The Washington times., 1903-05-24

On the top of the formation of the
new society, came Joseph Jeffersons
declaration that he did not believe such
an institution was necessary or FEAST
bic, and as MIR. Jefferson speahs from
the eminent position of dean of the pro
feSsion. his announcement efIectually
stopped the flow OF 81 subscriptions
Therefore the society felt Mr.. Jeffer-
sen owed them the reparation OF a pub
lie conference, with arguments pro and
con, and MIR. Jefferson. being unwilling,
as he said, TO oppose any movement
which might advance The interests of
theatrical art, consented to define his
position at the public meeting last
Sunday.
Scant Courtesy to Old Rip.
Poor Mr.. Jefferson. 1t certainly was
shame what the National Art Theater
Society did 20 him. either Intentionally
or thoughtlessly. When Mr.. Clarke first
led the veteran actor forward. he was
given a tremendous ovation. In a few
words, he explained that he was now
partially deaf, and therefore might not
be able 20 understand everything that
was being said. but he would do his
best. He said ne was there in the
capacity of a listener first, and a
speaker afterward
Then he sat down, and Mr. Clarke
spoke for nearly an hour telling what
the society was trying to do. Mr.. JET
ferson was seated behind Mr. Clarke
He said afterward that he did not hear
ono IT,
invited him to a seat forward. and Mr..
Clarke spoke with his back to the actor
II was hot evening, Mr.. Jefferson was
manifestly bored. yet he was too much
of a gentleman to rise and DEPART
But If Mr.. Clarkes discourtesy was
due simply 10 failure 10 think of the
actors comfort, the subsequent antics
OF Sydney Rosenfeld were most unpar-
Cor2ble because they were directly
aimed at Mr.. Jefferson. Resented, who
las written many burleaaues and mu-
steal comedies of the type which can
best be described as topical" was the
Eext speaker in favor of a theater de-
voted to the higher forms of art No
doubt Mr.. Resented knows a lot about
high art, but Sunday night his specially
seemed 10 be low comedy.
Sydney Rosenfeld's Performance
He interpoIated innumerabIe gags
Of the kind one might expect to find in
che OF his musical burlesques. All OF
his humor was directed to Mr. Jeffer-
son. He placed himself close to the
actors chair enlivened the proceedings
by slapping Mr.. JefTerson's knee half a
CCzen times, occasionally poked him il
the ribs or slapped his shoulder. and
pcrpetrated jokes which Mr.. Jefferson
being unfamiliar with the latest slang
did not understand. For instance, he
tired TO give utterance to a sentimental
phrase to the effect that under the
beneficial effects of the watering car
Of Mr.. Jenerson's eloquence, the dra-
matte garden might flourish and bios
som Mr. Jefferson did not hear the
speech, and asked 10 have it repeated
Il said you were on the water wagon, >
shouted Rosenfeld.
THE water wagon" inquired Mr.. JEFF
ferson innocently. Il don't understand
what you mean"
Mir. Rosenfeld again tried to explain
to Mr.. Jefferson the meaning of water
wagon" in popular sizing. but the actor
was not in the least interested, and
plainly showed his displeasure.
Hard Dig at W. A. Brady.
The predicted internal disagreement;
between the members OF the National
Art Theater Society came to the sur
face in mild way during Rosenfeld' 3
speech. He said two things that direct
" insulted enthusiastic fellow workers
in the scheme. William A. Brady, the
manager, was in the audience. He
had just given his check for 81 900 to
the society. as the first cash contribu-
tion for the Art Theater. Mr.. Rosen-
field. in his speech. said:
I'VE may well feel encouraged when
We receive a contribution of 81 900 for
this Art Theater from a manager
like William A Brady, who makes nc
pretensions whatever TO knowing any
thing about the esthetic side of the
theater."
Now. may be mistaken. but I am
sure that Mr.. Brady. who supplied tho
technical skill and the appreciation FOR
the beautiful embodied in Pretty
Peggy" must know a little more about
the esthetic side of the theater thar
does q gentleman who writes coon
songs and topical gags for musical bur.
Iesques. Mr.. Brady was very justly Of
Tended at the unnecessary reflection
upon his judgment, especially when Ee
had just given 81 900 TO the fund
Later on. Mr.. Resented made another
remark which. I fear, may cause some
unfriendliness I'VE are not ideal Il
hoping to get the best actors hC
said. "Of course. We would not expect
to have Henry Miller play the leadine
roles. while Richard Mansfield played ;
servant"
Jeferson's Sensible Speech.
After enduring speeches for neariy
two hours, Mr.. jefferson was finally al.
lowed TO speak and in the course Of
fifteen minutes he gave expression tc
more solid. substantial good horse
sense than all the other speakers com
bined. His speech has been quoted in
full in the press reports. Indeed. ar
soon as he had finished. the reporters
and the audience withdrew. showing
that Mr. Jeherson's talk had been tbs