“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 this new production. Its success will leave me free to give all my attention to your new play for next season and will ensure the working out of all my plans. It is only with our triumphs that I can hope to beat the Syndicate. My dear girl, by this time I am sure you have reconsidered your telegram and will help me out. Please—please, do! There is nothing within my power that I will not grant if you ask it, so I beg of you again, please help me out.
“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.)