The New York Clipper (February 1903)

THE NEW YORK CLIPPER. Febbuaby 28. SONGS, SINQERS AHD SONG PUBLISHERS. In the Clifpib dated No?. 80. 1880. there appeared ■ large three column advertisement Inserted by Benjamin. W. Hltcbcok at the instigation of Monroe II. Bosenfeld. The adTertlter offered to supply tlngera with coplea ot "A True Little Heart end a True Little Home," by Tboi. Ebert: "Champ," by George Marlon; "With All Her Faults 1 l»ve Her Btlll," by Monroe H. Boienfeld; "The Old Street Lamp," by George Hose, and "The Bobber'* Dream," by Joseph Gar- land, with orchestrations, (or twenty centt In itampe. This may be tald to have been tbe beginning ot the gigantic business now being done by tbe scores of long pub Miners throughout the United States. Pre* ilotn to the appearance of this offer there had appeared smaller advertisements regard- ing some of these songs, and another en- titled "Let Me Bhake the Hand Tbat Shook tbe Hand of Sullivan." also Issued by the same publisher. Tub Clipper's columns bad previously contained, as far back as 1880, cards of other publishers, offering songs to singers at nominal prices. A card beaded "Attention, Theatre Singers," was placed by F. A. North 4 Co., of Philadel- phia, March 27. 1886. J. W. Pepper 4 Co., of Philadelphia, advertised "A Violet from Mother's Grave," supplied for thirty- Are cents. In 1880. Ed. Harding, one of the oldest publishers In tbe business, ad- vertised frequently by small cards, as did T. -B. Keller, another pioneer In tbe song publishing line; Chaa. D. Blake * Co.. ol Boston, who published "Rock a Bye, Baby." Issued many offers of publications. Willis Woodward * Co. were In existence; T. B. Harms at Co, advertised "Johnny, Get Your Gun," and other songs', Wm. A. Pond 4 Co. had control of the Harrlgan ft Hart compositions, and Issued them; occasional advertisements also appeared of publications Issued by J. C. Groene A Co., of Cincin- nati ; the lamented Harry Kennedy, t. l'ragcr, A. 8. Jotselyn, linen A Co., Geo. D. Newn.ll A Co., of Cincinnati; G. Hallenberg, of Memphis; George Propheter, who Issued Gnssle L. Davis' songs, and W. Bohlflng. Recognising the value of Clipper advertis- ing, Mr. Hitchcock bad determined to make his advertisements such as would appeal to the singers. The returns fully Justified tho outlay for an advertisement which at that time was a startling Innovation. Others taw tbe possibilities In Cmppeb advertising and the results ore apparent. Through the Oliweii advertising columns It can be said that tbe song publishing business has been developed. Songs Is- sued In tbe olden days had only a limited sale In certain territories, and very few gained universal popularity. Buil- nesB methods employed of late years Id properly placing songs before tbe public through tbe singer, have secured for the pub- lishers advertising tbat Is above value. And, through Tub Clipper, the publisher has reached tbe singer. Pages upon pages of advertisements bavo notified tbe singer, were be In California or New York, of the publication of new aongs. A mall request would bring him the song, with orchestrn- tlon, readv to band to tbe leader at tho next performance. A successful song could thus be produced In all parts of the country at the same time. Tbe numerous Arms that have entered the field, with tbe competition tbat followed, have largely Increased the value of the productions of authors, and con. slderable rivalry exists to secure their ser- vices. Bach publisher strives to control the output of a number of authors and com- jiosers who have written successes, and tho financial results are far beyond the dreamt of those writers and publishers of 1880. The singer, of course, shares In the benefit. He Is enabled to choose suitable songs from the numerous publications offered, and to ob- tain them gratis. If of prominence tie can have the singing rights reserved for a term or territory. The publisher will furnish him with orchestration, and superintend tho staging of the song requiring chorus effects, which have become popular ot late. The offices and music rooms of the publishers are fitted up attractively. Branch oOlccs are established in American cities, as well aa In London, and pianists are available for those wishing to listen to tho songs or to learn them. The most. cordial relations exist between tbe firms and the singers. A new field has been opened to former pro- fessional singers with a largo clrcio of ac- quaintances