The Times from Washington, District of Columbia • Page 4

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The daily tenv PAID circulation for the month of November, 1898. was 48JM6 copies. flw is gairaateed to the advertisers of the coaatrj br a bond of in the Fidelity and Jteposit Cotnpaa. of Maryland, deposiied with the Northwestern Katreaal Bank of Chicago. AwnsmsERsr gcaravtee oompaxy.

Ky J. K. MASON. President. TUESDAY.

26, 19M. Tlie Kliarlr if Life. Joan Ponce de Leon, the Spaniard who discovered Florida, and Us frult'eis que tor the tabled fountain of youth, are retailed by the amnmooenteDt from Par's. in London, that the elixir of Hfe has tejn dfeooTered at tiie Pasteur Iastit-ite. As the statements concerning Prof.

Metchni-tmcTs reported discovery are voqi a iRed mad the revelation is couched ia more er lese enthusiastic language, the wo. Id -will be InoHaed to took for additional informs -tinn nonre ruing this repertel scientific triumph with csasiderebte hope. According the description of the new ettxir furnished by an enterprising cone-ijiinaalnit of as Bnsrftt newtfaper, it eoa-sJnte of a series of lymphs which tend to inanjplj the various onmae. of the body with celts for the resisting TB Pasteur Institute discoverer ie said he at present experimenUcg with these jwruiri to flai die proper prepcrcon to be awad by injection for the arrest of deterio-wacOou aad the physical regeneration of the irintcrt portions of the human body. Although this bkhes from Paris rccatis ids several occasion when faZse hopes raised ia the hearts of suffering ba by the announcement that the uractotts secret of preventing and fighting been arrested from natuie is a disposition to give a ceitain it of credit to this disclosure until it has bees proved efficacious or worthless.

'flhe taafazre of Koch's lyaaph to combat can- wfcieh was deawastrated some aajo. makes the public doubtful of the virtue of anything in the way or serum whack, asay be by enthusiastic acien-tiats far the war againct disease, bat the than, baciterlotogteta the awatcats of bsdfly ii.s are earnestly timiiiij, txHor experiments and re- earehes. to a certain extent nentraiiiiU me skeptical opiaioa and affords even the oalimed doabter a feeling of satisfaction, Science has accompltefccd such wonders fiw past centory that no one feels to deetare that atythtng short of the reatoratioa of ie or the building of av aaectaaical device with brains win not ac acoraaptehed. AaaoBg one many marvels of an inventive afje, the progmam. of medical aetenee has keen, to am extent, unappreciated.

The in-aagfct into the gernt origin of human ail-1 matin, ad the attendant perfection of Tnathtaa so combat the eacmies at life have -r 9K attracted the atteataoet that they aeem-i deserve from the unprofeasianal the good of naakiad it ts to be hngaaf ttwt the aowa from Parts aaas and that the ptogreastve investigator at the Paatear laatatute has actually 41s- stertiag raaieity for tha re- of be physical atrocture. There a tine hi the Maury of the "world when sock, a boon was mora need-. The maltipMeity of remedies for all the Mta whteh neaai is hear, ami which tppartntly Hod seh. enormeus aaies that thefr proprietors become rich aigaiflea that hurryimrty of maacrn ways hi wearing laaaplo aot mater than nature Jntended. Although civilisation has been cautioned by those sUHed ia the deteetioa of the distressing tenduncy to live too rapidly, the pace aaiii tmabated aad men, like motor cars, are determined on rapid transit.

1PH.auatun.ly old pmaous are not a rarity sspwadays. The intellicent observer is compelled to realize day by day the veaulto of dm tendency to burn 'the caadle at both ends. What the ultimate aimilty will be, tmieao (here is a aalatary rrttorm, earn readily be conceived. Aa elixir of life would be a prime Mess-Su and, though, oba report that Prof. Metrhnlkoff baa found one may be ex- or even tmtrue, there is a belief that something of this efaar- wiU yet be made available by tri- lammhapt scientists for the physical saiva.

Aloavaf sufferiag ntankittd. The CoIIttK'Inii of Today. It said that eighty per cent of the who have won high rank in at Harvard are physically fitted eaacr the Army or Xavy. This is rather jwtw wHng, ew of the agitation naafaat athletiea, caused by some short- IhdMed people. It proves that a man need sot be a blockhead atmpty because he ie fairly good football player or oarsman, -jadL it atoo proves that the general interest ia out-of-door sports has been of tan oat to tha hard student as well as to iHlhma.

Ko aateh. aaadUioas aa this ex-Sated dfty years ago, and what is true of law raid ia prahahly true of most other daw cause of the outcry against these mis am. fastball ia. particular. Is that now oaf thaw a matt ia injured oa the field ami there have bees casus of death from such Baft there hare also bees stu- urtm died of brain fever, caused by appUeattow to Greek and matbe- and -re have been multitudes of van nose through life with ommtit uuocs permaaently impaired by hard taoik coileae.

with aerves so sensitive of if continual searoe of torture, aad 0.1P of the functions of the body i nmui; dlatiirbasoe. Is it any vc-se 'j onf-'a eatlarboae than to rJn Ia it ay more un-oleaoaat to br laid up for a month or two ylih e. broken log than to be subj-a for ten xeans to severe nervous headaches? There is a tendency on the part of over-ear efttipWente to ignore the fact that lack of exercise is responsible for quite as many ills in this iife as any possible recklessness iwisiiigjrom active habits. The jstudent type of our grandfather's time was the big-browed, pale, spectacled, anaemic, rspindie-legged stripling, with an aH-dtrouriag desire Tor books and very lUtli for his dinner. He it was wbtf was placed in charge of the intellect and morals of the community.

He was the the. schoolmaster, the arbiter of right 3tif wrong and a precious mess For generatTons it we thought that a white-faced, bis-eyed boy. with an expression like a Fra Angel.co angel must know just how to guide the consciences 'of bis fellow-men, and a crabbed, orled-up, bookish creature who lived In his library ought to be the best judge of what the psople of the outer world should read. That is one reason why there is so much useless rubbish in our theology and our school system today, though, owing to the exigencies of practical life, great deal of It has been shaken out. We are beginning to realize nowadays that a halt-developed, abnormal being is not necessarily a genius, though he may be one.

