Democratic Sentinel, Volume 2, Number 46, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 27 December 1878 — Edwin Booth on the Modern Drama. [ARTICLE]

Edwin Booth on the Modern Drama.

The Christian Union , of New York prints the following letter from Edwin Booth, sent in reply to a request from the editor for an article upon the drama: Dear Sir: On my arrival here I found your favor of the Ist lost., but havo been prevented from answering it until to-day. Having no lit-

erary ability, whatever, I must decline your flattering invitation, nor do I know how to aid the worthy cause you advocate. Could Ido so, be assured it should be freely dona My knowledge of the modem drama is so very meager that I never permit my wife or daughter to witness a play without previously ascertaining its character. This is the method I pursue. I can suggest no other, unless it might be by means of a “ dramatic censor,” whose taste or judgment might, however, lie frequently at fault If the management of theaters could be denied to speculators and placed in the hands of actors who value their reputation and respect their calling, the stage would at least afford healthy recreation, if not, indeed, a wholesome stimulus to the exercise of noble sentiments. But, while tho theater is permitted to be a more shop for gain, open to overy huckster of immoral gimcracks, there is no other way to discriminate between the pure and base than through the experience or others. Yours truly.

EDWIN BOOTH.