Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, December 27, 1874, Page 7

eI a vars eaten ie > ing THE CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE: SUNDAY DECEMBER 27, 1874--SIXTEEN PAGES. 7 ~~ AMUSEMENTS. sdvisabiiity of Introducing More Boxes inlo Theatres. Advantages of Renting Seate for the Season. How to Stop Drinking Be.~ tween Acts. Aynouncements for the Week---Clara “Morris at the Academy. G. Pratt’s qhe Musical World--. Concert. HINTS FOR. THEATRE MANAGERS. INTRODUCTION OF BOXES. hough our entorprise is undoubted. our wil- figness to adopt improvements undisputed, snd our readiness as a community to give overy per discovery a fair trial before rejecting it, there are still eeversl things in and out of the Je of amusements which might be introduced joto the city, and possess the additional morit of porelty. Possessing, as we do, the hondsomest theatres in tho country, and for o city of our gzean abundance unequaled anywhero elso, it jstime our managers availed themselves of a metropolitan custom which docs much to securo the co-operation of tho wealthier members of the community in the support of the drama. _ Qne‘of the inevitable remarks of ‘a foreigner upon our theatres- is the absence of boxes from the auditorium. By boxes, tho unsatisfactory aperture at tho edge of the stage, known as 9 ium-box, is not exclusively intended. No- tody cares for this seat for any other purpose than to be seen, aud that, too, under circumstan- ya which give a certain eclst to the exlubition. Br boxes, somethicg is meant’ similar to those shich formerly filled the upper and most fash- fonable circle of Crosby's Opera-House before the fire. THE ADVANTAGES OF 4 BOX sre obvions ; for parties they are indispensable, and in many ways they give the occupant an in- dependence and freedom from the annoyances of the ill-pred not to be ignored, Tie man who sids in filling the theatre with the pungent odor of fusel oil cannot deliberately walk up to tho box and blow in his contribution. Ho cannot perch himself behind the box and ex- erciso his femoral muscles by kick- 4 staccato accompaniment to the orchestrs or the scting.- Itis protection to the public, and comfort also. A box does not noces- sitate full dress, by any means, but a box is tho oly place in a theatre where full dress is at all becoming, and during the opera season, at all events, the opera toilets should be confined to the boxes. Good taste, however, would regulate this, asitdoes other things. The absence of these boxes from the best part of the house has already been commonted upon in a general way inthese columns ay offering no inducement to the OCCUPANCY OF THE SECOND TIER, while the lower floor is crowded. What theat- ticll managers really should doto popularize this, the best part of the house, isto make it telly fashionable, and this fan be done by fill- ing at least the centre of thd second circle with boxes. There are many peorile of taste and re- finement who remain away from tho theatre be- cause, in our heterogencous sort of equal- ity, they dislike to place their wivea or daughters in the seat adjoining a teeking ram-barrel, ora couple of nice people whoge conversation is at least not edifving. Two theatres on the South Side at any rate should make this CONCESSION TO THE TASTES OF THE PUBLIC. ‘And, however much the majonty may deride the exclusivences of such people, the managers wi!l do well to consult their own intercets aud those of the public by making an efforc of this kind. Thore who can afford the luxnry of uninter- rupted pleasure in a box should be allowed it. There is ANOTHER FEATURE about the box which should commend it to the public, and that ie the renting of it for a season as pews arerentedin church by the church at- tendant. This is an old practice, which has ob- tained for many yeare, aud has become popular inevery country. The ssle of a box for a sea- fon insures en attendance of paid-for seats, 10 matter how slender the house, and represents a regularéum. Itis singulsr ‘that the practice lus never become popular. It is owing, probably, to tho mauagers’ not having taken “sufficient interest in the matter. ‘The possession of a box at tha theatre gives the pessessor an opportunity of social entertainment ¥hich can be had in no other way. ‘To present + one's lady-Iove with a Christmas present of a box is to ensure at least two devoted patrons of the drama for ane seagon, while it gives the manager RECEIPTS IN ADVANCE wherewith to carry him through the season. Iie not to be expected that managers will thing of putting boxes into their eccond tiers just now, for to do so would necessitate the coging of the theatre for a time, and that would vot be thought of. An experiment could ba made next summer either by Mr. Hooley or €r. MoVicker, whose theatres’ would be most appropriate for the change. Meanwhile why Dot rent ont the be: or some of the seats in the house for the sca- fon, just as though they were boxes? There are turely enough theatrical habitues to’ make euch sa arrangement profitable on both sides. And if the theatre is what it is represented to be, it shonld be .2s regularly attended as the church, and though its primary tim istomake money forits proprietor, its in- fone must be good, if it is properly con- ted. To give » number of cultivated people 4 sort of proprietary interest in it is to insure conduct in sympathy with their elevated e, andis, moreover, to guarantee their sup- Vert of what is really of value on the stage. po lecs ata ABEASTLY CUSTOM. ‘A Wa¥ TO CURE IT. It is customary for gentlemen to rise from their seats and go out, It is not customary for Iedies. What earthly neceseity can call a man ‘my from. his seat in a theatro, which does not allhis fair companion also? Do men suffer from the fatigue of sitting more than women? Onianly not. It is not because of fatigue that they arise and leaye. They go to drink. Tho talon, within easy range of the theatre, in- regan excellent custom, and the ethics of our ‘ciety actually countenance the barbarous prac- {ite of abandoning one’s lady companion to saliy ®t for two or three drinks. And tho Indies Poitvely do not resent it, Why should {ey notrush out with their male escorts, or tea alone, and swallow, if not spirits, then tmething agreeable and lesa ardent ? Of course are meny theatre-goers in theaudienca who Wo unsccompanied by Jadies, snd who are ac- dnntable only te themselves for publicly rush- fo the saloon between acts. They aro of teurse at liberty to do as they please. Bat itis \Gisgusting idea to think that a largo number of ‘Ren cannot sit through a play of two hours’ du- ftion without going ont two or three timos to negrbisky. Anytuing which ean put a stop to bestial exhibition should ba seized upon, and Por that’ the Temperance Reform Club wuld take the matter up. We protest that sno earthly excuse for drinking between its. It is a habit, and so manifestly gluttonous gentlemen of any cort of refinement must i the need for reforming it. 48 suggested that tho entre acte isa dull mp tenotouous institution; that the orchestra, tauttter what ite excellence, haa charms for iy alimited number of people in the andi- t This is Probably true, and may account mh 0} mE eagerness with which the bibulous tinea Jf then, some popular enbstitate bd d for the crebestra, perhaps the thir ieuce might be reduced, and the exhil mp aies ofensive. Supposa something in the Re acg popular song be introduced Vetween tage!’ Sopplement tho orchestra, or areci- Whaeg’ CF, cve2 & ballet,—anvthing, in short, tap timetiveness would prove greater than Borel, it, and tho invitation to liquor up, thoy SOmething im the range of dramatic exhi= Rag aieye found which will prove stronger wy, born he latter ie a good thing in its but, in the name of all that ia docent, keep it ont of the thentro, and break np tho Leastly | hatit of turning the play-hoase i % Wabi Of nroie, ths play-house into an ante ——. THE DRAMA. WHAT WE ARE TO WAVE THIS WEEK. It is not to be denied that, even with the holi- days to aid business, the attendance at the thea- tres during the week has not been superlatively encouraging. Sometimes such a state of affaira occurs when business is dull ’round town, but this year business was not dull 'round town. Business was exceptionally brisk,,and all the big and little merchants have lasting evidences of its briskness. ‘Tho Christmas performances were good, of course, because Christmas was cyi- dently established for tho purpose of replenish- ing theatrical treasuries, and giving hired girls and others an opportunity to air their colors and take inthe play. But Christmas weck is usually alittle better than it was last week, and thero was good reason why it should be, M'VICKEn’s. ‘Mr. Booth’s second wees has expired, and has proved more profitable than the mauagement had any bope for. The lower part of the house has not been as well filled, on the average, as it was upon Mr, Booth’s last visit, but the second tier has moro than compensated for it. . This is not strange ; it is‘a confirmation of the theory that high prices are keeping tho public away from the theatre. Of Mr. Booth’s acting it is of course needless to speak. His Hamlet is too well known to require any fresh criticism. It is a fact, how- ever, that he appears to bave lost his ease in the rendering of certain rassages, and reads with a hard, stilied intlexion whuch would be affecta- tion were Mr. Booth ever guilty of such a thing. Especially is this the case in the sceuo with the Gracedigger, in which be was not by any meaas himself. Tho presont being his last week, Mr. Booth gives several of his cbaracterizations. Monday and Tuesday ** Rich- ard ILL.” will be played, with William Hardio as Richmond. Weduesday and Thureday nights * Brutus,” with Mr. Booth in the title role. Fri- night the great Spanish tragedy, ‘‘Tho Apostate” will bo given, with Mr. Booth in his father’s celebrated role of Pescara, in which be himself excels. At the New-Ye matinee ha will piay Jichelicu; Saturday matinee Hamlet, and Saturday night, the occasion of his benefit, Shylock, with Mr. MeVicker us Launcelot Gabbo. MOOLEY'S THEATRE. “The Veteran,” with which the week com~- meneed at Hoolor's, is a piece quite unique in character. t is nothing if not spectacular, and, unless the spectacle is ndmirably at- tended: to, the piece will not go well. It did not go well Monday night, uor did it materially improve during the week. It became merely o wiid absurdity, and was withdrawn. Unfortunately, the stage-manager of Hooley’s Thestro is an actor of such unusual merit that he cannot be spared from tho cast. Noman can play Col. Delmar and run the stage too. “The Seriozs Family” was a better effort, and draw better houace. ‘The present week the opening success of the scason, ‘ Led Astray,” will be revived, aud as that piece established itseif with tho public very firmly will probably dray. better. The cast will differ considerably from the original, as will be observed from tho following: Count Rudolph Chaudoce. James O'Neill Hector Placid W. H, Crane George Dé Lesparre. 5, Buckley Major O'Hara N, Salsbury Barcn Mount Goaline. Nir. Dade La Fontaine... M.Brown Robert... Mr, Wallace Monsghun Miss Louise Hawthorne Mathilde bs s+e2e3llss Minnie Doslo Dowager Countess De Clandoco. ‘Mira, Clara F, Maeder Baroness De Rivoniere ‘hss Lizzie Gale Suzanne O'Hara.: Gallagher Sophie....... ‘Miss J. A, Chftord Thig will be given at tho Now-Year's matince ag well as at the regular performances. ‘THE ACADEMY OF 30810. A lesa worthy company than that of Mile. Aimeo at the Academy of Music last week it would be diflicult to find anywhere. Perhaps it exists somewhere, but s merciful Providence hag protected us from its infliction hithorto. The public will take care of itsolf in the future. The present week Miss Clara Morris will com- menco her engagement at the Academy of Music, and as thia is an event of no little importance, it is probable thata yast improvement will be ob- served in the character and size of the audiences. Miss Morria occupies 8 peculiar position on the American stage. She has mado for herself a reputation enjoyed by ao ather actrosa of the present day, and that, too, through uo fictitious strength or fortuitous aid. What sheis she owes entirely to her own natural gifts, and gevero mental Iabor. Sho struck out at one blow a rbarply defined aud purely orig- inal method of acting, and, violating 8 scene or so -of receive traditions, in asingle performance presented netage hero- ino asa purely natural being. All her creations have been molded after the same model, and Miss Morris has become as famons for the nat- uralness of her charncterizations as for the bold- ness and freedom of her portraiture of the work- ings of passion. At MeVicker's Theatre last season sho confined herself entirely to two dramas which have never held a high placo in pubtic favor in Chicago, and through ner acting stirred Ler audiences to enthnsiastic admiration; the ongagement was not very successful. Mies Morris has decided upon giving 9 wider scope to her gevius, and will jn her two weeks’ engagement give the publica Detter. opportunity to form an estimate of her strength than the French dramas of tho emo- tional order could do. Mondsy night sho will appear in “Camille,” playing tho title roto, of course, in which she has received the hishest praige from Matilda Heron. On this occasion that finished artist and gifted gentleman, Mr. Garry §. Murdoch, will make his first appear- ance at the Academy in the part of Armand. Wednesday and Thursday nights ‘Article 47,” Mes Morris’ first trumph, will be played. Fri- day afternoon she wili not play, and the Acad- emy company will give ‘Blow for Blow” and “‘The Widow's Victim,” with Harry Murdoch a3 Jerry Clip. Friday night and Saturday after- noon “Alixe” will be plared, with Mies Morris in her. great part, and Saturday night she will play Lddy Macbeth. ‘Thia last character Las been widely discnssed, and, asit is altogether different from avythiog of the kind heretofore presented by any actress of noto, must neces- sarily he of interest. A new interprotation of this profound tragedy is something which con- cerns more than the average play-goer. THE. MUSEUM has become s permanent institution, and the dramatio company favorites with the public. The | busivess of tho week has been excellent, and tho menagoment are encouraged. ‘This week a constant change of bill will be given, and some- thing fresh presented aa often a3 possible. Monday and Tuesday night, and tho Matinee, “The Irish Cousin ” will be given: Wednesday, and twice on Thursday, “Waiting for the Verdict.” - Friday thera will bo three perform- ances, when “The Forty Thieves,” ‘Waiting for the Verdict,” and ‘‘ Paul Pry” and “His Last Legs,” will be given morning, afternoon, and evening respectively. THE MINSTRELS. : The burlesque of “Le Petit Faust” at the Grand Opera-House haa given great satisfaction, snd drawn, with the other attractions of tho place, crowded houses all the weex. ‘The samo Dill will be kept on this weok. PRIVATE THEATRICALS. The young people of tho Projos Club will givo ‘an amateur musical and dramatic entertainment Weduesday night at No. 215 Ellis avenue. ae LECTURE. FRED DOUGLASS’ LECTURE. After their boliday vacation the managers of the Star Course resume their series of enjoyable entertainments, the next in the courso being the “Eloquent Ethiopian of American Descent,” Fred Dougiass, who will tell what he knows of the political Savior of the negrocs, “John Brown.” Fred Douglsss is always interesting, no matter