The Washington times., 1901-11-12
The NatiopaI-Joseph Jefferson.

The temperance of Joseph Jefferson
at the National Theatre last evening in
his famous old play. Rip Van Wrinkle"
was characterized by an ovation such as
is given to an actor only once in dec
ade at least In Washington. II was a
reception that must have made even the
dean of American comedians. accustomed
as he is to the reverential applause Of a
nation. glad that ne still lives ana acts.
The theatre was filled with an audience
that constantly cheered. and at intervals
burst into enthusiastic and even demon
strative exclamation of affection 1t is
useless to say anything about play that
has served to amuse and entertain patrons
Of the playhouse for almost half d cen
tury Everyone who has attended the
theatre, and many VINO have not, have
seen or heard of RIP Van Wiukle" and
Joseph jefferson. Suffice ii to say that
Mr.. jefferson carries his seventy two
years almost as lightly as a youth Of
twenty. He has the same Irresistible fund
Of delicious. kindly humur, and the same
delightful personality that forty years
ago won for him the foremost place
among native comedians. Were IL not
that Mr. Jefferson has been Tor so many
years prominently before the public. the
average spectator might easily believe
that the veteran actor is d man OF middle
age. HIS riiility Is surprising; his art
is past criticism.
The performance last evening was nota-
Bile principally for the statement made by
Mr.. jefferson in a speech at the cOnClu-
sion Of the first act. that he has no pres
ent intention Of retiring from the stage.
In response TO continued applause, Alr
Jefferson appeared before the curtain. and
among other things said:
Such an ovation as / have been ac-
corded this evening is one Of the most
pleasing tributes that can be given to an
actor. How much more pleasing is it
when / think that thirty-three years ago
! acted this same play before the fathers
and even the grandfatherS Of many Of
the persons in this audience. ! appreciate
. our welcome more than / can express in
words. Dr. Johnson has said: 'Superhu-
Gus lags the veteran on the stage. He
was right. But / wish to take this OcCa-
sion to say, Ia reply TO the statements Of
many alert interNiewers, that ! have alb
solutely no intention Of retiring from the
stage. So long as ! can please the people
OF TINS country. as ] have apparently
pleased this ass"rrti4gc tonight, / shall
continue to appear D, 1ind the footlights
/ have been interviewed by many news
paper men in the last few weeks, and it
has amused metO read some Of the stories
in which it was intimated that my mind
was falling, and that If the public de-
sired to see me. il should take advantage
Of my present appearances. This is of
course, very tender and touching: but /
hope that l shall continue to appear and
entertain patrons Of the theatre for many
years to come"
At the conclusion of this unusual and
delightful talk, Mr.. Jefferson was given
another enthusiastic demonstration
Last night performance of Rip" as
far Mr.. Jeffersons company is con-
cerned. was fully equal Ia those Of the
past. He has an organization Of unusual
excellence, in which many of the old ia
vorites appear. Ffoiett PaRet continues
to play the role of Gretchen. and this
admirable actress can be paid no greater
compliment than to say that she has re
mained in the service of Mr. jefferson
for such long time. John Jack still
plays Derrick Won Beekman. George w
Denham is Nick Vedder, and William
Winter jefferson appears as Cockles
! Others in the cast Charles Duval
| Robert Brown. Dudley Mccain Harry Cd
.in.and the young persons. .Ipha Yenair and
Nellie Preble. Blanche Bender. who was
cast for the character Of Mceuie, was
prevented by illness from appearing last
night, but the part was well taken ON
short notice by Jessie Sweet.
The bill for tonigh- and Thursday even
ing and Saturday matinee viii be '.Rip %
MIR. Jefferson Will present The Rivals"
Wednesday and Friday nights. and Sat
urday night the double dill The Cricket
on the Hearth and Lend Mo Five Shnl-
iugs, will be given.