Evening Star Newspaper, July 17, 1897, Page 24

SCENES AROUND A BANANA WHARF. THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, JULY. 17, 1897-24 PAGES. THE BANANA TRADE! >—— Has Been Seriously Interfered With by the Cuban War. - SOURCE OF SUPPLY HAS CHANGED How the Fruit is Collected and Sent to This Country. PICTURESQUE SCENES Written for The Evening Star. NE CURIOUS RE- sult of the Cuban war is the complete revolution of the ba- nana industry. Three years ago one could feel reasonably cer- tain that a banana seen in the United States was grown in Cuba. Now we do not get a single bunch from the island. Cuba formerly sent us over 2,000,000 bunches of the rich tropical fruit every sea- son. The principal firms engaged in the Importation of bananas had great planta- tions of thousands of acres in extent, und eastern Cuba was rapidly becoming one huge banana farm. In fact, the raising of bananas had grown to be one of Cnba’s most important industries. Twenty ves- sels were continually occupied in carrying the fruit to the United States. During 1895 the crop was not seriously affected, but last year banana traders found it tmposs!- ble to load their vessels in Cuba. During the season a large part of the plantations was destroyed, and now nothing grows where once was the most fertile and highly roductive spot in Cuba. The destruction of the banana planta- ; incidentally involved the loss of «ble American capital, but the itself has not been allowed to lan- guish, although it is almost true that not a banana comes out of Cuba today. The amount of this fruit used in America this season will be more than double what it was in the year before the Cuban war. Cuba, the great banana raiser, has disap- peared from this line of work, but her Place has been taken by Jamaica, Porto Rico and the surrounding islands, Mexico and Central America. Natives, blacks and American planters have gone into the busi- ness in all these places, and the result is that bananas are now cheaper than ever, and the supply is large enough to meet the rapid increase in demand. This in- crease has been very remarkable during the past few seasons. It is probable that this year between 15,000,000 and 20,000,000 bunches will be brought into this coun:ry. Of this amount, nearly one-half comes by way of New Orleans, one-third by New York, and the remainder through other ports. Twenty Million Bunches. It is only within the past few years that. the handling of bananas has been worthy the name of a distinct trade. Previously it was only a part of the fruit trade, and, like most kinds of fruit, the banana was counted on as good for its season. The banana season was “‘on"’ when apples, ber- ries and other native fruits were “off.” As time went on, however, and greater famil- iarity with the banana taught people that it was one of the most excellent and adapt- able of fruits, a steady demand grew up which persists the year around. Physi- cians took up the banana and recommended it for its healtful and nourishing qualities, and altogether the banana has come into high favor. That is briefly why the people of the United States will eat this year some 20,000,000 bunches of bananas, or roughly one bunch averaging 200 bananas to every family in the country. Aside from its com- mercial importance, the banana trade is interesting for its picturesque feature. From the dark-hued Jamaican or Mexican who cuts the stalks where they grow through the colored roustabouts and white handlers who load and unload the vessels, the wholesale and retail dealers, to the Greek and Italian push-cart merchants who sell the fruit upon our city streets, there is a range of thrift and shiftlessness, and a variety of humankind that it would be hard to match in any other industry. The boats engaged in the banana trade are properly coasting vessels, light of draft, to accommodate the shallow harbors of the tropics, built for fair speed and great car- rying capacity. Most of them belong to the different firms that import the fruit, and carry from 20,000 to 30,000 bunches at each trip. This means from 2,000,000 to 4,000,000 bananas in every cargo. The perishable nature of their load requires quick work in loading and unloading these boats, and there is no more lively or inter- esting scene than a banana vessel taking on or discharging cargo. At the little West Indian ports where the bananas are loaded there is apt to be the greatest excitement during the day or two while the vessel is taking on its cargo. Carts of the most wonderful construction come pouring in from the plantations, piled high with,the green fruit, fresh cut. These carts are hauled by bony cattle or sullen mules, and are driven by lazy blacks, who loll _upon their loads and swear lustily at their teams and at each other in the musical tones of these southern islands. The air is full of the cracking of whips, rich Spanish oaths and an occasional in- vigorating Anglo-Saxon injunction to “look lively there.” - Every Banana is Counted. As the heavy bunches of fruit go over the ship’s side they are counted and packed away in the hold in lots of sevens, eights or nines, according to the number of “hangs,” that is, the number of rows of fruit, on each stalk. When the season is at its height, as it is just now, there is a