Evening Star Newspaper, March 12, 1898, Page 24

<A i In =“ ‘This week has not been notable in theat- ical matters. May Irwin has attracted the largest audiences, snd next to her was her sister Flo. The strong and well-acted play at the Lafayette Square did not draw well, for its subject was an unpleasant one, and the vaudeville at the Columbia, even with Clera Morris at its head, did not do good bvsiness. Next week there will be quite a variety in the entertainment offered. “The Ballet Girl,” one of E. E. Rice's conceits, will be at the Naticnal; Denman Thompson, in “The Old Homestead,” at the Lafayette; Mme. Janauschek, in ‘“‘What Dreams May Ceme,” at the Columbia; “Fun on the Pacific Mail’ at the Academy, “Eight Bells” at the Grand and John L, Sullivan and his company at the Lyceum. ‘A geod story is told on the chief of the Chicago fire department. One evening, about ten days ago, he strolled into the Grand Opera Ho t Chicago, and settled bimself comfortably into an orchestra chair to witness the performance. He had not been seated more than ten seconds when every light in the house went out, and the stage became a mass of inky blackness. A few seconds more elapsed, when out of the surrounding darkness of the stage came a sight that caused the fire chief's hair to stand on end. A living mass of flame seemed to shoot from the surrounding dark- ness @f the stage high up toward the “flies of the theater, and in the very center of the fire could be seen the dim outlines of a wo- man’s figure clad in a mist of transparent gauze, and swaying weirdly to and fro. For a moment the chief rubbed his eyes and wondered if he had been “hitting the pip ir a moment of forgetfulness. Then co lecting his startled senses he bounded from his seat, rushed out of the theater and around to the stage door. There he was confronted with the august official who is a part of every theater, whose duty it is to keep chappies and Johnnies and other per- sons from entering. It looked for a mo- ment as if there was going to be a lively time between the fire chief and the stage door tender when the latter barred the way and would not let him in. The door- keeper didn't know him, and, after he made his identity known, a whispered conversa- tion was held between the two, the result of wnich caused the doorkeeper to let out a laugh that was heard by the audience. The fire chief looked as if he knew the joke was on him, and he withdrew as gracefully as possible. The sight that had given him such a shock was only the new fire dance” of Adelaide Herrmann, but it looked so realistic that the chief came near turning in an alarm of fire. He has had to pay for a good many cigars since the joke leaked out. Odell Williams, the rotund gentleman who plays the pious old New Hampshire farmer in “Way Down East,” was a farm hand Himself in early life. He asserts that the foil was so rich in those days and the vines grew so fast that pumpkins were worn out before they ripened, by being dragged over the field. Charles V. Seaman, who person ates the village constable in W. A. Brady’ rustic play, declares that he knows ali about Williams’ debut in the show busines: “It was away back in the summer of '70, says Seaman, “and I was principal leaper with a cross-roads wagon show. When we got to Rushville, Ky., a big strapping coun- try boy came around to my dressing room and wanted to know if we would give him} ticket. We set him at work carrying for the elephant, and, after he had brought forty or ifty buckets, the boss ‘anvasmai, impressed by his strength and industry, hired Williams to go with the show. His duties were to drive the center pole wagon from town to town, an all night job, and then work all day helping erect the canvas and puttering around in tent. the cook Poor Williams scarcely had a chance his eyes, and after about two weeks he went to the for I say, boss, when do I " said the foreman in amaze- you don't get no sleep until next winter!’ That discouraged Williams and he quit the circus business and went in for drama. Curiously enough, this was far down south, and the next time I met him was “Way Down East.’" Monsieur Edouard Jose, who won instant | success upon his first appearance in this country as the up-to-date theatrical man- ager, with the Oscar Hammersteinian pro- pensities, is a nephew of the great ‘cellvist, Von Biene, and is conceded to be the most Versatile and talented artist of his nation- ality that has ever adopted the English stag t week Jose appeared before | New York guggour hundred” at a perform- ance gi the Waldorf-Astoria and scored stinctive success as is sel- dom attained by a comparative stranger at entertainments of that kind. Some men are queer, while others are queerer. Mr. Jose seems to belong to the latter class. Notwithstanding the fact that he is one of the best pianists that has ever visited this country, he insists upon being known sim- ply as an actor. He is a splendid tech- nician on the piano, and in the execution of the most intricate passages possesses a facility said by the best New York musical critics to be second only to Paderewski. Jose, however, positively refuses to appear as a professional pianist. He thinks that as an actor of burlesque and musical comedies he stands much nearer the pinnacle of fame than he ever could as an interpreter of Wagner and Liszt. In “The Ballet Girl” he enacts the character of M. Tarreuelle, manager of the Follies Theater, Paris, an up-to-date, boom-promoting hustler, with all the peculiarities of the American ad- Vance agent. The characterization is said to be as artistically funny as anything of | its kind that has ever assumed stage shape. NEW NATIONAL THEATER.