The student of today takes some interest in what is going on around hitn. and is apt to be as enthusiastic over current politics as over the football game. If the "Rough Itinera" had been gathered together seventy-five years ago tawir rairks would not have contained many college men. A Cremation Society. A branch 01 the Clgarmakers' Union in New York has for tea years made a curious provision for its deceased members.

By this provision any member may, when he die. be cremated at the expense of the union. The ashes of each deceased cigar-maker, are pt in a jar and set on a shell in the office. There are now fourteen of these Jars. The cremation is enrriod out by the Workingmea's Cremation Society, established by some members of Socialist trades unions.

T-here is not much doubt that cremation will some day supersede burial, at least in cities. The prejudice against it is purely sentimental, and without any reason whatever. The sentiment probably arises from J. oW in the resurrection of the body. 1m olden times it was thought that the happiness of a departed soul was affected by the resting place of its mortal tenement, and people were heartbroken if their friends could not be buried in conse-cratM grotiud.

This shadowy terror added to the distress of those who lost their friends by shipwreck, or in some accident by which the body was entirely destroyed. It ts pathetic, when one comes to think of tt, that the human race should have suffered so long and so intensely from griefs which had no foundation whatever. There is enough sadness in real life which cannot be avoided, without conjuring up all sorts of imaginary woes, one would think; but the unnatural conditions under which some civilized races have lived have had something to do with these morbid views of Hfe. If a man formulates his ideas of the Deity and the hereafter while suffering from liver complaint, he is not likely to make-up a very cheerful theology. The spiritual advisers who are responsible for some creeds seem to have had that or some other disease which prevented their loving their neighbors.

Hasrawer, a better and brighter time is coHirSg; when there will bo more reason- ajjjggn sanitary ideas reearclintr crc- rtSuosror we are beginning to nn- 'hjgrji, pf health. When, the He awe once gotten rid of the notion that it is "fieathenhju" to cremate- the irtai remnant of a friend and bury the ashes, and understands that a cemetery is, in nine cases out cf ten, in a city, the breeding dace of physical and hence moral evil, some of the real, not the imaginary horrors of existence will have disappeared. One of ths difKetilttes ia the way of cremation at present Is that it is rather expensive, and ft is unusual. Hence the usefulness of a Society like the one described. AH arrangements are made by experienced persons, and the expense is so divided up as not to bear heavily on any one.

cremation societies ought to increase con siderably in numbers and usefulness during, tfee next twenty-flve years. a the same time, it is not necessary to sacrifice anything that was beautiful in the old system. We need not dispense with our ceme-teries. Human nature longs for some definite place which it may associate with the memory of loved ones. Anyone who has visited "Sleepy Hollow" cemetery, where Emerson, Thor-eau, AJcott, and other Concord folk are buried, cannot fail to remember the beauty and peacefulness of the place.

It 13, as a churchyard should be, a restful place, with an atmosphere a little more solemn and quiet than that of other places, hut with nothing grewsorae, uncanny, or depressing about it. After cremation the ashes should be buried in some such spot, set apart by the city or town for this purpose, made as beautiful as may be, and free to all. The poor pfiould not be haunted by the grim visten of "Potter's field" or burdened with an expense which they can ill afford. The dead, at any rate, should be free and equal. ISnrmini Iticus of AVorriliip.

Like other English and Scotch gentlemen who have visited this country, the Rev. John Watson has some rather decided views about America. Tils observations as published concern themselves largely with the Church. He thinkn that American congregations are too secular and too much given to the worship of material things, and he does not bellcro that the bouse of God ought to be made a social club. While in this country ho received a card from the Young Men's Christian Association, which read in this way: "DO NOT FOUGHT "The next Social.

"The next Candy-pull. "The nest liaterUkiBnieMt. "The next Song Service. "Tiie at Uoapel "The aeft MietiiMj of the Debating Club, Cbiikpn-pie Dinner. The nest when your ought to make- the Secretary happy with your cash." TJhen he- goes on to describe a modern evangelical service in America.

He- says that when people go to meeting they greet their neighbors jauntily, seldom bending the head In prayer; and there is a hum of gossip throughout the building. Then a man "bustles up to the platform without clerical garb of any kind," and the service follows. At the end of this the mlniator asks toe congregation to attend a supper at which there will he turkey, oysters, and ice-cream. After the sermon the minister hurries dews, from the pulpit, and stands shaking hands with people and "getting off good things." In short, Dr. Watson thinks that the popular preacher of this country is mora a clever platform speaker than anything sacred.

There is a great deal of justice in all this, though spme Amorican religious bodies are free from the objectionable features meatloned, and few carry them to an TEE TIULES. M'ASHWIW, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1899. extreme. It is time that the religious circus should go out of fashion in this country, for it if does not, the rising generation is likely to lose all re3pect, not only for forms of worship, but for real goodness. Any religion so mixed up with social devices, politics, electioneering, flashy oratory, and irreverent cant, us the preachura of some of our congregations suggest, will not win the favor of really earnest and honest young people.

That is a good thing, for if there were not enough honesty in youth to resent a sham, we might as well let the country go headlong to destruction. Nothing could stop it. When a young girl goes to worship, and thrills at the magnificent rolling music of the Psalms, or the splendid denunciations and invocations of the Prophets, or the transparent truth and henuty of tho gosppls, as read by the clergyman, and then hears some of the mean, uncharitable gossip and scheming which goes on in the lobby, small blame to her If she doubts the honesty of all communicants. When a voung man attends service to please his father, or his mother, or his wife, or some one else for whose genuine goodness he has respect, and hears a clergyman preach mere platitudes; and when he finds that this same clergyman is cfatiecially tender of the feelings of some rich old hypocrite, because that person contributes much money to the cause, the young man is not going to believe in that minister, if he has even, an average amount of common sense. The early history of the evangelical denominations in America was that of a' police force.

