The Era from London, Greater London, England • 17

tTANUABY 22, 1898. IT RUYAi, ACADEMY OP MUSIC, comrades the sobriquet of "The Babe." While the revelry is at its height Yvonne De Grandpre" ERA. pOR QYCLES AND QARRIAGES. JQUNLOP fJlYRES. )UNLOP IJIYRE3.

J)UNLOP rpRES, FIRST IN 1888, FOREMOST EVER SINCE. Handsome Illustrated Booklet all About Dcjnlop Ttres'" Post-free, TUNLOP PNEUMATIC TYRE COMPANY, 160 to 160, OLERKENWELL-ROAD, LONDON, E.O. RICHMOND RICHMOND RICHMOND RICHMOND RICHMOND RICHMOND RICHMOND RICHMOND RICHMOND RICHMOND GrBM GEM GrEM GrEM GEM GrEM GEM GrEM GEM GEM QIGARETTES. QIGARETTES. QIGARETTES, QIGARETTES, QIGARETTES.

QIGARETTES. QIGARETTES. QIGARETTES. QIGARETTES. QIGARETTES.

UNEQUALLED FOR DELICACY AND FLAVOUR. MILD. MEDIUM. FULL. White Label.

Green Label. Drab Label. "J7LECTRICITY ON THE STAGE TTTF.ATRTOAT, HTAWAni7TC3 especially those not having the Electric Current in their Theatre, should see the Electrical Effects at MORTON'S THEATRE. GREENWICH. All worked from LITHANODE BATTERIES.

These Batteries are also used in the Magnificent Orchid Scene at DRURY-LANE THEATRE. Scenic Effects and Decorative Apparatus supplied by THE LITHANODE ELEOfRIC STORAGE Limited. SPECIALISTS and CONTRACTORS for THEATRE ELECTRIC LIGHTING and STAGE EFFECTS HARVEY'S BUILDINGS. STRAND, LONDON, W.C. (opposite Coutts's Bank).

PARTRIDGE and COOPER'S pORTRAIT gLOCKS. pORTRAIT JJLOOKS. PROCESS BLOCKS, for Printing Reproduction of PORTRAITS, SCENES, BUILDINGS, Direct from the Photograph. For all particulars and Estimates for Printing, apply to PARTRIDGE and COOPER, 191 and 192, FLEET STREET, and 1 and 2, CHANCERY LANE, LONDON, E.C. RIN'S OXYGEN.

To ensure good quality. Buy only from the Brin Companies or their accredited Agents. Addresses RIN'S OXYGEN COMPANY, Limited, ot, WCSLOaiiNSTJK, S.W. ITUriss; OU, ttUit-SCiFlSKKK-BUAD, S.W. MANCHESTER OXYGEN COMPANY, Limited.

GREAT MARLBORO UGH-STREET, MANCHESTER. BIRMINGHAN OXYGEN COMPANY, Limited, SALTLEY WORKS, BIRMINGHAM. SIMMONS'S, COSTUMIERS, 7 and 8, KING-STREET, COVENT-GARDEN fnnlv ariHrRSV Telegrams, "History, London." Telephone, 6,563, Gerrard. costumes ana all Requisites on Hire or to Order for all Operas, Plays, A THEATRICAL COSTUMIER, 36, SOHO-SQUARE, LONDON. SATURDAY, JAN.

22, 1898. IE. PAUL POTTEE'S PLAY. The firit.lfiiams in tin a "NTow Vvrlr nnnPTc im-n Mr PAT7T, PnTTWR'o t. produced at the Empire Theatre there' are cal- uujaBu.

