Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-04-21

Theodore Martin, graciously received into
high society, and of late years has been
favorite with the Queen; but think our
countrywoman, Charlotte Cushman, was the
first actress, who. while unmarried, poor,
comparatively unknown, and not beautiful,
achieved q great, all-round success, and was
welcomed and courted in exclusive circles
recognized as social equal, sometimes as
an intellectual superior. / knew this great
actress intimately, was much with her IN
America and Europe, and estimated her
intellect, independent of her histrlonlc
talent, very highly. 1t was many-sided,
eagerly interested in all branches OF art In
| literature, science, and politics-in all
directions and modes of human progress.
Because of the pathway she opened by her
rare social talent and tact, it has been easier
for her successors, Genevieve Ward, Helena
Modjeska and Mary Anderson to take the
place in English society to which their
| genius entitled them. If Victoria were like
Queen Charlotte, it would still be hard. If
the Prince of Wales were like George the
Fourth, it would be too easy. The liberal
and kindly heir-apparent, whatever he may
do in Paris. has learned to discriminate
when in his own capital and among mis-
future subjects, in favor of such actresses, as
have mentioned-women of respectability
and refinement, and so has done much to set
the fashion in London, where true artists
can no longer be treated with supercilious
condescension, or timid tolerance
Yet actors and actresses are less frequently
found in the great London mansions of high
rank and fashion than in the modest houses
of musicians, painters, authors and journal
lists, where meet brilliant mixed circles of
art and literature, which rather spoil one
for ordinary society. AT the hospitable
house of well known Scotch gentleman
and journalist, Mr.. Forbes Robertson, we
for several seasons enjoyed delightful, in
formal gatherings, in which we met the
finest talent and distinction of that choice
but infinitely varied department of London
life, known as Upper Bohemia" Here
HAPPY AND HARMONIOUS
family circle gave guarantees of refinement,
purity, good manners, and good report
a gracious father, a sweet mother, clever,
genial sons, and beautiful daughters. Yet
three of the Forbes Robertson "boys" are
actors-Mr Macready's ''vagabonds"
but intellectual and polished gentlemen,
scholars, and artists for all that. One of
them, Mr.. Ian Forbes-Robertson, for some
years with us, could be persuaded to adopt
America for his country, were she not be-
ginning to look too big for adoption. He is
good fellow, and I hope he will excuse the
new States that will come tumbling in.
Mr.. Irving is too studious and busy to
have much time for general society, and GER
tain great people seek to monopolize him;
but wherever he goes he seems the same
grave, thoughtful gentleman-courteous and
utterly unpretending.
We frequently met Mr.. and Mrs. Kendall,
the admirable artists whom Mr.. Frohman,
of the Lyceum, who always tries to secure
the best actors, both as to talent and charac-
ter, for his beautiful theatre, is to bring
over next season. They would have come
to America before this but for "the babies"
Mrs. Kendall once told me that until her
children had grown out of her arms she
could not have the heart to leave them. She
is a most sympathetic actress, retaining
much of the girlish charm which distin-
guished her as Madge Robertson.
If society thinks it graciously condescends
in meeting on terms of equality such ac-
tresses as Mrs. Kendall is, and as Char
lotte Cushman was, it makes stupid mis-
take. Society idles; artists work; society
is monotonous; their life is varied as hu-
manity; society is fatty real; they are ideal,
piquant and inspiriting.
POPULAR IN PAR LoRs.
Two young American actresses 1 have
met in New York literary societies who have
true, as well as artists destined to very un-
usual honor and success. One is the lady
now taking Boston by storm in great
Shakespearesn roles-Miss Julia Marlowe,
brave girl, who is putting Mary Ander-
sons laurels in jeopardy-and the other Is
Annie Russell Mrs. Presbury) of the Mad
ison Square Theater. She graces the draw
ing room as she graces the stage-a vision
of dreamy, pensive, yet sympathetic lowell
ness, all unconscious of her most rare and
delicate charm-modesty. The poetic ideal
beauty of her "Elaine"is something sweet
to remember. Tennyson would have been
content with it.
Certain New York actors are very popu-
lar in society; none more so than Mr.. Hen
ry Edwards He is well known as fin
ished, conscientious actor of the old school,
especially good in high comedy; but few are
aware, so modest is he, of his scientific at
tainments. He is, in fact, one of the most
distinguished entomologists of the world
If anybody doubts the social gain to be
derived from the real dramatic element, let
him at some crowded fashionable reception,
after hearing and Witnessing highly tragic
or deeply pathetic effort by some ambitious
amateur, listen to thequlet recitation OF some
simple poem by Mr.. Edwards. 1t will fall
upon the weary spirit like the benediction
which follows after prayer'-a long one
on Thanksgiving Day.
That fine young actor with the quaint,
Puritanic name, Eben Plympton, also re-
cites admirably. with simplicity and
manly earnestness most inspiring and salts
tying.
think it would be a good thing for so
ciety and the drama to mingle and commin-
gle, unless advances should come solely from
certain fast and furious fashionable set,
when should tremble for the morals of nv
friends, the actors.
GRACE GREENWOOD.