New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1911-05-10
STORM HITS ACTORS FUND
Gaiety Theatre Meeting Full Of
Harsh Words and Things

The Actors Fund Of America planned a
nice little thirtieth birthday party yester-
day afternoon in the Gaiety Theatre as the
guests OF Messrs. Cohan and Harris. In
stead they had a meeting in which many
harsh words were said
Daniel Frohman, frock coated. calm and
sedate. was in the chair Seated on the
stage with him were Henry r. Harris.
Marc kiaw' Charles Burnham. Percy G.
Nliians. Joseph r. Grismer and others
out not one Of the Shuberts or their allies
was to be seen in the smiling company
The trouble was started after the read
ms OF the secretary's report by Harry
Mounrord, who made a motion that
committee be appointed 70 investigate the
report OF the secretary, Frank Mckee 10
find out why l.2o0 members out of a total
Of ESQ had left the organization during
the last year. Incidentally he wanted TO
know why il should cost $3.50 to disburse
the S1725 expended by the fund in the
official year just ended
Charles Burnham asked Mr. Mountford
how long he had been a member of the
Actors Fund.
II Joined Yesterday" he said
Then you are not member az all"
answered Mr. Burnham
And he read the section Of the bylaws
which provides that one must be admit
ted to membership by the executive COM
mittee at one OF its weekly meetings
This seemed a little strange 10 Mr.. Mount
ford and other White Rats who had re-
ceived cards Of membership from the Ac-
tors Fund office the day before. when they
had paid their 50 membership fee.
Let all those who are members stand"
shouted Mr.. Frohman
Everybody in the house stood on his feet.
Charles Burnham began TO read the names
OF those who. like MounJford had Joined
the day before but who would not be al
lowed TO remain. Charles Miller, Mr..
Mountford and thirty other White Rats
walked out OF the theatre just after some
one had moved that the police be called.
Mr.. Frohman insisted that a member in
good standing make Mr.. Mountford mo-
ton. which was done. The motion was
lost
Calm appeared ahead. but only for a mo-
n1ent Alter the election Of officers in
which Frank Mckee was reelected secre-
tary over William A Brady by So 20 20
votes, Mr. Brady then arose to a point Of
order.
The entire proceedings have been
Illegal" he said. The meeting was an
nounced for May Is and then changed 10 to-
day. No precautions have been taken about
balloting We DO not know whether those
who have voted were entitled 70 vote or
not. The Actors Fund has been run in the
interest Of a clique, and it does not repre-
sent the actor. I move that all future
meetings be held under rules 10 be estab-
hshed by the directors"
Mr.. Brady's motion was entertained. but
was lost.
All Of the old officers Of the fund were
reelected. including Daniel Frohman. presi-
dent; Joseph R. Grismer first vice-presi-
dent: F F. Mackay, second vice president.
Henry 2. Harris. treasurer; Frank Mckee,
secretary, and these trustees for two years:
Milton Mobiles, Harry Harwood, William
Harris. Ralph Delmore Marc Klaw,
Charles Burnhar. Clay NJ. Greene and
Percy G. Williams.
After adjournment William A. Brady
said that he would bring action in the
courts 10 have the meeting annulled