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22 The Billboard August 2, 1913

BUFFALO BILL-PAWNEE BILL SHOW CLOSES

The Season Came To An Abrupt and Surprising End

AT DENVER ON JULY 22

Performers, Bosses and Many Heads of Departments
Stunned By the Unexpected Turn of Affairs

UNIVERSAL REGRET

Felt and Freely Expressed By People in All Branches of the Business

-------------------------------------------------------

The end came suddenly. It was like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky. The minions of the law swooped down upon the show, too possession of everything and the career of the big Wild West was brought to a finish.

Like a big, fine man in the prime of life, stricken and laid low by a fatal stroke, it collapsed, quivered and lay still.

"All over" megaphoned the announcer Tuesday night as the concert ended and the words, echoing throughout the arena, seemed like the dying gasp of the famous attractioin.

The immediate cause of the closing of the Buffalo Bill-Pawnee Bill Wild West Shows was a suit in attachment by the United States Lithographing Company, of Cincinnati and New York.

Contributing causes were poor business last year, and this and Colonel Cody's inability to come forward with his assessment for monies needed to discharge pressing obligations.

The first attachment of the printing company was levied Monday night, July 21. Twenty deputy sheriffs, presided over by Commissioner of Safety Alexander Nesbitt, took possession of everything on the lot (Union Park), and entering the ticket wagon, received all monies paid for admission. This course was continued at both performances Tuesday. Considerable cash was realized in this way, and the wherewithal for immediate and necessary outlay provided.

Judge Perry issued the attachment. Adolph Marks, attorney of Chicago, represented the United States Lithographing Company. The attachment was for

$66,000

due for posters and printing furnished by the U. S. Lithograph Company to the show last year and this. There was due on last years' account, $16,000, evidenced by two notes, both overdue. Of the remaining $50,000, part had been used and part was still on hand in the printing company's plant.

Major Lillie was and always has been ready to pay his half of this indebtedness, but Colonel Cody could not come forward with his.

Realizing that if he did pay his half, that he would still be liable for the balance, Major Lillie just quietly refused to pay any part of the claim, and thereby forced the issue.

Several conferences were held at the show grounds and in the offices of various Denver attorneys on Monday, and again on Tuesday, between Colonel Cody, Major Lillie, Mr. Mraks, Mr. De Monteluzin and others, but Mr. Lillie stood firm, and these conferences failed.

Major Lillie came in for considerable adverse and unkind criticism when this became known, but it was ill-advised and most unjust.

This is the last year of the partnership between him and Col. Cody. They separate at the end of the season, and if the Major did not want to go in any deeper, under these circumstances, surely he was justified.

It was a business matter, and as such, sentiment did not enter into it.

Early on Tuesday, Adolph Mers, who, by the way, is general counsel for the United States Printing & Lithographing Company, gave out the following statement to the press, viz.:

"As general counsel for the United States Printing and Lithograph Co., I can say that we have none but the friendliest feelings for Col. William Cody. Colonel Cody is an honest man. If it is possible for a man to be too honest, then Colonel Cody is that man. When Colonel Cody returned to America from his last great tour of Europe he [paid voluntarily to the?] Bailey estate the sum of [???] estate had not the scratch of a [??] which to claim that debt. But Cody knew that he owed the money and Cody paid it on his own volition. So, my company believes in Colonel Cody and, if Colonel Cody had his way, there would be no attachment on the show now. But Cody's hands have been tied, and they have been tied by the way in which he seems to have deeded over all his property to his present partner, Major Lillie--the Pawnee Bill of this present show combination.

TERMS OF CONTRACT FOR THE PRINTING.

"Here are the facts in the case. In December the United States Printing & Lithographing Co. entered into a joint and several contract with Colonel Cody and Major Lillie for the printing of all their posters and lithografic matter and programs and date bills for the season of 1913. It was estimated that that printing would amount in the season to about $50,000. At that time my company held notes to the value of $16,000 from the Buffalo Bill-Pawnee Bill Show which notes matured in April and May of this year and which notes, also, were indorsed by Major Lillie.