upon what theme he speaks, and is usually eloquent. If ever an occasion and a theme should inspire him to eloquence, it is such a time and theme as he has selected for his lec- ture in the Star Course Tuesday, the 5th of Jan- uary. Wherever be has spoken be has produced profound impression, and the Exstern press uuite in proclaiming this lecture the most brill- dent, earnest, and effective oration of his whole fe. It may be interesting to the lucky possessors of “option tickets,” who are propounding the question, “ After Douglass, what?” to learn that arrangements have bean mado to add tothe brilliant list already promulged still other “stars” of the first degree, some of them to shine for the first time on the lecture-platform here. The plans of the managers will be sbort- ly disclosed, and will undoubtedly be found, as hey always havo been, to be entircly satisfactory te their patrons. LAKESIDE LECTURE COURSE. Tho concluding entertaiwment of the first of the Lakeside Lecturo Courses for 1874 wiil he given in Farwe!l Lall, on New Year's Eve, Dec. 31. Mrs, Scoti-Siddons will then read somo of her finest selections, and will be assisted by the accomplished boy pianist Seraphael,” who, will give several numbers of the programme. “ Seraphaei * (Master Harry Walker) has been perfecting himself by bis studies in Gormany during the past year, and’ Mrs. Scott-Siddons re- turns to Chicago for the first time since her re- cert arrival m this country. No more entertain- ing divergion for New Year's Eve can be selected than an attendance upon Mis. Scott-Siddons’ readings, which wil doubtless be the cauge and Ocveacion of a grand weicome to this gifted lady. oo DRAMATIC MISCELLANY. ‘OTHE GILDED AGE.” At the one hundreth representation of “Tho Gilded Ago” at the Park Theatre, Now York, Weduesday night, Mark Twain and Mr. Ray- moud were called upon’ for speeches. ‘Tho fomer was not up to his usual standard of Lu- mor, but liis speech was characteristic. It was as follows: Lapres aNp GENTLEMEN: I thank you for this call, for it gives mo an opportunity to testify my apprecia— tion of the vst complinunt which tho Aletropolis has paid to Mr, Raymond and me in approving of our etforts to th very substantial extent of filling. this louse for ats hundred nights in succession. “After such praise as this from the first city in the laud, it would be useless in me to try to pretend that woare not feeling a good deal “ect itp,” 80 Tsbsll not pretend ansthing vf the kind, We feel a good desl vainer than auyLody would want to confess, (Laughter) I learned through the newspapers that I was to make 3 speech here to-night, aud so I weut bard to work, a3 I always do, to try and do tho very best I possibly could on thie occasion, I wes determined to do it; I went at it faithfully, but when I came to louk critivally into this matter Tfotind that I shouldered a pretty heavy contract, [Laughter.] I found I shouldered a very heavy coutract, Lecause thero i only one topic that is proper to be discusecd on this platiorm at this time, nd that is this play and these actory, and all the success whirl this play bas met. Very well, that is un oxcellent sub- Ject—for someLody elee. [Laughter.] It is right foran vuteider, or somevody not conuected with this coucern, but for tne, the dramutist, to praise theso actors of ming, to praise this play of mine, and this success of onrs—that would not come gracefully from me, There would be a little egatistn in it, Neituer cen I eriticise and abuso the actors, for I don’t want to, Icould abuce tho plsy, but I have better judgment [laughter and applause], and I cannot praise these actors of mine right here m their hearing, aud before their faces, for thst would make anybody’ with fle- and blood un- happy; and, inde], to praise them would be like pruicing the members of my own family, and glorify~ ing the lady who dues our washing. | [Lauguter.} Aud the more I tifnk of this matter, the more f sco the dif- ficulty of the position, until I find myself in a condition I once before experiznced. [Mr. Twain here recited from his published work, “Roughing I:,” the sketch, “A Genuine Mexican Plug,” in a spirit of dry uumor, which convulzed the audience with laughter, Te in- cident referred to was his unhappy experience with a Mexican horse, in which ho exe to grief.) Through that adventure, he continued, through that misfortune T lost the faculty of specct ;’for twenty-four hours T was absolutely dpeechiiess, and this 6 the second time that that hag occurred. [Applause.] eee MUSIC. . PRATY's CONCERT. ‘The principal event of tue local musical world during the past week has been the concert given at Farwell Hall, on Thursday evening, for the Deuefit of tho Foundliogs’ Home. The pro- gramme was made np entirely of music by Mr. §. G. Pratt, the pianist and teacher, and, as was generally understood, the concert was given for the purpose of introducing his compositions and giving them a public hearing. Thoy como, therefore, within the legitimate limite of criti- cism, and deserve attention, sinco, with the ox- ception of Mr. Goldbeck, Mr. ‘Pratt is tho only one.of our home musicians who bas ventured into the field of composition to any extent. Wo may preface our remark with the statement that ‘Mr. Pratt was very fortunato in having some of the best singers in the city attempt hia music, Mra. Stacey, Mra, Jonos, and Mrs. Hart taking the soprano solos; Miss Whito and Miss Kellner the alto; Mr.Sclultz the tenor; Mr, Gill the baritone; sud Mr. Goodwillio the bass solos. In addition to these, he ad a mixed chorus of about fifty voices, a very effective or- chestra of thirty-eight pieces, and Mr. Balstka did a vory graceful act in leading some of the numbers. With tho exception of somo slips in the tempos and some very bad singing by the male voicea on tho simplest num- ber of the programme, both players and singers presented the music in as fayorable o lightas could be wished. It therefore had s fairand on- prejudiced performance. What is the yerdict? Simply that Mr. Pratt has shown himself to bes musician of talent and promise, who has overshot the mark by at- tempting works too severe and ambitious for a etudent whose ideas are still crude aud whose forms are not systematic or symmetrical. This is peculiarly shown in the symphony. ff the composer has a meaning in the first movement, lhe docs not make it apparent to tho hearer. The second movement is not. symphonic in form at all, and consequently makes a moro popular impression, because the materiala were moro surely within his grasp. The last movementis tho best constructed, but the work is not finished. and the whole threo movemente, whilo they are distinct from each other, haye the same color and are infazed with a very morbid tone. There are several defects which force themselves upon the hearer: 1. ‘This morbid tone of which we have spoken, which characterizes all his work, the symphony, tho operatic excerpts, and his mivor works. Hence it is rare to find beauty, fresh- ness, brightuees, or brilliancy which are 50 much needed for contrasts. 2. Lack of harmony. Mr. Pratt's music is diflicult eaough. Its intervals and modulations ate severe enough, Ita con- trasts aro startling cnough, 28 witness the changes from the dissonaut cords in the over- ture, which are as horrible as avy Wagner has ever written, to a melody which is quite common- place. But itseems to us that in his cfforts to escape from tho beaten track, worn smooth by the humdrum composers and musical machivists, Mr. Pratt has eacriticed harmony. 