The Inter Ocean from Chicago, Illinois • Page 43

I 1 VIEWS America boasts not so many playwright that she can pats the sayings or tbe doings cf any of them with the lima degree of complacence that she could if tbey were more numerous. Therefore, when Bronson Howard, who has come out of the shadows into the light again, declares that New York's society is past reclaiming, and that there is enough wine drunk at the festal boards of the first families to provide anchorage for the Reliance, we are obliged to sit up and notice tbe scare beads proclaiming the fact. So. too, when Clyde Fitch flicks tbe asbes from bis cigarette and turns from a three-quarters view to a full front, with the statement that, although be loves the theater much and the art of play writing more, be loves the dollar best of all, It is quite natural that we should take the curve out of our spine and draw closer to the typewriter. For here we have representatives of both ends of tbe line in the business of play providing.

Bronson Howard is not of the old school exactly, but he was a successful play- rlgbtwhen Clyde Fitch was still worrying he down on his red cheeks and puzzling ajnateur dramatics in college, and long ore he became a Mansfield transcribing lerk. And Mr. Fitch, at tbe other end. Is tbe most proline, the most successful, the most audacious, and the most knowing of the present-day writers for the stage. Eacb has garnered wisdom In bis experiences, and either is well acquainted with bis public.

Has Brousoa Hawsrd 'mm Uterler Motive Mr. Howard, it will be recalled, was willing to retire on his laurels and bis royalties some years ago, and has been living since In peace and plenty on the rental of "The Henrietta." "Shenandoah," "The Banker's Daughter," "Aristocracy," and "The Toung Mrs. Winthrop." And being able to permit his mind to dwell upon the questions. of the day, and being far enough from the madding throng to lose the balance that contact brings, it Is natural that the active mind of tbe old playwright should evolve ideas a trifle bizarre. Therefore, when be declares that there Is something rotten a great deal nearer the center of New York than Denmark, It is meet that attention should be paid to blm.

--Not alone because tbe subject is interesting to those of us who cannot, by the wildest flight of Imagination, -conceive of wine in sufficient quantities, to keep the vaunted "4C0" but because It suggests the danger that Mr. How ard is. In bis 60s. at m-ork on another play cf the period wblcb will take us further Into the. depths of tbe society which tbe younger Mr.

Fitcb has been digging into spasmodically ever since his "Smart Set" days. Tbe shortcomings of our first people have been shown to us so fully of late seasons that we are beginning to fear further Investigation, and If what the gray-haired veteran of the drama says Is true concerning the wine and women of the select, likely be would have little trouble In out-Fitcblng Fitch In a stage picture of it. We tremble therefore at the possible result. Tbe Hoaesty Ol Mr. Fitch's View; Clyde Fitcb Is fearless In bis observations.

They were called forth by the success of "Her Own Way." which be wrote for Mazine Elliott's initial starring tour, and which New York has taken to as tbe best thing tbe author bas done for some time, counting it a return to tbe Fitch form of several seasons back. He was confident of tbe success of tbe TOO MANY THEATERS. David Belaaco. who has mad aa early-season plunge of considerable Importance In establishing a booking- agency of ills own in New York, and refusing to bare anything to do with syndicates or other organised agencies, la of the belief that too many theatere are being built. It appears to blm as a sort of uncon-scious conspiracy to take adrantag of the public's good nature, which he believes to be consequent upon th present reign of prosperity.

Belaaco is a close observer. Therefore anything he may have to say on any subject of the theater la worth noting. In this Instance be declared: "I can't help thinking that new playhouses are being forced on th public against Its will. It Is quality and not quantity that tbe public demands, and managers will probably discover after a while that the multiplication of playhouses has been a costly mistake. They hav enjoyed several prosperous seasons and are trying to take further advantage of the generosity of -the public But.

the public won't be satisfied with anything short of th' tost especially since th prices of seats were raised." "Then where la all the material to com fromr" "Oh. of course they began preparations and laid all their wires several seasons sgo; but when the material In reserve Is exhausted when It has gone off like so many cannon th search for something new can't help becoming a problem. The number of dramatists is small, and prosperity has made them Indolent. It la Ilka spreading a small piece of butter over a slice of bread th larger th slice the thinner the butter. "Th greatest danger to th drama Just now Is th craze for musical comedy.

