The proprietors had only the remotest relation to literature; they had lost much money in the enterprise before Page became editor and only the fortunate accident of securing his services had changed their losing venture into a financial success.

In a moment of despair, before the happier period had arrived, they offered to sell the property to Page and his friends.

Page quickly assembled a new group to purchase control, when, much to the amazement of the old owners, the _Forum_ began to make money.

Instead of having a burden on their hands, the proprietors suddenly discovered that they had a gold mine.

They therefore refused to deliver their holdings and an inevitable struggle ensued for control.