The New York herald., 1874-11-15
DAVENPORT ON THE DEFENSIVE.

Mr.. E. L. Davenport, the eminenr American
tragedian, who has done so much for the
advancement OF the legitimate drama In
this country, concluded most successful en-.
gagement at Mrs. Conway's Brooklyn Thea
tire last night, before crowded ana cultured
assembage. 1t IS needless TO add tina: the his.
irionic efforts OF this scholarly and accomplished
artist were earnestly appreciated Mr. Daven.
ports benefit occurred the previous evening,
when ''St. Marc; or, the Solder OF Fortune" was
presented. At the conclusion OF the performance,
Mr.. Davenport, In response to enthusiastic calls,
came before the curtain and In the course OF
an appropriate and we'll timed address adverted
to the criticism recently passed by the Rev.
DeWstt Talmage on actors and the theatrical pro-
tession generally. He passed q high eulogtum on
the Intelligence OF the rheatre-g0ihg citizens OF
Brooklyn. VINO, ne said. mad already proved them.
selves 90 judicous, discriminating substantial
patrons OF the drama IN Its highest form. Tney
we're. indeed. clever critics, who had shown them
selves rs hOunte0uS IN their approval Of true arc
as they we're determined IN withholding their sup
port from any exhibition calculated to ueterorate
mented oy the presence or suca . large and entnu-
siastic audience in view OF what Brother Ialmage
had been pleased TO say about the theatrical pro-
esslonal He remembered speech once ae-
hyered by irlend or his wherein the remark
Cured nat ao England might Mn % as Wen attempt 70
hiuder the progress OF the drama. Especially
was this noticeable In America, wnere tt was ios-
Western Hemisphere BY the intelligence and ap-
probation Of a discerning and educated public.
however learned the biRot might be VINO endea.
vored to injure It's progress by unjust aspersiona
he proved only ms own weakness IN the attempt
to battle with and decry the public sentiment Of
tue country. me Rev. Mr.. fallnage mad taken
occasion TO state tnat tnere was one member of
the profession whose purity, virtue and renown
might be pointed to with pride; but he (Mr.
Dayenport could point out many hundreds VINO
were ornaments OF society and credit to their
might, perhaps. tnlnk L strange that actors
children actually said their prayers both
Snnss, anS scSoo moGng osR wen: to
table. Such, however, was the case. Under the
circumstances he mad reason TO be grateful to Mr.
Talmage for his observations. since, judging BY
the thronged assemDaRes tnat had crowded the
theatre, they had the enect OF demonstrating the
innuence OF MS criticism upon the stage. He
trusted the reverend gentleman would not re.
assured the artendances at the theatres would be
sorry. nevertheless, that lie naa looked through
such vide line Of demarE cation could iairly be
drawn between pastors and actors; indeed,
Just at this time In view OF recent
saying the comparison was decidedly mi in isvor q Of Of
the latter profession. daughter aud appause.)
he did not know out the time might come wnen
he tMr Davenporp wouio De converted oy Brother
Taimage, become one Of his congregation and
perhaps be raised 70 the dignity OF deacon.
(Laugnter.) He was afraid, however. that 0 long
arrived. Clergymen were not slow to profit by
the exercise OF the actor's talents; but at all
events TINS reverend gentleman might well bear
IN mind the words or his Master, 'Charity to alln
loud applause-l Mr.. Daven port's remarks were
delivered In an easy, graceful and good natured
strain, and having again returned thanks Tor the
him by the people OF Brooklyn during his engage.
ment, be retired amid enthusiastic cheers.