"Now, then, up to the beginning of July of this year my company had supplied to the Cody-Lillie show printing to the value of $40,000. Up to the beginning of July we had not received a cent on account of that printing. About July 1 my company instructed me to attach the show, which came to Chicago at that time. I prepared to attach but Major Lillie saw me and askt for time. Lillie agreed to send me $10,000 on account of the $60,000 if we would let the show go unattached and continue on for about two more weeks. This I agreed to do, altho Lillie's notes for $16,000 on account of the printing for the previous season were then in default. We felt friendly to Colonel Cody and didn't want to embarass him. After agreeing to that extension of time with Lillie we sent the show printing to the value of $12,000 and that brought the total indebtedness of the Cody-Lillie shows to the printing company--for this present season--to more than $16,000. And not one cent had been paid on that account. However, we did not attach in Chicago and the show went away from there on the tour that brought it to Denver last Sunday.

SAYS LILLIE HAD NOT PAID ONE DOLLAR.

"Now, then, between leaving Chicago and reaching Denver we estimate that the receipts of the show were at least $30,000, and yet Lillie had not sent us a dollar on account of his indebtedness. Therefore, in view of that default of Lillie's, I instructed Charles H. Redmond and John T. Bottom, the attorneys who represent the United States Printing & Lithograph Co. in Denver, to take such measures as they thought necessary here to protect my company.

"I reacht Denver myself Monday morning and had a conference with Colonel Cody and Major Lillie. Redmond and Bottom were present at that conference. Lillie admitted his default and askt that we do nothing until after another conference, which he askt for, on Tuesday--yesterday. But that delay we refused to agree to because it would have given Lillie the receipts for another day and evening. Therefore we attached the show and its cars and--by constructive possession--the tracks on which the cars owned and used by the show are now standing. Lillie has abandoned the men with the show and thrown them upon Denver, but I have arranged for their feeding and housing and I have also arranged for the return of the Indians with the show to their reservations. Meantime I want to say that Lillie has refused to [???]

[GIVES ??? MATTER?]

"Here is the situation regarding that matter:

"We offered to agree to dfer payment of our account for two years if Lillie would transfer to us the mortgages on the real estate he has secured from Colonel Cody. Lillie refused to do this. Lillie holds Cody's estate and Lillie seems to mean to keep it.. Lillie holds from Colonel Cody a mortgage on the Cody ranch in North Platte, which is worth at least $100,000. Lillie holds from Cody a mortgage on the hotel owned by Cody in Cody, Wyo. That hotel is worth $75,000. Colonel Cody is willing to transfer those securities to our company so that the show may be releast to finish the season, but Lillie point blank refuses to make any such transfer, and our only recourse, therefore, was attachment.

BONFILS AND TAMMEN HAVE NOT INTERFERED.

"Now, then, let me say something concerning the connection of Messrs. F. G. Bonfils and H. H. Temmen, owners of the Sells-Floto Circus, with the Buffalo Bill-Pawnee Bill Shows. At the beginning of this season Mr. Bonfils and Mr. Tammen loaned to Colonel Cody and Major Lillie the sum of $20,000 with which to start the season. That loan is now overdue. But Mr. Bonfils and Mr. Tammen have made no attempt of any kind to embarass Colonel Cody and his partner because of default on that loan, and they have not interfered in any way with the legal processes by which I was compelled to protect my company. They have been broadminded and generous thruout. Now, however, and quite naturally, Messrs. Bonfils and Tammen are protecting their own interests, irrespective of anybody else.

"And I want to say finally that nothing would please me or my company more than to see Colonel Cody relieved of his embarassments and on the road again with the show which he has spent his life in building up."

With all due reference to Mr. Marks there was good reason for Mr. Lillie not sending money.

The printing company's bill was not the only one of the show's obligations--not by a long shot.

The United States Tent & Awning Company had five or six thousand dollars coming to them.

Messrs. Tammen and Bonfils advanced $20,000, which went to put the show out this spring.

There was money due to tarpaulins and wagon covers, for stock, for repairs, for cars, for salaries and incidentals of every kind and character, and the books show a steady loss from the opening of the season.

There were occasionally good days, and now and then big ones, but month in the month out the big attraction was a steady loser.

Expressions of sympathy for Col. Cody have been many. Of course, they are well deserved, for it is hard to imagine where one would find a bigger hearted, kinder man and a truer friend.

