The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1905-11-02
ANECDOTES OF IRVING
Characteristic Incidents In the
Great Actors Career.
DEVOTEDLY FOND OF CHILDREN

How He Assisted "a Boy-Once Billed
ais "SfmpIe Henry Irving"-Efectual
RebuIxe to a S.iEaic-When Irving
Turned Pale-A Story of His Barn
storming Days.
The late Sir Henry Irving was fond
of children. When he was playing
BOLIVIA" in London the juvenile part
was taken by a little lad about nine
years old. The little fellow kept Him
self very tidy, but his clothes were old,
and it was evident that he was ex
tremely poo.
Where do you live, my boy?' asked
Mr.. Irving one night.
Beyond Hammersmith," answered
the lad.
"And how do you get homer" con-
tinued Mr.. Irving.
81 walk, SIR was the answer, with
surprise at the inquiry.
Yes, yes. But after this you must
ride" And Mr. Irving gave orders
that the lads bus fare was to be paid
thereafter Some time later he MOTTO
ed that the little fellow had troubled
look on his face. He asked him if he
enjoyed riding That brought forth
the fact that the boy had been saving
the bus fare, as his mother was i'll and
his father was out of work.
Mr. Irving Immediately ordered that
the child's salary be raised. Through
the summer, although the company was
not playing, the child received his sal
airy just the same at the personal order
of his great patron.
Sir Henry Irving, who was born
plain John Henry Brodribb. always
showed desire to, keep in the back
ground. On the piaybills he appeared
as simply Henry Irving" ia the same
type as was used for the name of the
humblest member of the cast. But
some years ago he was acting in the
provinces, and those responsible for
the bills issued posters on which he
WAS mentioned as 1.-The famous Mr.
Henry Irving"
Irving at once sent for the head
printer.
Look herep' he said "You are not
to print another bill with all those
fourishes before my name. You are
TO see that in future my name reads as
simple Henry Irving and in quite small
type"
The printer retired. Next day Irving
was Mortified to find the town flooded
with posters which announced that
Simple Henry Irving would that
night fill certain role at the theater.
On one occasion Sir Henry Irving's
company, having been called to the
theater for rehearsal, arrived there
ahead Of time. AS Sir Henry had not
\ yet come, one of the actors in the COM
pany who was noted for his accom-
plishments as a mimic proceeded to
give lively and elaborate imitation
OF Sir Henry's highly characteristic
acting. AS he finished his demonstra-
ton well known voice came from the
depths Of the darkened auditorium:
VERY good" it said. Every good in
deed. So good, in fact, that there is
no need for both Of us In this COM
pany.'
Irving would turn pale whenever he
caught sight OF one of those long
stemmed, white clay pipes known as
churchwardens. It was not due to
any superstition. His hatred for
these pipes dates from the time he
was a guest Of honor at the Philadel-
phia Art club. Every guest was sup
piled with q churchwarden, and dur.
ing the evening one member Of the
club went to Sir Henry and asked for
his autograph ON the bowl. The re-
quest was complied with, and then an
other made similar request, and 9th
ers followed until it seemed as though
every man In the club was In line wait
Ing to have the great actor pencil hts
autograph on their pipe bowls. 1t was
q a m. before Sir Henry completed the
task.
u
Sir Henry Irving made It rule not
TO accept presents from strangers. Dur
Ing the Russ0-Japanese war wealthy
man, who was lost in admiration Of
the great actor, came up to him and
said:
Pardon me, Sir Henry, but want
to give you present"
What Is it?' asked the actor.
"A Russian wolf hound"
Sorry I can't accept it." replied Sir
Henry. "You see. l have japanese
wallet, and as for myself, I'm neutral
While In the United States Sir Henry
Irving, at reception that was rendered
to him in Philadelphia by literary
club, narrated some Of the memories Of
his youth.
my transforming days." he said,
~seem very distant and yet very dear
to me now. l recall with particular
Measure q melOdrama of crime in high