NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1717, 25 January 1905, Page 28

NOTES BY “LORGNETTE.”

It is said that the chorus of Mr J. C. Williamson's Repertoire Company is in many respects superior to that of the Royal Comics. New Zealand playgoers will soon have an opportunity to judge for themselves on the subject. Mis 9 Susie Vaugnan, interviewed, says: “I haven't seen an Australian actress in Australia, nor one Australian born, who impressed me with her powers. If they ask me about going to London for the stage I say, take ‘Punch's’ advice, and don't. It's ai fearful struggle, even if you have talent; and if you haven't talent, your heart will be broken in a very short space of time. Girls on the London stage are buffeted from pillar to post; from post to pillar. The competition is wellnigh murderous." “Lorgnette" can name a few “artistes" (?) who have been importeu with a flourish of trumpets not one of whom was possessed of enough talent to brush the boots of quite a number of Australian and New Zealand artistes. During her recent visits to Australia and New Zealand Miss Vaughan must of a surety have worn a pair of darkened, spectacles. Mr J. C. Williamson's Repertoire Company produced “H.M.S. Pinafore" at Her Majesty's Theatre, Sydney, on the 7th inst. The performance proved as great a success a<s its predecessor “Patience." Miss Alexia Bassian, the new prima donna of the company, created a decidedly favourable impression as Josephine, and with Mr Frank Wilson carried off the honours of the production. In noticing the performance the “Town and Country Journal" says: —The second production of Mr Williamson's Gilbert and Sullivan season took place at Her Majesty's on January 7th, when a successful revival of “11.M.5. Pinafore" took place. This popular nautical opera has obviously lost none of its attractions in the eyes of playgoers, and a crowded and enthusiastic house welcomed the> performances of the principals, chorus and Orchestra, with prolonged applause, many encores being insisted on during the evening. A special interest was added in the debut of the new Josephine in the person of Mis 3 Alexia Bassian, wiiose high mezzo-soprano voice and cultivated method soon established her position as an artiste of considerable attraction, and well-trained skill. The rest of the cast proven amply adequate, Mr Charles Konningham showing himself an element of etrength as Ralph Rackstraw; Mr Howard Vernon being warmly welcomed back after his serious illness, in his old part as Sir Joseph Porter-, while Mr Frank Wilson increased the good impression he has already made by his sound acting and pleasant singing, as Captain Corcoran. Miss Celia Ghiloni made a buxom “Little Buttercup;" Miss Aggie Thorne was a dainty Hebe: little Irma Caron made a successful debtit as the Midshipmite, while tiny Challis Burnell made a charming little sweetheart for ber; Mr Charles Danby, as Bill Bobstay, and Mr Ernest Fitts, as Dick Dead-Lye,

were cordially welcomed on their return to the stage; while Miss Enid Boyd made a hit with her song, “Off to the Rio Grande/"’ Mr Henry Bracy directed the stage with his usual skill and tact, and M. Leon Caron conducted the orchestra with excellent judgment. Mr Claude H. Whaite was at latest advices acting as touring manager of the Melbourne Concert and Operatic Company at present touring Tasmania. The orchestra at the renovated Sydney Criterion is to be provided for in the manner carried out in some of the English, American, and Continental theatres; it will be placed out of view in a “well/’ the conductor alone being visible from the auditorium.

Grossi, the Marvel, who shortly tours the Fuller circuit, is described by the Australian press as being one of the cleverest illusionists that has ever visited Australia.

The action of Miss Olga Nethersole in inviting an audience of '‘deadheads” to a performance of “The Flute of Pan” and asking thedr opinion on it is likened by an English paper to giving a number of persons a free dinner and then asking their opinions of the menu. In either case the guests would be very ungrateful if they did not say it was good. Referring to the now common practice of *'boo-ing” at first nights, Mr Arthur Bourchier has recorded hie opinion that a first night audience is quite powerless to make or mar the fortune of any play. During the forthcoming Sydney season of the Royal Comic Opera Company “The Duchess of Dantzic” and “The Cingalee” will be produced. When are we to see these plays in New Zealand? The Taylor-Carrington Dramatic Company commence a season at the Auckland Opera House on the 13th February.

