The next episode of the memorable occasion was one that almost moved
Mr. Irving to tears. It was as great a surprise to many members of the
club as it was to the guest of the day. Thomas Donaldson, a well-known
Clover, after some remarks concerning the drama, in which he spoke of
the United States having 1,800 theatres, 20,000 actors and actresses,
and spending $40,000,000 for theatrical entertainment, said: “Mr.
Irving, I desire to present you with the watch of the greatest genius
America ever produced on the mimic stage,—Edwin Forrest.” Mr. Irving
clasped the relic extended to him and reverently kissed it. He remained
on his feet, having impulsively arisen, and in a voice deep with
feeling spoke again:—
“You have bereft me of all words. My blood alone can speak for me
in my face, and if my heart could tell it would describe to you my
gratitude. This recalls so many memories that you will pardon me if I
am not able to express my deep gratitude for this mark of affection.
I say affection, for to receive here such a memento of your great
country is more than I could have dreamt of. To think that to-day,
before so many distinguished Americans, a watch could be given to me
that belonged to Edwin Forrest! It recalls a most unfortunate affair;
I refer to the _contretemps_ between Forrest and my countryman,
Macready. That such a tribute should have been offered me shows how
changed is your feeling towards art; shows how cosmopolitan art is
in all its phases. I shall wear this watch, Mr. Donaldson, close to
my heart. It will remind me of you all, and of your city and of your
country,—not that I need anything to remind me,—but close to my
heart it will remind me of your kind friendship. With all my heart I
thank you.”
As Mr. Irving sat down he kissed the watch again, and then placed it
in the upper left-hand pocket of his vest. Accompanying the timepiece
which had been Mr. Donaldson’s private possession, were papers proving
the authenticity of its original ownership.[25]
Ex-Attorney-General MacVeagh was the next speaker, and he paid a very
graceful tribute to foreign theatrical and operatic artists, and the
welcome they receive in these days on the shores of America.
Mr. Henry Howe (a leading member of Mr. Irving’s company), who, for
forty consecutive years, was a member of the Haymarket Theatre Company,
made a warm defence of Macready anent the Forrest trouble. “I have
heard him say,” said Mr. Howe, “time and time again, ‘Never in my life
did I do anything that would prevent me from shaking Forrest by the
hand. I appreciate his genius, and that I could ever have been thought
mean enough to do anything against him is the greatest misfortune of my
life.’ And henceforth, gentlemen, I believe you will all be ready to
defend this man who has been unjustly assailed.”
After many other speeches, songs, and recitations Mr. Irving rose to
leave. He said:—
“The welcome you have given me has surpassed my most ideal dream.
I cannot describe my feelings. Such generosity, such welcome, such
friendship, as I have met with here, no act of mine can repay. I hope
to to be back here in the early part of the coming year, and I ask if
you will not all at that time be my guests. If you will come you will
only add to the greatness of my obligation.”
As Mr. Irving left the room he passed around the table and shook
hands warmly with each gentleman present. The breakfast party did
not arise until five o’clock. Among those, other than the gentlemen
mentioned, who contributed to the pleasure of the occasion, by speech,
song, or recitation, were Dr. Edward Bedloe, Rufus E. Shapley,
John B. Schoeffel, A. Loudon Snowden, Hon. Robert P. Porter, A. G.
Hetherington, British Consul Clipperton, and Nat. Childs. At the latter
part of the festivities Attorney-General Brewster entered the room and
expressed his regrets that he had been unable to be present in time
to shake hands with the Clover guest, and add his own to the club’s
welcome of England’s leading actor.