The sun., 1907-08-31

but neither Of these plays proved popular
in New York and il is known that Mr. Mans
field was much disappointed that the lbsen
piece was not more enthusiastically re-
ceved
Some lightning, a good deal OF thunder
and much wind accompanied MIR. Mans
field In his iourneyings about America
ever since he rose TO popularity. There
has scarcely been time during the last
twenty years when he did not have at least
one lawsuit on his hands. About twelve
years ago he conferred the Garrick Theatre
on the public, but it was an unfortunate
venture for him and all but brought him
into bankruptcy proceedings. Perhaps the
most noted OF the suits in which he was
involved was the one brought by Rostands
agent in this country for an accounting
OF the receipts for -Cyrano de Bergerac"
There is no doubt that the impression
has prevailed that Mr.. Mansfield was an
exceedingly irasoible person, full Of ec-
centricities and whims and equipped with
a temper 80 violent that when IL blazed
al 1t Frequently did. 10 scorched everybody
within reach. MIR. Mansfield always main
tanned that he was the victim of an un-
fortunate public Misunderstanding He
once said in an interview that the reports
of his unkindness had hurt him deeply.
That MIR. Mansfield could be generous
and kind is well known, but he was certainly
the stormy petrol OF the stage. Wars and
rumors OF wars attended him. Scarcely
a
tresses employed as leading women leaving
him and reporting that they could not
stand his exhibitions OF temper and rude
ness. Not infrequently came reports of
physical encounters between the star and
his actors or scene shifters. One man who
for thirteen years had been his property
man left the company in Cincinnati. saying
that Mr.. Mansfield had assaulted him. He
showed several bumps to prove IL. In
Philadelphia super sued him. alleging
sk~,s .h h.I haos h.x~.
actresses sued him for salary after he had
dismissed them. while both Isabel Irving
and Katherine Grey left his company de-
claring that they could not endure his
temper. In Providence the actor once
paid SIS TO a super" who said the star had
kicked him, while only last spring Mrs
Emma Dunn left the cast Of Peer Gynt.
saying that MIR. Mansfield handled her so
roughly. despite her frequent complaints.
that it was injuring her health.
MIR. Mansfield some years ago married
Beatrice Cameron. an actress who has
since retired from the stage. They had
one son. Mr.. Mansfield's town home
was a beautiful house at 318 Riverside
Drive. His summers he usually spent at
his country home at New London, whence
he went on cruises in his yacht. About
year or so ago he announced his intention
TO retire from the stage at the end of three
more seasons.
The following resolution was adopted
last night by the Friars Club and wired TO
Mrs. Richard Mansfield at New London:
The Friars, an organization Of theatrical
press agents, managers and newspaper
men, extend you the sincere sympathy
they feel at this time. The American
people mourn the loss of "A great artist
and the Friars, SO many of whom were in
timately associated with Mr.. Mansfield.
lament their personal bereavement The
Friars respectfully tender you their sincere
sympathy