—Fdward E. Rice's production of the latest musical comedy, “The Ballet Girl,” will be seen for the first time in Washington Monday even- ing at the New National Theater, with the original which has been presenting the play for the past four months in New York and Bosten. The company comes here direct from the latter city. The theme used in “The Ballet Girl” is based on com- | Sidney Price, plications that have arisen from the love affairs of an aged earl who wants to mar- ry a fortune; his son, who plans an elope- ment with a Parisian ballet girl; an artist, who loves and is loved by the American heiress. These intrigues are all of such personal interest to the individuais men- tioned that the audience finds an abundant fund of bumor constantly developing, as one after the other of the series of amus- ing incidents transpires. The general form and coloring of “The Bailet Girl” are said to be more rounded and vivid than is no- ticeable in any of its predecessors, while the results show more graceful fiuffiness and blithe daintiness, and at the same ‘ime it tells a pretty love s' without the least shadow of suggestiveness. Mr. Rice is @ past master at the embellishment and development of any gay conceit which be puts forward, but in no instance has he displayed more .energy and inventiveness with better results than in his manipula- tion of “The Ballet Girl.” The company comprises seventy-five persons, and the cos- tuming is said to be elaborate and the scenic effects both harmonious and hand- some. The principals in the cast are David Lythgoe, Thomas Ricketts, Edouard Jose, Christopher Bruno, Snitz Edwards, Fred. Solomon, Charles C. Grave, David Abrams, Morall Beane, Misses Arline Crater, Louise Hepner. Irene Vera, Christine Blessing, Marie Hilton, Violette Potter and Lillian Cooley. There is a large and attractive ballet and chorus. “The Ballet Girl,” in its present fori, is claimed to be as thor- oughly an up-to-date production of its ciass as Mr. Rice has ever presented, having riving its fun from a consistent told. Mirth, melody and beauty are har- moniously blended, and the performance in its entirety is declared to be the nattiest, most fascinating combination of fun end frivolity that has ever laughed away a night, as if by magic. LAFAYETTE SQUARE OPERA HOUSE. —The attraction at the Lafayette next week will be Denman Thompson and “The Old Homestead.” This season “The Old Homestead's” visit will be doubly pleasant from the fact tnat Denman Thompson will assume the role of Joshua Whitcomb. When a piece like “The Old Homestead,” which seems to defy all the canons of dra- matic construction, gains not only the fa- vor of the big public, but compels the ad- miration of the people who like to think themsetves critical in artistic matters, there is apt to be a sort of puzzled feeling re- garding it. The plot is not complex, but it is sufficient, and the interest is maintain- ed by the revelation of human character and not, as some people think, by the in- terpolated music, which is, in fact, one of the strongest features of the performance. The centre figure is a true type of Ameri- can character idealized. Cyrus Prime, Aunt Matilda and the other New Hamp- shire folks are real personages. The last act is a marvelously life-like picture of home in New England, a farmer's home in its most ckeerful aspect. The poetry of the hills and fields is in the piece. In writing the play Denman Thompson clear- ly demonstrated the pessession of a poetic brain and a trained hand. It is a good thing to be able to prove that a sympa- thetic chord can be struck in the public heart by a stage picture of homely good- ness and piety and faith in human kind. There will be but one matinee, Saturday. COLUMBIA THEATER.