The Times from Washington, District of Columbia • Page 16

-h- --fej'''1'r THE TIMES, SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 818. 1( ntl a lro ed pany. To Colonel Haverly, more than to any other ono man, the American public Is Indebted for making; such performances the whirlwinds of merriment and melody they are today. Whatever Is new in Jokes, In music or In European noeltles will be found included In the program that the Ilaverly organization is to present this eek. In the personnel of his confpany Colonel Haverly is said to hayo fj-hibltcd great care, and the result is that he has surrounded himself with an aggregation of the foremost minstrels of the present gen-er-Hion It Is promised that the bver pro-grcsslve manager has not been content to offer the public one or two clever men, but has gathered- together an entire half circle of the ablest who could bo engaged on this side of the Atlantic.

Piomlnent among-the bright and shining lights of the IIaerly American-I'tiropean Minstrels are Hilly Rice, Arthur, Deming, John II. Blackford, Neil O'Brien. "Buck" Shcffer. II. Itogcrt, George Blackely.

Master Martin. George W. Ix-wis, Billy Lyons, John Daly, Wnlfiiirt" ltllijy, Eddie nT) ft TT A Tn1n. brutal level to which It had been de- -h-mii, jnnyTf -nmn graded, and In lllls cleatlon the entire charle, whJt'e Jonll -y. Early.

Joseph Green, Thomas Woods, non, diaries u. oreman, Moody In his repent New York revivals. Many of thetnewspapers In criticising tho Passion Play it credit, for being the most dramatic exhibition of the age dramatic In thCjSensc of the intense feror of the peasants who were photographed during an actual presentation of their sacred play. JTho accompanying lecture, hlch describes' ery movement and every gesture as tile scenes press before the eye, is said to a beautiful word painting In itself, and is given In a masterly manner by James J. Skelly, whoso delivery denotes his deep reverence for his part In Passion Play.

Since the entertainment was last given here many elaborate musical features have been introduced. Including solos by Blanche "Vow ell and Prof. N. DuShane Cloward, both of whom are well known In this city. During this, the second week of the exhibition, there will be presentations every night with dally matinees at 4:13 o'clock, the hour being so arranged that parents may bring their children after school.

Thanksgiving came last week goodly number of theatergoers their gratitude for tho many excellent offerings the year had brought them bj turning out in full force at the various places of amusement open for business And as worship of Thespis is generally accompanied bv the taking of a large collection, there is more likelihood that the ofiicia! chant of the temple today is "Get Your Money' Worth" than that equally devoted but slightly more plaintive hymn, "It's Forty Miles from Schenecta-lv to Troy Most of the local holies had well attended special performances during the engagements that have just nded, and their managers have, thcre-fon, even more reason to be jojful than is usually vouchsafed them. The pleasure-loving, on the other hand, mav feej that "thing1 were coining their way" la-t week, for a better or more eveniv balanced round of attractions could hardly be imagined while-one of the orgarizatiuns i-ltlng the city easily ov ertrpi-isl its rivals in point of business, the remainder were almost even in their profit-. Alice Nlcli packed tho Lafaye-tte to the doors nightly with Victor Herbert and H.iriy Smith's, tuneful Tortime Teller," the mo-t fashionable in Washington paying homage to the charming little singer Neither the National nor the Columbia did more than might have been Pipericd, though both kept well up to the average. Lottie- Hiair Parker's, remarkable New England Idyl held forth at the former place, while "The Bed. White and Blue' was-both exploited and exploded every evt-nlng in the latter Ilanlon's "Superb drew pleased anil mystified crowds i.f youngsters to its three matinee- and succeeded in proving by the attendance at Its.

other performances that after all "the child Is father of the man." The rnsIon Play pictures were rewarded with rail er meager attendance at the Grand, where an amateur lenderlng of "The Hula Girl" took place on Thursday night. At Kcnian's "The Widows" and at the Bijou a. vauf'oville show wtre viewed by large gaiherings. The standard of business high and well averaged A line of combinations thai will draw strongly from wld-ij-v tried classes promises wwll for the monetary returns of this wt-ei- Sol Smith Itus-cll comes to the National, as u-ual, witli a new. made-to-crdr wiitten by Charles Klein, and entitlml The Hon.

John G-gsb Mr. Klein rot "Dr. Bclgraff," which Is a prett god laranteo tliat the star's hic'e wiil b- all that It shojld Blanche and Mi MacDovvell bring their producioRs of Fanny Davenport'3 plays to the Lafayette-, presenting "Fedora" on Saturday night. "La Tosca on Monday evening and at the Wedne.lav matinee, with Antony and Cleopatra" for the remainder of the engagement. These dramas the work of VIctorlen Sar-dou were produced by Mi-s Davenport ii a manner that entitled her to be called "America's female Henry Irving," "and her snecetsors arc said to be bringing with them all the costumes and scenery used by her Colonel" Jack Have-fly's American-European Minstrels are to hold the boards at the Columbia, and a Davis and Kenh melodrama, "On Land and Sea," will bt seen at the Acadcmj.

