The times., 1899-10-01
CHATS WITH THE PLAYERS.

Many persons who attended the perform
ances of the Creston Clarke company dur
ing the week at the Columbia and in so
doing noted the excellence of John D.
Carter's acting, were uncertain whether
his venerable appearance was made posi-
bic by clever use of the makeup box or
whether he was really as advanced as his
looks would indicate. A Times man askeI
Mr.. Carter about the matter yester-even-
ing and was cheerfuIly answered.
Am l rather old? the actor mused
somewhat facetiously. My lad. if you
want the true history Of my life. you must
read the cuneiform inscriptions on the
temples of Babylon. But seriously I am
old believe l am the oldest English
speaking player now upon the boards How
many years? Well now, you know when
man reaches a certain stage of existence be
becomes as retieent regarding his age as
does woman when she says 'Howdydo' 10
the thirties- I commenced TO have birth
days as far back as 1916. and I think that
will figure me out as being about eighty
three. Yes, / realize that is almost an
tiquity for a chap who each season has 10
undergo thirty weeks OF such One-night
stands as Rockville, Ind, and Union City.
Tenn. But then. love my art-and / have
great use for my salary
My career? Yes, I have had a bit OF
what might be called career My in
itial appearance was made with Macready
in the Theatre Royal, Birmingham, Eng
land when 1 was seven years OF age. /
was the child witch in Macbeth / really
don't recall whether | made a hit or not
although / remember the occurrence as
well as though it were. only last month
Later on / again supported Maeready, as
Albert in William Tell and Francois in
! Riehelieu.' Macrsady. you know, was the
| original Cardinal, and another member OF
! his company was Helen Fawcett, the orig
| inal Julie. / next engaged with John and
Henry Vondenhcn, and then with Angus
tus Brook.
Zone of my most important contracts
was with Charles Kean. the son Of Edmund
Kean. and | also worked under the elder
Davenport, alternating with him in the
titular roles in Macbeth Richard H.
and 'othello.' Later on 1 was associated
with Charlotte Cushman. most charming.
| lovable, and altogether remarkable wom-
! an. The late Charles Couidcck and l were
| most intimate friends during those days
/ Couldock certainly was a great actor and
a grand old fellow. / met Mr. Irving-Sir
| Henry they call him now-and played with
| him for decade and half. I was a mem-
Der OF the first organization he brought to
/ JnIS y, our opening Dill ocfuS Ile
( Bells This brings me down almost 10
| the present year. / have been with Mr..
/ Clarke for the last three seasons.
/ Am I noted for anything in particular?
/ Moo. l guess not; unless il is that
/ rode with Stephenson in the first steam
! locomotive on its trial trip. l was only
/ little chap and accompanied my father,
who was a somewhat celebrated engineer
I in his day, and a close friend of Steph-
enson, upon whose knee / sat during
portion of the journey.
NO don't thank me a bit-always glad
to give you newspaper boys a bit Of an
cient history"
And the veteran actor hurried to take up
his cue.
Nearly three years ago, While in New
York. the writer of this screed hied him
self to Union Square one morning and
called on Madame Tavary, yho was tlen
appearing at Keith's- The conversation
that ensued was of a general usture and
probably was not intended for p.lb icatiol
Nevertheless, the singers appEovai-pro'
voking engagement last week at the Gran
brings deei of it TO the memory and sug-
gests an interview.
In his minds eye TIE Tines nan sees
Madame Tavary seated j. tiny Too1-a
characteristics New York foCm-aHd note
that her hands are folded in her lap-a
| characteristic attitude. With his minds
ear he hears the self -propounded ques-
tion. Madame. what do you think Of van
devilIe2'' And the Madame OF the memo
~ replies. II have had a most pleasant