—The annual en- fagement of Madame Janauscheck, the greatest living character actr=ss, will come eff at the Columbia Theater next week. To make the engagement: more interesting Madame Janauschek will be seen in a new play by Paul Kester, entitled ‘What Dreams May Come.” The part of a Russian noblewoman was especially written for her, and in it Madame Janauschek is said to have achiever the greatest success of her career. “What Dreams May Come” is a four-act drama. The scene is laid in Lon- don, and those persons who appreciate strong acting anc situations will not be dis- appointed. Janauschek stands today as the greatest character actress, and after the first performance she said that her work in the part was the best she ever did. While the plot is strong, there is much scope for comedy work and sentiment, which in the hands of capable people tends to make the new play a great success. Critics who have witnessed the new play and carefully studied the role assigned to Madame Ja- nauschek unite in saying that {t is better suite to her abilities than Madame Rosen- baum, a part in hich she was recent! seen in “The Great Diamond Robb: ‘aul Kester, the author of the new pla a successful playwright. His first play written in collaboration with Minnie Mad- dern Fiske’s famous Tess. The company stpporting Madame Janauschek 1s one of exceptional merit, and includes such well- known people as Edmund Collie’ Miss Maud Banks, John Blair, Joseph Whiting, Miss de Wolf, Mr. Holland, Mr. Layman, Mr. Hepworth and Miss Washburn. ACADEMY OF MUSIC—“Fun abroad the Pacific Mail,"" the brilliant laugh-provoking ecmedy which appears at the Academy rext week, has proved to be one of the cst successful comedies on the road thi on. It was written by Paul M. Pot the adapter of “Trilby” and author ‘The Conquerors.” Duncan B. Har- riscn’s big comedy company which will Present it contains the names of many well-known artists, among whom are the Irish queen, Maggie Cline; the charming comedienne, Marion Abbott; the brilliant Helene Lowell, the sparkling Celie Ellis, and the Misses Gerry Ames, Caroline Cook, Adelaide Burton, Effie Dinsmore and thé celebrated prima donna soprano, Mme. Ivan Alexa. The gentlemen composing tbe company are justly celebrated in this city for their capacity as entertainers. ‘The list Is headed by the eminent comedian, R. E. Graham; the celebrated baritone. William Riley Hatch; the famous basso, | Edward S. Metcalfe; the tenors, Charles Pcwell and Charles Craige, and the Messrs. Charles Patterson, Gus De Vere, Theodore ,DeVere, Osborne Searl Sam Lewis, L. M. Hartwell and many others. Maggie Cline will sing several new songs, among them being “My Name is Brady, I’m an Irish Lady,” “I'd Li the Country Better if the Foreigners Didn't Run It,” Felix O'Grady,” “Mary Ann Ke- hoe” and “Throw Him Down McCluskey. A large number of additignal specialti will be introduced, including the famo: singing of Mme. Alexa, who was the cele- brated pupil of the great Mme. March Mme. Alexa is reputed as having of the same range and quality as - Seles, duets, glees, madrigals, quartet ging and dancing as well as other spe- cialties are liberally interspersed through- | out the comedy. The company has been | playing to the largest busiress achieved this season in the eity of Boston, and there is no question but that that success will be repeated during the engagement here. The scenic production is on an elaborate seele, and exclusive of the magnificent costumes is said to have cost $15,000. There will positively be no advance in prices for this engagement. GRAND OFERA HOUSE.—Lovers of mu- sic, pantomine and scenic effects will ha\ a treat in the production of “Eight Bells,” which will open at the Grand Opera House beginning next Monday. This species of ntertainment, especially the trick property part of it, has an abiding hold upon the- ater-goers of high and low degree, and helps to prove the assertion that we are ail children when the appropriate mement* comes round. “Eight Bells” in its r2ju- venated-state, is one of the funniest works of its class, and batring a slight tendency to give the susceptible spectator an attack of seasickness, is thorcughly Th: play is Peles 8 inclusive enough in the variety of amusement it offers in the course of an evening. It contains a bur- lesque, a farce comedy, a musical comedy, # pantomime and a spectacular production. ‘The great revolving ship sc2ne, the trick Wagon, the hustling octopus, the funny pranks of the student statues, the weird trunks and doors and chairs are among the novelties. The Byrne Brothers are won- Gerfully agile and clever pantomimists. John F. Byrne is the inventor of the me- chanical effects, which are truly marvel- cus, and he is aisg the author of the lines. All of the brothers are agile acrobats, that would do credit to any circus. It is not hard to conczive that such people, asso- ciated together, could keep things quite lively, and that is-just what they do. KERNAN’S LYCEUM THEATER.—John L. Sullivan's Comedy and Big Vaudeville Company is a winner, judging from the reception which the star and his splendid organization are receiving everywhere. Of ccurse Sullivan spars three rounds, and the way the old champion ducks and par- Ties and serds in blow after blow on his clever antagonist cal's forth tremendous enjoyable. eee i Ps | B-flat , expert musical artists; the Brown- 's, refined travesty stars; Miss Emma Carus, the vocal phenomenon; Maud Detty and Edith Murray, in their new creation, “Two Swell Members From Coontow! Begley and Lee, singing and dancing come- dians; the Great Harmody, champion club juggler of the world. John L. Sullivan's ecmpany will form the attraction at the ; Lyceum next week, opening with a special Monday matinee. BOSTON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA.