Idaho semi-weekly world. [volume] (Idaho City, Idaho Territory) 1875-1908, 1891-03-27
WILLIAM WARREN.
Touching Tribute to the Mercury OF one
of the Old Time Comedians

of the Old Time Comedians
From 1.-THE Autobiography of Joseph
Jefferson. in The Century, we quote
as follows. james Wallaek, Charles
Mathews. Fechter Walter Montgon-
ery. Peter Richings dear me, am the
only one left and many Others. Such
Jokes. old and new; such "reminiscences
foreign and domestic, tales OF tlle
Drury Lane. legends of the Theatre
Franchise, and ronances OF the Olu
Bowery; then the discussion as 10
whether the actors of the past were
better than those of the present--ali OF
the old actors insisting on it that they
we're. and all the young ones insisting
on it that they were not.
again recall Warren as one OF the
bright features of memorable FEAST
Mrs James T. Fields at one end OF the
table and her husband at the other
Beside William Warren sat DR.. Ollver
| Wendell Holmes, while Mr.. Longfellow
sat facing myself, the youngest man
of those assembled, and greatly pleased
to be one of such group. Here was
table talk indeed-a feast Of wit as well
as of yiands. As think now of that
interesting day seem to listen to the
brilliancy of Fields, the wisdom OF
Longfelow and the wit of Holmes
Then Warren modestly joins in the
conversation, planning his words to the
theme under discussion-so adroitly,
too, that no joke is suspected until the
climax. This is indeed the very art and
perfection Of an anecdote.
thine rolled on and we met quite
often, always in the summer 10 SIT
and talk with Warren under the trees
was ever a treat to me. He had known
me when was but boy, ard now he
knew me as grandfather. No lack
of retrospect and reminiscence with
such acquaintance!
Then came the fiftieth anniversary
of his debut was not there to see it.,
but know of it as though the scene
had passed before me. Thousands
hocked to witness it. Gray haired men
who had been taken to see him when
they were boys hurried to bid for
places that they might do him honor.
There was loving cup from those who
cherished him; flowers from whole
city; a token of affection from his old
comrades. | saw him shortly after
this and there was a shade of sadness
in his face He seemed to feel that all
was over. A laurel wreath will cheer
its wearer when it is bestowed on one
who is in the zenith of his victory, but
it weighs heavily upon a retired head.
William Warren bore up bravely
under the burden of seclusion; bu1
time and the loss of that more thar
magnetism which is imbibed by al
actor from the warm appreciation o
his audience, and which had stimulat
ed him for so many years, gradual!
told upon his health, and then hi
bright mind faded and he passed away
Boston's best sons and daughters were
present to witness the ceremonies tina
/ attended upon his final rest. Thos,
who had lived and wept with him il
his art showed, by their presence anC
, unsurpassed emotion, how they wer
saddened by so great loss.
; Relatives and friends, who stood il
groups about the grave, were over
: come with sorrow. John Gilbert ste ,
, gazing into the grave with streamin
t eyes and dazed look. He felt tina
the time was fast approaching when h
would join his comrade"