Evening Star Newspaper, January 1, 1898, Page 24

THE EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, JANUARY 1, 1898—24 PAGES, has been notable from the of the theaters there h were beyond the ordi- 1 ventures. First amd fo ‘ess of the D'Urbervilles,” Mrs. Fi: the mos It is a great pla three theatric in- ke and her excellent masterly and artis- preted by mpany in a Then there was Mr. Gillette and his new play, ret Service,” the best effort of the actor-author, full of interest and thrilling situations, and ed to taste. mny Daven- te a strong attraction, rtoire of Sardou plays in n give. Sure- eraving for drama amusement i Tr ought to be satisfied. menu for next week is an excellent ner every the kh The uch as only she ¢: including Mr. Richard Mansfield in his the “Devil's Dis H. Crane in his new play, ginia Courtship,” which has leaped at once into popular favor, and the farcical success of last year, “My Friend from India. Richard Mansfield has been in many respects exceptional. He has re- fused to follow the beaten track. Where it suited him to do so he has branched off The career ¢ on new } and in so doing he has eff ed much fer the American drama. His Froductions, fer mple, are always ly skillful use of light which the throne room in hard 111" a uilt iy left alone in the great chair of state, the uncouth shadow which mocks gt ly on the opposite wall as Mr. Hyde mixes his potion beside the dy- ing fire, the way in which the eerie face and long white fingers of that grewsome | ing are made to catch the light, while the rest of his body lurks in the darkr the twilight in the room where Beau Brum. mel lies dying, will all be remembered by people who have seen those plays. And yet Ma "s art does not depend on the skill of age carpenter and the elec- trician. H s these men as tools. It i his personali inates th impresses and dom- nd his power as a ppy choice of robes, nd gesture, but in the r. In every play ii ‘ared he has crea the was n st insigniti- tive, in the hands ld saw its possi- ibilit peopl creation of cha which h his own of any other m Mansf bilities and knew the p nature, and while few tempt ies are very part he creates is dif- ry other part. The role of Dick Dudgeon, the Devil's Disciple, is one of. in some respects, the mest corgenial that this subtle and powe' ful actor has ever found. Most men play a villian in such a way that you do rot sympathize with the villain at all, and, in act, he hardly seems to he a man. Mans- different. Under the inilu- 1 the audience sees the discovers the secret finds bim almost ble, feels its ki ferent from ev ence Villain as springs of his admirable, almost ship with him de his’ wickednese. ta renius to do that sort of thing. the scapegrace Dick of this drama not a Villain exactiy, though he is ¢ sidered so by the other chara>- ters. In the pale Puritan days of old New E ng that had any appear black, and so is a lad with an ct and a Puritan bringing up, and his reaction against the prevailing temper of the time is somewhat t. In a sort of satirical defiance he proclaims himself he Devil's Discii and sw in a way that « s him to be regarded with holy horror the people of the vill to be mistaken by the sergeant t for one Anthony e allows the mistak: n spite of the entr of the utiful young Judith, n over, against her Puritan will, rosity of this man, who was a sinner. At the last mo- 1 by the minister, who protection of a safe con- to go un- i rding to novelists and playriz cteristic, Judith turns te repentant and pleading for forgive- Dick, with a little waif cousin to whom he has shown a chivalrous tender- ness throu the pI returns to his father's und the play is over. ernard Shaw, the brilliant London Saturday Re’ na play for nd the Man” motives to being eccen- » strong without be- action is natu- dramatic. The ception is one of its the character of Dick, complex, and giving powers of haracterization which would be the in- under the given circum- is me and lovable beauty, are n s and lack of af- rather refreshing in days of virtuous poseurs on and off “And one man in his time pl: parts,” remarked William H. € day. 0 you know I think Sha heave been thinking of hi: a the stage when he wrote th truism, when 1 likelihood he had the some exper! that n every actor has gone through that ever served an ap- r hip in a provincial stock company » so-called palmy days of the drama. I mpt I the number of I have play ems ineredible m™ » played du four years of my ¢ think I can venture » play t than has any «1 without a change of costume. The oc- on was when ‘Macbeth’ was put on by ompany I was with. I was one of the men, and was cast for one of the . and for the apparition in the dron or incantatior: scene. This latter ¢ ea oF t I appear through e ap above the caldron, so that, as I was (ager to get off to s me other play at another theater, I was dressed for the street, merely pulling on a long white robe over my own garments. But as fate would have it, the super captain had neglected to engage me to make the other eight appari- tions who appear to Macbeth at short in- tervals through a large opening in the mind yc to 1 more parts in er actor