New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-07-16

was not Earring word nor an expression which did
not spring from the right source. If you have not
room for the whole, this passage on his American
visit may find place here:
Concerning my visit to America. I need hardly
say that am anticipating it with no common
pleasure. 1t Is often an ambition with Engllsn
actors to gam the goodw OF the English-spesklng
race-a good will which is right thoroughly recip-
rocated toward our American felow-workers when
they crafty us by sojournng here. lCheers.l Tour
God-specd would aloue assure me hearty welcome
III any land but L am not gong among strangers,
l am going among friends lcheersI. and from the
moment touch American gfound 4 shall receive
many hearty grip OF the hand from men whose
friendship am proud to possess. Concerning our
expedition. the Americans will no doubt exercise an
independent judgment-an old prejudice of theirs,
and habit of long standng-as your L0rdshp has
reminded u.s. by the fact that'ths IL the Fourth OF
July, an anniversary rapidly becoming an Englisn
institution.
1t was characteristic of Mr. Irving that he recog-
nizes IN the most generous way the ments OF those
with whom he works; aud it was characteristic OF
the relations between him and his company that
some of the warmest and most constant applause of
the evening from the quarter where the actors
of the Lyceum sat. His reference TO Miss Ellen
Terry as the lady who adorned the Lyceum stage
gave the company chance to repeat the salute
they had offered to that popular actress on her
entrance to the gallery. and again when Lord Cole
ridge proclaimed her praises.
Mr.. Lowell answered fer Literature have said
how his name was cheered his speech, if possible,
was cheered even more zealously. 1t is the custom
now among Englishmen to say that unless you have
heard Mr. Lowell, you have not heard the after
dinner speech in its most exquisite form. Probably
he never offered to his admirers a more charming
example Of his style than last night happy In anec-
dote in ightness of style, in beauty OF form. may
be allowed to mention rs an instance OF English
politeness to the foreigner that was told again
and again by English friends that Mr.. Lowelps was
the speech Of the evening. cannot dispute with
them such point, nor must we be outdone In any
competition of international cIvility. 1t is enough
to say that there three speeches of the even
ing, of which Mr. Lowelps was one, and one OF the
most admirable.
This festival has. of course been seized on by
speakers and by the press as an occasion for pro-
nouncing an estimate on Mr. Irving's genius and
work; and il may be said TO be substantially IMAM
imous Not that everybody yet comedies greatness
TO Mr.. Irving as an actor. There is still an anti
Irving party as of yore-people who 20 on stoiidly
repeating that man who draws immense houses
ght after night and year after year in the same
plays cannot act. What the public has mace up
ITS mind about is this, that Mr. Irving has an IN
dividuality of the most powerful kind; that you
may ike us actlng OF ulshhe III pub you cannoe oo
ueutral; that his influence upon the dramatic art
of bis time has for past been great Is steadily
increasing. and 10 not likely 10 diminish. 1t Is an
influence. moreover, for good, an influence tending
to purify and exalt the stage. and to eIat not less
the ideal Of art which has seldom been high one in
England for any long time together. Lord Cole
ridge dwet tor moment on one Of his merits in the
remark that Mr.. Irving has shown what careful
and accomplished acting what munificence and
wise and intelligent expenditure can do in present.
ing the plays of Shakespeare and Of dramatsts in
ferior to Shakespeare. No eulogy OF that kind can
be amiSs. but should be disposed to insist still
more strongly on the intellectual quality Of Mr..
Irylngs art That is the secret Of his hold on the
public. and that, on the whole. is what those who
differ most on details must completely agree in ap-
plauding. The complaint about mannerisms has
not much Importance in the presence Of that adj
mission. w. o.