— The fifth and last concert in the series by the Boston Symphony Orchestra, at the Lafayette Square Opera Hovee, is announc- ed for Tuesday afternoon, March 22, when @ program devoted to the works of Rich- ard Wagner, with the exception of the opening number, will be presented. The first selection will be Beethoven’s Sympho- ny No. 3, better known as the “Heroic.” This symphony was begun in 1802 and fin- ished in August, 1804. The full title is: “Heroic Symphony; composed to celebrate the memory of a great man.” The first MS. copy of the score, prepared for the French legation at Vienna, was inscribed to Napoleon Bonaparte, whore career Beet- hoven had watched with the greatest in- terest and admiration. But when the com- poser heard of the coup d'etat, he tore off the title page in disgust and dedicated the symphony to Prince von Lobkowitz. The work was first performed in private, at Prince von Lobkowitz’s house in Vienna, in December, 1804; its first public performance was at a concert given by Clement at the ‘Theater an der Wien, on Sunday evening, April 7, 1805, when it was conducted by Beethoven himself. On this occasion Beet- hoven played the jcke upon critics and public of having it set down on the pro- gram as “Symphony in D sharp major.” A very essential feature of a Wagner pro- gram in an orchestral concert is the selec- tion of excerpts from this great composer's works, which lose little, if any, of their ef- fectiveness from the absence of the stage setting. Wagner's music dremas, for the most part, depend so largely upon the ac- cessories of scenery, costumes and stage setting that it is no easy task to find an entire program of such excerpts. Conduc- tor Paur has shown much skill in the make- up of his program, which includes: The Sverture top selena jai ie a eleetat Lo prelude to act III of “Lohergrin,” prelude and Isolde’s Love Death from “Tristan and Isolde,” and the “Tannhauser’’ overture. AUGUSTIN DALY'S COMPANY.—“Num- ber Nine,” or “The Lady of Ostend,” is the name ofa play that Mr. Daly has recently produced at his New York theater, and it {s pronounced to be one of the most charm- ing entertainments that the metropolis ha had in several seasons. It is acted by ten or more of the best artists in Mr. Daly's employ, and all of them, under Mr. Daly's personal direction, will present “Number Nine” here during the week com- mencing March 28, just as it is being done in New York. Mr. Daly has always © faithfully carried-cut his promises with us that we can rest assured that in the presentation of this comedy here We are to be afforded a delightful evening. He is the most important faetor today ir the honest upholding of theatrical art and has accom- plished so much in furnishing us with high- class stage work that this reason alone should always guarantee him an_ ovation when his company appears here. One need not be too inquisitive in advance concerning the details of the play. Anything that Mr. Daly does is worth the seeing, but in this case, ‘Number Nine” is a decided novelty, and the epirit, of drollery and fun that per- vades it is as fresa and as grateful as the meadow-blown breezes. It is all about the misunderstandings of a young maried cou- ple, which are entered into by the parents of the wife, who in turn have similar mis- understanding born out of the happy chum- ship betwe2a the young husband and his father-in-law. It is a delicious bit from the German, done into attractive English by the famous humorist, Mr. Burnand, edi- tor of the London Punch. JOSEF HOFMANN.—There is no doubt- ing the fact that Josef Hofmann is as great a senscticn as ever came to this country to make a bid for public favor. The critics seemed to have vied with one another as to who could be most demon- strative in praise of the young man. In Hofmann musicians have found a virtuoso whom they call perfection, the ladies have discovered another pianistic idol to wor- ship and the enthusiasts another execu: for shouting “Bravo.” He has the Rubin- stein dash, the Rubinstein bravora and the Rubinstein audactly. His sense of rhythm is remarkable and his control of terpo and command of dynamics permits him to produce the most stirring effects. He is a much greater artist today, all things considered, than he was when a boy. As a child he was the most remarka- ble pianist who ever came to this countr; and he takes that same honor as a mai Hofmann’s program is as follows: Prelude and Fugue (D major), S. Bach; Sonate, Op. 101, Becthoven; ‘Three Songs Without Words, Mendelssohn, (A minor, F major, C major); Variations and Fugue (on origi- nal theme), Josef Hofmann; Nocturne (5 major), Three Preludes (G major, B major, major), Polonaise (A-flat_ major), Chopin; Margaret at the Spinning Wheel, Erl-King Schubert-Liszt; Barcarole (A minor), Kubinstein; Rhapsodie No. 6, Liszt. The recital occurs next Tuesday afternoon at the Columbia. Seats are selling at Guz- mar’s ticket office, at Droop’s. “WHAT HAPPENED TO JONES.”"