New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1908-10-13
HENRY IRVING.

The 5av = The third anniversary of the death of
Henry Irving.-the greatest actor that has adorned
the stage since the time Of David Garrick. Hamlet
remarks that a great man must build churches
II his memory is expected outlive his life half
year Irving did build churches-but he is not
forgotten. Certain dealers in theatrical goods
have. indeed. intimated distress relative to what
they the Indifference OF the BRUSH puoiic
toward the memory of Irving: and theIewithal
those afflicted beings nave signded their desire 10
form IL America. collection Of Irving Relics. the
spectacle OF which will humble and mortify the
British v1stant. BY disclosing unto him how much
more rever-nt Amecicans than Englishmen, OF
that iIustrious name. The fact that England sig
mined her love and reverence for the great dra-
matte chieftain hy giving his ashes place OF
sepuIchre in Westminster Abbey seems not TO have
attracted tae attention Of those preclpitate WoT-
shippers II genius; nor. indeed. do they seem to
have remembrance that Irving. by his wonderful
administration Ct the Theatre. erected a memorial
70 himself that can never perish. The fact which
they Go appreciate. probably is that remunera-
tive publicity IS sometimes ohtainabe by the ven
rfla-son Of schemes for erecting monuments 10 de
parted worth Such scheme. il viii he rerlern-
be-ed was brufJed abroad. not long ago. by an
obscure theatrical agent VINO thought himself or
daiaei 70 commemorate Joseph jefferson with q
statue in Central Park Such movements. under
taken by strangers. are merely fmpertinent- II
there were need Of 2 monument 10 Henry Irving.
his loving and reveren1 count-ynlc1 and friends
WOULD provide IL
L NAV not be deemed inappropriate the oc-
cas2n e this sad anniversary. 10 make a passing
reference TO certain extraordinary remarks on
Henry irving that have been published since his
dearh. hy that eminent and indeed. wonderful &C
rress who. fer quarter Of century. was his hon
ore5 professional associate Henry irving was an
eEo-ist' That Is the statement made by Ellen
Terry. IN her Autobiography As think IT. she
adds 4 may as well say 50" There are many
o. Miss Terry's admirers whe reading those words,
have felt that II che IS foolish enough to believe
them. she might have been sensible enough not 10
say them egotisrn feel interest in
all that humanity does and is: to sympat hize with
every righteous human effort and every affection;
To cherish as priceless treasure the slightest gift
or token Of remembrance from friend; to labor,
increasingly. in the service Of great art and Of
every member Of 3 profession too often degraded
and abused. L help every human being 70 whom
help CouIe reach and 70 do all in his power for
the advantage Of q loved professional associate
then Henry Irving TGs an egotist: but not other
wise. Miss Terry further provides the assurance
that Henry Irving did appreciate the acting of
other actors-an amazing misrepresentation al
the more amazing. because Of its source, To the
present writer Irving declared that Ellen Terrys
performance Of NGnCe Ojdfed was the absolute per
lection Of comedy acting; and also while depre-
ciatiug his marvellous peTsonation Of Nephis-
toDEclez ne said that her performance Of Margaret
IN Faust" could not be equalled- OF Ada Re
han he said She Is great actress; one o. the
diguities OF the stage, and with whom it is an
honor to appear" The fine comedian. John Hare.
i'm 2 recent magazine article. referring 70 Ellen
Terry.s singular statements, mentions Irving's dec
sron- him. that ,Iefferson's Acres was per
feet piece q comedy acting and the finest reailZa-
ton Of the character he had ever seen" Irving
expressed that opinion other persons besides Sir
John. among. them. in the presence Of the writer,
he EXPRESSED II 10 jefferson himself ~and he in
zfted that comedian produce The Rivals at
The London Lvceup1. offering. if he would do So
himself 10 act 4nkony 4bsoigS In fact. Irving
admired-and warmly expressed <is admiration
al achievements Of other actors (and they were
many that he thought admirable
The stage is said 10 be- now at its meridian Never
has tie Theatre been so well managed, artistically
or r1ateralIy: these who manage it say and 80.
accordingly. must il be The positive voice Of en-
ersetic youth sure OF everything and remember
ing the occurrences Of at least ten or even twelve
wears fadorses the assurance All geese are swans.
a contemporary actors are superb. old men
must die or the world would grow musty-" And,
being dead. their old associates should disparage
them Thus is Justice done. and thus does in
dependent judgment triumph It is a beautiful
spectacle Yet there ar few old friends who.
today thinking Of q small stone in the Poets
Corner q the Abbey. next TO the graves Of Car
rick and henderson. viii share the feeling ex-
messed in Sir Walters lines
I'd give the lands Of Deloraine
Dark Musgraye alive again
w