Oakland Tribune from Oakland, California • Page 1

if ThO II Studies the mind of the people and 2500 WORDS: Successful a medium that is in harmony with 3 their best aspirations. Do not exceed this number if you compete Advertiser 1 in THE TRIBUNE'S Prize Story Contest, VOI XXXIV. OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA. TUESDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 15, 893. NO.

93. poser's nature, running into an animated Highest of all in Leavening Poorer. Latest U. S. Gov't Rsport ADMIRED almost it glance by every person present, and then bant forth a general and heartfelt round of applause.

Appreciation wu everywhere. The promisee of the builder, the hopes of the People had all been realized, and Oakland was the possessor of a borne for the drama excelled in beauty by no theater on the coast. That flood of light revealed another scene of beauty in the composition of the audience, wnich was just as worthy of appreciation. It lighted up the yoatb, that he must have wronged and then tired of her, because he baa become fascinated with "Lola," a village beauty and an acknowledged coquette. During "Turridu'a" absence, "Lola" has married "Alfio," a teamster, but desiring still to keep her influence over "Turridu," enters into another flirtation with him on his return.

"Santuzza" becomes enraged at this, and inflamed by jealousy, implores "Turridu'? to right her wrongs. After a stormy scene, "Turdu" leaves "Santuzza" in scorn and enters the church with MM and Mra. W. P. Johnson, Mr.

and Mrs. J. Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. D.

II. Jackson, Miss Gail Jackson, Mr, and Mrs. J. P. Jackson Robert Jackson, Miss May Jackson, Miss Jaegers.

Mr. and Mrs. Allen Knight. Mr. and Mrs.

W. H. Knight, Mr. and Mrs. C.

W. Kellogg.Captain and Mrs. J. N. Knowles, Miss Blix Kenna, Charles Katzenbach, Misae3 Knowles, Anita Kellog, Mise Keilog.

Mr. and E. Lenhardt, Mr. and Mrs. Lee, Mr.

and Mrs. Losh, Mr. Long, Long, Miss Mr. and Mrs. Lambert, Mr.

and Mrs. F. A. Leach, Irving Lewis, Abraham Leach, Frank A. Leach Miss Leach, Mrs.

W. J. Lander. Mr. and Mrs.

F. J. Moffitt, Mr. and Mrs. Max Marcuse, Mr.

and Mrs. Mar-cuse, Mr. and Mrs. A. S.

Macdonald, Powder 11. Miss Bernie Macdonald. Miss L. t.i Macdonald, Mr. and Mrs.

W. H. Mac- I Kinnon, Mr. and Mrs. George H.

Max- well, Mr. and Mrs. McClelland, Mr. und Mrs. E.

G. Matthews. Mr. and Mr Mathcrn, Mr. and Mrs.

Mott. Mr. i Mrs. W. Morris, Mr.

and Mrs. Miller. Mr. and V. H.

Metcalf. C. O. I at i iau4-Mr. Arthur Pope, an theme in two-four time, which in ita turn gives way to an andante, the prelude ot the Sicilian.

This is supposed to be by a harp fan impossible instrument' to get in California for a traveling but is given its equivalent by pizzicato on the strings. Jir. Kassett's voice sounded study at first behind the big drop curtain, and it would be a good idea to either draw it up or let him sing at the wings, where he could be heard and not seen. The introductory chorus jumps from three-four to six-iour (usually devoted to church music) to common time, six-eight and backwards and forwards until it closes with the female voices singing in six-four and the male voices in six-eight time. his is evidence of Mascagni's ingenuity or versatility, but why the four parts at the close could not have been scored in the same time (that is, all in six-four) is difficult to understand.

The largo movement before the en trance of "Alfio" was not sufficiently marked. It is difficult of rendition and misty and obsenre in its harmonic progressions. We commend it to students of Ricbter and Jadassohn as a healthy exercise to figure out. In Miss Helen Bertram's fir-t scene the vibrato was very noticeable and due to slight nervons- nees, but after her first entrance she bore off the'honors of the work side by side with Mr. Bassett.

Mr. Dupreis. who plaved the role of 'Alfio," was either a little cut of voice or else he has lost some of his strength. His method is excellent and he infused plenty of dash, but little force, into the wnip-lash song, whilst in the duet later with "Santuzza," and generally throughout, hiB voice was scarcely satisfactory, and at times weak. It is to be hoped that a transitory cold is all that is the matter, but that the audience could not know last night.

ihe "Rezma (Joeli is more like an improvised "Quando Corpus" than a joyful Easter hymn, but it is followed by a good solid chorus in twelve-eight time strongly resembling in style Gounod's well known duet, "Oh. That We Two Were Maying." It works up through a great deal of intricate and subtle arrangement of the voice parts to a really superb climax. As the work progresses one warms to it more. "Santnzza's" been all that could be desired, and Mr. Bassett has brought out an A natural that rang above the chorus.

