The National tribune., 1900-07-26

Not long since the pages OF IhE -NA-
TIoNAL TRIBUNE contained the true story
of the writing of the Star Spangled Ban
ner," by Francis Scott Key. In the rec
ord of events as they have been waited
in on the tide and carried out on the flow
when the waters rocedcd, we have read
in the moving sands incidents here and
there which, tied together, make the story
of q life, q city, Nation.
From my window l look over Rock
Greek into the green trees that are the
beauty and shade of Old Georgetown,
once the home of Francis Scott Key.
The same foliage covers the monument
to another man loved by the American
people, because he, too, was the author
of another song which in the hearts OF
Americans rivals the Star Spangled Ban
ner"-''Home, Sweet Home! Glory
enough it is for either of these men to
have left these songs for pOsterity.
John Howard Payne, author of Home,
Sweet Home" was born in New York
City June 9, 1892. AT very early age
he manifested a taste for literature and
the drama He was student at Union
College until his 10th year, when he ap-
peared as young NOryal at the old Park
Street Theater. His remarkable talent
soon brought scores of admirers, and with
bound he became the fayorite.
For his benefit in 1909 he appeared as
Romeo. The receipts were bountiful. He
played in Boston, Philadelphia and Balti-
more. 1t is said the prices of seats in
Baltimore ranged from 50 to S25.
He was greeted throughout the States
as the American Juvenile wonder.
He appeared for the last time in New
York in 1911. and in Boston in 1872, in
Hamlet, to Mrs. Dutf's Ophelia.
He was persuaded TO go to London by
the advice of George Frederic Cooke in
1873. There he was manager, actor, play
wright, with varying success for 20 years.
He wrote, translated and adapted over
60 plays, among them 'Brutus," Ma
ish Husband" ''Paole," "Clari, or the
Maid of Milan"
His .Brutus" was produced in Drury
Lane Theater, with Edmund Keane in the
title role. 1t ran for 80 nights in London,
and in America it became a favOrite char
acter of Cooper, Forrest and the elder
Booth.
When Charles Kenble became the man.
sger of Covent Garden Theater he ap-
Piled 10 Payne for aid. Mr.. Payne offered
offered for ''Clari, or the Maid Of Milan"
Mr.. Kemble made the purchase, and at
his request Payne turned ''Clari' into an
opera.
The older sister of Ellen Tree took the
principal part, and sang for the first time
'.IIome. Sweet Home" which was written
for the opera. 1t needs not saving that
the opera was most successful. The part
of Clari, Miss Tree, made Il great success
through this song.
1t seems that everybody realized for
tune out of it except the author. Charles
KeInhIe was the father Of Fanny Kemble
and Adelaide Kemble. who became fa-
nous opera singer and made q brilliant
debut at Coyent Garden.
In 1913 she married Mr. Edward Sar-
toris. Her son, Algernon Charles Sartoris,
in 1874, married Nellie Grant, the we'd
ding taking place in the White. House dur
ing the Administration of President Grant.
If it really mateTialiZes that a daughter
of Mrs Nellie Sartoris. whom runner says
has an Unsuitable desire for the stage,
should be found before the footlights, she
certainly came to her inheritance honor
ably. For nearly a century that name
and family of Keuble have honored the
stage. From Mrs S!GdonS. the eldest
chi!d, to Fanny Kembie and Adelaide
kemble ~ brothers and sisters comprised
the original family, ard all were more or
less dramatic characters.
1t is very evident this family was most
Influential in helping on the name and
fame OF John Howard Payne.
After his great success with "Clari' he
wrote Charles H. very popular play;
but fortune still refused to smile upon
him and he returned to this country al
most penniless. Everything he touched
his hand TO turned TO ashes
When in New York a benefit night was
given, in which he appeared as BrUtus
night ever given by the citizens of New
York. During the evening Mr.. Cooper,
the distinguished actor, recited "Alexan-
ders Feast
In 1871 Mr.. Payne was appointed Con-
sui to Tunis by President Tyler, and we
are very sure the friendship of the Coop
ers must have played some hand in this.
IL will be remembered that President
Tylers son married the daughter of the
distinguished actor. Mr. Cooper She had
from Chi STrrr ini fr hn
best society in New York. and was a girl
of culture and refinement.
The Presidents wife was in delicate
health. and Mrs. Robert Tyler was called
upon to take the position of first lady of
the land.
Where Mr. Cooper sometimes imperson-
ited the characters of Mr.. Payne's plays
was in a theater on the corner of 11th
and ID Streets. 1t burned down, and was
rebuilt in 1872 and was called by CaruSi
''rhe Assembly Rooms" Mrs. Priscilla
Cooper Tyler has left a graphic descrip-
zion Of one of these gatherings:
Il went to the Assembly last night,
matronizing five young ladies, all dressed
in rose color. all so lovely. too-Clemen-
tina PleasOnton and Belle Stevenson, the
prettiest of all. Belle has the most per
feet figure and face | ever saw, and Miss
PleaSOnton has a style je ne S1is quoi
about her that makes her the most at
t.active Of the two.
The ball was n brilliant one. admira-
bly, lighted. and not crowded, the ladies
all well dressed and showing to advan-
tage. / spent a delightful evening. As
1 declined dancing l had the pleasure OF
talking 10 many grave Senators, and
among the rest had a long conversation
with Mr. Southard." Samuel J. South
ard was Secretary of the Navy during
John Quincy Adamss Administration
AS We stood Mt the end of the room
which is the old thcater transferred into
ballroom, he said: ON this very spot
where we stand | saw the best acting
ever witnessed. / came into the theater
and took my seat beside John Quincy
Adams. There We're never two more de.
lighted people. Mr. Adams said he had
seen the same play abroad, in France and
in England, John KembIc and the great
Talma in the past. Kean. Cooke and Mac
ready, but he had never seen il so well
acted as then. / entirely agreed with
him in his admiration, though / am moi
so capable of judging by comparison as
he
Mr.. Southard here paused Though
my heart told me TO whom he was aIlud
ing. | could not help asking him, .Wha,
was the play and who was the actorY
The play was Macbeth" and the
performer Mr.. Cooper
Il could not restrain the tears that
to