Relllv ard Wood's Big Show comes to the Lyceum, with a vaudeville bill as Its rival at the Bijou Luck! atmosphere of the play Is slid to have beeen changed anil purified. Scarpla as a being of iron will, alternately master and slave of volcanic emotions, trag cally lenillc In his lutensitj, produced an impression totally different and as far removed from suggestiveness as Is the famous fourth act In "Vlrginius." This Is the "Tosca" which will be presented at the Lafayette. Tvdtira" is singularly powerful drama. Its Incidents are full of vital strength." and Its leading characters are forceful and most distinctive. While fa-inlllir to theatergoers, not only through Miss Davenport's fine portrayal of the pait, but also through that of Sara Bernhardt, for whom the play was written by Sardou, "Tcdora" remains a drama of rare Interest and one that is always recalled with appreciation.

Gustave Ver- Ole Tcterson and the Nichols Slsbsrs vi i WkA ZZ'-. 'n At-ndem-i "On Ijnml unit Sen." In Thomas H. Davis and William T. Keogh's new comeily-drama of life on the billow, and, so to speak. In the barn, entitled On I.ind and Sea," the Jolly tar who plows the deep and the steady toller who plows the soil arc brought Into association variuus exciting and ludicrous situations, both afloat and ashore.

The seope of tho plot Is said to afford opportunity for the consistent introduction of a tremendously realistic shipwreck scene, in which the master brush of John II. Young Is mentlotud as being splendidly apparent, and of a big working steam threshing machine, in which the most infamous of Imaginary scoundrels attempts child, whose e-dstence Is a menace to him." The Incidental inusle of the play is by Dave Bra-ham, a' fact that speaks most melodlous-1 for Itself. The Simla Soulier. Sir Russell Dequl. who claims to be the only white Mahatma in America, will repeat his wonderfully successful Simla Seance tonight at the Columbia Theater.

Those who attended tho entertainment last Sunday night are said to have been dumfounded at the extraordinary powers exhibited by Sir Russell, who read and answered over ISO o'f the most battling sealed questions Imaginable. There was apparently no scone to these queries. Many persons were advised about their stations in life, about business changes contemplated and concerning absent friends, while a number who asked seemingly unanswerable things were told about them in such a manner as to sat isfy many In the audience that the representative of tho Indian Mnhatmas Is possessed of a mvsterious power which enables him not only to read the past, but to divine the future. At the ierformance tonight. Sir Russell Dequl will add a number of new fea tures to the portion of the program immediately preceding the reading and answering of sealed questions, which will, no doubt, be of unusual merit and Interest.

Indications are that the theater will be packed, as the advance sale of seats has been remarkably large. He has evidently concentrated his Interest and given all his atregnth to the play's two serious people. Having thus created his gem, he has proceeded to give rit a setting that might seem to be larger Wltnout niuing tne stone anu ui-siticr wlthout overshadowing it. For this purpose he has Introduced parts and Incidents that are connected with tho main theme only by tho smallest thread and jet are entirely subservient to It. Tro expertness with which this has been done almost approaches that shown In l.ke works of the Trench school.

Mere development of opportunities was all that the cast at least ono wronged Cuban girl with black eyes and a ell, why war correspondents are of necessity made either idiotically brave or bravely Idiotic, wh" such efforts are never without an Irln sailor and a juvenile soldier, why the villain Invariably has an assistant, why tho Insurgent leader must be ap-prov-hlng his dotage, why but perhaps these things are the author's business. It might be considered pertinent to suggest, however, that unless commanding generals carry notaries about in tmlr knapsacks there Is no reason why all offi cial papers should bear red seals, and was necessary to the completion of the that an occasional smile before the last effort. Tho manner In which this has been accomplished will not have to be related to those who saw the drama and will not Interest those who did not. HI. VAC! At the Lafajette.

"Cleopatra" Is probabl a pleasant momorj to all who witnessed the performance last given In this city. Prom the first act of the production on to the verv last. Including tho great storm cpi--ode, a series of charming Egyptian pictures are said to be presented. The reproduction of Cleopatra's birge with Its crowd of svaing, adoring tigures, armed Roman soldiers and brilliant colored surroui'dings, makes a picture- rarely wit-nos-ed on the stage In thK as in the remainder of their reertoire. Mr and Miss Walsh will have the support of Panny excellent company oC play crs On Monday night the twin stars will appear in "La- Toca," which will be presented at the Wedne-div matinee "An-tonv and Cleopatra" is to be done on Tue-dav, Wednesday.

Thursday and iv nights and at the Saturday matinee will receive a single performance on Saturday evening Itrriinii Itcilly mid "Wood' bhuvr. Vaudeville at its best bright. Interesting and diverting Is said to characterize the Rellly and Woods Big Show, this coming week's attraction Lyceum Theater. Manager Kcrnan- pronounces tho combination one of Uie best In the land. Thirt -sev en versatile variety people are Included in iTs Vosfer.

