The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1864-08-12

THEArRE.-We are pleased TO learn that
Mr. Myers has effected an engagement with
the world-renowned tragedian and CONNIE
dian, Mexican Buchanan, and his beautiful
and accomplished daughter, Miss Virginia
Buchanan, who will make their first appear
ance in Portland on Monday evening next
As it may be of interest to the Theatrical Pub
lie to know some OF the antecedents of these
artistes, we give brief biography and a few
criticisms.
Mr.. Buchanan was born in the city of Phil
sdelphis, on the 18th of February, 1923. His
genealogy, tracing it back Tor a considerable
period, belongs TO a clan of bonny Scotchmen,
and his grandfather, Thomas Mexican. was
one of the signers OF the Declaration of indie
pendence. He is also related to James Bu-
cbanan, ex-President OF the United States
BE was educated for the Navy, and for four
years served as midshipman on the West In
dia station; but the monotony OF a home na-
val life not being adapted to. his active habits,
he resigned his commission and engaged in
the pursuit Of q shipping merchant in the city
OF New Orleans. While in this capacity, he
bestowed his leisure 10 the cultivation of the
ne arts ,snd especially the histrionic for which,
from boyhood, he had strong aud decided
affection. About this time he caused to be
erec:ed q magnificent edhce In New Orleans,
for the performance Of select theatricals, call
ed ''Lousiana Histrionic Association prob
ably the largest private theatre in the world
aud shortly afterwards was elected President
of the Association, numbering some five hun
bred active aud honorary members, among
whom were the wealthest and most respect
able citizens OF the Crescent City. IL was
bar xuhfla sarpipU os diraatar Of th.sQp fa iii
ionable winter theatrieals, that Mr.. Buchanan
displayed those important requisites and splen-
did talents for an actor which induced his
friends to persuade him TO adopt the stage as
profession. But the aspirant was not too
easily forced upon a new scene of action,
knowing full well the indomitable energy and
genius required to ascend the temple OF dra-
matte fame. He diligently pursued his stud
les In the art, essayed new parts at the Asso-
citation, and in short, exhibited so much
versatile taste and talent in his imper-
sonations that destiny at length claimed his
name, aud enrolled ii on the scroll of the reg
ular drama. His friends hailed his determine
ton with the most unfeigned delight, aud Ia
token OF their concurrence preferred him a
grand complimentary benefit, at St. Charles
Theatre, on the It'll of January, 1850. when
he made his professional debut as Hamlet, and
achieved a triumph of the most satisfactory
Character Soon alter this he visited the prin-
cipal cities of the United States, Great Brit
ain and Australia, and everywhere receives
| approval and encouragement Of the press and
| public. Mr.. Buchanan has abored diligently
| in his profession, and is still midnight stu
dent" over the midnight bard. He claims TO
be Sheksperian actor, and the correctness OF
| his readings, and the learning he manitests,
/ are a Just endorsement to his pretensions in
this respect He has given his whole soul
so to spesk-to his art, and labors unremit-
ingly 10 those glorious mines Of knowledge
that open to the devoted student. On the
boards he Is selfpossessed, elegant and impress
sive !; in the grand qualifications, Mr.. Buchanan
is eminenty gifted His voice, manner, bear
ing, form and carriage are all In his favor
He can look a hero. and talk like one-an ar
gument which scHLEGAL deems a strong ba-
/ sis.-i Court Journal