It seems to put Miss Bertram into full accord with her romance. "Voi lo Sapete." tbongh at times the portamento is used to excess. The ending when "Lucia" enters the church to pray for "Santuzza" is verv dramatic and gives Miss Helen Doen-koff one of the few chances she has in the opera in an ungrateful pari. The duet, preceded of course, by the Mas- uagui uiberixiiuiiuia recitative, was nneiy sung, and the finish in unison as "Lola" enters was loudly applauded. Mies Villa Knox has not a great deal to do, but what she does sing is in a very pleasant mezzo-soprano voice and her flower song was thoroughly artistic.

After Lola's" exit the duet continues. and "Turrido," heedless of "Santnzza's" prayers, finally leaves her, after throwing her from him. Her curse and the A te la mala Pasqua" was most dramatic, and a fitting climax to the No, no, Turrido," in which the voices are nearly throughout in unison. The high flat was effectively sustained by both artists. The duet which lollows with "Alfio" was less satisfactory, for reasons given above, excepting the passionate confession by Santuzza" of her dishonor and her averment that by her shame she speaks the truth in accusing Lola" of intimacy with her former lover.

The beautiful Intermezzo which follows was not encored as it is usually and in variably is, for one good reason. It was not well rendered. The arpeggio effects were muddy and lacking in clearness and delicacy and the melody was not prominent enough. It was the onlv absolute disappointment in the rendition of the entire work. The chorus and brindisi deserve more than passing notice.

The rhythm of the chorus is very pretty and simple. The drinking song is conspicuous tor its quaint, but pleasing melody. As usual the chorus and instrumentatipn was excellent tfhd this is more than can be said of half the opera companies which visit us. The finale opens well the recitative is not quite as cranky as usual, and after "Turriddo" has bitten "Alfio's" ear the Sicilian mode of challenge, and the English mode of restoring a lady who has fainted the tenor settles down to his last work grandly. From the "Lo so che il torto mio" in the preceding number to his final notes, Mr.

Bassett is heard at his best. His farewell to his mother and plea for "Santnzza's" care ia superbly sung, and in- Ihe dramatic action he is ably seconded by Miss Von Doenhoff. Half a minute later "Turrido" is reported dead, the principals have fainted and the opera is over. The finale is so sudden that last evening half the audience sat still, never dreaming that it was all over. Mascagni, it is said, is only 28 years of age, and outside cf his love for endless antiphonal recitatives and a strong Wagnerian tendency to unresolved discords, bis work must be regarded as a valuable addition to the music of the nineteenth century.

If this opera may be regarded as a new departure of the Italian school and a shaking off of the caatabile melodies of Bellini, Verdi. Auber and Adam, it will please some and fail to please others. Mascagni has prod need a work which can perhaps hardly be judged fairly on a first hearing. It is intensely melodramatic and in parts abnormally difficult, but it shows a wonderfully prolific mind and presages a brilliant future. Let us hope, with cleaner sub jects, too, to work on than Sicilian rustic courtship, v.

W. U. Nksfuld. THE ARGUMENT. The Story on Which Is Based.

xd9 story varauerxa nusucana, or rustic chivalry, is a simple tale of love. jealousy and revenge. The strains of music which form a prelude to the opera seem, by their weird and thrilling tones, to foreshadow the miseries of rejected anecuoo. Before the curtain rises the voice, of TheMaclnouguIs a Grand Success of tie First Hp. Oakland Sccietj Assembles io Full Force, Amid Brilliant Scenes the Tneiter Enters on Its Career.

It was grand opening. Successful in the extreme from a financial point of view, an occasion long to be remembered in society, giving satisfaction to all who attended under such favorable auspices was the Macdonough last night launched on the sea of prosperity. The whirr of carriages to the brilliantly lighted doors, the glitter of jewels and the aheea of silks, as tie well dressed throng passed into the foyer these we're attractions enough to draw a large crowd to the outside of the new partial home of the drama, where for the first time in the history of Oakland, devotees of the drama were to be entertained in a temple befitting the patronage that is extended in the Athenian city. That it was a society night no one could gainsay. Every leading family of Oakland was represented in the gay throng that flocked in by scores until the vast auditorium was filled to flowing, and the compiler of a blue book would simply have bad to make his way from seat to seat in order to gain- a complete list of the fashionables of Oakland.

The beauty of the building, the magnificence of the appointments and the good taste displayed in the selection of the fittings caused tne admiration 01 au, and the enlractes were passed in discussing and praising -the superbness and luxury of the theater, of which Oakland will now be so proud. To Commodore Macdonough, for bis ntemrise. much Draise waB expressed. and Manager 'George Mothersole also came in for good deal of congratulation on being in charge of such a thoroughly well appointed and handsome building. Altogether the event was a successful one in every sen'e of the word, and the keynote of popularity having been so well Btruck the Macdonough will, with out doubt, be in the future an irresistible magnet to the amusement-lovers of Oak-land.