grand rush to get the fruit on board, and the work never subsides until the vessel is filled to the hatches. Sometimes, however, the boats have to coast along the shallow shores to make up their loads, and then the Truit fs rafted out to them in small lots on log rafts bound together with vines and poled by strapping blacks, whese ideas in regard to clothing are about as primitive as those of the natives of Central Africa. When the hold is filled the banana boat wastes not a moment in getting away with her cargo, and makes the best time she ts capable of to her port of destination. Most of these boats are very fair travelers, and can unload the fruit in New York within six days of its cutting, making the trip frcm Jamaica or Porto Rico to New York in three or four days. When ‘the boat arrives In port gangs of workmen are awaiting to unload her. As soon as she has tied up to her dock she is surroundea by trucks and lighters, the hatches are thrown open, and the men fairly swarm over the ship's sides and into her hold. If the boat is a large one, four or five “gangs,” from 100 to 125 men, work on her at once. There is sometimes con- siderable rivalry between these gangs, and they often make the bananas fairly fly out of the ship's hold in the effort to handle more bunches within a certain length of time than any of their rivals. All the work is done by hand. A double line of men ex- tends from the hold up through each hatch- way and out to the side of the boat, where the big, cool-looking green bunches are passed into trucks or lighters or cars. A Moving Line. As each string of fruit comes on deck, swung by the ends of the stalks between the double line of handlers, it 1s classed, counted and diverted to the particular lot to which it belongs, all while it is In mo- tion. Beside the rail sit the counters, who operate little automatic machines, register- ing the number of bunches put into each load. In each gang there is a crier, who shouts out the number of each lot as it goes over the side, and a “boss,” whose principal duty seems to be to “keep things moving.” A member of the firm sits on the slippery deck and superintends the general work, while the different buyers stand be- side him, watching the fruit as it comes up, and offering suggestions as to its qual- ity or the particular kind they want. About them is a perfect babel of noise, the con- stant ting-ling of the registering machines, the monotonous “one, two, three, four” of the ‘counters, the sharp-spoken directions of the superintendent as he says “one hun- dred greens, seven, out,” the encouraging shouts cf tne bosses as they urge their men to “let them come; send them up lively, now,” the cries of the truckmen, quarreling for places, is all merged in a sort of composite clamor, from which the bystander can make out nothing at all. The great bulk of bananas brought into this country are the yellow kind, but a good many of the red variety from Lower California and Central America are also used. There is no other kind of fruit that can be served in so many different ways or on so many occasions as the banana, and this in great measure accounts for its growth in popularity and the great in- crease in its use. EXCURSIONS. Anybody who is looking for an enjoyable Way. of spending Sunday should take the River Queen to Chapel Point. She will leave Macalester’s wharf at 9:30 in the morning, and arrive at Chapel Point after a sail of about four hours. She does rot leave the “Point” till about 5:30, so the passengers will have four hours to enjoy themselves at the grounds. The enjoy- are manifold—real salt water bath- crabbing, fishing, boating, «umuse- ing. ments for everybody's taste. The grounds are delightful, and the fresh breezes blow- ing off the salt water invigorating and re- freshing. There is an excellent restaurant on the boat, and meals may also be obtain- ed at the grounds. The River Queen 1s a 2 boat, and furnished with jence. She will reach Wash- n the evening at 9:20, which makes the day pleasantly long without be- ing jous. Tonight the steamer Macalester journeys down to Indian Head, leaving her wharf val at Those who have not yet ken a trip down the river by moonlight ba little & of the picturesque beauty scenery. The Potomac is always iful, but shimmering in the silvery of the moon, with the dark woods for it makes a picture of inde- The loveliness boat touches at Hall both . picking up pas- cers who have taken one of the earlier sengers who pre- ns of Marshall Hall to the ail down the river. There Is no ex- - for carrying those who day at the Hall on the moontight trip to Indian Head. Who has not spent a Sunday at Marshall ail? tainly there are few Washing- jans who have not sought its pleasant le and cool breezes in which to re- cuperate after the heat of the week in town. Nor could they weil find a more al- together agreeable spot. There ts a sauffi- ciency of amusements to satisfy every one, d yet there fs none of the rough element to jar one’s nerves. Mr. J. C. Knight, for- merly of Chamberlin’s, 1s the manager cn the grounds this year, and under his care- ful supervision the place is more delizht- ful than ever, and never were meals cook- ed or served better than they are now in the splendid restaurant. Capt. Blake knows well how to look