among vocalists, In tbe employ of tho publishing house. Representatives of these houses are In evidence at all the theatres where songs are board. A late In- novation has been the Interpolation Icto comic operas of songs foreign to the orig- inal scores. Bvery successful comic opera of today has several numbers that are fur tilshed by the music publisher. On this occasion of celebrating Ita fiftieth anniversary Tub Ci.irrr.it may Justly take pride In Its share of the successful progress made In this branch of tho amusement busi- ness. Tub Clipper's patronage by the song publishers Is Indisputable tostlmony to Its value to them. We will comment briefly on some of the factors In the publishing business, without reference to rank or pre- cedence. Jobbi'h W. Btbrm and Kuward Maiiks. composing the firm of J. W. Stern A Co., point with prldo to a small ad. that ap- peared In Tub Clipper in 1804. Tho song they offered was entitled "The Little Lost Child," written by the firm. Its pathos ami beauty of sentlmont and melody sent It Into Immediate favor with slngera nml tbe pub- He. The success achieved encouraged the young authors and publishers to further ef- forts, and the house today stands among the first, with a large force ot the best men available on their staff. Singers are at sll times anxious to secure their latest publication, and they havo well earned their sobriquet, "The House ot Hits" M. Witharx A Sons are one of the old- est firms of song publishers, and will short- ly occupy their large building, specinllv de- signed to accommodate their enormous busi- ness, A list of tho successful publications issued by them since the beginning of (heir concern would require nil the pages of this Issue. The business methods employed by them and apparent In nil their operation's havo brought tho Inevitable successful re- sult. "The Wltmark Boys" Is a term that Is known to Imply all tbe qualities desirable In men. Aided by the presence and advice of their worthy pnternnl ancestor they have reared a powerful publishing concern from the little hand printing press that Incited them to filling their mission in life. Their trade mark, as well as their concern, is a beehive, without a drone, Charles K. IIaiiiiih ("Yours, After the Ball") has tho distinction of being the author of a song of which more conies hnve been sold than probably of any other. "Af- ter the Ball" had n phenomenal success, and will ever be remembered for Its heautv and originality In being the first of Its kind. The writer well remembers hearing the song at the London Theatre. New York, sung for the first time by Phyllis Allen. As the beau- tiful music of the opening verse was heard the audience felt Its power, and were startled Into listening attentively to the narrative so clearly enunciated bv the sing- er. At the conclusion of the first chorus there was an Impressive hush, and then came the outburst of a storm of applause, almost beyond control. 8lnce then Mr. Har- ris has produced numerous meritorious com- positions of his own. and has also published I he productions of other authors and com- posers, but Its clings to his first love, and remains "Yours. After the Ball." Biupibo, BtaNSTBiM A Co., Tub Cutter's next door neighbor, are among the first flight of up to date publishers. Vanrlce Shapiro and Louis Bernstein compose the firm, and both gentlemen are well known to singers and managers, Tbey have In their employ a large force of successful authors and pianists, who are "always In," and their spacious office and music rooms are con- stantly filled. They bave lately made Im- provements In tbe arrangement of their quarters, with good results. Mr. Bernstein Is In evidence nightly at various theatres around town, ana alf persons having deal ings w'th him feel assured through his quiet, business like demeanor, ot receiving the kindest consideration ot the llrm. They have Issued numerous hits, and every num- ber In their catalogue bears the earmark of success. Many of the coveted Broadway Interpolations are put out by them, for tbe present Twenty-eighth Street Is far enough uptown for Shapiro, Bernstein A Co. Leo Feist, the genial and popular pub- lisher of music, who has now the entire In- terest of the firm orlglnnlly known aa Feist A Frankentbaler, has lately found it neces- sary to relieve the "cramped" condition of his establishment to accommodate his grow- ing bnslncss, and has Joined tbe upward movement. Ills offices now occupy an en- tire