The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1894-03-25
LITERATURE AND THE DRAMA.
Two Famous Authors Who Have Failed ne
rlaywritera.

Especial Correspondence
NLW YORK, March l9.-Ihere happened
in this city recently an opportunity 10 test
the capacity Of two men who have won dis
tinction-one as the most famous Of Ameri-
can nOvelists. the other ~ the editor ~ the
Oldest and probably the most important u
American reviews-as writers Of plays for
production upon the stage There was
much public interest In these productions,
happening, as they did, upon the same day
although without any arrangement Of that
kind between the authors. That was a
mere coincidence
Mr.. William Dean Howells had written
a one act comedy which he called Bride
Roses" and had written IL not solely with
a view 10 publication, as be has written 30
many other amusing little farces and com
edies, but with the purpose Of stage produc-
tion. The idea in the trifling plot was sim
pie and yet had dramatic value 10 repre-
scented three different persons entering a
florists shop AZ the same time TO purchase
flowers for be same young woman, although
each Of these persons was unknown 20 the
others and the motives which induced
them 10 buy these Aoral offerings were diff
ferent in each case
Competent actors were engaged for the
production u this little piece, and il was
mounted appropriately. Nevertheless the
little play did not succeed and is not likely
again 70 be heard, although il furnished
the same gentle interest 20 those who read
it when II was published in magazine that
all OF Mr. Howells' little comedies have oc-
casioned.
Mr.. Frank Stockton, whose bumor many
persons have thought adapted to stage rep
resentation. wrote one play, but when that
was examined by professional playwright
IL was discovered that very great altera-
tions were necessary II IL was TO be pro
duced at all, and Mr.. Stockton said with
humor all his own, II found that if was
going on the stage ! should have 70 have
driver with me-"
Mr. Thomas Bailey Aldrich and Mr.
George Parsons Lathrop have written plays
admirable in literary quality, but not com
manding the approval Of the public.
On the same day that Mr.. HowellS
Bride Roses" was presented a play writ
ten by General Lloyd Bryce was produced
at one of the fashionable theaters Of New
York. 1t was melodramatic in its purpose
II was given by company Of trained nc
tors. The announcement of the production
Of this play caused a great deal Of interest
in several circles ia New York city with
which General Bryce has been associated.
In society he and his family are in close
touch with that element which for want Of
a better name is called the Four Hundred
an element which contains many who are
interested in literary work and some who
have done good work.
With another circle General Bryce Is Of
| influence, due TO the fact that he is editor
and proprietor Of The North American Re
view, which aims TO be the vehicle Of the
best thought upon great public and social
| questions With still another element Gen
eral Bryce Is in close touch, he having been
actively engaged in the politics Of New
York city, having once served as a member
Of congress. and, the politicians say being
! likely again 10 be sent 10 the house OF repre-
sentatiyes
OF course. with such wide acquaintance
and Of such influential relations with social,
/ political and literary elements in the COM
munity, there was bound 10 be the keenest
/ interest in this venture Of General Bryce
/ into the field Of dramatic composition. lie
/ took a collaboration, a man familiar with
the mechanism of the stage, so that il was
/ presumed that part of the work would be
well done
| There seems 10 have been a common YER
/ dict about this work Of General l5ryce's Il
satisfied none Of his friends, and it furnished
another indication that the man who is
skillful with the pen, and who as a writer
commands the public attention, may be ut
terly lacking in the peculiar talent, which
is entirely apart from the literary talent,
necessary 20 produce am acting play. The
I production Of these two plays upon the
same day Is one of the most significant in
! dicatiou- Of the disposition Of American
writers 90 produce plays.
! On the same evening another play was
produced which met with success The
author il man who had been trained In
! journalism He had served for many years
az reporter aud correspondent for one Of
/ the greater newspapers of New York stale.
i lie had been brought by that experience
1 into actual and not theoretical contact
| with life. lie had written one novel, which.
/ though It had gained no great literary re
/ pute, had won popularity. That WAS called
/ The Diamond Button" lie had far less
/ literary fame than the other two. and yet
/ his play was "A popular success. az the same
/ time teaching a strong lesson. aud il is a
singular fact that every one OF the young
{ American dramatists whose plays have sue
coeded has bern trained ia the hard schcO'
. OF American journalism.
T. J. EDWARDS.