New-York tribune., 1899-06-16

Berlin. June l5-Professor Locke Richardson, the
eocutionist, who underwent an abdominal opera
tion on May 81 at the hands OF Professor Bergman
as last resort In the efforts TO his life. died
here this morning His body will be cremated in
this city.
Eighteen days ago It made known in The
Tribune that Mr.. Locke Richardson. whose serious
Illness at Berlin had been recorded. was. In fact.
suffering with cancer, and was at the point OF
death. few days later he subjected to
surgical operation. and yesterday he died Mr.
Richardson had had career OF more than twenty
five years, a public reciter OF the plays OF
Shakespeare and OF other great works OF literature,
and when II is said that he had given much happi-
ness and gained much success the story OF his life
Is. substantially, told. At one time he taught
elocution at Cornell University and his early APP
pearances In New-York were made. in recitals from
the poets and from Dickens. at the hall of the
Young Mems Christian Association. His excep-
tional talents early and heartily recognized,
and as he became convinced that he had
gained the public favor he discontinued teaching
and dedicated himself, exclusively and with pas
sionate fervor to the art and busness OF platform
actor. For several seasons he traversed American
cities. and every year he augmented his repertory
with either a Shakespearan play a fresh selec-
tion from Browning Tennyson. Dickens. or
the Bible. He was remarkable for the breadth or
his sympathy and the acuteness Of his perception
In all matters OF literary taste. He could see
in Browning we'll as in Tennyson, and therefore.
as an artist. he not circumscrlbed within the
narrow limits OF any particular school. His de-
livery of the Lords Prayer exceedingly beau
tiful. and he equally felicous in his delivery
OF the Declaration OF Independence. His rectas
were given from memory. and whether In tragedy
or comedy he assumed each character. and wpie
he uttered Its soul in language he always contrived
TO ,nvey a visual impression of iS actual BODY
He was exceptionally happy in characters and pas
sages OF humor, and II he had been trained for
the regular dramatic stage he would have given
superb impersonatons OF the widely contrasted
parts Of Autoycus. Malvolio and Falstan His
recital OF Henry W. was extraordinary for It's
discrimination variety humor. pathos. ana eio-
Quence His reading of THE Rivals was brill
ianty expressive OF the sparkling wit and the
pungent. piquant style that constitute the potent
charm OF Sheridan. while his Interpretation or The
Christmas Carol" showed the deepest sympathy
with the humor and the humanity of Dickens, and
impressed them upon every heart Yr. Richardson
was fortunate in fine person. an expressive race
and a voice OF unusual compass and melody, ana
he possessed the distinction OF manner that nat
urally appertains TO fine intellect and pure
spirit The lovely work to which his life was de-
voted-the work of reciting and Interpreting
poetry.-necessarily kept his mind repete with
images OF grandeur and ideals OF beauty, ahu' as
his audiences were among the most select that
could be assembled. in the various countries that
he visited he was brought into contact with kind
hearts and fine spirits, all around the world upon
the methods of his art and upon the many triumphs
that he gained there has been much comment III
these columns: the word that could cheer and en-
courage him spoken while he lived and "heh
perhaps he may have needed H. and not reserved as
a garland to be laid upon the tomb. In private
life Mr. Richardson exemplary modest ana
gentle. free from vanity and envy, ever anxious
TO learn and wishfu to improve, and all the honors
that came TO him only deepen the gracious
humility of his character and the reverent devouoh
with which he studied and exercised his art. lie
has passed away in the prime Of life, but he leaves
2 bright and enduring name In theatrical history
and he leaves the memory OF noble nina anu
800, uta IN many anect,onate hearts W. W.