Jasper County Democrat, Volume 6, Number 20, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 August 1903 — COMING. [ARTICLE]

COMING.

The dramatization of Mrs. Henry Wood’s beautiful story, “East Lynne,” has been seen by more people throughout the civilized World than any other play ever written. This is not surprising when one considers the strong heart interest, the pathetic scenes, and high moral tone of the story. The old tale of woman’s love and man’s perfidy is told in a manner which never fails to appeal to an audience, and the lesson that sin always brings its own punishment is taught so forcibly that no sermon ever preached could bring it home with greater effect. The return of the wife to the home she has deserted, where she finds the place in her husband’s heart and home in the keeping of another, her children believing her dead, and happy in the care of the woman who has become their father’s wife, is told in a graphic manner. She takes np her cross, becomes a servant in the house that was once hers, and not until her child lies on a bed of death does she reveal to any one who she really is. Then the mother instinct will not be denied, and in'* moment of agonizing despair, almost crazed with grief, she clasps the dying boy in her arms, and with his last breath he calls her “Mother.” No stronger scene has ever been presented in any play. Miss Ferda Slemons, who will enact this great role at Rensselaer, Monday evening, Aug. 24, is recognized as one of the greatest artistes who has ever played the part, and her death scene in the last act cannot fail to bring tears to the eyes of all who admire and appreciate great emotional work. In the version presented by Mr. Wilson’s company the comedy element is unusually strong, and the entertainment as a whole is one which cannot fail to please old and young.