after the comfort of his passengers. The barber's shop is open all day Sunday, there fs an excellent cafe on the boat, and everything con- ceivable to make the trip comfortable. The Sunday boats leave at 11 am., 2:30 and 6:20 p.m. The palace steamer Jane Moseley will © Fer regular trips to Colonial Beach this evening at 6:20 o'clock and tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock sharp. The Jane Mcseley is eminently fitted to carry crowd of excursicnists on the trip of sixty- eight miles down te salt water. She {s commc¢dious, and most comfortably fur- nished, and is swift and safe. The service on board, especially in the cafe, is excel- lent. The trip to be made this evening will be especially enjoyable, and no words can picture the delights of such a ride on the histor! “zitui Potomac during the evening hours. Colonial Beach is well kncwn as a resort of unusual merit, and the capacity of both boat and grounds will in ail probability be tested tomorrow. The steamer Arrowsmith will make a special trip to Piney Point this evening at 6 o'clock. The return will be made tomor- row night at 10 o'clock, and the fare for the round trip, including transportation and cecominodations at the hotel at Piney Point, will be $2.50. This is a delightful trip, and will be patronized by a large number of persons in search of short outing, but which will carry them at least to salt water. A special excursion wiil be given again this evening to Virginia Beach, under the direction of N. Dushane Cloward. The trip is made on the boat of the Norfolk and Washington steamboat line, leaving here this evening at 7 o’clock—a most desirable means of travel—and the fare, including one day et the beautiful Princess Anne Hotel at Virginia Beach, 1s $6. The same trip, including but cne meal at the Prin- cess Anne Hotel, is $4.50. Tickets for the trip may be secured from N. Dushane Cioward, special agent, at the boat, or N. Stein, at the Columbia Theater. A ride to Arlington, Fort Myer, Baill- ston, Fosteria, Falls Church and Cross- man’s Grove, a delightful spot for picnic parties, by way of the W. A. and F. C. ra‘lroad, the cars of which leave from the Virginia side of the Aqueduct bridge, is a Geclightful one. The country traversed is beautiful and the cool breeze as it comes across the Virginia hills is enough to am- ply repay any one who makes an excursion by this mears into that territory. * The electric trains of the Mount Vernon, Arlington and Alexandria railroad afford an excellent means of. reaching any of the pieces mentioned in the name of the road fer these who do net care to waste much time In goirg from one place to another. This road ts well equipped, and a ride on it during a hot evening is always sure to carry with it pleasing results. The trains leave every few minutes from the station, corner 13% street and Pennsylvania ave- nue. To Bosten and Providence by sea from Baltimore ts one of the ideal summer trips. ‘The ride down the Chesapeake bay and up the Atlantic coast is one long to be remem- bered, and will in all probability form an item of a large number of the summer out- ings of Waskington’s citizens. The ships of this line are splendidly appointed, and the ser¥ice on Woard 1s all that could be re- quired. A pleasant route by which to reach any of the summer resorts on the Atlantic coast between Baltimore and New York over the Ericsson line of excursions. The boats of this line leave Baltimore every day for Philedelphia, Cape May, Atlantic City, Asbury Park and Ocean Grove, and New York. At the latter point connections may be made for any point on the Hudson river, In Maine and, in fact, all of New England. The ride is a delightful one to any of these points, and must be taken to be fully appreciated. No other excursion offers so many at- tractions to those who wish to spend Sun- day away from the city as that of the Nor- folk and Washington Steamboat Company to Fortress Monroe, Virginia’ Beach and Ocean View. The hotels there are among the finest in the land, while the accommo- dations on board the Norfolk and Wash- ington steamers are all that the most fas- tidious travelers could desire. A chal excursion wili be given ovef this line this evening, which ‘gives two nights and one day on the water, and brings passengers home Monday morning in ample time for business.. The steamer leaves 7th ‘street whart at 7 o'clock p.m. The finest fishing that sportsmen can en- joy anywhere on the Atlantic coast 1s that found at Ocean City, Md. ‘The ocean there abounds in bluefish, sheepsbead, king fish, trout, drum fish and butter fish. Sinepux- ent bay, the sheet of water which separates Ocean City from the mainland, furnishes splendid sport fer those who prefer still water fishing, with rock fish, perch, blue fish and crabs. The beach at Ocean City is faultless, and there ts no perceptible under- tow or side currents. The accommodations at the Atlantic Hotel are fully in keeping with the many natural attractions which have made Ocean City so popular. A spe- cial $3 excursicn leaves the Baltimore ard Ohio station. for Ocean City every Satur- day at 3 p.m., arriving at 7:30, and return- ing to this city Sunday at 10 p.m. if Sunday is very warm, and the weather indications point that way, one can spend 4 very pleasant