But just why Major Lillie should not come in for some measure of condolence, is what The Billboard can not understand.

He is square, game, straight, and, though more self-contained, far-seeing, thrifty and provident than Col. Cody, is just as true a friend, just as honest, and, when you know him, just as good a fellow.

No Re-organization Possible.

The Indians, 114 of them, have been returned to their homes in the Sioux reservation at Pine Ridge, S. Dak., the people have scattered, all contracts have been cancelled, and the advance cars have been ordered back to Denver. No re-organization is possible.

The show is through--done, finished--not only for this season, but for all time.

Col. Cody will be featured next season with Col. H. H. Tammen's Sells-Floto Shows.

Major Lillie will, in alll likelihood, have a show, but what kind he has not determined upon.

The Buffalo Bill-Pawnee Bill Wild West and Far East is a thing of the past.

On Wednesday, July 23, the tents, canopy, side-wall, poles, seats, etc., were taken down and loaded. The teams were then hitched to the wagons and the whole show hauled from Union Park out to Overland Park, where the Sells-Floto Show winters its horses.

Ed. Warner, general agent of the Tammen organization, and Frank Tammen, a brother of H. H. Tammen, together with the sheriff, superintended the moving of the show.

The elefants, four in number, and eight camels were sent out to the Sells-FLoto animal barn.

Messrs. Tammen and Bonfils are expected to attach for $20,000, advanced to Col. Cody last spring and which is said was used to get the show out and on the road, if any attempt is made to remove the property from the jurisdiction of the Denver courts.

It may be that the attachment will be actually levied to preclude any attempted removal on a Sunday.

Tony Mason, auditor of the show, arrived at the American Hotel in St. Louis, Thursday and talked pathetically of the finish. He says that he as well as all other attaches of the show were stunned with surprise.

Major Lillie was cool, calm and collected, according to Mr. Mason. "Here's where she blows" observed the Major, "and it might just as well be here as anywhere. You say your books are posted and closed? Then you might as well go home. There will be no reorganization."

He spoke as one who had foreseen and was prepared. Mr. Ashton left St. Louis for his home in Buffalo, N. Y.

(Continued on page 58.)

22 The Billboard August 2, 1913

BUFFALO BILL-PAWNEE BILL SHOW CLOSES

The Season Came To An Abrupt and Surprising End

AT DENVER ON JULY 22

Performers, Bosses and Many Heads of Departments
Stunned By the Unexpected Turn of Affairs

UNIVERSAL REGRET

Felt and Freely Expressed By People in All Branches of the Business

-------------------------------------------------------

The end came suddenly. It was like a bolt of lightning from a clear sky. The minions of the law swooped down upon the show, too possession of everything and the career of the big Wild West was brought to a finish.

Like a big, fine man in the prime of life, stricken and laid low by a fatal stroke, it collapsed, quivered and lay still.

"All over" megaphoned the announcer Tuesday night as the concert ended and the words, echoing throughout the arena, seemed like the dying gasp of the famous attractioin.

The immediate cause of the closing of the Buffalo Bill-Pawnee Bill Wild West Shows was a suit in attachment by the United States Lithographing Company, of Cincinnati and New York.

Contributing causes were poor business last year, and this and Colonel Cody's inability to come forward with his assessment for monies needed to discharge pressing obligations.

The first attachment of the printing company was levied Monday night, July 21. Twenty deputy sheriffs, presided over by Commissioner of Safety Alexander Nesbitt, took possession of everything on the lot (Union Park), and entering the ticket wagon, received all monies paid for admission. This course was continued at both performances Tuesday. Considerable cash was realized in this way, and the wherewithal for immediate and necessary outlay provided.

Judge Perry issued the attachment. Adolph Marks, attorney of Chicago, represented the United States Lithographing Company. The attachment was for

$66,000

due for posters and printing furnished by the U. S. Lithograph Company to the show last year and this. There was due on last years' account, $16,000, evidenced by two notes, both overdue. Of the remaining $50,000, part had been used and part was still on hand in the printing company's plant.

Major Lillie was and always has been ready to pay his half of this indebtedness, but Colonel Cody could not come forward with his.

Realizing that if he did pay his half, that he would still be liable for the balance, Major Lillie just quietly refused to pay any part of the claim, and thereby forced the issue.

