Motography (Jul-Dec 1917)

1086 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XVIII, No. 21. price of those that are obtainable, advanced from several hundred to several thousands of per cent, and with the necessity of the American Unit to take with it even stable articles of food, such as flour, tea and coffee, it is reasonable to assume that my personal expenses for which in traveling about Russia, I could not always account to the Government by voucher, would several times exceed the amount of my compensation. As I explained to you, I looked upon this item merely as one which would partially cover expenses out of my own pocket. "As to being given supreme power in Russia to conduct the business at hand, and to direct the expenditures necessary to produce the quickest and best results, such authority would follow as a matter of course, otherwise no competent man could undertake the work. "As I explained to you, I would only attempt to handle the matter in a big way, fully consistent with the presentation by the United States Government, and with getting the largest percentage of people to thinking upon the same subject at the same time; and I assume that the Government would want me to conduct its business in just such a manner, for my observation is that governments at war make all expenditures necessary to produce all possible influences in the winning of the war, whether such influences be large or small. "If the Government desires me to undertake this work in a manner that will mean success, I shall be only too happy to do so; if it does not desire me so to do, I will be very greatly disappointed, in not being able to do my 'bit.' But as a patriot, I feel that it would not be the part of good conscience for me to undertake a work involving such splendid possibilities under conditions which, in my judgment, would make for failure. "Sincerely, "Walter W. Irwin." Mr. Creel in his reply to this letter accepted Mr. Irwin's resignation and expressed regret that the government will be deprived of his services in this matter. Answering this letter of acceptance Mr. Irwin said: "If anything new arises in which I can be of service, I beg ot you to call upon me with the assurance of my eagerness to be of assistance." Lee Kiddies Have Specially Equipped Studio George Weston Book Subject of Kennedy Film Madge Kennedy, newest of photoplay stars and a player who has brought her brilliant artistry over from the dramatic stage to a fresh medium, is to be the means of introducing another artist to the new field of the screen. Miss Kennedy's next picture will be based on "Oh! Mary, Be Careful," the novel by George Weston. Roberts a Full-Fledged Aviator George Lewis Roberts, now of the United States Aviation corps and formerly connected with the office staff of the American Film company, dropped in at the plant last week to display his new uniform and leggings and invite compliments from a group of admirers. Mr. Roberts is ready to leave for France at any time. WHEN recently, through General Manager Sheehan of the Fox Film Corporation it was announced that hereafter Jane and Katherine Lee, the "Baby Grand" stars, would be starred in Fox Standard Pictures, there was set aside for them a special studio at Fort Lee where they will work for a solid year. Dressing rooms such as are provided for the most important stars in filmdom are at their disposal; rest rooms furnished with everything in which children delight are there; playing quarters were not overlooked and should they want to remain over night at the studio, sleeping rooms are ready for them. Millionaires' children are not more carefully looked after than these charming little artists. They are tutored by nuns and regular hours designated for daily studies. Teachers of dancing have them in charge five hours each week and their music teacher has claim on certain hours of their time. Jane and Katherine have regular "at home" days too and no more charming hostesses can be found than they, one afternoon of every week when they entertain their children friends at the Lee Kiddies studios. The Lee children have just completed "Troublemakers," a comedy drama, scheduled for early release. Confident that in Jane and Katherine he has the two best juvenille film comediennes on the screen Mr. Fox is formulating plans insuring for these little celebrities everything that can possibly be of aid to them in their endeavors. Writers of note in the comedy scenario field have been asked to submit to Mr. Fox stories especially adapted to the Lee Kiddies and they have been told that no price would be considered too high for suitable material. Writers making a specialty of stories in which children are prominent are busy now preparing script along lines suggested by Mr. Fox and from this material there will be selected scenarios that will best afford opportunities for the Lee Kiddies exploitation. No other children in film have received more favorable notice in newspapers throughout the country than the Lee children and they have sustained this popularity in every production in which they appear. Booker Changes Jobs Harry Fryklund, former booker in the Minneapolis exchange of the General Film Company, has been appointed booker in the Mutual exchange of the same city. He has had several years' booking experience. A bit of art photography entitled "A Study in Curves," posed by Juliet Dav whose clothes are hung on the hickory limb in the background. Miss Day is an American-Mutual star.