Evening star., 1938-06-29
Circus
Continued From First Page)

1 ~
ment, saying graphically that the con-
ferees had decided temporary con-
ditions in this country do not
warrant the showing of a large
circus"
But the big top" definitely will be
on the road again in 1899 and will
show in Washington again next year,
MIR. Smith added
To Leave This Afternoon.
The circus train was to leave this
afternoon for the Florida winter quar-
tiers, taking most of the equipment
except some of the horses, baggage
and tents to be sent to headquarters
at Peru. Ind.
Mr.. Smith said a majority OF the
performers had homes in Florida and
probably would 60 there to book en-
gagements for the summer with fairs,
carnivals and other such shows.
The huge ape, Gargantua, may be
sent to Europe for exhibition there
and will not be left with the ZOO here,
Mr.. Smith said. 1t was understood
that Frank Buck, big-game hunter
and animal trainer, who has been
starred in the circus this year, prob
ably will go to Long Island, where
he has a small ZOO.
John Ringing North, president of
the circus, came here yesterday by
automobile. arriving we'll ahead of the
circus train that pulled in from Scran-
ton, Pa. at pm. He, his brother,
Henry Ringing North; Mr.. Smith,
and Melvin Hildreth Of Washington,
president of the Circus Fans of Am
erica, participated in the conference
last night.
Wage Cut Crisis Develops.
The dispute that sent the show
back toward Sarasota when the season
was only II weeks old arose over the
question of whether the performers
and roustabouts, all members of the
American Federation of Actors, should
take Is per cent wage cut. At
meeting in the Scranton ball park late
last week. Ralph Whitehead, president
of the union, exhorted the circus
workers to stand firm against the
reduction. arguing that the show GER
tainly would not close. When the
workers supported Mr.. Whitehead,
John Ringling North announced Jour
ney's end" for the big top.
Since then scores Of performers
have left the show.
Mr.. Hildreth last night telegraphed
an appeal to William Green, president
of the American Federation Of Labor,
with which the actors federation is
afiliated. His message stated:
THE press of the country is un-
fairly blaming the A. F. L. for its (the
circus) destruction
Can you not call for report and
demand an investigation into this
matter and save the circus for the
performers who want to go on and for
those of us who view its annual visit
as great American experience?"
1t was stated officially that when
the circus appealed last week to Mr..
Green to temper Mr.. Whitehead's
demands, Mr.. Green reported that
nothing could be done because Mr..
Whitehead had autonomous authority.
Mr.. Green is out of Washington now
on a trip.
Third Labor Crisis.
The threatened strike against the
Is per cent cut was the third labor
difficulty in which the circus found
itself since opening in Madison Square
Garden in April-the first in New
York, the second in Brooklyn.
Three strikes and you're out Is
the rule, isn't it?" Manager Smith re-
marked in a track-side interview.
Its the worst thing I ever heard
Of" Terrell Jacobs, the shows chief
lion man, complained.
The years over for us in June,
isn't that something? Why didn't they
take the cut?" said a member of the
troupe, is French and
Italian bareback riders with Ringing
for is years. They are paid $3.50 a
month. The cut would have brought
them down to $322.50.
Before the circus left Scranton
every performer except four signed a
petition agreeing to the cut and ask
ing that the show 90 on. But a rousta-
bout humping his way across the thick
underground of Potomac Yards tracks
last night remarked:
"Mr. Ringing was asking us to do
something impossible"
Revenue Standard Cut.
THE show was making 20 per cent
less than 1t did year ago." Mr.. Smith
said in explanation of the request for
the cut. I'VE need to gross 100000
week to pay the wages agreed upon.
We've been averaging $s0,00o."
Ringing Bros. signed a contract