Chicago Daily Tribune Newspaper, April 25, 1880, Page 19

THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE: SUNDAY, APRIL 25, 1880—TWENTY PAGES. 19 aeons THE STAGE. “«Qur Girls” and Their Young Manager, H. C. Ken- nedy. Local Theatres—What We Have Had and What We May). Expect. New Plays — ‘“‘Home, Sweet Home,” and “A Child of the State.” Bernhardt’s Erratic Predecessors — What They Sought and What They Accomplished. Current Theatrical Gossip, Local and Otherwise—Next Week’s Dra« matic Situation. “OUR GIRLS” IN TROUBLE. ‘Mr. I. C. Kennedy is, as he tells us in his pills, ‘the manager and proprietor of the sole Tight of production” of Henry J. Byrou’s comedy of “ Our Girls,” which dur- ing the past week has been running at ; Mr. Kennedy is 2 young man, and, like many young men who suddenly find themselves in the position of manager, is filled with an exaggerated idea of hisown importance. This fact the company have een disagreeably made aware of several times since they started upon their tour, which will terminate to-night. Where Mr. Kennedy sprang from nobody seems to have aclear notion. It is said, however, that he was first found Jast, season in Mary Ander- son’s company playing minor parts. That line of business being a trifle obscure, he, be- ing possessed of a little money, thought he would have a fly at management, and ac- cordingly some five weeks ago he got hold of “Our Girls” and began to organize acompany fora six weeks’ run. He engaged Miss Katherine Rogers as the star of the troupe, ‘but trouble arose between them over the subject of sleeping-car tickets, and their ar- rangement was declared off. Then he se cured Miss Helen Tracy in the place of Miss Rogers, the contract, we believe, stipulating that the engagement should last six weeks, andthat fares should be paid from and to New York. Inthe beginning of last week Miss Tracy learned that it was the intention to play Sunday night at Hooley’s, and it was the further intention of Mr. Kennedy to pay the members of the company nota cent extra for their services on that night. Now, as the contract was understood to call for but eight performances a week, Miss Helen Tracy em- phatically objected to any such arrangement on the part of her young manager, Mr. Kennedy. Thereupon Mr. Kennedy, after asking the lady if she decidedly declined toplay to-night unless she received extra compensation, and being answered in the af- firmative, stuck a notice in the green-room tothe effect that the season would close on Sunday night, and that any lady or gentle- man who objected to play upon that occasion for nothing would receive no fare to New York. The situation of some who had been inclined to take a stand similar to that of Miss Tracy compelled them to accede to the young manager’s demands, Then a few of the people came to Miss Tracy and besought her to play. asking herto keep with them until theend. For their sakes, she said, and not for the ninnagers: she consented. Kennedy came to her after this to find ont what con- clusion she had reached. Miss Tracy told him that she had agreed to play for the sake of her companions, and not for his, whereupon the young manager with a top lofty air said thatif she “didn’t play for the sake of the management she needn’t’ play at all,” and took her part—Mabel—away. Of course the members of the company could sue young Kennedy for the two weeks of the engage- nentstill torun, but most professionals know the chances taken in getting indemnity for a broken contract. We understand that late pesterday after- foon young Kennedy, probs ly finding that he would have some iticulty in filling the tole, asked Miss Tracy to help him out, which she agreed to do in deference to the wishes of several members of the company. bo Mabel will be played by Miss Tracy this LOCAL THEATRES. After three or four weeks of large business nour theatres there comes a falling off, no matter how attractive may be the program. ‘The invariable rule has been illustrated dur- Ing the past week. “Our Girls ” fared badly atHooley’s, but this might have been pre dicted, Byron’s co-nedy has nothing in it to specially interest an American audience, and the company brought here by Mir. Ken- nedy to present the play have no Particular strength individually or collect- frels. Tonight “ Our Girls” willretirefrom Hooley’s, and that stage on Monday even- ing will again be the scene of the “Two Orphans’ trials and tribulations, Miss Kate Claxton appears as the blind Louise. At McVicker’s, ‘The Strategists” have fnished the last week of their season to moderate houses. To-morrow evening “The Funon the Bristol” party appear at the Madison-street house, while an entertain- ment ofa similar nature, known as “ ‘The Tourists,” will be given to-night at Haverly’s forthe first time in this city,—indeed, we willhave variety at every house in town ex- it Hool where if can be truthfull: said there will be no variety. Mr, E. Tt Stetson actsin his drama “ Kentuck ” at the est Side Academy of Music, and Pat Fasuey: will be presented to the Olympic NEW PLAYS. “HOME, SWEET HOME." Jamle McCloud J.B. Studle} lawser Hogan, Tateoynette Charley Osborne. ‘elson Decker Peter Snagley. , Hamilton J.C. Walsh ‘Sonny Thos. ap piles Miss Aunie Ware fa drama, in five acts, by Joaquin t paiRobert Jonnston. Froduced on April ice. The action of the drama takes place in a pei settlement in the Far West, where Tete McCloud has made a clearing in a nse Wood on the banks of a river and built facabin. In the neighborhood there A ides a young girl, an orphan, named pellet who some years before had come of m the East with her parents, who, dying Offever, left her to the care of the good jenny” Miller and his wife. Hogan, the dom ofthe piece, cherishes a secret pas- folfor the young girl. Annette is sought ith marriage by Jamie, and, after her con- $5 has been obtained, Charlie Osborne, i sore and weary, arrives at the clearing. tomntt Jamie recognize each other as old tomntnions, having some time before worked tee inthe gold mines. Jamic_ insists Chat friend shall remain with him, and ayn tells of his wanderings in search of pid girl whom he knew and loved in his Spot a home when chance led him to this wr le soon discovers that Annette is the Ivhew he has so long sought. Subsequent. fade 228 4 private interview with her, and? hash that she loves Jamie, and that she mma ever loved him save as a brother, he from’ RF, Promise that she will, conceal hae ter future husband what he aver: confessed to her. The marriage Hogan. being still envious of Jamic, is 16 flLhis inind with suspicions of his the bee aetity, almost inspiring him with teen, lief that there is something wrong be- have her and Charley. Similar reports y lve ached Charicy’s ears, and he has re- Inag {silence them by leaving the cabin. this interview with Annetic he tells her tuginitd she endeavors to induce him to re- Chanel her “husband’s return, ‘This Nong’ deelines to do, an Jamu then raging, takes in spite of a Wick fetus, and, speaking of the reports is departure. we been circulated by Hogan and his tool Snagley, protests to his wife his en- tire disbelie! ht them. Charley, who has been driven back by the