New-York tribune., 1906-12-04

and the bishop. has been arranged for this
month; and It is expected that opposition TO the
reproduction OF the entire series Of twenty-five
pageants next year VIII speedily be overcome
when they are found 10 be quaint and inter
esting morality plays like "Everyman-" The
Chester miracle plays were originally enacted IN
double roorned theatres wheels. which could
be drawn from street 10 another. The
monks and clergy had the first view at the ca
thedral gates. the Mayor and the Aldermen
were the second audience at the City Cross;
and the theatre trucks moved on from one open
space TO another for the benefit Of the expectant
throngs until the circuit of the walls had been
rounded out. For three days there was a re-
Iigious carnival, with a series OF moving pas-
eants with medieval actors As time went on
the wheels We're taken off and the miracles
were exhibited at open air fstes; and even as
late as the sixteenth century, when secular
drama was fourishing in London. the old re-
lgous plays went at Chester as complete
cycles The revival of these primitive dramas at
Chester may be followed by similar pageants at
other cathedral towns. York had its mystery
reveI al the Feast of Corpus Christi. and Dur
ham. Lincoln. Ely and Canterbury were not
without rnedi@val religious drama
American readers of Maarten Maartens's nov
els Will be glad 70 learn that he has decided 10
paw q TlSlL 10 I16 uiLcd OlStoe' 49,
he has planned a journey. but has been kept
back by his wifes health: but he is now able 10
accept the invitation 10 attend the Carnegie feto
at Pittsburg in April and viii take advantage
Of the opportunity for seeing New York. Bos-
ton. washington and other cities. His daughter
will accompany him. and they will make q leis-
urely journey. DR.. J. NJ. H. van der Poorten-
Schwarz, as he is known IN Holland, is tall.
handsome man. with charming manners and an
air OF distinction. The son Of a Dutch clergy
man he was educated in English and German
schools and the University Of Utrecht and was
admitted 10 practice as an advocate. He seemed
10 be destined either for political or diplomatic
career. but from force of circumstances became
writer after his marriage. His wtfes health
compelled him reside in the Riviera in
Switzerland. where he lacked occupation and
began 10 write novels. publishing the first one
at his own expense after It had been rejected
by several houses. It was written in English.
and narrow minded Dutch bigots have never
forgiven him for what they considered q slight
offered 10 his native language; but there is not
q more loyal HoIlander than Maarten Martens.
Not only has he filed his books with Dutch
peasants. lawyers and merchants, retaining the
racy, trenchant qualities of the home soil in
working out his psychological problems and
moral purposes. but his methods in fiction are
those Of the Dutch school in art There is lu-
minous exposition Of central character. with
minute fidelity 10 detail with depth of tone and
simplicity OF treatment. His home for long
time was the famous Chateau de Zuylestein.
near Utrecht, but he finally built a picturesque
house at Doom, where he has led the ordinary
life of a country gentleman and land owner with
literature reserved for his hours Of leisure He
is great favorite in London literary society.
Mr. Barrie, Mr Hardy and Sir Laurence Alma
Tadema being among his intimate friends
When he crosses the Atlantic Americans will see
an artist without affectation a craftsman with
high ideas Of the dignity of literature. and a
most companionable and delightful gentleman.
Y