New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1880-11-16
THREE MODEST MISSIONARIES.

TALKS WITH JIMMY" oNEILL, LEWIS MORRISON
AND sAIMI T. MoRsN ABOUT THE PASSION PLAY
HEY THINK IT WILL DO MORE GOOD lHAN
ANY MINISTERS
In view % the discussion relating ia the Passion
PLAY n TRIBUNE reporter called yesterday upon
J,mes ONcnl and Lewis Morrison, who took part
in the performance at san Francisco. Both cX-
pressed themselves as filled with spirit OF rev.
crence and even awe while engaged in the per
Torrance. While the reporter was conversing with
Mr. Morrison, Salmi i. Morse, author OF the play,
entered and expressed his opinions IN regard to his
James ONcl, who took the part of the
C6ristus in the san Francisco production,
was found at the Union Square Hotel. When asked
by the reporter to speak of the Passion Play lie
shook his head ana SAID:
- cannot; don't know what to say"
You know that 1t is strongly opposed by the
clergy here L
They do not know what they are talking about.
Ii is tine granuest spectacle ever saw. 1t cannot
produce III the spectator any other feelings IMAM
those Oi the deepest reverence and even awe. we
never played to large houses III san Francisco; but
noticed the same faces III the audience every nghi'
1 myself used 10 feel overcome With the soIcmnity
If the part was playing | was uhWllIinE 20 nl-
dertake it at first, but now | never want to play
any thlug else. II the public VIII support M" shaH
devote The remainder OF my lie % TINS great work
/ have no desire TO 20 back 10 the routine Woi' Oh
the stage at all ! believe can do more goou ~
thus representation than any OF the ministers from
tneir pulpIts.'
Lewis Morrison, who has lately come from Cali
IforniG expressly IORfiaS Plate in the Passion
PLAY, Was sitting IN the entrance 70 the hotel
smoking cigar Wien questioned ny the reporter
WHAT do think OF The Passion Playi Does
not nv coming from San Francisco TO play para
that does hot DCgn until the niece IS nearly ended
speak Tor itself an profoundly impressed wan
tHe spirit OF that paY. lou can hardly comprehend
tie feelings with winch thr nc .ols approached hrr
WuIN. HE IGh,, .4rc.t.S OyHctHui th'i Lt-t4"'N
marks their ACTION, during tle Cpb'dCtt3 completely
Disappeared. Every one tet rs II be were IN en-
pic where "a solemn service Wos taxing place. J
Tg dM 'C We ' f.f an oNdi ii'o'u and have
acted together tor year, ana know all hls
habits. lie always CurItS I'D hS 1Ic~oln3-c"sc Il
snort mcer,chaum pine. Inc INST hleht 81 me a.
slon PAY h. came INTO tie dressng-r3om alter ms
hls. scene and sat Gown. For few minutes ne dia
nos ~.cas. Ihrn mechanically, from steer force o
h.ifr De- reached for his pipe. When his haua
1,rehed II he ,cc'rcd 90 awake. tie started and
looked al ne. said: Don't jim not now-and
A, tnis ro,nt Saint ?. Morse, tn. author OF tie
play approached. lie ssid:
"lli.. work IS IRE crownos effort Of
teacher OF religion as m1en as any
preacher. These men and wen en- who act ale uy
a.o.vie.. nv incense bearers. ny Choir. spent i've
wears .u. a haf IN Jerusalem studying tine Passion
piag, as presented by tuC monks. 1 studied ihe
Ob.rl'luergaJ pay; and came 10 the conclusion
an Gu-ceuly setting. behcNo ! nave SET II ia Il
more h,tng way. have not selected my company
ON account OF any reputation attached to ls ndINId
Ull members, bur because Of their Illness TO per-
tYar the Characters il the play. Ihurc Is not one
solitary word tAat can Le saId against lie moral
character OF the people who VIII play m tlls piece.
Upon one thing You may depend. me Ia'>lGu
l'ay viii be presented. II cannot be legally
s,oppcG we learned that ID san Francisco. ! am
certain tat after the religious poruon o, tins coi-
nuuiy learns hat IL l.. uIy church wall ne better
attended than those presided over 5y thc mmlScr>.'
At the Baptist Preachers, Conierence Yesterday
tie Rev. Or. Herman j. Eddy alluded 10 thc pre-
VaiGDg sentiment OF ministers OF al dehonhn',oi'
as reported IN NE fIBv>I Yesterday. against The
production of The Passion Play i'll tins cltr, ana
sald he thought it tine that the Conference took
action III tn matter. He offered the following
resolution which WIS passed unanlmously
H,s,Ir.I. Tlat in view OF the projected produc-
lion of the Passion Play by one of the theatres OF
this city. Il Conference We protest against ~uch
a sacucgiouS use OF the most sacred things IN our
religion,