New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1893-04-10
HONORTNG WILLIAM II. CRIME.
AMERICAN DIAMAYIsTs GIVE A SUPPER FOR
HlM-HIs VIEWS ABOUT PLAYwMGiTs.

AMERICAN DEAMA,IsTs GIVE SUPPER FOR
HIM-HIs VIEWS ABOUT PLAYwMGiTs.
The Society Of American PlaywrIghis hOnored VIII.
lam H. Crane. the actor manager. late on saturday
night with supper Ut the Arena. IL appreciation OF
he has done In frhering the Interests OF the ma
tive dmmatiss II was past midnight when the authors
took their places around the long table, and Tor fully
four hours they gave themselves up 10 saying pleasant
things about the guest OF the evening. or the morning.
rather and discussing the question Are managers
competent to Judge OF plays7' The question was
warmly debated, but conclusion that was not known
before was reached When the cigars were lighted
Mr.. Crane introduced. amid hearty applause.
Gentlemen began the comedian. 1t Is hardly no
cessary TO say that am glad 10 b. here Oh THIS
pleasant occasiovery glad 10 accept your hospitality
and most grateful for the most cordial reception with
which you have greeted me. But. having san this,
feel that should be much better oil II should
get right down and say more. Those OF you who
write plays, and who read the criticisms in the papers
the day after new play is produccd-and Imagine
all Of you do that-may have noticed that certain
critics have said OF some OF the plays which have
presented that 1t was good thing for the author
that Crane had produced their play that Crane did
all the work. II 1t hadn't been for Crane, etc, etc.
etc. Now this Is oil very pleasant reading for Crane
To certnn extent We all. especially In your pro-
fcsslon and mine, like TO be attered by the cric but
now gentlemen. yon have your revenge, for through
your kindness You have placed Crane In q most en-
barrassing position, for you have Crane before
you without any playwright to furnish material
Here am thrown absolutely upon my own resources,
compelled TO use my own language, fat lines to
speak, strong situation 10 work upon, and none
except very awkward one. to help me out am
afraid II the critics were here now they would say
1t would take more than Crane to save this piece.
But the gentlemen Of the press have been most gen.
er0us to me, and appreciate their Kindness fully.
Il ut gentlemen. you know and / know how much
really owe TO the American playwright. II 1t wero
not for him could not have received any cOmmenda-
ton from the critics. to whom is due the sole credit
for originating the strong situations. the funny
pncatons and the bright sayings, and have given me
the opportunities TO please both the public and the
critics with my work, and have not shall ever
Try to rob the author OF particle OF credit which
belongs to him her. During the last three years
have shown my faith In the American drama BY pro-
duciDg here In NewiOrk five entirely new plays BY
American authors. Though opinions may very prop
eriy differ as to the meis Of these plays relatively
speaking or to the ability with which have In
terpreted the various characters l have attempted
TO portray. hope there Is difference OF opinion
TO the honesty Of my purpose the thorough earnest
ness with which have eDdeavopd 10 place these plays
adequately before the public. sti believe In a great
future FOR the American drama, not that not
living, 80 to speak, in that future for pro-
ducing here today many good and fairly good play
as any other country where the theatre Is established
We cannot expect TO reach perfection at but
are steadily progressing toward that point and 1t Is
only a question Of time when we shall get there o.
thcreaboutS As play after play is produced, strong
improvement both In originality Of ideas and dramatic
construction and also In the brightness ~ the
dialogue, is noted. that say again the future Of
the American drama Is bright with hope. and In realize
that future specially possible should be at present
The exclusive OF the author. tho actor and the
manager. Now. gentlemen, having worked my self
ont OF the awkward situation In which / found myself
placed well as could under the circumstances,
trust when say thank you all sincerely that you
will pardon the horrible cONyentiOnalty of my exit
The comedian was frequently interrupted with
question Of the night then In order and August us
HtOu tried TO show that managers fully capable
Of judging Of The merits OF plays Among those who
listened took part In the discussion were Charles
barnard, Maurice Barrymore. Thomas Frcst Clay
Greene. Paul Potter. Nelson Wheacr0ft George Backns
and LUrIimer btoddard.