IN THE HOUSE. A Brilliant Sceno When the Lights Went Up. The audience was not slow but leis urely in taking its place. One party alter another, the ladies in evening dress with beautiful wraps of snowy white trimmed with angora, the gentlemen in conventional black, filed through the brilliantly lighted lobby and into the foyer. There, before the large pier xnirors, ladies took sly glances at their reflections and then accompanied their escorts to the seats in various parts of the house.

While the foyer was brilliantly illuminated, only a dim light pervadad the ether parts oi tne nouse. mere was no impatience displayed while the audience was assembling, notwithstanding the usual hour for that purpose had been -long left behind. The early arrivals were satisfied to have taken their positions and to note the entree of others of their acquaintance. in the meantime the interior of the staee was disclosed by an Italian street scene, the second curtain of the theater having failed to arrive. -The orchestra was in its position seemingly impatient to begin the overture, but no sound proceeded from them.

No notes thoueh to those assembled could have been half so interesting as the hum of converse tion maintained in an undertone and which prevailed in every part of the house. At length every seat was occupied. The director of the orchestra took his stand and the overture began. Simul taneously with the first note, orchestra circle, parquet, balcony and gallery were illuminated, me trausiormation was instantaneous. The current had been turned on to nearly a thousand electric lights on the stags and ia the auditorium and the interior slowed, with bril liance of noon.

The beauty of the place stood revealed It was comprehended The Season for IS HERE TRY THEM! You Will Find Them Eight Log' Cabin Bakery ITS F'tYT'Hl (J ktftJ SMftMsV SMwSW I 5QDASH-- PIES beauty, chivalry and the honorable old age of Oakland, for all were represented in that brilliant assemblage. Gems sparkled under the electric ravs in ears, around shapely throats and in richly studded breastpins. They added greatly to the richness oftbe Scene, and to the sweetness and beauty of hundreds of pretty female faces they imparted a charm which was irresistible. In the audience, the society of iV- land was thoroughly represented, and its presence was attested by the refined elegance which characterized every thing and everybody and rendered the occasion memorable in the social annals of the city. At the conclusion of the overture, the new drop curtain ol the theater was lowered to Ihe stage, dis playing vne engagement between the Constitution and the Guerriere." The appearance of the beautiful niece of nft with its massive molding of old gold and the rich wine-colored drapery, re- ceiveu a nearly Durst ot aDmansa.

The overture was then Dlaved and the opera iouowea. i THE MUSIC. How It Was Viewed From a Critic's Standpoint. If ever the J. C.

Duff Opera Company were presumably at their best, it is only 1 A natural 10 suppose mat tneir supreme efforts to excel were presented to the great audience which greeted them in the new theater last night. They had the honor of being the first to tread the boards of one of the most beautiful and Al 1 1 Druuanuy iigniea tneaters which ever adorned any city in the world, and to face an audience larger in numbers and more cultured than they are ever likely to sing to again for years to come. That even such experienced artists to feel a little nervousness at first is not only un pardonable but natural and praise- worth. Cox and Box, the opening piece, Sal ivan's amusing musical sketch, is famil iar to most lovers ot nent trines in Enrope, though less often heard in the United States. It was new probably to the majority of the audience last even ing.

It is hardly worthy of being ac corded the honor -of being the first music sung in Oakland's new temple of the Muses, but let that pass. It ranks with the Widows Bewitched" and milar works, and depends more on the fanny action than any succession of harmonic beauties. The orchestra had hardly played eight bars of an overture when the house, bright before, was lit up to the full power of the electric plant, and the vast audience broke out in a simultaneous burst of applause. But little need be said of the music oi vox ana x. sun 1 van was always good at lullabies, hence the "Bacon Song," verv well rendered by J.

Rafaell, won generous plaudits. His duets with J. H. Ryley were also good The last named gentleman is an excellent actor and a fine buffo singer with a light voice, lie dances capitally and is the life of the little farce. W.

H. Hamilton. as "Sergeant Bouncer," acted and sang his part well and reminded one in his makeup of the veteran Stephen Leach. the prince of buffo basses in days gone by. lint the eternal "Kataplan which is a bad imitation ot the air from the Daughter of the Regiment topsy turvy and keel upwards gets monotonous and though everything was well sung and acted the audience was tired of Cox and Box long before the curtain fell.

It may be observed right here that the orches tra space is not large enough for opera though ample lor ordinary drama. Last evening six or seven of the brass instru ments had to be accommodated outside the rail. "CAVAIXERIA EUSTICAN A. It is certainly to be regretted that in the plot of his opera Signor Mascagni has seen fit to incorporate the Worst features of Verdi's Traviata and Goethe's Faust for whilst "Violetta" and "Marguerite both sinned, they die tender and sad deaths. But the librettists seem to glory in telling people that Santuzza" cannot go to mass because she is excommuni cated, and make her constantly shout Tarrtdo mi tohe Vonore voitro mogiie lai rapxin a me." mis certainlv would sound better in Italian than in 'English, as Bung last night especially if the listener should not understand Italian Added to this the Easter Mass and the singing of that most sacred of hymns, "Kegina-Uceu lxptare," is all jumbled in with "Santnzza's" declaration that she cannot enter the church because she has sinned deeply and is nnder an ecclesiastical ban.

