprise Broadway
yesterday Ever since Justice Rosalsky handed
down his decision. in which he drew distinct line
between the corporate theatrical body and the
corporate body organized for commercial purposes.
there have been rumors that Messrs. Klaw &
Erlanger would invite the leading managers Of the
Old World to Join with them in an international
corporation
Mr.. ErlanEer IS credited with being the brains OF
the idea. He has all along contended, some
say with much reason that whatever advance the
stage In America has made has been due solely 10
the combined influence Of the leading managers.
who have been able not only to stage great pro-
auctions but bring this country the best players
from all parts OF the world 10 appear in them
AT present Mr.. ErIanser IS believed TO be in
Pittsburg Mr.. Klaw is the ocean.
Louis +. Werha, one Of the representatives or
KIaw & Granger, said last night,
Mr.. Erlanger seldom takes any one into his
confidence when formulating his plans. and his
announcements come generally as surprise
Lee Shubert simply smiled when asked his opin-
ion. Malcolm Douglas, manager of the New Am
sterdam Theatre. said he doubted the story. and
was certain Levy Mayer. general counsel for klaw
& ErlauEer did not 60 abroad for the special
purpose of locking after the legal end Of tie pro
posed corporation