The New York herald., 1879-08-06

! away i'm Greenwood the mourners will gather about
the mortal part of Fechter tit it for the long
! rest As one of the forces that made the English
! stage what it is to-day. as an actor who brought
genius wit intelligence, learning. and rare charm
of grace to the elucidaton of the phrases of the
master writer's of the world, Mr.. Fechter deserves
more careful consideration of his meritorous lido
syncraces than can be afforded in the brief limits of
the daily press. But a sketch of his personal and
professional career will not be entirely without inter
est
He was born in London his father being German
with an English wife. Mr.. Fechter. Sr., was pro-
fessional sculptor, but not meeting with much sue
in London he took his little family to France
and after while settled in Paris. where he paid
great attention to the education OF his son. Friends
who kne the actor later in life will remember the
avidity with which books of merit were sought
new subjects for study taken up and fresh ac-
quaintances likely TO open up avenues to informa-
ton we're welcomed. Doubtless a love of books was
born with the man. but it is quite likely also that
the habits so early aud earnestly forced upon him
when boy by an intelligent father and an anxious
mother had much to do with it. 1t is said that
during his apprenticeship in his fathers studio
young Fecher indicated the bent OF genius that sub
sequenty led him to the path of professional pre-
ferment. He passionately fond OF Shakespeare's
works. and passed hours in their study when the
boys of his age and acquaintance were roicking in
the streets 1t would be difficult to single out the
art which in these early days claimed his best at
tention. As was shown iu subsequent life he was
ali adept in modelling. painting. drawing and
acting. and each in turn received his devout
attention. His favorite perch was tho gallery
of Drury Lane Theatre whence he gazed upon
Macready the hero William TELL Charles
Kemble in his vigorous expositions, and Malibran
as she scared upon the wings OF song. He was
eight years old when his first enrolled in
Templeton College. and there he remained until
1886. when he twelve years of age. and his
parents returned to Paris 1t is related of Charles
that in Greek and Latin he was most proficient. and
in fact that as scholar he was quite marvellous
success. But be that it may. it is fair to infer
that the chief interest the public feel in him centres
upon his actor, perfumed, it were, by
the peculiarities Of personality that odd
and eccentric in many respects it beautiful
and lovable. While he was student at Boulogne
sur-Mer he fought his first duel with such a morti-
tying result that he took up the study of the sword
and became in time quoted expert in its use IA
cility which he subsequently utilized upon the
stage with effective grace. 1t about this time,
or possibly year so later that he made quite
social sensation in private theatricals and achieved
| teur. The field thus auspiciously opened he titled
industriously and wisely continued his studies in
| directions that must necessarily benefit him
| actor. He received the first grand medal in the
Academic des Beaux-Arts, which entitled him to five
years of gratuitous instruction IN Rome as IN art
| student.
| FEcHrER's DEBUT IN 1874.
| Fechter made his debut in the Theatre Franchise
| in 1884, when he was Just twenty years OF age. a
| picture of intellectual and manly beauty. Already
| he known to society a bright. brilliant con-
versationalis, and, although too young to be much
thought Of clubman, 1T was thoroughly under
stood that Fecer neither gave received insults
| but regarded himself with great respect His first
Character was seide, in which he had the assistance
| and support Of Rebecca Felix. nachels sister.
1t cannot be reported that Mr.. Fechter was
| tt,v, 6ofn hat lie
was u continuous triumph. The young
was very opinionated, and having once avowed
position could with great difficulty only be induced
to change it. He very sefreiant, and this trait
led him into collisions that resulted in snubs and
notifications. Something kept him up however.
and fortunate slip of the noted critic. Janin.
brought Fechter's wit and power of repartee into
more general notice. which in time was OF great ser
vice to him. On occasion, through
countabe mistake Fechters name was billed for two
parts on the Interpretation which Mr. Jules Janin,
who intensely annoyed at the personal inde-
pendence of the young actor. wrote. without
having seen the plays. scathing criticism. in
which he was especially severe on Fechter. who,
though billed, did not play. whereupon fechter
wrote Jann an open letter. which was published III
| all the papers,
particular in atribung the acting OF curiace and
| Dorante to me-. i performed in ncther part. -
The effect in gay. mercural. repartee loving Paris
may be imagined. and Janin not only never forgave
he forgot the justice of the sting, and vowed
that he would never again criticise play he had
mind, after tasting the cup Of success.
| between the stige and other studies. for after
acting and resumed sculpture. Fate ana good offer
replaced him the boards in 1916, and III 1S47 he
played season in Paris alternating as member of
the French company with occasional appearances in
| the st. James Theatre. London. In 1852 and on to
1858 he the leading attraction in the Vaudeville
appearing in number OF original parts the chief of
which Armand Duval in lies Dame Aux
Camelias" His rendering of that quixotical charac-
ter in English is familiar to the readers of the
|
glow worm is to the full-orbed sun in comparison
to his performance in the part as originally
written. The sensation produced in Paris
was immense. Everybody talked OF the wonderful
development OF the polyglot actor; everybody
thronged to see him. and he became the rage. Mr..
| Fechter had at that time the great advantages of
mental aertness and physical beauty. Unlike many
man by birth and breeding. He wrote and spoke
French, German. Spanish and Italian with huency.
| and in every well informed man. All
these advantages he brought to the delincation of
| the taxing role of Armand. The ladies in him
such one. in fact as might fairly hope to challenge
the admiration and win the love OF a being like
Camille and the men saw one above themselves in
all the essentials that enter the combination known
man. Fechter also played Tartute in the same
theatre with almost an equal success
In 1860 Mr. Fechter had become u marked man in
the realm OF art and was engaged leading attrac
ton in the Princess Theatre where he produced a
self, with the assistance Of Mr.. Falconer. To hear
Fechter III English part was, of course, the
sation of the day and the theatre was packed from
pit to DOME Ruy Bias IL one of the most difficult
of excellent parts, because 1t often leads the
actor to the line of rdicule. and leaves 1t to
himself to withdraw as best he may. II was ques-
tion whether the unmistakable accent of MIR.
Fechter would not kill his love scenes. for which
in the French tongue he was famous. The night
and the audience came together and tri-
umph such Is rarely seen followed before
the fail OF the curtain There are, 1t will be remem-
bered several opportunities for the display OF physi
cal dextcrity in handling sword ana in arranging
tableaux, which Fcchter thoroughly and effectively
used. But the audience waited tor the love making.
1t was hit or miss with him then. Nothing could
have been finer OF its kind than Ruy's declaration to
the Queen, exquisitey was the fire of passion
tempered by the feeling of respectful devotion. and
with great eloquence OF words and OF action were
the words poured forth. The very form OF passion
which inspired so many poets of the chivairic ages
is clearly typifed in Ruy Bias, and Fech-
ter epic in himself. His feet may
have wandered occasionally, but his head was
always in the Clouds When Fcchter played Ruy
Bias here he had bcttercd 1t even, and although his
over portly figure somewhat diminished the elc-
nt his the ltru nd eas