New-York tribune., 1906-04-29


The view of Joseph Jefferson which We get
in Afr. Wilson's volume of "reminiscences is
valuable rather for the light which the subject
sheds upon himself in the remarks and CONVEX
sations caught and set down by his faithful
Boswell than for the authors own attempts at
Interpretation The book is in no sense biograph-
ical save as MI Wilson from time to time led
Mr. Jefferson to recall the incidents of his early
career and, notebook in hand transcribed his
words for future literary use. jefferson had
advanced far on his career before the author
Cf the present work became his friend and pro-
fessional colleague. Mr. Wilson even records
the awe with which he first beheld jefferson in
mis- street Clothes" eating grapes out of
uaper bag on the corner of 23d street and Sixth
avenue, previous to matinee performance at
3ooth's Theatre There is. in fact, hardly any
accident, however trivial that occurred in JEFF
ersons life, Mr.. Wilson was occasionally
rvileged to observe and to share in it, that
has not deemed worthy of putting into print;
nd while these give 10 the volume a certain
.timate, personal, behind the scenes" flavor,
le is tempted wish that the book, as a whole,
al received the same benefit of Jefferson's
ditoriaI blue pencil the portion relating TO
,e all star" tour of The Rivals" In return
la 10 the author the manuscript in which Mr..
.-ilsOn describes that interesting theatrical
eutUre jefferson wrote
7riefnal frame Of mind regarding it; 1t puts you
itrical chair with assumed air of modesty
t SHY o IN sY Ihe s esxe it toT Vou to
decide, except Is to certain illusions
The .allusions" objected to came out, but it
must be admitted that Jefrerson's criticism aptiy
applies TO the general tone Of the book, espe-
cially TO those parts of it which he never read
Ii IS equally unfortunate for Mr.. Wilson and Mr.
jefferson that this structure should be deserved,
since. that extent. the "Reminiscences mis-
represent the character Of the one and the in
tenton Of the other. But making due allow
ance for the authors good VIII ard lack of lit
erary perspective and for Jeferson's true char
aoter and place in the history of the drama, as
revealed in Mr. Winters invaluable Life as
We'll as in the Autobiography" there is much
to entertain the reader il Mr.. Wilson's many
anecdotes and in his transcripts of Jeffersons
happy comments on current matters and of his
|.dtine recoilections
ITO make those about him happy" writes Mr..
Wilson, was the guiding principle Of Joseph
Jeerson's social well as his professional life.
lie was very generous but few knew the extent
OF has charities He delighted in the compan-
icnship Of children Mr.. Wilson relates:
met him one day in great toy store. and ne
confessed that he visited place three or four
time~ year. not only TO make purchases, but also
70 TIE children buy and hear their joyful
ITessiOus ana exclamationS. Il a great
Cf fun out of it, be said.
You to have had fun
joyment in life, Sir Joseph" said to him.
OF course ! have" he replied, 'bGt feel that
all this is nothing compared with what is come.
Tins life is merely a rehearsal. ! have had more
fortune. more happiness, than falls TO the lot of
most men. but they can ring down me
ing: let them give me quick curtain. None of
Your slow fellows with long, protracted. red fire
accompaniment"
Get his enjoyment OF life keen that it
IS small wonder that he rebeled at any sugges-
ticn Of separation from il by others. Even eight
CT ten years ago he wrote:
The newspaper criticisms on my acting Of late
hc the last time you will ever him. He must
pass away They sound more like obituary
notices than CrltiqueS / expect To shortly.
None but the family are invited-no flowers. ETC.
lie told me Of being II table once where there
were number or people luil in the converse
ton permitted affected fellow draVl at MIN:
"AH-Br jefferson -aW-When
going -aU-to retire from the stage?'
To which ne replied pointodly:
Il ana only waiting for you TO say the word,'
Mr.. jefferson well remembered his first ap-
saTance on the stage in black face at the age
four, miniature reproduction Of the ia
minstrel T. d. Rice CJim Crow"). 1t was
a EiCe's benefit, and the six foot beneficiary
Jumped his pigmy imitator out Of a bag upon
thrown by the audience Mrs. John Drew who
present as a very little girl. has written of
r vivid recollection Of the occasion 1t was