Year: 1878

From the 10th until the 21st had toiled day and
night to get ready in time open On saturday the
2ist had made arrangements with parties for sum


cent capital TO out to the fullest my Intention
to mt up the Drawing Room Theatre i'll style De-
coming the title. On my way 10 eonsummate the
financial arrangement stopped ut my theatre and
found every panic stri, k,a by posse OF officers
claiming ownership OF the opera OF breakers as
the law restrained from producing It,


This created general disturbance. My financial
partner refused TO advance the money under such
circumstances The men engaged i'll making tine
scenery twhose money not due until the follow
ing Tuesday, struck and would not hnish their worK
IN time unless paid in advance. In view or all the
labor, money. advertisements and my promises TO
the public besides not being prepared with other at
fractions. my dilemma was an overwhelming one.


had gone too far TO reeede however, so pressed on
and paid the men in full. Mr.. Barnard ON saturday
evening stated that what supposed to be an nunc-
tion was only replevin and he had furnished funds
and we could go on without fear of further trouble.
On Monday evening, the 23d, just as was going 70
dress for my part of the performance. although
almost exhausted from overwork sheriff forced
his way into the theatre and served me with an in
junction, which prevented me allowing the opera 10
DC produced. My attorney arranged to pay Mr.. Hill
royalty ana buy it rather than disappont the pub
lie. However. the great annoyance and excitement
i'll by congestion of the heart that / was not
able to play. When this was announced to the
fashionable audience which packed the house more
than twothirds left. The papers the following day
unanimously denounced the opera complete fail
urc. All through the week were obliged to pay
royalty and play it while preparing attraction.
The carpenter-W H. Clifford and his men-who
were discharged by last Monday after their job
was finished, remained around the building every
night during the week doing nothing. Last Friday
night the Information was brought me that Clifford
intended to present me with claim for full weeks
services for himself and his Saturday night,
and if did not pay it they would commit violence.


On Saturday morning ordered them all TO be put
ont of the theatre While carpenter was setting
the scenery for the matinee Clifford emerged from
place Of concealment and threatened the carpenter
with violence If he set that scene had police
man eject him. but the carpenter refused to set the
scene, as he said that Clifford belonged to secret
order which, if excited might cause him HARM The
audience had assembled. 1t time for me to begin
the performance. An apology was made for the
delay, while my brother and myself set
the scenery the best way we could. Then
We found that all the properties had been taken
away. In the midst of this confusion
Mr.. Mollcnhauer came behind the scene and said his
musicians would not play unless paid them their
salary. told him did not engage his orchestra or
any member Of his company; that in the contract he
stipulated to furnish all for certain salary to him
and Mr.. Barnard, provided be honestly carried out
his contract. Then he addressed the audience. de-
nouncng me and the management. Tomorrow l
will commence . suit for damages against Messrs.
Barnard and Mollenhauer for the injury have sus-
tanned, while I will continue the Drawing Room
Theatre with the best attractions to be had. Very
sincerely, MINNIE CUMMINGS.