since, stage. In the stage manager's dilemma I w hurriedly pressed into service for the apparitiens. Now, the business of play required that the apparitions should each stalk very stiMy across the stage. The first entrance was all right, but in order to get back for the second ap- eight t parition on cue, I had to make a double run back of the scene and make my en- trance before. This had to be done eight tin Well, by the time I had made my fifth appearance the house was con- vulsed with laughter and the Macbeth of the occasion most dead from suppressed mirth, for in my nervous excitement and hurry to get around to the other side of the stage in time for the next apparition I would clutch at my gown to prevent my tripping, so that | was making a very gen- ¢ and master- | general, and with the | woman's most prominent | her hus- | _DLYUY ZEA LIS cama a t ® il RRA crous display of legs encased in the nine- teenth century garb, while the upper part of my body was enveloped in the regulation ghostly raiment. To accentuate the ludi- of the situation, Macheth refers being ‘So much like the After that sare whenever ‘Macbeth’ was put up the super captain's memory about engaging men. So I am pretty sure that I hold the record for the greatest number of ‘doubles’ made in a legitimate perform- ance. As the train pulled out ef St. Louis a short time ago bearing Mr. Frederic Bond be entered the buffet car and ensconced himself in a comfortable chair, drew out a long cigar and entered deeply into his paper. He remained so quiet and retained his seat so long that another passenger, bearing distinctly stamped him as a commercial traveler, one of the kind full of chatter and curiosity, could no longer restrain himself. Addressing Mr. Bond he inquired: “Traveling east?” é removing his cigar Mr. Bond ed and looked at hi elevated eyebror questioner with replying: irCividual was so presumptuous to lead ° Yes.” Pleasure?” res and n “Great New. York. Ever been 0. m going home this trip. New York, pu knew." Bond mad paper. Afte reial wan began again: “I'm with C. & Co., on Broadwa: you drop in I'll show you over the cit hank you. It will not be nec: no reply, but resumed a little silence the com- s§ to New York for?” By this time most of the other pa: gers were interested. Bond, who was extreme!, drummer's curiosity, lai nd exclaimed: “Iam going to the train is taki cause I've got lot it, and, last, be j intend to buy it The commercial man subsided amidst a roar of laughter. ved at the down his paper New York, s me the second, be- of money and can afford use if 1 like the place I because When Mr. B fame to em tions, man, the father of the teman children, went to London in glish theatrical specula- ch he was a conspicuous fig- ars, he went for the ex- ef building up the fortun Isabel Bateman. He » Lyceum Theater, and, in making company, cast about him for a man. Mr. Charles Coghlan was then the leading man at the Prince of Wales’ Theater, and was recognized as the leading actor of, the London stage. Mr. Henry Irving was then just attaining | to prom: 1 Mr. Coghlan could his release from the the Prince of Wales’ . s which were made to Mr. Cogh- transferred to Mr. Irving, and ngaged as leading man at the heater. This was the beginning areer which has made Mr. Irving the conspicuous figure that he is In the London theatrical world. Five years later overtures were again made to Mr. Cogh- lan to become the leading man at the Ly- ceum, and the contracts were actually signed, when ‘Squire Bancroft, the man- r of the Prince of Wales’ Theater, learned of it, and, by offering a money consideration to the management of the Lyceum Theater, induced them to release Mr. Coghlan, and he remained at that play house for several years. “ Mr. Coghlan holds a unique position on the London stage, and is generally acknowledged by the critics of that city to be the leading exponent of high comedy roles. his leading up not secure ment of Mr. Crane's company actors who are well Among these are William Boag, whose home is here; Perey Brooke, who was a member of one of the summer stock com- Panies a season or so ago, and Walter Hale, who is the present leading man of the Crane forces. Miss Frances Stevens, who is also known through having been con- nected with one of the summer stock com- . is also a member of the organiza- contains several known in this city said that Crane has produced more an plays than any other actor in country, and hes corsequently paid more money in royalties to native dramat- ists than any other star. While Mr. Jeffer- son and other actors continue to present plays for which no royalties are paid, Mr. Crane is continually presenting new plays for which he pays very liberally. Ameri this NEW NATIONAL THEATER. — Mr. Crane's new comedy, “A Vir > ship,” will ask for attention at the Ni ticpal Theater on Monday night. The play is one dealing with the early social condi- ticns in the old dominion at the time when mcre than half of the estates there were heavily mortgaged, and when the gospel of work was an unheard-of thing in the land. | The reports which precede the coming of the play speak highly of its worth, and if {t fs all