Conversation so far:
Why did Bert Williams start a solo career?
George Walker, the businessman and public spokesman for the duo for 16 years, was in ill health and died. Bart Williams needed to reestablish himself as a solo act.
Did George Walker, Bert Williams' professional partner, die?
George Walker had syphilis and suffered a stroke onstage in January 1909. He and Bert Williams never performed in public again, and Walker died less than two years later.
How did George Walker's death affect Bert Williams?
George Walker had been the businessman and public spokesman for the duo. His absence left Bert Williams professionally adrift.
What did Bert Williams do after George Walker's death?
After 16 years as half of a duo, Bert Williams needed to reestablish himself as a solo act. He returned to Hammerstein's Victoria Theater and the high-class vaudeville circuit.
Did Bert Williams sing at the Hammerstein's Victoria Theater?
Bert Williams' new act consisted of several songs, comic monologues in dialect, and a concluding dance.
How were Bert Williams' performances at the Hammerstein's Victoria Theater received?
Bert Williams received top billing and a high salary, but the White Rats, an organization of vaudevillians intimidated the theater managers into reducing Williams' billing.

Question: Why did they intimidate the theater managers into reducing Williams' billing?
Self-contained rewrite: Why did the White Rats intimidate the theater managers into reducing Bert Williams' billing?