storm, returns, an in an interview with McCloud tells him the secret of his love for Annette, and protests that he has wronged his friend by keeping it concealed from hint, ‘This arouses @ sus- picion in Jamle’s mind, and he blames his wife for her share in the deception. . He is overcome with grief, and in. an imperative manner demands that Charley shall remain, and meet his wife face to face. In the midst of his despair Hoyan sets Snaglcy on to goad McCloud further with his wife’s want of faith, This, although it inspires him with a firm belief in her guilt, awakens him toaterrible fury, and while in this state he throws Snagiey from the window into the pen amongst the hogs. Resolving that, as his wife loves another, he will leave them together, and never return, he goes to make preparations for hisdeparture. Hogan now enters the cabin in search of Snagicy, who crawls from the hog-pen. A. quarrel ensues between then, in the course of which Snagley threatens to expose certain crimes which Hogan has committed. This so en- rages the lawyer that he snatches up dfco- Cloud’s knife, which he finds on the table, stabs Snagley, and makes his escape. An- nette, hearing the noise, retnters the room with a lighted candle, and picks up her hus- band’s knife from the floor. She sees Snaq- ley, and, thinking that he is drunk, tries to arouse him, but discovers that_he’ is dead. She alarms the household, and Hogan, enter- ing at this time, and secing the bloody knife in her hand, accuses her of the murder. Jamie now reénters, and, overhearing the accusation, recalls some words his wite has uttered against Snagley that evening, which induces him to believe that she has really killed the man; but, wishing to save her, he proclaims that _he is the murderer, which closes the act. Inthe third act Jamicis tried for the crime, found guilty, and sentenced to nineteen years’ imprisonment, Jamie and Annette cach think that the other did the deed. During a lapse of nineteen years, sup- posed to-take place between the third and fourth acts, Annette has died of a broken heart, and her ehild, Nettie, has grown up to be a woman. McCloud returns, He is decrepit; his hair and beard are white; he is _half-demented. Then it is discovered that Srurqiey, by some mysterious interposition of Providence, didnot die, McCloud is made happy in the knowledge of his wife’s innocence and in the finding ot his daughter, while Hogan is, of course, found out to be the man who dealt the blow which caused all the trouble. “4 CHILD OF THE STATE.” THe Count Maurice De | vfr, Maurice Barrymore Christian... Mr. Gerald Eyre .-Mr, John Gilbert Mr. Harry Edwards: Frederich Vi Heinrich. Gros Rene fr. Lester Walluck Pritz. fr. W. J. Leonard Bidoche Mr. George Ullmer Hans Verner... w-Mlr. C. E. Edwin de ose Mr. H. Pearson Gertrande. JO 3tiss Emily Righ Louise Von Heimic iss Rosa Rand iss Marion Booth By George Hoey, fi @ French of D'En- ‘ner of rosuced ‘at Wallack’s, New York, on pril 24. Comedy at Wallack’s has. given place to melodrama in the shape of an adaptation of D'Ennery’s “ Les Orphelines de ta Charité.” The piece has made a hit, evidently. One critic says that while the piece will not stand comparison with the “wo Orphans” as a skillfully-contrived, well-sustained, and thor- oughly-interesting drama, yet both works are full of the same class of material, and both are sympathetically rooted in the Orphan- Asylum. The piece is in five acts and intro- duces thirteen characters. “The scene of it,” says the Tribune. “is laid in Holland, and the story of it relates to the perilous con- sequences ich, under the Jaws of that re- markable country, attended any amatory trifling. with the young orphan girls who were wards of the realm. ‘The situations are strong, and, intwo or three instances, in- tensely dramatic. The piece is interesting, and the spectator follows it with much the same feverish avidity with which one pur- sues the narratives of Gaborien. There are several most painful—almost volcanic— erises in this work, resultant on the dan- ger that a wife’s secret of a preliminary and complicating maternity will be exposed to the husband who has wedded her with perfect confidence in her .unsullied past. Also these from the fatuity of a youth who, wishing to marry one woman, has been fool- ing with another. The posture of these af- fairs is antique, but, in this instance, it is brought about by good means, and the emo- tonal force of the drama is great.” Accord- ing to the Times the adapter has “* produced aplay which, while it is similar to the origi- nal in all important respects, differs from it in many details. He has eut down several parts, amplified the cbaracter of Gros Rene, supplied a large quantity of new dialog, ex- punged all that seems coarse and indelicate in the French piece, and made changes in the arrangement of the action.” BERN ARDT’S PREDECESSORS. Avwriter in the New York Herald, speak- ing of Mile. Bernhardt’s flight from the Théftre Frangais, recalls the very similar escapade of Mme. Arnould Plessy. She quitted “subrepticement” (as the register says) the Comédie in 1845 that she might ful- fill a lucrative engagement in Russia. ‘The name of the play which is the nominal cause of Mile. Bernbardt’s tlight will recall the very similar escapade of Mme. Arnould-Plessy, who has made the piece her own. ‘This ndmira- ble actress quitted “‘subrepticement” (as the register says) the Cumédic in 1645, that she might fulfill a Jucrative engagement in Russia. It was not so lucrative as she supposed, for the manage- ment obtaincd 100,000 francs of damages against her, and deposed her from her high position in the Société. She served @ penance of ten years of exile, in which she would have given all the audits of St. Petersburg, all th Povards and Grand. Dukes, for a night of ber old triumph in the Rue Richelieu. “She is the offspring,” wrote Gautier, “ of Marivaux and of romantic comedy; she has its mannered grace and its delicious affectation; her domains are the realms of fancy, the moods of a pettish woman of fashion, with golden lace to tear and Praris to scatter on the carpet.” And yet Mme. lessy was glad to come back to the theatre she had abnndoned, and re-enter its doors asasimple pensionnuire, knowing that hence- forth all the highest honors of the theatre were beyond ber reach, She is to-day on the joint of retiring, and uil who enjoy her intimacy now that she ns never ceased to regret her flight of 1645 andthe love years of toil that it has entailed upon her. It woutd probably have been the same with Rachel after her American. tour in 1855if death had not supervencd two yenrs later. Her brother, Raphael Félix, held out golden. hopes of profit in the United States, ‘and noncof these hopes wererealized. The public, which received with enthusiasm her melodra- matic efforts in “Angelo” and“ Adricnne Leoou- Yreur,” remained cold to the severe and clussic. al tragedies in which she had won herfame. If fer iliness had been longer delayed, it is more than probable that she would hive left America poorer than she eame, and would have have had Fothing to bulunce the losses which her breach Of contract imposed upon her. She went for a While