Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 30 July 1891 — JOSEPH JEFFERBON. [ARTICLE]

JOSEPH JEFFERBON.

How He Tried Hit Rip Van Winkle on the Farmer*. Chicago Mall. Two years ago Joseph Jefferson spent a short summer vacation as the guest of an old-time Minneapolis friend at a comparatively unknown resort at one of the lesser Minnesota lakes. ‘‘General,” said the actor to his host one day, “my cbject in coming here was three-fold. First, I wanted to meet you again and enjoy your companionship; second, I needed rest and recreation, and this is a good place to secuce both; and third. I wanted to test my own powers a little. " ■ “Do you know,” Mr. Jefferson continued, “I once felt verycei’tain concerning my own histrionic abilities 7 Well, I did. When I was many years younger I was egotistical enough to believe that it didn’t make much difference whether I had the valuable accessories of a fine theater and good scenic effects or not. At any rate, I was... able to handle my audience about as I wanted to do it. whether I played ‘Rip’ in a barn or in a first-class theater. I knew then that the people turned out to see me and not the work of the scene paint-

J2E... Ijunnot so sure about it now. I find myself wondering whether I have lost the power of moving the people, aside from the associations of a good supporting company and excellent theatrical appointments. I want to test this matter, and I mean to do it before I leave here. Will you help me?” “Nothing could be easier,” replied his host. “We will spend an evening with some friends of mine who do not know you, and I will arrange matters so you can give them a few selections from “Rip.' I have an acquaintance —a well-to-do miller—who i lives in a small village about six miles from here. We will drive over there some afternoon this week and spend the evening. No one in the place knows you. I will introduce you as Mr. Joseph, an* old friend of mine from New York, who formerly was an actor. This will give you an opportunity to test your powers upon utter strangers and without any help from scenery or supporting company.” A few evenings later the Minneapolis gentleman and his friend “Mr. Joseph,” of New York, were seated in the miller’s parlor after tea. The conversation turned upou the stage and the difference between the modern styles of acting and those of a half-century ago. “My friend here did some good work in his time, I am told,’’said Jefferson’s companion. “Have you forgotten all your old tricks? Can’t you give us a few lines from some of your old plays, or have you entirely forgotten them all?” “We11,.1 don’t know—it’s been a great many years since I tried any l thing of ttie sort, you know. I don’t know whether I can remember my old lines or not. But I’ll try it if you’ll agree not to make fun of me. H’m. How does that go? Yes—no—ah yes, I have it. The line runs like this—” And Jefferson began reciting the scene between Rip, the jolly vagabond, and his scolding wife. The Tittle audience evidently enjoyed it. as the hearty and almost incessant laughter abundantly testified. Then “Mr. Joseph” gave Rip’s parting with little Meenie. The laughter ceased. Then followed the weird scene between Rip and the dwarfs in the Catskills. At this point the silence in the room had become oppressive. Every auditor seemed to be holding his breath. The old man paused for a moment and then gave the lines describing Rip's return home after his t wen tv years’ sleep. As the reading progressed the silenee m the room was broken, but it was broken only by the sobs of the miller and his household. There was not the: slightest manifestation of applause when ‘ ‘Mr. Joseph” abruptly ended his reading and resumed his seat. As Jefferson and his companion bade their entertainers good-night and started upon the homeward trip the Minnesotian merely said: “Well, Joe? ' and “Mr. Joseph” simply replied, Tam satisfied.