— “Wahat Happened to Jones,” which comes to the National Theater Monday, March 21, is a most humorously suggestive name for a farce, yet it is wholly inadequate to in- sinuate the numerous and varied things that occur to the fellow whose homely ap- pellation figures in the title. George H. Breadhurst, the author, is a farceur of im- aginative and inventive resources, and has departed most creditably and successfully from the beaten path of his predecessors. It would be a hopeless task to tell all that heppened to Jones, but the title may be supplemented by a few remarks for the berefit of those who want their imagina- tion quickened. The situations are ex- tremely amusing and the lines are excep- tionally clever, the whole being one of the most delightful farce-comedies brought out in years, its continuous merriment and evi- dent popularity being a striking demonstra- tion of the fact that a light comedy may be a big money-maker and yet be wholly decent. COL. R. G. INGERSOLL.—Col. Robert G. Irgersoll will make his appearance in this city tomorrow evening at the National Theater for the last time in many menths, owing to the fact that he will in all prob- ability make an extended tecture tour through Great Britain, beginning next fall. After numerous requests from people of all Genominaticns he has decided to give his famous discourse on the “Genius of Sbekespeare,” which has made his name krown from one hemisphere to another, ‘There is nothing in this lecture that touches in the slightest way upon the ques- tion of religion, and those who hold views differing from the colonel on that subject need have no fear of being offended. In no lecture that he gives does he bring to bear such eloquence, rhetoric and persua- sive argument as he does in this. He also pays his attention to the arguments used in favor of the Baconian theory, as advo- cated by Ignatius Donnelly and others, and shows the absolute absurdity that Bacon could have written any of the works that are credited to Shak Every studegt and lover of literature should hear this lecture. The advance sale of seats indi- lace Company. They will appear for one night only at Rifiés’ Armory Hall. Polk Miller, the well-known qelineator of negro character, has joined forces with Oscar P. Sisson and Miss Ester Wallace, Mr. Sis- son’s niece and stagescompanion. This trio undoubtedly ferms the most unique combination before: the: peopie, and their performance has made an “instant hit” wherever producedi ‘The program is in three parts. and each part is complete in itself. Act 1 is a musical-comedy sketch by Mr. Sisson and=Miss Wallace, entitled “Cousin Ella's Vist fiom the Country.” Act 2 irtroduces Pélk Miller, with his in- imitable stories andisongs in negro dialect, and act 3 consists wf a one-act character sketch, in which Mr./ Miller appears.in ccstume as “Uncle Daniel,” an old planta- tion negro, who nas gone north just afler the war, and, tiring of his experience, is traveling back to “Oie Virginny.” It is said to be very funnysand full of quaint humor, songs and striking situations. WILLARD HALL.—The exhibitions being held at Willerd Hall of Lumiere’s Cinemat- egrapke, in connection with the views of our late battle ship, the Maine, her offi- cers, the crew, ete., have been largely at- terded since the installation of this wen- erful French mechanical impersonation of men and events, and the large attendances have assured the management of its suc- cess. Some of the pictures seen are of such lifelike nature that the beholder mar- vels that phctography and electricity can produce such results, All of the views shewn are in a measure familiar to us, and especially some of them, on account of their being reminders of travel in America. The children have not been neglected by the enterprising management, and several appropriate pictures have been introduced for the little cnes. Now that the Cinemat- ographe has been successfully introduced, it is quite certain that this delightful mode of entertainment will be largely patronized by the amusement-loving public. “BLUE JEANS."--That there is plenty of material in our own country out of which to construct a good drama receives ample proof in “Blue Jeans,” which is thoroughly and distinctively an American play. Its humor is infectious, its situations are ex- citing, *its characters are remarkably human and natural. The performance, the excelient setting, the realistic features and the interest of the comedy-drama itself all combined make “Blue Jeans” a distinguish- ed success. Will be presented at the Grand week of March 21. SOME MUSICAL NOTES ‘The Choral Society, in addition to its reg- ular Monday night rehearsals, will nold extra rehearsals on Thursday nights for the present, beginning next week. This is done in order to get “The Spectre’s Bride” into the best possible shape for its presen- tation on April 19. The society is also planning for a lecture by Mr. Krehbiel, the well known critic of the New York Tribune, upon the story of “The Spectre Bride,” folk lcre, national music and kindred themes. The time and place of this will be an- nounced later. The pupils