Fitzgerald’s Circus commenced a season at Auckland last Monday evening. Mr G. H. Snazelle, who is playing “The King of the Cannibal Islands” in Mr Robert Arthur’s pantomime of “Robinson Crusoe” in London, obtained his engagement in a rather peculiar way. He had Lis photo taken in Kong Cocoabau’s gala costume, which he obtained while in Fii ' and happening to show this to Mr Arthur, the latter at -once suggested he should take the part before-mentioned. “Done,” said Mr 'Snazelle, and the compact was signed on the spot. From New York comes the news of the death of Fanny Janauschek, the famous Bohemian actress, who died in America last month. This artiste, who was born at Prague in 1832, became leading lady at the Frankfurt Staclt Theatre when only 18 years of age, remained there until she was twenty-nine, and then starred in the various capitals of Europe. When she first appeared in New York (1887) she acted in German, but on returning there in 1873 she played as Medea and Mary S'tuart in English. Old Australasian playgoers will remember her as an actress of commanding power. Her talents were displayed here in 1875 in the parts named, and in Leah and Lady Dedloclc. Unfortunately her season clashed with that of Ristori, who was also visiting Australasia, and the Italian actress triumphed, Ristori’s popularity, splendidly supported as she was by the Majeronisi, was extraordinary. In April, 1876, Janauschek opened at the London Haymarket Theatre, where she was not successful. Mr Charles Warner was her juvenile leading man. Strongopposition was again the cause of her failure. Theatrical records tell us that Rossi was at Drury Lane, the Williamsons, from Australia, at the Adelphi, and Joseph Jefferson at the Princess’s. Mme. Janauschek settled permanently in the United States, where “The Doctor of Lima” was her most popular piece, but at the time of her death she had retired for a number of years. December Ist was noted as the centenary of the first London appearance of Master William Betty, “the young Roscius,” whose childish performances caused an excitement that has never been equalled. He was only twelve when Pitt adjourned the House of Commons, so that members might see Master Betty as Hamlet. Betty lived to a great age, and died in 1874.

Howard Vernon’s operatic experience began with Wm. Lyster, with whom he scored his first success as Myles na Coppaleen in “The Lily of ICillarney.” Later on he toured New Zealand with the Alice May Opera Company. After that a tour in India a.nd then England, where Sir Arthur Sullivan offered him a part in “The Sorcerer.” He declined the chance, and returned to the Elast with his own company, Avhere in Japan, India, etc., ho cleared JMO a night. Then he returned to Australia, where for over 25 years he has been a prominent operatic personage.—“Newsletter.”

The Woods-Williamson Dramatic Company will disband after the impending Gisborne season. Mr Alfred Woods and Miss Maud Williamson have decided to try their luck in the land of the wooden ham. In one of the theatres of New York (avers the “Sketch") they have been playing a piece which certainly carries realism to unusual lengths. In the third act of the melodrama the villain attempts to poison his wife-, but mistakes the glass, and so poisons himself. As the villain dies, a detective jumps from a stage-box on to the stage, and accuses the wife of having murdered her husband; from the opposite box the mother of the wife springs on to the stage and rushes to her daughter's assistance, while from a third box the real wife of the villain accuses the wife on the stage of the murder. Meanwhile, in the gallery, a hov has taken a photograph of the crime, and, sliding down a rope into the orchestra, proves by his picture that the villain poisoned himself. But that is not all. To give the final touch of realism, a lady faints in the stalls, and another member of the company, made up a,s a, doctor with a long white beard, administers restoratives to bring her round.

The courteous dress circle janitor at Her Majesty's Theatre, Melbourne (Mr Turner), has been in Mr J. C. Williamson's employ for over eighteen years, barring a short period under Mr George Musgrove. He was one of the Eiureka Stockade crowd, and it is said sharpened the dikes used by the defenders of the st ockad©.

