New-York tribune., 1908-12-26
mo WILTSHIRE SPEECH
Press Agent Forgot to TeN Has
Plans to "the Bdttle Star.

GAYLORD Wiltshire editor OF ''wilshire's Maya
zine" a socialist periodical, appeared on the same
programme with Wilton Lackaye at the savoy
Theatre last night and where Cleveland Monetts
problem play that doesn't solve any problem Is
being offered to the public. If II had not been Tor
Mr. L.ackaye's ignorance of Mr.. Wilshres pres
ence the press agent would have been sausheo
and there would have been story 10 tell.
Mr.. Wiltshire. who is Of the best known
socialists IN New York, feels that he has Deeh
grossly misunderstood. It Is all because press
agent forgot 70 inform the star OF his piahs ioi
the Christmas night performance, Which lhciuueu
a speech from Mr.. Wiltshire on the social pfoO
lens of THE Battle" in which Mr.. Lackaye, as
rohn ! HagRleton the millionaire, finally decides
to make another try for his wife's love by giving
up his millions and going to work in the Sums as
a common garden variety OF laoorer' ana thei'
climbs the ladder to riches again.
Mr.. Wiltshire informed that such was 70
he the programme and he believed 1t 80 firmly
that he told the reporters in the lobby early IN
the evening that he understood The Batue
was an attack socialism, he intenoeo 10 I-ih
about that subject himself and have little battle
OF his own. Mr.. Wiltshire had his oatus out II
was not exactly planned.
At the end of the third act Mr.. Lackaye was
called out to make speech, II was neat htte
speech in Mr.. Lackaye's best manner, but poor Mr.
Iackaye didn't know anything about the socialist
editor or his part the programme when he saio;
# isn't intended that this play should solve any
probem. II you like It. that's all that's necessary.
Aoweyer nave peGeGTa an ho saws that this play
is financed by John D. Rockefeller. Whoi now that
2ns he o e9nro tRG Re sags am sorry
there is nothing in this
The audience greeted this with & laugh. Not so
Mr Wiltshire This was his cue. Mr.. Lackaye
was about to withdraw gracefully, when up
jumped Mr. Wiltshire from his seat IN Row K
Mr.. Lackaye" he said pushing forward aggres-
sively, "anasmuch the subject of socialism has
been brought up, would like to say a rev WORDS
on socialism"
Mr. Lackaye looked astonished. Clever acting.
some say.) The audience appeared shocked Who
was this bearded socialist. anyway, and why DID
he attempt TO monopolize the conversation.
"Ahem!' said Mr.. Lackaye, master Of himself
and the situation. This is place to air such
views sir This is a theatre, and Christmas night
(Mr Wiltshire being merely a socialist wasn't ex-
pected TO know either OF these facts) These good
ladies' and gentlemen want TO get home and finish
their YuIetide cheer. II you will write to me, !
Will be pleased to read what you have 70 say"
Curtain amid great applause)
Mr.. Wiltshire looked though some one had
offered him q million dollars and then suddenly
disappeared. Be could not have been more dis
and altogether nonpussed as he faced
the empty curtain, while the house roared with
laughter, and his panied expression deePened.
Right here the press agent and Mr.. Lackaye had
a talk Enter Mr. Lackaye. with words Of apology.
He said he didn't want TO be discourteous; of
course, not; but It depended upon the ladies and
gentlemen whether you, sir." shall be permitted
the people.
If the majority OF the audience had anything to
say about IT they didn't want hear any more
socialist talk.
GO hire a hall Get a barber. We want to go
home" were OF the replies.
Mr. Lackaye put It TO a vote, and although few
socialistc ayes Loyalty supported the editor the
noes out and with a shrug OF his shoulders
Mr.. I,ackaye left the stage amid cheers. Poor Mr.
Lackaye did not know that he had put himself in |
a position to for office any socialist /
ticket. He is out of IL
The audience surrounded Mr.. Wiltshire IN the /
lobby, and the management had to take him up /
stairs by back way to escape from the crowd. He
admitted that he had been badly fooled
When I heard that attack socialism he (
said. I felt 1t my duty, the editor Of So
calist magazine with 259OOO circulation month TO
protest. Besides hadn't been asked to speak? I /
certainly surprised at the turn things took /
don't know what to think who to blame.
The play doesn't attack socialism, any way" |
he added. 81 have fault 10 find with It. I dare !
say any socialist who had not been born wealthy /
would probably acquire the ideas OF capitalist II
he suddenly became rich, like the man in the play |
wouldn't blame him. It's human nature, I guess" |