New-York tribune., 1901-12-29
THE BOARD TO TRY ACTORS.
SUGGESTIONS AS TO WHAT WILL BE RE-
oUIRED OF THE PROPOSED STATE
CnNNfTSSTON

The supply of fool legislation which comes every
year along the ice crop is appearing early this
winter. With regard 10 Albany 1t should be ad-
mtted that IL usually takes the form OF proposed
rather than Of completed legislation 1t is only in
the West that it attains perfect frution The first
manifestation this year Is bill which. 1t is said
Is TO be introduced at Albany creating a state
Board OF Censors of the Drama. which Will have
the duty not only OF passing on the plays TO be
produced. but of examining and licensing persons
who wish 10 be actors
1t was suggested yesterday that plan for lcens-
ing promoters Of comic legislation would be more
sensible, though remunerative. since there
are not so many legislators OF any kind as there
are actors. But TO keep the halls of the Capitol
open, lighted and heated, and all the machinery
running. for the time occupied by such measures as
this is expense to the State for which the Treas
ury ought to have return.
AS to the measure itself. the general view seems
10 be that it is funny TO take seriously and
not funny enough to provide much genuine mirth
1t will certainly be diverting TO see Sir Henry
Irving when he makes his next annual visit, march
UP to the captains Office to be examined with a
view TO determining whether he is really an actor
or whether he only pretends to be. and whether he
ought to be allowed TO show himself, right up on
top of the stage before the Elrnira public. There
will be curiosity TO see how Mime. Sarah Bern
hardt will take the intmation that the State Board
is in session and that IT is her privilege 10 go be-
fore il and speak a piece that the board may de-
termne whether not she is justified in collect
ing price for administering her doses OF creeps.
1t will be privilege TO be present when the board
tries Jean de Reszkes voice. II will be pleasure
TO see the board put Nine. Melba through a course
sprouts and then go into secret session TO talk
whether she is a real opera singer only a
candidate for a country church choir
But the whole duty of the board will be so
pleasant as these things. There is another end to
the profession of the actor The term actor is one
which covers everything from those who have
earned the greatest for the Interpretation of
the worlds classics to the supernumersry in the
smallest OF road companies who has even yet
proved himself qualified to carry a spear. He Is
doing his proper part, is needed in his place
and is actor in mere business point of
view, much David Garrick
How is the board 10 determine his qualifica-
tions2 He has none; he needs none; he is sup
posed 10 have none. II he had any, he would be
promoted. he would get into better company. or
he would be allowed to carry spear in his pres
company. and, in either case, somebody with
qualifications would be needed TO take his place
at wages which the manager could afford TO pay
for unskilied labor actor. Is the board going
10 require qualifications of this poor man, who has
himself and his family to support, is II going TO
give him certificate that he has no ability, and is
therefore At person for his place? The board It.
self ought TO have large pay and short hours. 1t
will deserve both.