The Goldfield news. [volume] (Goldfield, Nev.) 1904-1911, 1905-11-24

Bradford, England, recently, ended
a wonderful career of stage life COW
ering more than half a century, was
more than an actor. He was a a
1t was his art that made him famous
the world around. 1t was his gener-
osity, his kindly help to the beginners
in his profession, his tact, prudence
and modesty that won him a warm
place in the hearts of all who knew
him.
The anecdotes told of Sir Henry
Irving would fill a mighty volume #
they could all be collected in book
form, says the Chicago Tribune. Many
of the stories told of him have been
remembered by his friends and they
explain why the great English actor
won his way into the hearts Of men.
They illustrate the traits Of his char
acter better than the most skillfully
written eulogy.
Generosity to Others
Generosity was one of the notable
traits in Sir Henry Irving's character.
He gave much to charity in his own
way. He was particularly generous to
the unfortunate in his own profession.
A few years ago, it is related, Sir
Henry-he was plain Henry Irving
then-was sitting alone in his private
roomo % tha Tro, +hno%or - Low
don, when, after a preliminary knock,
a man he had never seen before en-
tered-for the actor made it a rule to
see everyone, strangers or otherwise,
who chose to call upon him in his
leisure hours. He asked the stranger
his business, and discovered that his
caller was an actor out of employ
ment.
"I'm sorry said Irving, "but
my cast is quite full up. Try again
another time"
The caller turned slowly away, with
detection pictured in the hesitating
droop OF his shoulders. AS he reached
the door Irving called him back.
"MarriedY' he asked.
eyes" replied the stranger.
That's the worst of it. Ny wife is
lying dangerously ill, and we are starv-
ing.'
Irving thought for a moment, and
then began to write something.
"Here," he said, ~"handing the man
a piece of paper. eco down to the box
once and leave your name and adj
dress, and tell them I sent you. Take
this"
The stranger took the piece of paper
and looked at it. It was a check for
10 pounds $500.
He Encouraged Beginners
Edward German, the English com-
poser, was just a beginner, when, by
a strange piece of good fortune, he OBJ
tanned the commission to write the in
cidental music for Irving's production
of "Henry VIII" 1t was not until
the music was finished that Irving
asked him his terms.
"Your terms are mine,' replied the
composer. Whereupon Irving turned
to Bran Stoker, who was standing by,
and asked:
Chow much did we pay Sullivan g.
Mackenzie?'
Both these composers had reached
the top of the ladder and were re-
ceiving enormous prices for their COM
positions. When Irving was told the
price he said to German:
"You will receive the same"
Tact With Humor
Sir Henry had an infinite fund of
humor which he employed sometimes
with great tact. He always made it
a rule not to accept presents from
strangers. A few months ago, since
the outbreak of the war in the far east,
a wealthy man, who was lost in adj
miration of the great actor, came up
to him and said:
Pardon me, Or henry, DuL want
to give you a present"
HWhat is it?' asked the actor.
GA Russian wolfhound.'
"Sorry / cannot accept it, replied
Sir Henry. "You see | have a Japa-
nese valet, and as for myself, I'm
neutral.
Joke on Whistler
On one occasion Sir Henry was Civ
ing one of his famous "midnights, !" or
suppers, in his room after the per-
Torrance, and among his guests was
the artist, Whistler. AS it happened,
two of Whistler's pictures were on the
walls, and Whistler on arrival imme-
diatelv went TO look at these landscapes