Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-03-25
JOE MILLEE's JOKES.
The Jests Were Never Known by the Man
Whose Name They Bear

Inc Jests Were Never known by the Man
Whose Name They Bear.
All Of the older generation and many of the
younger have read or heard Of Joe Miller's
jest Book" collection OF Jokes and stor,e.
that were supposed TO be irreprcssihly funny
at the time they were written ana which were
attributed TO an English actor. who gained
great reputation a comedian, though before
the appearance Of this book he was never
credited with being an original humorist
in reality, says the Chicago Herald. Joe Mil
Ter did not write or compile the book; be WAS
not even conscious Of Its existence. and 10 IL
doubtful whether he ever perpetrated one of
the witticisins that have year after year since
its appearance regularly been reprinted in The
almanacs and thus almost become household
words.
WAS SUCCESSFUL ACTOR
Joe Miller was in reality an actor who made
his appearance nt the Drury Lane Theater in
November, I7e9. when the character OF Teao~s
in Sir Robert Howard's comedy, The Conn
mittee, was personAted. ne the play bills
stated. by one who never appeared on the
stage before. In the same season he also
took the part of the servant Jeremy in Com
greves comedy, Love for Love" Miller must
have been an actor not only of much ability,
but also one who. possessed much versatility,
for he Was cast For more or less prominent
parts in the plays of almost all the more
famous authors whose works were performed
at the historical old theater at that time He
continued . member Of the Drury lane Com
rnny for many years, his popularity increasing
more and more. During this time he appeared
In Steeles comedies. The Funeral" and The
Tender Husband" in AddIson's comedy, Tho
Drummer. In an adaptation Of Moliere's
George Dsndin." in Fletcher's wit Without
Money and other plays too numerous 70 men,
ton, besides almost all the original versions
and perversons OF Shakespeare plays that
we're then produced As Sir Joseph Wi,toliu"The
Old Bachelor" he achieved such great success
that Hogarth, the famous cnricaturist, became
Interested In him and designed the ticket OF
admission for the occasion OF the performance
that was given for Miller's benefit, representing
one OF the principal scenes from the third
act. The engraving from Hoearth's design
has now become very scarce print and COM
mands an almost fabulous price Miller re-
manned a member OF the Drury Lane Company
until the close Of the season in l7ss. In the
London Daily Post and General Advertiser OF
August IL, 1888. there appeared this announce
ment: Yesterday morning. died Of plsurisy,
Joseph Miller, a celebrated comedian, belong
ing 70 the Theater Royal. Drury Lane, much
ad mired for his performance in general, but
particularly in the character Of league in The
Committee, or the Faithful Irishman." Ac-
cordlng to one of his hiographers the favorite
had not even learned to read. He was a mar
ried man, but ii was said Of him that his prin-
cipol object in marrying 20 have Q wife
who was able to read his parts to him.
COMPILED AFTER HIS DEATH.
As for the Jest book il did net appear until Q
year after Joe Miiler's death. Il owed its ex-
istence to . certain John MOTLEY, gentleman
Of good family, whom circumstances had con-
strained to live precsriously by such use AZ he
could make Of his wits and his pen. He was the
author OF several dramas which met with sue
cess. He had political aspirations and might
have made his mark had his friends who were
then in power, among whom were tuch we'll
known men as Lord Halifax and Sir Robert
waipole. kept their promises TO appoint him 30
important positions In compiling the jest book
he assumed the name Of Elijah Jenkins and az
footed TO be friend Of the recently departed
Miller. Among several pieces be has given TO
the public" writes a biographer, lis that winch
bears the title of Joe Nillers Jesh' Q collec-
ton made by him from other books, and o
great part Of IT supplied by his msmory from
original stories recollected an his former con-
versstions." The book, il may be added, il
described or its title page as "a collection Of
the most brilliant iests, the politest repsrtees,
the most elegant bon mots and most pleasant
short stories in the English language, first
carefully collected In the company and many
of them transcribed from the mouth Of the IA
oetjous gentleman whose name they bear, and
now set forth and published by his lamented
friend and former companion, Elijah jenkins.
ESQ.," The work was most humbly inscribed"
to ''those choice spirits OF the age, Capt Boz
dens. Alexander Pope, Professor Lacey. 0rstor
onl V and Inb alap fhaE fae Ia Arrr