that is claimed for it Mr. Crane Is | to be congratulated on its possession. The period in which the action is set certainly gives the dramatist scope for an enter- ning story, for in the early days of Vir- ginia’s statehood there was much romance, chivalry and a great love of honor in the south. The people of this period were im- piovident, hospitable, had an exaggerated ense of their honor, duels were of frequent occurrence, trade was considered debasing and the doughty old aristocrats gave them- selves up wholly to the pleasures of the times. There -are two love stories treated of in this work. Major Fairfax has a son, Tom, and he determines that the young man shall marry Prudence, the daughter of his neighbor, Madame Constance Rob- ert. Tom and Prue are in love, and un. known to the major have plighted their treth. The lad is on the point of confessing jt his father that he loves the girl, when he is startled to hear the old gentleman say that he has selected a wife for him. Never dreaming that he has Prue in mind, Tom demands to know the lady’s name. Now, the major is very hot-headed, arrogant and of a nature that cannot bear to be crossed. He flies into a temper and tells his son that the lady’s name fs none of his business. The result is a violent quarrel. Tom and Prue then clope, and upon their return, the major havirtg been given the idea his son intended marrying a servant girl. refuses to receive him. The widow lives on an estate which adjoins that of the major, and which was once the property of the Fairfaxes. She likes the major and de- termines to marry him and thereby re- unite the estates. Things move smoothly with her until the major discovers that he is bankrupt, and then his pride prevents his proposing to her. The widow is fully cognizant of his circumstances, and does not Intend to allow him to escape her, and she compels him to propose to her on the field of honor, where he goes to perforate j the carcass of the man who dared insult im by refusing to renew his mortgages. The enlightenment of the name of Tom's wife follows, and the curtain falls on a procession leading to a wedding breakfast. Mr. Crane will be the Major Fairfax and the character Is said to be extremely well suited to him. Miss Irish will be the widow, Miss Haswell her daughter, Mr. Hale the major’s own son and Mr. Putnam his adopted son. Among the others in the cast are William Boag, Percy Brooke, Vin- cent Serrano, George F. DeVere, Charles F. Gotthold, William E. Butterfield, Miss LDEUAOT Mf AAT eT (ORK Kate Lester, Miss Frances Stevens and Miss Loulse Closser. LAFAYETTE SQUARE OPERA HOUSE. Richard Mansfield comes to the Lafayette Square Opera House next week with his new play, “The Devil's Disciple,” which is thought by many to ‘afford him the best role he ever yet had. Mr. Mansfield’s pub- le does not allow him to retire old play: however fascinating and powerful the ne’ ones may be, and he will, therefore, give “The Devil's Disciple’ Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and at the Satur- day matinee. Thursday evening his first success, “A Parisian Romance,” will be presented; Friday evening, “Beau Brum- mell,” and Saturday evening, “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Mr. Bernard Shaw has long been known as the brilliant Irishman on the staff of the London Saturday Review, and he has written two plays which were more or less successfully played by Mr. Mansfield’s company—“Castle Sombras” and “Arms and the Man.” The partial success which these achieved, however, has been com- pletely cast in the shade by the glory of his third production. In the character of “Dick Dudgeon,” the Devil's Disciple, he has made a role interesting in itself and in complete harmony with the genius of Rich- ard Mansfield. Dick {s a young man of keen intellect and rugged force of charac- ter, brought up in the grim atmosphere of a New England Puritan village. This cli- mate does not agree with him. He dges not like his mother, and according to the por- trayal of her in the play nobody else could like her. He therefore becomes what black sheep in other New England villages have become—a scoffer and a skeptic, and his really strong and fine characteristics are for the time in abeyance. The situations of the play are full of opportunities for strong emotional acting. The story of the play is throughout a simple, human, intense drama, without anything improbable in either characters or plot. The cast 1s a good one, and tt production is staged with Mr. Mansfield’s usual care and artistic skill. COLUMBIA THEATER.