New-York tribune., 1908-06-15

uueutIv he acted at Fords Theatre Baltimore ap-
pearing as Romeo and as Claude Melnotte He then
went to the Green Street Theatre. Albany, where
he remained for two After that he visited
washington. Baltimore and Richmond In 1858 he
Joined Laura Keene's company. and later he was
engaged by Wallack. He went South after the
Civil War began, and he served in the Confederate
army, in a, Virginia regiment, until the war was
ended. In 1865 he returned the stage, appearing
the National Theatre. Washington. as William
Tell. He a member OF the company at Niblo's
Garden in 1863 and when George w Jameson was
killed October 6. that year. by express train on
the Hudson River Railroad, Mr.. Bangs took his
place, appearing Old Tom. in After Dark" For
time after that engagement had ended he
taught elocution, in Philadelphia In 1872 he was
employed by H c. Jarrett and H D. Palmer TO
act Marc Antony, in Julius Cesar, at Booth
Theatre. In 1874 he made a tour of the country,
lasting three months. in a play, by Frederic Le-
maftre. called THE Soldiers Trust" In 1875 at
Booths Theatre, he reappeared as Marc Antony
IN association with z. L. Davenport Brutus and
Lawrence Barrett as Cassius. When that engage
ment had ended he went starring in ''Sardan-
apalus." In 1876 he made tour through the South
states. acting Shylock. Virginius, and Antony.
He subsequently appeared, and for long time
was in the public view, Wifred Denver in
The Silver King" Afterward he acted John Sire
below in The Bankers Daughter at the Union
Square Theatre New York He also made tours
of the country. acting in st Marc the Soldier OF
the North" and Michael Strogof- In 1890 he
acted with Jefferson and Florence Lord Du-
berly in The Heir-at-Law." and Sir Antony
Absolute in The Rivals" Later, for several
months he acted as Colonel Preston in Alabama '
In 1S97-'9s he appeared Colonel Wickoff Romano
and also Captain Oiiphant in THE Meddler.'
He associated with Miss Viola Allen In
September, 1906, while attempting the
street, Mr.. Bangs struck by a cab and ser-
ously injured. His recovery was slow. He was
obliged to retire. He had been for time in
straitened circumstances A testimonial benefit was
rendered TO Mr.. Bangs by David BeIasco, Harrison
Grey Fisla W. n. Lawrence, Henry Miller. z. Ci.
Gilmore, E. H. sothern, J. J. Shubert. B. 2. Roe
der G. C. Smith and W. G. Smyth. An attractive
bill arranged and the performance occurred
at the Casino Theatre February 49, 1907. Mr..
Bangs participated In it, delivering Antony's ora
ton over the dead body of Caesar. He then thanked
the audience and his friends, indicating that he
was not likely to appear again in public
L love my chosen profession and have always
consCientously striven to deserve BILE recog-
niton." he said 1T is therefore a sad blow 10 be
compelled to realize that may again enter
the dramatic arena Now to say (to me)
the saddest and perhaps the last words that will
ever be heard from my lips behind the footIights
Farewell"
About $4,000 obtained. on that occasion and
the relief afforded the broken veteran was ben
efcial AT the beginning OF the season of 1907 'Os
he accepted an engagement to play minor part
that of the Canon of st. Magdalen in THE Secret
Orchard and he appeared at the Lyric Theatre
in that piece, on December Is, 1907. On Deem
Der 80 the play was transferred to the Astor Thea
tre. where 1t closed January r. 1905. Mr. Bangs
was actor of ability; he strongly approved
OF his acting, and especially he valued himself on
his personaton of Antony. in Julius Caesar" It
was an effective performance, but not remarkable
He dressed that part for the oraon scene in black
garments-a proceeding for which he had not good
authority. The death of Mr. Bangs will be de-
plored by the remnant of the Old Guard W. W.