The Ohio Democrat. (Logan, O. [Ohio]) 1886-1906, 1890-02-22


the Curtain Went Down.
Joseph Jcfforson's recollections of Ed
win Forrest Corning part of The
Autobiography of Joseph Jeifcrson') is
one Of the entertaining features of the
midwinter number of the Century Mag
azine.
Mr.. jefferson describes Forrest as a
handsome fellow, with the form OF an
Apollo and strength OF Hercules; his
deep, musical voice under perfect con-
troll, and, In pathetic scenes, full OF
tears.
During my long professional life 1
met him frequently" adds Mr.. Jeffer-
son, land should say that much of his
unhappiness-fo he was very unhap-
py man-came from an irritable temper,
under little control"
From this article we quote tho follow
ing-an amusing illustration OF Forests
ungovernable temper:
"At the conclusion of tho Richmond
engagement" writes Mr.. Jefferson, "tho
company journeyed to Washington,
where we were to open with Forrest as
Metamora-n character that he detest-
ed and one that tho public admired.
Forrest was always in state OF intense
Irritation during the rehearsal and per-
torrance Of this drama. Irregularities
that he would have overlooked under
ordinary circumstances were now mag
nified to an enormous size, SO that when
he donned the buckskin shirt and stuck
the hunting-knife of the American saw
age in his wampum belt he was ready to
scalp any offending actor who dared to
cross his path. The coppcr-colored
LIQUID with which he stained his cheeks
might literally have beon called war
paint
"At the rehearsal the poor property
man, old Jake Search, got into dread
full state of nervousness and every thing
went wrong. The tragcdfan naturally
held me, as stage manager, responsible
for these accidents, particularly as the
unlucky Jake would conceal himself be-
hind set pieces, or mysteriously disap-
pear through traps as each mishap oo-
CURED. In the midst of this dreadful
confusion principally brought about by
his own III humor, Forrest turned on
me, saying that he would not act that
night. and strobe out of the theater. 1
hurried through the front OF the house
and heading him of in the alley ad-
dressed him, tts nearly as i can remcm-
Der, in the following words:
"'Mr. Forrest, before you decide upon
this step let me state an important fact,
that perhaps has not crossed your
mind He saw / was in earnest, and
tA /
sMr. Ford, the manager, is absent, SO
must take his responsibility to the pub
lie on myself. Tho blunders on the
stage this morning have been unfort-
innate, perhaps culpable, but you must
pardon me for saying that your excited
manner and somewhat unreasonable de-
mands have contributed not littlo TO
confuse the company and bring about
this disorder. Ba that as 1t may, thero
is another and still moro important
matter to consider. Every scat In the
theater is taken for tonight; tho audi
ence will crowd the house in expcota-
tion of a great dramatic treat, to which
they have been looking forward for
some time.
"sIf you decline TO act, and so break
your contract with tho public, what
course Is left for me? Why, only this:
must wait for the vast concourse Of
people to assemble, and then go before
them and explain the reason OF your
nou-appearancc. shall have to make
q clear statement of the case, and say
that you have refused TO act because
there were some slight discrepancies
and Irregularities in the rehearsal. The
public are, yoY know, quito unreason-
able when their diversion Is checked.
and 1t Ia likely that they will be indig-
nant at the disappointment, failing TO
see the reason as clearly as you may
have done. Nov, consider for mo-
ment. Under these circumstances will
Il not be more magnanimous In you to
overlook the shortcomings and go on
with tho rehearsal|
"He paused for q moment and SAID: i
will not 30 back to the rehearsal. am
700 much excited, and my presence on
the stage now will only make matters
worse; but II you will SEQ that details
are attended to, will act tonight
81 promised to do SO, and we parted.
was only too glad 10 get rid OF him on
those Terms, III ulS tHch ihIoWPoA"eS
state of mind. went back 10 the stage
md dismissed the rohearaal, cautioning
the actors to do what they could tc
render the nights performance
creditable. now began to hunt uE
the delinquent and frightened property
man, Jake Search-an appropriate name
for fellow who needed 80 much look
ing after-and discovered him hiding
undor a pile of old scenery. is he
gomez said Search. Yes / answered
but he will return tonight; so see thai
your properties are in good condition,
pr he will be the death of you
Tho night came and matters pro-
crossed favorably until the council
scene. One OF the characters here, be-
ing overcome with nervousness, re-
versed his questions to Metamora, CIV
ing the wrong lines, and Of course re-
ceiying a9 absurd answer. Tho audi
ence, recognizing the confusion of tho
dialogue, began 10 laugh, and OF course
this made matters worse. The act
Dominates with the Indians great
speech: From the east to the west, from
ithe north to the south, the loud cry Of
uannaonoa oho " ha haa rd and bara he