That style of entertainment has been flung forth In such wholesale quantities that It bas becom Inartistic and uninteresting to th last degree. Th public Is growing tired of having pretty girls thrust upon it In that obvious. Indelicate faeh-toa and baa begun to discern somsthlng offensive In the procesa "Fortunately, however, ther is a brighter side to the picture. Nothing could have happened mora opportunely than tbe production: of Three Little It has established a much-needed standard a standard of refinement, wit. cleverne.

and excellence in every detail and th public will measure future musical comedies by that standard. Huntley's delightful work sounds the death knell of th familiar comedian who comes on th stage not knowing what he la going to say." OF TWO PLAYWRIGHTS AND 1 K' ji. 0 -2 '1 play, be said, because be bad confidence in Miss Eliott and in ber fitness for tbe role. He also wished to reiterate that be did not write machine-made plays, and that be did cot write with bis hands-and bis feet at tbe same time, by which explanation many people account for hia many plays. "The public doesn't know bow I write plays, and perhaps never will know," says he.

"I was two years writing the play for Miss Elliott. Two summers ago I began to think of it. and I kept developing It, and when last summer I sat down to begin actual work 0 it It was practically already completed. Ail this time another play was fermenting the same way." Here we have the explanation. Tbe Fitch plays ferment.

Naturally those that fer ment under favorable conditions, and while tbe weather Is cool, are tbe best plays. And when they turn out to be Indefinite, dramatically questionable and wabbly, it is undoubtedly because two or more plays, fer menting at the same time, get mixed. 'Most of this talk about art Is rot." de clares Mr. Fitch. "I love the theater aside from my business, believe in a national theater, and am glad to contribute to tbe American drama, but I do not Insist I worn for art's sake alone.

'Aside from all business reasons I love the theater, but I write plays for dollars." Wblcb is spoken right out-from tbe snoui- der and like a man. Isn't it? Truth to tell. Mr. Fitch is right, too. Much of tbe talk about art Is rot, and much more of tbe talk about presenting the good things in dramatic literature for tbe good of tbe cause is rot.

too. And we never bad the slightest doubt that tbe conquering Clyde worked for dollars not the slightest In the world. We have only wondered what quantity of dollars It would take to satisfy his artistic nature. Ceateaalal Visitor to the Theaters. A wonderful thing Is melodrama wonder ful and varied.

And If there Is a single centennial visitor who did not get bis Inmost being saturated with theatrical thrills this week, certainly be is There was "The Eternal City," for In stance, with a guaranteed trick of melodrama every act and enough verbose utterance con necting the tricks to satisfy the most In sistent. There was, too, "Tess of the D'Urber-vllles," a tragic story well told, intense in its every fiber, with Just a sufficient tinge of conventionality to bring It well within the scope of melodrama. Then there was "Resurrection," with Its tremendously effective prison scene, in which realism outbids realism, and tbe lowest walks of life are displayed with artistic verisimilitude. These three certainly should have pleased the visitors, for the man from out of town demands that bis theatrical food be hlgfily seasoned and plainly cooked. Tbe-roquettes of tbe drama, as it were, are not for bis palate.

Whether or not be was satisfied with Hall Caine, novelist, we cannot say. Probably he was. "The Eternal City" may be painfully cheap and thinly spread to those who follow the theater enough to realize its tricks and Its cheats, but it may also attract many with its insincere bluster, and thorough ly entertain tbem with Its hollow pictures and characterless people. Those who chose "Resurrection" and "Tess" were tbe more fortunate, we think, for in either case they were entertained by plays with dramatic body In their woof and web. Both are dramatizations of novels, but fortunately of novels containing so much that is worthy and transferable that It would be almost impossible to extract even a single chapter for stage usage without lr THE rNTER OCHAINV gaining sufficient material for an excellent play.

There Is a deal of difference In dramatizing a novel with thought In It, and one of 300 pages of words. It is to be hoped, too, that the centennial visitor did not miss the opportunity of spending an evening with Joseph Jefferson. Tbe dean's receptions are not for always, you know, and those who never have sat beneath the spell of bis gentle, perfect art have missed an event forwhlch nothing can compensate. Better meet Rip and Acres, Caleb and Go-ligbtly. if you are going to stay over a few days.

