Believe me that the success is due entirely to the _American_ members, the _American_ work, and, of course, the _American_ stars.... The English numbers went for nothing. In short, the American numbers caught on. _To Haddon Chambers, in London in 1914:_ There have been a number of failures already, but they would have failed if every day was a holiday. There has been just now a new departure here in play-writing--a great success--"On Trial." This is by a boy twenty-one years of age. The scenes are laid in the court-room, and as the witness gets to the dramatic part of the story the scene changes and the characters are shown to act out the previous incidents of the story that is told in court, and then they go back to the court and work that way through the play. It has been a great sensation and is doing great business. _Concerning one of his English productions in London, he writes Dion Boucicault:_ I want on my side to have you understand, however, that as far as I am concerned I am keeping the theater open for the company and the employees, and not for myself. I should have closed positively if I had not my people in mind. That was my only reason.... _To Dion Boucicault:_ It seems to me that there are too many English actors coming over here, and I fear some of them will be in distress, because there don't seem to be positions enough for all that are coming, and people are wondering why so many are coming instead of enlisting. It might be well for you to inform some of these actors that the chances are not so great now, because there are so many here on the waiting-list. I use a great _many_, but I also use a great _many_ Americans, as merit is the chief thing. _To Otis Skinner:_ I felt all that you now feel about the vision effect when I saw the dress rehearsal. It looked to me like a magic-lantern scene that would be given in the cellar of a Sunday-school. _To Dion Boucicault, October, 1914:_ I am despondent as to what to do in London. I'd rather close. I don't want to put on things at losses, because I do not wish to send money to cover losses to London now. The rates of exchange are something terrific, and therefore I don't want to be burdened with this extra expense. Twelve pounds on every hundred pounds is too much for any business man to handle. Over here we are feeling the effects of the war, but the big things (and I am glad to say I am in some of them) are all right. _To an English actor about to enlist in the army:_ I have your letter. I am awfully sorry, but I haven't anything to offer. So therefore I congratulate the army on securing your services. _Declining an invitation for a public dinner:_