  The following telegrams, sent by Belasco and his general manager, Roeder, are significantly indicative of the consideration shown by the former toward the players in his employ, as well as of the character of his mind, and for that reason they are printed here: the actor referred to, Mr. Benrimo, who played the Fool in “Adrea,” might properly enough have been transferred to Mrs. Carter’s company, without discussion: (Telegram, David Belasco to Blanche Bates, in St. Louis.) “New York, October, 1904. “You know I would not do anything to imperil your cast or to jeopardize our western tour. Always thought it unadvisable to double Prince and Kato in San Francisco and always intended sending another man to play Prince. “If it were not absolutely necessary for me to have Benrimo in my new play, I would not ask for him. There happens to be no man disengaged at present to suit this peculiar part, which means so much to the success of the play. You may not quite understand why it should be so, but so it really is. At the present moment I am engaged in the greatest fight of my life and everything depends on “David Belasco.” (Telegram, Benjamin F. Roeder to Blanche Bates in St. Louis.) “New York, October, 1904. “In making original cast ‘Darling’ Mr. Belasco requested other of his stars, who gladly consented. Regret, as one of your best friends, that you don’t follow dictates your own heart and accord what is, after all, only a courtesy. Mr. Belasco has been kind and generous to you always. Money has never stood in way when he could do anything to make you happy. In consequence Chicago fire we are still much money behind on original investment ‘Darling’ and Mr. Belasco has more than fulfilled his contract with you. We paid out thousands to secure your new play—have been obliged to forfeit all and Mr. Belasco has been forced to write one himself to give you ‘Blanche Bates part.’ I have not shown him your telegram and don’t want to. This is the time he needs good soldiers. Be one like the rest of us. You will lose nothing in the end. Anyway, Benrimo is not ’Frisco favorite. Under no circumstances could we allow two such important parts to be played by one man in ’Frisco. Mr. Belasco is rehearsing the new men. They leave Wednesday and will strengthen the cast. “B. F. Roeder.” (Telegram, David Belasco to Blanche Bates, in St. Louis.) “New York, November, 1904. “Thanks! Thanks! You’re a dear brick and some day I will do as much to relieve you of anxiety. Buy the prettiest and finest rider’s dress, with hat and cloak to match, and send the bill to me. I am sending you two good actors, one for the Prince, the other for the Fisherman. I am rehearsing them myself. After all, it would have been dangerous for us to permit any one actor to double the parts in ’Frisco. You must think so too, so instead of weakening the cast I am strengthening it. “But never mind that, you have helped me out of a dilemma and you’re a bully girl. As soon as the play is on I shall join the company and spend some days with you to talk over your new piece and the cast. It will be well to begin to get the eight people under contract. If all goes well,—and it will,—you’ll be in New York all next year! Love to your mother and yourself. “David Belasco.” |
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