The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1897-03-28

A Talk with George Dolby. Who Pilotcd
Dickens Through America.

Dickens through America.
Does any one remember George Dolby?
imagine not. Yet thirty years ago this
yery winter he was one Of the busiest
and best-known men in America. In Isl,
Charles Dickens determined to give a
series Of readings in the United States.
Mr.. Dolby. as manager. preceded him,
and assumed entire charge Of the bust
ness arrangements
That the venture was a success may he
judged by the result. Dickens remained
five months in America. during which pc
riod he gave seVenty-six readings.
The total receipts for these entertain
ments were SOS, 90. the total expenses be-
ing $4,000.
/ went to call upon Mr.. Dolby not Ions
ago. because everything pertaining to the
personality Of the novelist has for me 4
wonderful fascination.
| have talked with Scott. who was Dick
ems valet. md 20 nave formed new and
pleasant id u of the genius of the master
as viewed rom the standpoint Of his ser
want.
Prior to his death / sat for two hours
with the late Frederick Chapman, the
head Of the firm who were Dickens ear
Hest publishers, and listened entranced as
he related "reminiscences Of the great au-
thor's career.
But neither Of these men knew Dickens
so intimately as did George Dolby. nor
had they such opportunity Of studying
his varying moods and characteristics.
Time and fortune have been unkind TO
the former manager. | found him In
humble lodgings. broken in health and
spirit, and par-illly dependent upon char
ity. Yet he 'ecciyed me graciOusly, and
once aware Of the object OF my visit he
became enrh lsastic. Ii was easy 10 d.
vine that MS connection with the novel
list had formed the chief episode I'm the
life OF the white haired old man sitting
before me
Il became acquainted with Dickens In
1866" said Mr.. Dolby. "In that year the
firm Of Messrs. Chappell offered him g. 500
for thirty public readings in London and
the provinces. / was selected as man.
ager.
| shall never forget the first interview
! had with him IN relation to the projecr.
| went TO the Office OF "All the Year
Round" In Wellington street and sub
mittcd my plans with which he exprass-
ed himself thoroughly satisfied. when
took leave ae srOok me heartily by the
his eyes. said:
81 hope sc shah like each other on
the termination u the tour as much as
we seem 10 do now
Thereafter until his last public APP
pearance. / was his only manager /
accompanied him everywhere while en-
gagged in reading. and went with him 10
America.
Ny experience with him was ever de-
lightful, and / love TO recall 1t while sit
ting alone here. lie was the kindest-
hearted man / ever have known. Many
and many time while on tour we came
across old associates of his who we're
down on their luck.
Dickens would say TO me. after the
reading: Joey. let me have $50 in crisp
new bank-notes, and want 10 be alone
tomorrow from u till @
Il knew what this meant. He had in
vted his old friend to call upon him at
this hour, and such friends didn't so
away poorer.
Let me tell you why he called me
Joey Dickens was exceedingly fond
when I'm merry mood. Of assuming for the
moment. the role of clown in the stock
pantomime.
you know he was n wonderfully clever
actor. Well, II had happened into his
room at the hotel and said, Every seat
l. sold--a great house tonight he would
e., up. X IN the mood, instantly, assume
the attitude Of the clown when par,lcu-
larly pleased. and thump me approvingly
on the hack.
Taking my cue. would say, Keep Il
up. Old un.' You know that In theat.