The Washington herald., 1906-10-21

that l called on the son OF the greatest
genius Of the English stage. Succession
is so often a disappointment even to
those most keenly interested. THE king
IS dead. Long live the king. IS well
meant and legal custom has much to 90
with its being so, but the rulers Of the
theatrical kingdom. who wish their
nantes Of ermine and cloth Of gold to
fan upon the shoulders Of a favored son,
must abide by public decision. The son
OF a great father finds more difficulties
IN his path to fame than does he whose
name falls strangely upon our cars. The
sons Of Joseph Jefferson can speak with
fervOr on this subject for no matter how
carefully dear, old Rip proportional his
dramatic leCacies among his heirs. the
public Will not be satisfied Whether Mr..
II. 3. Irving will encounter this senti-
mental opposition when he makes his
London debut in his fathers famous roles
remains to be seen. for that is trial yet
before him. The reception in America
of this handsome and unusually gifted
young man has been more than cordial,
and he has had the strength TO not at
tempt usurpation Of the great Irving s
familiar mannerisms which TO some
would have been a temptation. especially
were the physical resemblance as strong
as in this instance
Mr.. Irving was seated at a writing
desk when I entered his private parlor
at the Hotel Marie Antoinete and his
appearance and attitude were so amaz-
ingly like Sir Henry that paused for a
moment and watched him seal his letter.
There was the same shaped face with the
broad forehead. the strong jaw and chin,
the hair worn rather long. the kindly ex-
preston of the eyes-a face indicative of
the puTest intellectual and artistic type.
In another instant he rose and came for
ward with that air of good breeding
which is so unmistakable, a manner Of
frank cordiality combined with an utter
lack OF anectatiOn He is Sir Henry
in his youth when the future offered its
glory.
This is Mr. Irving's first visit to the
States. and as is usual with Englishmen,
he is impressed fOrcibly by the hustle and
hurry of New York. He is 1T present
nursing Il sprained wrist in consequence
OF a quick descent from a surface car. In
speaking of the accident, Mr.. Irving said,
with a characteristic accent: Just be-
fore leaving England my friends who had
been to your country warned me that I
must move in a lively manner. You will
have absolutely no time when leav-
ing tram. they told me- and
you must jump. I found that they had
told me the truth, and this wrist is the
result Of my trying TO keep the pace set
by your people. The last time I Jumped
I fell to the street face downward BY
putting out my hand I saved myself worse
injuries. Sir Charles Wyndham had a
similar. but more disastrous. accident
during his last appearance in New York. 80
When asked why he had never appeared
in the United States during his father
tours, Mr.. Irving replied: Il never acted
with my father but once during his entire
career. and that was at big benefit in
London. The Merchant Of Venice was
the play. which was presented by an all
star cast Father was ShylOck. ] played
Satanic. and did not meet my father dur
ing the entire performance. so that we
have never been actually on the stage to-
gether- 7 began my career Independently
Of my father for the reason that I thought
IL better to do so. One deserves much
more credit for any achievement made by
ones self unaided. don't you think so? I
am sure that father felt that way about
u il IS quite a responsibility 70 assume
the professional guardian of a son OF
daughter. and I felt that father had
enough responsibilities. Personally. I adj
mirc the man who stands alone, and so /
shaped my work accordingly.
Il made my first professional appear
ance with Kate Rorle, one OF the most
charming women we have ever had on
cur stage No one in London is more
highly thought of than Miss Rorze and
HHe#a
actress. Miss ROrke made a tremendous
hit, and I was very well received We
had a delightful love scene together
which caught the public fancy. Previous
10 that time I had only appeared in anna
teur performances at Oxford
Although I was satisfied with nv sue
cess in modern comedies at first, my am
bition led me 10 yearn for Shakespearear
roles. and it is to Ben Greet that I owe
my first opportunity in a wider sphere
Mr.. Greet gave me Hamlet Romeo. Bene-
dick, Orlando, and the others about which
/ had dreamed. II was while with Mr.
Greet that ! met Miss Dorothea Baird
now Mrs. Irving. She commenced at the
lowest TUng Of the ladder and steadily
climbed to her present position. What
she has gained she deserves. for she
served a difficult apprenticeship. She wa:
playing with the Greet company when hel
opportunity presented itself Du Maurier
the author of -Triby' was looking about
Tor an actress who could both look auC
act the title role of the play which was
soon to have its first English presenta-
ton. He had consulted a number of ac-
tresses, and had been advised by his
friends, each of whom recommends
some one OF his acquaintance Quite by
% chance ne stopped to glance at some pic
lures Of our company in Shakespearear
scenes. He was attracted at once by uny
Wife's appearance. a personal Interview
followed. in which he told her that the
first time he saw her picture he had ex-
claimed. That's Trilby' She made 2
great success, and justified Mr.. Du Mau-
riar's selection.
Il understand that the Ben Greet play.
crs are very favorably received I'm Amer
lea Their open air performances are also
popular in England. The one disagree.
able feature of the sky and woods for q
stage setting is the horrible uncertainty
OF the weather one never knows wher
The elements viii interfere with one,
most beautiful speeches Many times
have played IN a thunderstorm.
Shakespeare is in constant demand il
England. II IS impossible 20 have Ions
Shakespearean runs. for we must re
member that some or his plays are al
ways being acted. and that the public j.
well acquainted with them. but VIVA
other plays could, after so many years
maintain their popularity
Has the problem play the vogue il
England that it has in this country"
asked
Mr.. Irving paused. rested one knee or
q chair, leaned over its back. and asked
What do you mean by a problem play
II Won sneak of the sexual question