New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-07-13

tached. in return he was 10 be dressed free of
charge for the remainder of his life! AT a time
when some one had suggested in print that theatrl
cal critics influenced in their decisions by
chicken and champagne suppers given by managers
on the termination Of first nights performance,
he once observed: The suggestion is preposterous
can tell you this that If any one is TO be br1bed
Their. on first night he has something to do be-
sides eating chicken and champagne-he has TO
write his article"
He had innumerable friends. Apparently no
one could come in contact with him without
liking him. The personality Of the man is well
brought out by Mr.. Kendall in the following
passages
There can think be little doubt that Knight
was the most clubable man in London. \ brilliant
but forgotten coterie was that Of the 'Decem-
vtri" founded by our bohemian contributor Pur-
nell and including Knight Whistler, r. e Fran
cilloa and Sir 3. w Richardson At the Arundel
in former days. earlier still at Evans's, and for
many years. UP till the present day, at the Gar-tck
and the Beefsteak. knight was the most desired
of companions, a tireless promoter of good cheer
and good talk. He could say with Johnson Boys.
who's for a frsk?'' and, in joyous contempt of
sleep" outstay the youngest and strongest Of the
party. On ouch occasions C'noctes cenaeque De-
orum) he carried all before him with his irressti-
bic verve and gayety, and, being always the most
gracious and kindly of gentlemen, he never had any
real occasion to regret Gas he sometimes woud)
the freedom with which his tongue had wagged on
the night before. Once. the occasion of birth
day party, he kept number of men of very differ
ent tastes and habts-some IF whom had not met
before-at one table for eight hours at a stretch.
MS unoDruslNe tact, MS Confdlng please, under
stand me here little" with a hand the Shout
der. would smooth away any difficulties dis
agreements. He was almost the last of cultivated
bohemians, and he certainly the httest Of all
to survive There was never anything common
about him. and Rabelaisan talk from him came
without orence. singular tribute his popu-
rarity was dinner given TO him June l. 1895. by
a representative gathering of actors, with Henry
irving in the chair. which ended in an unconven-
tlonal and warm expression of affection. This was
the hrst time. he said that the sheep had enter
tanned the wolf In private life he was always re-
iuslng invitations presents and other tributes TO
his popularity
lth all mis- kindness he was however firmly
independent resolute in not giving way popular
sentiment or ingenious bribery. He was a master
OF story telling. introducing natural and ready
polish OF detail without that elaboration which
sometimes spoils the best professors Of that art
americans As afterdnner speaker he was al
ways witty. always dangerously apt in reply. One
such occasion may be recalled The Lyceum had
oeen producing popular pieces of little merit which
were unsatisfactory to the critics ! well known
after-dinner speaker. interested I believe. in the
venture, had suggested that said critics being
useless, should be shot when they came out OF The
theatre. Knight rose and replied that they should
doubtless be shot but his friend a barrister
ana should know that torture medieval so
ne would appreciate the amendment that the
critics should be shot before they entered the the
atre.