Literary cadet and Rhode-Island statesman. [volume] (Providence, R.I.) 1827-1829, 1827-05-19

MR.Fo8REsr, THE HEAMERIcAN TRAGEDTAN.
has succeeded, in the little space Of two or
three years, in establishing distinguished rep
utation, as the representative Of the Heroes Of
the Drama; and the success that has attended
Mr. Forrest the American Tragcdian, is almost
unexampled. BY common consent, he has
been ranked first among the actors Of the age,
and wherever he has presented himself, he has
been admitted TO be equal TO the most popular
actors Of the age. His fame is not Of a mush-
room growth; il has been acquired by the dis
play of extraordinary talents, and by close ap-
has brought himselfout;-kc has not like many
Of the :" stars" of the times, been indebted to
,rwspapcr putfs for his standing; and whilst the
press has been lavish of its enconiuus, and ad-
ulation, he has not been injured, or made vain
and arrogant; but whilst he hears the plaudits
Of the world, he remains modest locker
on, satisfied with his own performances, and
struggles to gain tire good opinion Of the pub
lie.
1t is said that he will shortly be with us; and
the annun ciation Of the fact, induces US to copy
the following cyitique, written for his benefit, by
the very able editor Of the Ncw-York Mirror.
SIT has rarely been the province Of criticism to
discuss the merits Of a candidate for dramatic
fame, where 50 little room was afforded for cen-
sure and animajversion, in comparison with the
ample field for commend alton, which is present
ell IL the instance of the gentleman whose name
appears at the head oi this article. An Amer
can by birth, educa,ion, AMI feeling, he has been
the architect ofhis own reputation with no sd
venttious aid, he has formed his style of acting
from !he study Of mai ure, and the dictates OF his
Own judgment, and Ifage ripens The promise Of
his youth, the day is not Distant when with the
pames of Garrck, Kemhle, Kean, and Tslma,
will he associated that of the American Forrest.
IN addition TO fine natural genius for the stage,
Mr.. F.. possesses, in an eminent degree, the phys
ical requisites ofn great actor-a person Of fine
propo-tions-carriage graceful and commanding
voice full and poweriul-a face beaminy with
intellect, and capable Of portrayiDg the passions
in their deepest energy to which IRE superadd-
ed the advantages OF a taste na:uyec by study
anil observation, and a constitution which sus-
tnins him in uninterrupted exercise Of his ardu
Gus profession. Nature having been thus boun-
tiful 10 the subject ofthese remarks, he has shown
that her benefits have not been unappreciated or
mhapplisd. At period Of life scarcely beyond
the boundaries Of youth, when few aspirants
have doue more than attempts with trembling
hnnj, 10 bear the truncheon, he has, with a gi-
ants grasp. seized the mimic symbol, and boldly
. sways il over the tragic scene. The history of
the stage affords no parallel to,uch precocity
of histrionIc talent, aud II is proud distinction
for an American actor, in the first year of man.
hood. TO be deemed worthy, by enlightened su-
diepces. to succeed the gren. st tragedian Of the
ago., end one who was literally the idol Of the
English, and the admiration OF the American
stage. in line Of characters stamped peculiarly
.. bis own. snd whose extraordinary powers in
theix exhibition, had created so-era 10 dramatic
snpusem snts. The acting Of Kean has been 80
of,ep end so ably criticized, and 90 universally
adm;ved for its inieuse depth Of feeling. and its
truth to- nature. thst any attempt q this time to
e1paiiats upon 10 besdlies, would be but to