New-York tribune., 1903-04-12
ENDOWED DRAMA.
Philadelphia Raising Funds for It
Ne1C- 7 YOrk TaLhing.

The announcement that dinner will be given
In this city soon for the purpose of imparting
impetus to the movement for a national Amer
fcan theatre has been hailed by many as proof
that the cause is advancing slowly but surely.
The desire of the men who are getting up this
dinner is said to be the establishment Of such
an institution in this city Whether the energy
they are displaying Just now is or is not due
in part to a somewhat similar project which was
set on foot in Philadelphia the other day is of
consequence. The important fact that
New-Yorkers are talking earnestly about il and
Philadelphia has made a real start, for already
a great many thousands of dollars have been
pledged by her wealthy men toward endowing
an academy of dramatic and sister arts with
100000.
All this goes TO show that this oft discussed
idea has had new life CT a very virfe character
infused into it lately, and as The Tribune has
received letters from many persons whose views
on the subject are well worth a respectful read
ing. some of them are printed herewith. The
writers represent the stage, the pulpit the col
lese and the business world. Naturally they
present many different aspects Of the question.
only by the establishment cf such an acad-
envy can have a national standard of dra-
matte work and the cultivation Of a proper
taste" says the Rev. Walter E. Bentley, gen
eraI secretary of the Actors Church Alliance OF
America
There is certainly every good reason why al
academy of dramatic art should be founded
and maintained il the United States" says Pro-
fessor William Lyon Phelps, Of Yale University.
'"The drama should be provided with at
trsctiYe home in which II shall be IS free as
possible from the compelling necessities attend
ing the theatre as n mere business Investment
says George Pierce Baker, professor CT English
ia Harvard University.
"In Philadelphia (by this plsne We hope 10
cradle art for future generations. as our fore
fathers Graded liberty for the generations since
their time says Charles a. Porter. president
OF the Paramount Park Transportation Com
pany of that city.
1T would give an impetus TO the development
OF the dramatic and sister arts in harmony with
the general trend OF civilization 20 broader bet
ter and higher things says Isaac N Soils Of
Dick Brothers, Philadelphia
In such institute the dram2turglst ana
composer would receive every encouragement to
present only that which is true in art, says
William N. Bum, OF Wolf Bros. & Co, Phila-
delphia.
Ciyde Fitch the popular playwright, is dubi-
GUS however. The endowed theatre he de-
clares lis a splendid idea, but do not think II
could be with success
When a dramatic university Is established
with power to confer a degree such as Bachelor
Of Dramatic arts, the stage viii receive its proper
recognition from all other professors, as well as
from the public said James *. Hackett, the
successful aetor-1nanager.
The plan is a good one. hope the promoters
will be entirely successful, said Charles Froh-
man.
ssI wish the project all success" said the vet
eran actor, ]. II. Stoddart.
should the project succeed the denny
might in time become sort of clearing house
Cor the drama the general tone OF which would
be improved" say shrewd and practical Weber
& Fields.
would be the first step toward raising the
drama TO its proper level says Miss Mary
Shaw, the Ibsen actress.