exunfc curiosity, xne vonquerors nas been variously described as a malodorous production, offensive in every way to good taste and common-sense "a piece which might have been written by the inmate of an asylum and as audacious a. Tlln.Tr no "NTo-nr Vnrlr had pvat liA We are told that it "surprised the audience by its candour," caused gasps of surprise not unmingled with consternation," and "reached the climax of a lono- line of steep upon the treatment of a scenario that it i3 not safe Av-l-Aln il --1 Tx j.1 cuuiiciy uijuu me piau ui jjibub, uus mis is the outline of The Conquerors -The story opens in the little Breton town of Dinan, on the day after the battle of Sedan. The Prussians are occupying tne town, and the omcers ot a regiment of Uhlans are quartered in the castle of the De Grandt)res. a familv wL have for p.Rntnrific Vippn lords of the manor. The defeat of the French has been falsely reported to the townspeople as an overwhelming victory over the hated Prussians, which cansPB t.ripm tn initiln-p in rrpnpra.l mimVinre A bevy of dancing girls who have fled from Paris to Tinnn i.1 i.1 -cc i ucuuiuc uie guests oi me omcers ac me casue, and take nar-r, in t.lipir -rp-irplnpa Whilp ora carousing in the east wing of the castle the other nftrf.inn ia trwinA 1...

t.rt 1. u.vvu v-i-ujicu ujc oyvu jauii.o lauiuj, Yvonne and Babiole De Grandpr, whose brother, tiavinrr Irillpil fwn Pmaaiflna ia Tipiw Tiflr pursued. Among the officers is Eric Von Rodeck, O. rrQTAO-Vril limilnnnn nrlin linn 1 T-' THE 7V A PAJjAU is. f.iolute novelty in London this Christmas, the one s0eBAT uivEK SCENE ENGLISH STAG HUxNT, WULFF'S GREAT CIRCUS.

success of an entertainment can be measured If sr Se heartiness of the peals of laughter and IaB clouts of applause, then CIBOCS at the CRYSTAL PALACE Columns be filled with oo the show, miles of hoardings with tbe jhms-s ora Success is so pronounced that advertisements Dlpuffillg js unneCeESiry. at 3-0 and 7-30. 3,000 Sixpenny and 2,000 ImciJtaa 'Seats. Numbered Seats, 2s. 3s.

5s. ti Numbered Seats. lliauicu TTTTy aquaeiu m. Earlv Performances commence 10 30. The World's Great Show, 2'0 and 7'0.

In the Interval Free Entertainments, Bicvcle Polo, Free. 2 oO, Bicycle Polo, Free. 0 Bicvcle Polo, Free. and ana in aaaiwuii, The Fight. The Fight.

Bicy Polo. Polo. iiie riii The Fight. uMo iJicvcit; ruiu, lite. Xission, is.

Children, 6d. See the Daring Performances X. in a lien OI runous uions. aeu uio ureal, hr The Greatest Prize Fight in the Annals of the Ring. Early Varieties 10 30 a.m.

Open 10 0 am. Tqqse and BURGESS MINSTRELS, ST. JAJillSS'a PICCADILLY and REGENT-STREET, W. TO-DAY, at 3 0 and 8 '0. iviw Daily until further Notice, enormously successful mMSTHAS CARNIVAL ENTERTAINMENT.

Everything k.ic Prices and Is. Bookings at Hall. Genera Manager, Mr LAWRENCE BROUGH. EG I A HAL L. England's Home of Mystery.

Established a Quarter of a Century. The Delightful Christmas Programme, Daily at 3'0 and 0. Brilliant Success. The Greatest Achieved for Many Years. Crowds Unable to Gain Admission.

Book Seats and Avoid Disappointment. Reserved and Numbered Seats, 5s. and 3s. Area 2s. The Best Is.

Balcony in London. View equal to the Dress-circle of a Theatre. Children under Twelve Half- price. PEOPIE'S EMPIRE, BOW, AND JT EASTERN PALACE OF VARIETIES. Proprietor, Mr T.

H. NORTH. Under the Entire Management of J. H. Wood, the Man you know.

Two Performances Nightly. Band Eehea'real, Monday, at 1'30. Musical Direotor, Mr G. S. Thomas.

Non-attendance, another Turn engaged. Bill Matter most be sent Two Weeks in advance. Neglect, Engagement cancelled. Engaeements for Six Nights only. Address, J.

H. Wood, as above. E'S EMPIRE AND EASTERN PALACE OF VARIETIES (opposite Bow Church, London), Under the Management of Mr J. H. WOOD, the Man you Know.