Messrs MacMahon’s Dramatic Company, which is headed by Mr George Darrell, will commence a season at the Opera House on Monday evening next, the SOth inst. The initial production will be Mr Darrell’s drama, “The Sunny South.” The company which supports Mr Darrell is a strong one and as quick changes are to be the order a successful season ought to be the result.

The Knight-Jeffries Dramatic Company brought its Wellington season to a close last Saturday evening with a performance of “The Lady of Lyons.” A sensational divorce case is promised in Australian theatrical circles shortly, a well known actress being one of the principals. Mr William Anderson hag been inquiring for dates for a season at the Wellington Opera House. Judging from the list of bookings for the ensuing twelve months he will find it pretty hard to get any to fit in with his engagements in other towns.

The musical comedy drama of the “Broken Melody” is the first attraction to be introduced to New Zealand playgoers by Mr “Pete” Hughes. M. Auguste Van Biene, the celebrated actormusician. is now on his way from England with a specially selected company, and will open in Auckland on March 27th. The tour will be under the direction of Mr George Musgrove. Mr Frank Wilson, the new baritone of the Williamson Repertoire Company, was educated from cnildhood in Paris, and is the only Englishman for a long period of years who has been trained as a singer at the Paris Conservatoire. Always enthusiastic about music, Mr Wilson’s first stage appearance as a youth was at the Paris opera in Romeo et Juliette,” when Mme. Patti made one of her last appearances with Jean de Reske. Young Wilson then paid a sovereign for the pleasure of walking on as a super. After experiences in the silk trade in France and Germany Mr Wilson entered the Chartered B ! ank of India, Australia, and China in London, and whilst there was recommended by Mr Charles Santley to enter the musical profession. The famous baritone gave him a letter to Mine. Viardot Garcia, in Paris, and that great teacher advised him to enter the public competition for entrance into the Conservatoire. The young singer failed, but having thrown up the bank, and studied in Paris for a time, ho had better fortune, and won four years’ free tuition at the great national school. Ambroise Thomas wag then director, and the English student’s various masters were lyelirie, who createu the part of Jose in “Carmen,” Melchisodec, the famous operatic baritone, Edmond Duvernoy, and Giraudet. During the latter part of ins study Mr Wilson sang both at the Colonne and the Lamoureux Orchestral Concerts. After leaving the Conserve toire the young baritone went to London, and began bis career with small parts in grand opera at Covent Garden, his first appearance being as the Duke in “Romeo and Juliette.” At the end of the season he was engaged by Mrs D’Oyley Carte as principal baritone of her No. I. Sullivan Opera Company on tour. He remained some six years under her management, and also spent fifteen months in Sbuth Africa with her company during the Boer war, singing nearly all the leading baritone parts in the series. Miss Jessie Huddleston, a fine artiste, was principal soprß.no. On his return to London Mr Wilson was engaged for Mr Seymour Hick’s production of “The Catch ol the Season” at the Vaudeville Theatre, where it is still running, and he only resigned his part in order to gratify his love of travelling by a tour of Australia.—Sydney “Morning Herald.” Montgomery’s Entertainers commenced a six nights’ season at the Opera House on Monday evening to a splendid house. The entertainment is a real good one and ought to draw well.

Mr George Stephenson’s Musical Comedy Company will play a return season at the Wellington Opera House, commencing on the 17th February. During the seven nights “The Rose of the Riivieria” will be staged one night, “The Skirt Dancer” two nights, and “The Dandy Doctor” four nights. The season can only extend over seven nights as the Company are due to re-open the Sydney Criterion on Easter Saturday. The Knight-Jeftriee Dramatic Company commenced a four nights’ season at the Christchurch Royal on Monday evening last. They are due in Dunedin on Saturday night.

