New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-03-11

REPRESENTATION and stupidity; Il is known also that
H"s nao periods OF distressing illness. But there
IS delightful side TO the character Of Richard
mansfield. and. as the performance OF Beaucaire
eh"'es' aiter much storm and trial, his finer at
tributes have prevailed He can he n delightful
o'iaoe' an anectionate friend, and. IN the abodes
OF want and sorrow, one OF the kindest Of men.
fiiS 'oVal huinor ia extraordinary various and
80 lch mat II he to attempt the character OF
Falsta1, he would, probably eclpse all rersona-
ions or IL that our stage has known since the tina
OF the elder Hackett. His talent as a composer
OF music has produced melodies as tenderly eY-
pressive as the sweetest that are welded 70 the
eAQusl'e songs of Moore. His writings. whether in
sketch story or play, excellent for fidelity TO
nature IN the exposition OF character felicity OF
"iiiauc expression and piquant zest OF style To
iil tne pIaysoing public owes whatever is forcibe
anu elAecuNe IN the dialogue OF Beau Brummeu
together with much that is terse and punren. in
VARIOUS other plays with which his name is ASSOC
oIa'eu- ana noW.-as II is suspicious 10 see.-this
ao'o' Iaiests In the choice of blithe and elegant
comedy ana OF the distinctiveIy intellectual and
stately shakespearean conceptton ~ rrutus the
mature mind that has passed from things eccentric
and bizarre, the 'gorgons and hydras and chimeras
oire OF sensation melodrana. dwell henceforth
upon the solid and immutabIe facts of beauty and
truth AS an actor Mr.. Mansheld's advancement
should. and doubtless II will take the direction OF
tenderness OF feeling subtlety OF suggestive
pre'auon poetry that wins by fits enticing glamour
and assured power that is unsolictous as to effect:
ranging over a field OF exceptional breadth has
displayed surprising versatility the instinct to i'm
personate rather than the impulse 10 decIaim the
IMAGINATIVE perception that human life as
understanding the actor TO interpret character in
It's full relation TO env1ronment-and the art that
invests massive ideals with the alurement OF care
less grace
10 sordid. commonplace minds II is satisfactory
belief that the theatre is merely a shop and that
the art OF acting is merely means for the peace
ful pursuit OF gain Such minds are numerous and
N the business world they usually predomi-
nant; and, under the perverting control of such
minds, the stage has known long periods Of degra-
oAuon at intervals, however. strong spirits have
arisen in the drama to vndicate its intrinsic in
tellectual worth and moral potentiality. assert
It's educational drift. and TO exalt and extend its
social influence noble personal force. in fact,
sometimes shining forth in great affIuence and
splendor, and never quite extinct. has been the
salvation Of the stage. which but for this fortu-
nate ordainnent. would long since have sunk 10
ignominious frtvolity This intelligent saving force,
which believes in art and is devoted TO its cause.
has kept the stage alive. IN honor and prosperity
and upon this force its dependence must rest. The
stalwart presence Of Richard Mansfield in the Amer
lean Theatre. therefore, is suspicious in a high de-
gree; for there is great need Of leader. and the
need will increase with every accession TO the pha-
lanx Of theatrical button-makers now rampant in
transitory time.
On the American stage the last Of our great
actors essentially a tragedian passed away with
agers-of the line Of Dunlap. Warren Wood. simp-
son. Barry Hambln. and Wallack-passed away
with Augustin DAILY There are good augUries in
the growing fame of Miss Julia MarloWe, in the
fine and resolute ambition and enterprise Of Mrs.
Fiske, and in the sudden and brilliant success OF
Miss Henrietta Crosman. But. than any
other prominent favorite Of the new age. Richard
Mansfield possesses the public and the public
voice. the trend Of dramatic affairs in this country,
for considerable period. Will be determined by his
example and his course, and therefore his triumph
IN the light comedy character OF DISQUALIFICATION
IS at augury and index,-is viewed with
more than common gratitude and concentrated
with more than common pleasure.
Since those words written Mr.. Mansfield
has considerably augmented his repertOry IT have
acted all the characters" he is reported to have
said (''New-York Herald March a. Il have
the gamut" His labor and his versatility in
deed extraordinary. These are. for example,
OF the parts with which his name is more or less
brilliantly associated:
Darts