Heats for the Great Clog-Dancing Contest for the Championship of the World and Belt, made by Elaydon, 16, Clerkenwell-road, E.C., and other Prizes. Heat. Monday, Feb. 7th. First House.

1. Fred Stokes, Sunderland, v. Fred Burr, London. 2. N.

Pringle, Byker, v. Jimmy Cusick, Manchester. Second House. 3. Charles Mack, Rochdale, v.

Joseph Nixon, Birmingham, 4. Will Powell, London, v. Harry Jennings, Mexborough. Tuesday, Feb. 8th.

First House. 5. James M'Pike, Scotland, v. Johnny Carlin, Liverpool. (Hargreaves' Nomination).

6. Martin Melia, St. Helens, v. S. J.

Houlston, London. Second House. 7. John Lannon, Rotherham, v. Robert Campbell, Pendle ton.

8. Kichard Ferrell, Blythe, v. James Copeland, Middlesbrough, Wednesday, Feb. 9th. First House.

9. Michael Hannaway, Scotland, v. T. H. Fox, Fleetwood.

10. John Langan, Dublin, v. James G. Burns, Glasgow. Second House.

11. Patrick Conner, Manchester, v. T. W. Roj-al, Manchester.

12. Frank O'Mara v. J. H. Roberts, Dublin.

13. George Simpson v. Fred Scott, London. 14. Harry Belmont, Merthjr Tydvil, v.

J. Pike, Motherwell, The Second in each Heat to Dance off for the Third and Fourth Prizes on Saturday Afternoon at 2-0. Thursday and Friday. Second Round of Heats and Semifinals. Grand Finish and Presentation of the Title and Belt, with Prizes, will be made on Saturday Night.

May the Best Man Win. (Signed) J. H. Wood. All Dancers can travel at Reduced Railway Fare if arranged in Parties of Five from each town at the Booking Offices.

All Dancers are requested to be at the Empire, Bow, on Monday I'ernocra, at 2-0 o'clock, to meet Judges and Referee and uu, ojju tne arrangements suit them. In addition to Grand Star Company. ime ana rrices as usual. OR FAIR, ROYAL AGRICULTURAL HALL, ISLINGTON. Lessees, H.

and T. READ and F. BAlXEY. JSatl'3(Dilv till Feb. 5th.

Last Two Weeks. Mam-tw5 Grand Free Circus at 3 0, 6-30, and 9 0 Programme next Week. Ella Zuila and ML H5h EPe at i 0 and 10'0 Daily. Wombwell's EE TiSera. a'ways on view.

Niirnopft. Aerial Wonders, at 3-45 and 9'45 Daily, Amusements, Friday next, Jan. 28th, for fkiu-i? Zmla and Lu-Lu. A Monster Show organised tor the Million at the People's Popular Price, Sixpence Admission. Rational skating palace (HENGLER'S), ARGYLL-STREET, REGENT-STREET, W.

Real Ice. Open Daily, 10-30 to 11-0. la, Admission, 3s. aadja Franck, the Worlds Champion Lady Figure a p.m. V.QJ p.JUli gORD'S pIANOS 25 PER CENT.

TrvTHnnTTWT nioir or 14s. 6d. per month (Second-hand, 10s. (id. per month), on the THREE YEARS' HIRE SYSTEM.

Pianos Exchanged. Lists free of CHARLES STILES and 40 and 42. SOUTHAMPTON -ROW, "RECHSTEIN STILES and CO. offer these rijiARS SYSTEM, at most advantageous PIANOS CHARLES STILES and 42, SOUTHAMPTON -ROW, LONDON, W.C A. 4cb? SARAH THORNE aeeenes LADIES and GENTLEMEN for Stage Practice.

uuua all i Margate and Chatham. -Address, THEATRE ROYAL, MARGATE. JN IILH DRAMATIC STUDIO the Peiao' Established by, and Ihorouc-h SS Supervision of, Mr HENRY NEVILLE. f0 the Sie- Voice Pit UtS' Se! Sa.Cr3 and Performances. All Lessons Studio Theatre Address N.B.

