New-York tribune., 1919-10-26
Financial Reasons Said to
Have Led to Decision
to Close With the Per-
formance Last Night
Appeal for Help
Brings In Sl0O
American Legion Planned
to Investigate Record
of All Who Attended

New York's brief but stormy season
Of German opera apparently has come
to conclusion.
Financial difficulties rather than the
objections made to tnc opera on patri-
ctic grounds are believed to be respon-
sible foy closing the Lexington The
atre after last nights performance.
AT the conclusion of the perform
ance Frederick Schettler, an officer of
the Star Opera Company, made a
speech IN which he said the company
had experienced "strenuous" week
and, as consequence. would give no
concert to-day nor the regular per-
formance Monday evening.
He added, however, that the pro
gramme would be resumed on Tuesday
Z evening. He announced that financial
support would be required for the COM
pany-tnancial support entirely apart
from that given by the purchase OF
tickets at the box office. He asked that
those present subscribe for stock to
make the organization of d new COM
pany possible.
Women members of the company
went through the auditorium with
subscription blanks and solicited sup
port. As far as could be learned the
subscriptions totalled S1OO-the stock
purchase of one man whose name was
not made public.
Business Manager Resigns
Meanwhile, Harry b. Hertz, busine SIS
manager of the Star Opera Company
which has been the corporate body be-
hind the German opera project, had
resigned. He announced his resiCna-
Ton and. along with that ammo nee
rent, sent a letter to Police Commits
sloner Enright, another to the direc-
tors OF the company and one to the
American Legion.
The American Legion letter was ad-
dres ed to Hoffman Nickerson, and
read:
Il understand through the news
columns OF yesterday that in the
course of q meeting of the Broad
way Post neld last Thursday even
'ng at the Hotel Astor I was sus-
pended from membership in that
post. | don't know al what hour this
resolution was passed, but | want to
advise You that at 9:20 p. m. | spoke
on the phone with Mr. Bard NJ.
saulers and told him that if my con-
nect!on as press representative of
the Star Opera Company, which in
yolves the sending out of advertising,
pictures and news items for the
press, was in any way questioned by
your post. that he would, at the time
such question or resolution was put
forward, offer on my behalf my res
ignation This Mr.. Squiers assured
me he would do. although | see no
mention Of the fact in the article
which ran yesterday morning.
Il want to say that, personally, it
IS not my wish, Or has it ever been,
to personally oppose public opinion
am simply occupying salaried
position With this organization and
doing the work entrusted to me to
the best of my ability.
Il am quite sure that you, person
ally, understand exactly how | feel
ABOUT this and that you are also
quite sure that do not regard
Amerlcanlsm or the American Legion
In any manner but the highest"
Letter TO Enright
The letter 20 Commissioner Enrigh'
read:
Il arm enclosing for your personal
Information a copy Of my resigna-
.icn TO the board OF directors of the
s'ar Opera Company, aud | want to
say further 10 you that on Monday
evening, after leaving the Mayors
ymce and talking with Inspector
.uhaerhll. had formed the opinion
snaI ~ ~as very foolhardy thing
pf thls organization to try and con-
''hue IN the face Of opposition.
AZ That tame, before we rung up
~ aonday night, advised the aban-
4"nment of the production.
however, the gentlemen who
'imsd this company overruled me.
a.o l !eit that it was my duty 10 at
END 70 my work until such time AZ
'heir undertakings were started.
Tsrnit me again 10 say that in
'npport Of the New YORK Police De
parment you viii always find me 10
ne forefront
Very respectfully yours,
"H. Is HERTS."
Hertss Resignation
!ne letter Of resignation TO the di
'sssefs Of the opera company said
Pursuant TO my conyersation with
iso last Tuesday evening, when |
so'ised that it. seemed rather useless
~ me TO present our attractions in
she lace Of public opinion. ! am quite
convinced al this moment that fur
s .nsl continuance Of your project is
'M.inctiy unprohtable.
consider that ] have more than
psfIormsd ny duty 70 you and the
Star Opera Company in going through
The week which has iuat passed a.
You know. ] personally have not been
- sympathy with opposing the city
Continued on mext pnge
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