building, and are tbe rendezvous of singers who don't want to go wrong. His slogan, "You can't go wrong with a Feist song," has become widely known, and Is looked upon as a maxim. His novel methods of advertising have aided film greatly In placing his publications, which are eagerly sought by singers and leaders. He has on bis staff the composer ot some famous In- strumental rni'slc, which Is heard through- out the land. An Interview with Mr. Feist Is always found to be a bracing tonic, as be frames his business conversation with delightful cordiality and bonhomie. Hnwi.ET, Haviland A DBBS8BB are a Ann whose members command the best consider- ation ot singers of all sorts of compositions Mr. Ilowley, who has been In the publish- ing business for many years, thoroughly knows the requirements of the trade, and his personality Is one of the assets of the firm. Not forgetting Paul Dresser, who years ago gave to the world "The letter That Never Came," and since then has added to hjs laurels by writing and composing "On tho Banks of the Wabash," "The Uluo and tho Gray" and many others. Mr. Havlland Is tbe other energetic factor la "The House on Broadway." Their of- fices are located on the main thoroughfare, right in tbe heart of New York, and the methods employed by them In propagating their numerous publications are thoroughly up to date. The "Bill Bailey" series of coon songs emanate from this house, and the trouble or "Bill" end his lady love are known wherever songs have been heard. The Hahiiv. Von Tilzer Music Co. Is a com- paratively new concern, now owned and con- trolled by Harry Von Tllxer. Other Arms had previously published numerous songs written and composed by Mr. Von Tllser, with great success. "My Old New Hamp- shire Home," "When the Harvest Dsys aro Over" and others are well remembered. By publishing songs himself his house has at- tained great prominence, and Von Tllser production!) are beard with numerous shows, and aro In the programme of almost every theatre of prominence. The stairs In the building occupied by tbe firm show unmis- takable signs of wear, and a moving picture of tbe entrance to the building would not lack life and action. Hut. Bloom, wbo originally opened offices In Chicago, found himself too far from Twenty-eighth Street, and boa lately shifted his headquarters to New York. Many suc- cessful publications suitable to every class of singers are round In his catalogue, and bis offices have become the headquarters of numerous concerns, as well na of many vo- calists of prominence. The list of his pub- lications Includes many popular lilts. F. A. Mil,is frequently hns occasion to remind tho profession tbat he Is busy gath- ering the productions of many prominent authors and composers, and whenever he does the mall man Is kept-busy delivering requests for copies ot the songs. Mr. Hills has long been known aa a composer of catchy melodies, and Is popular with singers and the trade. ' __ Tub Ambricam Advance Mobic Co.. Tub Windsor Music Co., T. B. Harms A CO., Wilms WooqwAflD A Co., The Vandibbloot Muhic Co., THE) H. T. FAUVti Mimic Co., IIuoo Bcni.AM, W. U. Anstead, Doty 4 Hitii.i,. Tub Booerb Brothers Music Co. and The Twentieth Cbntuby Mobic Co. located In New York; Jorrfu Morris, In Philadelphia; The Whitney-Warner Co., In Detroit, and other houses are also continual- ly adding to the output ot songs, with catchy title pages, keeping the market well supplied. «■» I,. A. THOMPSON'S SCENIC RAILWAY. One of tbe. most popular of amusements at seaside and other resorta la tbe scenic railway, invented and constructed by L. A. Thompson. The long rides In a rapidly moving car, on a track built with sharp ascents and descents, scientifically con- structed nml embracing the element of per feet safety, were enjoyed by thousands dally Inst season, nt Coney Island, and the con- trivance was taxed to Its utmost capacity. The trip, which gives a fine view of the, natural scenery. Is varied by a series of elaborately constructed scenic effects and tableaux, In dark tunnels, electrically lighted, ns the cars approach them. Various scenes and . Incidents aro depicted. Aside from l his attraction, the ride Is one of the most exhilarating furnished by any similar con- trivance. Mr. Thompson recently returned from a trip to California, during which he made contracts to furnish scenic railways for n number ot resorts, among them an exceptionally long track to bo built near St. Louis, by the L. A. Thompson Co.. under the personal siiDcrvlslon of the Inventor. The offices of tho concern aro located In New York. A handsomely Illustrated and Instructive book about scenic railways has been Issued for distribution. 