The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-07-16

threate strike Of the White hdlS axainst vaudeville managers has been called off No official announcement has been made, but members of the organiza- tion applying to the booking offices for time" admit that the season is not a propitious one and that if any drastic action is taken at all it Will be in tne fall season when all of the vaudeville houses are open.
 The managers say that there will be no strike and that members of the associa- tion who are agitating for a strike will be the first ones to seek bookings.
 The White Rats made demands during the past week for what they term square deal. Anon these was 'an equita- ble contract" a single per cent commis- sion on bookings and that all theatres in which they appear be union shops.
 The organization is connected with the American Federation of Labor.
 If these concessions were not forthcom- ing they would join with religious soci- eties in closing Sunday shows. The man agers met this demand with reply that salaries would be cut accordinS-that con- tracts would be based on q week of six days instead of seven-and immediately many of those who earn their livelihoods by Sunday work came to the conclusion that they were sacrificing themselves in favor of agtators who draw salaries ct the present time based on a week of fl performances
 The attitude of the managers in answer ing the demand to individuals seemed to have brought about a change in front among some of the big mcmbers of the organization, for when asked if there would be a strike they seemed to reply in a single vein:
 We would be foolish to go out now. It would simply give the managers an ex- cenent excuse for closing their houses during the hot term"
 An official said that he did not think / there would be strike now or in the fu- ture, despite threats to the contrary.
 The orders of the organization regard "Sunday closing issue as a strong weapon. Sunday theatrical performances are prohibited in eastern states. The law however, is not thoroughly enforced in all places, as public opinion seems to be that there should be places of amusement and recreation open on Sunday for those who have no time to go to such houses during the week.
 q cannot say that the White Rats are a unit in the opinion that Sunday shows should not be allowed" said high off, cial of the organization. "A year or two ago, when the Curch Alliance was fighting the Sunday performances, we favored the shows"
 '"Then you would use the Sunday clos Ing move as a sort of club ly which to at tain your demands, would you?' was asked
 Possibly that might be the way to put It. But, mind you, we want to be on friendly terms with the managers. We aren't hoping for trouble We want to work hand in hand with them. But there are points which they must concede ,c us"
 'Ts this to be a fight to a finish?"
 ''It loks that way"
 How would you go about stopping Sunday shows?'
 Well, the White Rats are continually receiving urgent suggestions from min isters and many others that we use our influence to have Sunday theatrical per formances done away with. Were We to begin a campaign to that end we would, believe, be backed up by thousands and among them would be influential people. including the clergy. All' we would ask would be the enforcement of the law
 It is probable that a fight, if inaugural ed by the White Rats would be a one sided affair. The Vaudeville Managers Protective association has been expecting some such a move as the White Rats plan, especially strike of vaudeville performers affiliated with the Mountforu organization.
 Both sides would be hit hard, the man. agers would suffer most.
 
 Blanche Walsh, who for several seasons has starred under the direction of AZ M. Woods, will not be under his management during the coming season.
 ''In leaving MT. Woods, said the &C., tress, T do so with the kindliest of feel ings.
 T have received several offers for next season, but have not decided under whose direction I shall appear"
 Marie Cahill recently underwent Q slight operation for nasal disorder that has caused her annoyance
 Miss Cahill retires from the cast of 'Pinafore'' at the Casino. As soon as she has recovered from the effects of the operation she will leave with her hus- band, Daniel V. Arthur, for European trip.
 Harrison Grey Fiske has secured what Is considered a prize in getting control Of ''Kismet," achievement for which dozen managers have been striving
 MT. Fiske remained in the background, while every American producer visiting London put in his bid for the piece.
 Those who have seen "Kismet'' in Lon don are curious to learn what American actor will be deemed equal to the role acted by Oscar Asche. MT. Fiske has un- der consideration for this exceedingly inn
 
 ton Lackaye.
 The curious feature of the overwhelm- ing success of "Kismet" and the eager ness of American managers to control it's rights, now that it has been produced abroad, is that it was written by Edward Knoblauch. an Amercan, who gave sev- era local producers an opportunity to &C., oliire the rights before he sold them in London.
 Among the recent ventures here was a concern which gave a seat to an operatic performance, admission to cabaret show, a dinner and a ride home in taxicab- an for the sum of $2-is no more In it's place is a dark stage, big collection of unpaid salaries and an earnest desire on the part of some of those involved to find