The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1903-10-21
:. AT THE THEATRES -.

saw no reason for longer putting up
with the hardships or one night stands
and all the troubles that go with them.
had gone as far as could In that field,
and determined TO let somebody else have
a chance"
Then It was not an idea that minstrel
sy was on the decline that made you
leave that f1eld?" asked
mo, indeed. for don't think so. Most
ef the big musical comedy and farce
comedy successes OF today have taken
many ideas from minstreisy 1 can men
tion any number OF them that have done
this. Take. for instance, "Erminie, In
which Francis Wilson is now starring.
The two principal characters In that are
taken from two In an old afterpiece we
used To do called Hungry Jake" Hoyt
has introduced several things originated
IN minstrelsy into his comedies. The diff
ference between minstrelsy and musical
comedies being that the musical comedies
depend upon beautiful costumes. pretty
girls and good-loking men and carloads OF
spectacular scenery. while In the old DAYS
OF minstrelsy blackface. ridiculous cos
tunes and for properties = slapstick and
a little flour to throw in the comedians
face. Minstrelsy on the decline7 No, in
deed. I look forward TO seeing my dear
boys head their own minstrel show In
the near future. and expect them to
MY
There you have my one hobby. my
boys Two dearer boys never lived. and
live now for them. II they were my
own children I couldn't love them more.
and their worth II. too. for they are good
boys" How old are they?' 7 inquired
seeing II was evidently the subject near
est his heart "Seventen last week
Haven't you met them? Boys" he call
cd TO the dressing room. almost ready?"
thn kt
and courteous answer In two boyish
voices. and almost Immediately the two
boys appeared. smilingly The two lads
dcferentially acknowledged Mr. Prim-
roses Introduction OF them to me. and
| Immediately decided that 7 was going
to like them. Two boys who have won
such great success and are constantly
being fat,ered and praised must show II
I'm their manner. ! had previously argued.
but here were two bright youths whose
manner was entirely free from any self
consciousness or seh-conceit.
"One of the boys has the clearest
largest psnsy-blue eyes I ever saw, and
Immediately fell victim 10 them You
haven't removed all the makeup yet.
Johnny. from around your eyes. and the
young lady can't see how pretty they
really are said Mr. Primrose, and while
Johnny retired to.,the dressing room
again TO take on a tiny speck OF burnt
cork that adorned his cheek near his
eve. Mr. Primrose continued banteringly.
Willie, what Is that you have In your
hand? Another letter? From n girl? Re-
member letters from matinee girls don't
make minstrel stars, and remember lglO.'
Willie laughed good naturedly. and as
serted that HIS letter was from his
mother and his little sister In Brooklyn.
Then / know you're anxious 10 read IL.
SO run along. said Mr.. Primrose with a
fond look and pat on the shoulder.
Aren't they good boys?' he questioned
proudly. They support their widowed
mother in ease and comfort and take
good care of their little sister, and at the
same time they have their own little
bank accounts, They have no bad habits.
and leave me bat rarely. I'm fact they al
ways insist upon my accompanying them
everywhere they go. Some time I de-
mur. for | have business details To at
tend TO- but they usually tease and coax
50 hat they win out and | give In How
proud Billy West would be OF those boys
Did he never see them. and how long
have the@ been with your Tho boys have
been with me almost four years now.
Oh. yes he saw them just once IL was
iuat before he died. lie had been very
81. his life b"inE eaten up by cancer
auC one Gay when I had been 10 sec him
lac seemed brighter than usual.
"Nc talked long of old times. and many
n tear we shed. Then he asked me about
tive boys. ana sppeared to take great IN
trrest "a them. go ! suggested that "
ne could obtain his phyaician's consent.
would have the boys come down and
DO their act for him. He was delighaef
viii, the suggestion. and the physlcia
thought n would do him good. go I
brought Willie and Johnny 90 the Palmer
house. it was I'm Chicago where Billy was
living then. and had them 10 dance. the
same one Billy West and I had done for
many years. IN Biliy's room. polling
the furniture 10 one side They put ou
their makeup. costume and all Billy
watched them 40 closely. never taking
his eyes on their feet and was ss pleased
as a child over their ability Then. when
they had finished. he reminded me that