of Profs, H. E. Saltsman and William de Ford will entertain their friends next Wednesday evening at a compliment- ary musicale in the studios, 934 F street. A delightful program hes been arranged, consisting of solo and concerted work, reci- tations, etc, and a most enjoyable evening is anticipated. ‘Ihe Sunday Night Music Club celebrated the birthdays of Smethara and Chopin at the residence of Miss Pauline Isemann, 1116 C street southeast. «The program included th2 celebrated “Bastered Bride” overture, end E minor quartet of the former com- poser, and the two! polenaises, Op. 40, of Ckepin, all the compositions being arranged for four hands piaso and string orchestra. Prof. Lloyd Remenyi, violinist, will assist Pref. Lawrence anti his pupils at their monthly recitals Thursday and Friday even- ings, March 24 and@ 252 Miss May Myrtis Clemons, elccutionist, and her pupils, will also assist. The recitak Thursday evening will be given for the: benefit of the Masons’ fair fund. The younger pupils will furnish the program for therrecital Friday evening, which will be free to the public. The Co- lumbia Glee Club, ander the direction of Prof. George Lawrence;-will assist at these recitals with gleesand several selections from the opera “Chimes of Normandie.” Mrs. Harriet Mills ig rehearsing a new musical work compdésed: by the well-known English woman, Liza Lehman, ani entitled “A Persian Garden.” The music is written for four scla voices, and is said.to be very beautiful. The werds are selected from the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Mrs. Milis hepes to present the work for a public hearing about Easter time. The dramatic and musical recital given at Carroll Irstituts Hall Wednesday even- ing, in which Miss Etlen Vockey was the central figure, was a complete success. Miss Vockey was assisted by Mr. Barnest Seifert of New York and some local talent that went to mal up _a program of unu- sual attractiveness. These who assisted Miss Vockey were the Montrose Mandolin Club, Mr. George Lawrence, Master Hunt, Mrs. Hattie Hunter-Smith, Miss Ethel B. Holizclaw, Mrs. Milton Odell and Mrs. Mary C. Cocper. Miss Vockey recited eight numbers, ameng W h may be mentioned aS of sp ons,” sp the banishment and potion “Romeo and Juliet,” 2 Assurance” and ‘How Salvator Won. Vockey recited a number of the selectio: cial importance “Choice of Weap- ecially arranged for Miss Vockey, sce! Ss in costume with dramatic spirit and intelli- gence and merited the warm applause which she received for her work. She was also made the recipient of several floral tributes. Those who remember the concerts of the Wilhelmj Club in the past will be interested to know that this organization will give a concert on the evening of March 26 at the Universalist Church. Aside from the inter- eet in the orchestral portion of the program is the fact that Mr. Anton Kaspar will make his re-entry before a Washington audience after an absence of three years abroad, where he has-been persuing his violin studies. Mr. Kaspar’s many friends here presaged a brilliant future for him, and they will doubtless give him a hearty wel- ecme. The club on this occasion will num- ber forty players, and when it is. remem- bered that it is a string orchestra and un- der the capable direction of Mr. Josef Kas- par, an enjoyable evening is assured. Mr. Frederick H. Weber, lyric tenor, whose recent appearance with the Saengerbund stamped him as a capable and satisfying singer, will assist. = —_—_——.__ Unity Club Meeting. The Unity Club (incorporated) met in the parlors of the Oxford Hotel, 14th and New York avenue, last Wednesday evening. Mr. H. B. Moulton, president, introduced Mr. J. L. McCreery, who read an essay, entitled “Sir Thomas Moore and His Utopia,” which was supplemented by Rev. Dr. Collins. The program was arranged by Mr. Silas Boyce, and included an original poem by Mrs. Cooper, entitled “The Wreck of the Maine;” also two soprano solos; Mr. Den- nett contributed a.baritone solo, accom- panied by Mrs. Dennett; Miss King two violin solos, accompanged by Prof. N. H. Smith; Prof. Mori bass solo. Dramatic and comic recitatiqnssi respectively, were rendered by Mrs. Stetsom and Miss Muray of Iowa. Dr. Duncam\gave a pleasing recita- tion in Irish dialect, which elicited an en- core. The unique feature of the evening was Mr. Buckley's finely executed selec- tions on the xylophorie, closing with the “Mocking Bird” and@ variations. —_——-__ City Post: Office. ‘To the Editor of The Byerimg Star: “The unfinished fabtic stands a lasting monument of the power and weakness of tman—of his vast destres+his sanguine hopes, * * * and of the unldeked-for conclusion, where all these destrestand hopes and pur- poses are so often arrested.""