New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1876-11-04

tuceo Mrs Lander Letitid Hardy, Adrienns Leeou-
rreu &C. and series OF the most prominent stars upon
the stage Nblos had sunk low to be circus just
before he it, but under bis direction, 10 rose TO
be again a theater of the nrst class Finally, however
Mr. Wneatley brought there THE Black Crook" and
committed the house to that spectacle vein in which it
has run almost ever since. He sold to advantage and
retired mt fortunate time. lie has since lived IN retire.
nent enjoying the OF man OF comfortable Ior-
tune The sickness and death Of his wife, who was de-
stroyed by cancer IN 1868, seriously afected MS nnd
and this event, together with the Entertainments OF Ill
hcllih turned his thoughts TO religion. lie became
devont and his appearance and manners were 30 much
affected by this solemn habit OF his mind that for some
time pas he would have taken for Methodist min
lister rather than actor. He contracted second mar
riocc few years ago. and his days have been passed
in domestic retirement, partly at COney Island, where he
owned an estate. and partly in this city.
There is no act which it falls within the lot OF human
fly do solemny responsible than is the forming
OF public OF human being, after his life has
ended. We know each other, in this world, but very
little There is much, beneath alike tie faces that smile
ana the faces which are sad, that never know.
The best that be attained is ankness in utterance
of homes. impressions Mr. Wheatey, in character, was
artifcla-that say, he sclfconscous, given to
posturns pcrpetualy studous Of effect, and shallow
both In emotion and mental requirements. lie was,
however amablc in temperament and bright in intel
cc; and, his appearance and manners were pctur-
esquc ard he possessed fine person, handsome race
sonorous voice and thorough education In the actors
art and business he naturally won popularity ana sue
ceeded I'm professional life. His individuality was
strongly serascryc and he had both the instinct ana
faculty OF leadership and government within has espe-
claI domain His sense OF humor was exceedingly
slight SO that IL exercised control over
the manifestation of his weaknesses or MS &C.
oentrcity. Ills bearing pompous, and yet urDane.
His cIocution was stately and stlted. The parts in
which he was best, because trnest, were snowy and
romantic pictorial and usncere. His Captapt AbSOlue
lives in the memory OF old play goers perfect en-
bodiment. lie was admirable in Cidufe HelnOtc and
Doyie0,rL His acting did not inspire afectiOnate
inter, st. and IL may be doubted whether any perform
ancc that be gave il remembered by any person
with genuine enthusiasm Of delight. lie acted in his
time Hniet Romeo, and other Of tie high parts in the
drama but he did not permanently identify his fame with
any Of them His Gucnce upon the stage at times
good neither deep comprehensive. nor abiding
He was great ACTOR and LIE not so devoted 10
dramatic seek, in his administration OF theatcrS
for results that higher ner aud more permanentand
ennobug than long and good business. Opinions
win differ the degree of mischief lie wrought, ana
the degree that he mertcd, in Introducing
THE Black Crook" upon the American stage. The
piece, to be represents style OF amusemen that
has Internationally prevailed the Euglishspeaking
stage from the days Of SIR william Dayenant, ana MI
WEeatlcy cannot be charged with having invented IT,
The sensual spectacle however IL kind OF Theatre as
play that has done injury and is subject Tor present
regret that his associated with It's Evil
influence The future student Of the history OF the
American Theater will pause but briefly the life OF
william Wheatey. He will live a. the central figure IN
divers groups OF comic incidents, growing out OF the
ndcrous Characteristic habits Of pOmp aud parade ana
unconsciouyy funny artihce To the storyeler he Is
legend and boon To the student Of acting and OF the
growth aud changes OF dramatic art in this country
there seems 10 lesson deducibe from his pro
.topal life and that Is the fundamental truth that the
line and the extent of manifestations Of ability IN acting
arc prescribed and limited by the actors temperament
or spiritual nature.