However, this does not pre vent oamuzza irom expressing her joy at we Add to this that she tells "Alfio" of her betrayal by "Turrido" and of "Turndo's" intimacy with his wife "Lola," which causes ber betrayer's death, and the least squeamish of our readers will hardly say that the argu ment is a pleasant one. However, this has nothing to do with the strictly musical value of Mascagni's success. Xbe division ot voice is a verv rare one a soprano, a mezzo, a contralto, tenor and baritone, and no that is among the principals. In the choruses there is of course the usual a. a.

t. b. and plenty of it. Before reviewing Maeetro Mascagni's work, it is only just to the musical director. Maurice Gould, to J.

E. Joseph, to the orchestra and the finely- balanced chorus to say that the instrumentation, the leading and the concerted pieces were as stead as a rock and left nothing to be desired, even in the most intricate recitatives and dif ficult passages, notably the Oeoro Gixulo in seven flute, where "Turrido" calls for his mother before going oat to his death. There are sixty bsrs of this movement. of which thirty are in sextoleta and trip lets lor tne strings, it ssercunuy slows down before the tenor begins his best axis. The prelude commences with thirteen measures of the be ties eSrt ci the com "Lola," it being Easter morning andj iiio enure popuiaoon uemg assemoieu for worship.

"Santuzzh" has been excommunicated ana cannot fellow. Presently "Alfio" enters and "Santuz-za' tell3 him of his wife's infidelity. They leave the scene, and, at this point, the celebrated "intermezzo" is played while the stage is empty. "Turridu," "Lola" and the villagers leave the church and "Turridu" invites them drink wine at his mother's hostelry. "Aifto" enters and a quarrel ensnes, during which, "Turridu" bites "Alfio's'' trivincr a challencre.

I "ilSo" accepts the challenge, and both he and "Turridu" rush off, after the latter has implored his mother's blessing and confided "Santuzza" to her care. The duel is fought, "Turridu" is killed, and the curtain falls amid the lamentations of the villagers at his untimely end. THOSE PRESENT. People Well Known Realm. in Society's The proscenium boxes were occupied as follows Box A Miss McNear, Mr.

and Mrs. P. E. Bowles, Miss Sherman, Mrs. G.

W. McNear George W. McNear. Mr. jind Mrs.

Charles Yale, Miss Yale, Mr. and Mrs. John M. Lathrop. Box Mr.

and Mrs. William Mooser, Miss Alice-Mooser, Miss Daisy Topping, Madame S. Michel, Henry Pichoir, ail of yan Francisco. Box Mr. and Mrs.

William Mooser Miss Martha Conradt, Albert Mooser, of San Francisco; Mr. and Mrs. T. Tucker of Oakland. Box Fi Mr.

and Mrs. F. M. Smith, Mrs. Pedar Sather, Misa Grace Sperry, MissRubina Moore, Mrs.

M. J. Thompson. Box Mr. and Mrs.

A. C. Dietz, Miss Alice Dietz, Miss Lillie Dietz, Charles L. Dietz, K. S.

Boyer. Box Mr. and Mrs. John W. Coleman, Miss Jessie Coleman, Mrs, Harry Coleman.

Box II Henry Kahn, Mrs. Alexander, Miss Daisy Alexander, Miss Adele Craner, San Francisco. In the body of the house were Mrs. Edson Adams, Mrs. Charles B.

Allen, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Allen, Miss Irene Allen, Mr.

and G. Allen, Mr. and Mrs. W. R.

AHen, Mr, and Mrs. J. H. Aydekie, Captain and Mrs. C.

Ains worth, Miss Daisy Ains worth, Miss Belle Ains worth, Eison T. Adams, Miss Marion Albrecht, Julius and Hugo Abrahamsoa and their sister, Miss Celia Abrahanison, Carl Abbott, Granville Abbott. James Ames, J. S. Archibald, J.

C. Ainsworth Jr. Mr. and Mrs. J.

II. Baker, Mr. and Mrs. A. Bowen, Mr.

and Airs. C. R. Bowen, Mr. Burrell, Dr.

Blood, Mrs. Blood, Mips May Blood, George Blood, Mr. and Mrs. Roland G. Brown, Miss Floy Brown, Mr.

and Mrs. Albert Brown, W. Bugbee, Mr. and Mrs. C.

H. Bendal, Mr. and Mrs. W. F.

Boardman, Joe Bouquet, Mr. and Mrs. G. Bond, Mr. and Mrs.

