Year: 1879

in law was in front. When ex-Judee Bedford. the
receiver appointed by the supreme Court. pending
certain legal proceedings. arrived at the theatre to
discharge his share OF the evenings duties. he
noticed a curious knot of gentlemen in the outer
lobby who wera seemingly quite hilarious Curious
to discover the he inquired of the box keeper
and was informed that there trouble behind
the He looked inside and saw that
lifting the curtain had arrived. he learned that
there had been 10 overture. Proceeding
at once. to the stage. Mr.. Bedford found
Mr. jefferson all ready. dressed for his
part. but none of the other members of the
company seemed prepared to appear before the foot
lights in costume and in few minutes nearly all of


II appears that the orchestra ana company had de-
cided not to perform unless they were guaranteed
their full weeks salary. The orchestra had been
paid a part of their salary by Mr.. Bedford.
and he intended paying the company pro rdid
would would not % have been full weeks I salary he fully
anticipated being able to meet all arrearages, and
after this week keep out of debt to the
employees. Mr.. Harkins, it appears, reasoned
with his company and endcavored to hold them
together until . performance could be given.
but he proved unsuccessful. Mr. Bedford.
finding that there company and
possibility of getting any performance. decided
to close the house. Mr., Lewis Mason. the prompter
of the theatre then stepped before the curtain and
briefly informed the audience of the sit
nation. announcing that the holders OF
at the box ofice. Tho audience seemed more grievtd
than amused at the unexpected turn of affairs. and Mt
once broke up and passed ont into the street good
many stopping at the box window to have their
coupons cashed. Mr.. Bedford announced that those
who had not taken this trouble could receive
their money in the morning. IN ten minutes the
audience had been dismissed the gas turned out
and the doors locked Mr.. Jefferson meanwhile
sumng his every day attire, somewhat disap-
pointed in not being able to take his
usual twenty years sleep. On leaving the
theatre Mr. Bedford placed it in charge
whatever TO enter without his written order.
as he was responsible for all the property therein
contained. Thus ended the present season OF the
Fifth Avenue Theatre.


porter subsequent to the closing Of the house. made
the following statement:-


II am very sorry for this. I am sorry for the
company especially, as think they made great
mistake in breaking their contract. which they have
really done according to its terms. As you know.
took charge Of the theatre Thursday and paid ont
OF tho receipts all the demands made upon me.
According to the contract made with Mr.. JEFF
ferson. made by Mcssrs Fiskc d Harkins, he
to receive clear half of each days receipts.
paid MIN to-day s455. being half of the
receipts for the matinee and evening
performance Of Saturday. With the remainder
paid OF all the employees before the curtain for tho


last three days of last week. and also the orchestra
in the same way-that is, paid them pro
rata far I could with the money.
tended to share the half of the proceeds of night
among them. and announce that expected to be able
to pay up all arrearages in course of time This was
bound to find capital for the establishment


On being asked if the theatre would be reopened
Judge Bedford replied that he did not see
the present management. for if the COM
pany would not play for receiver they
certainly would not be apt to do it for the
for the company. for half loaf is bet
judgment the finances Of the establishment
mands. But am theatrical manager, you know,
and only acting i'll legal capacity.