New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-07-12

Although indIhtu pS oil
which was less than a quarter Of the
number expected, the convention OF
the Motion Picture Exhibitors League
Of America, which has been held dur
Ing the last week in Dayton, Ohlo'
proved TO be of the utmost importance
10 the moving picture industry. over
lures made by committee from the
rival organization. composed of bolt
ers at last years convention, together
with the withdrawal of NJ. A. Nef
from active participation in the al
fairs of the league, will undoubtedly
result i'm the enrolment OF all OF the
ricturc men OF the country IN one asso-
citation. This will greatly ald IN car
ryiug out the decision OF the cohVeh,
ton 10 fight all forms OF governmental
or municipal censorship.
Mr.. Neff has been in large part re-
sponsible for the success OF the eN-
bibitors' league, but during the last
wear he has incurred the enmity OF
nearly all his former supporters by
coming out in favor OF state censor
shin. In fact. he was instrumental IN
forming the present state board IN
Ohio. The obviously political nature
Of this body made his activities IN
connection with II particularly unpop-
ular with motion picture men.
Conscious of the strong opposition
against him and declaring he was for
peace and harmony all the time, Mr..
NeF withdrew his name at the cleo
ton Of officers on Wednesday, and
asked not to be considered for re-elec-
ton. Thereupon, Marion A. Pearce, Of
Baltimore, was unanimously elected
national president, T. P. Finnegan, OF
Texas, was chosen first vice-president,
". A. Corey, of San Francisco, was
elected second vice-president and W.
z. Wilson, OF Columbus, Ohio, secre-
tary. Peter Jeup, of Detroit, was re-
elected treasurer.
Was II a Compliment?
Nr. Nefr has been one of the most
active members of the league, and as
president for three successive terms
has been untiring in his labors for the
promotion Of the organization. Oppo-
sition TO his candidacy developed, how
ever, and threatened for a time TO
prove serious TO the best interests Of
the league if his friends insisted upon
their candidates election. Delegates
are loud in their praise Of Mr.. Neff
for withdrawing from the race, and in
recognition of his act a purse of $3.50
was presented 10 him as token OF
their appreciation.
When the delegates were recon
vened Wednesday morning Mr.. Men
said he was going TO test the sincerity
Of last years "bolters" and others
who were disaffected, the assertion
having been frequently made that with
Mr.. Nef out Of the presidency the
boilers would return TO the parent or
ganization. He said he had decided to
step out Of the race.
Il was clearly evidenced later that
the international body would, through
its state and local branches, return 70
the league; also that whatever tenta-
tive agreement between the committee
representing the international and the
committee Of th9 league would be
reached at joint conference would in
no way impair the Official personnel
Of the league. The international
boilers" have desired unity with the
league, but with Dir. Nef out of the
way.
Ia the election Of officers Delegate
Corey nominated Pearce and was sec
onded BY Indiana, West Virginia, Ken
lucky. New York, Iowa, Texas. Ne
braska, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Mary
land. There being no other nornina-
ion, Oh motion Of Phillips, Of Texas
the secretary Was instructed 70 cas-,
the convention vote for Pearce fol-
president. Brophy, Of Oklahoma
nominated 7. p. Finnegan, of Texas
FOR hrst vice-president, and McCrea
o. West Virginia, nominated W. G
Hubbard. Of New York. The former
commanded Is votes, the latter rs
Ohio gave II 10 Hubbard and I,
Fiunegau. Finncgan's election wa
made unanimous, and so was that o
n. 4. Corey, Of California, who wa
nominated Tor second viec-president
Ohio yielding % Texas, Carter Of Ar
ksngsB, nominated W. X. Wilson, o
Columbus, Ohio, for national secre
tary, and he ass elected without OppO
sition. q. g. Murray, Of Richmond
Ind, Vas nominated for nationa
treasurer, but was beaten by Pete
Jeup, Of Detroit, whose election va
made unanimous.
The report NJ the auditing commit
tee shOwed that 81 ,GZ6s7 ~ due Pres
ident Neh on salary; that the receipt
Of the secretary were %4.7lG 50 and ex
Dsnsez Gf,G5s 80, leaving balance o.
over 800.
Dayton Not Attractive.
Ihe small attendance ~ the o<bibi-
ton and the falling on in faembershIp
tks war yyege lgrle red Va lie no