New-York tribune., 1905-02-05

"Of course, of course! N
l suppose you wrote it yourself" l said r
mo; but | wish | had The author is
Western poet, Joaquin Miller.
"Oh WELL as long it's not of your pro-
geny," l laughed, I'm listen Well fix the time of
my martyrdom at three this afternoon if you say
Despite my jestng, l was glad to listen to any play
that Mckee Rankin considered good Promptly at
the hour with big and ominous roll of manuscript
protruding from his side pocket, he arrived at my
office in the Broadway Theater, Days, which
managing Tor ameS L. Duff, AuguSt1n DalyS
brotherin-law.
Before you begin, Rankin" 1 said, 81 want to
you that l couldn't put the play on here, even
if it was a wonder. Duff is in Europe now you know,
and he has engaged Mile. Aimee to open season,
and she probably will have long run
Nov, don't you go trying to pile up mountains
in the path, answered the actor Just give me your
close attention. This play" he added clearing his
voice to read is called The Danites,' and it's about
life in the Rockies"
Those of my readers among the many thousands
who since have this celebrated drama will recall
the climax of the third act where the villain furiously
Jealous because the girl he loves apparently has been
receiving attentions from Billie Piper, entices that
youth into lonely canon, with murder in his heart.
There is a struggle. Billie, greatly overmatChed,
sinks down with the exclamation: please give me
time to pray!" The villain seizes the white throat
and is bending back in death grip when he suddenly
perceives that Billie is girl
This description of the sounds bald enough
but the incidents leading up to it make it thrilling,
and Rankin had read it with great dramatic effect.
When he finished the l exclaimed: "You
needn't go with this play! I've heard enough. I'll
cable Duff to-day to postpone AmGe's engagement.
Well produce this. 1t S of the best | heard
1t Not only the stirring dramatic acting, but
also the striking dialogue, touched with the grace and
strength of true poetry filled me with confidence that
The Dantes" would make deep impression the
public.
And yet, every manager is we'll aware it is diff
cult to forecast the drawing power of play in
script. When Rankin had gone and | began to look
the subject COolly, realized that it hazardous
proceeding for to cable Duff to change his plans.
| knew Aimee of old, knew that she bound to
make money for With this drama on the other
hand, there was, after all, the uncertainty which
tends every untried production, however promising
The scenery would be costly. If by any chance,
this play should fail, | would be undone. Would it
be wise for me to assume the responsibility? Had l
better not let well enough alone? Thus for an hour
l reasoned with myself, and then cabled Duff that
| had found a gold mine
This the way | became first manager of THE
Danites." Joaquin Miller for the rehearsals
With his flowing hair and beard and untrammeled
Western ways, he picturesque figure at the
theater, picturesque in fact, than any of
actors in their makeup and | used to feel that |
should like stage" him just he But after
visit or two he seldom with in work The
environment did not to suit him.
You have let go it pretty much alone, Mr..