The times., 1899-10-01

this directly in contradiction of my expec-
laiions. So many people told me when
contemplated the move that variety per-
formers were both ignorant and common
that il was with anything but delight that
] began my work in the new field.
Imagine, then, my astonishment at find
ing that field more thoroughly cultivated
than my own. As you know, in the best
regulated trcupes it is quite usual TO
hear bad language and 10 be called upon 10
interfere between brawlers. Such may also
be the case in this branch Of the profession,
but. if so il has never come TO my atten-
ton ] have not heard an unclean phrase
behind the scenes since going on the cir
cults and have not seen a quarrel. Manag
ers and entertainers have alike been very
courteous 10 me and. having some connee-
tion with the business yourself. you un-
derstaud how much that means. ] enjoy
the novelty OF my surroundings. too. and
altogether am thoroughly pleased
This from the reeolfected prina donna,
with a slight accent and a few gestures.
The coniured-up visitor asks Why did
you leave the operatic stage2"
There were many reasons, but do not
think that / exaggerate when ! say that
one was of paramount importance ! had
grown weary Of having to do with the
canaille-the scum of the choruses Had
been able 10 find Americans TO sing with
me ] should still be a grand opera star.
The American man or woman seems to
take pride in his or her cleanliness; in al
ways appearing 20 the best advantage. This
IS not true Of the lower foreigners, who
walk on the stage with shoes unpublished.
hands dirty, and shirts that should have
been in a washfub weeks before. They
We're awkward. ignorant, and ungratefuli
offensive when argued with and abusive
when commanded. I grew tired Of having
my ensemble numbers ruined and my Choir
Us laughed at So / went into vaudeville. y
Madame Tava-y has grown rather angry
Cor mere vision. The caller wishes her
good day and exits. The mental interview
is over.
In his dressing room on Tuesday evening
Robert Downing said: do you know that
have been rather encouraged than other
wise by your somewhat savage criticism
OF this morning. When An Indiana Ro-
nance WAS purchased of J. C. Nugent there
was no intention OF taking il into the larg-
er cities and. while l did not wish to be-
ccne exactly a one-night-stand actor. L
was satisfied to make money in the towns.
/ was offered an opening in New York,
where rural plays seem to be in favor. by
Manager Rosenquest, who put on The VII
lsge Postmaster but refused because un-
derstocd that the Romance was not the
work for metropolis. The drama, which
is the product OF a Thespian- was tried on
one occasion in the Far West before bu-
collie assembly and made great hit / still
feel that some profit may be extracted from
the production and shall labor with that
view. But ! do not resent your article On
the contrary, ! think it almost compliment
tary-"
1T is a singular fact" quoted Kathryn
Kidder last Wednesday at the Arlington.
that such press stories as are either I'm
credited or forgotten when told on anyone
else always stick 10 me like the proyerbial
poor relation Almost every second per-
son I meet has some anecdote or other
stored in his memory and takes the first
opportunity of asking me about it, Ny own
memory is so poor that ! am constantly
having TO plead guiltless Of these esca-
pades, frequently 10 the evident agrieye-
ment OF the visitor why''-Miss Kidder
laughed according to the series Of ad-
vance men / have employed I have been
shot By Indians in Mexico. all but drowned
In Canada, lost in Paris. London, and Ham
burg arrested as z Nihilist in St Peters
burg. and have otherwise been manned or
injured. There is no time now for the
enumeration of the gigantic bets | have
Oh the celebrities have met. About twice
a week ] am told 2 few OF these things
about myself and digest them One yarn In
particular-a yarn concerning Alan Dale
and sans Gene and a bottle of Mumm-
has followed me everywhere. II some wit
ever takes ii in his head to keep a record
Of these adventures he viii probably find
chat ! I'm about six hundred years of age
and have at various periods during my
hfzz in min s,f. -
The question is rather a delicate ona'
aid The Times man TO CrestOn Clarke
but VIII the fact that you have inherited
large sum alter your plans in any way
Not in the least" replied Mr. Clarke
81 Go not believe in forcing circumstance.
IN good time ] shall probably achieve that
for which / have been working. and, as 1
have waited several years, / am willing 10
wait bit longer. I shall NOT even at
tempt an engagement in New York. If l
had thought that such booking would be
profitable ] would have made il long ago.
and have now no increased desire 70 lose
money merely because I happen 10 have
more 10 lose l could afford a great pro-
duction today IL / cared to do so but CO
not Ultimately / shall have both a great
production and an appearance on Broad
way. The ShakespeTean drama has never
failed 10 draw IN Gotham when it was
done by actors for whom the p1blic cared
and shall try 10 make ii care for me- Tn
iii then the road is good enough. My old
repertoire viii be continued. though next
year ] shall have new romantic play by
Louise Nalioy. OF the Baltimore Ameri-
can
On last "Wednesday morning Perkins D
Fisher. a genial, Laughing fellow OF quie;
and modest damrrncr met The Times N, a >
by appointment and chatted with him al
considerable length. The reporter had com.
plimented the actor upon his sketch and
Mr.. Fisher had smiled. You like tht
piece he said, and, as q matter Of fac
50 do !. and yet you cannot guess the diff
fcuifies with which ] met in trying 10 get
s. q hearing. ] have been on the stage fol
nearly thirty years and am conceited enough
10 believe that in that space Of time hav;