The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1906-10-17
CLAY CLEMENT. A NEW STAT
Produces His Own "sam Houston" AZ the
Garden Theatre.

Clay Clement, in his own historical
drama, Sam Houston" opened at the
Garden Theatre last night and pleased a
fair sized audience in the last two acts
of the play by an effective representation
Of the ~ternnes and the force, the ready
wit and the rough. decisive GOODNESS which
characterized the Texan fighter.
The four acts OF the play cover a period
of forty years. he first piCturing Houston
at the height Of his power as Governor
in Tennessee and his sudden departure
for a life among his adopted brothers, the
Cherokees.
Mr.. Clement discovers the reason for
Houston's departure from civilization to
barbarity, which has always been more
or less a historical mystery. He attributes
it to the faithlessness of his wife. A meeting
in the Governors mansion at a social func-
ton, wherein the Governor does a war
dance with Chief Jolly and OOIoteekG and
gets of something very similar to a college
yell, was amusing.
The second act shows Houston in a small
town on the Brazos River, where he is at
the head Of the Texas army fighting for
Independence from Mexico 1t shows a
company of Westerners. a trifie too up to
date in makeup and manners.
Roaring Kate, a vigorous, tempestuous,
forceful woman of the plains, makes her
first appearance when she quells, with some
sharp taunts and gibes a disatection among
the men of the camp, which is being stirred
up against Houston by FehI Hunon, Ms
enemy, and a prominent member OF the
convention, drawing up articles OF d
When word of the fail Of the Alamo is
brought in Houston proclaims It time for
action by his waiting army against santa
Ana, the declaration OF independence Is
signed and the act closes with wav ing
flags, cheering men and the refrain, he
member the Alamo.
Ia the last two acts Clement is at his
best. Something of the real atmosphere
Of the strenuous days OF lexan M
dependence is attained, especially IN
the scene of the republics Cabinet
meeting. The treasury il empty, Hutton,
now General in command, Is threatening
mutiny in the army and the currency oil
the country is fast becoming worthless In
the face Of these straits there Is the gaunt
wit and the grim humor that marked the
men of the Houston type.
The Cabinet meeting IL adjourned TO
give the President a chance to be enter
tanned by pretty Margaret Lee, with whom
he il fast falling in love. The scene in this
act, where Santa Anna is brought In a
prisoner and is forced to promise the evacua-
ton of Texas by the Mexican troops as the
price Of his life, Va well played.
The fourth act shows Sam Houston. in 1891,
refusing as Governor to sign the declaration
of secession, being drawn up by the State
convention. He is asked by the ooncen-
ton to resign, and does so, declaring his
convictions against secession, but pro-
claiming his love for Texas.
Clay Clement is an interesting Sam Hons-
Ton. when he leaves behind him the love
making and the army leading, and assumes
the diRnifled and keen witted President and
Governor. A.C. Henderson as Fetir Hutton
is scheming and wicked, while Fl. @. Bates as
Bill Kennedy, and E:C. Marde "a Santa
Anna are realistic. Miss Marie Taylor re-
ceived hearty applause as Roaring Kdte.'