morning and evening under the huge old trees in the beautiful grounds of Fort Myer and Arlington. The ride to Falls Church is another way to keep cool, that a great many enjoy these warm even- ings. The electric cars leave the Aqueduct bridge every half hour for Fort Myer and Arlington, and every hour for Falls Church, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:40 p.m. The warm weather is making everybody long for cool breezes, and they can always be found at River View, Capt. E. S. Ran- dall’s popular excursion’ resort, near Fort Washington. Under the shade trees on the wide lawns cool places can always be found, no matter how hot the day may be. Tomorrow the steamer Samuel J. Pentz will make her usual trips at 11 a.m., 2:45 and 6:15 p.m., and will return at 1, 5, and 9:30 p.m. To entertain the visitors to the resort there will be another exhibition of the cinematographe at night. Some fine new views will be exhibited, and the exhibition will be a free one. Those who have seen the cinematographe at River View during the past week are praising it highly. In addition to the cinematographe, the usual afternoon and evening concerts will be rendered by Chris. Arth, jr.'s, fine orchestra, and the chute will be ready to afford amusement to all. On Monday evening the Carroll Institute will go to River View on its twenty-fourth anrual outing, and have arranged a most attractive program of cial events for the day and evenirg. In the afternoon there will be a series of sports for prizes, consisting of a one and two-mile bicycle race, 100-yard swimming match, putting 16-pound shot, running broad jump, 100- yard dash for juniors, &c. At 10 p.m. there will be a free exhibition of the cinemato- graphe, and’on the return trip the members . 1. Minstrels, assisted by a section of the C. I. Orchestra, will entertain the excursionists. The committee in charge are leaving nothing undone to make this one of the most successful in the history of the institute. =< oo. A Never-Failing Supply of Towels. From the Atchison Globe. ‘4 A member of the Linen Suit Club has had his pants washed, and reports that he had to cut two feet off his pants, legs to make them the right length. His wife sewed the pieces together, htng them over @ roller towel, and he now wipes his face on them. A statistician in the club figures that, by washing a pair of pants six times in a season, a woman will get enough crash towels off the ends to keep her family supplied for a year. The cost of = towels eae = Se Ca eat In Wo seasons the would pay them- selves, and still Be yielding crash towels. esas and a jolly THEATRICAL GOSSIP Next Week Alk thie Oity. Theaters Will Be Plosed. G00D WORK AT THE COLUMBIA Sousa Both as-Composer and as a Band Master. TALK ABOUT NEXT SEASON With the closing of the Columbia Stock Company tonight there will be no theater in the city open next week. The supple- mental séason at this house-has been en- joyable if not highly remunerative to the management. The company has been com- posed of good people, who have displayed more versatility than it was supposed they Possessed. It is gratifying to know that the Washington actors have done excellent work, and Messrs. Boag, Stein and Hans Roberts have added to their artistic repu- tations and gained a wermer regard from their friends. All the ladies in the com- ‘pany have become popular here and will be gladly welcomed back. Miss Grey,dainty and bright; Miss Gajlatin, plump and bril- Mant; Mrs. Wilson, matronly and artistic; Miss Evelynne, pretty and piquant; Miss Scott, the little blonde soubrette: Misses Farrell and Berg, careful in all their work, have all warm places in the hearts of those who have been regular attendants at the Columbia.’ Of the men Mr. Barrows has re- ceived the largest share of attention, and he has proved himself the most versatile and accomplished comedian that has ever been seen here in a stock company. Messrs. Lipman and Ingersoll are g20d leading men; Mr. Thayer was a very acceptable juvenile, and Mr. Jefferson evidenced the possession of hereditary talent even in the small parts which he was called upon to do. Mr. Bergman was an efficient stage man- ager, as well as a competent actor. It is to be regretted that a company so well balanced could not be maintained during an entire season. Two Castle Square Opera Companies will manage to get some pleasure out of their summer work. They alternate between Philadelphia and Atlantic City, the com- pany that plays Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday in the Qyaker city going to the seashore for the remainder of the weck, and being replaced by the company that commenced the week at Atlantic City. This arrangement gives beth companies an op- portunity to indulge in surf bathing for three days each week. It is expected that the Atlantic City season will last at least three and probably six weeks, and then the comipany will come to this city for a per- menen* location. By the way, there is a good deal of quiet gossip about where the opera company is to locate when it gets here. It was stated that it would return to the Lafayette Square’ Opera House, but Mr. Albaugh said he couldn't «fford to have the com- pany there a whole season, for he couldn't make money enough at the prices fixed for this