I have to acknowledge with thanks a parcel of theatrical ptibkcations from Mr A. C. Innis, bookseller, VVillis street. Mr Innis is. I understand, making a specialty of theatrical literature. The package contains “The Australasian Stage Annual for 1905," published bv Mr W. A. Crawley and printed by Messrs John Andrew and Co., Sydney; “Table Talk Annual for 1905." a Melbourne publication, printed and published by Messrs FJdgerton and Moore, of 241 and 243, Flinders street; “Favourites of the Footlights," compiled by Mr W. A. Crawley, containing 20 autographed photographs of celebrated artists. It is published by the New South Wales Bookstall Con’ pany, and printed by Messrs Johu Sands and C'o. The three hooks mentioned a&ove are really fine publications, and reflect credit on all concerned in their production. The Christmas number of “The Theatre," published in New York, is one of the finest examples of the printer’s art seen for many a day. It contains 2 beautifully coloured plates and any amount of information that is of great interest to player and playgoer alike. ‘‘The Play Pictorial," No. 27, published in London is devoted to pictures of the artists engaged in Mr Israel Zangwill’s play “Merely Mary Ann," which has scored a decided success in America and London. It is an excellent number. Other publicat'ons which Mr Innis included in his parcel are issues of “The E!ra," “The Stage," "London Referee,” “The Pink ’Un," “New York Dramatic Mirror," “New York Dramatic News," the London Hall Review." and the Skin day edition of the “New York Herald." All interested in up-to-date American and English theatrical publications should call on Mr O. A. Innis and inspect his selections.

The following dates have been secured by Mr George Muegrove for the celebrated aocor-mu&:cian, M. Auguste Van Biene, who will introduce to New Zealand playgoers the successful musical comedydrama “The Broken Melody.” The tour will commence at His Majesty’s Theatre, Auckland, on March 27th, and will last for seven nights, after which the following towns will be visited: —New Plymouth, April 4th and sth; Stratford, April 6th; 'Wanganui, April 7th and Bth; Palmerston North, April 10th; Masterton, April 11th; Wellington, April 12th to 19th; Dunedin, April 22nd to 29th; Timaru, May Ist and 2nd; Ashburton, May 3rd; Christchurch, May 4th to 11th. Mr “Pete” Hughes will be the business manager.

In noticing the first appearance of Miss Ella Abomah, the Dahomey Gaintess, at the Alhambra Theatre, Dunedin, tlxe “Evening Star” says:—The invincible attractions of the shops and streets on Christmas Eke no doubt materially influenced the size of the atid : ence at the Alhambra Theatre on Saturday evening, but still it was a very respectable house which assembled to witness the first appearance of Abomah, the Amazon gaintess. The coloured lady was introduced by Mr Petherick, who represented the management. Her appearance was the sginal for applause. Abomah stands 7ft 6in high, and though by no means broad is yet well built. Any member of the audience was invited to step upon the stage and attempt the feat of stretching from point to point of Abomah’s horizontally outstretched arms, or of retaining hold of her hand while she stretched it above her tmad, and for the successful accomplishment of either of these feats a reward of £1 was offered by the management. Nobody embraced the opportunity, so the manager, to give those present an idea of the success likely to at end such efforts, tried himself. In the first test his outstretched arms spanned from Abomah’s right finger-tips to just outside her left arm-pit, while in the second his finger-tips were barely above her shoulder. During the performance Abomah sang two con-songs, not unpleasingiy,- being introduced in the capacity of a vocalist as the “highest soprano in the world—when she stands.” Also, during the interval, the gigantic lady descended to the auditorium and passed among the audience, her close proximity exci" ing much amazement and comment. The remainder of the entertainment was in the hands of Iveilderson, Dr Rowe and Miss Bell.

