New-York tribune., 1919-08-28
Cohan Quits as
Manager;; Heads
Equity's Rival
Continued from page I

his not having had time to acquaint
himself with the issues.
Gompers Stands by Statement
i always stand by every statement
| make" he said. tine attitude Of the
managers in refusing to meet the
actors or recognize the right to col
ectlve bargaining is unwarranted and
UNJUST. In that position | am going to
support the actors, and every resource
Of the American Federation of Labor
strike"
Following this utterance, Gompers
went into conference at the Hotel Con-
tlnental with Francis Wilson and Paul
turner, respectively president and
counsel Of the Equity.
Ethel Barrymore's failure to attend
rehearsal yesterday of the new play,
as yet unnamed, by Zoe Atkins. in
which Miss Barrymore was to star
next season. was hailed as new
feather in the cap of the Equity Miss
Barrymore has been one of the
stanchest supporters of the Equitys
demands since the outset The re-
hearsal was called by Alf Hayman,
general manager of Charles Frohman
Inc. Frank Reid, business manager
of the producing firm, said Miss Barry
more had not been called to rehearse.
as 1t was not customary for the star
TO attend the first reading of play
Just want you to guide me while I'm
guiding you
No Color Line Drawn
After one curious member 81 the
Fidelity had been assured Z. Bilt-
more last night by Louis Nj. It all
gjble for membership if they had had
twenty-siX weeks experience. and
Willie Collier, as treasurer. had eX-
planned that he had S3,646 in dues, and
Alan Dinehart. as secretary, had an-
nounced that the membership total of
the new organization was something
more than 1900, after all that Louis
Mann, vice-pres ldenu and acting chair
man of the meeting, began to get ner-
vous and glanced over the heads of the
crowd toward the door.
Then Janet Beecher began to read
newspaper editorial that favored the
managers. In the midst of this Louis
espied what he was looking for. Il was
Alexander Leftwich, stage manager Of
the Conan & Harris Theatre, at the
back of the hall, and he had George NJ
Cohan ciutched by the arm.
Silently Mr.. Mann implored Nh.
Leftwch to hold Mr.. Cohan until Miss
Baecher had finished and the stage was
set. Then everything was ready, and
Mr. Leftwich strobe up the aisle, fol-
lowed by George.
Cohan Given Ovation
The cheering that began then lasted
until the Yankee Doodle dancer had
reached the platform and passed be-
hind row of Fidelity, leaders chat in
cluded Julia Arthur. David Warfeld.
Minnie Maddern Fiske, Collier, Lenore
Uric, Marjorie Wood, Gladys Hanson
and Howard Kyle.
The cheering continued after Mr.
Cohan had taken his place beside
reached for the ebony gavel in Mann IS
hand, but even above the cheers Mann
could be heard protesting that he
should be allowed to present it prop
eriy.
Then as the cheering became ragged
David Wariicld raised his arm and
shouted;
Three cheers for the PRESIDENT :
and the uproar began again with all
the actresses, both on the platform and
the others in the room, waving their
arms eXcitedly.
New President Takes Gavel
Then very formally Mr.. Mann handed
the gavel to Mr. Conan, saying:
Il have said that it would be the hap
piest moment Of my life when [ did
theis and it is. May it ever guide you
20 guide US well.
Accepting it, Cohan said:
Il hope he gentlemen Of the press
VIII note that Mr.. Conan received his
usual reception.
81, at least, know that | represent an