class of opera. Those experienced in the business say. that it wouldn't be feasible fcr the syrdicate which controls all the first-class theaters In this city to move the orera company from one house to another, because it would work serious deriment to a theater that had been ask- ing $150 per seat inithe orchestra to sud- denly run in an attraction and drop the price to 75 cents; run this along for six or ten weeks, and then put in another higi- priced attracticn. “There is one way eut of this difficult: said a manager toi Star reporter the other day, ‘and that is for Mr. Savage to take the Grand OQpeng House and run his company there. :The location of that house, I think,” het.continued, “is much better than the Lefayette Square, and the house 1s big enough 40 enable opera to be run there at the same prices asked in Pil- adeiphia, and yét leave a margin for profit. The stage is a good, big one, and even better effects can be produced than heretofore. A very small expenditure would be necessary in improving the andi- torium and making it attractive and com- fortable for the patrons. I believe that the house could be secured for a reason- able rent, and if I was handling the opera company I should try and get it.” The Dramatic Mirror this week pub- lishes an interview with John Philip Sousa in which the great bandmaster tells some- thing of his early career, and then speaks of the circumstances necessary for him to be inspired to write a good march. The number of marches that Mr. Sousa has written, their uniforn: excellence and their great popularity has made him justly called the March King, and his musical in- vention in that class of composition seems to be inexhaustible. Had Mr. Sousa never wielded a baton he -might have acquired this title by the fertility of his musical genius. But he is also today the greatest bandmaster of this country, and there are few across the water who have equal bower to get out of a body of musicians thelr best work and to hold them com- pletely under control. To be a good con- ductor requires much more than to be a good musician or a good composer. He Must possess executive ability, tact in the handling of men and a personal magnetism that will communicate itself to the force tnder his control. All these qualities Mr. Sousa possesses in an eminent degree. One thing that has contributed largely to Mr. Sousa’s popularity is his apparent lack of jealousy of other musicians. If an un- known author writes a good march and sends it to Sousa, and it is a good work, he will have his band play it. It must be up to a certain standard, of course, and then he is obliged to exercise a good deal of dis- crimination, but Mr. Sousa has no feeling of jealousy or resentment because some other man has written a good march. On the contrary, he is glad of it, for he says the world is large, and there is always room for good musicians. He is genial and and interesting mpanion, but he has a goed memory and doesn’t forget any one who does him an injury. Three of the most notable dramatic at- tractions that New York has known for many years will be “on the road” during the coming season. First and most im. portant of all, because it is the greatest American play ever written, and because, too, it ts the first dramatic’ work evolypd and put into shape under the stars and stripes and woven of entirely American ma- terlal, to say nothing of its performances by an all-American cast, that has made an out-and-out London success, winning the indorsement of royalty, and the approval of the English critics, and attracting the public in a manner that no play produced in London in a dacade has attracted them, 4s “Secret Service’’—the drama written by William Gillette around the siege of Rich- mond. This war play, which packed the Garrick Theater in New York for over seven months, and crowded the Boston Mu- seum to the doors for three months, and which is now the dramatic sensation of London, is to remain in the English cap- ital for probably) another twelve months. It has moved from the Adelphi to the Comedy heater,: where it has been ar- ranged that it shajl stay until its popularity begins to wane, which will not be, it is id, for a whole ®eagon. Mr. Gillette and his New York company, however, will not remain at the Comedy Theater all that time; an English company is now rehears- ing “Secret Service,” and when jt is time for Mr, Gillette an@shis associates to re- turn to America to fill their dates the English organization will go on with the Piece. Charles #rohman will open. the American tour of the original “Secret Ser- vice” company with a three weeks’ pre- sentation of the war play at the Empire, beginning September 1. After that the principal cities will be visited and their theater-goers will, be given opportunity to ee the best American-play yet produced. The second of last season's New York triumphs is “Under the Red Robe,” which had more than 250 performances at the Empire, and ran there from Christmas. to July 4, breaking the record not only in the matter of ignoring the old-time policy of withdrawing dramatic attractions be- aroen thes eof May and June 1, but showing a succession o: ly large aay ans Veet ops route orate te say five aD y. Charles Frohman has given out the state- ment that his