They were the great restraint of a pioneer population, and they generally went too far. Sometimes they abused' their power. They practically declared that all amusements which amused wero wrong. They tabooed dancing, card playing, and the drama, and tried to crush out novel reading. One by, one these bulwarks went down, but their skeleton still remains.

Hence the effort to make the temple into a social club rather than allow young people to seek any innocent amusement they wish, and keep their fun and their religious emotions separate. Talking about religion, at inopportune times and places is not leading a religious life. There is nothing wicked in a dance, and nothing contrary to human nature in a prayer. The Braznell, mine horror, in wjiicli from thirty to forty men lost their lives by au explosion- of accumulated is now said to have been due to the "abandonment of the safety lamp 011 the order of one. of the officials.

If this is true, there has been a criminal disregard of the law, and somebody ought to be punished for it. While the despatches indicate that the miners were willing to discard safety lights because of their inferior illuminating power, this does not excuse those in charge from the responsibility for the frightful loss of 'life, if. as alleged, they deliberately 'broke the legal requirements. If the men in the mines lacked the common sense to use every precaution for safety in a dangerous occupation, it was contributory but it does not absolve those who are. supposed to have a higher' order of Intelligence and who are expected to insist that the laws shall be obeyed.

An investigation of the Rraznell mir disaster may throw light on the matter and teach an excellent lesson, if mining laws are to be disobeyed with impunity It is to be expected that there will be a suc-cessioa of horrors similar to that which has brought numerous poor families to grief in the Joyous holiday season. There has been no material change ia the South African war field, or, if any move has been made by the opposing armies, it has not been The prevailing impression is that the British will attempt no further forward movement until Gen. Lord Roberts has the scene and is ready to inaugurate a new plan of attack. Boer operations would indicate that there is no intention on thepart of the burghers to assume particularly offensive tactic, but that thoy are straining every nerve ana sinew to prepare an impregnable barrier against the prospectfre- British advance toward Bloemfontein and Pretoria. A.

Stern Xuuujtslty. CFrom the Jndwnagolte Ncur.) It is just as newcwfryfH- the country that there should be an eppomnr parly as governing party. The moment there is weakliest! the former, there is insolence in the latter. With iintmtency in thp 'former comes tjramiy and cor-ruirtion ia the latter, and tho country suffers. If the Deinooralh: party kuve vuhIwh, instead of sfK-Jiciim; a winter ot discontent, it will spend one of meditation ami -peaue'maltiiifr; instead of grinding hatchets ami fcarpeiriHg knives, it will be fartenifig the calf and cultivating tlie olive, so that when the year of action name- it shall be read- to give best account of itself.

IM'ciMitttire (From, the Houston. Post.) The House has voted on the Itopublh-aii caucus gold mamiard bill. It did not stampede the Democratic party nor mark its retreat from the chops of biinilalliwn, as was predicted by few new.paiKrw that keep wobtittng' back and forth letwee the Kemtbacan and neiiiocratii- parties. XeithT has tho supporlinjt vott of Democratic members presents! that deflection from Democratic party unity on the money question for uhirh the lie'tubHcanj preta lias prayed and over which it ib now working- up a few dUconUnt -ind preiisiture cwkle. Tin: Si-iii i-l'n 11 ic.

tiie Xahvi(ie- This Wall fctreel flurry has done the country a service in accentuating vnly the ifani'era, but a.rso the weaknesses of truwtx Hmi Mpfculntnc combinations. It a gratifying fact that the recent collapP of speuuIaTivo values had little iierceptihlt- enact fi the country larffe. There in nrolMbly no previous record where tiie value of wo lurk'c volmiie of tfceiiritiea took. iudden and precipitous a tumble without producing nen-eral disturbance in all branches of 1 nisi new; I'MllInir Army Vm-mu-IcH. (Prom the Philadelphia ltceord.) If the expanded army is to be made an efficient ofTeiuiive anil defeiwive agency of the Republic, rather tlian a refuge for the wards and underlings of micceHcfiil iMiliticiaus, men trained in the modern art of war should be given all due preference when commissions hhall be handed around.

Military operation have become an advanced ami dlllleult science under the pressure of latter-day inventions of improved war material. Alt ITulinppy Iltlity. (From the Chicago Xena) Studeata of Use University of Chicago and Columbia Cirivendty are to debate March fi next the subject, "Resolved, That national regulation of corporation tending to capitalistic monopoly is uinie and irwXeIient." It is unfortunate the debate could not" have been arranged to tube place earlier. Ah it tlie country miiit wait a0 bet it can till the question is definitely settled. (Iiijusr Censure.

(Prom, the Albany Journal.) How can it he said that Kiigland i carrying on a war with conquest and Hibjitgatiou as its ptiqMMe? That charge can never lie justly laid against any nation unless it is the Kggrcsor. lie it rememtieieu tbut the Traiihvaul is tlie aggressor in thia war. The Hoer Government sent an ultimatum to Kngland embodying- demands with which it wax iinposbible for the PHtUfh Government to cotnplj. The alternative of compliance was war. "Wen flier StntuteK.

(From the Kansas City SUr.) Senator Hoar's ami'iidmcnt to change the date of the Presidential inauguration from early to early April, in order to secure better weather for the event, reminds one of tlie rural legislator's hill to hae spring begin tlie first of Feb. niary, in order that tlie farmers' feed for stock tugj.t uut tuu't'L. the winter. AT THE THEATRES. I Sir Henry Irving: mill Ellen Terry In "ItolHnlerre." Maximilien Robespierre Henry Irving ClRrisSe do 'MahK-011 Hllen Terrv Olivier Uairv Stanford AuRiistin Robespierre D.

Daviss llenjamin Vauglian W. I.ugg I-elws mine S. Hearn ('itun Charlfu lcke H. Just Tairuvflith Old DupHiy Clifford Bown Simon Utipiay f. Atrlier Maurice Duplay K.