—“My Friend From India,” in which the Smyth and Rice Comedy Company is announced to appear at the Columbia serves to rank among the masterpiec genuine comedy, according to all the e lent reports that have been recei filled with an effervescing combi wit, wholesome humor and sparkling dia- logue, a positive cure for ennui, any other member of the family of blues—and it is from the pen of H. A. Du Souchet. The play is founded on theosophy, and all the fun revolves around the various amus- ing situations and humorous phases aris- ing from the efforts of a millionaire nansas y pork packer to break into New York society. ‘To accomplish this he seizes upon an unfortunate barber who gets into the house through a scrapegrace son and booms him as a member of the learned order of the yellow robe of India. The complic: tions involve the whole family and every- body else and afford occasion for uproari- ous and unbroken laughter from start to finish. The Smyth and Rice Comedy. Com- pany inelude a number of people of high histrionic ability. Notable among these is May Vokes, a very clever little actress, who made such a decided hit as Tilly, the German maid, in tho piece last season. Miss Vokes has talent and plenty of it, and great things are expected of her in the future. Frederic Bond is another actor who is always welcome in this city. As Underholt, the Kansas City pork packer, he gives a performance that is easy, natu- ral and full of originality. One of the clev- erest eccentric comediennes in America is Helen Reimer, who plays the part of a fas- cinating widow called Mrs. Beekman- Streete. Among the other members are Nita Allen, who will play Marion Hayste, a society girl; John F. Ward, who plays the theosophical barber; Meta Maynard, Clare Hathaway, John B. Maher, Louis B. Hall, Frank G. Parry, John Finn and Jo- seph Adelman. An elaborate and hand- some production is promised on Monday night. The scenery was painted by William Voeghlin, the celebrated scenic artist, and the costumes are all new, and the latest importations from Paris. Miss Allen will wear some very startling and novel gowns. ACADEMY OF MUSIC.—The Academy of Music will next week offer as an attraction the four pictures of New York life which Denman Thompson and George W. Ryer have drawn and labeled “The Sunshine of Paradise Alley." Although it is largely the shaded side of life that is presented, the more revolting portions of it are kept in the background and revealed by suggestion only, while drunkenness, cruelty and deg. radation are used only as contrasting col- ors to bring out more vividly the bright ress and light that is irradiated by tix surshine shed Into the darkest corners an. ncoks 6f a slum by the sweet and sympa- thetic personality cf the principal figure, Nellie McNally, the seventeen-year-old daughter of an Irish widow. The authors have given the scenic artist opportunity in lccating their scenes on a river dock, with Brooklyn bridge in the distance, in the humble apartments of Widow McNally, in Paradise alley itself and in the Bronx Park in autumn. Mr. Homer F. Emens, scenic artist of the Metropolitan Opera House, New York, has fully utilized the possibili- ties, and the first and last scenes bear ample testimony to his artistic skill. Much pleasing und lively dancing fs introduced, and all is excellent in execution. A male quartet and the Verdi Ladies’ Quartet sing exquisitely. “The Sunshine of Paradise Alley” will assuredly have a profitable week at the Academy of Music. There is a large company of some twenty-four ac- tors, prominent among whom are John D. Griffin, John Walsh, Ben. D. Ryer, H. E. Chase, Albert Brown, Donald Harold, Mrs. Chas. Peters, May Thompson, Phila May, Ellen Mortimer, Jessie Macdonald, Lizzie Farrell, Marie Blanchard and Master Les- ter Gurney. Then there are Thomas E. Clifford, the great baritone; James B. Bradley, the tenor; W. H. Frillmon, the re- markable basso, and the famous Verdi La- dies’ Quartet, who will have a budget of new classic and popular selections, GRAND OPERA HOUSE.—Chas. E. BI ney’s big extravaganza, “A Boy Wanted,” which will come to the Grand Opera House for one week beginning Monday night, with usual matinees, is said to be one of the strongest farce comedies on the road today, the company numbering forty peo- ple, half of whom are clever vaudeville per- formers, who introduce their specialties at different times during the comedy. The comedy stars engaged for the production are Miss Nellie O'Neil, Sistere Gehrue, Miss Frances Hartley, Raymond Finlay, Knox G. Wilson, Frank Young, Claude Gilling- water and Eddie Heron, who plays the part of “the boy.” The comedy is divided into three acts, first showing the interior of the “Evening Keg,” a one-night stand newspa- per office. In this act there are a nui rr of clever specialtics introduced by Mr. Ed- die Heron, Knox G. Wilson, Raymond Fin- lay, Frank Young ard others. The second act presents the exterior of the Star View Hotel. .In this act a number of clever me- chanical effects are introduced, and among the specialties are the Sisters Gehrue’s personation of the “Ideal Girls;’” Raymond Finlay, assisted by Miss Nina Gilette, in their specialty, “The Same Thing Over and Over Again,” and a few illustrations of their experience while riding in an electric car. The last act shows the Star View Hotel at night, where a few picantng 908 cialties are introduced, first being that of Miss Frances Hartley, in her negro melody songs, and closing with the novel acro- batic, singing and dancing specialty by the cleverest little artist in .the world, Miss Nellie O'Neil. KERNAN’S LYCEUM THEATER. — Of all the burlesque shows equipped this sea- son there is notsone mvhich has excited so much comment fronms¥press and