profits from this piece ex- ceeded $100,000. It is, beyond all doubt, the financial success the Empire has ever and the Empire Stock Company, never tigtic radiance in any other play as they have shone in “Under pene Robe.” are was made by Edward Rose, wi dramatized “The Prisoner of Zenda” from Stanley Weyman’s semi-historical ro- mance “Under the Red Robe,” and there are dashing, swaggering and fighting cava- liers and ladies fair with sweetly sympa- thetic hearts in it, to say nothing of heart incidents and sentimental atmosphere and love scenes that have the fragrance and fervor of Lovelace’s or Suckling’s verses. The strong appeal which the play, as well as the story, made to the romanticism that pervades all nations, won popularity for “Under the Red Robe,” that is not yet at an end, and Manager Fromhan intends to reopen the Empire's regular stock séason with this stirring and beautiful play. The third pjece in the list is the comedy “Rosemary,” an exquisite three-act play, with the aroma of a flower garden all through it, and as dainty throughout as a set of Dresden figures. It held New York spell-bound for over six months, and was warmly welcomed. It did a tremendous business during its stay in the metropolis. Manager Frohman’s profits from it during the season were $80,000. Now that the vacation season is on quite a large number of those in the theatrical profession wko belong in this city are spending their time here. Mr. and Mrs. Chas. B. Hanford are in the city, but Mr. Hanford will go to New York next week to lay out the route for Mr. Keene, whom he will manage and support next year. Mr. and Mrs. Robert Downing. are at their home, Edgemore, where Mr. Downing is indulging in the luxury. of farming, and incidentally “he is coming into the city at regular intervals to give instructions to some who are ambitious of histrionic hon- ors. The season of Mrs. Downing was a very successful oe both in the south and in the northwest. Mr. Downing’s plans for. next year are not fully matured, but he will probably take out a strong company and do legitimate work, with a new play besides. Bert. Riddle ts here, and will probably be here and hereabouts during the summer. Hans Roberts showed by his good work with the Columbia Stock Company how much he hag improved since he joined Mr. Daly's forces. Billy Boag and his bride have been re- ceiving much social attention, and he has ‘with such ar- | “Take F street carn, done some excellent character work while with the Columbia Stock Company. He will continue with Mr. W. H. Crane next season. Geoffrey Stein has also shown his versa- tility in the Columbia Company, and as he has been largely c: for dialect parts, has come to be known as the man of national- ities. Thad. Shine is with his mother on Cap- itol Hill. Tim Murphy and his wife were here for a few days recently. New National Theater.—Manager Rap- ley is elated over the great interest mani- fested in the coming season of the Fred- eric Bond Stock Company at the Na- tional, and feels that his enterprise in bringing this excellent attraction here will be appreciated by his patrons te such an extent that every seat will be taken on Monday night, July 26. Mr. Bond sends advice that he will come with his players prepared to give the amusement lovers of Washington one of the best bills ever of- fered them in the way of comedy. He will present one of the funniest farces ever written,“Where Am I At,” by Chas. §. Fawcett, esq., of London, England. It is Mr. Bond's intention to make the people laugh. If any one can do it, he can, as there is no better comedian in the coun- try. Whiie Mr. Bond is the star of the company, It can be seen by the people that he has engaged that he is not a selfish or envious actor, as the list g'ven below will show the names of some of the best play- ers before the public: Maclyn Arbuckle, Francis Kingdon, Edwin Holt, Louis Hall, Adolph Klauber, Maude Haslam, Caroline Cook, Helen Reimers, Maude Allan and Clara Hathaway. A feature of the organi- zation that will be a source of delight to the lady patrons will be the magnificent gowns worn. Another feature that should not be overlooked, and that is the remarx- ably low price of admission charged for reserved seats, namely, 25, 50 and 75 cents. It is to be trusted that Manager» Rapley will meet his fullest expectations by hav- ing crowded houses. GLEN ECHO.—With all the advantages of an excursion resort on the river, easy access from the city and the added feature of magnificent scenery, Glen Echo-on-the- Potomac offers special inducements as a place in which to spend a day or an ‘even- ing. Besides the natural advantages of the place, which are quick to be recognized, there is a well-ordered cafe. where excel- lent repasts may be secured; the amphi- theater, where the Fadettes of Boston, a sterling concert organization, may be heard every afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and every evening at 8 o'clock in concert; .a beau- tiful retreat, especially apportioned for al fresco luncheons, and a hundred and one other stnaller but not less important fea- tures, all going to make up an- extremely popular resort. The Glen is easy of access by either the Georgetown and Tenleytown cars, the 7th, 14th and U street lines and the line of the Great Falls electric road. CHEVY CHASE LAKE.