The Washington herald., 1906-10-31
lespondepee Of nc washinEton L..

OOlllsi50nQcDce o. Ine Washington nCla4a-
London, Oct. &.-Gerald Maxwell has
Just published his first book. "A Miracle
Worker" What lends uncommon inter
est TO this announcement is the fact that
ne is the third son Of that most pro-
lihe OF modern writer's. who is stin known
TO the reading public by her maiden
name, Miss Braddon. She recently cele-
brated her SEVENTEEN birthday by pub
fishing her sixty-second novel.
Her eldest son, William, made his debut
in the literary world a few years ago
and his two latest novels, ''Vivien" and
The Guarded Flame have been notably
successful The second son, Edward, is
Il lawyer by profession, but writes essays
and reviews on legal and social topics.
II is seldom that the literary talent Is in
herited 10 such an extent in one family.
but il is seldom, too that sons have a
mother who is so thoroughly dominated
and Obsessed by il as Miss Braddon.
Varied Career at College.
BY the advice of Charles Reade The
novelist. Gerald Maxwell was sent to
school at oxford with a view TO matricu-
iating at the university later on. But.
not finding the classical curriculum of
Oxford much TO his taste. he went TO
Cambridge, where he founded a short
lived illustrated magazine, took q prOmi-
nent part in the University Debating So
cIety, and made a host OF friends Not
feeling that ne was likely to become a
senior wranSler, he left Cambridge AT the
end of his second year and migrated to
Germany. There he established his head
quarters in Hanover. but also visited the
nF
whilst. among other things he introduced
The game OF Rugby football into North
Germany. and refused a commission in
Tie German army. He became the first
president Of the Aaglo-American club in
Hanover and coached the German crew
which won the fOur-oar race at the in
ternauonal regatta al Hamburg.
Returning TO England. Mr. Maxwell
thought seriously OF becoming a lawyer.
and vas, indeed offered a partnership
in floUrishing solicitors Office. He had
by that tine, however, made up his mind
10 write a play. and wishing to learn the
technique OF the theater he went on the
stage He accompanied the late Wilson
Garrett on his FIRST American tour. and
was extremely wei received by the critics
ln New York and the other big cities the
company visited
On the American stage.
One of the pleasantest memories IS n
visit he paid on d winter Sunday to the
good. gray poet Ut Camden. y. J. Walt
Whitman not only entertained the Young
actor and the friend who ACCOMPANIED
linn, but allowed himself to be persuaded
10 come over 10 the theatcr 10 see the
English Barrett act
Mr Maxwell went back 10 England IN
q hurry, owing TO a complete break down
iH health. but lie always cherished the
desire TO see the friends who had been
so kind 10 him again. though il was nearly
ten years before he had another chance Of
visiting America, and then, alas some
90 them were no more-the genial Walt
Whitman among them. Meanwhile. Mt
Maxwell had written several plays ore
or two Of which had been produced Iti
was one Of these. an adaptation in three
acts % the German farce which the late
Augustin DAILY pOpulaTized us a Night
on that brought him under the notice
Hi the great American manager and OBJ
famed for him an engagement in Daily
famous company Of comedians Still
though DAILY gave him another German
play to adapt. he did not give him any
Ereat opportunities Of distinguishing him
SET on the stage. In Brooklyn. he was
described as "an Anglicized version Of
compliment as he had always been a
profound admrer Of this polished actor
and tine gentleman. as well as having for
several years enjoyed his friendship.
As Journalist and Novelist.
Indeed, looking back at his dramatic ex-
peTiences in the United States. Mr.. Max
Well holds them 10 have been of most
value because Of the friends they enabled
him 10 make. II was rare privilege TO /
young man, he says. 10 know the late
Mrs Gilbert. Ada Rehan. James Lewis /
prince of comedians; gifted Harry Dixey. I
and the many-sided William Gillette In /
America. as elsewhere. he made crowds OF 1
friends outside the thcater. with many Of /
whom he is in close touch still and hopes |
10 see next year If fortunate enough to 1
go over as an English journalist to the /
international Congress OF the Press
10 is now some years since he left the /
stage. and he Was. until the beginning of 4
this year, editor of the Court Journal. TO +
which he coptinueS to contribute articles 4
on travel and European politics. he has
also acted as "a special correspondent of \
the Daily Telegraph I'm Russia. where he
met Sergius de Witte and recognizing the
caiiocr OF thc then minister of wavs Of
communication. announced the probability .
81 hiS selection as minister of finance to
which high office dc Wittc was appointed
three weeks later
some OF mis- shorter dramatic sketches
ana short stories have been published in
various magdzlneS but the Miracle
Worker is his first attempt ut a sustain
90 effort His method, based upon q long
training IN the thoateT. Is % discard an
SHPeriiuous talk and yet TO allow the
characters, 50 tar as possible 10 fell tho
story IN their own words He is NOT afraid
ol dramatic situation it one comes casi-
IN within his ralnL