Barton, and Mrs. L. Brecht, Charles Blood, K. Boyes, Mr. and Mrs.

F. Brigham, Mis3 Birdie Buck, Miss Buck, F. E. Brigham, Mr. and Mrs.

C. A. Bonn, Anson Blake, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Beck, Mr.

aud Mrs. G. G. Baker, Mr. and Mrs.

L. Broinw ell, Mr. and Mrs. W. Bond, Mr.

and Mrs. Bonn. Mies Edith Cohen, L. Cohen, Miss Ethel Cohen, Harrison Clay, Mr. and Mrs.

H. C. Capwell, Mr. and Mrs. Christ.

Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Choteau, Mr.

and Mrs. Converse, Mr.and Edward H. Clough, Mr. and Mrs. Carlton, Mrs.

Cos-tizan, Miss Lottie Mr. nnd Mrs. John Crelhn, Miss Belle Crellin, Mr. and Mrs. E.

P. Cook, Mr. and Mm. M. Carroll, Mr.

and Mrs. Albert S. Cooke, Mr. and Mrs. Homer S.

Craig, Mr. and Mrs. E. C. Chapman, Miss Dora Craig, Miss Hattie Converse, Miss Mollie Converse, C.

A. Culver, Miss Crowell, Mr. and Mrs. Elisba Crouob, Dr. Cecil Corwin, Mrs.

Corwin, Dr. and Mrs. H. Carlton, Mr. and Mrs.

Charles McCleverty, Charles McCieverty W. G. Cowen, C. C. Crowell, Mrs.

Remi Chabot. Miss Nellie Chabot, Harry Coleman, Miss Minnie Campbell. Charles Cushing, and Mrs. J. M.

Costigan. Mr. and Mrs. M. B.

Davis, Mr. and Mrs. T. T. Dargie, Mr.

and Mrs. J. Wt Davis, Mr. and Mrs. Edward C.

Davis, Mr. and Mrs. E. Denison, Mr. and Mrs.

O. Denison, Fred A. Davis, Mr. and Mrs E. L.

Dow, Mr. and Mrs. Doane, Mr. and Mrs. Darling, Mr.

and Mrs. P. Dudrouth, Mr. and Mrs. Daulton, Mrs.

Dnran, Cleveland Lionel Dam, Miss Dunn, John Dunn, Dr. E. L. Dow, Mr. andIxs.

W. E. Dargie, Dr. J. P.

Dunn, C. B. Doo-little, Mr. and Mrs. Myron Dusinbury.

Mr. and Sirs, A. G. Davis. iMr.

Eliason, Miss Josie Eastland. Mr. and Mrs. G. L.

Fish. Mr. and Mrs. R. M.

Fitzgerald, Miss Maggie Fitzgerald, Misa May Fitzgerald. Mrs. 'Kate Fitzgerald, Mr. and Mrs. Friedman, Mr.

and Mrs. farno, ir. n. u. Findley, Athearn Fdger, Mrs.

Folger, Mr. Farno. Mr. and Mrs. A.

B. Gardiner, Mr. and Mrs. Grossmeyer, and Mrs. N.

H. Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. J. E.

Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Gordon.

Mr. and Mrs. Gobey, Mr. and Mrs. Gould, Miss Alice Grimes, Miss Liilis Goodhue, Everett Grimes, Miss Laura Glenn, W.

W. ixartliwaite, 1 aui bOKUwta. Miss Gertrode Hatch.Harrv B. Hontrh ton, Miss Houghton, Mr. and Mrs.

M. D. Howell, Mr, and Mrs. John L. Howard.

aii. venules euu uuwua, un How ard. Mr. and Mrs. E.

M. Halt. -Misa Hattie Hall, Mr. and Mrs. A.

G. Holland, Mr. and Mrs; EL' A. Heron. Mr.nd Mrs.

E. M. Herrick, Lester Herrick, Mr. and sin. jr nemu, u.

ana Mrs. VV. A. Herrick, Judge, and Mrs. W.

Hen shaw. and Mrs. W. Gi HanahM. Mr.

and Mrs. li. 1. nenaha Mrs. Sarah IE.

Henshaw. Tvler. Henshaw Ilemek, Lawrence Havens, Miss Stuis Hobart, F. T. Hoy Charles Hnbbard.

Walter Hackett, Charles 8. Holton, Miss ansa Minnie notion, vrenerai -and sirs. J. Jr. lioiton, Shatter Howard.

Mr, and Mrs. J. D. Isaacs, Mx. and Mrs.

Mrd aad Mrs. M. M. Johnson Miss Alice joanson -uonos Jonnson. Mr.

Colonel T. Proscenium Robinson came in late and made a home run early. He wanted to know from the boy who distributed souvenirs why society did not take as much interest in baseball as it does in opera. It is believed that Ben Wyman knows something about the chrysanthemums, that were missing from the floral show. Anyhow, he wore one that looked re-niarkablv like a blossom from the Hopkins collection.