KotnhliaV, icwo A I Ballets and Incidental OPRTJ ft CHARACTOTJTsrpir, Dances arranged Lessons only a AXIONAL, JlSGUSHSCHOOL kr DANCING- Conducted by PAUL VALENTINE Erery fleserinH iri.LON(3-AORE, W.C. Ptomime, Theatrical, and Uat on Hire, Hi'oe taught free of Charge to COPTTfT Machines. COPIED iu test Style at lowest Rates, TAYLOR'S ItB DEPARTMENT, '1. OHANCERY-LANE, LONDON. JL for j-w A JA.

will to the Tbe at W.C. and Medical Oragg J. Arthur Moss, Purkiss, J. I. J.

THE This at t.1?.. 18l? rPojated by Royal Charter, 1830. ty tho QUEEN and the Royal Family. the Duke o' SAXE-COBURa and GOTHA, Duke of EDINBURGH, Principal Sir ALEXANDER O. MACKENZIE, Mus.

Doo. Lent Term commenced Thursday, Jan. 6th. Lecture, Wednesday next, Jan. 26th, at 3-15.

Fortnightly Concert, This Day (Saturday), Jan. 22d, at 8-0. nr. ivrn au x( oecreraij. UOYAL COLLEGE OP MUSIC, Inoorporated by Royal Charter, 1883.

President H.R.H. the Prince of WALES, G. Direotor-C. HUBERT H. PARRY, tt D'L- M-A- MuB- Doc.

Hon. Sec. CHARLES MO RLE Esq Term beBins Feb. 17th. Examination for Associate of the Royal College of Music, Syllabus and Official Entry Forms may be obtained at the o-, iIt, AoaBingxon.

4. fxix iruwaAiiLi Kegistrar. Established by the Corporation of London 1880, and uadef vuumui ui nue iuusic uommittee. Principal. WILLIAM H.

CUMMINGS, Esq. Students Concert, Wednesday, Jan. 26th. Students Orchestra meets Monday Evenings at 6-30. Olasses Study of Rudiments of Music, also Sight Singing, held daily.

ProfinecfcnR and fnrl.hoi. By order of the Commitiee: aeale-, HILTON CARTER, Secretary. Yiotoria Embankment, E.O. (near Blackfriars-bridge). IRANUIS, DAY, and mi" srauiAL NOVELTIES.

I love you, my love. I do fReod ty and Hopwood) Miss Ellaline Terrise 1 (m Circus I always wears an orchid next my Herbert Shelley Come back, lo'e (Morri3 and Miss Marguerite Tatcho (E. W. Rogers) HarryandaU "Its nothing to do with vou" (Howard, Sturgess, and Everard) Dan Leno and Herbert Camnhell iuerc unristian She may not be that sort of girl (Leslie Stuart) Lionel Mackinder (in Circus Girl "Little Dolly Daydream" (Leslie Stuart) Eugene Stratton Dreams" (Pink and Ingham) Charles Godfrey Fifteen of 'em on the parlour floor (Fred Leigh) P. Dempsey I want my money back (Mills and Miss Fanny Leslie Our lodger's such a nice young man (Murray and Barclay) Miss Vesta Victoria "Lost, Stolen, or Strayed" (Mills rran? Mis8 Millie Linden How that for a snap shot (Ohas.

Osl)0rJe) T.E. Dunville xuui riugwa ana a rnumo (Eldred Powein Charles Coborn I should drive it in the Lord Mayor's Show (Leigh and Le Brunn) Boys of the Empire (Frank Leo). Alec Hurley-Miss Marie Collins vu UUrtliiy Dull The Golden Dustman Graham and GusElen Blow, winds, gently (Tcm Costello) Tom Coetello Only a broken toy (E. W. Rogers) Arthur Lennard Tnere they are (Murray, Leigh, Nevin, and Le Brunn) Miss Marie Lloyd "Since I became a married man" (W.