Several conferences were held at the show grounds and in the offices of various Denver attorneys on Monday, and again on Tuesday, between Colonel Cody, Major Lillie, Mr. Mraks, Mr. De Monteluzin and others, but Mr. Lillie stood firm, and these conferences failed.

Major Lillie came in for considerable adverse and unkind criticism when this became known, but it was ill-advised and most unjust.

This is the last year of the partnership between him and Col. Cody. They separate at the end of the season, and if the Major did not want to go in any deeper, under these circumstances, surely he was justified.

It was a business matter, and as such, sentiment did not enter into it.

Early on Tuesday, Adolph Mers, who, by the way, is general counsel for the United States Printing & Lithographing Company, gave out the following statement to the press, viz.:

"As general counsel for the United States Printing and Lithograph Co., I can say that we have none but the friendliest feelings for Col. William Cody. Colonel Cody is an honest man. If it is possible for a man to be too honest, then Colonel Cody is that man. When Colonel Cody returned to America from his last great tour of Europe he [paid voluntarily to the?] Bailey estate the sum of [???] estate had not the scratch of a [??] which to claim that debt. But Cody knew that he owed the money and Cody paid it on his own volition. So, my company believes in Colonel Cody and, if Colonel Cody had his way, there would be no attachment on the show now. But Cody's hands have been tied, and they have been tied by the way in which he seems to have deeded over all his property to his present partner, Major Lillie--the Pawnee Bill of this present show combination.

TERMS OF CONTRACT FOR THE PRINTING.

"Here are the facts in the case. In December the United States Printing & Lithographing Co. entered into a joint and several contract with Colonel Cody and Major Lillie for the printing of all their posters and lithografic matter and programs and date bills for the season of 1913. It was estimated that that printing would amount in the season to about $50,000. At that time my company held notes to the value of $16,000 from the Buffalo Bill-Pawnee Bill Show which notes matured in April and May of this year and which notes, also, were indorsed by Major Lillie.

"Now, then, up to the beginning of July of this year my company had supplied to the Cody-Lillie show printing to the value of $40,000. Up to the beginning of July we had not received a cent on account of that printing. About July 1 my company instructed me to attach the show, which came to Chicago at that time. I prepared to attach but Major Lillie saw me and askt for time. Lillie agreed to send me $10,000 on account of the $60,000 if we would let the show go unattached and continue on for about two more weeks. This I agreed to do, altho Lillie's notes for $16,000 on account of the printing for the previous season were then in default. We felt friendly to Colonel Cody and didn't want to embarass him. After agreeing to that extension of time with Lillie we sent the show printing to the value of $12,000 and that brought the total indebtedness of the Cody-Lillie shows to the printing company--for this present season--to more than $16,000. And not one cent had been paid on that account. However, we did not attach in Chicago and the show went away from there on the tour that brought it to Denver last Sunday.

SAYS LILLIE HAD NOT PAID ONE DOLLAR.

"Now, then, between leaving Chicago and reaching Denver we estimate that the receipts of the show were at least $30,000, and yet Lillie had not sent us a dollar on account of his indebtedness. Therefore, in view of that default of Lillie's, I instructed Charles H. Redmond and John T. Bottom, the attorneys who represent the United States Printing & Lithograph Co. in Denver, to take such measures as they thought necessary here to protect my company.

"I reacht Denver myself Monday morning and had a conference with Colonel Cody and Major Lillie. Redmond and Bottom were present at that conference. Lillie admitted his default and askt that we do nothing until after another conference, which he askt for, on Tuesday--yesterday. But that delay we refused to agree to because it would have given Lillie the receipts for another day and evening. Therefore we attached the show and its cars and--by constructive possession--the tracks on which the cars owned and used by the show are now standing. Lillie has abandoned the men with the show and thrown them upon Denver, but I have arranged for their feeding and housing and I have also arranged for the return of the Indians with the show to their reservations. Meantime I want to say that Lillie has refused to [???]

[GIVES ??? MATTER?]

