New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-10-30

same" Here, plainly enou gh We have the man OF
genius character and win, whose method Is hard work
history though not ali golden had its golden side and
Charles Kean, Macready and Irving since then have only
ford Byron writing in 1917 said that his personal az.
ISOLATION and acquaintance with Drury Lane Theatre of
bread others had given him the greatest contempt
for the stage Allowance has always to be made 10y tnG
student who would know ByrOns real opinions for that
womanlike habit of strong statement in which he gen
orally INDUCED, and which made him, occasion,
hnmbug" Yet, aside from exsggeraton this testimony
Of great mind to the state OF the theatre at an I'M
RS''' may Sp' be sure had very little that was
golden about 1t. Edmund Kean, the most
that ever England has produced was indeed acting at
that time But Edmund Kean had neither moral stability,
nard noticed is apt to hold up more glasses than one
and Edmund Kean was type of all that, In genius is
much than they actually did bat neither Of them
to have been animated with more than personal
Kembe and repelant selshness OF his great sister
Mrs sddons were notorious After the ebb OF the Gar
time the British drama iangshed iii It was revived by
golden era in stage hstory-and for Mcpherson. MI
who works and work his principle, exactly as
II was the principle OF Garrok But venture 10 add
that work VIII not accomplish all. There crownng
andirradating attribute, that u.s. charm. Much de
ponds upon who It is that works When genuswoks hav-
ing the Implements OF character, devotion aud WILL to
work WITH the result must always be victory.
The reason OF things" said that wise old divine Dr.
time be so happy light upon It" The Of Mr.
irvngs great success and Of Its peanence lies IN these
three wors-CharaCter work and charm. Some things in
this shifting world not matters ofopnion The ren9wn
Of great actor, whose conduct Of life has proceeded on
tho lines Of high motive and firm principle, becomes
woven into tho texture of his countrymens experience
His personality and his influence are part OF the CON,
mon life Of his time Mr. Irving, from the first step OF ms
career-whch Of late Is as vel known here as IN Eng
Of great boot He has believed in hs profession and
in himself He has aimed at the highest and has never
faered He has comprehended the intellectual Split ,C OIL
critical pefeconof form and aboveel It's passionate ad
FORE he has been thorough and has made even ms
He has pressed all the other arts and all the me-
has played for high prize aud he has never been AFRAID
to venture high stake He has had the audacity OF ta
cool, intrepid, patient predominant intellect Ana,
which is extraordinary amazing ana , ainos.
o %thOf the de PsaS of that nGcGbs char
acter something OF the gentleness OF a child and
the dreamness OF poet When such man as this has
gained large share in the guidance OF the stage the
world may well feel that the theatre Is an instrument OF
siumSer til touched by the nagicians hand; Henry
Irving magician TO day On both sides OF the ocean
his earnest and splendid artistic win sound on in
long after It's music has ended in the silence tina
waits for all.
AT the close OF the performance last night Mr. Irving
who had already six times recalcdwas again sum-
mOned before the curtain and he replied then to the pub
lie greeting as followsi
"LADIEs AND GENTLEMEN I believe it is custom
ydn g2g 10 y a0% to Snd % @ myself Of that
custom now TO say that thank You with all my heart
and soul 1t to me that the greatness OF your WEI
come ypfcs the greatness OF your nation. thank you
and beggnr that am am even poor in thanks;, Ley
your Kindness and let me add that hope you VIII give
ccypd +" INV nssocatS and friend Miss Ellen Terry who
will have the honor Of appearing before you tomorrow
night And finally II i be not liberty T you a eTcT
as our days do grow"