Moving Picture News (Jan-Jun 1912)

THE MOVING PICTURE NEWS THE MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITORS' LEAGUE OF AMERICA MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITORS' LEAGUE OF PENNSYLVANIA AT PITTSBURGH At the opening on Tuesday, June 25th. ^Ir. Christensen and Mr. ^lorris made a short address thanking the exhibitors for the honor of addressing such a distinguished lot of business men. Nomination of Officers. President: Walter Steumpfig has been nominated bj" Harry ^NlcGowan. seconded by Z^Ir. \'ictor. Motion carried. Gloved by Mr. Delves, seconded by Charles Bennett that the nomination close and "Doc" Steumpfig elected by acclamation. "Doc." Steumpfig in his address thanks the organization for the honor in placing him. First vice-president: Cresson E. Smith nominated b^ Fred J. Herrington, seconded b} H. A. Victor. Moved by ^Ir. McKee. seconded by Charles Bennett, ^lotion carried. Mr. Smith elected hy acclamation. In a few remarks. Mr. Smith thanked the organization for the honor in placing him and selecting him as first vicepresident. Motion carried. Second vice-president: ^Ir. Miller, of Plymouth, is nominated for second vice-president by H. A. Victor. Moved by Mr. Katchem, seconded b} ;Mathew Tipletz. Elected by acclamation. Mr. ^Miller elected second vice-president. Secretary: ^Ir. Roth, of Philadelphia, is nominated by H. A. ^'ictor. }vloved hy H. A. \"ictor, seconded by Katchem that the nomination close. The motion carried. !Mr. Roth elected by acclamation. Treasurer: F. J. Barbin bj' thirty-three votes, while Harrj McGowan had twenty-six votes. Mr. Barbin elected, ^lotion carried bj' acclamation. Tuesday, June 2.5, 1912. National vice-president: Nominated by 'Sir. Siegle, Fred J. Herrington for national vice-president. Seconded by !Mr. Miller. Moved by Cresson E Smith that motion be closed. Motion carried. ^Ir. Herrington then made a speech thanking the organization for the election. Delegates: G. C. Miller, of Plymouth: Latto, of Beaver Falls; Harry Kliehm. of Pittsburgh: Henry Poke, of Pittsburgh; Harry E. Reiflf. of Pittsburgh: Harry ^IcGowan. of Pittsburgh. Delegates: Reif¥. r^lcGowan and Poke. Alternates will be the three lesser delegates. 3iloved by Fred J. Herrington. 'Sir. Poke declines the nomination. Mr. ^vliller nominated and elected by acclamation. Alternates: yir. !Mercer, of Monaca. Pa.; John Wick. Jr., of Kittaning; Ed. Fisher; James Smith, of Hazelwood, Pittsburgh; Ellswick, of Vandergrift; John Hayes, of Philadelphia; Silvermann, of Altoona. [Moved by Mr. Fred J. Herrington, seconded by 'Mr. Delves that the nomination be closed, ^lotion carried. Alternates: Hayes, of Philadelphia: Silvermann. of Altoona: fiercer, of !Monaca; and "Doc" Steumpfig moves that the next convention be held at Philadelphia. ^Ir. Herrington seconds motion. [Motion carried. Moved b} Fred J. Herrington, seconded by 'Mr. Victor that the second annual convention of the Pennsj-lvania State Organization No. 3 be held at Philadelphia, first [Mondaj and Tuesday in June. [Moved by Charles Bennett, seconded hy [Mr. [Miller, that we extend a rising vote of thanks to the stenographer and also [Mr. Neff for the efficient services tendered us during this meeting. [Motion carried. A rising vote of thanks was extended to the convention officers. A rising vote of thanks was given to the officers, to the past officers. A rising vote of thanks was given to :^Ir. Nefif. [Moved by [Mr. [Miller, seconded by Ketcham, that the meeting be adjourned at 12:45. WASHINGTON, D. C. Another attempt was made on Saturday, June 22nd, to form an exhibitors' association in the capital of the nation. This is attributed chiefly to the efforts of M. A. Neif, president of the [Motion Picture Exhibitors League of America, who presided as chairman of the meeting. Although all exhibitors were notified, only eleven responded to the call and attended the meeting which was held at the Palace Theatre on Ninth street. President Neff plai:ily set forth the advantages of a local association in many ways. He dwelt upon the unjust and arbitrary license that was imposed in many cities and how these conditions had been adjusted by the exhibitors' league. He pointed out how such a union of amusement men could effect and control legislation towards the motion picture, which had been the butt of so many injustices of law-makers who had no interest in the industry or sought to know its advantages. Especially did he see where the men of Washington could do a service in the Halls of Congress, not only for themselves but for the exhibitor all over the country. [Mr. Nef? also mentioned the necessity of effecting an organization at this time, so that a charter could be granted from the National Association and representatives from Washington sent to the coming Chicago convention. At the conclusion of Mr. Neff's remarks, Fulton Brylawski, temporary secretary, spoke briefly of the need of unity of exhibitors, further strengthening the former speaker's words. He made mention of the previous attempts of forming an exhibitors' association, which had amounted to little. He reminded the companj of the Johnson Sundaj' Bill in Congress which has appeared regular!}^ at every session for some time past. The attitude of exhibitors to out-do their neighbor in adding an "extra reel" to his show was also touched upon. [Mr. Brj-lawski concluded his remarks by moving that a temporary organization be formed with temporar3' officers, and that a permanent one be effected at the next meeting, when a more representative number of exhibitors should be present. There was some objection to this on the grounds that there were sufficient exhibitors on hand for a permanent organization then. However, [Mr. Brylawski's point was seconded and carried and the election of temporarj^ officers was next in order. There was no delaj' in the election, which resulted as follows: President, A. J. Brjiawski, president of the corporation that controls a number of picture houses; vice•president, E. S. Wertz, of the [Maryland Theatre; and secretar3--treasurer, Fulton Brylawski, of the Senate. All of these are men of business ability, who are interested in the advancement of the motion picture industrj with the needs of the exhibitors at heart. A motion was made and seconded that a charter be applied for from the national association, and before Mr. Neft left that evening for Pittsburgh, this was put in his hands in the proper form by the newly elected secretary. Before the adjournment the next meeting was called for June 28, when a permanent organization will be accomplished. It was indeed a treat to have the enthusiasm of [Mr. Neff among the Washington exhibitors. He is a plain talker and one who believes in doing now. Two other out-of-town members were also present at this meeting. These were A. K. Greenland, of the Gaumont Company, and C. Lang Cobb, Jr., of the Reliance Company. Their attendance was appreciated and during their stay in the city they found much to interest them among the exhibitors and at the exchange. W. H. Albany, N.Y. — Dan Deegan has leased the Smith Opera House from [M. M. Gutstadt. Portersville, Calif. — The Dreamland at Main and Thurman streets has opened.