—In looking around for an enjoyable spot in which to while away an afternoon or evening, Chevy Chase Lake, with its accompanying pleas- ures and recreations, should not be forgot- ten. There are enough things at Chevy Chase Lake to please almest any one, and the public has been quick to see and ap- preciate this fact. The very excellent or- chestra discourses the most appropriate kind of music every evening in the dancing pavilion, while the amusement pertaining to this latter feature is indulged in nightly by hundreds df persons. The hydrocycles on the lake are another source of pleasure, and no one should pay a visit to the Lake without trying them. The Bicycle Dinner. From Hardware. The usval American ingenuity in evolving new forms yf amusement, and new developments of bicycling, has been once more illustrated. Out in Mt. Kisco, N. Y., a quiet and beautiful little town up umong the hills, the young people are to give a “bicycle dinner.” . A party of young people of congenial natures have been invited to wheel to a certain residence at 6 p.m. on the given date, and when there, napkins made by the fair hands of the hostess are to be distributed. The guests are then directed to wheel to another house, where soup is to be served. With that out of the way they receive a second direction, and at the next stop are served with fish. “This program is to be continued through the remaining courses—each one of which rep- resents a separate visit—and finally the whole party are to remain at the place last visited, when music and dancing will end the evening’s fun. This new social experiment will be watched with interest by wheelmen every- where. ——___+ e+ —____ It matters little what it is that you want —whether a situation or a servant—a “want” ad, in The Star will reach the person who can fill your need. ae _—— “Dick proposed to me last night.” “What did you tell him?” “I said he had better ask mamma, and what do you think qhe wretch said?” “Goodness knows!” “He said he had asked her already, and she wouldn’t have him.”—Boston Beacon. AMUSEMENTS, _ Music and Dancing! AT THE LARGE, COOL GROVE AT Congress Heights EVERY EVENING, FROM 6 UNTIL 10 O'CLOCK. NEW ELECTRIC LINE IS NOW RUNNING FROM THE NAVY YAKD BRIDGD TO CON- GRESS HEIGHTS, ACCOMMODATIONS. FOR THOUSANDS. SP! ATTRACTIONS ALL DaY SUNDAY. Syli-tt we, Hydrocyclest! HAVE YOU SEEN THEM? HAVE YOU TRIED THEM? ‘If you have, you are glad to know that you can try them again at CHEVY CHASE LAKE. I¢ you have not, yuu don't know what you have missed. : , Donch's Band and dancing every evening on the my22-8m,20 BOLING AGRE ‘The cycling taught 000-1 oa 12, ‘oor. Patel oe A of AMUSEMENTS. : Sunday. Boston’s Famous Including MRS. MacCARTEE LAMONT, Soloist. BOTH AFTERNOON AND EVENING, Beginning at.4 and 8 p.m. AFTERNOON CONCERT FREE, 7th sts., U st., to Chevy Chase Circle, Columbia Theater. EVENINGS AT ONLY MATINEE SATURDAY. ‘The Full Strength of the 20, Ip the Funniest of Comedies, “INNOCENT AS A LAM Base Ball TOMORROW AT 4:15. Washington vs. Cincinnati. Compton Electric System. Glen Echo Grand Concert Lady Orchestra, Take Georgetown and Teoleytown Double-track, connecting with Capital Traction and Metropolitan, also Wasbington and Glen Echo R. R., via 14th and 4y17-56a Columbia Stock Company EXCURSIONS, ETO. SEE.........SEE........ SEE FREE OF CHARGE. The Cinematographe, At River View, Saturday, July 17, + Sunday, July 18. SPLENDID ABRAY OF NEW VIEWS. gyIS-3t CO yh IN THIS VICINITY. More amusements than all the other resorts com- SHOOT THE CHUTE RECAUSE EVERYRODY SHOOTS THE CHUTE. Steamer Sauuel J. Pentz DAIL and 6:45 p.m. Sundays at 11 a. m. PERSONALLY CONDUCTED EXCURSIONS EVERY SUNDAY, WEDNESDAY AN Dancing day and evening, except rt by River View Orchest . CHILDREN, RESORT . Ie. DAY EVERY SATURDAY. - to all on the 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. tripe. ‘teamer will leave River View Wednesday and Saturday at 12:15, 5, 8 and 10:30 p.m. Sundays, 1, 5. and 9:30 p.m. E. 8. RANDALL, Sole Proprietor BAY RIDGE OPENS JUNE 5. J The Only Salt Water Bathing Resort IN THE VICINITY OF WASHINGTON, Excellent Restaurant. Efficient train service. Low rates. Trains leave jon, week deys, 9:15 a.m., 4:30 p.m ; 1:30 and 8 m. ROUND-TRIP ETS... .60 CENTS For the 4:30 p.m. train 75 cent be charged, and 25 cents refunded vpon return of coupon to Agent at Washington station. A delightful trip of 70 miles on Chesapeake bay on the morning boat to Baltimore and return for 2% cents. Tickets for sale on cafe porch upon ar- rival of morning train from Washington. Jei-m, w&stoai EXCURSIONS, ETC. “TWO Clerks’ Grand thre. iz at Good_compai Association Excursion WEDNESDA July 21. 