to her country-bouse at Menian, traveled fora few months in Egypt, and, when sho re- turned to Paris, pale and wasted, to sit among the audience at the Théatre Francais and wate! the triumphs of ber rivals, and think of the vie~ tories she herself bad won, she wus already, a8 Janin said, * morte par avince.” In neither of these instances will Mile. Bernhardt find much to encourage her in her new undertaking. ‘As to the question of emolument of the more notable members of the Tnéatre Francais, the same writer says: Jt must be remembered that there are two classes ofuctors—the sociétaires and the pen- sionnaires. The former, who alone divide tho profits, aro elected by. 2 committee and receive Pixed proportion, calculated on what is called f douzidme. ‘Thus twelve-twelfths signify a Sole share, and soon. Of the share in the rofits which accrues to the socidtaires, only a Pit accrues to them at once. Tne other half is feat to the Mont de Piété, where it remains to tho sociétaire’s credit till his or her retirement. In addition to this, each soci¢taire bas a salary corresponding to the douziémes at the rate of $000 francs per twelfth part. ‘Thus a soci¢taire iuho has twelve-twelfths gets 12,000 francs sul- bry, one who has seven-twelfths gets 7.000 Fidhes, and soon. There must also be added ‘hat are called les feux,—that is to say, 10 francs, I believe, for every time a socictaire plays, and the profits of representations outside, M hich are not easily estimated. Out of whatre~ Maing after the distribution of the protits tho 2 ive, not a fixed part, buts pensionnalres rece! iG, fixed part Dats y, Maud: y gad Worms, and Sresdames jBronan, Favart, izette, and Sarah Bers t Jouassain, Croizette, ee ante ,000 francs at once ete ditt the Mont wes iete. ‘This forms an immediate income of $10 tranes for each and 2 deferred capital, of QW) francs. ‘To this must be added a Kind of Denus, taken from what is called “the Minis- terial reserve,” given to the oldest sociétaires. nd which varies between 4,000 francs and “6.00 Frunes for some of the above-mentionnd. The Four 18iS—that of the Exbibition—yielded 42,000 Feanes per full share, and the total profits of the Society excecded 730,000 francs, M. Mounet- Suily gets ten-twelfths, or 10,000 francs sal; Sry and 20,000 francs of ‘the profits. still divided futo ‘two parts. M. La Roche, seven-twelfths had 6 half, or 7,500 francs salary and 13,000 fruncs of the protits. Mesdames Ponsin and Tteichemberg receive nine-twelfths; Mme. Edile Riquer, efght-twelfths; M. d Mile. Yarretta, seven-twelfths; 3fme. Broisat, six~ bwelfths; Mme. Dinah-Felix, six-twelfths nnd & Jit; M. Coqueiin, Jr, and Mic. Samary, the 4 youngest members, four-twelfths and a half,— that is to say, 4,500 francs snlury and 9,000 francs of the proiits. The twenty-three sociétaires thus receive 436,000 francs as the profits of last Yeur and 218,000 francs as salary.—that {s to say, aR total of 654,000 francs, of which 218,000 francs is deposited as a reserve for their retire- ment. The receipts of the sociétnires, it will have been scen, do not quite amount to a third of the general expenses, and from this it may be coucinded, fives if ote prolits, areinot in excess of serts, or of the exacting business to which they devote their every eltort. PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY. The following stars and combinations will, during the coming week, play at the places named. Managers and agents please for- ward routes by Friday of each week: Location. Attraction, Date, ins, Sh ‘inehburg, Matas, Belicfantatne, O. Lock Haven, P: Danville, Pa. Philadelphia, Anthony & Ellis, Abbey’s Pantomime, Anderson, Ini Kokomo, ina.. Peru, ind. Plymouth, Porte, ‘Ind. Michizan City, ina 7. Philadelphia. Cincinnati, ‘Stamford. ‘Now Haven, Conn. New London, Co rich. Conn, Boston Theatre Co! Big Four Minstrel Berger Family... Boston Ideal Company. Bandmann ‘Bul. Thy ginmtor inton, Pu Booth. Edwin, 1 Cluxton, Kate. a Colville Folly. 1 Collier's Union Square Gi ‘ ", Norristown, Wiltuington, Germantow Criterion C ae <n asahow Haven, jon Company......-...New Haven, 2 ‘Middletown, Con New Haven, c Catrncross’ ft Pittsburg. Chantrau, By Coombs, Jane.....-+seese0 “Dr. Clyde. “ Dunites”. Emmet, J, K.. “Wairfax g 5 8 8 e 3 Es Fy JE: Been “ Hearts of Oak”. ‘Hunt, Julia A., Company. “London, O. ayton, O.. Svldien He Franklin, 0.2.4. at Jefferson, Joe... Janauschek... Murphy; J00 ...0++. Nellson, Adolaide, Nobles, Mtilto Girls” MeCullough; John “My Partner”... ‘Mortimer-Burto ‘Mendelsohn Quinte! “Onken Hearts”, Ootty Goott..... = pirates”, Company “ pirmtea” Company C.. “ Pirates." Company D. Palmer, Stinnie. Rooney Pat. ice’s “Evangel Bay City, Pint, Bien, “Strategists”. sason closed. Sothern, E. A: ‘Tiffany, Annie Ward. ‘Thompson, Churlott ‘Thompson, Den... “Tourists... mugedians of i inion Square Company... Weathersby-Goodwin. “Widow Bedott” Willams Gus. Webber Har Fostoria, ‘Tigin, 0. LOCAL NOTES. Maj.-Gen. Haverly has gone to Colorado. “Fairfax,” Bartley Campbell’s, is under- lined for MeVicker’s on the 3d, Anew play entitled “Our Country Cous- ins” will be seen at the Olympic on the 10th. Miss Louise Muldener, who made her first appearance in this city last Monday night in “Qur Girls,” has made a most favorable im- pression. Mr. Sam Fort, agent of “The Strategists,” Jeft for Baltimore last night. It is probable that he will become manager of the Acad- emy of Music in that city. A terrible rumor_is afloat. The feud be- tween Jarrett and Smith is likely to culmi- nate in the arrest of the latter by the former for defamation of character. - O’Flush, the Man of Sand,” has proved a dire failure. John Dillon has given it up. He will probably open his forthcoming eu- gagement in this city with “Lemons.” Dalziel’s version of “The Mariner’s Com- pass” will be called “Oaken Hearts,” and it will be seen during the coming week at Pope’s Theatre, St. Louis, Mx. Fred Warde plays the leading part. Pat Rooney’s variety troupe. will put in next week at the Olympic. In the company are Jeppe and Sammy Delano, Miss Georgia Kaine, Reynolds and Walling, Morris and Fields, and a number of others, J. W. Shannon has perpetrated a new com- edy-drama entitled “The Spider and the Fly,” and will star in it with George Edeson for an associate. The latter has been at the West Side Academy during the week. It is said that Manager Hochster, having concluded that there is no money in the Ger- man dramatic business of this city, will re- tire from the field next season. There will, however, be a local German company. Mr Jldchster’s season will terminate the latter partof May. He has lost, we hear, $2,000 so far in the year. An appeal having been taken from the de- cision of the “Court of Carnival” in the well-known case of “‘Bardell versus Pick- wick,” our readers will be pleased to know thata rehearing of this famous breach-of- promise suit has been set for the June term of “Sweet Charity Court,” in the Central Music-Hail, immediately following the Re- publican Convention. ‘The best legal talent of the city has been retained for the case. The comedy of “ Donna Diana,” from the Spanish of Moretto, will be presented this eyening by