They're fine fellows. BURNS MANTLE. The Maaager'a Reytsge. Revenge is sweet and sometimes effective. Harry Askin, who is In Chicago representing Vesta Tilley, the "beet dressed," tells of an incident which popped into bis busy, frivolous life when be was managing a company in Chicago.

One of tbe players, who has since become a well-known leading man, was dismissed, and immediately howled loudly and persistently for transportation to New York. Askin claimed be was not entitled to it; the actor claimed that he was. Askin swore; so did the actor. Then, to settle the controversy, Askin agreed to get tbe transportation and he did. For several days be haunted railroad and steamship offices trying to find tbe longest route between Chicago and New York.

Finally be handed the ill-fated actor a bundle of railroad and steamship folders and a satchel-ful of tickets, and started him oS what is probably the longest route ever taken between Chicago and Gotham. Tbe first lap of the Journey was from Chicago to Benton Harbor by boat; thence to Flint, by from Flint the traveler went to Detroit by slow train, and thence to Buffalo by freight boat; from Buffalo to New York a slow train was nsed. the poor actor arriving in New York four and a half days after he started from Chicago bis transportation but his own funds sadly depleted by tbe purchase of meals and berths. "And th- only reason I didn't send blm by canal-boat from Buffalo to New York was because the canal was frozen." said Mr. Askin.

Characteristically Western. As "Tbe Wizard of Oz" neared the close of its run In New York there were many demands at the box office, and of tbe managers personally, for free tickets. These requests came from all sorts and conditions of men In the profession, and It became necessary to refuse many of them. On one occasion Manager Gray was standing In front of the theater, when he was approached by a seedy looking individual, who explained that he was the manager of a Western "road company." and that he wanted a seat for tbe performance. "I'm very sorry, but we are all full tonight." replied Mr.

Gray. "Very well." sighed the Westerner. "I'll come around some time when you are sober." WbH the Ckargert Tired. It appears that the chargers engaged to draw tbe chariot of Ben Hur over tbe rolling corduroy road of that drama are sometimes overtrained. They were tbe first night of tbe big spectacle's revival in New York, to Judge from the following account of the tamed cnanot race; "The one slip of the evening was in the now celebrated chariot race.

Ben Hur started third of four. There was a thun derous rumbling of the mechanical rollers and a great casting up of dust, but tbe four spokes of the chariot wheel refused to re volve. Ben larruped his fiery Arabians in a way that would! have thrown the steeds of General Wallace's novel into conniption fits. but though a king ransom had been bet on tbem twenty talents at odds of to 1 THREE NEW PLAYS THIS WEEK. Five changes will be made in tbe down town theater offerings this week Vesta Til-ley In a new musical play will appear In the New Garrick theater, James K.

Hackett will return to the Grand with a new play, Cbaun- cey Olcott will begin his annual engagement in McVicker's, the policemen's fund bene fit will bring Jeff De Angells and company to tbe Auditorium, and "Arizona" will be given in the Great Northern. Miss Tilley's play is called "Algy," Is an adaptation from the French, and will be given its first metropolitan presentation this evening. It Is said to be slight in plot but most Interesting in feature, and to give the English comedienne full opportunity for tbe display of toilettes, for which she bas gained considerable fame on both sides of the ocean. Mr. Hackett's new play Is called "John Ermine of the Yellowstone," was suggested by the Frederic Remington sketches of the West, and written by Louis Evan Shopman.

The story concerns the love affairs and border adventures of John Ermine, a scout, and is said to be picturesque and Interesting. The company Includes Theodore Roberts, William Harcourt. and Charlotte Walker. Mr. Olcott will have a book play tor a change, appearing in a dramatisation of Mrs.

B. M. Croker'g story, "Terence." The singing comedian will appear in modern dress on McVicker's stage tonight for tbe first time in several years. He will sing four new songs which he bas prepared for the occasion. "The Toreador," which will be given in the Auditorium for two weeks, beginning tomorrow nigbt, is known in Chicago from its presentation by Francis Wilson and company last season.