A G. Macdonald is looked upon by the H-ieiy belles as an unselfish young man. He i acroninanicd by two or more young ladies at a society event. Such cannot be said of a number of other society young men. Frank Brigham and L.

LBromwell said that if the actors who took part in the military maneuver in Box and Cox would come down to Alliance headquarters they would get George Morrow to irive them a few pointers on step and precision. Health Officer Jim Dunn vetoed the quarantine laws and was on hand early. Though not exactly a musician he knows a thiue or two about chords and during the intermezzo he closed his eyes an-l saug so softly and sweetly to him-, self that he went to sleep. Do I know what Cavalleria Rustiv, means?" said Arthur Pope. "Why, of course.

The translation is Rustic I picked up my Italian in J'ietro's- restaurant-' in San Fran- cisco," he aided, in explanatory tones. And from the constant use of tamales," suggested Cievs Dim. Jack Wilson Jim Ames, and Arthur Pope were chaperoned by Dr. Richardson, and tried to work the stage do as memoers of the "profesh." They were, however, rofai red to the box-otiice, where they took foyer seats until the right moment came to make the descent upon their reservation. Cleve Dam looked like an Admirable Crichton.

II sloo.l the leveling of a thousand opera glasses at hit head like a warrior before a lot oi spiked guns, and the lights tunned trreen with envy as their rays fell on his family jewels. "It is a Cleveland year, and no mistake," whispered Frank Smith to himself as he wafted himself in the direction of the sweet soda. THE SEATS. At Last Comfortable Chairs Are Obtained. In the improvements which have been made in everything connected with the modern theater, a great deal of attention has been devoted to the perfecting of the theater chair The chair has evolved from a crude seat of nothing but right angles to One of easy inclines, luxurious curves and richness and beauty of decoration.

The most approved chair is that which affords the greatest ease and consequent comfort. Sueh a chair has been placed in the Macdonough Theater. The back is wide, the curvature gradual, and the cushions are soft and readily adapt themselves to the slightest pressure. The backs also recline at the angle at which the average individual rests. The auditor can therefore, allow himself to fall back in bis cha.r and witness the performance with the same ease and feeling of reslfuJness that, he would experience in bis favorite chair at home.

Such was the experience of the average visitor last night. Ladies, gentlemen, old and young, everybody felt that the seats were the finest they bad ever seen in a theater, and a large number took occasion to give hearty expression to their opinions. The chair is what is known as the McVickar. It has bronze castings, with steel springs in the seat and back, and the upholstering is of the first quality of old-gold plush. The chairs in the balcony are as easy and com- as those in the parquet, and i rm orcuesira circle, iuu Beauug was uoutj M.

Humphrey of this city, of the firm of C. F. Weber of San Fran cisco. Mr. Weber is also a resident of this city, and his firm represents the well-known house of H.

Andrews of Chicago and New York, by Whom the chairs are manufactured. The chairs are destined to supersede those tortures in cast-iron and russet which have for years been so great an annoyance to the patrons of the theaters. They are placed in the Aiacoonouga Theater in a manner which enables a wrap to be bung upon the back of the chair in front and there is no means of its being drawn away by a careless' late comer. Beneath each i seat there is a bat-rack which is also carefully guarded from the feet of the neighbor in the row behind who may be carried away by situation on the stage. Oakland is one of the first to introduce these chairs because she always wants what is best.

Perfection. ItY Best. Its tree composition Is printed on erery label. The V. S.

Cos eminent buys It for the officers -of the Army. leading teachers of cookery see it. It leavens most and leavens best. a 1 Cook Book, 400 recipes, Caking; Powder Co, New etfc. tractive wife were among the late arrivals.

Judsift F. W. Henshaw and wife came with a charming party from East Oakland. Mr. and Mrs.

W. G. Henshaw also had a party of society people from East Oak- actor of a small da- gree, ttuted aoout tne layer penctiii home. Mr. and Mrs.

Arthur D. Thomson occupied seuts in the frout row of the dress circle. It was quite proper that the Mayor and his wife should be present on the opening night. Miss Gertrude Allen, one of the charm- VUth ward. WftS eveL, iug dress.

Miss Grimes an I Miss Ferrier have always been counted among the Four Hundred. Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kellogg represented the aristocratic portion of the Third ward. The choice seats of The Macdonough are undoubtedly in the front row of the dress circle.

Mr. and Mrs. C. wavs found among O. G.

Miller are al-the audience at a swell event. Car and Box was hardly the thing to presant to sacU an audience as that oi iast evening. Mr. and Mrs. T.

T. Dargie and Misses Edith and Ethel Cohea formed a party in the orchestra. The effect when the lights were turned on was very tiii. The audience displayed its pleasure by applause. Mr.

and Mrs. Victor Metcalf were accompanied by Miss Nellie Chabot aud Miss Josephine Eastland. Oakland maintained its reputation turning out ciitical and chilly audiences. Not a single song was encored. It is estimated that there was abont a 400a house.