4 ■» WILLIAM MORRIS. MEN WHO HAVE DEVELOPED •"■ wsjs Interested and generally delignieo wicd WESTERN AMUSEMENTS » a»"»tf ^haSTSJi After April 1 the offices of this well known caterer lo the amusement world In vaudeville will be located two doors east of Tim Clipper office, at 48 West Twenty- clghtli Street. In making tlih move Mr. Morris has been actuated by ttw up town movement of thentrlrals In general. Al- though Fourteenth 8treet, where Mr. Morris hns been a familiar figure for many years, Is by no means altogether deserted, a change In condition has made Itself felt, and the new offices will be found to be central to the present area of activity In his line. Be- sides supplying talent for the weekly bills nt various houses, Mr, Morris runs several Sunday evening concerts, and he hns made himself deservedly popular with managers and performers alike. ♦ «» SULLIVAN, II AlltlIN A WOODS. NO. 1. M. C. ANDBRSON, of Cincinnati, O., Is one of the best known and most popular theatrical managers In the West. Mr. An- derson leased the old Fountain Square The- atre, Cincinnati, about ten years ago. The house was considered a "morgue," and sev- eral managers made a dismal effort to make a success of It. It was badly located, the main entrance being on a narrow street, and It was Impossible to secure suitable at- tractions. Mr, Anderson, however, with his accustomed energy, made an arcade of the street, placed two thousand Incandescent lights on arches, and made a most attractive and brilliant thoroughfare. The next ques- tion of Importance was booking attractions. Every obstacle was placed in his path, and only by giving large cash certainties did he book bis time. Among the stars who played the theatre were Evans and Hoey, In "A Parlor Match," In which Anna Held made her first appearance, and Clnclnnatlans were astonished to find a line of carriages around the block. Tbe engagement was a tremend- ous success, and Anderson had won his fight. "The Passing Show," the big Casino succees, was another big card, as was "The Twentieth Century Girl," and others, too numerous to mention. Mr. Anderson then conceived tbe Idea of a high class vaude- ville theatre, and built the magnificent Co- lumbia Theatre on tbe site of the old Foun- tain, at an outlay of over $15,000. The theatre now has a beautiful stone front, with a beautiful entrance on Walnut Street, op- posite the post office, tbe centre of traffic In the Queen City. The Columbia has proven a veritable sold mine, and Mr. Anderson's hard struggle has been fully recompensed. Mr. Anderson Is also the lessee ot the Wal- nut Street Theatre, the favorite popular priced theatre In Cincinnati, playing the best .combinations on tbe roan. He also controls the Grand Opera House, Indlanapo Us, which Is devoted to high class vaudeville. He Is one of tbe charter members of the Vaudeville Managers' Association ot Ameri- ca, which Is composed of owners of the lead- ing vaudeville theatres In America. Be Is also a representative of the board of' di- rectors of tbe booking department of the Western Vaudeville Managers, whose suite of offices are located In tbe Ashland Block, Chicago. Mr. Anderson has traveled ex- tensively in every State In the country, Is a life member of the Cincinnati Lodge of Elks, and counts his friends by the thou sanda «■» BARNUM £ BAILBY BACK HOMK. This firm has become prominent In the- atricals, as their various companies, pre- senting for the most melodramas with sen- satlonnl features, are scattered throughout the United States, and they have also In- vaded Europe. "The Fatal Wedding" Is one of their most successful, and they have lately secured "Jim Bludso," the latest melodramatic success, for their Hit of at trnetlons. which also Includes "The King of Detectives," Joe Welch. In "The Peddler:" "For Her Children's Bake." "The Bnad to Ruin" and "The Itaee for Honor," and these are constantly being added to Undoubtedly that which will command the greateet attention In the tented world during the coming season will be the reap- pearance In this country of the Barnum A Bailey Greatest Show or Earth after Its absence In Europe for a terra of five years. . This show has always occupied, since It* original organization, a commanding position