Haves Ilillaud-Vrfrennat Charles Garry 'Ihiirioi h. Car.rtin Iiurcnee Irving Pouehc Charles Dmlawort De Rroglie Charity Vane Clwrles Ieguny Behnore Klder Uguay. Mr. Frith Marie Bwtriae Irntn Madame di N'Hthonne Maud Milton Her Little Girl Tarrin Ami Many Others. AVith the sharp, ominous report of a pistol canie a sudden cessation to the dreadful pandemonium half an hour.

Men. whor fit thn richt of thfl stnvi lind been struggling and shouting for recogni-1 tion were salent; men, who, at the left of the stage, had been joined in a frenzied attempt to drown all other voices, were still. Dirsctly in the centre, a circling, swirling, clamorous, gesticulating mob dissolved aiyl revealed a group of three a suicide ait'd two women who loved him. This terrific' climax to the vfolcnt turmoil 1 that had preceded it rendered nearly need- less the lowering the final curtain. The master of 'playwrights had hidden in the last sentences of his great story of "Robespierre" those Iooked-for words.

Tho End." The brilliant throng in nt-tpndance had listened to tho brief ac- knrwledgment which Sir Henry Irving had made In token of apprecia.on Tor Its ap-j plause, and at thi3 culmination it passed through th dears of the National im- urcFsed. thoughtful, even mystified. In the privacy ot his dressing room, the actor tnay have considered and, considering, have understood that the heartiness and warmth of the greeting tendered had constituted the most genuine tribute ot admrratiorr yet paid him in this country. Save only for that first night in London, when stalls1 and pit and gallery went wild with enthusiasm, his- production of the SardotL drama had evoked no reception more spontaneous or sincere. The com1 mendatton bestowed had not been the result of ignorance or of inexperience, for Sir Henry's marvelous prosentation is but the apex of a monument built to mechanical and literary skill by Richard Mansfield and by others equally capable.

It had not risen from sympathy. The success of "Robespierre" has released its sponsor from the difficulties -that besot and threatened to overwhelm him a year ago. Those who witnessed the performance had been the most Intelligent and still the most fashionable of the Nation's Capital. They had cheered because they had appreciated, and for no less creditable reason. How thoroughly interpreted and Interpreter deserve this praise must be learned by the audiences that will see Sir Henry Irving during his week here.

In "Robespierre" these gatherings will find and examine Avhat probably is the strongest product of a man who has prevented the French from regretting that Shakespeare was an Englishman. The play Is a marvelous handiwork; the conception of a wonderfully pregnant mind; the embodiment of craft and genius. Taking into account the necessities of his purchaser and the limitations of his material, Victorien Sar-do has contrived to construct a truly effective example of cunning and power. "Robespierre" has all the complexity, magnitude, unity, atmosphere, and character that lend to such efforts Immortality. It touches upon even one of the emotions and.

in that touching, calls forth the sharpest pangs of horror, sympathy, pity, dread, anger, love, and passion. "Robesp'erre." briefly, is a metaphorlc fabric woven of supreme skill and deep-rooted comprehension of humanity. These qualities have formed the web and woof of the cloth; they have- given it eaoh of the attributes essential to the ultimate retention of an, output of Its kind. This undjerstondiHg of Sardou's is responsible for an. interesting and debatable liberty wb.fgn.the author has taken in his handling, partially, of the events and, mainly, personage which he has borrowed from history.

The Robespierre presented by the dramatist is not the Robespierre, of fact, and the life of the footlight Robespierre is not the life of the Arras advocate pictured by Carlyle, Mlra-beuu, Bailly, Tarbell, and contemporaries who have sketched the cast and scenes of that hideous tragl-comedy which now Is called tho French Revolution. The resultant dispute can. hear only on the need for i.uch distortion; there is no doubt that the end more than Justifies the means. Schiller and Shakespeare and even, the satirical Sheridan were- neither too scrupulous nor too literal for precisely similar remodeling. The Elizabeth of the first writer and the Gloster of 'lie secoiKlare most obvious evidence bentnd' this assertion.

Granted, then, that tho monstrously inhuman and fanatically adamantine individual who rose from the ranks of the Jacobins to fall back again into the seething political sea of 1791 was an impossible object with which to win, at least, the commiseration and, through such a sentiment, the attention of audiences, Sardou 1ms lost all reason for explanation and is right in permitting hlm-fcelf to be judged by what he has produced. But tho difference between the two Robespierre. Deverthelefcs, is worthy of longer study than can be prompted in this space. One finds It difficult to realize that both are the same. That greatest of word prodigals.

Thomas Carlyle, exhausted the resources of his well-nigh boundless vocabulary in exhibiting to posterity an egotistic, narrow, cowardly, hypocritical, ineffectual weakling whom accident placed in a position of power, from which his rule was that of tyranny and conscienceless cruelty. "That greenish-colored (verdatre) individual wiih endless ambitions and small understanding" so Carlyle pointed him out "grew in favor with official person, who could foresee an excellent man ot business, happily quite free from genius." And this portrait, taken before the fall ot the Bastile and the succeeding events, is endorsed not only by Mirabeau and Dtt-mont and the clear-headed Arthur Young, but by Bouillo. who, in his "Memoires sur la Revolution Francalse," alluded to the would-be dictator In terms so strenuous and comprehonslve that the summary must stand vividly in tho brain of its reader ever after. This was the Robespierre who, mounted almost to absolute omnlDotence became a fiend incarnate--a vain-glorious, 1 iiiaiiow, cmngerous aspirant the most apparent demagogue of a time that bore such other complete demagogues as Barere, St. Just, and Coutcn.

There can be no mistaking tho "incorruptible" the Robespierre of history. Sardou's creation, which Is by far tKo dominant and all-absorbing feature of hh play, proves quite a separate being. When "Robespierre" was done in New York, the facetious and nfthcr Irrelevant Alan Dalp mentioned Sir Henry Irvlng's character.za-tion as "a pleasant old gentleman, unlike the Vicar or Wakefield." Of course, so flippant a comparison Is absurdly Inconsequential. Tho Robespierre who was introduced to last night's audience was merely tho real Robespierre sugar-coated. Tlie man still Is a posing, voracinusv sanguine horror.