public as Sam T. Jack's néW “Benderloin” Company, the latest of his mummrous entertainments, and which will ae geen at the Lyceum Theater next weell. ‘Bhe program combines all the best and trigittest elements of bur- lesque, spectacular amd: vaudeville, and is equipped with all: the:essentials of a mod- ern, up-to-date deawing card—good music, pretty women aad clever humorists. The “Radley-Bartin Ball” gill be presented with magn‘ficent costumesuof the sixteenth cen- tury and a cast embmacing over fifty peo: ple. Then there # am olio of special fe: ures arid decided: metit. A special Euro- pean feature is the tfonti-Boni Brothers. There is a series of tableaux punctuating the olio and pronsuneed by noted. artists to be the most entramcing on the stage today. These living art ptctuges enlist the services of some twenty 6f tle best-known models from the studios of Chicago and New York, The finish is in “The Silly Dinner Trial,” the greatest laughing hit of the season; Beautiful Egypt, that famous oriental, will dance, and there will be numerous and timely specialties introduced in the ‘trial’ in imitation of the original dinner. BIJOU THEATER.—The card to be pre- sented by the management of the Bijou next week is considered in many respects the strongest of the season. John W. Ran- scme, the whimsical comedian, whose re- cent success in New York has already made hfm famous, will appear in his famous Merk Hanna specialty, an original conceit written specially for this versatile come- dian, and dealing with seasonable hits. It is said his impersonation of the famous Ohioan is remarkably accurate. Another strong feature is Bonnie Thornton, ‘the foremost bailad singer on the stage. Bon- nie comes fresh to Washington from New York, where she is engaged throughout the year, and it is ouly through a special ar- rangement that the management was able to secure her services. She has a bouque’ of songs this year that are strictly up te date and quite breezy. Then thera is Little Egypt, who also appears in her willow; dance that fascinates and entertains. An- nie Wilmuth appears with a new specialt: interspersing clever songs with a dramatt: monologue. J: Burke, the boxer, and M. S. Scott, the English pugilist, are down for a lesson in the manly art. Gertie Giison remains another week. Gibbons and Bar- rett, comedians, and Mabel Stanley, sou brette, complete the olio. The Bijou stock company presents a new burlesque, 1 Do My Best.” THE HENSCHEL SONG RECITALS.— No lover of classical song who has followed {ts ups and downs in our ccncert rooms for’ the last ten years or so could be indifferent to a Henschel song recital, and after hear- ing one of the delightful performances that this gifted couple give there is an imme- diate feeling that one could again listen to them. It is therefcre fortunate for tne many admirers of these artists that they will give two recitzls in Washington, the first on Monday evening, January 10, at the Universalist Church, and the second reci- tal on January 12, at 4:15, at the Columbia Theater. The strength and value of the Henschel corcerts lie with Mr. Henschel. In him one sees not only a cultivated mu- sician, but in many regards a very great one. His compositions attest this, for where can one find a more exquis piece of writing than his ‘“Gondolier: Then bis accompaniments alone are worth the price of admission, and then his enthu- slasm, his vivacity, his rcpose, his sense of mastery over his Instruments and over the music he interprets—it is all potently in- spiring; and one must also rejoice in the tender, protecting care with which Mr. Henschel leads his wife on, supporting he with his sympathetic accompaniments < guiding her expression with the tact. Taken all iin all, no singe i keener or purer pleasure than the Hen- schels. Seats are now selling at E. F. Droop & Son’s. MISS DAVENPORT’S CLEOPATRA.— Fanny Davenport »presented Sardou’s “Cleo- fatra” at the Natiomal Theater last night. Miss Davenport e@ppeared to have entirel recovered from the illness that prevente: her appearing Thursday night at that play house, and was greeted by an audience that completely filled the theater, which was very enthusiastic.: Miss Davenport's inter- pretation of the motives and actions of th daughter of the Nileés an impassioned on familiar to all theater-goers, and it Is only necessary to say ithat she hag-not lost any of that power and grace:tnat made her the finished artist that she-is. Her work in the scene at 'Parsus, in the solitude of the terrace)at Mempitis,-imothe palace at Actium and:-in the, death ‘scene was re- markably goad. Melbourne McDowell as Mare Antony ‘carried the part with great credit to himself ard to his company, both with regard to specch and bearing, whi Henry Jewett as Kephren, Cleopatr. slave; Frank Tannehill, sr., as Olympus, and Miss Dorothy Rossmore as Octavia, were effective in their respective roles. In fact, the whole company was an able sup- port to its stellar attraction. The play as a spectacular exhibition was all that could be desired. “‘Cleopatra’ gives splendid op- portunities for the demonstration of the art of stagecraft, and it may be truthfully