5 p.m. TO THE NORTH Under the Personally Conducted Tourist System of the Pennsylvania Railroad, 10 FOR COLONIAL BEACH. Mondays, 3 p-m., Wednesdays, 3 p.m. SATURDAY EXCURSIONS AT 6 P.M. HOME SUNDAY, 10 P.M. Round Trip dyl7-2ste Str. J. V. Arrowsmith, 50 cts. Visiting Niagara Falls, Thousand Islands, Quebec, Sabie Chasm and Saratoga relal train of Pullman JULY 27 GUST 17, 1897. Delightful mmer Outings. Misti Hacer, $100.00. Park = ----TOUR TO... ing. Diting, Sleep- Yellowstone Eight Days in Wonderland! ding all necessary expenses. itineraries “and full information apply te For Ticket Agents, or COLIN STUDDS, Pass. Agent Sontheastera District, Northeast corner 15th an: Streets ‘n.w., SPEND SUNDAY Steamer “MACALESTER” leaves 7th st. wharf at 11 a.m., 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. Re- turning, Jeaves Marsbali Hall at 1, 4:30 and 8:30 p.m. On week days steamer — leaves at 10 a.m., 2:30 and 6:30 p.m. — Steamer “RIVER QUEEN’ leaves on — Sundays at 3 p.m. Returning, leaves Marshall Hall at 8 p.m. Band. Fare, Round Trip, 25c. — _MEAIS A LA CARTE at the excellent Restaurant. Ladies are especially invited on these excursions. Marshall Hall has no competitor for beauty, cleanliness and good order. Jy17-50a_ On the Green Lawns of Marshall Hall. Music by Prof. Schroeder’: L. L. BLAKE, Captain. dy7-w.s,m,8t Washington, Cloward’s Saturday Excursion to VIRGINIA BEACH, VA. NORFOLK AND WASHINGTON STEAMBOAT LINE. sr’ AL, RATES. Round trip, including one day at Princess Anne Hotel, Same, including one meal, $4.50. Special rates for extra durs or weeks, ‘Over 100 people were ‘disappointed in securing state rooms last Saturd: s secure state rooms early through N. 8 N, Columbin Theater, BF DUSHANE CLOWARD, Special A; m Quick 4D FREQUENT ELECTRIC TRAIN SERVICE Mount Vernon, Arlington and Alexandria. Station, Pennsylvania avenue and 13% street. For schedcle see H.R. column, this paper. my27-t “Ericsson Line Excursions” BY WATER FROM BALTIMORE. To Philadelphia (daylicht trips), Monda: PRR hbekl s eduestays and Fridays, at 7:30 a.m. 1.00 and return (ten days) 2.25 and re i$ 3.00 May (from Phils 325 = pe May apd return (ten day: 4.25 To Cape aud return (season). +50 — | To at (from Philadelphia by rail). .1$2.75 — | To ati days). 8 — | To Atlantic City and return (season). 3 To Asbury Park, Oc Long Branch: "$4.00 — ] To Asbury Park, “Ocean Grove, Long Branch and retarn,scason(from Phil Will leave Macalester’s wharf at 9:30 a.m., returning, reach Washington at 9:30 p.m. Fare, round trip, 25c. Salt water bathing, crabbing, fishing. Excellent cafe on the boat and at the Sunday Chapel Point. Steamer River Queen - greunds. Four hours’ delightful sail. jx16-2t To New York (f Philadel b re turn Yel e (at the office only) for pri Y.; New Haven, Bridge and, wd points’ in New Enzland. Daily steamers (except Sundays) from wharf, Light and Pratt streets, at 5 p.m. Write for de- scriptive pamphlet of the route and the great fish- grounds at Retterton, ‘Tickets for sale at OFFICE ONLY. Music on day steamers. Meals, 50c. State rooms, $1, $1.50 and $2 extra. For further information apply or write to CLARENCE ST Agent, 204 Light st., Baltimore, Md. my26-t Queen of Summer Trips. Boston by Sea. Providence by Sea. MERCHANTS’ AND MINERS’ TRANS. CO. Steamer BALTIMORH to Boston every TUES: DAY, THURSDAY and SUNDAY at 4 p.m. Stcamer BALTIMORE. to Providence every MON- DAY, WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY at 4 p.m. ineyard Haven and Cottage NO DUST. _NO DIRT. “QUICKEST AND SAFEST ROUTE” MOUNT VERNON. Steamer [lacalester Daily (except Sunday), At 10 a.m. and 2:30 pm.; returning, reach the city at 2 and 6 p.m. FARE, OUND TRIP, 50 CENTS. Admission to grounds, 25 cents. EIPGANT CAVE GN THE STEAMER. Tickets, with Mount Veriop admission coupon, for sale at wharf and at hotels. my24-21d L, L. BLAKE, Captain. Spend Sunday at Ocean City, Md Queen of Seaside Resorts. Finest Bathing Beach on Atlantic Coast. Good Fishing, Crabbing, Boating, ete. Big crowds of Washingtonians go down every Saturday—all are enthusiastic. $3 Fare, Round Trip, $3. ‘Train leaves B. & O. depot every Saturday at 3 p.m. via Bay Ridge. Time, 4% hours, Ce, delightful sail across Chesapeake CF Booklet and full information at office of Jno. F. Waggaman, 700 14th st. jy18-2stt THE BEST ROUTE TO Arlington, Fort Myer, Ballston, Fostoria, Falls Church, Crossman’s Grove AQUEDUCT BRIDG! W., A. AND F. ©. RY, |} PALACE STEAMER JANE MOSELEY FOR Colonial Beach, 68 miles down the Potomac river. Grand salt water bathing, crabbing and fishing. Steamer leaves dally, except Montay, from Ciyde pier, — 7th st., at 9 a.m. sharp. , 50e. round Saturdays at 6:90 p.m. Tickets good to return | ate geny pete, Maly, 7 Local | 6: i co. re : Je19-1m pular Salt-Water Trips ‘To picturesque Lower Potomac and all the summef resorts resumed SATURDAY, Jute 26. Steamer T. V. Arrowsmith leaves Tth st. ferry wharf every Monday and Wednesday, 3 p.m., and Saturday at Sunday, 10 p.m. Accommodations Fer tcur books and further Information. add ©. RK. GILLINGHAM. Agent, Baltimore, M BR. HOWSE Pea v Steamboat Co. Exery day in the year for Fortress Monroe, Norfolk, Newport News and all points by the ‘superb powerful steel palace a Sout! ind. Hygela,” the most attractive ‘oute, fnsui fortable night's rest. Large and lnxurious rooms fitted th with electric light la carte, and is lerton and Nortelk afford, . FExprese office, ne, 619, 1421 Pennsyl- Any other Information desited will be fur — nished on application to the vndersigned at — the company's wharf. foot of 7th st.. Wash —, inet . Cel No. 750. fy18-404 JNO. CALEABAN, Gece)’ Manager. BY SEA —FROM—— WASHINGTON —To— of a pleasant stop-over OLD POINT COMFORT. In connection with the Steamers of the NORFOLK & WASHINGTON STEAMBOAT COMPANY, A Gafly all-water service between Ws New York is operated and OLD DOMINION im