In the amusement tented field of America, and It may be said to occupy a similar po- sition throughout Europe. It Is without any rival whatever In Europe. It.must be un- derstood that European countries were fractlcaly Ignorant qf this class of exhlbl- Ion until they were made acquainted wltb It by the Barnum A Bailey Show, although the show was In London for a few months during the Winter of 1880-00. Tbe Barnum A Bailey Show now has the distinction of being tbe only tented Instl' tutlon that has exhibited on every continent on tbe globe save one—Africa.. It has made three .trips to foreign lands, the.first one beginning In'1876, and covering Australia, some countries In Asia, New Zealand, .and nearly all of South America. This fact gives It a standing as an international exhl- tloa that Is enjoyed by no.other circus in tbe world. The advantages accruing in the way of experience and'personal knowledge of the various forms of attractions and feat- ures that other countries might supply Is easily manifest. James A. Bailey, who has been Its guiding spirit during Its existence, has . the necessary knowledge to take ad- vantage of every opportunity tbat Is of- fered, and during the coming season he will Introduce many features and innovations that will be entirely new In America. An- nouncements as to their number and char- acter will come In tbe nature of a surprise, both to the show world and the public, when tbe show opens this Benson, some time next month, In Madison Square Garden, New York, and subsequently under canvas Tbe show will be Increased In size beyond that which has heretofore been regarded as a possibility. There are limitations to trans- portation facilities and In. securing the necessary area In lots and various other considerations which hare made such a show, as It Is commonly expected the Bar- num A Bailey Show will be, to be regarded ns an Impossible proposition,' Mr. Bailey has given the show world so many surprises In the put that It Is quite natural to ex- pect more In the future. Mr. Bailey has already engaged a very large number of leading American perform- ers, and It Is known that he Is having an enormous amount of new material made In New York and otber American cities. In fact. It Ib said at the show's headquarters that all the new materia! will be or Amer- ican construction. At tho New York offices of the show, which occupy 12.600 square feet of space In tbe new McCreery Building, at 112114 West Forty-second Street, and 107 to 117. Inclusive. West Forty-first Street, there Is the urea test possible activity, and this same condition obtains at tbe enormous Winter quarters, at Brldeport. Mr. Bnlley contemplates remaining home for a number of years, and he has had several new build- ings erected at Winter quarters, among them a new stable, 800x100ft. in site, and two and one-half stories high, which con- tains MO box stalls. Likewise has he plsced an order In the hone market In New York for 800 head of fancy draught horses, which Is tbe largest order l.i the history of the New York horse market. The purchase price of these horses amounts to * 100.500. These horses will be added to those which were brought back wltb the entire ebow from Europe. Personally everyone connected with th» show expresses the liveliest, gratification at being home again, and, while they JBBBial- ways Interested and generally delighted with the strange scenes and curious customsi of the different countries tbey visited while abroad, they are unanimous In the use of tbe expression. "America Is good enough for mo—there Is no place like Dome." «»» IMPORTANT TO THE PROFESSION. W. J. Vlckery, Inspector In charge of the Post Office Department at Cincinnati, O., writes aa follows: "For a number of months past trav- eling companies tbat bave advertised In your paper for a team to fill emergen- cies have received answers from a fellow who has used letterheads representing him- self as 'Gray and Fisher,' 'Evans and Bogers.' 