There are the De rillpis. direct from the Clrco, Theatro" Oarlu, Mexico, in "Dances of the Nations," a positive novelty In this country: the three Melrose Brothers, with their rapid-lire of remarkable acrobatic feats; the three Dunbar SIsiters, from the London Music Halls; the Mortens, in an up-to-date American act; Bessie Lamb and her troupe of seven pickaninnies, in rag-time songs and darkey diversions; the six "Yankee Doodle Girls." in a concerted patriotic episode; the two Welon SIsiters. in a knockabout sketch entitled "Fistic Tun;" Frank D. Bryan, "tho man who writes the songs he sings;" Baker and Reynolds, tumblers and burlesquers, in a hodge-podge of queer things, and Pat Reilly in his latest song, "Rellly 's Pension," supplemented with his crayon sketch work. This roster Is one of the strongest ever brought to Washington, and the excel lent reputation of Pat Reilly for furnishing a first-class entertainment ought to guarantee for the show a good, bis week's business ISilIfinii'jr.

AVnrirrnpli. Tht continuing Interest felt in the moving pictures of the war demonstrates Itself at the exhibitions of the Edison War-graph, given next to the Columbia Theater. A number of new views have been added to the machines and have already grown into favor, that of a. bull fight having become especially popular. A photographic series showing a.

charge of United States Cavalry Is full of spirit and animation, while that of the hoisting of tho American Hag at Cavlte is strong and never fails to provoke patriotic feeling. Other fine views are enthusiastically applauded at each exhibition. The Wargraph offers a most Interesting record of the "late unpleasantness." THE PASSING SHOW. tii-i- I.afa-M'M I'Inuclie nut! Alncllovvell. With that portion of the theatergoing comnnuiiiv which still retains some appreciate for good plays and good acting, the announced appearacce of Melbourne MacDowcll and Blanche Walsh in Panny Davenport's productions of "Antony and Cleopatra," "La Tosca" and "Fedora" this week at the Lafayette Square Opera House Is likely to excite pleasurable anticipation.

When Miss Davenport first produced "La Toci" a cry of virtuous Indignation arcc from the press. Its truth was so glaring that without a dissenting voice the entire if I I At the Lafayette. work was vigorously renounced as positively bestial in Its Indecency. The actress herself was severely censured for lack of judgment and Indifference to moral and religious propriety, and although the denunciation seemed harsh, no Intelligent observer could say conscientiously that it was unmerited. The performance as given was passionate to immorality and convulslonary to seml-lnsanlty.

Frankly confessing her Disappointment, Miss Davenport was loath to believe that the offense given was Irre-meJIal. Some of the passages were eliminated, others were modified, but m-st important of all n. now leading man was secured to play the part of Scarpla. And. la, a transformation! With consummate skill and fine discrimination Me.boume MacDowell lifted the character from the iil Multli Itnssell.

An attraction of rather more than ordinary Interest will be presented tomorrow night at the 'National Theater In the first local appearance, of Sol Smith Russell with his new play, "Hon John Grigsby." The production was given Its premiere lost Monday in Philadelphia and evoked the most general praise, especially from the press In speaking of tho play and players the Philadelphia Public Ledger had to say: Kmitll Russell hw Ixs-t clcractrr in "Hon John the nev play by Ciarlis Mem p-wwded at tic Iiroad cfcct Tli-ati-r list evening lln amiable p-rtonality lias licrctolore liecn eiploitiil bv dramatists in ucli aa as-Rer-tcd ai to" deprive it of trc oic elrmrnt lu art 11 fo well fitted to rrni'ent. -Vs the Hon. John Cng-hv he i amia ble and litiiuorou. but a man of force as well. sol smith llu- ell disappear" In his place we have a character modeled, it mav haic been, after that of VI raliam Lincoln, al made lip by llr Ku--eU In a way to remind one of Henry L'lav.

The period of the play li the early 50s, the scene Illinois and the theme tl-e slavery quction lieforc the vvar in a border State. Hvcn the Is and it is developed the pruei tation of characters that have lx-cn drawn Ixm life. Irom firt to last the audience is interested in the talc and warmly xyinpjtbues with the principal characters. The play waa remarkably well presented for a fin-t iierfonnancr. Mr.

Itn-ell was at ml best, and exhibited force and intensity llluminatinrr the amialuIUy of his diepoMttcn He lias never appeared to greater adlantaue, nor co well succeeded in di-rni-inrr his Fanny Ad-dion Pitt gave excellent support in a trying iiart. that of ilri. Marsen llorcnec Rockwell, a lies Ronalds; James Lackaje, as James William 1 arnum, as John Grifr-hy, and Lila Converge, as elhe Ogdcn, were al-o cfiicicnt characters in the developm-nt of the story. Minor comedy chanctcrs were well presented by Alfred Hudson. William Sampson, Jacques Jlar-tin, William Cullington and Lionel IJarrymorc, and, though they amused the audience tl-ey were a little loo oui iouly used as speciaht, and interrupted the story, which in this play is the main point of intercsl.

John OrSc-by is an amiable Illinoi-i lawyer, whose clients arc chiilly poor people, for whom he seeks to obtain justice. Xlrg Ronalds who has offended the pol.ticians by teaching negro children, is persecuted by them, and John Ghgsbv undertakes to defend l.er. Mrs. JIarsen. widow, with desuma upon him, pars to have him nominated for judge ol ice supreme court.