P. Keen) G. W. Hunter Copley) Miss Lily Marney That swhere my lovelies dreaming" m(Hfi' PatRafferty "Won't she be surprised?" (Arnold and Mandeville) Chas. Pastor Out All Night (Mills and Leo) Leonard Barry I'm sorry for the poor, rich man (Hunter and Fox) Little Thomas(of the TT.

Mohawk Minstrels) His sweet, capacious smile (Morton Chaudoir) Tom Birchmore (of Moore and Burgess Minstrels). London FRANCIS, DAY, and HUNTER, U2. W.C. "DOYAL GENERAL THEATRICAL FUND. juo jucjiDHKt) iJEUUMlING 1JN CAPACITATED EITHER BY OLD AGE OR INFIRMITY.

Hon. Treasurer, Edward Terry, Esq. Charles J. Davdss, Secretary, 8, Catherine-street, Strand. fJIHE ACTORS' ASSOCIATION, 36, ST.

MARTIN'S-LANE, W.C. Telephone No. 1,753, Gerrard. Telegraphic address, "Aetoris, London." Subscriptions, 10s. per Annum, Payable Jan.

1st in each year. CTORS' BENEVOLENT FUND, 8, ADAM-STREET, ADELPHI. The ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the Subscribers be held on the Stage of the LYCEUM THEATRE, on MONDAY, Jan. 24th, at 12 0 o'clock noon for 12-30 punctually, receive the Report of the Committee and the Accounts for Year 1897. Sir HENRY IRVING in the Chair.

attendance of Subscribers is requested, and all those interested in the work of the Fund are invited to be present. C. I. COLTSON, Secretary. THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING of the THEATRICAL MANAGERS' ASSOCIATION will be held on TUESDAY NEXT, Jan.

25th, at 3-30 p.m., the TAVISTOCK HOTEL, CO VENT-GARDEN. H. BLACK MORE, Secretary. MUSIC HALL BENEVOLENT PUND. Established 1888.

Offices 18, ADELPHI, Hon. President. Sir JOSEPH RENALS, Bart. President, HARRY LUNDY, Ebq. Trustees.

G. A. Pays R. Warner, Esqs. Treasurer, J.

L. Graydon, Esq. Hon. Officer, E. Distin-Maddick, Esq F.R.C-S.E.

Hon. Solicitor, Walter Beard, Esq. Hon. Auditor, H. Nswsos-Smith, Esq.

Member's Annual Payment, One Guinea. itenei uommittee meet every Thursday. Committee Chairman, W. Q. Eaton Vice-Ohairman.

J. W. A. A. Asher, Barnes.

E. Brown. T. B. Brvdee.

W. Cragg, H. Campbell, J. Chappell, T. S.

Dickie, V. Dowsett, W. G. Eaton, W. Evans, G.

Foster, E. Granville, F. Griffiths, H. J. Hitchins, S.

M. Hyman, F. Law, D. Leno, Lennard, T. Maltby, F.

M'Avoy, T. M'Naughton, H. E. W. Munroe, G.

W. Moore, W. Oliver, Captain W. T. V.D., H.

Randall. G. Robey, J. Selbini, T. Shaw, Somers, W.

Stockwell, E. Stratton, L. Turner, P. Valentine, Worswick, A. Yates, and H.

Aatley, Esq. dkajnk ualiU. secretary MUSIC HALL SICK FUND PROVIDENT SOCIETY. Registered. Established over Thirty Years.

Offices, 1, YORK-ROAD, LAMBETH, S.E. President, Mr HERBERT CAMPBELL. Vice-President, Mr W. G. Eaton (Tbe Oxford).

Trustees, Mr Herbert Sprake, Mr H. Jeskinss, an! Mr G. A. Paths. E.

W. Macksey, Esq Treasurer. Society grants Liberal Relief during Sickness and 10 Death. Subscription on easy scale to all Branches of the Profession, Musicians, Employes, write ror ran particulars to me secretary, G. W.

HUNT, as above. USIC HALL AKTISTJS' RAILWAY ASSOCIATION. Offices, 6, WINE-OFFICE-COURT, FLEET-STREET, E.C. Telegraphic Address, urcnestra, London." Annual Subscription, 5s. O.

