We regret to have to record the death of Sir
Henry Irving, which took place with tragical suddenness on October 13th at Blackburn after the close of the performance of Becket. Sir Henry Irving had done admirable work in raising the tone of the stage by his consistent support of plays that were high in achievement or in aim; he brought intellect and individuality to bear on the interpretation of every role he undertook; and he was deservedly esteemed for his generosity, his loyalty, and magnanimity. The commanding position, however, that he had occupied for many years was largely due to qualities independent of his merits as an actor, and when the epidemic of eulogy caused by the circumstances of his death has abated, and his claims for remembrance are more temperately examined, they will probably be found to rest quite as much on the interest of his personality, and on his powers as a stage manager and theatrical organiser, as on his histrionic genius. We have dealt elsewhere with the decision to bury his remains in Westminster Abbey, but must say here that, though we would by no means deny actors the right to • burial in the Abbey when they show supreme merit in their art, we cannot admit that Sir Henry Irving reached anything approaching that level.
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