It is tuneful and comical, and Jefferson Do Angells, tbe present star. Is well known and popular for his drolleries. STTNDATT MORNING'- they ran like members of tbe Antl-Gambllng league. The nigh horse trotted the middle horse slowed down and stood still. Tbe foot-light charger ambled peacefully, and "Star of the Desert," though he was "fiery spirit of the Arabian wind," with the hero's revenge at stake, a smile suffused bis face as if he were expectantly dreaming of a bunch of oats at the finish.

At the Broadway theater at the finish of the--chariot race four years ago a local deacon was seen standing In bis seat and waving his umbrella. With practice such results may be expected at the New York." When the Wine I Re. Forbes Robertson, the English actor who last week made bis American debut in "The Light That Failed," has for a Jong time been a favorite in London. He has been bard-working and sincere, and bas given a fair test of his talenU by appearing in a great variety of parts. He tells of one occasion when be was playing "Hamlet" in Birmingham.

"My support was good," said the actor, "but one of tbe company, a man who took the part of Guild-enstern. had been drinking too heavily for a week, and on the nigbt that I am speaking of. his nervousness, his queerness, amounted almost to an aberration of the intellect. "I bated to go on with bim. but the beginning of the tragedy I confess that he did STORIES IN NEW PLAYS.

Any admirer of J. M. Barrle need not hetoM 'that his newest play. "Little Mary." evident- ly wrttetn with an eye for Maude Adams needs and recently produced In London with successful results. Is delightfully humoroua It Is said to be quit as clever In conceit as anything th brilliant author has done of late.

Tbe British habit of overeating Is th for a gentle -satire. Molra Ixmty la bequeathed, by her grandfather, an Irish druggist, threa weighty volumes containing the result of a life's research for the cur of the Ills of the English aristocracy. In th first act Molra has become known aa the stormy petrel of society, because she has wrought some wonderful cures. She -Is called In to treat Lady MlHy. th Invalid daughter of th Counte of Plumlelgh.

and cures her by means which remain myr-teriou to everybody except tha Earl of Carlton, until Molra, toward th end of the second act. explains that her grandfather had a conviction that English peopto sufTered from eating too much. They have three solid meals a day lunch, dinner, and upper and then go off to Homburg one a year to be washed and acraped out. Molra'a medium, often referred to, is nothing elsey than the stomach. Molra cure not only Lady illy ot a complaint that confined her to a Bath chair, but various other people of all sorts of disorders.

Including a youthful nobleman of his infatuation for an actreaa. As her reward she receives the hand of this young nobleman's father, the Earl of Carlton. Maxlne Elliott's play. "Her Own Way." seems likely to lift her successfully Into that succea she hoped for but hardly dared to expect. New York has been quit aa kind aa Buffalo in ita comments.

The story of "Her Own Way." which Is by Clyde Fitch, concerns Georgianna. who la wooed by two men, one Lieutenant Richard Coleman of the regular army and tha other Bun Coast, a rouch and ready mining mil- llonalre fram the West. who. in spit of his crudities, has heart and character. Almost at tbe beginning Georgianna ahowa that Coleman is the man of her choice, but he alone Is blind to the fact and he goes to war In the Philippines.

In his absence Coast presses his suit In a way that seems to dishonorable, or. at least. Irregular. The girl, however, means to have her own way In thie aa In all else, and when Coast falls to win her th nobler side of his character is revealed and he turns In for his friend. Coleman.

In the last act, where everything la. of course, happily adjusted, a novel situation occurs. Before going to war, Coleman haa made a will leaving all his fortune to Georgianna. -i Meanwhile 'she hears that he Is dead. At th proper time he returns alive, but with hi arms so badly wounded that tbey are tied up In bandages.

When the final meeting occur and their mutual love is declared. Coleman la unable to put his arms to the use In such cases mad and provided, but Georgianna. having ber own way. throws her own arms about him and takes him to her bosom. which bas reached the popular price theaters and will be given in the Great Northern this afternoon and all week, needs no Introduction to Chicago In other theaters: There will be an extra performance of "A Fool and His Money" this evening in the Grand opera-house.