DOUGLAS STUART, Secretary. IISHER'S BASKET TRUNKS. jpiSHER'S LIGHT TRUNKS Of Every Size and Sort, Suitable for Dresses. Factory on the Premises. Trunks made to Order in Two Days.

Catalogues free. S. FISHER, 188, STRAND. F0BBES-EQBEBTS0N OK THE DRAMA. At the Midland Institute, Birmingham, on Monday Mr Forbes-Robertson lectured on The Drama during Her Majesty's Reign," enumerating the chief events in the history of the drama since 1837.

He set liimBelf the task of tracing the higher side of dramatic art rather than the ephemeral productions of the reign. He mentioned all the dramas which were famous years ago, and yet retain their popularity while of the actors in them he had invariably some appreciation to offer, and frequently some anecdote to tell. Coming to more recent days, he spoke of the work which T. W. Robertson did in clearing the horizon for the drama while to his interpreters, Mr and Mrs Bancroft, was mainly due to the fact that the rank and file of actors and actresses were recruited from a more cultivated class than they ever were before.

It was left to Robertson to treat plays dealing with modern life in a more convincing and natural manner. What the lecturer and others were anxious to set before the public was something to turn over in its mind, something to mentally stimulate to higher thoughts. He did not say a lesson or a sermon, because those werebogey words and, after all, everything in life was a lesson or a sermon in some shape or form, if one had the mother wit to take it in. Call them "problem plays," if they liked but what were all great plays but problem plays. Let the man who could not find distraction in the efforts to deal with the subjects of the hour take refuge in the variety theatre and the music hall, but don't let him throw cold water on the labour and genius of those disciples of the higher drama.

Heaven forbid that there should be no more plays such as A White Lie, Sowing the Wind, The Greatest These, and The Second, Mrs Tanqueray They were observations on life and character, and they were a liberal education to those who had the wit and intelligence to take education for their entertainment. What was the influence at work in regard to the drama It was hard to tell. They had seen that T. W. Robertson broke fresh ground in comedy, and they felt that his influence was direct and lasting.

They felt, in the same way, the influence of one who with many faults had undisputably something which attracted attention. He referred to Norway's melancholy pessimist, Ibsen. There were a great many questions one would like to ask Mr Ibsen, and one was, Why does he always revel in a weak, contemptible character, absolutely self-absorbed?" He declined to believe that Norwegian society was made up of such individuals. There was a limit to those subjects which might be placed on the stage, and that limit wa3 You mav not treat of a subject until it disgusts and revolts." Ibsen was guilty of that, and often degraded the grand calling to which he had devoted himself. He (the lecturer) sometime thought Norwegian towns must be unhealthy.

Perhaps the drains were wrong. But seriously, there was no denying the power of the man in setting forth the workings of the minds of the wretched creatures he dealt with. It must be borne in mind, too, that most of them only knew his work from translations. and, clever as they were, they could not hope to get the irue spirit oi ms worn rrom tnem. wnatever they might think of it, Ibsen had to be countenanced.

To the audience of the playhouse he said in all friendliness, "Don't walk into your seat, if you are late, during a quiet scene, for you distract both audience and actor don't hold a running conversation with your neighbour and ladies "and here the tones became so solemn as to produce a laughing recognition of the advice to come I implore you. I beseech you don't wear large hats with bobbing feathers and all the glories of a milliner's shop towering on high." It must never be forgotten that a long run meant a monetary success, but not necessarily a lasting one, or one that would outlive our time. They had aU seen utter rubbish run for months, while plays of great novelty and power ran for days. It was absolutely impossible to accept the verdict of the general public on art but posterity would find out and bring forward the true man, no matter what rebuffs and scoldiner he had in his life. MB.

W. MORTON'S BENEFIT. On Wednesday Mr W. Morton's annual benefit rlrnw a crowded house at his Greenwich Theatre. The "extra talent introduced included Miss Marie Lloyd, Mr J.