But he has becore less monster and trc human than ever efore. His cruelties are perpetrated and his "reign of blood" continued In anticipation of a period at which supreme and unquestioned, he may command serenity md Running toward what he be llevos a necessary and Inevitable goal, he throws aside the 'obstacles in front of him only for fear that he iay trip er tsem. He has taken to himself a ml ess therefore, ho has been capable of passion; Yc demonstrates dread and anxiutty over fo prospective fate of mother an 1 son therefore ho Is capable of love; he suffers often from romorse, therefore he is not wholy heartless. Sardou's Robetpiorro, briefly, seems generally terrible, but not infrequently tolerable. Tho drama against tho background ot which this all-'lmpprtcnt and drm nuit u-dlviduallzatlon'has beon projected, in many respects.

Is tho most renmrkab that as graced the stage. London and New Yo It critics were agreed that the p-o'uet' is more a spectaclu than a play. From casual observation, the statement appears ami yet, when one delves deeper, is aot. Tho thread of tho story has not been carried straight from logical beginning to inveterate end, but has been deflected eoma distance to this side, perhaps for scenic effect, or to that, probably with the idea of giving Sir Henry greater opportunity. A'ovortheless, this self-same thread is both and elastic.

It may be stretched, but it 1 emalns. unbroken. The pictures composing the presentation aro numo.ous ani -arioua, but their subject Is identical, and. being drawn, Cineoraatograph-ltke, beroro the vision, they resolve themselves into Hfe and motion of a single set of characters in a single setting. Tte structure bttilded for the offering Is a unified.

sequential one, composed of strong dramatic Incidents, each of whicb tears that directly before it ami all of which, approach a culminative climax higher and more Imposing than any that have preceded It. Victorian Sardou 1ms used no scant amount of matter that was not altogethei iudispensable; he has used, none that is without its influence on his work. Thus the observer may comment tha the entire second net might he omitted and tho piece remain explicable may oven term that portion of the tragedy simply sumptuous and brilliant padding. He grows to realize, however, that, without the first view of tho two included, the spectator could claim iailure to be Impressed with the horrors among which the author's cre mations move and which have not been equaled since days ot Nero or of Tamerlane; grows to realize that, without the second, the auditor hardly could get a full Idea of the "glowing ardor" and "cool ferocity" with which lhi3 Frenchman, like Coleridge, endows Robespierre. The same understanding will come with contemplation of any episode in the completed drama.

"Robespierre" Is a legitimate succession of powerfully pregnant spectacles; an atmospheric product In which, as in "Cyrano de Bergerac," the force of suggestion Is paramount: a histrionic vehicle that, though not to bo favorably compared with "Thomas a Becket" or several like efforts, is quite worthy to stand alone. It is a triumph of word painter, not of sccn6 painter. The tale opens by the way, in the Forest of Montmorency, where Clarlsse do Malu-con, with her niere and her son, has taken refuge from the manifold terrors of Paris. Tho boy, Olivier, Is learning a trade, and the three live happily together. Benjamin Vaughan, of tho English House of Commons, sent from, his party with a mission to Robespierre, strolls into the wood, and, while waiting to keep his appointment, sees Clarlsse, whom he knows well.

There ia a conversation botweeit the friends. Vaughan discloses that, in looking over certain records, he has discovered Olivier to have been borne out of wedlock. Clarisae confesses that the records spoke truth, and, the coming of Robespierre prompting her. adds that the would-be dictator is l'ather. Robespierre had beon secretary at her house, they had loved, her shame had followed, and, despite his willingness to marry her, tho plebeian had been driven from the door by her aristocratic parent She had written, but Robespierre was ambitious even then, and had not answered.

Th 3c things told, Clarlsse returns to her cottage, and there enters the man of whom all France is in dread. The political conference -coraos to naught. Vaughan walks away. Robespierre remains to meet a picnic party, the promises of which have led him to name Montmorency as a rendezvous. Meanwhile, secret agents inform him of the acquaintance between the Englishman and the women.

Fearful that either may have-earned of Vaughan 's errand, he orders their capture. While the tvrant and fills guests are preparing their lunch under the trees, the pleasure-seekers hear the screams of Clarlsse and of her ward, who have been seized by the myrmidons. "What is that?" asks a girl, stopping in the act of garlanding her host. "No consequence," replies Robespierre. laughingly pinching her chin.

"A couple of Royaltsts have been arrested." After an intermission, one sees Clarlsse and Marie Thexese, her niece, in the prison Port Libre. Olivier searches for and finds them- tMere: lie is witness to eount- less cruelties watches tlie female tenants applause established that fact The com-monnting an improvised scaffold that they Iany had four curtain calls after the first may acquire ease for reaching the real; 1 act- an(t might have had more but for the hears read a list of che condemned, and Intervention of William J. Le Mbyne, who motes the unspeakable horrors following. stepped forward to wish the assemblage a A wife, having her husband torn from her. merry Christmas.

This enthusiasm was makes avo.wal of loyalty to the King that notable again after the second scene, when she may ds with him; a soldier who JIr- Behtsco himself found it necessary to thinks himself called, is confronted by an-1 make a nervous, grateful little speech. other man, who lias stepped forward, and Tnere was further commendation when the takes the place of his namesake; a. mother I 8nal curtai" had fallen. Briefly, the peo-is separated from her infant child. Olivier pIe wno came tober yester-evening at maddened, goes forth to the square "de la.

the Columbia considered "Naughty Robespierre is the centre of i tuony" a delightful dessert to a holiday a spectacle not unlike that historic affair uHner antl not enarr in expressing of January 8, 1704, at which the would-be dictator burned James David's pasteboard fctatues of Atheism and Ambition to dis- dose Wisdom. The former advocate ia surrounded by a cheering throng. Olivier denounces liim and is carried oft. By thesd1 stages tlie auditor is brought to tho meat marvelous portion of the play a portion in which Sir Henry Irving'a genius flares triumphant, and blinds the eyes to the magnitude of all other things. Robespierre has the prisoner brought be fore him.

