Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-11-10
MAI0R A'EENZE
Al IIisl Glilt Plys | Visit ts n old
 College Cum.

Major Rory Mckenzie, advance agent for Barney Gilmore's "The Rocky Road to Dublin." was visitor at the Democrat office this morning. MT Mckenzie is giant in stature and as he entered the oflce wearing a high hat, which made him appear still taller, his head almost touched the ceiling. Notwithstanding his huge proportions he has face that Inspires confidence and few min- utes' conversation with him show that he has not spent all his time growing tall, for he picked up good familiar with the history of the world and especially that part of it known as Scotland and Ireland. He talks Celtic fuently and says he Is very much pleased to see his country men revive the language of the an- cient Gaels. He believes that in time everybody will want to speak, read and write Celtic if for no other req son than as an accomplishment. Un- fortunately he finds some Irishmen ashamed of their mother tongue, but he believes that such persons are be- coming fewer every day and that by and by man who claims to be of Irish blood and cannot carry on conversation and write a communica- tion in Celtic willsbe few and far be- tween. The major is married and has two children, one of them at tending the Sacred Heart college in Canada, measuring six feet and one inch, although he is only 1S years of age.
 Major Mckenzie was born at Luck now, in the western part of the prov ince of Ontario, Canada in 1874. but removed to Dublin, Ireland, when he was a boy. His father was a High lander and his mother a native of Dublin.
 He enlisted in the Gordon High landers and served in Africa. He is a man of many accomplishments, be- ing especially skilled in the Scotch and Irish bagpipe, violin and the harp.
 Rory Mckenzie and Barney Gil- more have been friends since early boyhoOd and. following love experi- ence in which both courted the same girl. the major finally winning out, Barney finally came to America for fame and fortune. Gilmore has at- tained both ambitions and, remem- bering the friend of his boyhood without the lease taint of animosity. Major Mckenzie is now sharing in the good fortune.
 Of Gilmore's play Mckenzie says It Is we'll written and well con- structed play, full of strongly de- veloped characters and thrilling situ- ations that make one sit up and take notice. The play represents what Is best in Irish character and includes native Irish dances, . real Irish jaunting car and bag pipe players. Barney Gilmore himself is the star actor and vocalist whose sweet sing ing charms everybody
 There is no question that Major Mckenzie is strong personal friend of Gilmore 50 we'll as his paid repre- sentative on the road. The major spent yesterday and to-day in the city, making new acquaintances and left this forenoon for Boston.
 He himself states that he is 2 feet ? inches in height and weighs exactly BPS pounds. making him. according to the records the second largest man in the world. A glance at him con- yinces that his weight is not at all out of proportion to his height for he presents an exceedingly well built appearance and natty too withai.
 Major Mckenzie delights, follow ing a glowing description of his fa- vorite show. in relating incidents and experiences met with in his per- sonal career. Major Mckenzie has a large acquaintance among Irish- men of note, as is natural, and among his particular friends he mentions with delight T. P. O'Connor, well known as TT. P" in literature. The major is not only big and finely proportioned man but one of intelli- gence. fact which he readily i'm. presses upon all with whom he comes in contact. He has been the recipi- ent of honors from all the crowned heads of Europe, and Major McKen. zie particularly yalues a gift from King Edward of England, who paid him an especially strong compliment because of his physique.