—Outre-Mer. ‘The foregoing scemssto cover the unfin- ished city post office aswith a blanket. March 11, 1898. SINE CERA. — Death of Joseph Barr. Joseph , for the last three years a trusted empioye of Chr. Xander’s wholesale wine business, died Thursday of consump- tion, aged twenty-two. He was an intel- ligent, sober young man, highly esteemed ‘| by Mr. Henry Jaeger. Mr. Jaeger will on thas kindly consented to play in several EVENING STAR, SATURDAY, MAROH 12, 1898-24 PAGES. AMUSEMENTS. AMUSEMENTS. LECTURE COURSB— National Capital University School. Event ‘822 Conn. ave. Wednesday ings. Murch 16, “Acadia” (lustrated), Geo. W. White. March 23, “Shakespeare and Modern Professor Edw. Farquhar. Tickets for courve, $1.00—to be had at school. Single lectures, 35c. For benefit of the New Church, ite COMING, LAUGH.” POKE MILLER, ite THE PROVOKER OF MIRTH. GRAND OPERA HOUSE, SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 8 P.M. Maine Memorial Fund Concert. Under the auspices of the Washington Branch of the National Maine Memorial Fund Association; Hen. John W. Ross, pres.; Mr. E. B. Hay, see. A Grandly Impressive Program of Instrumental 2 and Vocal Music. First Appearance of Prof. Santelmann Since His Appointment to the Leadership of Washington's Famous rine Band. Fifty Pieces. Washington Saengerbund. Arion Singing Society. > Germania Maennerchor. VOCAL SOLOIST: Mrs. Kitty Thompson. ‘Miss Blanche Mr. W. D. McFarland, : Mr. Otto Luebkert. National Guard Band, with 35 Star Musicians. mb12-2t* Madrid Mendolin and Guitar Club. Instrumental soloists: Sol Minster, violin; Arthur D. pianist; Henry Jaeger, flutist. Se. and $1. rs open at 7 p.m. it Bischoff Concert, CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 10th and G sts. nw. Tuesday Evening, March 15 PROGRAM WILL INCLUDB “The Story of the Cross,’’ Oratorio by Dudley Buck. By Quartet and Clorus of 65 Voices. Reserved seat ticket: .50 cents On sale at John F. Ellis & Co."s, 937 Penna. ave. POPULAR Dw. mh9-Gt Every Evening, Wed. and Sat. Matinees. ° Flo Jirwin The Widow Jones Next Weck—The rollicking farcical | comedy, \ ABOARD THE PACIFIC MAIL.” Spectal engagement of the great Maggie Cline. mh9-20¢€ WILLARD HALL, j MATOGRAPHE. ACTION OF LIFE. kins—the t—A Political sion and Thirty other Marvelous Animated CHILDREN, 15c. ~ erved Seats. Exhibitions Every Day, 2:30 and Every Sunday, 8:15 p.m. 215. p.m. mh9-4t* MAKES A BLUNDER, Mistake of Member of Fire Depart- ment in ‘Taking a Number. Because of a blunder made by a mem- ber of engine company No. 7 Thursday night in taking the number of a fire alarm box Commissioner Wight, who has charge of the fire department, has directed that charges be filed against him. The charges will allege neglect of duty, and a trial will follow. It will be recalled that Mr. Wight a month or so ago, in referring to the mis- takes made in taking alarms, stated that he was surprised that any member of the fire department should be unable to per- furm so simple a duty, and that members of the devartment who proved themselves incompetent in such a matter could not remain in the service. During the past several weeks there have been a number of instances in which mistakes have been made by different companies in taking the number of the boxes rung. In one instance engine company No. 3 remained in quar- ters when a bux was sounded to which it should have responded, while on another ‘asion engine company No. 6 was re- ported to have gone to a box other than the one sounded. At noon one day recent- ly, while 12 o'clock was being rung, engine company No. 12 dashed down the streets, under the impression that it was a box in its district. No charges were filed, it is stated, as the result of these mistak but when Mr. Wight’s attention w brought to the mistake of the man in N 7 company, and the chief of the depart- ment suggested that charges be preferred against him, the suggestion was approved. The mistake made by the member of No. 7 company was on box 264, which was re- ceived on what is known as “the ticke the man giving the number of the box 2s 26, and his blunder being a failure to catch the third figure of the box, 4. He is also said to have made another blunder, througn his failure to switch in the big house gong. Had he done that the foreman of the com- pany would have been enabled to have de- tected the mistake before leaving quarters. The man admits making both mistakes, it is said, but claims that there was such 2 long pause after the number 6 had been sounded on the ticker, that he was under the impression 26 was the box sent in. The result of the charges will, it is expected, be. a reprimand for the offender, and the es- tablishment of a precedent, which will be in the nature of a warning to the members of the department that mistakes in taking arms will hereafter be punished, whether made on the house gongs or on the tickers, PaaS For the Maine Monument Fund. The great demand for tickets for the Maine memorial fund concert to be given tomorrow night at the Grand Opera House promises that this most commendable af- fair is to be a brilliant financial and social success, as well as an unusually fine musi- cal treat for the Washington public. The program has been carefully consid- ered, the final selections are choice and numerous and the participants embrace the cleverest artists of the city. Whenever and wherever the Marine Band appears it is