The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-08-29
SIR JOHN FALs1AFF.
Comedian William H. Crane Chats
About His Coming Venture.

~ Jony-iooking, brown-f faced man stood
In the lobby OF Narragansett Hotel yes-
terday afternoon as THE News represen-
tative dropped in to see who was who, and
what was what.
ihe n-bronzed man looked like q we'll
to-do man of affairs just in from good
rugged summer vacation. lie was the pic
ture of good health.
As The News man approached the
stranger a couple of hands were extended:
slow do-you-do Mr.. Crane?"
"How do-you do Mr.. Mackinnon.v
swell, you're looking great"
Never was better in my life," said the
famous comedian.
"lve been living on my yacht all sum-
mer, and have been having royal time at
Cohasset and on the brinev In
TACT, I'm on yachting business here today.
Getting some new machinery. Thought
would go and see the ball game. A few
lew years ago was something of base
ball crank myself and a view of Kelly and
the other old timers will make the after
noon agreeable until o'clock when
am going home to Cohasset again. Won't
you go too?"
chat with 'The SenatorD was of
course, irresistible.
Seated in the grand stand, while Kelly
played comedy in the field, Mr.. Crane
talked about the coming season.
lie said that he was not yet booked at
the Providence Opera House and would
not reach this city this season, AZ he was
going to make a tour of the south after
ms New York engagement which will
begin at the Star Theatre, Sept. "a.
I'm going to play my favorite part
this year-Falstaff in the Merry Wives.',,
"What do you think, have never seen
faistah played, and I'm going to pat the |
famous comedy on the stage in big style |
after my own notions of its possibilities.
Il guess 1t will be something new. At
all events l anticipate a great deal of
pleasure in the undertaking, because for
years have had desire to play Shake
speare's copious creation. / hope the
weather Will be cool after the season opens
30 that the extra flesh l will have TO
wear every evening won't be a terror.
But I'm pretty strong gained 16 pounds
during the summer and have entirely re-
covered from the touch Of nervous pros
ration was suffering under when was
m Providence a couple of years ago.
providence has got good ball team
his year, i see"
Joe Knight had just made wonderful
'utheld catch which the popular come
iian seemed to appreciate.
Hello, there's Jim Corbett."
Mr.. Crane was but short distance from
he champion, who was enjoying the
.ame in front seat.
"What sort of house did he have last
light ?"
"Good!"
I'm glad of it. Corbett is a bright
elbow; clear away from the gang usually
ssociated with pugilism."
just then the champion and his wife
Dit their seats, and in going out of the
rand stand Corbett saw Mr.. Crane.
lie smiled with pleasure, just as he
miled when he discovered that he could
asily elude Sullivan's much feared rushes.
They were actors together, now, these
To, and-they left the grounds together
The "over the fence ball skirmishersu
'rgot all about getting into the game as
BON as Corbett's tall form showed outside
ne gates.
They formed motley crowd, and
leered, yelled and whistled for the
hampton. They followed close after his
sels to the street car, surrounded it and
lng on until its speed shook them off.
Mr.. Crane enjoyed the novelty aud had
salstaffian smile all the while. His pres
ice helped the champion to bear the
arden Of greatness with serene resigna-
On.
Mr.. Cranes identity wasn't established
20 the enthusiastic crowd would have
ID divided interest.
Both were glad to get back to the ho-
|.