Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-12-21

the same as in the old historic days, but
there are new pictures, new surroundings
and a new and broad-minded master There
is portrait of Napoleon on the wall, but
a very lew reminders of the great shop be-
low, where money is earned to keep up the
expensive entertainments which take place
in this strange attachment to great play
house after the nights work is over.
No theatrical manager in the United
States has even a glimpse of such life as
Mr.. Irving leads in this strange old apart
ment behind his stage where the pick of
broad men and women are often called to
eujoy mis- hospitality.
COMPARED WITH BOOTH.
Mr.. Irving must be as old man as Ed.
win Booth. and yet with all his love of his
fellows and of their association he is a much
Younger one. Possibly this is because of
his constant touch with humanity. Mr..
Booth by force of circumstances is more or
less of recluse. He is obliged to live
apart from men or their delights. His
knowledge of human nature is limited,
while that of Henry Irving is very broad.
While Edwin Booth is anxious to benefit his
profession he does not know how, as the
Players Club in New York illustrates.
But Mr.. Irving is so careful to keep within
elbow reach of the warmest elements of life,
whether they be grave or gay, that he knows
just where to help the people whom he ad-
mires
Perhaps no broader example could be pre-
sented than in members of his own COM
pany, who have been with him for years,
and will probably remain with him as long
as he continues 10 be a factor in theatrical
life. Many of them are old, very old, bat
they still act their parts, and he treats them
with a consideration that is remarkable. 1
have never thought Mr.. Irving the greatest
actor in the world, but there is a complete
ness about his conduct and power that is
something far beyond the average.
IRvING's MIDNIGHT DINNERS.
One night after 1 had looked upon the
splendid production of "Rsvenswood," 1
Joined Mr.. Irving in his dining room be-
hind and above the stage. Frequently, very
frequently he has these symposiums, to
which dozen or more people sit down. 1t
is close to II o'clock before the first course
is served, and there is no telling when the
light will be put out The food is of the
best and the liquids of the rarest But
there is no straining after effect, and there is
an atmosphere of liberty, and yet of intel
lectual force about the surroundings that
admonishes you all the while that here is
the home of hospitality, tempered with
fine responsibility on the part of all those
who participate.
The atmosphere of the whole place is de-
lightful. There Is plenty of good talk tend
ing to improve the vision and touch the
reality of life. The dinner is simply We
hicle to the greater purpose that fingers
from u o'clock at night until any reasona-
bic hour in the morning. The surroundings
are such that no one dreams of license, and
if the day dawns before the intellectual
game is ended every one goes home feeling
the better for having enjoyed Mr.. Irving's
hospitality.
THE GUESTS AT THE BOARD.
Not long ago there was notable gather
ing around this table from which SO much
has been taken and over which SO. much has
been said. The affair was unique. Mr..
Irving sat in the center of the table, and
Ellen Terry directly opposite him. MIR.
Loveday was at the head of the table. He
is Mr.. Irving's stage manager and super
vises ali his productions. At the other end
was Dram Stoker, Mr.. Irving's chief lieu
tenant in management. To his right sat
Ellen Terry's son, a handsome young boy
of 20 who wears spectacles, and has hair
which looks like his mothers. He plays
the part of younger brother to his mother
in "RavenSwood'' and plays it we'll. In
fact, there is something so sympathetic in
the conduct OF mother and son on the stage
that it seems to you like real, and when you
meet him at the supper table the illusion
only grows stronger.
Mrs. Ward, the mother of the sculptor,
sat next to Henry Irving and three or four
memb mbers of his company were sandwiched
around among different people while John
II. Francis, who owns the Troy Times and
used to be our Minister to Austria, wore a
black scull cap, looked wise and talked
with all that diplomacy for which he is
noted. Mr.. 1rving's association with the
members OF his own company struck me as
something unusual when you come to con-
slider the relations between master and men.
HARMONIOUS AND RESPECTFUL.
Those around the table as we'll as those
who were with him behind the scenes seem
to be in perfect harmony with his methods,
although they made it apparent by their
acts and utterances that they had great re-
spect for him. Colonel Tom Ochiltree came
into the symposium of intellect and fodder
to find some similar recollections ol old-time
days and to marvel at theatrical manager
who every week entertains more Americans
| than any other man in London. In fact, /
have often thought that Mr.. Irving had
rented this Beetsteak Club and fitted up
that large dining room just to keep himself
in good temper with the people of the New
World whom he thinks we'll OF, and is more
than willing to entertain.
One ot.the pleasures of the evening was
meeting Charles Wyndham, whom knew
in the Union army during the Rebellion.
He and Irving are great friends, and the
limit of their hospitality has not yet been
touched. Wyndham has a singular theatel
up on Piccadilly, which is entirely under
ground. The roof of his playhouse is q
restaurant and swell place where good food
and good drink can be found. The might
after Mr.. 1rving's dinner Mr.. Wyndham
entertained the company in Piccadilly Cir
Gus, just beyond his theater, where you hav,
to 60 down three flights of stairs to fine
your seat. Going in from the street YOU arr
confronted with sign board pointing to
ward the cellar, reading: "This way to tn,
theater."
| A CLOSE BUSINESS MAN.
'I have no habits" said Mr. Irving on
day to a man who asked him what were hi
hours. ST live In the theater," he con
tinued, "and every day at IL O'CLOCK you car
find me here unless have some very specia
engagement. I have plenty to do to lool
after the details of my business on and ot
the stage, for I not only act but pay clos
attention to management"
Just at this mopent Mr.. Loveday, tn
stage manager, came in and the actor turned
to give him directions for the day, Their,
seemed to be perfect harmony about all thi
arrangements. Every hour seemed to hav,
its exactions, and the heads OF department.
appeared at a fixed moment, transacted
their business and retired. No surplu
words were wasted and in q short time Mr.
| Irving turned to his mail which is some