Memphis daily appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1847-1886, 1883-10-30
HENRY IRVING,
The Best English Tragedian, Receives
Cordial and Hearty Greeting on
His First Appearance
Before an American Audience as ''Mat-
thias' in the Play OF s'The Bells''-
The Elite of New York Present.

New YORK, October 29.--Henry Irvings
opening night has come and gone only to
add to his already illustrious fame. The
Star Theater was densely thronged, and
never in the annals of the stage in this
country has an actor played to an audience
Of so great social distinction. This culti-
waited and critical house rendered the actor
a CORDIAL GREETING,
and at once gave Mr.. Irving evidence of
good will, and perhaps the favor and ap-
probation of his audiences. During the
entire performance hushed attention al
ternated with spontaneous enthusiasm.
1t is known that Mr.. Irving had expressed
himself as somewhat anxious about his
reception in America. Certainly this
anxiety is now laid to rest, for never has
an actor more easily won the favor of an
audience. a degree of nervousness was
noticeable at times in Mr.. Irving, which
in no way detracted from his splendid
delineation OF the
CHARACTER OF "MArTHIAs,"
but really gave greater weirdness to this
already weird play of The Bells. After
each act Mr.. Irving was called before the
curtain, and with grace acknowledged the
welcome which was so genuinely sincere
upon the part of the audience, and so
deeply appreciated by himself. When the
arrival of "Matthias" was announced, and
he burst upon his family, the greeting of
the audience was so long continued that it
looked as if there would not be time for the
play.
MIR. IRVING
himself, however, stayed the clapping of
hands and other evidences of cordial well
come by dashing down his hat and en-
bracing his wife and daughter, thus be-
ginning the action OF the play. Mr.. Ir-
wing in his acting gives suggestion of
Salvini, Fechter, and perhaps Joseph
Jefferson. 1t is difficult to recall another
American other than Jefferson. Where
soeyer Mr.. Irving may 60 he will meet
criticism, but no doubt, it will be in the
nature of commendation. The night was a
beastly one for
AN INITIAL PERFORMANCE.
There was heavy downpour of rain, and
terribly muddy streets about the time the
people would be going to theater, and even
ing dress and damp overcoats and dripping
umbrellas do not look entirely well in the
possession of the same person. The box
Office charge was S3 for a seat. Specula-
tors, owing to the very unbearable charac-
ter of the weather, were more liberal
toward the people, and sold similar seats
at 81 each. Mr.. Irving, at the close of the
play, acknowledged the calls OF the people
and made a speech. 1t was ike the die
ton OF The Bells in what was spoken,
and in enunciation Mr.. Irving still marked
himself the actor, artist, scholar and gen.
tleman. He bespoke a welcome for his
companion, Miss Ellen Terry, who will
appear with him Tuesday night in
Charles T.
THE "TRIBUNE's" CRITICISM.
Ir ring: Judgment and taste differ, and
will continue to differ, in defining his
talents and estimating his rank, but upon
one point all opinions are agreed, all the
more agreed since the performance last
night, and that is, he is a thorough actor"