New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-05-12
MR.. MANSFIELD AS BARON CHEvRIAL.

It is with regret that We come again upon tN
play OF {" A Partisan Romance" which was orougm
out last night at the Garden Theatre, Mr. hansnela
representing the Baron Chevrisl. The play is OBJ
noxious: the character is odious: and although Mr.
Mansfelds acting is remarkably truthful and power.
full the impression left by this prcsentment is alto
gether that OF mental nausea and disgust. such
creatures as the Baron Chevral undoubtedly DO exst'
but do crocOdles and anacondas-the sight OF which,
nevertheless, only loathlng and horror The
fact that thing exists Is no sufficient why IL
should be shown, and least Of all why 1t should Dc
shown In a work Of dramatic art. To make dramatic
analysis such nature that OF the Baron Chevria
is like making an anatomical analysis OF cancer. In
curry into the structure of hideous disease may
have its USE No doubt 1t helps surgery In like
manner the probing Of moral ulcers may assist the
social morast in his portrayal Of depravy and may
enable him to give point and pungency to his In
vecve against vice. But the dissection OF putrdty,
whether of the body the spirit, is not the proper
province OF ar-especally not Of dramatic art which
necessarily must deal with actual objects and must
accost with direct appeal the sight and the nearing
as well as the mind.
The Baron Chevral is an image OF selfshness cruelty,
rauacity and RIGHTEOUSNESS His character possesses
no trait that is lovely and only two traits that ara
and courage He glories in vice
and he defes death. more complete type OF total
depravity-pitless constituencies, basphemous-coud
not be indicated The has lived for sensual pleas
desires are still rampant but his body totters on the
verge of paralysis and death. He has never been any,
thing except a banker; and he has never done any
thing except to be splendid in banquets He Is shown
In willy and revolving attempt to undermine the vrtue
of decent though foolish woman, and then he is shown
as the natural victim Of sudden attack Of apopexy;
and your sole feeling you look upon him, IS that he
ought never TO born and that the death which
removes him is the greatest Of bessngsdefecve only
in having been far too long deferred He is, In word,
moral carrion and his presence pollutes the air. No
good can possibly of depicting such persons upon
the stage.
No good has ever come of Mr. Mansfelds portrayal
Of Baron Chevria except in the manifestation of his
remarkable talent actor. In this assumption tho
observer will particularly notice the cold, cruel watch
full eye; the vgilant intelligence the swift malevoent
craft the absolute self-command the hard, bad voice.
the clutclng action of the handsas II they were tho
taons of vulture; the lines Of forceful character
artfuly mingled with the wrinkles OF disease and OF
premature age in the wicked countenance; the thin
hair: the pervasve tone Of physical h0llowness
the stealthy movement intensified by baleful repose
that Is Characteristic Of selfconscious evil; the de-
meanor OF artistic distinction and authority, and the
beautiful precision Of utterance at critical Moments
when an infection may mean volume MI MANS
fields study Of this human reptile has been deep and
keen and his embodiment of him is wonderful In its
truth and shocking its effect But, we have often
said before he is misusng his splendid talents when
he deyotes them to this purpose Inc pFnciPio Iias
wond obtrude monstrosities in dramatic art IS rad
ically wrong principle The theatre for the people
and unless they derive from it refeshment nobility,
strength refinement and beauty. fails In It's mgner
purpose That It's lower puipose,the mlhimeny OF "a
passing curiosity-may be achieved by SUCH play az
| this cannot however be denied. Much as you may
loah and abho this senile reprobate the
OF him by Mr. Mansfield rvets your attention and Keeps
you in state of painful suspense. The fascination
| Is that of tho serpent. A grim hrmor OF saf9one
materias furthermore has been suffused throughout
the embodiment and 1t stands forth the incarnation
OF moclng sensuaty-the most insidious form o. All
the many forms that evil for the ruin OF the
human SOUL 81, M.
Mr. Mansfield was recalled with enthusiastic plaudts
ar,ar the death scene Miss Beatrice Cameron, who
PLAYED Rose Guern easily charming In her vlvacy,
but somehow the levity Of this not very scrnpulous
| Character does not harmonic with her sincerity OF
| temperament Mlrth gains much, In expression, by
repose. Doctor Chesnel acted In 1udicous and
competent manner by Mr.. HarkiDs, and the languld
Bean Tirande became humorous and conspicuous In tho
person OF Mr.. Ferguson The principal features OF inc
| q