8. Tho trae climaxes of music are not fairly reached. ‘Therois an effort to do it, but tho effort is painful and falls short. Agatu, the rest of music 18 wanting. His music 18 a constant strife, ao nover-ending effort. He is always ia unrest, and never master of himself. This is the inevi- table result of immaturity grappling with some- thing unattainable. ‘These are the more notable defects of Mr. Pratt's musit, considered as a whole. In detail, yve may say thst the Heroic March is good, and specially good, because it departe from the ordi- nary tum-tnm and hackneyed chords of marches. ‘As regards the symphony, we sco little reason to chango the opinion expressed by us last winter. There are good points in it, but’ it ia not always clear, is not always well-placed on the inetru- ments, and its whole tone is morbid. There is enough ia it to warrant Mr. Pratt in persevering, Dut not enongh to warrant him in making bis symphonic works public, until it is cousistent, harmovious, eymmetrical, and finisned. If Mr. Pratc will follow our advice, he will place his symphony on the shelf, and not produce any more until he bes perfected himself, and his crudenees has given placo to mature and finished eYort.’ With regard to tho operatic selections, it is more diflicult to pronounce a critical opinion, as in the first place they wero heard: in the worst possible locsinyy for music, and, second, they suffered in effect, through the absenco of all dramatic surroundings aud accesgories. The overture is much too long, and would be improv- edif it were abridged cho-balf, and, notwith- standing the explanations of the programme, we ece no purposo in its dissonanecs or its Wagnerian effects. The — finslo is unquestionably tho beat part of 1. number, but has nct Gonnod furnished the epiration for it? Of the vocal numbers, ti: choral effects are tho best, with the exception of the Serenade, which is very light and otdinary. Some of them, like the Farewell Chorus for in- stance, ‘are far above the average in point of setting and harmonic effect. The solos are severe and dificult and not always well placed for the voices, and givon in a concert-room can have httle effect. What substance there is in them must bo brought out with dramatic and stage auxiliaries. it is therefore very dilticnlt to. judgo by these morceaux what the opera might be under the best advantages. There is at least onough io it from a lyrical standpoint to entitle it to a, fair presentation by operatic artists instead of concert-singera, and we hope the compoger will Lava such an oppor- tunity. As we have said before, the result of the con- cert shows that Mr. Pratt has talent, and, if that talont is directed in the propar channels, wo 800 no reason why a musician of his ambition, in- dustry, aud enterprise, sud conscientious en- deavor should not succeed. We see no indica- tions yet, however, that operas and symphonies will lead bim to that success. MUSIC FOR THE WEST SIDE. ‘The music-lovers of the West Division are to be provided with something out of the common order in the shape of Sunday evening concarts at , nung by Judie with intinite fan and malice in the the Academy of Music, beginning a week from to-night. The plan of theo concerts con- tompiates the performace of a high class of orchestral and vocal music, not strictly severe, nor yet exceedingly light, but of a character which shall appeal to tho best mueical taste, and at tho some time furnish an enterprise suitable for Sunday oveniug. Rightly conducted, ha entertainment should be successful in all respects, and there are various reasons for anticipating that this will be the result. Mr. Gardiner furuishes an elegant anditor:um, well warmed and lighted, and with comfortable seat- ing arrangements, and, withal, a theatre most conveniently located. For the musical portion, Mr. Loesch is most favorably situated. As tho leader of the Academy orchestra he has brought theatrical music to @ point never before ap- roached in Chicago. Le has shown what can be ‘accomplished with a small number of per- formers, the verv best in the city, and with these as the nucleus, ba will, forthe Sanday evening ccneerts, augment the orchestra to thicty- tive pieces, imtroducing the best talent in tho city. | With mstrumental soloists. Mr. sch is extremely well provided, own orchestra containing at least four artista unsurpassed in the city. It will be his policy to giva varioty by tho introduction of choice vocal selections; this etep boing rendered necessary by the fact that he must do without the Turner Hall auxiliaries of beer and cigars, and depend upon inusic alone to eptertain his audiences. An important feature of these Sunday eveving concerts will bo the extremely low prico of ad- mission. which is not to exceed fifty cents for the beut reserved seats, and twenty-five cents for general admission. ‘Tho comparatively light expense to the management reuders low prices posible, and it will be surprising if tho meeban- iesand laboring meu. with their famihes, do not approciace the oppurtunity to onjoy a high ordor of Sunday evening amusement et a cost so moderate. ‘Lhe firet concert will be given on Sunday even- ing, Jan. 9, with tho following admirable pro- gramme: RT I, 1, Overture to “ Lurline ” Orchestra, 2, Song... Mrs, HeGuire, 3, 'Cello solo—* Le Desire”. S Mr, ichheim, 4, Allegretto from “ Scotch Symphony”..Mendelssohn Orchestia, we ences! Servais Paar 1, 1, Overture to “* Medea ” (new), Orcheat 2, Quartette for fonr trombone 3, Finale from *f Lohenurin ”. Orchestra. 4, “The Ring "solo for trombone. dir. Braun, -Bargiel 5. Song... aie of Mrs. McGuire. 6, “Schiller’s Mare”, a Orchestra. * THE LIEDERKRANZ CONCERT. The fifi Liederkranz coacert will he given this evening at the North Side Torner Hall with the followiig very uttractive programmo : PAMT 1. 1, Overture to “ Der Freischuetz’..... Orchestra, 2, Evening song. Liederkranz. 3, Introduction to “ Lobeugrin™.. Orchestra, 4, “ Who "Treads the Path of Duty”, Mr. J. Schinatia. 5, # As the Hart Panta ” ‘i -Mendelssohn TART In 1, Overture to “ Merry Wives of Windsor ”....Nicolai Orchestra, ++-Donizetti 2, Aria for soprano. we dirs. MeGuire, 3. Aris from “ Favonta ”. i ji Ir. BE. Schtt £ Grand scene in costume from # Czar and Oarpenter ”.... seseeeeebortzing Liederkranz, CENTENARY MUSIC. At the Contenary Church to-day: the choir will perform the following selections from ‘Tue Messiah”: “And the Glory of the Lord;" “Lift Up Your Heads;" ‘*O Thou that Telleet” (alto solo by Miss Florenca Gates); “Thero Were She; * (soprano solo by’ Mra. Starkweath- ‘Glory to God;” “All We, Like Sueep;" d, probably, ‘For unto Usa Child is Born.” ‘his progranimo will be divided between the morning and evening services, TURNER-HALL. joie Tamer-Hall programme to-day is as fol- lows: 1. March... ‘2. Concert Ove 8, Finale from “ The Templar 4; Overture to “The Magic Flute™, 5. The Lord's Day "—tranecription,. 