said that not an opportunity of this char- acter was left untcuched at last night's performance. “Cleopatra’’ was presente at the matinee at the National Theater this afternoon, and will be given again ta- night. BROWN UNIVERSITY Center Market Hall was well filled last evening on the occasion of the concert of the Brown University Glee, Banjo and Man- dolin Club, This was the second entertain- ment in the Lyndsay course. The singing and instrumental music were excellently rendered,. and repeated encores followed each selection. The mandolin music was furnished by Messrs. A. C. Moore, C. B. Dana, W. H. Cady and R, E. Barker. Mr. Art G. Moore executed several banjo selec- tions, making quite a hit. The Glee Club, composed of Messrs. W. J. Scribner, G. E: Congdon, jr., M. P. Davis, R. L. Whitney, E. A. Northup, H. T. Waller, A. O. Clift, G. E. Walker, C. E. Bryant, E. L. Blanch ard, H. C. Barber, H. C. Foster and R. C. Turner, sang the ‘“Sallors’ Chorus,” by Peary,’ and were followed by Mr. W. E Greene, president of the club, who quic! showed that he is a talented reader, being encored time and again, his original sketches belng exceptionally clever. The GLEE CLUB.— Banjo Club, composed of Messrs. B. Dana, H. Clark, A. C. Moore, R. C. Turner, W. H. Cady, R. E. Barker and J. D. Sage, created quite a furore by their playing, and earned several encores, “JACK AND THE BEANSTALK.’—The engagement of “Jack and the Beanstalk” is announced at the Lafayette Square, begin- ning January 17. It will prove a brilliant combination of pretty girls, beautiful cos- tumes, funny comedians, gorgeous ballets, superb scenic and mechanical effects and entrancing music. It is in scenic and elec- trical effects and -its ‘stupendous cast that “Jack and the Beanstalk” excels, however. Nothing to rival the firefly ballet in the last act has, it ts sald, yet been attempted on the American stage. Madge Lessing will be seen in the role of Jack, and among her companions will be Maude Hollins, Nellie Lynch, Carrie Perkins, Georgia Dennin and others, Robert Wilkie, the well-known baritone, has some charming songs, which he will sing as the captain of the ‘forte’ thieves, while Harry Kelly, Walter Alich and Bert Clark, all well known as clever ccmedians, will contribute their share of fun to the occasion. ‘Harry Kelly and Nellie Lynch. will be the participants in a very clever acrobatic ‘turn” in the third act. Ross Snow, in aguaint “make-up,” will be the fairy queen. PRIMROSE AND AVEST.—The fact that Primrose and West’s:big minstrels will play an cngagenent at the New National The- ater January 10 iwi prove welcome news to all lovers of minstrelsy. This company includes the names:-of such well-known peopie as Ezra &ewdall, Carroll Johnson, Billy Rice, Schrede Brothers and Falke and Semon. A march, by William H. West, will bewne-of the features, while a dancing divertisement, invented by Geo. W. Lewis, will wundembtedly prove another one. “The Prismatie:First Part” is spoken of as being somethigg bewilderingly mag- nificent. ——-—_-_ An Object Lesson. From the Baltimore Sun. - Jefferson county, Ala., which includes the flourishing cities of Birmingham and Beesemer, affords an excellent object les- son in good roads. But comparatively a short time ago It took two good mules to pull a bale of cotton to market; now one mule can pull two bales of cotton anywhere in Jefferson county. Good macadamized roads enter Birmingham and Bessemer and ex- tend many miles into the country. The work commenced ten years ago, and the Bessemer Herald predicts that in ten more years Jefferson county will have good roads from boundary to boundary. The tax for the construction of these roads has hardly been felt, while the saving to stock and ‘wagons in time consumed has already largely overpaid the expenditure. AMUSEMENTS, Tro Song Recita! ‘The Musical Sensation Mr. and Mrs. eee ‘Only, Universalist , GEORG Church,. Pih¢ ema cet an 19 HENSCHEL Eve at 8, Columbia - Theater, ag Mocinceds DAW, 12 0s va. are. y Day—Every Night at 8. Vaudeville and Burlesque. IE GREAT TROJ A ‘Their success greater than ever, 1t® G™ iD OPERA HOUSE. KERNAN & RIFE, Managers. TONIGHT ti." this Matinees WE eck. "8 WEDNESDAY and SATURDAY, FIRST TIME IN THIS CITY— Mrs. FISKE, AND HE UNRIVALED COMPANY, tn TESS OF THE D’URBERVILLES. Mrs. Fiske does not appear at theaters controlled by the theatrical trust. Next W. SOME MUSICAL NOTES. The Choral Society may well be proud of the very excellent rendition of the “Messiah” which it gave last Tuesday even- ing. It will meet as usual for rehearsal next Monday night at 7:30 at Shel- don’s Hall, No. 1004 F street northwest, and will resume work on the music for the American composers’ concert, to be given February 21, and which promises to be an excecdingly interesting affair. Promi- nent among the soloists already engaged is the name of Emma Juch, who as a soprano in oratorio work has today no superior in this country. The society has still room for more members, particularly altos, but can also take in some tenors, basses and a few sopranes. There are many good singers in church choirs who would be welcomed to the ranks of the