He is proud of the honor wlJch he thinks has come to him un olicited, tut after his election find-; hinm-lf In the power of the politicians who nominated him for a consideration. Chance reveals to him that Meg- Ronalds i- the child of his chief enemy, James Ogden, the political ruler of Saginaw county, and with the powrr in ins hands to cru-h the latter, he di.pcn-c3 even handed justice, marries the persecuted girl find pairs olf the other lovers. The play is filled with human interest, and with Cbafagcs that mtv lie made with a blue pencil should become Mr. Russell'd chief attraction for this season, at least. It was realist! cally presented in a tingle scene and great attention was given to the minutest details of the costumes of the period It can never be made spectacular, but the stage presentation would by improved by transferrin the scene of the second act to some other place tlian John Ongs-liy's office.

Such praise from so conservative a paper argues much, and the likelihood is that Mr. Russell will do a banner business during; his vv eek here. Hijiill Vnilde-v Hie. The BIJou Burlesque Company will produce a legitimate burlesque entitled "Cyrano de Boot Jack," with a sub-version of "Tlie Indian" interpolated by a cast of comedians and comediennes. In this will be Introduced Mons Arnold Kiralfy, Mile.

Craska and twenty -five coryphees. The company has been strengthened by the addition of several new principals and a clever performance may be looked for. Mr. and Mrs. Neuvillc In "A Rehearsal with Interruptions;" Nat M.

Wills and Mile. Loretto, as "The Tramp and the Gay "The Casino Comedy Four," an entirely new act; the Whitney Bros, musical wonders; Foster and Lew in a bright little bit of nonsense, and many other people of like ability will complete the bill. Dally matinees. "Soiisn Ik ColniliB." "Sousa Is coming" aro the magic words now heard in many a town where the "March King" has and there aro few of any Importance that Sousa and his band have not visited. The annual appearance of the great American conductor and composer In this city has become a recognized Institution.

It is always regarded as the visit of a friend, irrespective of its artistic aspect for of all men now before the public, John Philip Sousa assuredly gets in closer touch with his audiences than any other. Probably Sou-sa's friendliness and cordiality toward his patrons and his unfailing liberality and courtesy in responding to oncore requests have quite as much to do with his popularity as his famous compositions and his magnetic conducting. Sousa Is unrivaled in his particular line. Besides his qualltles-as an originator, his training of a military band shows that ho Is a born leader of men. The same virtues that go to make a successful general are those that in a smaller scale make a successful band leader.

must bo personal magnetism. Infinite self-control, self-confidence, quick judgment and recognition of the value of strict discipline coupled with the ability to enforce. Sousa nas an tnese auvantages as well as a handsome and dignified presence. His or ganization shows the result. "The March King" guides his band as a wise general controls his army: He lo0ksupon It, not as a machine, but as a composite being susceptible of emotions tliat any one may feel.

Culuiiiliin Havorl' MIiisttclK. J. H. Havcrly's American-European Minstrels will be seen this week at the Columbia, and It seems no exaggeration to stato that tho organization comprises the very best talent In the field of burnt-cork comedy. As Colonel Haverly was one of tho leaders in minstrelsy half a dozen years ago, so he is this year, and the same high degree of excellence for which he was formerly noted Is said to have been attained In his present eom- Tlie Passion Piny, At" last the church-going people even those who are conscientiously opposed to the theater have -become Interested In an attraction which is creating more interest among this class oflocalltes than has anything of like nature in the history of the city.

The Passion Play's reproduction in moving pictures has met with a hearty reception here. The most prominent of Washington's divines have witnfessed and Indorsed the exhibition, many giving It credit for being the most realistic presentation of the "Story of the Cross" that humanity has ever known. The impression created, is said to have been so profound that parents, after seeing the views, are sending their children to the dally matinees In flocks. At the request of the managers of the Grand Opera Hou--e, the directors of the entertainment have consented to remain there another week. The subject Is one that all denominations have indorsed.

Monslgnor Martlnel-II and Cardinal Gibbous, after witnessing mo presentation, sent to Its agents their commendation In writing. Tho month be- The days of miracles aro not yet pass ed. Lottie Blair Parker, who wrote "A War Correspondent," Is also the author of "'Way-Down nast." Some two weelts ago. when The Tlmea found occvslon to say that James K. Hackett would never be a great actor, no end of exception was taken to the prediction and some llttlo trouble came out of It.

There were many who were eager to point out the fact that criticisms could not and should not bo supposed to stand In the light of prophecies, especially in a case where laborand study might make so many changes' for the better. But In return someone quoted various proverbs regarding the advisability of judging a man by his works and the difficulty of making a silk purse out of a sow's ear. Once In a generation that feat 13 accomplished, however, and when one takes Into account the differences between the vehicle In which Burr Mcintosh starred and that In which William A. Brady has sent out his excellent organization It seems that just such a change has taken place in Mrs. Parker.

Only, no person of discrimination would be likely to acknowledge that any forecast he had made of the playwright's future abilities was altogether wrong. Trom last week's programs at the National it would ap pear that one, Joseph Uristner, was responsible for the delicate operation that resulted In the manufacture of so good a pocketbook from such poor material. Because of the absence of any law to punish such an offender, tiiere Is in this country a strong feeling against men whose mechanical use of other people's Ideas Is their only excuse for forcing themselves Into public notice. Mr. Grls-mer Is the man who is reputed to have changed some three or four speeches in Paul Wllstach's farce and then had his named printed as being that of the offering's co-author.