6, Fantssic—* La Belle Amazon", 7. Votpourri—“ Newspaper Fibs”. ot pourri- ‘Lhe Musical Mono: Waliz—* The First Ideas ”,. , Quadrille—“ Black Corsair ‘MUSICAL PUBLICATIONS, We have received froin Messrs. Root & Lewis tho following hut of new music: “The Lord Is My Shepherd,” quarte:to with bass golo, “As Panting in the Sultry Beam,” quartette with so: prano and alto solos, aud ‘Thou Art the W quartette with soprano and tenor solos, by A. W. Berg ; a very effective “ Benedictus” in G major, by George W. Warren ; a “Jubilate Deo” in C with soprano solo, aud a hyinn, ‘Jesus, Lover of My Soul,” with soprano, alto, and tenor solos, by W. C. Williams; ‘We Are Growing Old Together, Maud,” cong, by William Adrian Smith body ‘Watches and Waits for You,” by F. A. Howson ; “* Watermelon,” an Ethiopian melody by tho well-known Luke Schoolcraft; “Sounds from the Alps,” Sweetbeart’s Serenade,” . and “ Ploanng With tho ‘lide,” three very pretty piatio arrangements; ** J'il go Back to Eri,” by v. HL Brockway; * My Motaer's Last Iilve,” bg Operti; and od News,” a Christmas carol by F. W. Tompkins, Jr., Organist of St, Clem- ent's Church, New Yor Anton Rubinstein has completed a new sym- phony (No. 4) in D minor, a new piano concerto (No. 5) in E fiat, aud‘a new violoncello concerto (No.2) in D minor, all of which works are shortly to ba published by Bartholf Seni, of Leipzig. Zikof ‘eler Bela MUSICAL SORROWS. Tho Sheriff ceized the wardrobe, money, and paraphernalia of Mme. Carolme Richiags’ En- glish Opera Troupe, just befure the company went onto the stage of the Newark Opera-House last Monday evening. ‘Iho attachment was made by Messrs. Leonard and Coult, in behalf of Mr. James G. Peakes. In 1370 Mr. Peakes was manager for Ame. Richings in Philadelphia. When he quit her employ eke owed him 2501, for which she gave him three promiseary notes. ‘They were not paid.. The show went on under tho Sheriff's charge. ‘Theodore Habelmann.has broken hia contract with tho Do Murska Cuncert Troupe, aud now De Vivo is after him with the lawyeis. Habel- mann baving broken his voice long ago now gives his time largely to contract-breaking. OPERATIC INTELLIGENCE. A new comic opera, entitled '* Raphael,” com- posed by M. Rouvier, has been produced with great success at Marseilles, Herr W. Taubert’s new opere, “Cesario,” has been produced at the Royal Opera-House at Berlin with decided suc- cess. * Piccarda Donati,” a new opera by Dr. Cosimo Burali Torti, has been succesafully pro- duced at the ‘Leatro Petrarco at Arezzo. Herr Albert, compouer of *' Astozga,” bas a new opera in rehearsal at Stuttgart entitled ‘Enzio de Hobenstaufen.” A one-act opera by M. Jean Conte (Prix de Rome), called ‘*Boppo,” based on Byron's poem, has boen producod at the Paris Opera-Comique. Uf Lecocq’s and Offenbach’s new opera, 8 cor- respondent says: “1am told thet the manago- ment of Les Varieties puid Lecocq and Sardou $15,000 for ‘Les Pres St. Gervais.’ which is slow, stupid. and wearisome, the music being devoid of melody and the libretto of incident and interest. The great opera boulfe success of the season is undoubtedly Offenbach’s ‘Madame Y’Archiduc,’ which has been generally conceded to be his greatest success since ‘Les Brigands.’ Tt is full of fun and frolic aud verve, and the music las the samo sparkle nud vivacity that marked his earlior operas, ‘Le Grande Duchesee.’ ‘Ls Belle Helene,’ aud *Geneviove de Babrant.’ Tho Kissing Quadrille, the A B C_evung and the ‘Pas ca, pas ca!’ which Judie sings so deliciously, and which. nightly receives a srivle encore, are all delightful 11 melody and ~ustibly comic, Luz the gem of the piece is song of Un petit bonhomme,” which is firet act. The “petit bonhomme” in question is the Colovel of the Arcuduke’s Hussars. per- sonated by Mme. Grisot. It is imnossible to imagine anythmg more bewitchingly pretty or more dasbingly military thau this dainty little soldier, in casque and cyirasa and the highest of high boots, blonde and dimpled, and dapper and impertinent. One wants to kiss him straight- way, he is so deliciously fascinating. He would be perfectiy charming on the corner of an etagere or the end of a mantelpiece.” %. Some difficulties havo arisen -respectiog the programrie of the opening night atthe New Grand Oners, Paris, but the following is said to have b:e.: decided on, subject, of course, to such changes 28 circumstances may requir The overturo to ‘La Muette,” by Auber; the first ‘and secor acts of “La Juive,” by Halevy, with Milo. Krauss and M, Villaret; the act of the Cathedral of ‘‘ Faust,” by Gounod, with Mme, Nilsson ard M. Faure; tue third and fourth acte of ‘‘Hamiet,” by 31. Ambroise Thomas, with the same artists. ‘The Italian Opera Troupe (Strakosch’s) closed its searon ia Boston lav evening. The English Opera Troupe (Kelloge’s) ia now im Richmond. The Oates Opers Boufie Troape fs now in Cin- cinnati aud ia making a grand succeas with Le- cocq’s new opera “Girofle-Girofls.” ROYALTY AT HOME. Queen Victoria's New Book—First Volome of the “Life of the Prinee Consort.” The Queen's and the Prince’s Early Years---Their Marriage, Anomalous Position of the: Prince--- : His Pecullar Character. Complicated Household Arrangements --Fond Husband and Doting Wife. Extracts from the Queen’s Diary. London (Dec. 8) Correspondence of the New York Times The first volume of * The Life of the Prince Consort” has just appeared, and is haying, I hear, 8 good gale. On the title-page it is stated to be ky Mr. Theodore Martin, but it is known to have been written by the desire aud under the persons! supervision of the Queen, and it con- sists, to's large extent, of extracts from the pri- yato journal which she has kept since she was a girl. lr. Martin had no personal kaowledge of tho Prince, and hag, in fact, only been employed as asort of amanucnsis to write to the Queen's dictation. Thy life may, therefore, be regarded as practically the Queen's own book. Much of it has already been anticipated. by the “Early Yeara of the Prince Consort,” and the ‘Leaves from 2 Journal,” which were published some years ago by the Queen, and also by the “ Bi- ography of Baron .Stockmar,” the Prince's “guide, philosopher, and friend,” which has ap- peared more recently. Those who ure acquaint- ed with these volumes will find a good deal of familiar matter io. the present life, and it cer- tainly cannot be said to throw any new light on the character of the Prince. interesting glimpses of the PRIVATE LIFE OF ROYAL PERSONS, and of the curious relations which subsist be- tween them and the reoplo. Tho Queen, in fact, ag might bo expected, is 2 much more interest- ing figure in the picturo than than her cold, prim, and rather common-place consort. We may pass over the first part of the present volume, which deala with the early years of the Prince, down to the time of his marriage, as the substance of it is already known. Incidentally we come upon a little story of the Queen's girl- hood. Although the vrincess Victoria was, after her uncle, the Duke of Clareuce, the heir appar- ent to the throne, it was for some years doubtful whether the Duke might not Lave issue to suc- ered him. And, under these circumstances, it was resolved to’ bring up the little girl in izno- rance of the brilliant future which probably awaited her. It was not till sho was 12 years of ago that she first wus told the exact state of the case. When the Regency bill was in progress. tho Princess’ governess (Baroness Lenzen) proposed to the Duchess of Kent to let the Princess know her place in that succcesion, and the geneslogical table was ac- cordingly put into the boox from which tho Vrincess earned history. When the Princess opened the book and eaw the tale she eaid, “1 never saw that before.” It was not thought necessary you should,” replied the governess. “Teo Lam nearer the throve than I thought.” “So it is, Madam.”. After some comments the Princess wenton: ‘Now manya child would boast, bat THEY DON’T KNOW TNE DIFFICULTY. There is much splendor, but thera is more re- sponsibility.” She held up the forefinger of her right band ay she spoke, and then gave her hand to tho Baroness, saying: Sy will be good. I understand — now why you urged me so much to learn, even Latin. My cousins Augusta and Mary never did; but you told me Latin is the foundation of Englich grammar, and of all the elegaut expressions, and learned’ it as you wished it, but I understand ail better now. I will pe gooa.” Lhe Baroneys then tolu her that her Aunt Adelaide was still young, and might have children, and, if 80, they would ascend the tbrone after WilliamIV. The Princess replied: ** And if it was so, Ishould nev- er feel disappomted, for I know by the love Aunt Adelaide beats me how fond she is of children.” When Queen Adelaide lost hereecond Princess, sho wrote to the Duchess of Kent: “My chil- dren are dead, but yours lives, and ehe is miue, too.”