Hochster’s German company. Mme. Irschik will appear in comedy for the first time in this city. We understand that this actress intends retiring for two years from professional life, and in the meantime will devote herself to the study of English with a view to her prpearance on the English stage. She will during her years of study jive on her husband’s farm, near Muuich, Germany. GREEN-ROOM GOSSIP. Next Thursday Miss Ada Cavendish will sail for England. An Opera-House in Owensboro, Ky., seat- ing 1,000 has been completed. To-morrow night Denman Thompson opens at the New York Park Theatre. ‘The New York Olympic Theatre will be torn down at the end of the month. : ‘The Marquis of Lorne and the Princess Louise at the Canadian Capital last week gave Bandmann much encouragement, so an over-the-border paper tells us. He needs it, Sadie Martinot has been offered Eli: Weathersby’s place in “The Froliques.” ee After having had Barney Macauley arrested and fined for assault, L N. ‘Beers Jeft his company. James E. Murdoch’s reappearance th stage will occur May3 at the Philadelphia Chestnut. é Miss Julia Wilson, the Tot of “Joshua Whitcomb,” has been purchasing real estate in Connecticut. A testimonial benefit will be given by New-Yorkers to Edwin Booth prior ad fhe departure for Europe. Nina Varian, they say, is, suffering from consumption, which has probably taken her permanently from the stage. “The Danites” will to-morrow evel roduved in England for the frst tiwe See ler’s Wells, London, is the theatre. ‘The Salsbury Troubadours will appear in England—at Liverpool—on July 8, Th vil remain abroad Yor six months. z ey Wall Owen Faweett, with George Holland, will travel during the summer With a new com- edy, entitled“ Our Gentlemen Friends,” Under Haverly’s management Mary An- derson and John McCullough will appear at the New York Fifth Avenue next season, __ The theatrical season in the French proy- inces has been bad, and the system of *pa- pering” is ruining several Parisian man- agers. The average Cincinnati tragedian’s even- ig neal is said to comprise three wings and. apairof flats. A set rock doesn’t make a lunch for him. At the New York Standard Miss Annie Pixley last night closed her four weeks? en- gagement. Her seasou ends June 1 at the Boston Museum. e \ Willie Edouin.and Alice Atherton will ap- pear next sehson in * whe lie of the Kiteh- en, ey having purchas e picce froin the celebrated Vokes family, ® _At the ThéAtre Francais 622 dead-head tickets are distributed for first nights,—223 go to the press, 75 to the administration of the theatre, 18 to the sociétaires, 6 to the employés, 85 to authors, and 60 to artists playing in the piece. {In Henry Byron’s new comedy, “The ‘Upper Crust,” now running successfully in London, the principal personage is 2 pros- perous soap manufacturer, who has risen from the ranks of the working classes, and whose sole aim in life is to be a “swell.” It is said that a memorial window to Henry J. Montague, whose memory New York still idolizes, has been placed in the Chureh of the Transfiguration, New York City. ‘Times have changed, A few, years ago they would scarcely give actors Christian burial; now they want to make saints of them. The Hanlon Lees, who will be seen in this country next season, have made a great hit at the London Gaiety in their piece, ‘Le ‘Voyage en Suisse.” During the progress of the entertainment a coaching party are pre- cipitated from a lofty stage, and a railroad car is wrecked with its passengers. “Hazel Kirke,” at the New York Madison Square ‘Theatre, enters to-morrow upon the fourth month of itsrun. In addition to the new ventilating apparatus now being put in the house, it is said a $10,000 ice machine will be used, and this it 1s expected will enable the management to keep the theatre open all summer. The mania for extensive management is spreading. Started by Haverly, it finally took possession of Abbey, where for a time itrested. But now there is another promi- nent manager infected, and next season Ed- ward E. Rice will form one of a triumvirate -of mammoth providers of amusement. His catalog of attractions include his Surprise and Evangeline companies, together with “Hearts of Oak,” “Fun on the Bristol,” “A Gentleman from Nevada,” and “The Pirates of Penzance.”—Mirror. A series of matinées will probably be given at the London Gayety for the purpose of en- lightening play-goersghpon the drainatic taste of their grandfathers. The selection of plays will be_contined to extraordinary successes of the Royal “patent” and privileged houses, and will comprise, among others, the follow- ing: Matthew Lewis’ “Castle Spectre” and “Wood Demon,” Sotherne’s “ Oroonoke,” Colman’s “Mountaineers,” Murphy’s “ Up- holsterer” and “Grecian Daughter,” Stecle’s “Vender Husband” and ‘Conscious Lovers,” Lillo’s “London Merchant,” better known as “George Barnwell,” Rowe’s “Jane Shore” and “Fair Penitent,” Bickerstaffe’s “Lionel and Clarissa,” Dr. Soore’ ‘ound- Ing. bibber’s “ Lady's: Last Stake” an “She Would and She Would Not,” Hughes? “Siege of Damascus,” Pocock’s “ Miller and His Men,” Sheridan’s version of Kotzebue’s “ Pizarro,” and others. May Fiske has been atit again; this time, however, she was only the indirect cause. ‘The other day, in Paris, lil. the atmosphere was ruffed by a genuine sensation—the cow- hiding of, T. B. Shoatf, editor of the Gazette, by Col. J. M. Sheets, editor of the Repub- lican. The facts are these: The brother of Shoaff is nanager of the Opera-LHall, in which the May Fiske blondes playeda few nightsago, and were billed for a second performance, butin the meantime were ordered from the city by the authorities. This action was in- dorsed by the Republican. ‘This week’s Gazette, in relation to it, published a long and scurrilous article, false in every particu- Jar, defaming the character of Col. Sheets, declaring that he was disgraced from the army, kicked out of the Post-office, turned out of the church, and was an acknowledged libertine and a_perjurer. After nursing his wrath for two days. the Colonel procured a cowhide and attacked Shoaff in the Post- Office, knocked him down three times, and afterwards belabored him with a cowhide until he was stopped by officers of the law interfering. The sister of the wayward Sarah, known as Mile. Jeanne Bernhardt, has reappeared on the Parisian stage. She made her début at the Porte St. Martin some years ago, Her disposition appears to be as erratic as that of her sister Sally, In 1807, the year of the Ex- hibition, Jeanne, who had until then been as sage as Jeanne Samary, listened to the pas- sionate appeal of- a noble stranger, who left her an irreparable pledge of his love. Jeanne then passed through a series of romantic ad- ventures, and one day, disappointed at the obstinacy of a handsome man, a ‘beau brun,” who remained insensible| to her charms, she tried to kill herself, but only succeeded in spoiling a nice dress and stain- ing her linen with a few drops of blood. This litile drama, however, produced its effect, and the handsome man in question allower himself to be conquered. Jeanne soon zrew tired of him and left him in the lurch. There was noend to her caprices. Suddenly