Punch (85.1883)

December 22, 1883.] PUNCH, OR THE LONDON CHARIVARI. 291

“GLAD, MY LORD, YOU HAVE BEEN TEMPTED TO CHANGE YOUR HAT!”

NOTES OF INTERROGATION.

Reading the various and conflicting accounts of Mr. Henry
Irving’s first appearance in Boston, U.S., Mr. Punch feels himself
placed in the position of Herodotus. The historian heard eight
or ten different descriptions of an occurrence that took place under
his window, and as none of them agreed with his own observation,
he asked himself how he could possibly write history. When Mr.
Punch has nothing better to do than writing the history of Irving’s
Ajnerican tour, he will want to know how he is to reconcile the
following statements:—

London Times, December 12, 1883 :—

“ Mr. Henry Trying made n very successful appearance at Boston yester-
day in Lou’* the Eleventh before a large audience, which included the leading
-citizens. The chief Boston newspapers publish long criticisms upon the
performance, describing the warm and enthusiastic reception of the great
actor, and the profound impression made by him.”

London Daily Telegraph, same date :—

“ Mr. Henry Irving made his first appearance in Boston last night, in
the character of Louis the Eleventh. The theatre, which is the largest in
America, was crowded, and the performance was altogether a magnificent
success.”

The London Standard, same date :—

“ Mr. Irving has appeared in Boston as Louis the Eleventh. The auai-
ence was of a high character and large, but the house was not full. J tie
actor met with a kind reception, but the audience only became enthusiay' ie
after the Fourth Act. when Mr. Irving was recalled several times, f he
newspaper critics in Boston deny that he has genius, but they praise his
industry.”

Critics may and do differ as to their opinions, but reporters ought
not to differ as to their facts. Which is right ? But after ad
who cares ?