The Connecticut labor press., 1919-05-31

enectS ana electrical devices used In
spectacular productions Many IF the
popular features in lighting seen in he
Winter Garden shows were invented by
HIM and tried out III New Haven be-
fore they were seen in New York
The Actors Equity Association of
New York held its annual meeting this
week with I'm attendance of $500 ana
did not vote to strike. The members
voted to have their council propose to
the Producing Managers Protective
Association that their differences over
contracts be arbitrated.
The board of arbitration probably will
consist of two members Of each theatri-
cal body, with fifth neutral chosen by
= the foud. If the managers do not see
fit to accept the olive branch of arbi-
tration, authority has been given to the
council of the Actors Equity Associa-
ton to act as it sees fit, so the possibil-
ity of closed shop and a strike still
exist
However, it was generally understood
in managerial circles that the producers
were willing to have the concessions
demanded by the players submitted to
tribunal, without committing therl-
selves. These concessions, which pro-
vided primarily for week of eight
performances, with extra pay for Snn-
day shows and holiday matinees, were
outlined by Francis Wilson, who was
reelected president, when he took the
chair at the meeting.
Charles Coburn, belonging to both
the Actors Equity Association and the
Producing Managers Protective Asso-
citation, expressed from the floor the
belief that the two associations woull
laea lI1 %DS %IaS1 4
Blanche Bates attacked the project to
have the association affiliate with the
American Federation of Labor. Her
speech was interrupted by frequent ex-
pressions of disapproval.
This matter was passed upon by the
association three years ago, when it
gave the council full power to act in
this connection. So far, however, moth
ing has been done by the council
Several years ago the American Fed
Grafton of Labor granted an interna-
tional charter to the White Rats. That
moribund institution has lately been de
clared insolyent by a referee in the Su-
pren1e Court, but still has possession of
the charter. P1ars have been afoot
among actors to obtain Federal char
ter from the labor body, but there is
great doubt whether this can be ac-
comphshed.
Other speakers were John Drew, John
Cope, Louis Mann, Rose Coghlan, AL
bert Bruning and Harry Mestayer. E.
H. Sothern and Daniel Frohman, who
is not at present in the producing field
and has always taken a great interest
in activities of the actors, appeared at
the meeting but were held up at the
door by youthful thespian who was
examining the membership cards of all
those attending.
He failed to recognize either the dis
tinguished actor or his we'll known man
agerial friend. In fact, it looked for a
moment as though Mr.Sothern would be
barred by the histronic Cerberus as one
not meet to mingle with real actors,
The ticket offered by the nominating
committee, which was voted into office
unanimously, follows:
Francis Wilson, president Bruce Nc
Rae, vice-president; Grant Stewart, sec
retary, and Richard A Purdy, treasure
r; council to serve three years, George
Arliss, Barney Bernard, Harry c.
Browne, Eddie Cantor, Ernest Blendl1-
ming, @. P. Heggie, Mrs. Shelley Hull
Walter Jones, Edwin Mnrdant, Zelda
Sears. Norman Trevor and Tom Wise
to hold Office until the annual meeting
in 1920. Ada Meade, Donald Brian and
William Danforth.