she had a.fit of virtue; went to live on a fifth flat, where she remained until the other day, when, eaten up with spleen, she determin to resume her dramatic career, and so she is now playing in Cadol’s new piece, “‘ La Com- tesse Berthe.” ——— THE EMPTY NEST. My mate and I had a cosy nest; Itwas hidden away in a mountain-crest— In the heart of Nature, wild and free; ‘And two birdlings fair in the nest had we. But the war-wind blew, and we lacked the food ‘That was wont to supply our little brood; So my mate took his iligbt far over the sea, Searching for food for them and me. But ere be came back the birdlings had flown, And I was left in the nest alone. They had flown away beyond the sea, And, alas! they can never come back tome. They have flown farther off than the farthest tar; Ey ‘Their wings were too tender to fly so far, But Angels assisted them in their flight, ‘And O their young pinions, so pure and bright, Soared away and away toa heavenly hight. I watched them till my eyes grew dim, No longer birds, but Cherubitn, Singing in Heaven their huly byvon. ‘They made their nests away in the skies, And now they are birds of Paradize. Alas! my wings were too heavy with sin; watched but could not follow them in. ‘And ofttimes we weep, my mate and I, For those dear young birdlings away in the aky. ‘And still be goes fur awny o'er the sea, But now he only brings food for me. Tearry my grief like a wound in my breast, And hover around the empty nest; Or, sitting in that nest alone, Ising of naught but my birdlings flown. You chide me because these songs are sad, ‘And ask me for numbers blithesome and glad. Oask not for songs that are happy and gay, When my loving inate is so far away} Ask not for notes that are joyous and free, When my birdlings can never come back to me. If Ising to you, st must rather be ‘A song of the grave, or a song of the sea. . Lizzie York Case, —————=>>_—_. Ambroise Thomas has just published in Paris an edition of the score of “Mignon” in English, which is the same as that used by Mr. Car) Rosa... This is the first French opera ever published in France in an Eh- lish as well as a French edition, and, what & ‘amost remarkable evidence of Mr. Thomas’ confidence in Mr. Rosa’s judgment, the score is published with the eraSures and transposi- tions by that impresario. MUSIC. The Sherwood Piano Recitals at Hershey Music- Hall. Testimonial Concert to Hans Ba- latka This Week. The Frog Opera on Its Way Here~ “The Hess-Strakosch English : Opera Organization. During the past week Mr. William H, Sher- wood, of Boston, has given a series of three pianoforte recitals gt Wershey Music-Hall, with programs none the less remarkable for the works brought forward than for the man- ner of their presentation, The opening num- ber of his first program was the great Chro- matic Fantasie and Fugue, given with a clearness and technical case, as well as a com- prehension of the work, such as we have never heard equaled by any pianist. Those who had the good fortune to hear this work as interpreted by Mr. Sherwood can surely never forgetit. On the same program was the Schumann Fantasie in C major, written in 1835 or 1836 (the seventh or eighth year of his activity as a composer, his first important work belonging to the year 1820), and dedi- cated to Franz Liszt. Owing to its great difficulties it is seldom played, and has been given in this country, we believe, only by Rubinstein. Throughout it is a work of rare beauty and full of the author’s own peculiar individuality, When played as it was last Wednesday evening it certainly proves its right to bo considered one of the most im- portant of Schumann’s pianoforte writings. But perhaps the greatest proof of Mr. | Sherwood’s complete mastery of all the requisits that go to the making of a great artist was his performance of the Wagner numbers, which comprised the “Faust” overture, arranged for the pianoforte by Von Bilow; the “Spinning Song” from the “Flying Dutchman”; Lohengrin’s “* Ver- weis an Elsa”; Isolde’s * Liebes Tod”; and the “Tannhiiuser March,” the four last- named transcribed by Liszt, Allof these works require for their proper treatment an almost faultless technique, combined with enormous physical strength and endurance. To play any one of these properly requires the exercise of every power at an artist’s. command, and it is very rare that one can be found who dares essay them in succession. Agreater proof could scarcelhave been given of Mr. Sherwood’s ability than the manner in which he overcame the difficul- tics presented by this series, vanquishing them, as he did, without an apparent effort. The second recital brought us Bach’s well- known organ Prelude and Fugue in G minor in the piano arrangement by Liszt, played with a grandeur and massiveness of effect which seemed almost impossible upon an in- strument of the nature of the piano, and fair- Jy rivaled that of the organ itself. It was fol- lowed by a series of eight Etudes by Chopin, finely illustrating the composer's peculiari- ties, covering almost the entire field of his individuality and giving opportunity for some of the most exquisit delineations of light and shade that we have ever heard. ‘The Jensen numbers have never been heard here before, and though peculiar in style and ofa design and coloring difficult to grasp ata single hearing, were well received and made a deep. impression. |The re- cital closed with Schumann’s “Etudes Symphoniques,” a series of Varia~ tions and Finale, constructed upon a theme of hisown. This work is one of a number in which the composer strove to combine the new technique with the impor- tant features of the new forms in the direc- tion in which music was then tending, and several partial failures led up to this, which must be regarded as a complete success. Such a work tests the artist in every con- -eeivable direction, demanding the possession of many qualities not brought directly into play in its performance, and we regard its presentation as the crowning triumph of the evening. ‘The matinée program contained Beethoven’s “Sonata Pathetique,” several Chopin num- bers, Prelude and Fugue from Bach’s “Well-Tempered Clavichord,” and a charm~ ing movement from the second violoncello suite of the same author; three numbers by Moszkowski, three: by Grieg, and Liszt’s “\Waldesranschen” and Sixth Hungarian Rhapsodie. To sum up, we think ‘Mr. Sherwood has added’ to his al- ready enormous technique, since his last appearance here, a large amount of me- chanical facilities and a grandeur and breadth of conception to which he has never before ined, Especially was this evident in his y wt of ‘the Bach numbers and the brill- jant aud massive works of the modernschool, TESTIMONIAL TO 3S. LOUIS FALE. Mrs. Jessie Bartlett Davis, Miss Ada Somers, and Mr, John E. MeWade, who, with ‘Mrs. Falk, will be pleasantly remembered as Jeading soloists in the Chureh Choir Pinafore Company have tendered that lady a, testi- monial which will take place at Central Musie-Hall on the evening of Tuesday, May 4. ‘They will receive the assistance of a number of well-known musicians and vocal- jsts of the city, among whom are the Misses Jennie Owen, soprano of Plymouth Chureh; Emma Baker, late of “Unit Church} the Blaney Quartet; Mr. Emil Liebling, the pianist; the Liesegang String Quartet; and Mr. L.A. Phelps, the young tenor, who will make his first ublic ap pearance in concert in Chicago. | Mr. Phelps is a pupil of the celebrated maestros Signors nucci, of Florence, and Sig. Lamperti, of Milan.’ He was also for a time a pupil of Prof. Osear Paul, pianist of the Leipzig Conservatory, ‘There has been a very great desire manifested to hear Mr, Phelps, and Mrs. Falk is very fortunate to secure his initial appearance. ‘The program will consist of popular selec- tions only. A feature of the concert will be the singing of the,*Proverb Duet” from, “Pinafore,” by Alrs. Bartlett Davis and Mr. MeWade, in costume, with an accompant ment arranged expressly for them by Mr, A. Leisegang. ‘The beneficiary will appear, ina solo and aduet with Mrs. Davis, and Miss Helen Marr White, a reader of inore than usual ability and talent, will contribute a number. The crved the sects be the same which characterized” the sttccessful testimo- nial concertgiven by Jessie Bartlett in March, ‘THE BALATKA TESTIMONIAL. ‘The mast prominent event of the present week will be the testimonial concert to Mr. Hans Balatka, which takes place at the Cen- tral Music-Hall on Tuesday evening, the 27th, upon which occasion the Germania Manner- chor, 100 voices, assisted by Miss Helene Balatka, Mr. Edward Schultze, and a full orchestra, will appear in a program of more than ordinary ambition and — ex- cellence. ‘Among the leading numbers of the program. are, first, the Schumann Symphouy in B flat major, dating from that period in which all his ‘best works were com- posed. It is entirely free from that obscurely mystical element which characterizes his Jater works, and by itssprightly cheerfulness never fails to interest the musician as well as the amateur. Second, the aria of the Queen of Night, from the “ Magic Flute,” sung y Miss Balatka. Third, a scene from “ Armin,” the only opera of Hoffmann, the composer of “Nelusina” and ‘Cinderelia.” It is ex- tremely popular in Germany, especially this finale, which is invariably repeated, Fourth, Ensemble from “ Der Tannhduser.” When, in 1856, by order of Napoleon, this opera was. erformed in Paris, and Wagner was merci- essly handled by’ the critics, this ensemble was the only part of the opera which was praised. In this work Miss | lelene Balatka Will have a fine opportunity to show her talent for musical, declamation. The Bee- thoven Septuor and a scene from “ Rienzi” will also be given, the whole making one of the best programs ever offered to a Chicago audience. CHAMRER CONCERT. The seventeenth of the Lewis and Eich- heim seriesof chamber concerts will begiven at Fairbank Hall next Thursday afternoon with the following program, all the numbers of which, with the exception of the third, are new: 1. Trio in D minor, op. 34. ‘Miss Ingersoll, Afessrs. 2. Reverie. . t, Op. 182, eeeee- Raft 5 See ene “Muhtenbruch, Meyer, and Eichheim- Steers. i 4. Quint ‘Rueinberger Bi rao, (essra. Lewis, Munlenbruch, Meyer, et nee and Etchhetm. “FROG OPERS.” tka ‘The novel extravaganza, known, as “Frog Opera,” whieh has been given in nearly all the leading cities of the country with remarkable success, will be produced for the first time in Chicago on. the. week of May 17, at the Central Music-Hall, for the benefit of the Nursery and Half-Orphans’ Asylum. The novelty of the work, its wide- spread celebrity, as well as the deservin: character of the charity to be benefited, wil unquestionably draw large audiences upon the occasion. The details of the perfoi ances will be given hereafter. LOCAL MISCELLANY. Mr. E. B. Perry, of Boston, the well known blind pianist, will give a recital at Hershey Hall about the middle of May. Hans Balatka has been awarded the con- tract for furnishing the music forthe Knights Templars’ Conclave in August. Miss Ada Somers is resting from her “Pinafore” laborsin Evanston. ‘The Church Ghote Company we believe is somewhere in jorado. Anew candidate for favor, the Chicago ahusices World and soc Journal, bas ade Q] rance under the management! of W. L. Alien. 5 A testimonial concert will be given to Sig. Farini May 19 at Central Music-fHall, at which Mme, Selika and a large chorus ant orchestra will appear. ie (the ‘The pupils of Miss Lillian E. Sm Misses Farr, Gilbert, Gibbs, Clark, Hoffman, ‘Van Patten, and Adam), assisted by Mr. Charles Ward and Mr. Lee, will give a soirée wae at Fairbank Hall to-morrow even- The Park Place Pavilion, of which Mr. Baum is the proprietor, is being enlarged so as to make a very capacious concert-hall, and concerts will be given bya large orchestra every evening this summer, commencing about June 1. Miss Effie Huntington, the pianist, whose recital in this city last October ;will be Pleasantly remembered, sails for Europe on the Ist of May, to be absent two years, which she will devote to study. Her future willbe watched with interest, as she is a ‘player of great promise. The Dfustcal Bulletin, the new paper pub- lished by the Hershey School of Stusteal Art, and edited by Mrs, Eddy and Mr, Gleason, has reached its fifth number, and is rapidly growing to be a first-class musical paper, though it is now mainly confined in its news department to local intelligence.- A testimonial concert will be given to Miss Nellie Bangs at Fairbank Uall next Thurs- day evening, upon which occasion she will have the assistancetof the Chicago Quartet, Biss Mantey, Mrs. Slayton, Miss Mina Rom- meiss, Mrs. O. I, Fox, Dr. C. T. Barnes, and at John McWade, in a very pleasing pro- John White, the organist of Dr. Hall’s Church, New York, formerly of Chicago has resigned his position. It is also repo! fed. that Mr. Ayres, a new organist from Chicago, isto play at Dr. Snbine’s Reformed Epis- copal Church, New York, in place of Mr. I. eee transferred to the Anthon Memorial jurch. The Chopin Club, 2 new organization, com- posed of several excellent players, met for the first time last Wednesday evening at 3010 Prairie avenue and played a very inferesting Program, though there was but one Chopin number on it, Those who took part were Miss Dollie Atwood, Mrs. Mills, Miss Foote, Miss Wishard, Miss Volk, and Messrs. Roney, Becker, Stampoffski, Cleveland. ‘The contract for the organ to be built for the Central Music-Hall has been awarded to Messrs, Johnson & Son, of Westfield, Mass., who have built thirty-three organs for Chi- eago. The specification is said by competent judges to be remarkably well balanced and intelligently constructed. The organ desk will stand midway between the two parts of the organ, the organist sitting sidewise to the audience. The displayed pipes on each side are to be tastefully decorated in gold and colors. On Tuesday evening Mr. William H. Sher- wood played a piano recital at Evanston be- fore a large and appreciative audience. The program contained several novelties, the best of which were three delightful pieces by Rubinstein, which pleased extremely. The heavier numbers, such as the Bach “Chro- matic Fantasie and Fugue” gave a new il- lustration of Mr. Sherwood’s peculiar power in bringing out the beauty