New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-04-28
JEFFERSON ON THE DRAMA.
THE VETERAN COMEDIAN TALKS CHARM
INGLY CONCERNING HIS ART.
AN ADDRESS DELIVERED At YALE COLLEGE YES
TERDAY-AN ANSWER TO THE DON
NELLY BACoNIAN THEORY.

NELLY BACONIAN THEORY.
New-Haven, April % SpeciaD.-Joseph Jchef-
son, the veteran comedian, spoke at Nale 'oilege
this evening on the subject of Dramatic Art
His address, which was full of personal re-
miniscences and treated the subject IN an en-
tremey agreeable and interesting manner. was
listened 10 with close attention ana eVidcnt en-
joyment by large audience.
Mr. jefferson spoke as follows;
In nv present condition | feel that strangely
resemble the village boy of NewlIampshire II was
proposed that in this same village sChpohOuse should
be erected. one OF the Soons who lad been perhaps
the Oldest nhabitant. strongly opposed TINS barDaohS
introduction. and in his own simple words Sad we
don't want no book larnin' in this place. I'm aSh
it, my wfe's agln II and Wen both vote acin IT, iof
faint account and takes boy from his maj rai
work and chores cen most much a eoln a-Slln'
Why there was boy IN this village yoass ago, as
likely a young fellow anybody over stuck hnc
into. What was his name. now Oh Webster Yes
Daniel Webster. lie was peart, snapW boy but lie
got 1t into his head that he must have book lrnln'
Well he went up to Boston. got Ills BOOK lafhh anu
nobody over heard on him agm."
Now though / resemble Daniel Webster about as
little in personal appearance do intellectually
still fancy that may bean likeness to MIN IN 'hs
one particular instance, that after have ihlsheu my
discourse In the presence Of 80 much " DOCK Ir"ih'
nobody will hear OF me again
Charles
into two classes those who are born to borrow and
those who are bern to lend. If you should happen
% belong TO the latter class Uicn do it cheeriuily
go do think that the world Is divided into two other
parts those who born TO entertain By their oraiOy
and those who are not But If you belong 70 the
latter class, as ! fear may, do 1t cheer'uly MAX
ing a speech cheerfilly however, and making cheer
full speech are two very different matters.
1 think 1t quite likely that many who are here
naturally associate me with characters have acted
upon the stage. You will possibly therefore, recoS
nize my voice and manner connected with those
imaginary persons, the valorouS Mr. Acres or hgh'hS
Bob Rip Van Wrinkle, that disreputable vaGaDOnd Oh
the Catskils, that grand old impostor Dr. Paneioss
L. p and \. > If You have derived in times gone
BY any entertainment from these familiar characters,
you must bear in mind that in acting them was as
sisted by costume, scenery and the presence OF cA
performers, who surrounded me and shared for
a time your attention: and besides these important
auxiarles had the advantage Of speaking the sdperb
and witty lines Of Sheridan. Coleman, Bouccaut and
WASHINGTON Irving Mark the difference! l now
throw q upon nv own resources, and in this impov-
cri,hci condition stand before you not interesting
imaginary character created by the brilliant genius OF
these immortals Of the past but mere piece of
uncertain humanity, who is doubtful, in his present
novel position whether he will sink Or swim.
TIE ACTOR PLEADS BIS OWN CAUSE.
You VIII then. l am sure. admit that in presenting
reputation may have gained as an actor And as
am now on trial 70. this misdem3anor, il is bat fair
that should plead my own cause. l propose. there
fore 10 turn states evidence and unmash my ac-
complete. Daring my last visit 10 Ncw-iiavcn,
deep-I4d scheme was planned by which this august
body TO be assaulted in open daylight. and / was
chosen for the deadly wOrk-being considered fit
instrument Of torture. You will be surprised to know
that my confederate and the principal conspator In
this plot is now i'll he MIDST Of this assembly, and
fear, exultng the widespread dcSoation he has
wrought. If, therefore, yoa Judge guilty of this
assassination Of your time and patience beg YOU viii
visit your condemnation my partner in crime Pro
lessor John F. Wer for in this dire scheme he is the
anarchist, whilst / am only the dynamite.
Having made full and complete confession ana
placed my accomplice in the hands Of justice, feel
free to proceed with my nefarous work.
have just alluded TO actor wandering from the
especial walks OF Lis ait and posing IA orator
Many actors have wondered why they have failed as
readers and quite number who have succeeded upon
the rostrum are surprised that they have iailed upon
The stage. Fanny kemble and James F. Murdoch are
the only actors l can call TO mind who have sue
ceeded readers. These exceptions are sufficiently
limited 10 prove the rule, and for the reason that
peculiar qualities that required In actor
variance with those which desirable for o.ntor
OF course, there some attributes that belong to
each: Voice, gesture, fine articulation, presence,
dignity. repose-a OF these necessary 10 both but
here Is the great distinction orator lmpresSes his
audience by what he says to them. An actor Is often
most effective when he shows how he is impressed by
what is said to him. No one talks back ~ the orator!
lie has 1t all to himself. lie Is only heard lie
listens. An actor who does not know how 10 listen
has half Of his art to learn. When Cassie is
rebuked by Othello, lie must show how he
is crushed by the justice OF that rebuke.
When Romeo breathes his love for Juliet, she berays
her ccstacy while listening to his passionate speech
tb
is dictatorl. He is not made to listen, there
fore. he is not created 10 act. For instance, would
consider Mr.. Levy, the cOrnet player an orator In
music. In his solo he would be grand and impressive
but in orchestra lie would be nuisance-for every
man Is u nuisance who is continually blowing his
horn.
oRATORY NOT DISPARAGED.
/ beg you will not for moment think that |
disparage oratory. On the contrary 1t Is glorious
gift. | only mean 10 draw the distinction between
the rostrum and the stage. Acting has been called,
enormously think, Of the mimic arts. | not
consider that good OF kind is displayed by
mimcry. II is generally conceded that imtators
seldom fine actors, though they are usually great
favorltes with the public confess that enjoy the
exhibitions OF this kind Of talent exceedingly. There
Is something very attractive and strange to
see man display the voice, manner and expression
of another-partcularly if that other be not
yourself We may enjoy the imitation OF
dearest friends but Onr smiles vanish and our
faces eoneate II the mimic attempts to give
counterfeit presentmcnt" OF the party of the
part. have heroically tried several occasions TO
enjoy limitations of myself but have never succeeded
These ingenious transcripts contain slight touch OF
ridicule that always ofcEds the original.
An anecdotc OF Mr.. Blackstone the English come
dian, Will TO Illustrate what have said At the
close Of dinner party he had been given TO under
stand that there person present who gave an
excellent imitation of himself blackstone
desired the gentleman 10 let the company have
test OF bis quality The gentleman politely declined say
ing that he might give offence; but the comedian woald
not let him Off, Insisted the exhibition and rubbing
his hands together in great glee settled himself down
for unlimited enjoyment. The imitator. seeing that
there escape, and amid breathless silence
began. His hit was immense and rs he sat down
hrnke forth In Ianchtnr