society. All, however, who intend to join should do so at once, for the society has aiready devoted several weeks to some of the numbers for this concert, and the time remaining will be largely devoted to other numbers. Candidates should present them- seaves ut any Monday evening rehcarsal. Mr. Ericsson Bushnell gave his annual lecture on voice culture with delightful suggestions from his personal acquaint- ance with the De Respier and Plancoy and last Wednesday morning at . Susanne Oldberg’s studio, Outside of several weil- Bushnell is an en- thusiastic and entertaining talker. The Sunday Night Music Club devoted the evening to the study of the composi tions of Weber and Gade at Elsa Ulke’s, on S$ street, playing the Novellet- ten (trio), the Ossian Overture and the Sextet, by the latter, and the piano Con- cert-Stuck, by Weber, all for four hands #=no and strings, together with the first movement of his piano concerto, with string quintet accompaniment. ‘The Lawrence School of Music and Elo- cution will celebrate the new year with a pupils’ recital and supper the evening of January 7, which will be the seventa year of the schovl’s existence in Washington. The pupils, assisted by Miss Clemons and Prof. Lawrence, are preparing a program of music ano recitations for the occasion. Miss Clemons will recite by special request “The Whistiing Regiment,” accompamed by her sister with selections on the piano, and Prof. Lawrence will sing “Tne College Belle.” Mrs. Susanne Oldberg will be at home at the residence of her father, Maj. A. E. H. Johnson, 1706 Yth street, on Thursday even- ings. The Columbia Glee Club decided at the meeting Wednesday evening to begin re- hearsals for the operas ‘Pinafore’ and imes of Normandy” at onc Mr. Halleck Donoho has been appointed choirmaster of St. John’s Church, George- town, W. C., and will enter upon his new duties on the first of the ensuing year. In the management and conduct of choirs of men and boys, Mr. Donoho has had a thor- ough training and expericnce both in this city and more recently during his residence in New York. Mr. W. E. Middleton, under whose ection the choir of St. John’s has attained a. high standard of efficiency, will continue at the organ, where he has so ably presided for many years. The choir of ladies at the Assembly's Presbyterian Church is one of the notable features in Washington musical circles; notable not only because it is a unique or- ganization, but also for the excellence of its s.nging. Every Sunday afternoon the 4 o'clock service is mostly given up to music with a short sermon by the pastor. Next Sunday the Christmas music is to be re- peated. ~ The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, of which Mr. Ross Jungnickel is conductor, gave its second subscription concert lest Wednesday, and demonstrated its ability to play a classical program in an artistic manner. The attendance was large and the interest in the work of the organization manifested by liberal applause. Several Washington musicians went over to attend this concert. It is likely that Mr. Jung- nickel will bring his orchestra to this city for one or more Sunday night concerts, ‘The Washington String Orchestra, con- ducted by Professor Ernest Lent, will give its second concert January 20, when a pro- gram similar to that given some time ago will be rendered. It will have the assist- ance of Mr. Josef Cadek, a young Bo- hemian violinist, who is said to be an un- usually skillful player. At the representation of the Passion Play Thursday afternoon, the lecture was deliv- ered by Rev. Howard Wilbur Ennis of the Western Presbyterian Church, and there was vocal music introduced to heighten the effect. Miss May Adcle Levers sang a s0- prago solo and also a duet with Mrs. Oxley, Miss Levers is the soprano soloist at Mr. Ennis’ church, and although quite young, has already attracted attention by her good musical work. Her friends are confident that she has the making of a singer of unusual ability. ° A musicale was given at 1451 Cercoran street Wednesday evening by the pupils and friends of Miss M. Ball. The program, which consisted of piano, violin and banjo music, was well rendered and greatly en- joyed by the company assembled. The per- formers were Misses Morrison, Aldrich, Robinson, Agar, Adams, Britt, Harley, Ball and Messrs. Morrison and Aldrich, peste Seas OHIO BANK LIQUIDATION, The Institution Arranging to Go Out of Business, At the close of business yesterday the Hquidation of the Ohio National Bank, corner cf 12th and G streets, was begun. Tkis means, as is well understood, that the bank ceases to do business and that its affairs will be settled up. In the course of the next. sixty days, it is expected, the bank building will be offered at public sale in order to make possible a distribution of the assets of the institution among the stockholders. Today in tke rooms occupied by the Chio bank, a new corporation opened for business under the name of the Washing- ton Savings Bank. The authorized capi- tal 1s $100,000 with $50,000 paid up. The officers are as follows: President, J. D. Taylor, who served as president of tke Ohio Bank; vice