A search discloses letters, and, from tihaae, the captor learns that the captive is his son. The by-standers are sent from the room. Robespierre has known that anxiety for his mother was the cause cf Ollvier's boldness; now he knows thai the woman he has loved Is in terrible danger. He endeavors to find out the place of her confinement. Olivier, dreading that tho tyrant will use his information in quest, of vengeance, refuses to speak.

Robespierre pleads, insists, begs, threatens, implores. The lad Is obdurate. Finally an accident gives the agonized, man that for which he is seeking. Olivier, heartbroken, faints. Tenderly the father bathes hts temples, and then, realizing that sudden pardon only would bring suspicion, recovers his wonted harshness as the soldiery enter to take the boy away.

The episode is wonderful it Is wonderfully acted. Apprised of their whereabouts, Robespierre rescues Clariss.e and Marie Therese from Port Libre and assigns them quarters In the Rue du Martrois, wfoero the following scene occurs. Ho sends an em-misary to contrive tho escape of Olivier. Tho messenger returns without fulfilling his errand. And, as tho tumbrils pass down the street on their way to the guillotine.

Maximillens Robespierre and Ciar-Isse du Mnlucon, reunited la their terror, look through the bllnda in a happily vain effort to recognize their son. Falling, the "incorruptible" bimself undertakes a round of the prisons, and, at the Concier-gerle, is surrounded by the ghosts of his victims. The Incident, reminiscent of the tent affair from "Richard III," gives opportunity for Just such marvelous work as Sir Henry has done before in "The Bolls," in "Eugeno Aram," in "Louis XI." and in The spectres glide Into tho room from every conceivable corner and crevice spectres ot Marie Antoinette, of Charlotte Corday, ot the King. They horn in tho cowering murderer; they point long fingers at his hidden head; one prophesies his condemnation. Then all fade.

Tho lights aro raised. Robespierre, shivering and terror-struck, leaves the place. Tho final act finally reveala the hall of the National Convention a glorious stage picture. Tho apartment is amphltheatrlca. given on the right to platforined desks, and on the left to elevated seats from which in the low light, rise the figures of a hunirro oddly-clothcd delegates.

The majority o. these men, enem'tos1 to Robospkrre, hive planned' his ultimate fall. They have fixed to decide on his execution. If he plead command If he but speak, his words a to be drowned in the general upioar Olivier stands, pistol In hand, leady to ki 1 the tyrant should ho succeed in making himself beard. And then comes the supreme moment of the drama.

Robe pierre finds himself caught In this trap. He 1 accused by demagogues. He would an swer but cannot gain recognition. He is vilified and cried against. Still he cannot reach the speaker's- table.

Tallien cal for the convention to pass judgme-t Robespierre held from the position reserved for those who address the asteni- Wage, pasta himeeiC Cm the floor an sersame bit la vain: Tte schemes of the hostile edtotnitteaa are te ing carried out. The convention has be-cotne a clamorous, frenzied, tu.buieat mob. Its members rush about vaddenedt aad shout at the tops ot their voices, Women in the spectators' gallery shriek like demons incarnaee, OfBcfcfls rap Eoisily with their staves. The preeideat rinse Ma be 1. Robespierre, overborne, foresee his doem.

Having unloosed the Man. he finds, aa dk? 1 Bailly and Lafayette before his, net 01 east tne Drute cannot be restrained, bu. 'with Louis, chat it catrcot be re-trained from rending him. Hie face ia put to the vote; he is And th ke.e once more, Sardou takes Mbertiw history the fallen idol soatefces fioji coat a weapon, lifts it to his hand, fi.ea! In an Instant the roaring crowd is huabel. Clarlsse benda over the body.

Oiivie. comes from his corner. The piay is ended. After all tbia. it seenu unnecessary to repeat that Sir Henry Irvlng's charade -izatlon merits the highest praise; it is sot amenable to criticism.

He grasps the complexity of Sardou's creation In the fut.est interpreting with, eompraaensiveaasa aad understanding that, in themae.ve, amoua. to genius. There is an atmosphere about his entire Impersonation that mere readily felt than Running the gamut of the emotions throughout the production-, he finds the opportunity for tee completes! display of his power in three scenes first, that at the window of the roeni in the Rue du Martrpls; second, that in the prison of the create t. that with Olivier. Wit this last irr-Honed1 is shown that fine art and boundless technique for which Sir Henry always has noted.

Nothing more spCemlid. more magnificently adequate adorns the annals ot histrionic history in this our try. Ellen Terry is a severe dhwppcintment. The role of Robespierre i the only one of importance in the play aad Miss Terry has little to do. but it cannot be claimed that she does that little as might a scare cf our cwu leading women.

The writer, who- had the pleasure of witnessing the performance in London, considers Harry B. Stanford a much stronger and better Oliver than was Kyrle Bellew. Laurence Irvlng's Tallien is appropriately fiery and I (Missioned; Beatrice Irwin is a sweet and convincing Marie Therese, and James S. Hearn is a striking Lebas. There are sixty-one other speaking parts and none of enough prominence to deserve mention.

All are well done. As might have been expected, the scenery is massive and beautiful; the costume appropriate, and the mob effects handled as no other actor ever has been able to handle them. "The Merchant of Venice" is announced for Friday night, until whieh time the bill will be "Robespierre." Columbia "Xangltty Anthony." nthony Depew Frank Worthing Adam Build wTHiaan J. Moyws Zachary CtriHhtgtof Wnsiam Ktten lack Cheviot. Wyntajte Mr.

lleurted Cbuda CitHnarwater Mr. Brhthara V. Wilkes MhB Rhtkett Fasny Young Cowley Bnmintr Knox SmnmI Edwards Kd- Tynan Mrs. Zacbary Und Harrison Hear Maxy Barker Winnie Oiire ftedpath Cora Btaaefae Bates Hidden away La the pagan of old almanacs among ether ttane-hoaeted. adages, the diligent antiquarian, ia search of knowledge, even now might Bad instruction that "the proof of the pudding is in the eating thereof." This line of ancient composition doubtless was resurrected yesterday and probably served aa consolation for the presiding angels of various culinary departments.