. Queen Victoria adds ina note: “I cried much on learning it, and ever deplored this cou- tingency:” And im another noto eho thus speaks of Ler old governess, who ‘died in 1870, in her 87th year. The Queen says: ‘She knew me from six mouths old, and from my 5th to my. 18th year deyoted all her care sud enorgies to mo, with the most wonderful abnegation of self, never even taking one day’s holiday. I adored, though I was greatly in ave of her.” THE DIFFICULTIES AND EMBARRASSMENTS that beset the Prince on his arrival in this coun- try are more fully set out im the life than in the Queen's former buok. By an accidental over- sight nothing had been said ia the declaration to tho Privy Council 2bour the Prince's religion, and while some snid he was a Homan Catholic others were equally busy in whispering that he was aradical and infidel. In point of fact, the Prince belonged tos family which had been con- spicuous for its stanch and loyal Protestant- wu, and he himself steadily adhered to tho prigeiples of his houee, Tnis dificulty was ect at rest by tho insertion of the word **Protest- ant” in the congratulatory addrees of the Houso of Lords. Next thero were awkward discuasions as tothe Prince's financial position, and algo as to the rank he wna to occnpy.. No provision had been made by the Engliel Consti tution for the title and precedence of the hus- band of the Queen regnant. All that was at tiret done for Prince Albert was to naturalize him and give him, by the Queen's prerogative, precedence after hereclf. It was not till 1857 that he obtained the recognized rank of Prince Consort, and in the interval bis anomalous po- sition seems to have been #conetant source of irritation to both the Queen and lumeelf. Ina note on the subject, written in 1856, the Queen When I first married we had much difti- Still we get some sayy: culty on this subject, much bad feelin; was shown, several members of the royal family showed bad grace in giving pre- cedeuco to the Pnnce, and the Iato King of Hanover positively resiuted do- ing. 60.” When the Queen was abroad, the Prince's position was always ® SUBJECT OF NEGOTIATION AND VEXATION ; the position accorded to bin the Queen always had to acknowledge as a grace aud favor bestow- ed on her by ths sovereiyns whom¢ehe visited. While, in 1856, the Emperor of the French treated the Prince as a royal personage, his uncle declin- ed tocome to Maris, because ho would not give precedence to the Prince ; and on the Rhine, in 1845, the King of Prussia would not give the piace to the Queen's husband which common civility required, because: of the presence of an Archduke, the third gon of an uncle of the reign- ing Emperor of Austria, who would not give the pas, and whom the King would not offend. The only legal position in Europe, according to inter- national fat, which the husoand of the Queen of England enjoyed was that of a younger brothor of the Duke of Saxe-Coburg, and _ this merely because the English law did not kuow of him. This is derogatory to the dignity of the Crown of England. "Whatever might be the Prince’s nomizal ravk-and formal precedence, there could be no question that, as the Queen’s husband, he would exerciee an im- portant ittuence over the mind of the Queen; aod asthis couid not possibly be prevented, the Ministers had the goad sense ts acquiesce in it with a good grace. It is stated that from the first the Queen, ectivgon Lord Mel- bourne’s advice, had comunicated all foreign dispatches to the Priace. “Victoria,” ha wrote to his father, ‘allows me to take an active part in foreign affairs, and I think Ihave done somo good. always commit my views to paper, and then communicate them t Lord Melpourne. He seldom answers me, but I have the satisfac- tion of seeing zim act entirely in eccorcance with what Ihave said.” We find bim writing duing the Ministerial crises of 1841: “I study the poutics of the day with great industry; I apesk quite openly with the Ministers on ‘all subjects, 80 a8 to gain information ; and I en- deavér quietly to be of as much use to Vic- toria in her position as Ican.” ‘The Queen also says: “Albert is indeed AGREAT COMFORT TO ME. Ho takes the greatest possible interest in what goes on, feeling with meand for me, and yet abstaining. as he ought, from biasing me either way, though we talk much on the subject. sad his judgment is, as you say, good aud calm.” Itdoes not require much reflection to see toat the Prince could not discuss matters in this way ‘without biasing the miod of the Queen; and it will also bo understood that, though this influence was natural and unavoidable, it should bo regarded with some suspicion by Engiishmen, who thus sound s young foreigner Placed between their own Ministers and the Sovereign, On the other band, the M:nisters had the security of being able to appeal to Par- Jiament to suppor: them on anv question. It appears that the Prince’s ambition at one time aimed at being made not only Prince Consort, but Commander-in-Chief; but both Sir R. Peel and the Duke of Wellington pointed ont the danger and disadvantages of occupying such a pdsition, and he bad himself the good seusa: to seo that it would never do. One of tho most amusing chapters of this volume is that which describes tho general an- archy which pervaded tho DOMESTIC ARRANGEMENTS OF THE SERVANTS. One section of the palaca was snpposed to be under the Lord Chamberlain’s charge; another uuder that of the Lord Steward; while, as to a third, it was wacertsin whosa businesa it was to look after it. Again, those who were responsible for the in- side of the building had nothing to do with tho outside; that was left to the ofiice of Woods and Forests. ‘The consequence was that, as tho inside cleaning of the windows belouged to tho Lord Chamberlain’s department, the degrec of light admitted to the palaco depended on a gond understanding betweon the Lord Chamberlain's oftico and that of Woods and Forests. As an- other illustration of this strange conflict and confusion of jurisdiction, it is mentioned that the Lord Steward had io find the fuel and lay the fire; but it was the Lord Chamberlain's duty to ace to its being lighted. Aud, similarly, tho Lord Chamberlain provided all the lamps; but the Lord Steward had to clean, trim, aud light them. Before a pane of glass or a cupboard- door could be mended the sanction of so many ofticiala had to be obtained, that often months elapsed before the repairs were made. More- over, as neither the Lord Chamberiain nor the Master of the Horge had a regular deputy reaid- ing in the palace, more than two-thirde of all the malo and female servants were left without a master in the house. They could come and go as they éhose, or commit any excess or urey larity, for there was no ona to obeerve, correct, or reprimand them. ‘This was a grievance which THE PRINCE TOOK UP WARMLY, asbe had arightto do. ‘Much as I am in- clined,” he wrote to Peel, ‘to treat the Honse- hold machine with a eort of reverence, from its antiquity, I still remain convinced thet it 18 clumsy in ita original construction, and works so ill that as long aa its wheels are not mended the1e can be neither order nor regularity, com- fort, security, nor outward digmty, in the Queen's palace.” Tho fact that, inspired by a morbid curiosity, a littio chimney-sweep called Jones—Inigo Jones, the wags called him—three or four times peuctrated into the Queen’s pri- vate apartments, and. was found now undor a sofa, now bid bobind a screen, and £0 on, eufi- ciently proves the neglected condition of the palace. Tt was owing to the Prince’s persistenco and business capacity that this absurd and vexs- tious state of things was put an end to -by the appointment 6f a resident and responsible offi- cial to direcc all the arrangements.of the palace; and thers can beno donbé that in other ways the Prince also was a great