That is not a very bad beginning for the new theater, George Fish said that Cavalleria Rusti- cana is the brand on a new fad in sardines, which open on 'the side. There was never such a turnout of carriages at a society event as was seen in front of the theater last evening. Charles G. Yale and family and Mr. and Mrs.

John M. Lathro? attracted considerable attention in I heir box. Mrs. George II. Wheaton and her handsome son George attracted the attention of many an admiring eye.

Miss Nannie Prather looked charming, as usual. The boys are a little envious Qf the young mau who has won her. Mr. and Mrs. rrank Krigiiam were there, of coarse.

Frank found a little time to discuss ilitical situation. Mr. and Mrs. George B. Seaman were in the dress circle.

Mrs. Seaman woie a black silk dress; diamond ornaments. Mr- aud Mrs. James Merritt and 'Mr. and Mrs- Myron T.

Dusinbury formed a little party in the dress circle Sigmund Beel was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. George L. Fish, who occupied seats in the front row of the dress circle. "What a pretty girl is Miss Lillian Strong?" remarked a broiler as he watched her father tenderly adjust her wrap.

"What brotherly love Robert Fitzgerald displays," said a society belle as she saw Robert accompany his sister to the theater. Mr. and Mrs. W. E.

Dargie, Dr. J. P. H. Dunn, Dr.

E. H. Woolsey, C. L. Dam and Miss Annie Dargie occupied seats in the Iron row.

TheCraminerthis morning said "Flarry Houghton awa icife" were there. There has been an earthquake in society over the announcement. The operas did not count very much last night. Nearly everybody came to look at each other and no attention was paid to people who stared. Phil Remillard noticed on the programme that the music for the first piece was by Sullivan.

I didn't know that John L. was a composer," he said, 1 1 i A. as ne maae a note oi u. Bob Miller, fresh from the political campaign, looked admiringiy at the gas effects and drank Napa soda between the acts. It's a good tonic, you know," he said to George Mothersole.

"Why, there is dear old Harry Hough-, ton," remarked one of the swell set as she saw Harry and his party enter. Doubtless Mr. Houghton wonld not feel complimented with being called old. Dl'l irr.K SEE i-j; 1 would show up rather strong nnder the electric lights at the Macdonough, It was not so. The lights were subdued.

I The sett that J. Meserve Brady has taken for the year was draped in mourn ing, ne was witn tne council readme about bituminized streets and stuccoed sewers, aud smoking Con Brosnahan's cigars. Ben Wyman delighted his young lady friends by again appearing in Oakland society. He was with his old stand-by, R. W.

Miller. "Only a few of us left," remarked Ben as he gave his partner a sly wink. The theater interior was perfumed by Garrett Taggert, the well-known drug gist, and tne irrateiui odor pervaded tne auditorium, not alone while the audience was assembling, but throazhout the evening. Parity, Strength, Absolutely the A resflded teespoonfid eX Cleve- BSSSSSBSSJSJBB 0 lMdXBakiflT des' score and tetter work than av heaping teaspoenfai cf any other. Ask voaxtrroceffora Cleveland and address te Cleveland I I I Mrs.

A. A. -Moore-, Mr. aad Mrs. J.

P. Moore, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mau, Mi's Annie Miller, Hurry East Miller, Mi. and Mrg.

F. A. Merritt, Miss Maxwell, Robert Miilcr, Mrs. James Merritt, William Meek, Mr. and Mrs.

G. W. Morrow, Miss Belle Mhoon, Charles Aloore, Mips Etta Miller. Major and Airs. J.

E. McElrath. Mis McF.irath, Miss! Annie --vicKee, iuias Aeiue aicivee. nam Bell McKee, Horace Miller, Dr. and Mrs.

Merriman Mr. and Mrs. II. V. Meek, George Martin, J.

McElroy. Bert Neland, Mr. and Mrs. J. W.

Nelson, W. 11. Nolan. Mr. and Mrs.

V. D. Olney, Mrs. Olney, Mecsrs. Osgood, Mr.

and Mrs. William Letts Oliver, Mr. and Mrs. J. K.

Orr, Miss Fannie Orr, Miss Maud O'Con nor. A. Olces, Mrs. Olces, Misses Olces, I A. Olces Jr, A.

A. Pennoyer, Mr. and Mrs. O. Pierce, Miss Pierce, Mr.

and Mrs. Priest, Mr. and Mrs. C. D.

Pierce, Marshall Pierce. Miss Nannie Prather, Miss Josephine Pierce, Arthur Pope, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Prather, Governor and Mrs. G.

C. Perkins, Mr. and Mrs. A. W.

Pattiani of Alameda. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Quinn. Mr.

and Mrs. Hollands. P. T. Riley, Phil Remillard, Mr.

and Mrs. Fred Russ, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Risdon, Mrs. Isaac L.

