The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-03-12
Edwin Booth.

London Correspondence.
1T was not my intention TO act at all
this year. said Booth, "but at Queens
town ] received a pressing invitation
from Mr., Gooch's manager, Mr.. Jack
son, TO open the new theatre My first
idea was that my wife, who was sick,
should obtain the medical advice she
had been counscled to seek here; that
then we should make long continental
tour, for ayear at least thought |
might possibly act in Germany en- route,
coming or going, then play short
time LIN London, and 20 home. The
Lyceum was suggested to me year or
two ago, and did communicate with
Mr. Irving. 1t occurred to me that
he might have Booths theatre if he
wished to visit America, while could
have appeared simultaneously on his
stage here in London. Nothing came
Of that idea, and it was urged that, as
Druly-Lane was taken for the spring, |
should have no opportunity so good for
an appearance in London us the open
ing Of the new Princess theatre, so |
came, and here | am playing every
night, and working harder than | have
done for years,
"And you are satisfied with the re-
sult?n
"Quite. 1t has not been all smooth
sailing, but it has been full of very
pleasant incidents. Nothing has been
more gratifying than the indiyid-
ual and collective kindness ! have re-
ceiyed from the profession. 1t is quite
unusual in my experience for actors to
send complimentary letters and tele-
grams TO each other. Since ! have been
in London have had quite Il number
Of both from members Of the English
stage
81 see that you have a portrait Of Mr..
Irving hanging on the wall Gossips
and pretended friends have no doubt
told you all manner Of stories about his
jealousy Of you | know busybodes
have reported to him that he might look
for all manner of rivalry atyour hands
''Oh, yes, hope | know as well "a
Mr. Irving how TO judge this kind of
gossip. | need not say to you that /
have the highest respect for gentle
man who has done so much 10 elevate
the profession TO which we both belong.
But for the inadycrtent overlooking of a
letter he received a long time since we
might possibly have carried out the OBJ
iect Of an interchange Of theatres
HAS Mr.. Irving called upon you?"
ayes; do not like to discuss even
the idea Of jealousy or rivalry. Mr.. r.
wing, know, has always spoken well
Of me, and he has no reason to do other
wise, nor Of him.
Il believe il you were intimately ac-
qG,einted with him you would like him
very much
II feel sure would"
at has always occurred to me that
it would be an international rood, an
instance Of artistic amity and ed feel
inc, to have you two gentlemen
representing the best aspect and mis-
sion Of the drama in the two great Eng
disappearing countries OF the world
on intimate terms; the Englj,hman act
ing at Booths and the American at the
Lyceum, or both playing for a season
in the same theatre on alternate nights.
New York friends Of mine have Oft
en- talked in that strain, and | should
be glad TO carry out their wishes, sup
posing Mr. Irving were also anxious
for such International courtesies."
"Do YOU think it is too later"
IL can not tell"
II am convinced that Mr.. Irving is
only actuatej by tire most friendly and
sympathetic feelings toward you, and,
indeed, all American artists as rule
sreak Of the kindly attentions they have
received at the hands OF the Lyceum
management Do You propose to play
long engagement attAe Prnccss'?'
II have not decided. At home | am
accustomed ,G laEr arrest now and then.
M Goach is anxious that | should 90
on beyond tuo da,c Of opr first arrange
mcnt but | am hardly willing TO un-
uertake a long responsibility OF night
~ appearance in the arduOu, parts tnat
make up NV repertoire