presidents, T. M. an- derson, Geo. O. Ferguson, G. W. Cissel and John 0. Johnso. treasurer, Chas. ditors, A. B. Graham and R. 8. Lacey; ex- seat committee, J. D. Taylor, Geo. W. , Geo. O. mn, Francis Thomas, W. H. Taylor and John O. Johnson. + Tiiness of Mrs. Skerrett. Mrs. Skerrett, widow of Admiral Jos. 8. Skerrett, is seriously iH at her residence in this city, and as a consequence her daughter, Miss Edith W. Skerrett, who recently adopted the stage as a profession and joined the Empire Theater Stock Com- pany, has been obliged to cancel her theat- rical engagements and return to this city. A CADEMY =<~ Popular Prices NEXT MONDAY, ONE WEEK, BEGINNING AMUSEMENTS. AMUSEMENTS. ) Matinees Wednesday and Saturday, OF DENMAN THOMPSON AND GEO. W. RYER’S SUCCESSFUL CHARACTER DRAMA, The Sunshine oF Paradise Alley WRITTEN FOR THE PROPLE WHO ENJOYED 24 Selected Players in the Cast! GOOD ACTIN ; FINE SCI Make It 2d YEAR! THE OLD HOMESTEAD. NERY AND EI One of the Best of En &, NORTHERN LIGHTS taininents, Y TONIGHT © The Passion P’ ——-— LAST TIME, lay Pictures..) \y NOTHING BU COLON BIA ~~ FUN, f ‘Thuraday MATINEES Satuntas COMMENCING NEXT MONDAY EVE., TH ORIGINAL Smyth ana Rice COMEDY COPPANY, PRESENTIN The Reigning Sensation OF THE YRAR “SECRET SERVICE,” |. WITH THE FROM NE Mr. GILLETTE as Next Week— It COMPANY AND. YORK AND LO eae Tonight. ¥ TS PRODUCTION INDON, Capt. Thorne. ichard Mansfield Lafayette Sq. Opera House J. W. Albaugh, Manager. Nixon & Zimmerman, Directors. ONE WEEK ONLY! Commencing Monday Eve., Jan. 3. MR. RICHARD MANSFIELD A. M. PALMER. Under the Monday, Tuesday and Wedueslay and Saturday Ma’ MATIN EE SATURDAY. management of Mr. { The Brilliant New 1 Evn'rgs! = G. Beruard Shaw, entitel \Devil’s Disciple MISS MAY VOKES MY FRIEND FROM INDIA! | BY I. A. DU SovGIET. | FRED. BC Thursday Evening, A Parisian Romance. Friday Evening, Beau Brummell. Mr. Hyde. (Dr. Jekyl and jaturday Evening, | New NATIONAL NEXT Mi x. MATINEE we. JAN 3, E. S. WILLARD. CRANE Supported by the best company I . ed, in the new and ¢ tte heade coned, Lafayette Square Theater, EXTRA! Beginning Monday, January 17, KLAW & ERLANGER'S SUPERB EXTRAVAGANZA, Beanstalk, WITH ALL THE ORIGINAL SCENIC, MECH. ICAL AND ELECTRIC EFF Jac and TS. ENTRANCING MUSIC DATE it And GORGEOUS BALLETS. 100 People on the Stage. AND FURTHER PARTICULARS A VIRGINIA COURTSHIP Engene W. Presbrey. INCLUL Mise Wall Miss I oy ‘Miss Willia Miss Vine Miss 3 Wm. \TURDAY NIGHT (BY REQUEST), “THE SENATOR.” M ‘T'S MINSTRELS, it = Academy. > Tonight Last Time of —BRADY'S GRAND PRODUCTION— -| HUMANITY. Next Week—Denman Thompson's Production, “Sunshine of Paradise Alley.” * y: ~ Washington Water Color Club. C-R-A-N-D O-P-E-B-A f-0-U-S-E] KERNAN & RIFE, Maagers. Week Commencing January 3, 1898. Wednesday & Saturday Matinees: 2d Annual Exhibition At the New Gallery, 1020 Conn. Avenue. Open dally Monday and T: EXHIBITION des 1-G6t Keays © ees: M THEATER. + ALL THIS WEEK. Matinees Tuesda. hursday and Saturday, HAPPY NEW YEAR ATTRACTION, * "RUSSEL BROS. One Week of Merriment I! Comedians. NEXT. WEE! Chas. E. Blaney’s Sam de27-6t T. Jack’s Company. Big Extravaganza Success! <a MIRTH WILL REIGN SUPREME. COMBINING ALL NEW--BRIGHT- REFINED and NOVEL. THAT 18 Seven Grand Mid-Winter Tours CALIFORNIA. ‘These parties will be under personal escort throughout, and the journ will be made in spec in of ele; nt vestibuled palace sleep- rs. ere will be visite t ing ears, with dini in California to San I lands, Pasadena, Los Au Catalina Island, San Francisc nd Monterey, and the p Sierra Nevada by daylight, visiting Salt Lake City, Denver and Manitou, with daylight views of the Gorges and Canons ‘of Colorado. ‘There will be sojourns at some of the Finest Hotels in Amer fea, including the Hotel del Coronado, Van Nuys and Westminster, Hotel Green and La’ Pint Hotel Metropole,’ Palace Hotel in San Francisco, Hotel Rafael, Hotel Vendome, Hotel del Monte, Hotel Knutsford in Salt Lake (ity and the Brow Palace Hotel in Denver, A delightful Round of Travel and Sight-seeiug, including first-class rail- way travel, a double berth in ing care, all hotel accommodations, transfers, carriage rides FORTY . People . FORTY and incidental meals during entire trip. D7 Send for descriptive book of Mid-Winter Tours, Everything New This Season!!! ‘rohinan’ Ma‘ La Valley****A. B. Cline* W. Newcomer and a Large POPULAR PRICES. Next Week—Gilincre & Leonard’ “Hogan’s Alley.” Bg WEW NATIONAL THEATER. Tonight Last Time of FANNY DAVENPOR MacDowell, CLEOPATRA. Next Week—W. H. CRANE, im “A VIRGINIA COURTSHIP,” Seats on sale. Bt , in a Sump- 3 RAYMOND & WHITCOMB, 1005 Chestnut Street, Mutual Life Ins. Building, de31-3t Philadelphia. ELECTRIC TRAIN SERVICE, BLOCK SYSTEM, For Mount Vernon and Arlington. Station, 13% st. and Penn. ave. railroad colt Norioik & For time table dell-1m,9 ashington Steamboat Co. Every in the it for Fortress Monroe, Kerra Kemport Seve and ‘all poiuta south “Newport News," “Norfolk” aad." Washing- = offices, Tth at. @e3-284 JNO. CALLAHAN, General Manager. For Arlington, Fort flyer - and Falls Church--Take the F st. or Penna. ave. cars—and ibe clectnee cars at Aqueduct bridge, on oJ “wharf Washn. DG. "Phone 150.