and refinement of works commonly regarded as dry. In this respect as well as in his great technic, he is a master of a high order. The ninth soirée of Mr. Liebling’s pupils were given last evening at Pelton & Pom- eroy’s piano rooms with the following pro- gram: Schubert’s* Fantasie,” op. 15, by, Yeo Simonsen; Brandeis’ “Gavotte,” op. by Miss Farwell; Mayo’s “Humming Bird,” by Miss Fiske; Schumann’s “ Novelette,” op. 21, No. 1, by Miss Lawson: the Boccherini- Joseffy “Mennet” and Raff’s “La Cachu- cha,” by Miss Matthews; the Schumann- Liszt “‘Liebeshed,” by Miss Dyer; and Hoff- mann’s “Italian Love Romance,” op. 19, a eyclusof six four-hand_ pieces, by the Misses Stager and Parsons. This recital closes the series. It is intended to givea supplementary goltée with orchestra about the middle of ay. The catalog of-the Chicago Musical Col- Jege for the current year is just out, and dates from the new and elegant rooms in the Central Music-Hall Building. Its corps of teachers is announced as follows: Piano, Dr. F. Ziegfeld; vocal music, L. A. Phelps; organ, Louis Falk; violin, Carl Becker; his- tory of music, J. J. _Hattstidt; harmony and composition, A. Rutf; elocution, Mrs. ‘Anne Cowell-Hobkirk; chorus singing, Otto Lob. An interesting novelty is the announce- ment that it is the intention of the managers of the College to give a series of operas next season, and, with the assistance of Mr. L. A. Phelps, the director of the vocal department, and Mrs. Anna Cowell-Hobkirk, the cele- rated teacher and draimatic artist, the Col- lege will be able to give excellent perform- ances of some of the -best works on the operatic stage. ‘The fourth reunion of the Beethoven So- ciety took place at the Methodist Church Block last Friday evening. The instrumental numbers of the prograin were Schubert's “Andante and Rondo,” in B minor, by Messrs. Wolfsohn and Rosenbecker; Schu- mann’s “Slumber Song,” an “Etude,” by Venselt, and the Meyerbeer-Raff “L’Atri- caine” transcription, by. Mr. Wolfsohn; Ber- lioz’s “Scene de Ballet,” by Master Michael Banner; and Beethoven's B flat major trio, op.97, by Messrs. Wolfson, Rosenbecker, and Kichheim. The vocal numbers were Molloy’s song, “The King’s Highway,” by Miss Helen Bragg; Esser’s ballad, | “The Minstrel’s Curse,” by Mr. A. Schwartz, and anariafrom “La Favorita,” by Miss Julia Moran. A marked feature of the concert was the playing of Master Michael Banner, the young violin prodizy from San Francis- co. He will shortly have a testimonial cou- cert at the Central Music-Hall, at which time the general public will have an oppor- tunity of hearing his remarkable work. OPERATIC NEWS. + The Dramatic News says: “Mr. Si kosch’s prima donna in the English 0} company which he willrun next season in conjunction with C. D. Hess, will no doubt be Marie Rdze. Miss Gaylord, of the Carl Rosa Company, will be second donna. Maas and Packard will be the tenors, and Miss Yorke the contralto. Itis not unlikely that Mile. de Belocca will be another of the con- traltos. Mfr. Carleton is the baritone, and Mr. Conly the basso. The company will be a very strong one.” MUSICAL NOTES. ‘Mme. Ima di Murska was singing in Pesth afew weeks ago. = Wilhelmj was in Galveston, Tex., last week, Mies. Salvotti and Vogrich are still with him. ‘The chorus at the Cincinnati May Festival will number 590 voices, divided as follows: Soprano, 21; contralto, 120; tenor, 93; bass, Miss Emma Abbott is abont ending one. of her most profitable seasons. It is said that her share of the receipts is little less than 000, Mme. Halévy, the widow of the distin- ‘ished composer, has presented to the péra Comique a bust of her husband, carved by herself. 3 Planquett’s “Bells of Corneville” has just closed a run of over two years at the London Globe Theatre, while “Pinafore” lasted but about six months. Offenbach is writing a new opéra comique, called “La Mére des Compagnons,” which will be brought outatthe Paris Folies-Dra- matiques in September. « Francoise de Rimini,” Ambroise Thomas’ Sonor ‘will be produced next winter at the Paris Opéra. Gounod’s latest work, “Le Tribut de Zamora,” will follow it closely. Bérlioz’s “Requiem” is announced to be given by the Gesellschaft der Musikfreunde ot Vienna. This work requires five orches- tras and the score demands sixteen tympani. Campanini, the tenor, recently. received from his younger brother, Cleofonte, a lad of 18 years, a musical composition of that young man, who is already making his mark in Italy as a violinist. The composition is a romanzina for the tenor voice, and Sig. Campanini thinks it is good enough for him to sing in public, and regrets that ‘he has no opportunity to do so at present, ‘ = Max Marétzek is reported to be writing the music of a burlesque on * Enoch Arden,” which will be brought out before long. At Mr, Peck’s annual concert in Boston last week Mr. Joseffy was unable to play, and at the last moment Mr. Carlyle Peter- silea was procured to play the Chopin con- certo on the program. His playing is well spoken of by leading Boston papers. Rubinstein’s new opera, “Kalaschnikoff,” recently brought out at St. Petersburg, is described as purely symphonic, tbe burden of the work being done by the chorus and in- struments, while the solos are very few, the polo music being chiefly declamatory recita- NEW MUSIC. Boston: G. D, Russéli—“Oh! Lovely Um- brella,” by George Grossmith, Jr., from Misa Kate Field's“ Musical Monolog™; * Darling Little Gracie,” song, by Jule E. Perkins; “Listen to Our Ev Prayer.” sacred song, by Arthur Henshaw: han'’s Advance Guard March,” oy Eugéne Dupre; “Just Bide Awee,” by Her bert Lestie. THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE. Jimmy Robinson. James Robinson, the circus bareback rider, bas bought him a farm of 1,000 acres in Mie ois, and he will ride the plow-handles in future. ‘To the Editor of The Chicago Tribune, Mextco, Mo., April 23.—I clip the above from the Sonpay Tripunz of the 28th inst. Please correct it In next Sunday's issue, that the same readers may seo {t that Sfr. Robinson has bough 400 acres of land adjoining the farm he has owned for several years, making in all 1,000 acres. There isno danger of his maxing Ii- nois bis home, as he says, after seeing every country and clime on the globe his own Audraia, County, Missouri, is the best, and be fs not going to ride the plow-handles either until some one ig found that cun ridea horse better than he, Yours respectfully, Wits A. Barrox. BR ‘That Niagara Falis Yarn. To the Editor of The Chicago Tribune, Cricaco, April 24—Respecting that “Fish Story,” published in Tse Trrpone Iast Sunday, about which a correspondent asked for informa- tion, I would say that I have no doubt that thera are many peoplo living at the Niagara Fulls who could vouch for the truth of the Bishop's re- mark that thirty-two years ago they were dry for a whole da; Idia not myself sce the spectacle, but I learned from several who did that there was very Little water dripping over the precipice for a day at least, and that a-man on the Cunaaa side rode a horse across the river from Tuble Rock to Goat Island. I have no more doubt of the truth of the fact than I have that Mr. Harrison is