Th last week of Joseph Jefferson's engagement In Powers' theater, beginning tomorrow night, will be devoted to the same repertoire "Rip Van Winkle," "The Rivals," "Cricket on the Hearth." and "Lend Me Five Shllllnga" "Th County Chairman" Is so well established In the Studebaker that it could likely run until the holidays, if other plana did, not interfere. "The Kternal City" In the Illinois will have another-week. It la an elaborately staged melodrama. "The Isle of Pplce" continues Its ruraln the house of runs. La 8alle.

and appears to pleas the good-slaed audiences that gather to see It. A new comedy entitled "Die Dlplomatln" (Mme. Diplomat) will be performed for the first time In America hy Leon Wachnner's Oerman company in Powers' theater tonight. The Interpreting cast will include Margaretta Ruehrm-korf, Jenny Oanella. Heilwlg Iieringer, tflegis-mund Klfeld, Rerahard Wenkliaus.

August Meyer-Elgen. Julius Miedt. and others. On the Masonic temple roof Fanny Rice, comedienne, will appesr this rrk, sharing stellar honor with the Girl with the Auburn Hair. Th Girl will sing "This Holy City" during th Utter half of the we'll.

Other vaudeville numbers will include Julius Tannan. imitator; the Harmony Pour in songs and corned v. and Keno. Wash, and Melrose, acrobatic comedians. In the Olympic program the Kayffman troupe cf cyclists Is the feature.

A farce comedy new to Chicago, entitled "A Horse on Hngan, will be Introduced by Lemy and Clayton. Others will be Prelle'a talking dogs. Claric Vance, and Kelly and Violett. The four Milons. Kumpean acrobats, are th headl Intra in the Ha vmarket.

The lending comedy sketch Is entitled "The Heavenly Twins." Agnes Mahr will be seen In trans formation dances and the Havana in a comedy acrobatic act. Charles Ross and Mabel Fenton will give a serious Interpretation of the murder scene from "Oliver Twist" In the Chicago oera-houee. Hal Godfrey and company In "I've a Very Bad Boy," and th Mannings, in an acrobatic, comedy, will furnish comedy acta. Harry Tumson la the uionol-ogist. "Resurrection" will be tbe offering ot th Play OCTOBER 4, 1903.

GOSSIP OF well enough. Then came tbe pipe scene. I extended the pipe to Gulldenstern, and said: Will you play upon this "He answered, very properly: 'My lord, I cannot. "I said: 'I pray you. "And then, to 'my horror, Guildenstern took the pipe from my hand.

'Well, my boy, since you be said, 'I will, but I warn you I'm a poor "And be rattled off a verse of 'God Save the Queen' before we got blm off the stage." Otis Skiasrr'i Alpine Story. Otis Skinner is returned from a tour of Switzerland, during which he trotted all over the Alps and accomplished considerable In the way of climbing the tortuous peaks. One report Is to the effect that In July he very nearly sprained his artistic temperament on a crevasse of the Dufour-Spltze. And telling of this experience, Mr, Skinner cays: "I reached the summit only after a tedious effort of ten hours that I shall not soon forget. We were overtaken by a severe snowstorm between the Battel and the Gruer glacier, and by miraculous good fortune only managed to make tbe Alpine club hut some time after night had fallen.

Even our experienced guides were thoroughly exhausted by their exertions and anxiety. "Naturally, I was very anxious to relieve the apprehensions of my family, and was for continuing the descent, but the guides declared It was Impossible, and we were compelled to spend the night on the mountain. Every one in tbe party argued that we bad had a very close call, and sometimes in reflecting over that night's experience I am Inclined to believe It myself." The Skinner-Rehan (or should It be Re-han-Sklnner?) combination begins its season in a classical repertoire In Atlantic City Oct. 19; thence to Trenton for. one night.

ers' Ftork company this week. Grace Reals will play Katusha and Joseph Sullivan the Prince. "Zlg-Zag Alley," described In the press notice as "a short cut to th land of mirth," opens In the Columbus at th matlne today, and will continue all week. In the Thirty-First Street theater "Resurrection" will be the offering this week. Melbourne MacDowell and Florence Ptone, the visiting stars, will play Prince Clinltri Kekhludoff and Katusha Maslova.

