New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1898-04-24

uso Of the great store Of private correspondence
which Is now at Hawarden. Mr.. Herbert Clad
stone tho Rev. Stephen Gladstone, Mrs. Drew
and other members Of the family may have
nl,al desire to attempt to do what Lord Tenny-
con has done so admirably The Hawardeh
library indeed. contains working stock for sew
oral biographies and innumerable volumes OF
collected letters papers and writings 1t Is
literary mine which every great publisher ID
anxious to control in one way or another.
MR. SCOTS Apology
Mr. Clement Scott has taken the proper
course and apologized to the dramatic proies-
sion for his reckless accusations In the unior'-
unate interview In Great Thoughts lie mas
withdrawn over his own signature In 1ne
Daily telegraph such statements as were
made and after explaining that he was not NJ
the time In a position to appreciate clearly the
effect of what was said he has expressed Sill
core regret. This apology ought to satisfy his
barshest critics and to bring an unfortunate
enisode to an end Mr.. Scott is an honorable
Gentleman and n Just man who now aoini's
that he made a grave mistake. His undiscriih-
mating indictment Of the theatrical profession
for immortality caused righteous indignation
and resentment among actors and Managers
and led to bitter protests, angry uc"un0''
and threats Of reprisals Sir Henry lr'i's Id"
held the profession I'm check; the good OFFICES Vi
friends have been employed: and the re'rac''o"
has been made in spirit of fair play il''o Eenu
inc regret. Probably no other draih"uC CIV
was more intimately associated win actors anu
managers than Mr. Scott. and wheh ne III
veiebed apainst their alleged assumed I'M
r,oralitv he virtually implicated himself as their
associate It was harsh, unjust and unchar-
aIIe judgement and being n generous. warm
hearted man. who values friendships highly anu
"a not malicious he has made all the PREPARATION
that vas in his power.
Mr. Scott was betrayed into this attack upon
the theatrical profession by some VaSar} Oh
| iud.rpcnt What he said was openly ackho"-
edged and has been as publicly retractcd' bu'
| there is not a club or meeting place Tor men III
/ London where similar accusations are not sc-
crctly whispered and never Quahhcd or WIN
drawn 1t Is Of the vicious habits OF 'nc
day to make haphazard and without hh'"'-
eare svcopinc charges OF immortality against
the stage Men who do not feel al lI9er'' ~
! talk lightly or rccklcssly about any other pro-
fesson seem to consider themselves licensed 10
say what they ike about actors and actresses.
and TO assume with cynical amusement tha'
there cannot be any such thing as virtue on the
|
publicity that those who entertain their audl-
euccs by laborous professional labors shou'd
be exposed to noisome gossip and uncharlttbl"
suspicion The only point 81 difference between
these dcfamcrs and Mr. Scott Ii that they 90
their wanton worn In the dark and never Apoi-
ogize for IT, whereas his charge WAS puhhcy
made. and then rctracted with ample ap'l"slcs.
| The theatrical profession In London certainly
ought to enjoy immunity from asp"rsionS "i
this nature Its leaders are men and women
of cstahli shed reputation. whose society IL court
Cd in fashionable and literary circles ana VINO
are invited to not few Of thu great houses.
! There are black sheep In this as IN every othei
fold but there can bc no justice In the unchar-
| table Judgment that everybody connected win
the stage is necessarily tainted with suspicion.
There probably have never been - many high
| minded and virtuous men and women In IN"
! theatrical profession there are today II.
| London and certainly the actors calling has
never been more reputable nor commanded "A
larger measure Of social recognition and public
respect The rctracton OF eminent critic s
! offensive charge against the profession "a "A
body Is a proof OF the power. character and
/ influence Of the stage and Of the Jealousy win
which it protects its good name. l. n. r.