The New York herald., 1921-08-19
Theatre Heads
in Conference on
Musicians Case
International Association In
yites President Weber and
Stage Hands to Luncheon.

The International Theatrical Associa-
tion, Inc. the newly formed body en-
bracing amusement interests ell over the
United States and Canada, holding its
first convention at the Hotel Pennsyl-
vanla, yesterday started dealings with
theatrical labor unions, thus taking up
one Of the primary purposes for which
1t Is generally considered the organiza-
ton was formed. Officials. 1t was
learned invited Joseph =. Weber, presi-
dent Of the American Federation Of Mu-
sicians, and representatives of the ma
tional stage hands organization TO a
luncheon conference at the hotel.
This was at variance with announce
ments made the preceding day that the
association would not at present take up
discussions with musicians or other the
atre employees. although there IS strike
of musicians in various movie and
vaudeville houses. However. 1t was re-
ported unoficially that at the conference
wage matters were discussed. though
after the meeting behind closed doors.
Winthrop Ames treasurer of the asso-
citation. said that the discussion was
merely for the purpose of clarifying Tor
the musicians the purposes of the new
body.
He denied that wages or the employ
ment situation of the musicians had
been taken up. with a view to settling
the present strike. A. Katera, president
of the Musicians Mutual Protective
Union. said that as far as his organiza-
tion-outlawed from the American Fed
Grafton of Musicia ns--was concerned, no
negotiations were going on with the In
ternational Theatrical Association.
Another important step taken with re-
| gard to policies was a meeting yesterday
Of the transportation committee with
representatives of the railroads looking
toward a reduction of passenger rates.
Announcement was made that grand
opera interests will join the organization
with Milton Aborn and Fortune Gallo
as representatives. The Chicago and
Metropolitan opera companies will be
invited to join, and the opera group will
elect its directors later to the board OF
| governors This board, composed of two
| representatives from each group within
| the organization, was chosen yesterday
as follows:
! Touring Managers Association-Ar-
thur c. Aston and Gus Hill, with John
/ Coleman and George Goett as alter
mates; managers representing cities OF
100000 population or more. A. L. Erlan-
ger ana Lee ShuDert, with Joseph b.
Bickerton, Jr.. and Ralph w. Long as
alternates managers representing cities
of from 100000 to 100000 population
Lee NJ. Boda and Felix r. Wendell
schaeffer with Morris S. Schlessinger
and Augustus Pitou. Jr.. as alternates
group representing cities with less than
| 10000 population. Nathan Appel and
0. S. Hathaway, with J. G. Mishler and
| John A. Himmerling as alternates.
/ Indications that the board of gov
ernors will exercise the real power of
the organization were borne out yester-
day with the adoption of a resolution
that no question of policy will be
handled by the organization as whole,
4 but will be entirely within the control
of the board 1t will deal directly In
case of dispute with employees. rail-
roads, &c. The organization. IT was de-
cided. will meet each June in this city.
Paul Dullvell, assistant executive sec
! retary Of the Actors Equity Association,
said his organization had not yet been
| invited to meet with the managers, but
that it is willing to meet the managers
half way at any time.