comfort and supyort tothe Queen. There is one unfortunate point which had better have been left untouched in the hfe. We are told that in order to encourage fresco-painting ‘'the Prince determined to have it applied in the decoration of a summer-house or pavilion, in the garden of Buckingham Palace. E. Landgeer, Blacliee, Howins, Eastlake, Sir W. Toss, Dyce, and Stantield, received com- missions and vied with each other in producing aserica of eight lunettes in illustration of Mil- ton’s *Comus.’"” The truth is that the artista in question were made to paint VALUABLE PICTURES FOR A NOMINAL PRICE, and that some of them felt so much insulted’ by the paltry sums that were offered them by the Prince, that they sent back his checks. Indeed, throughout his whole life, artists wero in terror lest he should take a fancy to a picture, as it would have to be given up to bim for a mera gong. And this is said to have happened even when the pictures had been already sold ata good figure. With musicians, I fancy, he got on better than with pamters; but with the latter he was, both on account of hie shabbiness snd auperciliousness, and especially his ignorance of art, alwaye in bad odor. The hfo is, of course, uniformly and exten- nivel; Iaudatery, but it is impossible altogether to conceal some of the weaknesses of hia charac- ter. Ho was undoubtedly a good husband and father, he was patient and industrious in the discharge of troublesome duties, and he led an amiable and decorous hfo. He was loyal in his devouon to his wife, managed her household affaits efticientiy aud economically, and goner- ally gave her very sensible advice. If he’ had been a greater or btronger man he wonld, per- haps, have been less successful in filling his pe- cular position. He was of a COLD, PRIGGISH, PROSY CHARACTER, And deficient in animal soints. He knew nothing, for instance, of the sporteman’s pas- sion. He went ont stag-shooting with the samo placid equanimity a8 that with which Le played cards or. billierds, The Queen was very avgry that on one occasion, when ho went hunting, it should have been a matter of general remark and astonishment that he rode boldly, but.this surprixe indicated s characteristic defect which it we-smpousible to ignore. From Zc first there wera symptoms of weak- neg and effeminacy in the Prince's character. Filey = young man about to be married toa nice young woman, who happens ta be alioa Queen, bemoaning hia sad fato in the wry the Prince does tothe Queen just before he quits home: “Think of my position—I am leaving my home, with ail its old sssociatione, all my bosom friends, and going to a country in which everything is now and strango to me—men, language, customs, modos of life, position, Ex- cept yourse:f, 1 have no ono to contide in.” Itis evident that he was very much what is called a “missy” young man, and as he grow older, this” side of bis charactor was do- vefoped by the want of malo friends, and by being much shut up tn the society of his dot- ing wife and her equally adoring bed-chamber women. On one occasion. he had to go alone to Germany for a fortnight on family business, and the whole household was thrown into dreadfal tribulation at this great calamity. ‘We all feel sadly wicked,” writes Lady Lyttelton, “and unnatural in his absence. ‘The Queen is so wretched, but so unseltish.” And the Prince, too, takes up the same strain, and URGES THE QUEEN TO “BEAR UP.” One can imagine the shock to the feelings of tho littie circle when it became known that tho angelic Albert had been ill on board the boat. “We had," he writes, ‘a rather uppleagaut passage. Ikept my seat in one spot all tho way. with my eyes shut, but I was far from easy in my mind.” In 1847-43 he seems to have been quite overwhelmed by the aspect of events. “What dismal times," ho wrote to the Dowager Duchess of Coburg, “aro there! Augustus, Clementine, Nemours, and the Duchess of Mont- peneier, have come to us, one by one, like peoplo shipwrecked. Victoire, Alexandor, the King aud Queen, are still tossing upon the waves, or have drifted so other shores; we know nothing of them. France is m sames—Delginm is men- aced. We havea Ministerial, money, and tax crisis; and Victoria is on the point’ of being confined. Myheartis heavy.” In a letter to Stockmar he says he loses flesh and strength daily. “European wars at our doors—France ablaze in every quarter. Here thoy refuse to pay income-tax, and attack the Ministry. Vic- toria will be confined in a few days; our poor, good, grandmamma is taken from the world. i am not cust down ; atill I have need of friends and of counsel ia these heavy times. Come, as you love me, as you love Vicloria, a8 you love UncleLeopold, a8 you love your German Father- Tand.” At this time it was the Queen, in spito of her delicate situation, who had to cheer and encourage him till Stockar arrived. ‘From the first," she writes, ‘I heard all that passed, and my only thoughts and talk were politics. But 1 never waa calmer and quietor, or lees nervous. Great events make me calm ; it ia only trifles that irritate my nerves.” ‘The idea that the Prince was narrow and illib- eral in political matters was apparently unjust. He was not astrong-minded man, and seems to have been apt to get frightened, but his feelings and opinions WERE, ON THE WHOLE, LIDERAL. A great outcry was raised when Humboldt’ let- ter was published, in 1860, attributing to bimthe phrase that the Polos were as little deserving of sympathy ag the Irisb, by which he no doubt meant that both were bighly impracticable. In one of bis private letters, written at the time of tho partition of Poland, we find him saying, “ There is a great deal of stupidity in the worid. Sooner would I have been burned alive thao ave mada such @ declaration.” It is clear at least thac he bad no sympathy with tie despots. Perhaps the most interesting parts of tho book ate these extracts from the Queen's jour- nal which throw light upon the freshness and simplicity of her awn cheracter. Sho was cvi- dently dehgbted with Louis Philippe and hie family, and writea with girlish frankness, with atint of superlatives, cf the ‘good, kind King,” the dear, excellent Queen,” “dear, an- gelic Louise,” ‘dear, admurable remily, all oo kind and delightfal." Hereis =~ A LITTLE SCENE DRIGHTLY SKETCHED > +We arrived at. St. Catharine, a garde chasse. After walking about for some little. time in the garden we allsst down tos deeuner under the trees, I sitting betweon the King and Queon. It was wo pretty, 80 merry, 80 champetre. We cams home (the evening lovely) atG6:30. After dinner we remained ins little room near the dining-room, as the galerie, where we generally are, was fittad up as _un petit theatre, Ata tittle after 9 wawent in. The Lttlestage and orclesire wore perfectly arranged, aud we were all scated in rows of chairs one above the other. The pieces were all admirably performed. Ia *L’Hnmoriste’ Arnal sent ua into tits of Inagh- ter. ‘Tho speech, in which he read ous of a paper the following advertisement, ‘Une Dame Es- pagnole desire enirer dans une maison ou ily a des enfans: afin de ponvoir Jeur montrer sa langue,’ was enoush to kill me.” When Louis Philippe came to Windsor she was equally charmed, snd-he certainly seems ta have made himself’ very agrecable. So, also, - did the Emperor Nichotas, in his own way. Of the latter the Queen says: “ Ho is certainly a very striking man, still very handsomo; his protilo iy beautiful, and bis man- ners most dignified and graceful, axtremely civil, quite alarmingly so, as he is full of atret and politessés. But the expreesion of his eyes ia severe, and unlika auything lever saw before. He gives Albert and myself the impression of a man who is not happy, and on whom the burden of his immense power and position weighs heav- ily and