The Washington herald., 1907-12-22
The PLAYERS and the Season.

Scattered far afield this Christmas sea-
son are the players. The joys OF home
and the happy hreside, with friends about
the hearth and good cheer on the board
is not for them. Good will toward men,
they know of, indeed, for there is scarce
a hamlet in the length and breadth OF
the land 10 which some company OF them
is not contributing happiness and JOY.
While comfortable families. happy since
first at early morn they were awakened
by the laughter and glad cries OF sur
prise Of the children, come down 10 the
theater to be amused. the players in many
a cheerless dressing-room must den the
disguises of their art; paint their faces
once more. and "strut their little hour
upon the stage"
And yet, these are not the most un-
fortunate ones. This year has been a
hard one on the players. and in every
large city are gathered many Of them
out OF work and with scant prospects
until the beginning OF another season
long way in the future. For many Of
these, perchance. there will be no Christ
mas dinner. For the more fortunate ones
who enjoy the privilege Of work there Will
be Christmas dinner at some caravan
sary-a mere meal with naught Of the
spirit OF the Christmas season about il.
Indeed, We player folk. we owe you
much. And with the coming of Christ
mas we seem TO realize the debt more
keenly. You have your privileges. and
by the very nature Of the nomad life you
lead, you shake off the shackIes of con-
vention which bind so many of US; you
look at life with a broader view and you
breathe a freer air And that. too, is a
privilege Of which Winter wrote:
There IS no richer or more abiding glory 20 be
gained on earth than is secured in the exercise Of
ennooling influence upon humanity. and especially
upon the Development Of the young and this priyi-
lese is particularly within the reach of the actor
But at this blessed season when most
Of MS feel drawn closer in some mystic
Fious, but beautiful way to the Christian
virtues; when "home" takes on a tenderer
and larger meaning; when the spirit of
loving-kindness and good-fellowship, and
fine friendship seems 70 tingle in the
air-we think Of you, the players. whom
Churchill designated as
The strolling tribe; despicable race
as men and women who sacrifice much
TO add 10 the happiness Of the world
We know you as faithful servants Of the
public separated from those You love,
far from home; subject to discomfort Of
ten misunderstood, and yet going braveIy
and uncomplainingly on, giving up your
own joys to the JOY Of others
And this word to all you. where-er
you be this Christmas-tide. Would we
could see you gathered round a real
Christmas fireside; a board groaning
with good cheer, and the inn all decked
with holly and evergreens. Would that
We could cry, too, with good, old Fal-
stan:
Hostess clap TO the doors; watch tonight pray to
morrow-Gallants lads. boys hearts Of gold. all the
titles Of good-seIlowshp come to you What shan
We merTyi Shall We have play extempo-eY
But as that is impossible, let US believe
that on Wednesday you are keeping
Christmas in your hearts and souls. Nav
some Of the joy. which in your lives and
work you have conveyed TO others, return
10 you this Christmas season and bring
you peace and love and happiness. A
merry. merry Christmas to you, players
all God be with you and grant you a
happy New Year.
in Dallas, Tex, also they like .'-rbe
Time. the Place, and the Girl" Mr..
Hugh Fitzgerald, editor Of the Dallas
News. wires the Askin-Singer manage
ment thus: Accept our congratulations
on your company and house. The show