Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 37, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 January 1905 — A Joe Jefferson Anecdote. [ARTICLE]

A Joe Jefferson Anecdote.

Joseph Jefferson once told a friend that during his long stage career he had never been associated with any one showing undue familiarity with him, save one individual, a man named Bagley. who some years ago was property man in the comedian's company. This Bagley annoyed Mr. Jefferson very much by his somewhat offensive maimers, but, owing to the valuable services rendered by him, Mr. Jefferson has always been loth to take measures more severe than a reprimand. But finally the familiarity of the property man increased to an extent impossible to endure, so he was summarily discharged. This dismissal occurred just before the opening of Mr. Jefferson’s engagement one year iii ‘Baltimore. That night Bagley got exceedingly drunk. Paying his way into the theater. he repaired to the gallery, there to i (A> his old employer euaqt “Rip Van Vt’inkle.” The angry Gretehen had just driven poor, destitute Rip from the cottage, when Rip turns, and. with a world of pathos, asks: "Den I has no interest in dor house?" The theater was deathly still, the audience half in tears, when Bagley's cracked voice was heard in response; "Only SO per cent.. Joe, old hoy: only SO per cent!"—Harper's*Weekly.