Had Washlngtonlans never seen "A War Correspondent," therefore, it Is not improbable that the adapter's claim to some credit for 'Way-Down East'' would have been met with mixed ridicule and resentment. But as It was. localities had been taught by observing Mrs. Parker's other dramatic effort that not even a first-class, first-century miracle could have enabled her to produce the beautiful idyl of New England presented at the National. The author's ideas may be and undoubtedly aro good.

She has a fertile imagination and a keen realization of the possibilities in her stories. But she knows nothing whatever of construction one of tho most precise of the sciences and would, therefore, be totally unable to turn out so perfect a work as that which -I William A. Brady Is now giving. The rustic play not only Involves considerable skill in building but also requires a certain subtlety, delicacy and simplicity which has proven an insurmountable barrier to almost every aspirant but two James A. Heme and Denman Thompson.

Contrasted with "A War Correspondent" the later effort Is the offering of a century. In the one were notable only lack of purpose, bluntness of relation. Ignorance of method and absence of any cohesive qualities whatever In the other are a. definite story told with a definite end, a web and woof of comedy and atmospheric detail that In no way Interfere with the plot, an Intensity of dramatic forceTand pathos, a nicety of temperament and an exactness of construction that are not only admirable but remarkable. These are the causes that un derlie tho effect these the reasons why tho tale of 'Way Down East" goes straight to the heart and remains there, sometimes causing laughter and at other times bringing tears.

"A War Correspondent" Isor was a very bad play. "Way Down East" Is a wonderfully good one. Its force and power, its richness of humor and wealth of feeling are wonderful. Its situations and the manner of their building. Its episodes and the character of their handling and its atmosphere with the lack of digression that marks tho piece eleservo only commendation.

Down East" Is a master-work. Mrs. Parker probably wrote the ece as a sermon a sermon the purpose of which was proving that the man in "the case" is often more to blame than the woman, and that even those who have fallen lowest may rise. Such an effort was undoubtedly ennobling but it ecu hardly have-been entertaining, and peo pie refuse to pav for mere ennob'em nt at the rate of a dollar and a half a head. It is not improbable that the author ee-.

voted all her time to diffusing this them: through some live separate and distinct stories all of them abounding and other focjns of amateurism To continue with a sort of nnalv-ntIot that may be more unjust than wen attempted prophecy, these sub-taJc3 must have been placed In the hands of about eight people, to tins -foundation one may safely state that Mr. Grlsmer addjd Tho more perfect a thing Is the smaller may be that fault which mar3 It. There were four trilling matters connected with the presentation of Down East" that took a great deal from one's enjoyment of the piece. The first of these was the manner of type In which Mr. Brady's name was printed at the top of the program.

Tlrst came this line, then that, containing the title of the work, and finally ono telling of Its author. The whole bill was strong proof of the existing cheapness of brain and the present solidity or the stage on a purely cash basis. Mr. Brady is a hustling young boy, who has made a fortune by such artistic efforts as tho management of James J. Corbett.

Like most youngsters, he probably likes to see his name In print even when he has to Inform the public of the cost of the telephone messages he sends In order to do It. But, asldt; from his direction of a pugilist. and his success In coercing a leading dramatic weekly 'Into relating how much he was charged for his business conversations, Mr. Brady does not seem to have done any thing that gives him an excuse for putting himself above play, players and playwrlglrt. Not that this presumption argues so much the manager's lack of appreciation for their efforts as excess of appreciation for his own.

Had the vehicle produced been the work of William Shakespeare Mr. Brady would probably havo retained his start of the Bard of Avon by about three numbers of type. And William A. is not the only chap who does this sort of thing. Of all the means of Impertinence constantly thrust before one, none Is so disgusting as being told that some Ignorant speculator "presents" a star, who has spent her life In fitting herself for her work "presents" a vehicle written by some ono else, whose Intellect the manager has not even intelligence to understand.

After all, Zangwill Is not so far wrong In his ideas of the stage as some people seem to think him. The other faults observed were not so notable. The quartet of hungry farm hands which devoted Its time to singing before, during and after dinner was only half as ludicrous as the octet used In The Old Homestead" because only half as large. New Hampshire people must have their appetites under better control than their voices If we are going to believe what Mrs. Parker and Mr.

Thompson have to say about It. Phoebe Davies otherwise perfect performance of Anna Moore was made slightly Inconsistent by the rapidity with which she recovered from fits of Illness. Paddling butter is rather a laborious pastime for a woman who has fainted twice from fatigue and hunger only three minutes before beginning her task. Tor the sake of realism, too, it might be a good Idea to remove a yellow poster, marked "Theatre," from the bottom of the bench used In the drama's last act. The bill Is doubtless very useful to draymen who carry the production's scenery, but it hardly seems an appropriate decoration for an article of furniture In the backwoods of New Hampshire.