'Charles E. Evans' aad 'Chris. Fisher.' The lettera are gotten up on a typewriter and manifolded, and offer the services of his team for twenty to thirty dollars per week, and claiming all sorts of qualifications. Those who answered In- variably received a call for transportation, and possibly expense money. After this was furnished the team was never heard of again. . "We have tbe names and correspondence of two or three victims, and on tbe loth Inst. Inspectors Moore and Owen caused tbe arrest of Chris. Fisher, celling for mall In all these names, at Fremont, Ohio. It Is certain that Fisher has numerous victims of whom we have not heard, and, in order to convict him and get the proper sentence, I should like your help In the way of calling on all victims to send Immediately their correspondence with this concern and a statement as to any tickets or money tbat may bave been forwarded. If such corres- pondence Is sent to this office, together wltb their prospective route, In order that v'ctlms may be reached by mall, It will be of great use Is putting a atop to this kind of ewlnd- llng." <i» THE) BAGGESEN9, Carl and Sapphire, Are now appearing In this country with as great success as formerly, after having layed a decidedly effective engagement In Jurope, where their act waa booked for re- turn dates everywhere they appeared. Carl Boggesen made his first stage appearance In his native town, Odense, Denmark, in a pantomime, and later played In a Turner society In tbat city. He then went with a circus, doing his contortion act, and after bis marriage he Joined tbe Circus Rsncy. In France, with which he was billed as "The Human Corkscrew." J. W. Gllmore then booked blm for this country as a feature with Kernell ft Williams' Co.. and be ap- peared later with Hallen ft Hart's Co., go- ing to the coast after that with Barnum ft Bailey's Circus. His wife's skill as a Jug- fler made It possible for them to appear ogether In an act wblch made Immediate success, and tbe team played the leading vaudeville bouses, to marked favor, remain- ing In that branch of the theatrical business ever since. ««» — Will K. Booth, advance representative of Mons. La Place's "Jesse James" Co., closed with tbat organization at Bristol. Tenn., and signed as advance of Austin ft Stlner's "Uncle Josh Skinner" Co., joining them at Marlon, Va. .. * ' * TOURS TO LOS ANGELES ON ACCOUNT OF THE Presbyterian General Assembly. P, 1 E Under the Personally-Conducted .Hn- tem ot the Pennsylvania Railroad. For the Presbyterian General Assembly at Los Angeles, Cal., May 21 to June 1, the Pennsylvania Railroad Company has ar- ranged three trans continental tours at ex- traordinarily low rates. Special trains of high grade Pullman equipment will be run on desirable schedules. A Tourist Agent. Chaperon, Official Stenographer, snd Bpeclnl Baggage Master will accompany each train, to promote the comfort ana pleasure of tbe tourists. All Sundsy travel will be avoided. The Pennsylvania Itailrnail t» the ontji railroad that tcfll run tour$ to Lot Ano'le* on.'this occasion under Iff cum Personally- Conducted Byiitm. No. 1. Assembly Totin. Special train of baggage, Pullman dining and drawing-room sleeping cars will leave New York May 13. going via Chicago, Den- ver, and tbe Royal Gorge, stopping at Colo- rado Springs. Bait Lake City and Ran Fran- cisco, arriving Los Angeles May 20: leavlig Los Angeles, returning, June 1. via the Santa Fe Route and Chicago; arriving New York June S. Round-trip rate, including transportation, Pullman accommodations, and meals on special train, S134.R0 from New York, niri2.7(V from .Philadelphia, •128.7S from Baltimore and Washington. •120.00 from Pittsburg, and proportionate rates from other points. .- Tickets for this tour, covering all features until arrival at Lou Angeles, with transpor- tation only returning "Independently on regu- lar trains via going route,,- New Orleans, or Ogden and St. Louis, and good to stop off at authorized Western points, will be sold at rate, of flOO.tlO from New York, aiOT.TIJ from Philadelphia. S104.7S from Baltimore and Washington. fOR.oo from Pittsburg; re- turning via Portland, an.no more. No. 2. Yellowstone Park Tour. Special train of baggage, Pullman dining, drawing-room sleeping, and observation cars will leave New York May 12, going via Cbl- . cago, Denver, Colorado Springs and Salt Lake City, with stops en route, arriving Los Angeles May 20;- returning, leave Los An geles June 1, via Santa Barbara, San Jose. Ban Francisco, Seattle and- St. Paul, with stops en route and a complete tour of Yel- lowstone Park; arriving New York June 23. Rate, Including all necessary expense, except hotel accommodations In- Los Angeles and San Francisco,. S2B8.00 from New York, ■2S1.25 from Philadelphia, §240.21% from Baltimore and Washington, S244.00 from Pittsburg, and proportionate rates from other points. No. 8. Home Mission Tour. Special train of baggage, Pullman dining and drawing-room