Th Pride of Newspaper Row." a new comedy, makes Its Initial appearance at the Alhambra theater today. It Is said to have a atrong plot. "An Orphan's Prayer" will he seen at the Tiiiou this week, commencing with th matlne today. The locale of th seen la New York's "down-town district." "The Katzen Jammer Kids." a hilarious farce-comedy, a lii be the attraction In Hopkins' theater during the coming week, beginning With the Sunday matinee. The attraction at the New American thester for the week, beginning with the matinee on Sunday, will be the stirring seml-mllitary drama.

"Th Folds of th Flag." Patrice and her own company go to the Academy today and will appear in her play, "Driven from Home." She will be seen in the role of a waif who has been driven trotiv. home by a cruel father. The Robert os. knife throwers, and Cameront. the man with the iron jaw.

will be the man curio attractions in the Clark Street museum this week. In the theater a vaudeville program, with Frans-muthes and Lewis, fancy rifle shots, as th head-liner. "The World-Beaters" will be th week's attraction In Sam T. Jack's. Two prettily costumed burlettas will be staged, "A Trip to tit.

Louis" and "Hotel Flipflap." The Thoroughbreds." Frank B. Carrs company, will begin a week's run at the Troradero with the Sun. lav matinee. Among the vaudeville people will be Hlanche Wanhburn and Joaie Flynn, Kennedy and Evaua. and Mile.

La Toska. 'Qulncy Adams Sawyer." a rural play of the 'Way Down Kaet" type. Is coming to th Auditorium in November for a fortnight's run. It Is a dramatization by Justin Adams uf Charles Felton Pidgin's novel. The fjarrick theater on Milwaukee avenue, which won favor with th people of the Northwest Bid last winter, will open for the season on Monday evening.

Oct. 12. with "Forgiven." A stock company headed by Lee Heggs, Miss Helen Tracy, and alls Laura Pierpont, aiil present th pla. A 1 0 i i i i i MANY PLAYERS. and away to the sunny South for the early part of the seat on.

Another returned traveler is Mme. Nor-dlca. who brings a renewed energy for ber forthcoming concert tour with the Dusa orchestra. In her landing statement the Maine soprano of America said, among other things, that there was no hope of Jean de Reszke's trilling in this country this season. "He Is going to Russia," explained tbe madame.

"I have an engagement to sing with him there in January. It is absolutely sure that he will not come to America this season. His engagements are all completed for the season." Mme. Nordica also bad a few pertinent words to say concerning "Parsifal." "If Fran Wagner was really mercenary." said she, "there are plenty of managers who would have paid her great sums for the rights. I think It is sentiment on ber part only.

Doubtless Mr. Conried will give a very fine production, yet Broadway is not quite in keeping with the spirit of it. I don't believe the Passion Play would appeal to Broadway." Joe Jeffersoai Jollies. Now that the worthy dean of the profession has started upon his annual pllgYimage. the Jefferson stories are starting on their rounds; and certain- It Is that no player Is In a better condition to say "I remember" than this well-loved veteran.

He is' telling one story ot Macready, related to him years ago by another old man. who bad seen Macready away back In tbe '40s. According to the yarn, in a shipboard scene the actor paced the deck while tbe canvas representing the sea was kept in motion by the walking beneath of men with half-bent bodies. Tbe cloth had been worn to thinness by dint of much When Macready came to the most Impassioned part of bis monologue and the waves were rising higher and higher, tbe audience was astounded to see a red bead pop up through the crest of a wave. The actor saw it, too, and for a moment he looked as if he werie disconcerted: but It was only for a moment.

Raising his voice, he shouted: "Man overboard!" And this made the oeonle cheer and oralse Macready all tbe more. Another little story is told of tbe friend who, hunting about Jefferson's studio, which is in the upper story of his barn at Buzzard's Bay. found a canvas turned toward the wall upon which was painted a pair of ducks. The work was of such rare excellence that be was surprised into asking Mr. Jefferson if be painted them.

Mr. Jefferson, looking up from his easel, hesitated a moment, and then, in his slow gentle Rip Van Winkle tone, answered: "5es I not only shot them, but I then added Insult to injury by painting them." Maxlae'i Defease of st. It may be true and it may be false, but It reads Just as prettily aa the most romantic of matinee followers could wish. It Is Intended to settle. Incidentally, the report that Maxlne Elliott and Nathaniel Goodwin are not upon the best of terms.

