Mrs. Clifford is in great demand both as a dramatic reader and lecturer but must decline many engagements because of her devotion to her home. She has been the chief promoter of nearly every good work conducted in the interest of Colored people in Cleveland. It was through her efforts that Dr. Du Bois delivered his lecture in that city not long since, and she was largely instrumental in planning and carrying out the magnificent program on the occasion of the Dr. Booker T. Washington banquet. Because she is interested in literary matters she was selected by the publishers of the Cleveland Journal as editor-in-chief of the Woman’s edition and achieved notable success of the enterprise. We consider ourselves fortunate in being able to secure the service of such an able woman on our magazine.—The Editor. THE LATE JOSEPH JEFFERSON In the death of Joseph Jefferson the theatrical profession loses the most renowned, the most respected, the most highly esteemed and perhaps the most skillful actor that has played upon the American stage for a great number of years. The chief characteristics of this man’s career points to his simplicity of home life and his ideals, with a view to dignifying his profession in the eyes of the public. It may be that the day of great actors has faded away into the past and that we may never have another who will interpret the vital literature of the past so admirably and with such technique and vividness as did Joseph Jefferson. Where is the man or woman who pretends to know anything about the history of the American stage who is not familiar with Joseph Jefferson in the role of Rip Van Winkle, and what school boy or school girl has not read Washington Irving’s magnificent production in the course of his or her daily studies. The manner in which Joseph Jefferson delineated the character of a vagabond, who was simplicity itself and the pathos of whose life is a tradition in our history, and at once places him in the front rank of the finest and best artists of his day and generation. There was a charm in the portrayal of Rip that never failed to hold the attention of theatregoers wherever exhibited. In the truest sense Joseph Jefferson was an adornment to his profession, and the sweet and delightful memory of his activities will be cherished by generations yet unborn. [Illustration: THE LATE JOSEPH JEFFERSON] * * * * *