That Is all! act would not crack the heroine's face paint if she used a sufficient amount of cold cream under It. Then, too, the sou-brctte might not be forced to sit on a foot-stool while told the story of her life or that of some one else, nor does It look right to make officers polish their revolvers twice a day while In the heat of battle. People should be lost or captured occasionally without having to change their costumes for torn ones befo.c returning, for the sake of novelty the scoundrel ought to be Induced to take a tobacco cure and an examination of the five senses of a few of the good people In the play might prevent their being so constantly overheard or trapped without realizing their danger A little authority may some day be left to commanders outside of the cast Instead of the author making every captain In his melodrama supreme ruler of the country's army. There being no distinct class on the stage, society might not be offended if the hero did not Invariably marry the heroine, while the juvenile mated the Ingenue and the comedian proposed to the soubrctte. Men and women who could do brave things without telling of them, and pathetically asking to ba remembered after they were dead, last acts without soldiers and electric camptlrcs, official flags with the requisite number of stars, and uniforms that did not resemble those of conductors, might all aid In purifying the war drama.

Add to these things for the sake of realism, a few officers who do not serve their nation for love of It and good health alone, a dozen patriotic contractors and a few like characters, and one has the "meallo-dramar" as It should be. The changes are not difficult to make, and models for the parts may be found well, right hero In Washington. If the writer wants to save traveling epenses. PIUENDS OP LAST WEEK. No one can help feeling gratified at the success little Alice Nie'scn achieved here last week.

After her struggles and ambitions, triumph seemed only deserved, and he would be Indeed hard-hearted who could grudge the charming singer one particle of her achievement That Washington has echoed New- York's opinion of her there can be no doubt. Everyone In the city who pretended to be anyone went to the Lafayette during her cngagemnt, while those who purchased seats merely for the sake of enjoying the performance were suffitJently numerous to iiack the theater every night. There was not a complaint or a word of harsh criticism either from press or public. Miss Nielsen with her wholesome naturalness, her delightful voice, her chic mannerisms, her appearance and her ability won "everything in sight." She is now- established as a local favorite and will be welcome any time she chooses to return. Nothing mors need be ald of the star, her opera or tho production.

There can be no con demnation for any of the three and all that could have been remarked in their favor has been printed before. "The Red, White and Blue" was something of a surprise for Washlngtonlans, who had learned that the average war play was about as putrid a form of "amusement" as could be doled out to an unfortunate public. This work of an unannounced author was really possessed of Inherent strength and would have drawn quite as well as It did last week had this country never been obliged to teach the Dons a lesson In ethics. There was considerable real wit in the piece and a great deal of power not to mention Its powder. The story was concise and sharply told, the incidents unique and unexpected and the whole presentation one of the first class.

Manager Savago had staged the production, too, with a great deal of lav-Ishness and had placed It In the hands of an excellent company, so that the entire entertainment was really enjoyable. Of course, no claim was made that the offering would be found anything but a "thriller" and there may have been some mistake In putting It in such a house as the Columbia. But one can only judge an attraction by its own standard, and In tliat light "Tha Red, White and Blue" was certainly clever the cleverest thing that has visited Washington since last wo saw Thomas E. Shea in "The Man-o'-War's Man." The poor companies with which Shakespearian and rural dramas have been sent on the road In recent years are so well known that the names of many of them have become proverbial. Even James A.

Heme's roster has of late reached an ebb where the most expert in things theatrical might read the list carefully without flndlrg a sing'e familiar name. But this description does not ho'd kood with the organization which precnt-ed "'Way Down East" last week at the National Theater an organization from which one may not select individuals for praNe without doing an Injustice to their colleagues Undoubtedly the best of the people in the combination, however, was Phoebe Davies. whose ectlng In the role of Anna Moore was superb in Its depth, originality, detail and fidelity to nature. Miss Davies has been compared with Mrs. ITske a dozen times during the week, and, while this praise may seem out of all reason to those who have seen the star mentioned, it is by no mears meaningless or florid.

Without beauty- or even prepos-esslng appearance to aid her. Miss Davies Im pressed her audiences as local assemblies have rarely been impressed. She made her part the highest form of the combined real and ideal the embodiment of all that It was probably Intended to be a vivid sketch from nature. Forrest Robinson, whose work as Angel Clare In "Te3S of the D'UrbervIllcs." will be remembered, proved a manly and sincere David, while Odell Williams presented a character bit of unique merit in his 'Squire Amasa Bartlett. Sara Stevens, too, deserves the highest praise for the manner In which she Impersonated his If anil Louise Galloway -a sort of drau-between Gladys Wallis and Kitty Mitchellcharmed her auditors so that she came dangerously near ruining the part of David by making them think him a cad and an idiot for not falling in love her at first sight.

"city man" how unpleasantly that reminds one of stupid John Drew and tiresome "One Summer's Day" of Walter Hodges was very bad, but. then, heavy- roles are never played well, cxceptlrg when E. S. Wll-lard has them, which he hasn't for a long, long time. George Backus exaggerative but detailed; Felix Haney.

exagger ative but funny: Ella Hugh Wood, exaggerative but interesting; Frank Bell, exaggerative but almost perfect otherwise: and J. II. Bunny, exaggerative -ut humorous, formed the remainder of an organization that for individual ability and well-balanced ensemble work has rarely been equaled In this city. The company deserves success, and will probably continue achieving It. though, of course, it is delightful to ba back here.