Mrs Brown Potter has lately appeared in London with Mr Charles Warner in “Pagliacci,” which she played in Sydney with Mr Kyrle Bellew. The production is pronounced to have been a triumphant success, and it. is stated that “the house was thrilled in the course of it, and shouted at the end of it.” Mr Charles Warner nas altered the story in some respects. The “Bailv Mail” in referring to Die production, and criticising Mr Warner, says:—“Ho gets out of Cairo an opportunity for a piece of his own 'terrific’ acting. Instead of just pacing and gesticulating in discreet submission to the music, he works himself into a speechless frenzy that for sheer nervous intensity beats even 'Drink/ and 'Heard at the Telephone.’ It is painful. It makes one hold one’s breath for fear lie will break a blood vessel. It is sincere to an overpowering extreme. Of its kind it is very great acting. But it is not. nice, nor even pretty, and when these horrible spasms have to be prolonged for the mere artificial reason that the music demands it, one recognises that Mr Warner is going beyond the limits of the convenient. Slill, it is Mr Warner who gives the play the tang of sensation, and his exertions deserve their own reward in their own way.” Miss Ida Osborne, wHo has been spending" a week or two in Sydney, will return to ’Melbourne to-day. The vivacious contralto, during her stage career, surely achieved a record, by the way, in the opera of “Patience.” She lias sung in every female part, excepting" that of Lady Jane, for which her physical capacities urmuited her. She might have been padded out to look stout, but no padding could give her great length. Even in the chorus of “Patience” Miss Osborne sang at the very beginning of her artistic life. The brunette artiste’s contralto voice tw; deeoened in recent years, and it would now be impossible for her to simr the part of “Patience,” which—al-thouo-n not h’gli like those of Mabel and .Tosenbine—requires the negotiation of several top A’s.—“Svclney Mail.” In some respects the new Theatre Royal is ahead of anvfhing of the class in Melbourne —the dressing-rooms, wardroberooms nnd •o.fTmofl being unique in size and number. There is a fine greenroom, nnu the rear of the theatre, on the first floor, a rahearsal-voom, the meusureof -which «vnial the stage of the B’iou Theatre. The auditorium itself is com fortnTile. splendidly seated, and nicely decorated, with one exception—the riod-iT- pamer which has been hung in the stalls, and which has a very kitchen-like look —"Newsletter.”

The approaching advent of Mr George Darrell and the production of “The Snnnv South." under Messrs MacMahon's direction, recalls the almost tragic experience of the well-known actor-author on the occasion of his firct production, of the t>l ev at the Grand Theatre. Islington The piece was a tremendous success and declared on all hand to be far and away the finest and most stirring stage picture of Australian life ever placed before the Ton don public. It “caught on" from the start, when lo! in the very zenith of its popularity occurred one of there unrehearsed effects which brought the curtain prematurely down amidst consternation. At a critical situation in the action of the story, wherein Mr Darrell, in the character of the hero Mat Morley. ie left tied hand and foot to a tree by the Bushrangers, who are about to shoot him, his mate hurries to the rescue to cut him free. On this fateful occasion the knife, with an edge as keen as a razor blade, used with an undue energy excited by tha tension of the situation, slipped through the cords and into the actor's side, inflicting a dangerous wound. The play was withdrawn —Darrell would consent to no one else playing the part.

