New-York tribune., 1896-09-27

COQUELIN.
gated by Napoleon l. declaring that actors who
are associates of the Theatre Francais are Tor
bidden to act in France beyond the limits Of its
stage NJ Coquelin. whether to secure the fame
that might to him from the exercise OF his
genius as a star actor untrammelled by the
rules and limitations of a stock company like the
Comede. or fo- the INCREASED income that he
hoped for, decided to break with the Ma
tionaI institution He organized a stock COM
pany of his and came to America.
He returned to France and accepted an
engagement at the Porte-Sant- Martin Theatre;
but the question of his right to act in Paris out
side the Comedie did not at that time come to
a determination, for he was persuaded to return
to the scene of his former successes. He stayed
there almost exactly three years, when he again
broke with the Comede, much as he had done
before. Again he made successful visit to the
United States, and again he returned to Paris
with engagement at the Porte-San- Martin In
his pocket But this time the battle was to be
fought out to the bitter end. Could Coquelin
aine be allowed to play at rival theatre, when
the Theatre Francois amentng his loss?
1t became a great public question. Not only
the courts set at work; ministers of the Gov
ernment were involved; the validity of decree Of
the great Napoleon in question; the public
discussed; the "societares" of the Theatre Fran
Gals in heated controversy; above it all and
through it all could be heard the vivacious
of the Paris press in chorus of reports rumors,
finally the courts decide that Coquen returns to
the Comedie Francaise. and NJ. Rambaud. Min
lister of Public Instruction, fixes the terms upon
which it shall be effected.
The socetaires. the pillars of the company of
the Theatre Francais. who are financially inter-
csted, express deep disgust at the clemency
tended to Coquelin; but the terms are scarcely
easy for the comedian. The appeared
have alternative but to carry the imperial
edict of Napoleon which they declared to be still
In effect. He 10 return to the National
Theatre. and be mulcted in fine Thereupon NJ.
Coqueln came forward with a proposition He
offered TO pay his former comrades of the Comedie
the sum of 10000 francs, including the fine of 3d.
coo francs imposed by the Court, and to relnquish
his claim to annual pension upon his retire
ment. in return for which he asked to receive his
freedom play when and where he pleased.
Thereupon the societaires had a meeting to deter
mine the course in their errng brothers case.
This meeting was according to of the partici-
pants who gave account of ii to of the
Paris papers. somewhat incoherent." II not
only a meeting of Frenchmen but a meeting of
and actresses; and in fact the informant
doubted If any who there could give
report of it, 1t finally decided that
they would be very generous and decline the
10000 francs that Coquelin offered. except the
10000 francs Of fines. but that the director should
receive the larger sum from him. to return 1t
the day he came back to the company. which they
demanded should be September l, 1897.
But NJ oquelin declared II quite impossible
to accept these terms. He had contracts with the
Porte-Sant- Martin Theatre which he could not
meet in less than three years. NJ Rambaud was
the mediator through whom understanding
reached. He the final and official arbter
in the case but the terms he proposed were such
as both sides could agree to-possible for NJ.
Coquelin to accept. with his existing contracts,
and granting what the socetaires demanded
though with extension of the time in which
the actor is to return to the company.
The Minister'S decision stands thus: Coquelin
shall pay the fines imposed by the Court. 10000
francs and the costs of the proceedings; his pen
sion shall be suspended during the time he plays
outside the Comede Francase he shall agree to
re-enter the Coincide on September !. 1s99 ne shall
deposit with the director the 100000 francs which
he agreed forfeit. upon which interest shall be
paid him at the rate of per cent and which shall
he given back to him the day he to the
Comedie otherwise It shall be added to the pen .
sion fund and NJ. Coqueln shall regain his free
dom
The interview in which these conditions were ac-
cepted was most agreeable one. The minister
asked the actor if Solomon could have determined
the question more equitably. to which NJ Coquelin
replied that he could not and that he was all the
more rejoiced IN that the day a festival day
for good Repubcans-the 4th of September the Re
public's silver wedding day.
with these amenities the affair was settled
Coquelin was seen that night by a reporter he
was rehearsing Jacques Callot" In a ravishing
humor He showed a telegram that he had lust
received from Sarah Bernhardt in Lyons: Il en-
brace you with all my heart and satisfied II you
are satisfied"
Victorien Sardou had some decided views upon
the Decree OF Moscow, upon which the case OF
Coquelin made TO hinge. That decree bears
date OF October H. 1872 He of the warmest
defenders of the comedian and hoped for a more
favorable result than NJ. Claretie director of the
Coincide, would consent TO- NJ Rambaud the min
stor he thought, put in embarrassing po-
sition by the Decree OF Moscow. relic OF imperial
ism that had place in republic. Under the
empire there was the chance of an appeal to the
absolute master who had issued It, and who could
abolish or modify at his pleasure law that he had
made himself But NJ Rambaud. not being Ma
poleon found his position difficult placed he
was with the Decree of Moscow on hand and
what NJ. Sardou regarded the sentiment OF jus
tce ON the other. From which 1t appeared that
there should be no more imperial institutions In u
republic than republican institutions in an empire.
the Coincide itself. where OF the socetaires
are inclined To regard II victory for
Coquelin than for the institution. and 10 marvel at
the result Those who held uncompromsing at
titude and were for sticking to general principles
think that the entire responsibility should have
been left to the Government Those. on the other
hand who were aware to what point the all-power-
ful friends OF Coquelin determined TO defend
him. and wished him to derive from what they