DIORAMA OF THE AMERICAN WAR.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VI, Issue 836, 16 July 1879, Page 2

DIORAMA OF THE AMERICAN WAR.

J. C. Rainbr's grand diorama and panorama of the American War was exhibited last night in the Masonic Hall. It was crowded in every part, and, indeed, if a larger and more commodious building could have been obtained, we have no doubt that many more would have witnessed the first night's exhibition of these admirable historic and scenic paintings. Actduate by the supposition that the Hall would be crowded, there were numbers who failed to be present. These will, however, have every opportunity of viewing the marvellously graphic descriptions of the most gigantic rebellion which ever convulsed a nation. The proprietor, encouraged by the liberal support accorded to him, has, at some inconvenience, engaged to open for a few nights longer than what was originally determined upon. As a performance calculated to entertain and instruct in all matters connected with the historical inoidents of that war, it stands unrivalled, and presents a fitting opportunity to all, and especially to the young, to receive those mental impressions, calculated to effect an utter abhorence and detestation of the " pride, pomp, and circumstance of glorious war," which nothing short of the vivid ness and life-like reality with which it is here presented or actual participation could possibly do. " That mad game the world loves to play " is depicted to us, and we startle at the ghastly horrors, dreadful carnage and sacrilice of human life. If it accomplishes this, as it is designed' to do, the aim should be encouraged, and the lesson sought to be conveyed should be, and no doubt is, appreciated. - The panorama opens with a view of Charleston, the famous hotbed of the rebellion where the first act nf the fratricidal war — the hauling down of the Union flag was committed. The scenes are then unrolled in rapid succession, and decribed by the lecturer, Mr. Harry Stanley ; who forcibly and in a masterly manner, conveys all the information in connection with the various battle fields and naval encounters. Amongst the most commendable of the paintings we may mention those of the crossing of the Long Bridge by the Federal troops at midnight ; the U. S. Corvettes off Cape Hateras in a storm, the battles of Antietam, and Bulls Run, and the surrender of General Lee and Confederate army to General Grant. The portraits of the emirien Generals of the campaign, viz. : Grant

Lee, and Stonewall Jackson, and that of President Lincoln>-are faithful in every particular and as works of art. The mechanical diorani&of the naval engagement between the Alabama and Kearsage we consider the perfection of ingenuity, and is in itseif well Worth the price of admission. The action is complete, and appeared to be fought under our. own eyes instead of outside Cherbourg Harbour, some fourteen years ago. The account, as furnished at the time by a correspondent of the London Times may be interesting now. It stated "Captain Winslowhad no intention of leaving the port so long as the Alabama remained there. The two vessels were nearly matched, the Alabama having a slight advantage, being a little larger. The ball was opened by a broadside from the Alabama, whioh took no effect upon the Kearsage. The firing of the Alabama was at first rapid and wild, but towards the close of the action her firing became better. Captain Winslow cautioned his men against rapid firing, and gave orders to point the heavy guns below, rather than above, the water line, and to clear the decks with the lighter guns. Nearly every gun from the Kearsage told fearfully on the Alabama, and at twenty minutes past twelve o'clock the Alabama hauled down her flag, and she being in a sinking condition, her crew escaped overboard. Seven of them were picked up by the boats of the Kearsage, forty by the English yacht Deerhound, and nine by a Frence pilot boat. The Kearsage fired in this engagement one hundred and seventy-three shot. The Alabama fired three hundred and seventy shot and shell without doing any serious damage to the Kearsage. The casualties on the Kearsage were slight, three men only being woimded. The casualties on the Alabama were forty-eight killed and drowned, and fifteen wounded. The concluding piece, that of the funeral procession of President Lincoln*, is a master-piece of mechanism and a faithful representation of the event. The solemn spectacle of the funeral obsequies open with a view of the. Capital ; Marshals are seen galloping to and fro, bearing orders for the f ormation of the funeral proccession ; the: monotonous sound of the muffled drum is heard, accompanied by the solemn strains of the f uueral dirge ; the military escort now appears, composed of two regiments of Veteran Reserve cqrps followed by a full brass band, a squadron of cavalry, a battery of artillery, members of the Cabinet in carriage the catafalque, or funeral car. drawn by six beautiful grey horses, each |led by a groom in mourning livery. The car is followed by a splendid grey, the favorite riding-horsed of the late President, also, led by a groom in livery. A line of sad weeping relations follow in carriages. The carriage of President Andrew Johnson, 1 with a cavalry escort— th'& carnage contains the President and Hon., Preston King, of New. York. This is followed by the military of Washington and other oities. Not the least attractive part of the entertainment was the distribution of several valuable prizes consisting of ft tea and coffee service, a silver watch, meerohaum pipOT^&c. ' The same number of gifts will be distributed each night of the exhibition, and those who are for* tunate enough in obtaining lucky numbers will not regret being present. We must not forget to overlook the musioal part of the night's programme. The orchestra, under the direotion of Mr. Matthias, is really good, and possesses a talented cornet player. The songs rendered by Mr. Harry Stanley, viz.. "Sunny days will come again," and the humorous one on the " Invercargillball," were rapturously reoeived. There will be a matine performance on Saturday afternoon, when children will be admitted for sixpence.