It is related that not so very long ago Mrs. Goodwin gave a dinner to quite a party of friends, among them a certain number of the English nobility now visiting herev After dinner, and while tbe gentlemen were on their way to Goodwin's den to discuss bis perfectos. one of tbe ladles remarked: "I do not know what you see tn him, Maxlne." pointing to the genial N. C. "I cannot comprehend how you ever came to marry him." Mrs.

who had taken In every word, arose slowly from her chair, and. standing there in the midst of her guests never looaea more queenly answered: "Why did I marry himT My dear Duchess. I have but to express a wish and It is granted. I have but to ask and everything money can buy Is given me. There Is nothing I desire that he denies me.

I have the greatest actor in the world to amuse me, and I married him because I have the most devoted of husbands to love, cherish, and honor me," There was not a woman present who did not feel like going up to this adorable wife and congratulating her for defining in those few terse words her feelings toward the man whom she had promised to "take for better or worse, for weal or woe." Llatea av Play. "Tbe Jersey Lilly," with which the third or fourth attempt was made to make a real successful star of the new musical comedy favorite, Blanche Ring, will likely not last out many seasons. And for fear it fades before It reaches Chicago, the following extracts are made from the book, which is by George V. Hobart: The man who hesitates Is lost, especially he hesitates in front of an automobile." "A quarrel Is like a green apple It should not be picked too soon." "There is one great rule of life: Remember thst while you are fooling soma people, other people are fooling you." "Some people who save up their money for a rainy day soon decide thst forgy weather is a good enough excuse to spend It. "We call consistency a Jewel because so few of us can afford to have It.

hen a man succeeds the world takes off Its hat; when a man falls, the world takes off th man's hat and his coat and his shoe alro." "Some women are but a delusion, but on th other hand, some men Ilk to hug a delusion." A Leelsref i Travels. Burton Holmes, with the aid-of five lectures and many pictures, will this season take a flyer "From Broadway to Behring Straits," according to the annual announcement, which has Just been published in Ita usual uniquely artistic typographical form. Mr, Holmes will not tarry between Broadway and the West, however. His first lecture Is to deal with "Tbe Yosemlte Valley," and it is to be believed that he will arrive there without delay. However, "From Broadway to Behring Straits" is a comprehensive and euphonious title, which probably explains Its selection.

The following four lectures will bear the subtitles cf "The Yellowstone Park," "The Grand Canyon of Arizona," '-'Alaska and "Alaska II." They will be, again according to the circular, "profusely illustrated with both still and motion pictures, the former of which will be beautifully colored. Both represent the photographic achievements ot Mr. Holmes sad bis fellow traveler, Oscar Bennett Depue." There will be five parallel courses in Chi cago, to be given on Wednesday, Thursday Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8:15. and on Saturday mornings at 11 o'clock, for flva successive weeks, beginning with Oct. lag 15, 16.

and 17. Jallaat Mitchell's Start. ji While "Babes In Toylsnd" was being pre- sented in Boston, the genius drill master, Julian Mitchell, recalled that bis career began at Ford's National theater in tbe capital city. Mr. Mitchell, it seems, at that time was a precocious youngster of 1C.

and was sent by bis Maggie Mitchell, with a letter to John T. Ford, who gave him his first help up the ladder. He recounts with much, humor his early experiences in Washington, and he says that no youngster ever filled! the -position of call boy with a higher sense of dignity and self-importance than Master Julian. He was confident In tbe belief that the call boy was second only in autthority to the manager. The wheel of time, wnlcn wings many, strange revolutions in the careers of Thes pians, has sent the veteran George W.

Den- bam once again in association wuu r. Mitchell. George Denbam was the first co-. median of tbe company at Ford's National Mr. Mitchell was his call boy.

Now be is playing the wicked old uncle in "Babes In Toyland." i Versatility aad Fate. II had labored In legitimate and worn th silly smile Of th evergreen eccentric In burlesque, He bad quelled the supers" clamor tn the mellow melodrama. And had notices for "heavies In his desk. He related with some truth, that -hi work with Edwtn Booth Had awoke the master's praise In many plays; Hs had played in Ibeen's "Ghosts" thereby earning several roats He bad done a dance and patter with The Rays. He had stormed with George C.