My stay will, of necessity, b-j brief. Henry Woifsohn. who had charga of my bookings while I was before tho public, has expressed a desire that I may give a series of concerts while in America, and It is more than possible that I shall comply with his request, though only to a limited extent. New York and tho West will be the main points of tho tour. These will be the Hrst appearances I have made since my marriage, for, though I was on this side of the Atlantic four years ago, only my own friends heard perform.

My last entertainments were given in ISM. "Mr. Honland Is remarkably musical himself and, unlike most women, I havo not allowed the stress of domestic duties to detract from my profession. In fact, I have been told that whatever ability I may possess has been broadened and emphasised since my retirement. My own mother, who Is herself something of an artist, tells me that I now exhibit more restraint and repose than ever before, while there can be no doubt that my repertoire Is much more extended than when I left this country.

Very few- performers who have really 'settleel down' can ay that and we are not a little proud of It. "You want to know the hUtory of my work? Well, Its relation will probably not consume much time In the firi4t place I was born I'm not ashamed to tell this, mark you In 1S72 and took up, or was compelled to take up, music almost before I had mastered my alphabet. My mother was my flrst instructor and from her I learned tho technique of the piano and acquired a love for the violin. At the age of eighteen, I graduated from the Conservatoire at Brussels, taking lirst honors and Incidentally a go'd md-aL This period was followed by terms In Paris and Leipsig During my various epochs of study I have worked with such masters as Marslck. Faure, Grlgg and the Pole.

Gorskt. often playing their own compositions. My debut was made on October- IS, 1SS1, and I was lucky-enough to be almost Instantaneously successful. An engagement to appear with Seldl followed and then came a number of appearances In conjunction with many of the most famous musical organizations In America. Mr Woifsohn also booked for me quite an fxtended tour, which I completed with what seemed to be mutual satisfaction Altogether, three seasons were spent In professional work and then then I married.

I am out of the field now practically for good, as my local advent means nothing. I never play publicly In Paris and am quite satisfied with a domestic life." Mrs. Howiand a woman who would attract attention anywhere- She Is blonde of strikinr face and figure, and her presence an atmosphere of vivacity and enthusiasm. She Is evidently a thorough artist enthusiastic In her work, sweeping in her ambitions and earnest in her undertakings. The first of her local appearances will be made this week.

"I am the oldest young actor alive" quoth Richard Golden, the ballet master of "Tho Fortune Teller," the other day when questioned regarding his experience. "My days before the public must be reckoned from the time when, as a boy, I entered the sawdust ring without any other thought than the posiblllty of keeping out of school. That was In lS-X. althiugh nothing of Importance could have been put in my ellary before the May of the year following. My first season was spent with the Allied Mexican Snows and my next with the International Circus, both small concerns despite their high-sounding namc In the first of these I d'd rothlng and In the next I did everything, my specialty being the clog dancin; I had taught myself.

My life under tha canvas did not last long, and I suo-i found my-elf in the theater, doing musical work from the first. In the year ls'O I made my Initial appearance in comic opera, playing with a stock company at Lee's Opera House, in. St. John, New BrunswlCK. From that I drifted on through one thing or another until I struck my present gait "My final stellar tour cane oft last year and 'The Isle of Champagne" was th vehicle Used.

Notwithstanding the fact that the period was a bad one anil our management worse we made some money and paid salaries In the bargain two things that do not always go together. I h-ve not lost my ambition to star. In collaba-ratlon with a friend I have just fini'lied a- play designed for my abilities or 1 ck of them, and this may be brought to the front for my next effort. It Is a legitimate sequel to 'Old Jeel the rl oi which I produced in 1SSS. and In when myself anil try company made an immediate hit.

The work is not musical I -m thoroughly disgusted with burlesque and comic opera. Any fool can be funny ad the bigger fool the man is the more funny he Is likely to be thought- This comedy is 'straight' and It will either fal or succeed that way." fore this week's engagement, the pictures toured the State of Virginia, with Rev. II. M. Wharton, the great Bantlst evangelist of Baltimore, who assisted much both In character and characters: Still there was a great deal of luughtcr in the presentation that was not supposed to be there.

Peoplo with well developed senses of the ludicrous should be caieful to avoid comic operas and melodramas. This does not include the gallery deities, to whom a curtain line man's entrance into a new life, the practicalities and absurdities of which do not apply-to them. There Is a man in town who has been arrested three times in the lost year for beating his wife. Ife was upstairs the other night nt the Columbia and made himself conspicuous by his frantic applause of cv cry word which expressed the hero's detestation of scoundrels "who war on women." Not tho least humorous thing about going to such a production is in witnessing the appreciation of the boys upstairs for scenes In which virtue is triumphant with a calcium efCfCt. Even tho best of vvar plays are funnier than farces.

