The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-04
"Becuz III trip hez TO be made. pard,
An III of wheel hoss is mine''

"Becuz III trip hez TO be made. pard,
An III of wheel hoss is mine"'
Readers of Western rerse-of Bret
Harte and Joaquin Miller and of A. Conan
Doyle, who, though an Englishman. is
responsible for several such literary
works-must remember this extract from
Harding Chambers poetic account of a
ride down Suicide Slope. The road de-
seribed was a dangerous one. and the
stage was driven SO incompetently that
every approaching curve was reached with
chills and apprehensions. When at the
end OF the journey, passenger was suff-
GENTLY inconsiderate to ask why in the
name Of all that was holy and of several
things thar were not. their coachman had
been permitted to handle the reins the
answer was as quoted above.
The presence OF Hayes and Lytton here
last week reminded many who witnessed
their performance of "A Wise Guy" that
OF; en- men and women are on the theatrical
stage with scanter reason than was as
signed by Mr. Chambers Jehu. Ii also
suggested the fact that most frequently
that reason may ne traced to the altar of
Hymen. Mr.. Hayes himself is a player of
some intelligence and discretion, having
supported various legitimate actors during
his career But even tie charitable could
find no cause, beyond the verify that. in
private life. she is Mrs. Hayes for featur-
lug Miss Lytton The attraction in ques-
ton was not OF sufficient Importance to
have given rise TO these remarks. were
they not Introductory TO a fertile subject
IL is waxing less and less uncommon for
the public TO be called upon to endure
wretched work in a prominent line merely
as a result of the relationship between star
OF manager and the person thus
foisted 10 the front. Quite briefly, il none
too kindly, the case has come to be one of
love me. love my dog" The marriage con-
tract is expected to be accepted as a sort
OF diploma from a school of histrionic art
and the Thespian who is in the least popu-
lar feels that, through his popularity, he
has perfect right TO insist upon the sup
portland toleration-of the theatregoers
whom he may weary with his wife.
For many years this condition has held
at the variety and vaudeville houses, the
performeg in which generally carries his
spouse with him at the expense of amuse-
ment-loyers. Some weeks ago, in speak
ing Of Roselle Knott, who was appearing
with Gerald Griffin at the Grand. The
Times said, The. assistance rendered vas
so good as to preclude the suspic-
ion Of marital bonds" The sentence wes
misread in many quarters and four or five
requests for explanations were received
attention TO he profession. the mean
ing of the plrase must have been per
fectiy plain. Whenever the spectator at
a continuous theatre notices that tie
minor partner in a sketch team is wholly
worthless. that spectator is perfectly safe
in imagining the excuse She had to
come and | thought | might as well make
nse of her. Occasionally. as in the in
stance of Edna Bassett Marshall the hus-
has, fE Flsn
ways--or nearly always-one Of the other
is forced into view Sometimes this is
done only by absolutely altering an act.
writing in" new dialogue. purchasing
softer blown bladders. and attempting like
extensive changes.
In the legitimate. the tendency is of
recent growth and more unbearable be-
cause more lasting infliction. At the
worst, vaudeville pair annoy but
for twenty minutes: an inefficient player
in an important role may ruin the effect
Of an entire production. The number of
excellent actors who are thus retard-
ed is astonishing. Tim Murphy,
Washingtonian, and as clever a comedian
as might be found in a weeks travel in
sists upon introducing Mrs Murphy as
his leading woman and. until recently,
Wilton Lackaye, whom the studious con-
slider, requires hardly anything other than
advertising genius TO become as capable |
a character performer az is Richard
Mansfield, would tour with Mrs Lackaye. |
q charming acquaintance. but an imper-
senator OF trifiing merit Mr. Lackaye |
has not been held back by his wife. but |
j rs recorded that. in at least one case,
Mr.. Murphy refused remarkable vehi- I
Gle because Its opposite bit wns OF small (
account. cresfon Clarke, Julia Marlowe. |
Mrs. Kendall. Louis Mann, J. z. Dodson- /
and Johnny Ray have suffered similarly. |
to greater or less degree. And a star
not over 2s.4s2 miles from Washington |
this week, is co-featuring a Spouse whose
ability. like Handy Andy's presence. is
chiefly conspicuous by reason OF its alb |
sence.
To be sure, there are striking examples
81 the fact that. now and again, husband
and wife aid each other incaiculsbiy In a