The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1891-04-07
WITHDRAWAL or BOOTH.

The recent death of Lawrence Barrett. one
Of the most distinguished representatives Of
his art in the last quarter # a century, and the
retirement. for "a time at least. of Mr.. Booth
the most brilliant Of American actors now liy-
ing. has left a void in the contemporary his
tory Of the stage which welook in vain to be
filled by any individuals now advancing TO
prominence in the histrionic profession in this
country.
Who will be the successor Of Mr.. Booth?
What actor is there for instance. who can
assume the mantle which has just dropped
from his shoulders in his Incompatible part
of Hamlet. an impersonation which the men,
beers of this generation viii continue 20 ASSOC
ciate with his genius, whoever may play this,
the greatest Of the Shakespearean roles in the
future Barrett attained t. his high position
in his art a. much by strenuous labor as by
natural aptitude. Booth. to the capacity for
taking pains. added a skill that was inherited
with his blood, and which was as instructive
in its PRESTON as the genius of heaven
born orator or poet.
by birth, 10y tradition, by training, he was
an actor Of surprising powers. Admitted e.
bee the foremost figure ON the American stage.
not only b., tho unanimous voice of his audi
ences but Gls3 by his professional assocla' es.
he withdraws into private lie with the proud
consciousness that he enjoys IL, respect and
admiration Of his countIymen indie, EVIDENTLY
of al distinctions # classes y occu ations
In lis retnem ut noble chapter il the his
try ID. the ~ph, ia VII cir he moved is brought
To close. it, light seems TO be partially
dimmed Jefferson still fingers, not yet super
fuous. as the delighted attention Of his audi
ences atttsts, but drawing on toward
the end of career that has been
remarkable for its triumphs Other actors Of
great merit. notably Mr.. Florence. who have
Won great fame II their profession. are still in
the full possession Of their splendid powers,
but the American stage without Booth or JEFF
ferson. w,u ld appear to the present genera
ton OF theatre-goers to be deprived OF very
large part of It's peculiar charm and glory
II Is sincerely to be hoped that Mr. Booths
withdrawal Will only be Temporary. and that
he will soon return 10 the stage which he has
so long adorned by his gen US ana elevated by
his charay ter. The motive that has Influenced
him i'll his act Of retiring has been simply re-
gard for his health and not conscious
ness of failing abilities, of which he has
as yet given no indication. The step
which he has taken, nevertheless. even if his
intellectual and physical strength has not de-
clined is one that will be conducive to his
fame. Few actors have the power of will or
feel so jealous Of their reputation as TO with
draw before advancing age has impaired the
force of their genius The veteran is dis
posed still TO lag upon the boards when it is
clear TO all that his powers have diminished
his skill has weakened and his ability to pro-
duce an impression is passing away.
There is not a more melancholy spectacle
than that presented by such veteran who is
that time has touched him with its
wand or who, ifhe recognizes that fact, has not
the resolution TO abandon the scenes in which
be had won both fame and fortune. Shakes
peare, in Withdrawing from the stage before
advancing years had begun 10 tell upon him.