Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-04-29

thus restored. But this is not the case.
In spite of the fact that there are many
theatrical activities now in progress in
behalf of this organization, the sums
htat will thus be realized are far below
the funds outgoes. Whenever a sue
cessful benefit or other event is launched,
many persons think that the fund is thus
amply equipped for some time. and for
this reason regard further activities i'm
pending as not being necessary.
The fund, however, spends $4,000 a
year in relieving the sick and disabled
members of the theatrical profession.
averaging about 200 persons each week,
and thus numbering about 10000 units a
year, besides taking care of the old and
retired members of the profession at its
home on Staten Island so that these
benefits. though enormously successful
with the public. financially are far from
being adequate to carry out activities
for relief.
This is the reason why the officers Of
the fund are making the most vigorous ef-
forts in all parts of America to secure an
endowment of $l,0OO,00O. This amount is
to be deposited in properly authorized
trust company, and with the interest OBJ.
tanned from this sum II will go far toward
saving the fund from disintegration.
While the amount OF interest thus re-
ceiyed will not be sufficient TO pay for the
annual expenditures for relief. 1t will give
the fund stability which 1t has never had
before. The difference between the
amount thus received from interest will be
made up from the annual benefit perform
ances here and elsewhere, which are al.
ways an attractive feature for the gem
eral public, inasmuch as IL is thus pro-
vided with an unusual program of stellar
af ~ FnR fhaUa he
theatre prices. Hence this explanation.
The tragic difficulty with the dramatic
profession is that the rank and file OF
the theatre have no stable or fixed season
of employment They sometimes rehearse
from four TO six weeks in plays which end
their existence after three or four weeks
OF exploitation, and then comes the long
wait for further work. In the old days,
when the profession was less crowded,
actors received so or 40 weeks con-
tract, but in the present fitful and uncer-
tain conditions of the theatre, amid the
production OF so many plays OF more or
less certain value. and the prevalence OF
so many theatres that must be filled with
attractions. there Is much uncertainty, fol-
lowed by hardship and frequently by sick
ness and other distressing disabilities.
Actors are human; they have their fam
lilies and their loved ones for whom they
toll and for whom they suffer and pos
sessing a certain quality OF artistic tenn
permanent. they are not 80 well htted for
other walks In life than that which calls
them TO the theatre from which the public
receives so much happiness and amuse-
ment.
The Actors Fund has been in existence
for 35 years. and In the early days was
able 70 cope with the demands made upon
its exchequer, but the great development
of theatrical interests has increased to
such an extent that the present emer-
gency exists. Il is like a boy who has
grown to mans estate but is still ex-
pected TO thrive upon the limited food
supply upon which his youth prospered.
We have to Increase the food supply. and
this Is the money needed for maintaining
this growing body, because its ministra-
tions are not confined to New York city,
but Il extends It's help beyond. to every
part Of this vast country.
SO these efforts 70 secure money by
means OF benefits which, OF course. are no
drain upon the public, but only upon the
actors and actresses who furnish the en-
tazlAilnaanl. must - continued.