"Here is the situation regarding that matter:

"We offered to agree to dfer payment of our account for two years if Lillie would transfer to us the mortgages on the real estate he has secured from Colonel Cody. Lillie refused to do this. Lillie holds Cody's estate and Lillie seems to mean to keep it.. Lillie holds from Colonel Cody a mortgage on the Cody ranch in North Platte, which is worth at least $100,000. Lillie holds from Cody a mortgage on the hotel owned by Cody in Cody, Wyo. That hotel is worth $75,000. Colonel Cody is willing to transfer those securities to our company so that the show may be releast to finish the season, but Lillie point blank refuses to make any such transfer, and our only recourse, therefore, was attachment.

BONFILS AND TAMMEN HAVE NOT INTERFERED.

"Now, then, let me say something concerning the connection of Messrs. F. G. Bonfils and H. H. Temmen, owners of the Sells-Floto Circus, with the Buffalo Bill-Pawnee Bill Shows. At the beginning of this season Mr. Bonfils and Mr. Tammen loaned to Colonel Cody and Major Lillie the sum of $20,000 with which to start the season. That loan is now overdue. But Mr. Bonfils and Mr. Tammen have made no attempt of any kind to embarass Colonel Cody and his partner because of default on that loan, and they have not interfered in any way with the legal processes by which I was compelled to protect my company. They have been broadminded and generous thruout. Now, however, and quite naturally, Messrs. Bonfils and Tammen are protecting their own interests, irrespective of anybody else.

"And I want to say finally that nothing would please me or my company more than to see Colonel Cody relieved of his embarassments and on the road again with the show which he has spent his life in building up."

With all due reference to Mr. Marks there was good reason for Mr. Lillie not sending money.

The printing company's bill was not the only one of the show's obligations--not by a long shot.

The United States Tent & Awning Company had five or six thousand dollars coming to them.

Messrs. Tammen and Bonfils advanced $20,000, which went to put the show out this spring.

There was money due to tarpaulins and wagon covers, for stock, for repairs, for cars, for salaries and incidentals of every kind and character, and the books show a steady loss from the opening of the season.

There were occasionally good days, and now and then big ones, but month in the month out the big attraction was a steady loser.

Expressions of sympathy for Col. Cody have been many. Of course, they are well deserved, for it is hard to imagine where one would find a bigger hearted, kinder man and a truer friend.

But just why Major Lillie should not come in for some measure of condolence, is what The Billboard can not understand.

He is square, game, straight, and, though more self-contained, far-seeing, thrifty and provident than Col. Cody, is just as true a friend, just as honest, and, when you know him, just as good a fellow.

No Re-organization Possible.

The Indians, 114 of them, have been returned to their homes in the Sioux reservation at Pine Ridge, S. Dak., the people have scattered, all contracts have been cancelled, and the advance cars have been ordered back to Denver. No re-organization is possible.

The show is through--done, finished--not only for this season, but for all time.

Col. Cody will be featured next season with Col. H. H. Tammen's Sells-Floto Shows.

Major Lillie will, in alll likelihood, have a show, but what kind he has not determined upon.

The Buffalo Bill-Pawnee Bill Wild West and Far East is a thing of the past.

On Wednesday, July 23, the tents, canopy, side-wall, poles, seats, etc., were taken down and loaded. The teams were then hitched to the wagons and the whole show hauled from Union Park out to Overland Park, where the Sells-Floto Show winters its horses.

Ed. Warner, general agent of the Tammen organization, and Frank Tammen, a brother of H. H. Tammen, together with the sheriff, superintended the moving of the show.

The elefants, four in number, and eight camels were sent out to the Sells-FLoto animal barn.

Messrs. Tammen and Bonfils are expected to attach for $20,000, advanced to Col. Cody last spring and which is said was used to get the show out and on the road, if any attempt is made to remove the property from the jurisdiction of the Denver courts.

It may be that the attachment will be actually levied to preclude any attempted removal on a Sunday.

Tony Mason, auditor of the show, arrived at the American Hotel in St. Louis, Thursday and talked pathetically of the finish. He says that he as well as all other attaches of the show were stunned with surprise.

Major Lillie was cool, calm and collected, according to Mr. Mason. "Here's where she blows" observed the Major, "and it might just as well be here as anywhere. You say your books are posted and closed? Then you might as well go home. There will be no reorganization."

He spoke as one who had foreseen and was prepared. Mr. Ashton left St. Louis for his home in Buffalo, N. Y.

(Continued on page 58.)