The performance of tlie musical comedy “My Sweetheart’'’ at His Majesty’s Theatre during the week has l>een giving the most complete satisfaction to Messrs Fuller and Sons’ patrons. The management is to be highly complimented on the pleasant change.which this musical comedy affords the theatregoing public. No expense has been spared in tho staging of the piece, judging from the scenic effects, the elegant dresses, and the delightful singing. There are three acts in the comedy, the first at the home of the Hatzell’s in Pennsylvania, the second at the Count’s house in New York, and the third at the old farm. The principal characters are as follows:—Tony Faust, Mr Harry Hart; Joe Shotwell (a broken down sport), Mr Joe Cowan; Harold Bartlett (a gambler), Mr Harry Brown; Dudley lifarcourt ("dash it all”), Mr Fred Rivenhall: Dr Olive (a true friend), Mr Coas. Moody; Farmer Hatzell, Mr Harry Carleton; Mrs Fleeter (on adventuress), Mies Holly Lament; Mrs Hatzell (the fa rmer's loving wife). Miss Jennie Johnston; Peek-a-800, Miss Rosie Bertoto; Tina ("My Sweetheart”), M.iss Gertrude Fraser. The singing of Miss Fraser was greatly enjoyed, particularly in "The Pawning Grey,” "Peacock and the Hove,” and '‘Peeping Eyes.” Mr Harry Hart’s vocal numbers were excellently sung, and well received. Mr Fred liiveniiail’s singing of "Jane” received a well deserved encore, and he responded with an amusing patter "You Can Tell Who Ho Belongs To.” Messrs Hart and Harry Brown’s voices blended nicely in the duet "The Fisherman.” Miss Lament capably fills the jtart of the adventuress, and Mr Chas. Moody, as Hr Olive, left nothing to be wished for in hi 3 portrayal of the true friend. Altogether, <he comedy is excellently performed, and lovers of musical comedy should not miss seeing "My Sweetheart.” A second edition of “My Sweetheart” went up for public approval on Monday evening.

A well known racehorse owner in Tasmania, Mr Hick Henry assisted at a burlesque conjuring entertainment with Mr Lazern, says the Melbourne "Dramatic News,” w r hilo the latter was appearing under Bain’s management. Mr Henry performed the bag and egg trick, and also the production of numerous eggs from his mouth and then exposed the whole "modus operand!” to the great amusement of the aaidieiice. It was apparently quite a gala night for Mr Henry, who threw blown eggs at the audience, "shouted” for everybody, and is now thoroughly convinced that he is a magician of the highest class. Mr Richard Stewart, the genial business manager of the Knight-Jeffries Dramatic Company, has received instructions from headquarters to accompany the combination to Melbourne. On arrival in the Victorian capital he xvi 11 join Mr J. C. Williamson’s Dramatic Company, ■which is headed by Miss Tittel Brune, in the same capacity for a tour of Western Australia and New Zealand.

Madame Nita Steele, who was for a considerable period a member of Miss Essie Jennyns’ Dramatic Company, lias decided to take up her residence in Wellington, and will shortly commence teaching elocution and the dramatic art. Mr Bert Royle is at present in Auckland completing arrangements for the New Zealand tour of Mr J. C. Williameon’s Russo-Jap War Bio-Tableau entertainment.

Miss Ella Abomali, the Dahomey giantess, will commence a fortnight’s season at His Majesty’s Theatre, Wellington, on Saturday next. Miss Abomali stands 7ft 6in high, and though by no means bulky; is yet well built as her stated weight (18st) testifies. Mr John Fuller, jun., who is at present touring Australia in search of suitable acts for the Fuller circuit, has engaged Grossi, the Marvel, for a New Zealand tonr. He opens at the AJhambra, Dunedin, on the 11th February. In referring to his recent appearance at the Melbourne Athenaeum Hall, the "Referee” says: —Grossi the Marvel proves to be well named. He is marvellous in everything he does, and so clean in his mystifying performances that those who behold him stare aghast at the various acts. Details of the performances need not be given; indeed, the feats are indescribable, from the silk handkerchief and pack of carus mystery to the thought-reading, second sight, sleight of hand with bare arms, illusions, and numerous other uncanny tricks that go to make up the evening’s entertainment. There have been many mysterious performances in Melbourne by Grossi’s predecessors, and long ago it was concluded by the public that this department of wonderment had been thoroughly exploited. The wonder we now have before us opens up fresh territory, eo to speak, and his every act is a revelation. Mr Henry Bracy will act as business manager of the J. C. Williamson’s Repertoire Company during its impending New Zealand tour.