Since it bag been brought to light, it can be made to do double duty in describing last night's performance of "Naughty Anthony," the new David Bel-asco play done for the first time on any stage at the Columbia. Chef Belasco may recall the proverb in reading this review and be solaced. There can be no question that the fashionable and intelligent audience gathered in Luckett 4 Dwyer's house enjoyed the offering from beginning to end. Laughter of a kind too hearty to prompt suspicion of simulation and seneroua of lull Critically! Vhen Mr. Belasco-primaHy aBunl his intention of constructing aa cornfi3r' ho, to-or urenjiui mej anew ine ilUHUtliORS ot Ue man, felt crestfallen.

The author of and of "The Heart of Maryland" aad of "May Blossom" had never suffered a conspicuous defeat during bis labor-filled Hfe- but he had never attempted a farce and he had rarely attempted to work along lines laid down by himself. This anxiety oa the part of Mr. Belasco's admirers was not lessened by his averment that his unborn brain-child was to be a strictly humorous play: it was heightened when the press agent came forth with the statement that the piece had. been called "Naughty Anthony." That title suggested short-skirted ladies, deceptive old gentlemen, dreas suits, champagne, French, balls, and the "can-can." Certainly it did not presage a product of dignity and sterling worth. So, thus given to doubts and threads, those who termed themselves the writer's friends-waited for last night.

It is to be recorded that a majority of their fears were realized. "Naughty Anthony" has no short-skirted ladies or deceptive old gentlemen. Orchestral Conductor Minster did provide a bit ot the "ean-can," but only by way of an overture. Mr. Belasco's ideas proved exceedingly novel awl his story laeks reminiscence in a surprising degree.

Despite this, however, "Naughty Anthony" brings out salaeiousness and suggestion quite as unpleasant as might be laid to the most condemned of the season's importations. Between the young husband of "Mile. Fin." who was caught with a piquant damsel on his knee, and the canting hypocrite of "Naughty Anthony," who insists upon hosiery model showing him her ankles there can be Httle choice. Neither was realty nasty; both are disagreeable. Tho faults of "Naughty Anthony." nowever, are not so trifling as thisv T.

chief error seems to be a totaJ absent of anything approaching wit or ingenuity; of oven that dignity which one expects f.om a farceur whose cleverness renders It nel less for hlra to depend on clap stLks for his success. There are no clap sticks In "Naughty Anthony," but the humor is decidedly of that variety. Small pseUa-e is made to the attainment of aueh coa plications or situations as might inspire mir n. The devices substituted ara suea aa may te had in their original and' uadllute-i form from any burlesque troupe oa the road. A hungry man, obliged to watch the supping of others, surreptitiously snatches a bite of food and.soak3 It with the cox.t?nts of a bottle.

A woman comes' to take a son from her teacher, and replies facetiously to his question The entire present a', on, smart lines and careful character included, is of such a nature that the ad-itor finds himself constantly antiepating a chorus of betighted girls and a teaor From the viewpoint of the critic who to deal only with the mechanical d-tails of the play, "Naughty ia aardly more perfect. Three or four wel -built climaxes there are. but rhe pi ce acks congruity and continuity In a fearf 1 'egree. The thread of the story (3 btok into several strands whleh ttray unc l-ined, and appeared to require the One set of individuals is nelsg continually substituted for another interest, oie -eries of event is pushed forward in pla of a preceding series, one cf motives keeps tang ins; a comprehensive combination. Tteere is an apparent striving for a tha' is never reached.

The author does not i-lertce his making for a visible goal- he anders sadly and always Thee fai is Vi'h tht tictssne length 01 the- piece most wholly counteract the effect sistent character sketches aad brtgh a- The story of the farce proved most simple. Anthony Depew. a prates)? ot meeal culture, who has attained a tor strictest virtue in th vhtnona town af Chautauqua, falls in love wHh hosiery model, named Com. and is "deviled into ktesipg her publicly. He ts deter c.

I a policeman, and, being asked for his nana. gives that of his landlord. Adam liidri. I'pon this the afnreswM atadfnrd promptly at arrested for eh heinem offence perpetrated by his tenant. Mrs.

Sudd casta iim off and matters are looking any th log 3ms pleasant when Cowley, aa amateur Hawk- shaw, proceeds to Investigate on his na behalf. The result of this bungling it a wholly Inexplicable mixture. In which everyone ia eonfaaed with everyone else. and the entire cnat falts under of having indulged in oeenlatory exer. iso in direct defiance of the moat of Woe htwa.

SventnaJty. aftntro aee atraisdKcned oat. andi She carte, feint or the usual oomplemeift of usftted ami reunited couples. Aa has been said; thai theme ts no kept eotwrtetently- view, servtea; chiefly a sort of hook on whtrh aee hung varum bits of bohHerans business, and a ry few really ingenious episodes. Tfe "ire certainly seems to pos3ea little that tfd commend it to rhe inretHavnt sp-nacw.

Nevertheless, to repeat tnia. last mgif audience was intelligent, and htsr net's audience applauded. David Belasco may eventually twist rhe material into an arna-tic hit of great proportions. The apir of the comedy or the prestige of us uthw may win far It a run in New York it. aa presented yester-evening.

"Naughty Anthony" cannot honestly be terme-t a brilliant or a satisfactory wv.rk. 1'he Times would hesitate to prophesy an. for it. The company employed undoubtedly the best ever brought to Washington in an offering ot the sort Ita actfag, though excellent, largely notable through elm feet that most of its members are cast for parts the like of which they hate orvar attempted before. Both Prank Weitthing and Blanche Bates are sew te.

fiseee. intl both, do exceedingly well, one in the role of the professor of moral culture and the other in that of the hosiery model. Mr. Worthing's generally obvieae maantir-tenw are nearly hidden aad his eftecta suffer only front a trifling monotony. Ufa grey hairs concealed under a red wig; WW hun J.