Mayor of Chicago; that fact was then as well known about the falls and at Buffalo ag this factishere. The cause of the phenom- enon was well known. The ice in the lake qnd Buffalo Bay had been driven by the wind upon the reefs between Buffalo and Fort Erie to such an amount that it formed a dum so complete across the head of the river, and so firm and compact as to prevent the water in the lake from passing down the river. I think the ocour~ rence must have been published in some of the “Guide Books” printed at the falls or Buffulo in those days. A. DENSMORE. “Co-operative” Insurance. ‘To the Editor of The Chicago Tribune. Curcaco, April 24—Mr. R. B. Mason, Presi- dent of one of the Jatest organized codperative insurance societies, writes that bis new-fangled system fs “simple, cheap, and successful.” He ig mistaken. Codperative life-Insurance Is com- plex, costly, and a failure. It {snot simple, be- cause it isclumsy in design, variable In Its work- ings, and only haif understood by its deluded managers and victims. It is not cheap, because in ten years’ time every “certificate” holder is certain tohaveto | pay more in bis irregularly levied “assess~ jnents” than he would in premiums in aug well- established old-linc company. It is not successful, because, thoughevery one of these codperative societies obtuins a large number of members in its earlier days, they in- variably thin out aftera time: and because a codperative concern never hua existed, never ean exist, twelve years. Nobody-will question’ Mr. Mason’s sincerity. He ig merel: ‘There is not an actuary of National repute, a State insurance officia! in the Union, or u competent insurance or financial writer in the world who is not ou record against this cobperative * assessment” vayary. Twill add that 1am not an officer, ageat, nor in any way connected with the legitimate life companies, and will satisfy you, Mr. Editor, of that fact before asking you to publish this com~ munication, I amsorry to say that am not even insured in an old-line company. To the contrary, Lam a certiticate holder in one of the largest of the conparative. societies,—a Masonio ‘Aid Association. I believe this association to ba managed with ‘absolute honesty; but I know that unless it begins accumulating a reserva, and fixes regular premlums graded in yearly In- creased sums according to uge,and otherwise conforms to the laws guverning real life-insur~ ance, it will at no distant day begin to decay. mistaken. A Ruin, To the Editor of The Chicago Tribune Curcago, April 2t—There is one picture of Altapidation and decay which brings to my mind sad reflections, and that is a church building In ruin. It is not easy to be believed that such @ spectacle is presented to the view in a young. wide-awake city like Chicago, where everything bears the impress of youth, and nothing Ia old; put it Is to be seen, even bere, in more than ono instance. Not to mention others, there is one located on one of the most fashionable streets of the city which presents a picture of neglect and decay that is a reproach upon our religion. Directly opposit the First Congregational Church on West Washington street stands & beautiful rough-stone church edifice, with its tall, handsome spire pointing heavenward, un- occupied and lonely. The beautiful stained= glass windows have been riddled by missiles. of boys who neither fear God nor regard mas. The doors are often pried open and stand acy snd what ruin may be going on inside know not. I am ‘informed it has fallen into the hands of 2 woman living somewhere in the East, who was beguiled into the belief that religious bodies could not and would not fall to hold sacred their pecuniary engagements, al- though aware of the old saying that ‘corpora: tions have no souls.” It has been placarded “For sale,” and bys notice in The Turpune some time ago it appeared there had been a proposition to leage or purchase It for a theatre. ‘There cun be little doubt of the venture prove ing very profitable when occupied for dramatic entertainments. I imagine the owner must have had conscientious scruples or sbe would have closed with the offer, since no one could ‘afford to pay as bigh a price for any other uso as the man who runs theatres. ‘Theatres flour- ish while churches languish. As It stands, it is, ng suid, a reproach which ought not to con tinue. If the churches on the West Side will not combine to purehase it and cause it to ve used for the worship of God, it should be pur, chased and used for a Ubrary, That {3 one of the wunts of West Chicago, and this handsome pullding ought to attract ‘the attention of public-spirited West Siders. AGRICOLA. A Plea for the Dogs. ‘To the Editor of The Chicago Tribune. Cricaco, April 24.—Mankind bas not a more faithful and constant friend than the dog. ‘When all buman triends desert him, bis dog will stick to him; no matter what disgraceor loss of fortune he may suffer he has one friend that he can depend on not deserting bim. . Numerous instances show that human lives have been saved by this faithful friend, sometimes at a sacrifice of his own. No one of our domestic animals compare with him in Intelligence or de- yotion to any one that shows him kindness. Dogs and young children are good judges of character. itissafe to trust anyone that can make friends with them. Now, forall this aeo- yotion, what do we give inreturn? Individuals give care and protection so faras thoy can, but our eity authorities recently passed alaw that all persons owning 2 dog should take outa license, costing $2, with the understanding that all dogs not so licensed should be {mpounded for a cer- -tain number of days, and then ff not claimed by the owner, killed. ‘This would give the owner of a licensed dog a chance to save him should some mischievous boy steal his lcense tag. Then some one in authority said that the expense of dog-catchers would be too heavy. and that dogs not muzzled should be shot. en, again, our Chief of Police hired special! detectives to polson all dogs not muzzied, whether lice! or not. Now, I would like to know what protection our . What have we got for the money that we paid? Luw is supposed be founded on justice. This, may be law, but very poor — justice." I will not discuss the expediency of restrictions being placed on the keeping of dogsinacity. Many Rersone think that there is at danger of by- drophobia resulting from heiog bitten by u dog. It an unsettled question among experts whether there {ssuch a thing ag hydrophobia, but vut of deference to their feelings we will grant that gome restriction should be placed on them; but it should be done in such a manner that the owners of a valuable dog can protect him. Now if he §s licensed and muzzicd, and he should lose or have bis muzzle taken off he would be killed before he could save him. If the same zeal was shown in ridding our city of thieves, many lives and much property. would be saved. I consider a dog on my premises ten times as much protection to my property a3 the just. I know of no city or town that acts as in~ human or unjust as Chicago does in this matter. | if wo pay for protection we certainly should haveit. © A Prrenp or tne Even-Fartuyot. ¢ s