Requa, Mi-a Requa, Mark Requa, Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Remillard, Dr.

Richardson, Mr. Rodgers, Alexander Rosbor-ongh, MisB Jennie Rosenberg, Bernard Raneonie, Ernest liansome, Mr. and Mrs. G. W.

Reed, Dr. and Mrs. Charles Rodolph, W. Rabe. Mr.

and Mrs. G. B. Seaman. Mr.

and Mrs. Frauk Shaw, Dr. and Mrs. Schilling, Judge and Mrs. J.

A. Stanly, I .111 uuu lit IB. iUI a. uictti, Miss Starr, H. Shinn, Mr.

and Mrs. F. M. Smith, Leon D. Smith, Mr.

and M'S. Byron F. Stone, Mr. and Mrs. Smilie, Mr.

and Mrs. Standoford, Mr. Sesuari, Mr. and Mrs. E.

C. Sessions, Mia Sessions, Mr. Strong, Misaes Strong, Mr. and Mrs. Shiver, Mrs.

Seabury, Bert ct ITT OUllUl, If. ilXISB DUIUCT, Misses Schutz, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Sinclair, Prank Smith. Miss Bessie Shrieve, Miss Maria-Edna knell.

Dr. Sill, Henry Squire. Alex Stewart, Mirs Susie Smith, Miss Mav Smith. R. V.

S. Slooer, Mr. and Mrs. Egbert Stone, Miss Stone, Mr and Mrs. Charles bhatinca oi Alameaa, Miss Stella Standeford, Miss Maria Snell, F.

W. Von Sicklen, Miss Florence Starr, Miss May Sesnon of San Francisco. Mr. and Mrs. Tomieki, Mr.

and Mrs. lloohey, Mrs. E. P. Taylor, Miss Tucker, Mr.

and Mrs. Arthur Thomson, Mr. Touhy, Mr. and Mrs. R.

R. Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. A. C.

Taft, Misses Taylor, J. C. Thomas, Alvin Tarr. Adoloh Ulil. Misses Uhl.

E. G. Vincent, Miss Vincent, Mr. and Mrs. E.

P. Vandercook. Mr. and Mrs. J.

H. T. Watkinson, Mr. and Mrs. Westphal, Mr.

and Mrs. Whi'-j more, Mr. and Mrs. Henrv Wadsworth, Miss Vad8wortn, lienry wads worm Miss Bessie Wheaton, Mrs. George H.

Wheaton, Will Wheaton, George Wheaton. Miss Gracie Wade, J. C. Wilson Mr. and Mrs.

W. H. Weelbye, Hugh Wilson, Miss Gertrude Wevner, Clark Wise. FOYER FLASHES. What Was Seen in a Look Around the House.

The great society event is over. Miss Belle Crellin wore a pretty white dress. Mr. and Mrs. Frank J.

Moffitt were in i the house. Mr. and Mrs. W. E.

Bond made a very pretty couple. Miss Mollie Connera wore an evening dress of white. The Cotillon Club wss well represented in the audience. Pretty Miss Tubbs was the life of the East Oakland party. The Custom Hquse was represented by Colonel E.

B. Jerome. E. A. Heron and his pretty bride were noticed more than once.

Miss Stella Standeford looked attract ive in a drees of red silk. Commodore W. W. Blow and wife were among the early arrivals. It was a swell affair and not one of the Fonr Hundred was absent.

Harry Gordon asked if it was true that Mascagni wrote Box and Cox. Miss Violet Whitney was among the attractive belles in the house. Miss Nellie McKee always looks at tractive at a society 'gathering. Councilman Nelson and wife took In Box and Cox from the balcony. Miss Mary Snell chaperoned some of the ladies from Snell Seminary.

Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Prather are always among the first-nighters. Mr. and Mrs.

George W. Reed may be counted "among those present." The fover will be the popular place for the society swell to show himself. Mr. and Mrs. Welles Whifmore were among the Third ward contingent.

ir ir tt. si 7i t.j prominent seats in the dress Circle. Fred Merritt and his pretty! wife were anumg those in the orchestra "circle. Miss Floey Brown never more charming than she did last evening. Mr.

and Mrs. Eli Denison ami their charming daughters were in the orchestra. Mrs. J. IL T.

Watkinson aad Miss Josephine Pierce looked quite attractive. A. A. Moore and his entertaining daughter were with the East Oakland set- Handsome John Jackson and his at i i 1 Turiddu" ia beard singing a beautiralfHannan, Miss. Florence, Herrick, Miss Sicilian melody, which is almost a hymn to Cupid, because it is in praise of the charms of "Lola," whe has thoroughly captivated him.

"Turiddu" is thev son of a wineseller, "Lucia," and has just returned to the village from his military duties. Before departing he had won the affections of "8antosz," a village (hi, and the auditor is led te believe.