LeMoyne manage te play the unfortunate Adam Budd ratendfcUy. while Albert Bruning's amateur detective. Saaanei Kdwards' conscientious policeman. WfiUam Elton's gay old man, and Braadoa Tyaae'a office boy hardly could be hapreved nnea. The Jack Cheviot ot Charles Wyngate aad the Hoytian Committee of Claude CiltiBg-water.

E. P. Wilkes, and Fanny Youog; ara above reproach. Chacmiag Olive Rsdpath. known to Washing Urn through "The Fseuch.

I Moid" and "The Girl Prom Parisi." te a decidedly Axebie Gutnish-looking maid; ami a very clever one; Mary Barker and? Maud. Harrison are adequate ae Mss BihSL and Mrs. ChflMngtoa. raspeetiveiy, and fear weave small parts, are ereditabiy fiWod. Anthony" oxsensivelr mounted.

Lnfayotte 'Tne PngKer anil th Croi. Htraerda Smdnluw Robert B. Mat, tall Ciovamn 'AUleOo. ypksr (Father Loicnm. David Hcubea deaa Bovm Sir George Talbot John r- ro Dakitt.

Franiu mbnv Hkdfofd Jamrn MP Fmnceaea Jtane Kifcse Mary Talbot i.wce FrwiMvo 1 vuh. Mm Bobba Blanche a MrsL Clegs UiitU Robert Mantell, a player of acknowledged ability, who ia seen altogether too In Washington, yester-evening at the Lafayette Square a-craired mam- 1 admirers and cemented old-time irnr-shipa with his admirable rendering of The Dagger ami the Cross." which is A-Tramayne's adaptation of Joseph Hauoa's familiar novel. The house programme la responsible for the assertion that th piece a romance. In. all verity, the newest of Mr.

Mantell'a offerings seems really a tragedy, located in romantic environments a tragedy strong, in its theme a. id situations; splendidly worked out. The story, as developed Ra Ave ars, concerns' the aeeieaMen exacted: over Franceses, the wife of Roubillae, a painter, by Zillettov a sculptor. These is a. n-tinctly sombre tone running through drama, the bright lights being, te evidence but rarely.

The star's management has been lavish in the matter of scenery, costumes, aad the many minor details tha; gp to make up a complete production. "The Dagger and the Ocas" affords M5r. Manteil manifold opportunities Iter for; ilto work, and of these, he takes Itift advantage. His efforts at both performance? yesterday were regarded with so match favor that he was repeatedly brought before- the curtain. In the snppeatmg east are several notably clever pceato.

W. J. Bowen. Jobs C. Fen too.

Franc dsulmi, David K. Young, G. A. Stryker. SHwte Beoth-Rnsselt.

Blanche Xniiltaw. Ghaaee Fraaklin-Lyaeh, and Martha, BaalaufB oaaar oose the list of these, and tho mapacisp of them are thoroughly ereditahie. Xwmmt matinees. Grand Vaudeville. Despite the sadden rawness of weather and the' vigorous church ceaspettthM, three good-sized audiences were in attendance yesterday at the Grand.

Ihese gatherings seemed thoroughly imbued with, the spirit of the period, moreover, far a thn morning performance- one- waited oaar naif an hour before the lifting of the ckurtain, and at the afternoon another chtjw ftiHy forgave the management far removal or substitution in three acta the providers of which had been unavoidably detained, in this case, however, virtue proved its own reward, and the gatherings were reeom- i pensed for their inconveniences and lonsea by being permitted to witness what un doubtedly 13 the most entertaining, performance arranged this season by Batrke Chase. The programme provided Is without a single discreditable "turn." the five offered at the matinees being counted among the beet in vaudeville. Between these it would be dUHcnft to decide whether first honors should be given, to Maud Courtney, Mr. and Mrs. Perkins D.

Fisher, the "Streator" Zouaves, ae Howard's ponies. The equinee are ike ealy workers in the list mentioned that hay aot been here before. The likelihood, is that their return date will be set for the near future. A finer looking or more thoroughly trained lot has never been brenstht to Washington, even the dogs and the monkey assisting; showing unusual InfeHi-gence. The specialty is decidedly pleasing and will be much talked abcut.

Xiaa Courtney still "sings the eld songs" ia the sweet, sympathetic voice that originally won her so many friends at the Grand, and the "Streator" boys repeat their inspiring drill, maintaining their rapid cadence, absolute unity, aad flawless manual. Jfr. and Mrs. Fisher, as ever, are daiigncfal. their brtttiantly dainty sketch, "The Half-Way House," serving as perfect vehicle for the graceful acting of the womaat aad the quaint impersonation of the man.

The Btegrapb threw new pictures or a acme as a climax to yesterday's matinees. KeriiHiir AI Reeves' Conijmiiy Al Reeves and his supporting, organisation yesterday proved themselves a ttttina; Christmas attraction for Manager Km nan's popular theatre and audiences whieh endeavored to sit two in a seat wttaaaastl what is probably eae of the beat bttta ee fered tbl3 season at the Lyceum. A fas, tuee of the performances was tha render ing of a comedy. "How Green Groat Ripened," in which a number of mock beaowned aids furnished the sataaadM This was followed by a minstrel trst part furnished by real eeiored folk. That ana cialty contributors were Celeste and Bnylfa acrobatic dancers: the Wel-'h Biothetai boxers: Richmond and C'emeJita, called! "The Lady and the Tr imp.

Th "teher and Bell, singing soub-. tt -s Ip Mkamavanr. voealtst: "The Katvintili uu' ami Al Reeves htmse'f Kmjo Tint programme was concluded with a musical po poiirri. "Vlmiial Dewey iu wh. the entire company participated..