Deficit

The New York Metropolitan Opera House makes a little money. True to its tradition,* the Chicago Civic Opera Company through President Insull last week reported on the fiscal year terminating April 30: Total receipts $1,482,083.00 Total expenses 1,881,997.28 Deficit 399,913.16 Individual subsidizers were compelled to put up 80% of their $500,000 guarantee. President Insull commented: " . . . . This willingness on the part of the citizens of Chicago to support financially the efforts of the Company is greatly appreciated by those who are conducting the affairs of the Company." The present season being the last under the present guarantee arrangement, necessity was apparent for new guarantees aggregating at least $500,000 annually if the thirst of the Chicago operagoer is to continue to be slaked. Last year throughout certain sections of the country many a tired husband left the warmth of his hearth to nod at the performance of the "Chicago Civic Opera Company." Many a matron fondly listened to the strident tones of "leading tenors" of the "Chicago Civic Opera Company." Simultaneously with the financial report, President Insull announced that the genuine Company had never been in those particular localities; that former ballerinos and chorus-men were blossoming forth as coloraturas, "leading men"; . . . that precautions had been taken against repetition of the fraud.

* Former Losses: 1921 $600,000 1922 800,000 1923 351,718 1924 (circa) 400,000 1925 399,275