Staley; played a serving man with Daly, Bung tn opera with Scalchi and the rest. With 'The Darling of the Gods" ha had worked the lightning rods And considered modern comedy no test. He had seen the eyelids wet at his work. when. with Gillette tie rerusea co ten xne roe ni mapirr um-.

But his wife took him to court on a charge ot non-support. And they put him in the waaon Just the tame. i New l'ork Telegraph. i Goodwin as a Real-Estate Maa. In Boston Nat Goodwin has a friend.

In fact, be has many friends, but this story concerns but one George Be ban by name. And; these two. It is to be believed, enjoy indulging their wit at each other's expense. While Goodwin was rehearsing for his appearance as Bottom in "Midsummer Night's Dream" In New York the following telegrams exchanged bands: BOSTON. Ppt.

24. "1903. N. C. Goodwin, New Tork City: ill you accept for your West End avenue house in New York? GEORGE BEBAJf.

NEW YORK CITY. Fept. 24. luo.1 George He-ban. Boston.

I will accept SUt.a for Wen End avenue house. N. C. OOOUWIS. BOSTON, llw, Sept.

li3. N. C. Goodwin. New York City: I thought you would.

GEORGK BEBAN. Rliiag Press Ageai. Frank Wilstach is a prolific contributor to the press and a representative with a good Imagination, as well as a ready pen, at lease wherever Viola Allen is concerned, tor whoso stellar prominence he Is somewhat responsible. Recently Mr. Wilstach moved Into a new neighborhood, and the first time his son and heir was sent to school the teacher inquired his father's name and occupation.

The youth studied for some time, and then replied bravely: "I ain't sure, but mamma, she says he's an illlterary man." Asnblffalty. "Plays." said Mr. Stormlngton Barnes "are not what they used to be." "I wish I could convince the public ot that." answered the manager of the bur-, lesque show. "Everybody I see Is complaining because the music and comedy are) the same that they've been listening to foa years." Washington Star. MME.

BLAUVELTS ADVICE, Lillian Blauvelt Is fast assuming a poeitioni of recognised prominence in operatic circle. She is an American prima donna who promise to doe In th gap when th few great singers the country boaats are on the retired lirt- But although she la atlll a young woman, and! gained her first stag iiiccen this laet season la Coven Garden. London, aim. Blauvelt has definite Idea concerning her art. Recently she spok of singing and singer, aa follows: I "There are many reasons why I should advlso all young girls to learn tc sing.

Not th least important Is that It is good for the physical -health. I have known many a person to hav been saved from coniumption by a cours of singing lessons, for tbey tend to establish tb correct us ot th voice as well as stimulate th natural lor for music. In every one ther la a germ ot power to appreciate th flneet music, and th easiest way to express that appreciation Is with th voice. All era 1 capable of being taught to sing to expretai I spontaneously the finer emotions. "I said 'all ar capable of learning to sing.

but to this I make one exception. The person; whose ear Is physically defective not only should not try to learn singing, but cannot learn. In regard to this I recall an tnstanca told by lame. Furech-Madi. She knew a I young woman who had a most beautiful voice, i but she not only could not carry a tune, but I when sh mad any approach to accomplteh- Ing it sh always sang off th pitch.

She had) a fine teacher and studied moet conscljntlously. but sh was almost in deepair. At lat. by th advtc of Mm. Fursch-Uadt sh consuttes an aurtrt- It mad a thorough examination of her ears and discovered that there waa some malformation In th Inner ear.

Th sound waves, as they struck the drum, produced wrong impressions. Eh sang just as sh heard, which waa Incorrectly. She gave up singing and devoted herself to th piano. Aa ah hatk th notes to guide her sh waa not dependent upon her ear. and to, while her singing was failure, her murle was a surcers.

and today sh ranks as on ot th leading pianists la Kurope. "I am a great believer In healthv. coniltlent development. Ther is no royal road to learning, and it only by diltgent num- -and lncensant work that one la aliie to the Inner meaning. of harmony.

With n.u.u nk intelligence, artistlo sensibility, and per-v-r-ancs. It la almost poeulole to create a voice. Then, too, the tate la Improved by contart with what Is elevated and retir.ed, axil tha power to express th aoui's suuiuuua Is fcrauu-aliy.