Mr George Musgrove's New English Dramatic Company produce Clyde Fitch's play, "Blind Man’s Buff; or. Her Only Way." at the Sydney Lyceum this evening. The play incidentally satirises the worship of wealth prevalent in New York, will deal with the endeavours <of Sam Coast, a millionaire, to secure Eleanor Carley for himself by throwing his financial net over the heads of all those nearest and dearest to her. In the

end, however, love triumphs, and Eleanor marries Richard Coleman, the man of her heart. The cast includes the following artistes: —Sam Coast, Mr Harcourt Beatty; Elen tenant Richard Coleman, Mr Malcolm Dunn; Stephen Carley, a gambler, Mr Janies Lindsay; Mowles (buller), Mr Harry Hill; Mrs Carley, Miss Amy Singleton; Mrs Stephen Carley, Mrs Mnesmore Morris; Lizzie, Miss Amy Willard; Bella Shincller. a lady hai.nl vessel*, Miss Roland Watts-Pln Hips; and Eleanor Car lev, Miss Nellie Stewart. Mists Ella Abomali, the Dahomey giantess; xv ill commence a fortnight’s season at His Majesty’s Theatre, Wellington, -on Saturday next. bliss Abomali stands 7ft Gin high, and though by no means bulky, is yet well built as her stated weight (l£at) testifies. J DRAMATIC CRITICISM. Tho following criticism by the Chicago correspondent of the "Daily Northwestern” of the 12th November, ought to be interesting reading to a lot of vaudeville performers and others in New Zealand and Australia: Certainly dramatic criticism in what are known as the provinces is becoming a serious business. In C>l ambus, Ohio, in fact, it is even to be counted dangerous. Recently there appeared in Columbus an actor signing and heralding himself as Harrison J. Wolfe. He is, it appears, according to the Columbus reviewers, playing a very poor Hamlet. S >me one in Columbus spoke feelingly of it as "rotten.” And when they told Harrison of this he went so far as to intimate that he would, sooner or later, assist the street cleaning department of Columbus by using a few of its dramatic writers as mops. To the "State Journal” man Harrison cent this letter: "I called at 'The Journal’ office twice to-day to determinedly slap your face. I propose yet to effect this at the ear licet opportunity. Some really mature critics in blew York, Boston, Washington, and Philadelphia have regarded my Hamlet at its worth, giving me first recognition of the t>day Danes. I should not notice a. farmer novice isueh as you, but it is oil insult coming from such a narrow, inexperienced pup as you. It is with deep regret that I missed slapping your clownish face. Mr Webster, who you also attempt to criticise played Pelonius with Booth thirty-two years ago and has letters from Booth praising his efforts, unction and atmosphere. I shall rreat with you yet, you cur, Reuben, jay.—Harrison ,T. Wolfe.” Just what will happen to Harrison when he arrives in Atchison, Ivan., may be more easily prophesied after perusal of the appended reference to a concert recently held there: The amateur entertainment given at Mclnteer Hall last night was, with one or two exceptions, the rottenest thing of the kind ever seen in Atchison. The singing of Mias Rildea Farlinson was something awful, sounding most of the time like a pig squealing for something to eat. Miss Farlinson is the victim of politeness. Her friends pretended to enjoy her singing in private, whereas they were bored. They spurred her on to make herself extremely ridiculous last night, and did her great harm by not giving her a hint of the truth. The Henderson 'Sisters played a duet on the piano for fifteen minutes by the watch. It was simply awful, but the audience thought it would not be polite not to applaud, and brought on a second attack, which lasted ten minutes. The sisters were probably ruined for good housekeepers hv this misapplied kindness of the audience. Faison Interson, a youth who should be put to work, sang one of those maudlin popular songs about Sadie going away from home because her father would not keep her supplied with street car tickets. Faison loafs around with the girls too much, and he will never amount to anything. The violin solo by Miss Ancheriy was too bad for description, and the accompaniment was no better. The recitations by Annie Chanter and Alice Pointon were the same old thing, on the same old subjects. Yet both were applauded, and their minds turned from the right channel of housework and dishwashing. It was an unfortunate and painful affair throughout, and no good can come of it.