The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1878-06-25

years ago Tnc auulencs was composed until almost
recent times OF people VIII had read little ana trav-
elled less and who when they went % lne tnsans
could nether nor hear 100 much thlpk autnors
overlook far too frequently that The essence OF alaa
10 that the personages should do something,
not talk about it-that TO give you an sAt1ems
illustration that would DO the best constructed
drama which could be played in dumb show. ana yes
tell its story complete The persons on the scene
should do things, not lak moraze and explain wnat
is supposed TO have been done Oft The stage. - -
aud the lcast talk lhere rs the better. Modern
audiences want TO be amused, and, as they are com,
persons, TO listen talkcetakec, as they casi
Il. They have enough talk 20 spare al ths cluo
the theatre, where they 20 to be mused ana-to tor
get dis farce "Paticr vs.. Chatter" was UNDERGOING
perpetual change. and "London Assurance he saio
was entirely rewritten GU the stage from hints and
suggestions OF the actors. sasss
As artist he without tho power OF express
ing deep or even warm emotion. He WIS outernv,
winaing his artistlo way IN sunlight from mover 70
Hover he Jailed 10 Ali heavy parts, and even Cnates
surface beyond him. He will % long recollecIed
Tor his nne method mis- rapid bu. clear delivery ms
observing powers his inexhaustbie vvaeity MS ease
and elegance In number Of comedies he was admI-
rabie, and IN legion Of tsrcss ne stood witnouts
rival. He suffered much from govt Of late years ana
was frequently reported NJ Deaths door. reports
Sheh be ALWAYS glad e WIN s xa n,s
father, he was orty-three years en- the stage.
BROTHER ARTISTS RrcoLLEcrIoNs WHAT
JOHN BRoUGHAM, JOHN T. RAYMOND AND
CHARLES FISHER SAY OF CHAELEs MA
THEws.
Mr.. John Brougham, who was just recovering from
recent attack OF Illness but mad all the appearance
of vgor and health In his face and OF strength ana
tenaoity his mind, said:'The first public appear
ance OF Mathews in pieco called The
Old and Young Slagcr.' Jonn Listop, who
brought him out. was the old COACH
man. and Mathews the tiger When L,slon
who had the wonderfully mobile face Of any man
that vea in full dress suit 10 introduce
Mathews the audience burst out laughing. Liston
wore about his the collar and Of tho period,
tho tie looking like u great white pudding, and
though Liston did his best TO remain grave as
nm undertaken the audience would insist exploding
in laughter but Mathews reception was most graft
lying The memory OF his father had much 10 do
II, but he himself Dehindhand In assert
ing his claims to public recognition.
ADVANTAGES.
..He had tho great advantage OF having PEG.
pie to write plays for him that were
adapted to his peculiar abilities and accidental
qualifications In the way OF guitar playing,
dancing &c He had marvellous insoucidncc both
on and on the stage He never let anything disturb
him He was as happy on top OF an omnibus Us 10
carriage and TOUR OF his own. Hc often said he had
study his parts in 4 hanson cab for fear Of the
Dails He made his debut a. the OLYMPIC, out he had
played repeatedly IN amateur performances aud IN
nigh society. with the patronage OF such men az Lord
Mulgrave, Lord Normandy aud Lard Blessington.
vEsrRIs AS MANAGER.
"Mme. Vestris at this time tho manager OF the
Olympic and she was the anest manager Of the
period She had exquisite taste, great urbanity OF
manner nut was awiully extravagant Mathews
married her before coming to America.
FN&# MATHEWS SOCIALLY.
social life no and brilliant talker
Ho had an equanmity OF temper that adhered TO him
on al OCCASIONS ana saw nm once mere 70 me m
he never experienced a physical or mentai pang in
his whole life. Pain nor disease nor even creditors
could Kill him, and doubt II he IS dead now
He was a kind OF Sheridan In his way regarding the
class OF people known as creditors His life was one
ntinual comedy, which he hurried over 70 escape
depression and e,nMi. He played comedy In every
day life and the few painful scenes that happened TO
him in mis- existence he ignored Us quickly and
quietly possible.
HIS STATUS AN ACTOR.
ssHe not high comedian. He could not play the
Charles Surfaces, but he excellent in SIR Charles
Coldstream because adapted itself to his personality
This was demonstrated 10 the Game Of Speculation
IN which he was eminently successful and where he
atty as Mr. AasSls Hawk. In the play
his father for quick and astonishing cbonges, al
ternating from Puff to Sir Fretful Piagiary almost
In a twlnkiing He despisod all the theatrical ira
dtions. and gave tho stage transcript OF himself
IN various asses. He was always Charles Mathews.
an - entirely a,Gsrent persona.on The audience
comes away saying what splendid Hamlet or
Sshs amen Ss aeuy Ssy snS
fine Mathews was or Macrsady or KembIe ar Kean'
Matthews will have his place In the history OF the
drama who spun ane bright thread OF silver
through lis meshes, and though he never pro-
found was always gay and artistic"
JOHN r.. RAYNoND's RECOLLEcrfoxa.
Mr. John T. Raymond Colonel Seiiersl said:-"I
first met Mr. Mathews IN San Francisco, after his
voyage from Australia. / thought he actor OF
very superior style. There was no convento nal isn
about him. He tried no stage effects and relied on
himself. more less, 10 produces effects. When
Ma hews played there need for
prompter because he prompted himself and made the
character no played all ms own. Hc was adept IN
gags, but he was always above the common piano IN
that regard. played also with him 'rhe Bachelo
OF Arts 'The Trying Storm aud other pieces.
aud bear pleasant recollection OF my intercourse
with him. He was altogether an ornament TO his
pro fession and shed new hight upon the stage"
CHARLES rIsHEH's OBSERVATIONS.
Mr.. Charles II. Fisner said, IL PLAYED with Mr..
Matthews at Wallack's IN the Curious Case, ana
en- ertaip very pleasant memories OF the man. He
quick aud vivacous In his manner and socially
nobody could be more agreeable. Wherever he was,
matter IN what society, there was atmosphere
OF Joiiiiy. Ho had superior fund OF anocdo,e,
having mixed In tho best society Of Europe and
travelled extensively. He had, AS understand, no
pror training Tor the stage, having been brought up
o profession OF architect lie was an agree
able, chaiy person, and very popular with the guild
lie WIS u man who was always In hurry, like a hen
a hot CREDIBLE, put he nevor lost sight OF the SIN all
courieses Of liie and carried himself all through ike
an English gcnticman."