Deseret evening news. [volume] (Great Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1867-1920, 1905-04-29

II WAS OiUng tnat Joe Jefferson
should have been ushered out Of the
world on the day that saw the ush-
ering n of william Shakespeare
April 49, always a date to be reyered
by tho world Of literature and the
drama, win henceforth be remembered
with double significance.
The New York Herald we'll says that
Joferson's career was a connecting
link between the actors who gave TO
our stage It's individuality, and those
who are preserving and promoting that
individuality today
Mr.. Jcffersons leap into fame took
place Aug, 81, 1857, On that red letter
day Of his theatrical life he created the
role Of DR.. Pangloss in THE Heir at
Law and with that character his name
was associated until II was eclipsed and
almost forgotten when he first as
tumed the role Of Rip Van Wrinkle Sept,
s. 1850. From that day to this good
kindly shiftIess, RIP has been Jeffer-
sons other self,
The following sentiments by leading
actors well illustrate the high regard
in which Jefferson was held by the pro-
fession.
RICHARD MANSFIELD--It Is i'm
possible 20 pay fitting tribute to so
great an actor ana so good man on
the impulse OF the moment, and I'm the
first shock OF the sad news | can only
think how every man, woman and child
I'm this country viii miss a dear old
friend.
JOHN DREW-Mr. Jerfcrsons death
has left vacancy I'm the American
stage that can never be filled, ana the
entire country mourns his loss, II Is
not only IN America that his loss is felt,
but in every English speaking country
on the globe To the stage folk he
was lovable, and there Is hardly an
actor or actress who at some time has
not come within the kindly influence ot
Joseph Jefferson. our families have
been intimate for years and the loss is
keen To us My mother and he were
friends many years before we children
were born.
DANIEL FROHMAN-Mr Jeffer-
sons virtues as a man and actor are
too well known by the American public
to require any eXpatiation on my part,
bhA 1 nave hllOMll lillll VI A'llllNN NAOAl
with his deep personal interest I'm all
that concerned the profession As the
intimate friend Of Booth he was deeply
interested In the Players club. that
magnificent hcnctactiou OF Edwin
Booth. Mr.. jefferson was our prcsi-
dent, and all It's councils were always
animated by his sympathy for all meas
urcs that concerned the welfare Of his
brother members, especially the actors
WILTON LACKAYE--Joseph Jelfer-
son was the greatest low comedian and
the greatest tcChnician Of our time, He
had no peer on the English stage az n
low comedian. lie was as superior In
his realm as Coquclin Is In France.
jefferson believed with the French In
the perfection Of technique. lie depre-
Gated the worth OF inspiration or hys-
terra, The actor In Jenerson's opin-
ion, should carry TO It's ultimate de-
gree the principle OF preparation, lie
stood with Coquoliu on that side Of the
question. and differed from Irving and
the English school. Jefferson believed
strongly also In strict adherence to the
intention Of the author
From the point Of view on the audi
ence Jeffersons portrayals We're de-
lightful and ever 10 be remembered,
Jefferson's personality won his hearers,
and they loved him as they have loved
few actors of our time.
DAVID BELASCO-For the nobility
OF his character, for the honor and dig
nifty he has bestowed upon the Ameri-
can stage, for the uplifting example OF
his private and public life, Joseph JEFF
ferson stood alone in his profession, lie
was a great actor and a great man-al-
ways a conscientious artist, always a
true gentleman. lie leaves a place that
can never quite be filled,
MRS. LESLIE CARTER-It will be
among the proudest Of my recolloctions
that ! had the great honor Of speaking
for this noble man his last public ut
terance, for 1t was my privilege to read
the letter he wrote 20 Joseph Holland
on the occasion Of the latters benefit
The American stage has lost Its mos,
beautiful character whose lie and
achievements should be an inspiration
and example for every actor.
r. II. SOTHERN--Mr. jefferson has
had a happy life. II seems 10 me that
he had a great deal TO be thankful for
in this rfe He succeeded and In his
old age he has been loved. You know
we don't always get that ! believe that
n Is often the case that when We ARC
loved we are not worthy Of 70, silly
and very apt not TO succeed, Ana whcr
we succeed we are apt 10 become uu,
lovahle So, an In all, ] believe We can
say, happy old man And he succeed
ed IN the way that he wanted to sue
coed, That Is a great deal Many ac,
tors choose a role I'm their youth, and
then when they get wisdom with age
they desire 10 change and cannot.
knew him intimately tie was d
friend Of my father 1 remember quite
well his visits 10 my fathers home and
how he took me on his knee when
was but 4 little tOt I'm after years hJ
was very kind to me and seemed to TAX,
much interest ln my success JOSEF.
Jefferson. ! repeat. has been n lovubh