The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1910-12-29
.BERNHARDT'S BIRTH How She Attained to the Mastery of Her PrOfessiOn-tO be
 Here New Years Night

odrdh Bernhardt was born on Oct. S' 1s45, her name being Rosine. and after her birth her father died, and she was placed in a convent. At the age of 12 she made an impression by ner performance of a prominent part Tn biblical play given at a convent III honor of visit from the Arch bishop taken to the Theatre Francais and was so moved by & performance of
 Brittanicus'' that an illness resulting Tn brain fever followed. Upon recov- cry she vowed she would become an actress, and at the age of 15, compet- ca for for admission to the Conservatory. At the public trials she recited sim pie fable by La F'ontaine, "The Two Plgeons' in a manner that astonished the jury who had at first been in- clined to laugh at her selection. Sam son. the famous teacher of Rachel, became her instructor and a year lat CT she won second prizes in both trag- edy and comedy.
 IL is interesting to note that the jury and critics considered an "impedi- ment' in her speech would be a great handicap in her career-the same voice that has since been chanted in song, the most golden that was ever heard in a theatre.
 She was first summoned to the Com- edie Francaise and appeared as "Tphi- genie. By 1S82-just 4S years ago she was recognized as the leading French actress. But in a moment of jealousy and temper toward a fellow artist. withdrew.
 Then followed years of hard work in an effort to win entire indepen- dence. Slowly but surely, she won her spurs in other companies until her triumphal re-entry to the National theatre in 1872. Tn 1874, however. she R@11 ~4~L~ &lA Comedie Francaise-M1le. Sophie Croizette, and this time was forced to quit the company.
 In 1875 she was again taken back with the spectacular acclaim she al- ways loved. Within the next i've agreed that she had succeeded Rachel and Adrienne Le Couvreur in the glor- ious traditions of the French stage.
 Next came her balloon ascension, the one thousand franc fine imposed by her mana her refusal to pay, and her entry once more into the cold. cold world where for an instant she waited until Paris again stretched forth it's arms to receive her as a heroine. In this emergency victor Hugo helped her along by giving a banquet at which he proclaimed her the peerless. "Dona Sop and old Francisque Sarcey, the most famous
 
 cred diamonds upon her, purchased by money contributed by her admirers.
 In 1879 she went to London and took the Enelish by storm. In 1880 she was fined 100000 francs, the outcome of a final quarrel with Perrin. AS usual pany altogether, coming over to Amer ica and creating a sensation that no other foreigner has duplicated in this country. Since then she has been a globe trotter. Her tours have taken her many times to all the capitals of the world. and everywhere she has been received as the greatest expon- ent of dramatic art
 But she has always returned to her Paris where she has been Manager and Proprietress of her theatre. And many have been the duels! And many the Kings and Emperors who have recognized in her the Queen of Trag- edy. She became indeed, a. National Institution. The Government owned the theatre in Paris that bears her name, which has become one of the pivotS upon which art and tradition swing The initial expense of her pro- duction is often carried by the state, and a small paynent-something like $60-is taken each night from her re- ceipts, theoretically to cancel this debt.
 Paris has bowed down to her whims She has lived With OrlontaI Splen0Or, like a Sultan's favorite. But, at Belle Isle. her county estate, she has lived in sweet simplicity. enjoying almost every summer month of happy re- tirement with her grandchildren.
 Ministers of France kiss her hand and bow as if she were an Empress and they her humble menials. But more than this she has had the adora- tion of the mob. Often has she been seen to throw open the French win dows of her loge at the theatre. and throw kisses to the butcher boys and shop girls who stood with uncovered heads in the streets below to look up on their divine Sarah.
 Tn 1896 at festival in commemor- ation of her great life of accomplish ment, she stood upon the stage of her theatre, leaning against white pill lar while poets, in a frenzy of enthu- siasm, rected verses to her at this public gathering in her honor. / She smiled faintly. It was once again the nectar of glory upon which she has always lived. Mime. Bernhardt's recep- tion here next Monday evening at Jackson's theatre. Jan. 2, where she will be seen in Alexander Dumas cele- brated ''La Dame Aux Came1ias,'' is sure to be a royal one, and she will undoubtedly be greeted by capacity audience.