Of course there must bo In them a certain amount of nonsense to feed to the Intelligent public, but It does seem as though some of the old time Incidents might be left out of the efforts without serious elangcr of embarrassing the management. There ddesn't appear to be any reason, for example, why all the Spaniards In such an offering must be wholly and Irredeemably bad, while everyone of the Cubans and Americans should be possessed of a sufficient number of virtues to ruin the liquor trade. Nobidy doubts nowadays that a gooel Spaniard might easily stnrt a riot In an average audience, but then it does seem one or two of the best ot them might fall into the hands of mls-'rionaries and be allowed to repent of their sins bfore the final curtain thus establishing not only the rrot optimis Ic view of liu-nan nature but glvln-; a practical illustration of the workings of the foreign church system into the bargain No one has explained, either, why thi" bolef villain is always desperately in love with the heroine, why she rejects hl-n in scorn for the hero, why there must ba In Little May Boley. who was seen last week with "The Fortune Teller." is a Washingtoi girl andher success in stage work should inspire considerable pride among localities, vvnile her part with Miss Nielsen's company is a very small one, she plays It with all the ability possible and has ben the recipient ot a great deal of attention from those who have admired her cleverness. Miss Boley- was at the Empire Theater last season and It was the grace with which she accomplished a difficult solo dance there that first attracted the notice of Manager Per-ley.

who Immediately engaged her for "The Tortune Teller." Charles Guyer Is the best clown ever seen here with Hnnlon's "Superba." Not only is he active but he Is also able, while the degree of Intelligence he exhibits In his role deserves the highest conmnda-tlon. The privilege of watching Mr. Guy-cr's facial expression in crdeals of more than ordinary humor is alone worth the price of admission." It Is too bad that a man of Herbert Cavvthorn's talents should prostitute his abilities to the makirg of fun without any other merit behind It The role rf Boris, in "The Fortune Teller was don- and well done by Mr. Caw thorn, but it was also full of horse-play that s'emed strangely out of place In such surroundings and of coarse humor that smiccd in an unusual degree of the variety stag The broken German dialect a3 a meirs of procuring laughter Is about worked out. too.

and altogether one cannot help thinking that a performer of ths comedian's merit might have found his opportunities along different lines than those In which he seems to have sought th-'m. This is only a suggestion but Mr. Caw-thorn might do well to think It over It was Pnoebe- Davies who spoke and she had Just assumed a moderate frozen-to-death look for her appearance In the last act of "'Way Down EasL" The Times man had remarked that all the local papers had united in comparing her acting with that of Mrs Fiske. "If we two are alike." she said, it is only be--ause we both strive to attain the same ideal rature. I have never seen Mrs.

rNke work and so could not Imitate her did I so elesire However. I understand that her strong point is in detail. I havo studied hard in this part to be natural and am glad to find a few critics who appreciate that fact. Each little piece of buslne--s Introduced is the result of earnest thinking It is that which makes tha role stand out strongly ard not my personality The curtain had just dropped oa Monday afternoon at Kernan's when a Times man knocked on the door of the dressing room occupicel by Gilbert and Goldle. a pair of comedians who have been ma' in; ait excellent impression all over the country- In response to question concerning the best manner of attairlag popularity the senior member of the firm said: "Despite the epigrammatic rema of President Lircoln there Is nothing easier in the world than 'foollns all of the people all of the time." One sees tha verity of this statement continually In our business ard he must bow to It remorseless If he hopes to succeed.

Wla-nlrg applause Is not a diOlcu't matt-r, especially if one is content to get it is the result of the sentiment he expresses. Tfce average performer need not ev take the trouble to IooH up new stuK ths old jol.es will go In every city in ti.a Union. "There is always a police force to ba crieel down, sewers that reed cleaning, political paftlsans ready to cheer on the slightest provocation, and a large quota of laboring men. willing to enthuse over any remark against capital and capitalists. Those things are the st ick-in-trade of a comedian, and If he knows how to use them to advantage he need seldom draw on his reserve fund of real humor.

I don't know that I am wise In giving out that for publication, but well, you may print It, If you like. Our friends, the enemy, can do no more than mob us for it-ch. Walter?" TINY TALKS Leonora von Stosch. a violinist of more than national reputation, whoso home Is In Washington, Is spending a short time in this city, and will appear professionally before returning to Paris. The virtuoso Is now "settled" In domestic life, both she and a little daughter bearing the name of her husband, Louis Howiand The child was romping about the floor last Tuesday when a Times man called She Is a quaint-looking mite and the prospective Interviewer bent over to speak with her regarding tho things that usually Interest young ladles of her age nt this time of the year.

His remarks did not seem to produce any effect, however, and Mrs. Howiand explained that the "baby" spokd only French. "We have been so long- In Paris," she said, "that this country seems almost foreign, al- Gertrude Quintan Is a living contradiction of ehe allegation that good s.ngers Invariably make bad actors. Her terms here with the Castle Square Opera Company will be -remembered by the majority of localites. and no ono of them will be likely to question her ability as a comedienne after having seen her work in "The Red.

White snd Blue." Miss Quln-an herself is eiulte" emphat-c In her opinions on the subfc'-t- She says: "The remark that an ab'e worker In the operatic held eannot do well In the drama is ridiculous on Us face. One cannot be an 'able operatic worker without knowing how to net. Even in cases where the performer has had no experience lii stage work she has a handlcip over others who havo had no vocal pretension, for only men and women of Intelligence can sdng. and any man or woman of Intell'gence can act. Augustln Daly wa.s tho fl-st to provo that people could bo equally valuable In either line, and his example oc-.