sleeping cars will leave New York May 18. going via Chicago and Santa Fe Route, Grand Canon of Arlzonn, and Riverside, arriving l.os Angeles May 20, leaving Los Angeles, returning. June 1 via Santa Barbara. San Francisco, Salt Lake City, Royal Gorge and Denver, arriving New Vork June 11. Bate, Including all necessary expenses except hotel accommoda- tions In 1/08 Angeles and San Francisco. •1KD.00 from New York, S1B0.T5 from Philadelphia. IHK2.7S from Baltimore and Washington, SS144.B0 from Pittsburg, and proportionate rates from other points. Tickets for this tour, covering all features until arrival at Los Angeles and transporta- tion only returning Independently via direct routes with authorized stop overs, will be sold at rate $121.00 from New York. •11R.FSO from Philadelphia, «110.00 from Raltlmore and Washington. SllO.OO from Pittsburg; returning via Portland, fll.OO more. The tours outlined above have the Indorse- ment of the officers of the Preahytertan Gen- eral Assembly, and are designed to meet the requirements of those attending tbe General Assembly as well as those desiring to visit the Fn rifle coast at a minimum expense. Detailed Itinerary Is now In course of preparation. Apply to Geo. W. Boyd. Assist- ant General Passenger Agent. Rrnad Htreet Station. Philadelphia DAVID BBLASCO, That man of many ambitions, varied talent, and untiring energy and perseverance la accomplishing we purposes, realised a long cberlshed desire when he secured a theatre of his own whoreln he might carry out the many Ideas regarding stage productions wtlsh he has garnered during an experience of thirty years In theatricals, and which It war Impossible for him to Illustrate as he wished In playhouses of wblch he was only a temporary tenant. Furthermore, he pro- vided Mrs. Leslie Carter with a permanent dramatic abode, wherein she may remain as long aa sho pleases each season. Thus he has made It posalble for ber to gratify her artistic tastes by appearing In more than tbe one role heretofore permitted her during every recurring metropolitan engagement. In effecting this arrangement Mr. Belaaco gave additional proof of tbat enterprise wblch has placed him In the front rank of American managers. Having absolute control of the new Belasco Theatre, he Is the most unique and one of the most Im- portant personages In the theatrical life of New lork. He Is likely to realise more fully tban any of bis contemporaries the highest Ideals In dramatic production. There Is no disputing the fact that he Is the most skilful of native playwrights, the greateet of our stage directors, the most discerning of our managers In discovering and de- veloping fine talent, and the most artistic of our dramatic producers. His career has been a constant and hard struggle to realize his ambitions and to secure proper recogni- tion. He has achieved success by unremit- ting toll In the application of bis various talents to the furtherance of his purposes. Coming out of the West—from San Fran- cisco, some years ago—he met with many discouragements, and had to suffer many of fortune's bulfetlngB before be could secure a firm foothold In the theatrical whirl of the East. Among the earlier revelations of his talent which attracted the attention of managers and the tbeatregolng public, was bis play writing, In collaboration with the late Henry C. De Mllle, which resulted in such popular productions as '"Qbe Wife." "Lord Chumley," '■The Charity Ball" and "Men and Women." It was not, however, until he had written "Tbe Heart of Maryland" and had brought forward Mrs. Carter In the role of Its heroine that he started on the highly pros- ferous career which has since been Ills t waa a lucky day for him, and particu- larly for her, when he met this lady of tbe Titian locks and strenuous emotions. She had knocked at the doors of many managers, without receiving any encouragement to Sursue an artistic career. Tbat they lacked Iscernment. and that their Judgment was all wrong, has been conclusively sbown by her subsequent achievements. In "Tbe Heart of Maryland" she as- tonished the wiseacres and captivated the- atregoers by ber ability in emotional ex- pression ana by ber polished methods. Bhe Las become a dramatic artist and a formid- able rival to the reigning foreign favorites. But neither she nor Mr. Belasco waa content with what had been achieved. Master and pupil continued to study, and her appear- ance In "Zaza," four years ago, resulted In a greater