The Wichita daily eagle. [volume] (Wichita, Kan.) 1890-1906, 1902-05-11

which had long been his stock in trade
AT first the new venture was q disap-
pointment but by degrees the favoring
winds commenced TO blow in his direc-
ton. and while several times during the
decade between 1880 and 1890 he seriously
contemplated leaving the stage and en-
gaging in business. he stuck to the ship
and realized comfortable returns for his
talent industry.
Up to shortly before the worlds fair
occasion was found in each Of the plays
brought out by him 20 introduce the old
specialues, which most dIverting. did not
belong in the action Of a legitimate com
edy. This fact appealed strongly &c some
of Mr. Russells ambitious friends. and
led TO another conference of much signif-
canoe. and encouraged Sol TO take a step
which greatly improved his artistic
status.
He at once conceived the importance
of playing character comedy straight"
ana without specially Interruptions. The
trurh is said he. Il have not dared To
ouit these turns which my audiences
seem 70 demand bur 1 am going 10 try
it. There is such a word as fan he con-
tuued. our friend Rlchelieu 70 the con-
trary nowithstandins but 1 am anxious
o. graduate into legitimate lines and play
some Of the characters associated with
SIR. Jefferson If ] can. After this season.
ha added. L shall not play any more
Sunday nights The practice lacks Gig
a-ty and does not harmonic with my
convictions. but i have net been strong
enough to dictate
soon after Mr. Russell put into effect
these new resolutions il became evident
rhat he had gained decidedly IN artistic
influence. The cid songs and inpersona-
r.ous were dropped out gradually. and
wsile such PLAYS as 4 Poor Relation
Peaceful Valley. and April S, Gather
occupied his time uutl after his wonder
fal enEa geuaat az The Grand durinS the
worlds far he recently found occasion
% sraufy his ambition by playing Or.
Panglass in The Heir az Law. Bog
Acres I'D The Rivals ard Petruchio Ia
The Tanning % the Shrew- Though his
training had been In quite another field.
and these characters dtted him very
loosely indeed the value of the undertake
in- was seen in his improved grasp up
c1 the charactcrlzztiaa OF the TWO OF
three plays with which his closing pro-
fessi8uaI years were ldeatided-- Nr. Eal-
ensine's Christmas a Bachelors Ro-
nance and Hon John Grisby.
Speaking oG a Bachelors Romance.
reminds ne OF a1othar midnight meeting
with thir rare gentleman and friend
which brought s few transient wrinkles
20 his brow He vas Staying a Bach
e.ors Romance '-ostersibly By Martha
alorlon-with g-eat success II the Grand.
when was fortunate enough from
newspaper point OF view, 10 discover that
The story ana the characters were identi-
cal wiki Jhe theme and the people %
novel hy The Duchess entitled a Lit
tle Rebel Not wishing % publish g sen
satinral story rntu Sci had conceded
It's truth. I invited him n the Office after
the performance. VITA his MANAGER, Fred
Berger. and promised 40 surprise him
il would make q short story long we're
70 describe his establishment and dis
gust as h. sat wei into the sraan hours
reading thai book. only 20 discover thar
the play. which he had supposed 70 &c !