The Anaconda standard. [volume] (Anaconda, Mont.) 1889-1970, 1896-03-16
TWO GREAT ACTORS
Louis James, Lawrence Barrett and
the Poisonous Mischief Maker.
ABOUT THE ESTRANGEMENT
The Dead Tragedian Had Always
Admired His Young Protege-
The Death Bed Letter-A
True. sad Story.


recalls a host of memories of bygone
days. memories rich in their own inter-
est but more so for their bearing upon
the history Of the American stage. The
stage has no written record. no annals
but the traditions its oldest inhabitants
bear in the recesses of their memo
ries. and the pages OF its achievements
scattered throughout the breadth and
length of the country in the pages of
the newspapers. No country has
more varied or attractive series OF
events to chronicle, for the stage has
it's romances and its tragedies. its bat
ties and victories. its defeats and
achievements. No monarchs ever held
more powerful or universal sway than
it's noble kings and beautiful queens.
Its pages are bright with names that
will linger as long as those Of any civil
monarch. Among these must be count
ed the name of Louis James. whose
name is blazoned i'm clearest letters side
by side with those of great men and
women. past and present.
Perhaps the most interesting part OF
his history is yet unwritten, for al
though not a young man he is still in
his prime and he has recently demon
strated that with accruing years his
genius and art have matured and mel
lONtu, anu IIdl lDtN are sim Iitn WIN
promise. His association with Law
renee Barrett is one of the most inter-
esting pages in his career. Very few
people know of the deep, sincere
friendship that existed between the
dead tragedian and Mr.. James, or of
the causes that led to their separa-
ton and the severance of their friendly
relations. Mr.. James told the story
yesterday within the hearing of
STANDARD and he doubtless
will make no objections to its publica-
| ton, for it, elucidates what to many is
| a mystery.
The origin Of their friendship dates
| back to MIR. James first engagement in
the profession which he now graces.
II was a good many years ago and
Louis James then just into his TWEEN
ties had succeeded in securing a posi-
ton in the old Louisville theater stock
company. He caught Mr.. Barrett's eye
when that actor was playing star en-
gagement in that theater The frank.
| hearty manner of the young soldier, for
James had just left the army Of the
Tennessee, and his evident ability in
| terested Mr.. Barrett, who then and
| there conceived sincere friendship for
Lou" as he was wont 10 call him.
Barrett was the means OF James secur-
| ing an engagement with Mrs. John
| Drews famous Philadelphia stock COM
! pany then second only to Wallack' $
| New York stock. II was here that Mr..
James made his first great hit" as
Hugh Talbot in Tom Robertson's old
comedy. ours" To Mrs. Drew Mr.
James acknowledges that he owes the
greater part of his success, for that
delightful actress took pleasure in de-
veloping the artistic qualities Of Mr.
James nature.
Barrett did not lose sight of his young
friend and protege and recommended
him to Augustin Daily when that man
ager was forming what proved to bt
the greatest stock company this coun'
try has ever known. For eight years
Mr. James played Mr.. Days leads anc
then when Mr.. Barrett organized his
own company he naturally sought
Louis James as his leading man. Theil
friendship then grew and ripened un
til the two were as brothers. Barrett
indeed often said that Lou" was sucl
to him, reminding him very much o
his dead brother Joe a very PROMISING
young actor who died before he ha'
much opportunity OF developing hi
latent qualities. Barrett was by natur
morose, even melancholy. James Is tn
embodiment of good humor. witty an
always even tempered. During tn
hours when Barrett was suffering fror
depression attendant upon business o
; | OIntT ITOuDltS lloulH hhAhiiiAb b''S
nature frightened and relieved tn
: dead tragedian. So their friendshi
grew and prospered until one day a
intimate of Mr.. Barretts began
build the wall that was finally 10 shu
them out from each other. Careful,
. with a patience and cunning worth
OF a better cause the mischief make
poisoned Barrett's mind against n
| leading man, until one day they parte
5 | a.. n again
James ignorant Of the cause of Bal
| rett's GOODNESS and indifference, firi
in his conviction Of innocence wa
deeply hurt and his pride rebelled; s
q the breach grew wider.
One day some years afterwards Nj
u James heard that Barrett was failir
!. in health and decided to brook h
pride and make a last appeal ii
letter touched Mr.. Barrett deeply, 4
in his heart he still loved the brilliai
young actor and he dictated letter
his secretary inviting Lou" to call {
: him and bury the dead past Befo
I the letter was scaled and delivered Il
same mischief maker showed Barre
!. a newspaper paragraph which hurt u
> tragedian deeply and when NJ
: James enemy ascribed its origin al
Inspiration 20 James. Barrett ORDER
the letter destroyed. Shortly aft
Barrett passed over 20 the silent m
iority nourishing bitter thoughts
the man whom he had once known al
,s loved so well.
n As Louis James concluded telling J
v story there was a dimness In his ey
and he concluded with the words IN
he had so often spoken TO Mr.. Barre
W in Julius Caesar as Brutus: If '
n. do meet again. Wen smile indeed.
Who the mischief maker was Jam
e. refused 20 say. for. what's the u.s.
ne added when asked. exposing h
would not mend the infinite wrong
has wrought"
a. A. the New usir House.
X VIII be found all the lates, popul
- music: violin strings a speciality Jo
IN Howard music store, Orton bro