artistic and popular triumph for both, and In a substantial Increase In their financial fortunes. Then on Christmas, 1001, came "Du Barry." The sweeping triumph which on that memorable first night rewarded both Mrs. Carter, tbe star, and Mr. Belasco, tbe author of the play, Is still fresh In our memory. The applause which was their, nightly reward for six montbB of last see- son continued at the new Belasco Theatre, on Forty-second Street, near Broadway, throughout tbe first half of tbe present season. > In many ways Mr. Belasco has declared bis unique ability, and now. that he baa a New York theatre to do with as he pleases, metropolitan patrons of the drama may con- fidently rely upon blm to achieve results In theatrical productions finer even than "Du Barry" and "Tbe Darling of the Gods." or any of tbe plays that have given him an International reputation. A representative of The Clipper saw Mr. Belasco at his own theatre a few nights ago and asked his* opinion on tbe policy wlilch he has recently followed In spending such large sums In producing plays. "I have always believed, 110 answered, "that the best policy to pursue toward a public, especially one that has been so kind and generous is tbe American public has been, both to Mrs. Carter and myself. Is to -ivo back to them by far the biggest part of what they spend at our box office. No, . am not In the theatrical business for the sake of getting together big sums of money for my own comforts. Tbat may seem to be a foolish thing,to say, but I assure you It Is quite true. I don't pretend that I have no special desire for money, for that would be equally unreasonable. I think I may truthfully say, however, that I look upon it chiefly si a means to an end. I am anxious tbat all my stars and productions may be exceedingly profitable at all times, and that tbey may make records In all tbe theatres where they may play—wblch, In- deed, has been the case almost weekly throughout tbe season. But It has been sincerely my own ambition to bave the public's patronage, tbat I might return to them, aa a sort ot interest en their Invest- ment, a comfortable and homelike theatre, the richest and most artistic productions, and the best costs obtainable to support Mrs Carter and my other stars. "To me tbe drama Is flrat of all an art and pastime; It l'j of secondary Interest as a business and a profession. I think the public will appreciate this, for they have shown this appreciation especially during Mrs. Carter's two seasons' run of 'Du Barry,' and now during 'The Darling; of the Gods,' In which I am starring Mies Bates. Take 'Du Barry,' for Instance.' 1 know that the play would have been equally successful with simply Mrs. Carter and her Sreat acting as the one attraction. But a ne Jewel wants a fine setting. And so Mrs. Carter's superb talents snow better their true worth when surrounded by the scenery, coetuuca and properties which sent up tho cost of the 'Du Barry' production to such unusual figures. I was laughed at by theatrical men In general when they heard I was Investing such a sum on what ap- peared to them an uncertainty. But I knew Mrs. Carter, and I think I know the public At all events both supported my Invest mem so nobly and generously that I decided, as the second feature of the new theatre's managerial policy, to make all its produc- tions, beginning with 'The Darling of the Gods,' ns perfect, aa real, and as artistic as the subject of the ploy would permit." Tbe triumphant success of tbe new Japan- ese drama, his latest work, In which Blanche Bates Is appearing with such success at the new Belasco Theatre, Is of such recent re- port that It Is scarcely necessary to dwell upon It now. Of all the plays and produc- tions of the year "The Darling of the Gods" Is easily the first by virtue of many re- . nmrkeble qualities. It Is the most beauti- ful, the most dainty, and the most artistic dramatic offering made this season, and fully merits the great success with which II has met. While Mrs. Leslie Carter, In Philadelphia. Is packing the Broad Street Theatre to Its very doors, breaking all the records of that house, here, In New York. at the home theatre, "The Darling of the Gods" la continuing the capacity receipts with which Mrs. Carter Inaugurated tbe first season of this house. And all this Is tbe result of one man's genius and versatility. When these thing* are calmly considered, tbey raise a brilliant hope for the future of the American stage