The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1901-01-02
CLEMENT SCOTT SCORED
BeerbOhm Tree Makes an Attack on
the Dramatic Critic.
Replies to an Anonymous Article in
che ..London DniIy MniIr Lament
Modern StnGe-Ihe Denunciation
Appiauded by a Thousand Actors.

| LONDON. Jan. 1-Clenent Scott has
| again set the dramatic profession by the
! ears. An anonymous article in today's
| Daily Mali had for its sequel one of the
most remarkable scenes ever witness in
Lcndon theatre. Beerbohm Tree gave
| a special performance of "Herod" at Eer
Majesty's Theatre this afternoon. The
theatre was thronged, the aud ence in
cluding all the most prominent members
of the profession here,
At the close OF the play. in response to
great applause. the curtain rose. disclos-
ing Mr. Tree surrounded by his entire
company. He delivered speech. which
had evidently been carefully prepared.
saying that he spoke on behalf of the dra-
matte profession in reply to the article in
the Daily Mail" the writer of which had
asserted that there were no great actors
at the present day. as Kemble sid Kean
were great, adding:
Our most famous tragedian. Irving. is
an incompatible actor of farce melo-
drama, who has wantonly attempted tasks
for which his talent does not fit him. che
rest, Tree and Wyndbam, for instance.
have distinguished themselves in eccen-
trio comedy far more highly than in
serious drama Nor do We see among the
younger actors a single talent for tragedy
or emotional comedy. So with the ac-
tresses-
The level is higher than heretofore but
it seems that no one emerges from re-
spectacle mediocrity.
Far higher praise has been lavished
on living actors than has been found for
the great men of the past but the praise
is less intelligently administered, and the
best critics are merely enthusiastic from
sheer boredom. However, 1t may be said.
that Wyndham and Hare are accomplish
ed comedians. Miss Terry has a pretty
gift OF pathos when too much is not asked
of her. and many another. Hawtrey and
Mrs. Campbell for instance. are always
prepared with an intelligent interpreta-
tion.''
The indignation aroused in the profes-
sion by this article can be easily under
stood, and Nr. Tree put il in words full of
brilliant sarcasm. expressing his admira-
tion of the writer's courage of ignor-
ance." His speech was received with up
roarious applause by over Il thousand ac-
tors.
In the course of his remarks Mr.. Tree
said:
"Detracrion was ever the weapon of the
impotent. Happily, the well-being of the
drama is not in the hands of such as he.
Its welfare is in the hands of those gath
cred within these walls. They will take
care of it. ! think il is not too much to
say that in no times and in no country
has the influence Of the drama, artisti-
cally, ethically. and socially. been greater
than at the present moment. At no time
have its exponents been inspired with
greater enthusiasm OF effort, even If they
have sometimes failed of accomplish
ment."
a cores spondent later interviewed Mr..
Tree and found him jubilant. He gather
ed from Mr.. Trees remarks that the au
thorship Of the article was attributed to
Mr.. Scott who has consistently attacked
Mr.. Tree. Lately he has been writing
anonymously and attacking the profession
generally. 1t is noticeable that special
articles in the Daily Mali have hither-
to been signed.