National Republican., 1885-11-21
NEMrnN nEEIis. AnTnn.


It is delightful to witness the dawning
and the gradual, Frightening, assured ascent
Of genius. For my own part, in the partlc-
ular case which is now present before inc,
the privilege Of beholding its earliest light
was not mine, yet from reliable information
received, can fully appreciate that twas
beautiful and surprising.
Iwritc Of Newton Beers, actor. Through
out the land, well-known to-day, and
warmly commended on the stage, his best
character is not public property, It is his
private possession, bestowed by nature.
Simplicity, sincerity, enthusiasm, and re-
markable intelligence are its chief compo-
ncnts. His eyes curiously, mInutely, and
deeply observe, his memory safely treasures
all valuable acquisitions, and his heart is a
shrine Of the affections.
Those who meet Newton Beers for the
first time, In few moments become
strongly attracted TO him, and before the
passing Of an hour feel as II he had been a
lifelong friend. II is this natural character
of his which lmparts such glow, such ma
ture to his assumed theatrical characters.
In the mimic world, as In the real, he is
ever earnest
Gifted with n fine person, features in
stantly capable Of varied expressions, a
voice tender and powerful, our actor can
not fail to be impressive, and to sway his
audience as he will. Yet there is about
this man an inspiration, perhaps. but little
known to himself which presently will lead
him on to grauder triumphs than any thus
far attained, for his capacity indicates the
final mastership Of either the most exalted
tragedy or comedy, or of both. Young,
patient, studious, exceedingly observant
and sOnguine-what shall he find impossi-
ble2
Newton Beers was born in Fairfield
county, Conn, April IL, 1862. Even as
early as bis fifth year the readings of his
father from "Plutarch's Lives,n Josephus,
and Dryden's translation Of Virgil greatly
| Interested the boy, attracting him beyond
| the allurements of childhood sports, and,
probably, inclining his mind toward the
| profession which he now honors. Certainly,
such disposition was aroused about this
| period by the accidental acquisition Of a
| pamphlet copy of Shakespeares "Tem-
| pest" This drama rested day and night
| In his hand and In his heart. He read aud
| re-read IL, the charm not dissolving. Next,
as consequence, came private theatricals,
which continued through several years, and
all the way young Beers moved the hero Of
| the scene, receiving abundant applause.
Older grown, his talent was noticed by
Miss Minnie Howard Briggs, of Bridgeport,
u lady OF unusual attalnments rs linguist,
| artist, and musician, and also distinguished
for beauty. By her invitation the youth
began course Of instruction. She was a
competent teacher, he grateful and most
eager pupil His advancement was rapid,
all his hope aud ambition being embraced in
the stageward direction of study pursued.
At length, on the 22d Of September, 1874,
at the Griswold Opera House, Troy, N. Y,
he made his first public appearance. Though
the part undertaken was not prominent, yet
he managed 1t with so much delicacy and
strength that an engagement for the season
Immediately followed. This led to other
connections IN Providence, Il. l.; st. Louis
and various cities and towns throughout
the country.
Continual improvement marked the pass
ing time, till, under Manager Bernard Nc.
| Cauley, veteran actor, he won his first
decided success I'm the character of Skinny
Flint, q miser. This representation grew SO
popular that he repeated 1t over all the
Union. "Roger," the vagabond, and "Huc-
cleman,n the Bohemian, were other among
| his "hits.n
These eccentric specimens of humanity
were of his own creation, or more properly
| the result Of careful studies from originals
discovered by him in real life. In every
stage effort 1t may be relied upon that New
ton Beers sketches from nature-the labori
Gus but only infallible method of becoming
| q true artist.
The greatest achievement Of his genius
has been Jagon, In Belasco's "Stranglers OF
Paris" with which melodrama our Wash
ington citizens are generally acquainted,
for crowded and applauding audiences have
received IL through this week at Herzog's
Opera House. Especially In this role is the
power Of the young actor evident, rendering
rs shS hS4s'iSg 81 g RRsRRAfftiG gift
| s. ID.