painfully. He eeldom smiles, and when he doea the expression is not a happy one.” Lady Littleton also spoke “of t! whol look given by occasional glimpses of white store tha eyeball, which camo from his father, Paul, I suppose,” Pe In 1845 the Queen and Prince Albert visited ‘THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON at Strathfieldsaye. ‘Tae Dake,” writes Sr Anson, the Prince's secretary, * takes the Queen in to dinner, and sits by Her Majesty, and after dinner gets up and says, ‘With Your Majesty's permission, I'give the health of Her Majesty,’ and then ‘the eame for thePrince. They then adjourn to the library, and the Duke sits on the sofa by the Queen for the rest of the evening until 11 o'clock, the Prince and the gentlemen being scattered about in the library or the fill- iard-room, which opens into it.” Mr. Angon also writes that the Dake, under provocation from certain too-cutions impertinents, had put up = large notice in the grounds directing the peonta who wished to see the house to drive up to tho hajl-door and ring the-bell, but that they were to abstain from walking on the tlag-stones and look- ing in at the windows. ‘To an application froma ~ newspaper for particulars of the royal visit, the Duke replied: ** F. ML the Duke of Welliugton presents his compliments to Mr.-——, and begs to say he dees not see what his house at Strath- fieldsaye has to do with the public prees.” ‘The Duke and the Queen seam always to have been on very affectionate terms. perhaps because ho took her part in the controversy about the Prince’s position. “*Let the Qucen pat tho Prince where she likes,” ho said, “and settle it berself; thatis the best way.” An anecdote ia told which shows that the Duke had not much respect for the traditions of court etiquetto when they conflicted with the dictates of common sense. The Iste Lord Albemarle, when Master of the Horse, was very sensitive about his rignt in that capacity to sit in the sovereign’s carriage on state occasions. ‘The Queon,” said tho Dake, when asked his opinion, ‘‘can make Lord Albemarie sit on top of the coach, under the conch, behind the coach, or wherever else Her Majesty. pleases.” ‘here are various little touches that show a KEEN ENJOYMENT OF NATURAL BEAUTY, as, for instance, the following: “What is 80 beautiful,” sho writes of Thuringian Forest, *‘ ia that bo:ween the noble and solemn forest of til- ver and spruce firs, you come to tha greenest and most beautiful little valleys, ovorshadowed by those deep green fira, with hero and there some beeches and oaks among them. These re- minded us of Windsor, only the latter scoms stiff and tame after this. And then the peeps you get down such heighte, and the burete of sunshine between tho trees were so beautiful.” Again, at Cambridge, when the Prince was in- stalled a3 Chancellor of the University: “Tho evening being so beautiful, we pro- posed to walk out, and accordingly, at 10, set out in curious costumes, Albert, in his dress- coat, with a Mackintosh over it; I in my even- ing dress and diadem, and with a veil over my head, and the two Princes in their uniforms, and the ladies in their dresses, and shawls, and veits. We walked along the beautiful avenues of Inac- trees in the grounds of St. John’s College, along the water, and over the bridges. All was so pretty and picturesque. We stopped to listen to the distant hum of the town, and nothing seemed wanting but some singing, which everywhere but here in this country we should have beard. A lattice opened, and we could fancy a lady ap- pearing and listening to a serenade.” The present volame brings us down to tha birth of the Princess Lonige, in 1848, and there are to be two other volumes. “HE TRAPS TROUT.” The Rocky Mountain Girl Who Went to Work for 2 Divorce, From the Colorado Dencerat. She was fair, robust, aud as fresh 2a a " morn- ing-glory.” She rushed in upon him chile he was deeply immersed in tho problematic rights of tandlord va. tenant. He is a very prominent political lawyer ; she is a beantiful young child of nature from the Platte canon. Sho biushed, he bowed, che washacd to the right, and subsided into a convenient seat; ha closed his calf-covered volume of Illinois re- ports, and arose with one hand under his cost- tail and tho other extended ready for a fee. “ Good morning, Madam.” “ Are you Mr. f—, the lawyer ?” “That is my name, Madam. What can I do for you?” “Well, sir, lam the wife of oid man N—, up the Platte. Imarried the old wen two weeks ago last Friday, and I dow’t like ic. I wauts divorce. Mow much is it?” ‘The excited young Iady here priled out an old tobacco pouch, sronnd which a pieze of buckskin string was coiled, and proceeded to untio it. Tue young “limb of the law,” whose eyes had been wandering in a wondering wav over the atrango apparition, stammeringly replied : “ Why, really, my dear Misses—beg pardon, but I forget your name!” “Tnin’t Misses no longer. I am Miss Bella Ann P—., of Jittletou, and I want a divorce, and am willing to pay for it.” 2 ““Be patient, my dear Miss P—, and I will advise with you.” “I don't want any advice. I want a diyorce against old man N——. He ain’t the sort of man Ithonght he was. Hoe ain't rich, and is stingier than a Texas cow, an’ he won't leave me be. Lieft him and went over to Bar Creek to Arthur Beneki’s mother. Arthur used to like me before I married. old Jacob N——, and now 1 want a divorce.” Tue lawyer reasoned with the excited young lady, and arsured herftbat he would be only toa happy to file her application for divorce, were there grounds forthe application. The angry young dauchter of the mountains listened im+ patiently to the counsel of the young lawyer with the fury of s young lioness. At last she buret forth: “Can't get no divorce unless more cause, can'tI? Then I'll just tell yon, Mister lawyer, I'll get it anyhow. Arthur told me how to get Ican send him to the Canon City Penitentiary and geta divorce onit. Ho traps trout, ho does, aud I can prove it on him, for I got him to make the trap and helped him to do it, and I can prove it. Now,” said this brilliant young mount- ain amazon, “can’t I have a divorce and let the old man go to Canon City.” ye The young lawyer thought she could, and at once wrote a letter to tho ‘old man” advising him to let the young girl go. —_—_- THE SOUL AS A BIRD OF PASSAGE. My soul is like some cage-born bird, that hath A restless prescieuco—bowsoever woR— Of.a broid pathway leading to the sun, With promptings of an oft-reproved faith ‘Stricken tho’ her “~~ atthe! 3 ying sare, In sunward yearnings. ‘And faint her wing with beatin; Gf sense, she looks beyond out Aud only 1n the Infinite sces rest, Sad soul! if ever thy desire be bent Or broken to thy doom, and made to share ‘The ruminant’s beatitude,—content, Chewing the oud of knowledge, with no cato For germs of life within,—then will T any: Thou art not cag’d, but fitly stall'd tn Emily Pfeager inthe London Spectnt ——_—_>__ Mad Scen gs Enongh. A gentleman at Washivgton waa requested by a friend to join him on & vieit_ to the depot t& wituees the arrival or the King of the Sand» wiches, “No, gir, not muob,” growled the gentle man. “« Have you ever secn & King in your travels?” inquired the friend, marveling somewhat at bis short answer. “Yea, sir,” replied the gentleman. “Iwas once guilty of seeing three langs.” Then, after & moment's pause, Wentontogsy: ‘And they cost mo $150. Those were war times, how- ever.” His friend suggested he must have been in bed company. “ Well. I don't know,” says the gentleman, “I thought { wasin pretty good cumpany at tho time. Icalled toseo those kings in company with three queens, another king and an ace-sput, and have never had any desire to see ono of the royal family since.” ‘His friend saw the point, said he paased, end shafiled on. s Re