F. Sheridan, Miss Gracie Whiteford, and Mr Chas. Col-lette. In the Palace scene Mr Morton came forward and said: Ladies and gentlemen, You know what difficulty I have had on similar occasions to find sufficient courage and suitable language to express my gratitude, and to-night the task seems harder than ever, as we are practically saying good-bye to the present theatre, so far as pantomime is concerned. You are aware that I have announced my intention to build a new theatre on the opposite side of the street, as the rapidly increasing district demands greater accommodation than I can provide here.

Amongst other reasons for my taking this step is that conroetition havinor mme close to my very doors, I did not like the idea of the Roval Borough of Greenwich playing second fiddle to any" of its neighbours. By this time next year I trust you will nave a theatre with every modern imnrovemen-. and a stage as large as any on this side of the Thames. When I remind you that the plans are being prepared by that eminent architect, Mr W. G.

R. Sprague, you may rely on everything being well done. This gentleman tells me that there will be accommodation for 3,000 persons just three times as large as this auditorium. I require no further evidence of the safety of my speculation than the crowded state of this theatre to-night. You have generously supported me upwards of thirteen years, and I feel sure you will not forsake me in my old age, and with enlarged responsibilities, and at a time when I need your help and interest more than ever.

I have also received valuable assistance from my artist, Mr Hobbs who, by-the-bye, has got married since last year my musical director, Mr Turner, and the entire staff in front and behind the curtain. Most of these faithful servants have been with me many years, and have earned my esteem. Mr Morton went on to express his appreciation of the services rendered by all concerned in the production of the pantomime, and to thank the music hall artists who had given their services for his benefit. As he was leaving the stage Mr Rome, the impersonator of the Dame, stepped forward, and in the name of his colleagues on the stage and the staff, in a capital speech, desired Mr Morton to accept an illuminated address and various valuable presents for himself and Mrs Morton. Mr Morton, in a neat speech, gratefully acknowledged the gifts.

Liitlb Red Riding Hood" is still drawing crowds to the Metropole. The harlequinade includes a shadow pantomime, and provokes hearty laughter. Mr James Grovini is the clown Miss Edith Chisholm' the columbine Mr Harry Grovini, pantaloon Mr Frank Couch, harlequin and Mr Bruno, the policeman. Owing to the indisposition of Miss Cockburn and Miss St. George, the services of Miss Dorothy Cecil and her sister Miss Marjorie Cecil were recently requi sitioned for the rOles of Maid Marian and Robin Hood, and did well in them.

Mr Couch deserves praise for his Sib Henry Irving haskindly lentthe Lyceum Theatre to the students of the Royll College of Music for bpett fr the new Lyti0 Theatre, at Aberdare ThaytegRe at the Theatre on svrnLJ In by a powerful next Ohrttl P-dT I in the West-end Miss Alice Brookes will be one of the principals. enters ine nail ana upbraids tne officers. Eric, flushed with wine, declares that everything belongs to the conquerors, even the women of their vanquished, toes, an insult which causes Yvonne to dash a glass of champagne in his face as the curtain talis on the first act. In the second act, Yvonne is to meet her brother who has got through the enemy's lines disguised as a Prussian soldier at the Silver Irout, an mn near the Castle. Thither also come the Prussian officers and the dancing women to finish their drunken debauch; and Eric, who is smarting under the indignity Yvonne has put upon him, on catching a glimpse of her through the half-open door, swears to be avenged.

Clearing the room of the women, he coolly informs his brother officers that Yvonne is in his power, and that he intends to accomplish her ruin. His associates offer a mild remonstrance, but make no attempt to save the girl. Eric locks the door and lowers the lights. Yvonne, unconscious of harm, enters the room, and is seized by Eric, who makes no concealment of his purpose. "I'll struggle with 'em says Miss Louie Freear in Oh Susannah and Yvonne is similarly spirited.

The following dialogue takes place Eric Come, my fierce little charmer there's many a French girl would take your place. Yvonne Help Coward Eric seizes her You should have thought of the consequences betore you threw the wine in my face. Hi arms around her.) I never set my heart on anything but I had it. I've set my heart on getting even with you, and I'll do it. Yvonne Help Eric with a.

rough lawjh, the struggle going on You grossly insulted me before my superior officers. (She struggles. You created a scene which will be told in every messroom. (She struggles.) You have made me a regimental butt for life. So far the laugh's on me.

I want to shift the point of view. She makes a last effort.) I want to let the fellows who tell the story add that, after all, the Babe didn't get the worst of it. Yvonne shrieks for help, and pleads with Eric to such effect that he releases her, and opening the door bows himself out with many apologies. She has, however, escaped one assailant only to fall into the hands ot another, for the innkeeper, a low brute who is married to Jeanne Marie, Yvonne's foster-sister, at. that moment emerges from the cellar, well primed with absinthe, and casting his lecherous eyes on the girl resolves to her undoing.

Her shriek, as she falls into his clutches, causes Eric to return. He closes with the innkeeper, and, wresting a knife from the latter's hands, stabs him to the heart and escapes, leaving Yvonne unconscious. When she revives she imagines that the repeated attempt was the work of Eric, who had, returned and accomplished his purpose. On meeting her brother at the castle she tell3 him that the innkeeper has been murdered in a vain attempt to save her honour. Jeanne Marie, the innkeeper's wife, brings the knife that she has found by her husband's side and swears to kill the murderer with it.

Yvonne snatches the knife from her hands, exclaiming that she has a greater wrong to avenge. Going to where Eric is sleeping in a chair, Yvonne stabs him in the back, but is almost immediately seized with remorse, and on Eric asking for glass of water runs to the fountain for it and holds the glass to his lips. Now follows the extraordinary part of the story. Yvonne's hatred has already turned to remorse, which soon changes to love for the man who, as she imagines, has forciblv accomnlished her ruin. Eric assists her brother to escarje.

and the facts becoming known to his general he Eric is sentenced to be shot. Before the sentence can be carried out, however, news comes that the French army under Bourbaki is approaching. Eric tells Yvonne that his dishonourable purpose was not effected, and is pardoned by his commanding officer on condition that he destrov a bridse and retard the enemy's approach. As Eric leaves to fulfil his dangerous mission Yvonne declares her love for him, and falling before a figure of the Virgin prays that God will bring him back to her. Mr Potter's answer to his assailants is dis tinctly quaint.

He says he wrote The, Conquerors for women. "You cannot." sav3 Mr Potter. thmK what women wm consider too toush. The men who saw it may not have liked it, but 1 told the women who were with them swal lowed it whole. It's a woman's play.

It's a tart story, I know, but the whole tendency of the stage is toward realism." It would be obviouslv unfair to preiudaeaniece which we are shortly to see in England at the St. James's Theatre, but it is not at all difficult to imagine a much more effective defence of The Conquerors than that offered bv Mr Potter. To deliberately exclude one whole sex and that sex which was once fondly considered the stronger from enjoyment in the entertainment at the Empire Theatre, New York, was unkind of Mr Potter. The picture which he suggests of the male portion of the audience flushing behind their programmes and fidgetting in their seats while the New York ladies to use Mr Potter's elegant and expressive phrase" swallowed it whole," is humiliating to the mere man. But we bear no malice, and we would have advised him to have resorted to the usual up to date defence of the near to the- psychological interest.

People have talked a great deal about the abolition of the Censorship but, after all, for the man who knows how to use the psychological interest excuse, the Censorship does not exist. While we await the production of Mr Potter's plav in England, we may feel certain that it possesses the redeeming cicuicui iu as large proportions as is necessary to balance its other qualities. Hearing that the Examiner of Plays has not only read the niece, but has congratulated Mr George Alexander on having secured it, we feel confident that the play contains ample psychological interest. We remember that good old comedian, Mr James Tatlor, in a farce played at the Opera Comique Theatre, pointing to a fowl which had been kept rather too long, and suggesting that it would go down better with a little chloride of lime." The point of this reminiscence lies in the application of it. We await the production of The Conquerors in England with agreeable anticipations of intellectual stimulus for if the psychological interest is only as "strong" in one way as the "great scene of the play is in another, we may expect a masterpiece of depth, insight, and subtle analytis..