accorded a hearty welcome, and unusual interest will be felt tomorrow night when Prof. W. H. Santelmann makes his initial bow as conductor of this famous band. The thirty-five musicians of the National Guard Brigade Band, under the direction of Lieutenant D. B. McLeod, will present the overture to “Stradella” and the “American Patrol.” Selections from Vic- tor Herbert's vivacious opera, ‘The Sere- nade,” will be rendered by the Madrid Mandolin, Banjo and Guitar Club. The three German singing societies have come to the front and offered their services. The Saengerbund will be all that could ke ask- ed in Malmene'’s “Oh, Love While Life is Left Thee,” with a baritone solo by Mr. Charles E. Myers. The Germania Maenner- chor will offer Abt’s “Ave Maria,” the solo part being rendered by Miss Claire Mur- ray, with violin, violoncello and organ ac- companiment, and the Arion will sing “The ‘Three Moments,” by Schauss. Among the soloists will be Mrs. Kittie Thompson Ber- ry, who will be heard to advantage in “Thou Brilliant Bird,” from the opera of “La Perle de Bresil,”” with a flute obligato this occasion use his, 18-carat gold fiute, the only instrument of its kind in this country. Miss Blanche Muir, contralto, will sing Marsden’s “My God, My Father, and Mr. W. D. McFar- land, the Washington tenor, “A Dream of by Mr. Sol Minster, jr. Valentine's cava- the piano are the delight of all artists, numbers. The doors will open at 7 and the concert begin at 8 o'clock. ——.__—_ ‘Walter Noland Acquittea. Judge Scott late yesterday afternoon ac” The NATIONAL, THEATER. TONIGHT, MAY IRWIN, The Swell Piss Fitzwell. NEXT MONDAY. N= SEATS SELLING. RICE’ | THE BALLET | GIRL. 70 = = Artists - - Tomorrow Night, SEATS Col. R. G. SELLING. Ingersoll. Subject: Shakespeare. NEW NATIONAL. ONE WEEK, BEGINNING XT MONDAY, MARCH 14. eB” RICE’S Excellence Of Up-to-date Musical Comedy, sluisitis BALLET GIURIL, WITH THE ORIGINAL CAST. —7o ARTISTS— cHort GORGEOUS CosTUMEs. BEAUTIFUL LARGE SCEN| The brightest, most melodious and most beautifully staged production of the era. X-TRA MARCH 21 A Dramatically Mustrative Reply to the QUESTION OF THE HOUR, WHAT HAPPENED TO JONES? ce Hi. ‘spe- A query in Comedy form Broadhurst, and considerably complicated. cially selected COMPANY OF COMEDIANS. ropounded by 1 RY. LAFAYETTE. KELCEY COMPANY. TERBERT_ KELCEY. WM. J. LB MOYNE, MRS. SARAH COWEL Presenting CLY ITCH’S play i Effie. te— The [Moth and the Fiame. SEATS NOW SELLING. NEXT WEEK. THOPIPSON = THE OLD HOMESTEAD. Tonight. SHANNON EFFIE SHANNON. it SQUARE Lafayette HOU: REQU ‘TS FOR & BY MAIL OR WIRE WILL 2B RECEIVED UNTIL TUESDAY EV AND FILE IN ORDER OF THEIR APPLICATION, For John Philip Sousa’s New Comic Opera, The Sale Opens Wednesday. it Bride Elect WHICH BEGINS A WEEK'S ENGAGEMENT MUNDAY, MARCH 21. ACADEMY Popular Prices. All Next Week. Wednesday and Saturday 25 PEERLESS FARCE COMEDY COMPANY, PRESENTING Fun Aboard NTRODUCING THE QUEEN OF IRISH SO) iG, Maggie Cline, Paradise,” by Gray, with viclin obligato | AND THE FOLLOWING INCOMPARABLE R. E. Graham, 5 e Marion Abbott. 25 & MatineeS «& 50c. 50c. DUNCAN B. HARRISON’S Pacific Mail cast: AMUSEMENTS. Grand Opera House. Kernan & Rife, Managers. Week Beginning Monday, March 14, 1898, Matinces Wednesday and Saturday at 2. First Appearance in Was? m in Three Yearss The Famous BROTHERS BYRNE, The World’s Greatest Acrobatic Actors, In Their Enormousl} Sticcessful Spectacular Pantomime . Production, BELLS.” LATEST EDITION! ‘The Concentrated Essence of Pantomime and Comedy-Burlesque. The Funniest Show on Earth. Full of New Tricks and Pantomime Surprises, Entirely New and Up to Date, The Wonderful Revolving Ship. The Funny Horse and Carriages The Mischievous Studenis and Statuary. The Ludicroas Duel See The John Byrne Troupe of Acrobaty A Gigantic Production Full of Novelties, Next Attraction: “BLUE JEANS.” It COLUMBIA. LAST P TONIGHT AT S:15 ORMANCE OF TR 2 GREAT Clara Morris AND A CONS ELLATION OF VAU ST All Next Week, Commencing Next Monday 50c. ning, 50c. Popular Matinee, Thursday. Regular Matinee Saturday THE STERLING ACTRESS, Madame JANAUSCHER IN A NEW PLAY BY PAUL KES’ “What Dreams May Come.” at COLUMBIA. oe One | mecitet nts. tates, = MARCH 15, de. JOSEF HOFMANN PROGRAM: S. Bach -Beetioven Mendelssoba Josef Hofmann, a | ro J ‘A-flat’ major) . Polonaise Margarct at the Spinni Erl-King. Schubert-Liszt ¢. Barcarole (A-minor). - Rubinstein @. Rhapsod ». 6 -Liszt 50, $2. B zi FICE, DIRECTION MISS ANNA MILL. MANAGEMENT HENRY WO) LOCAL DIRECTION MR. ED, F. Steinway Plano at all Hofmann recitals. GUZMAN. mhi2 — RAND OPERA HOUSE, KERN & RIFE, Managers, " MONDAY, PMARCH 7, Matinees Wednesday and Saturday. ‘The Most Pronounced Success of the Season. The Delightful Comedy-Droma, eae ‘“Tenne, ’s ae ray. | Pardner.” |cowraxy, Artbur ©. Aiston, Sole Proprietor and Manager. TEE GOLDEN NUGGET QUARTETTE! Magnificent Scenic Effects! NEXT WEEK—Bros. Byrne's New “8 BELLS CO." mh7-6t,24 ERNAN’S LYCEUM THEATER. ALL THIS WEEK, Mats. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday. Joe. Oppenheimer’s MISS NEW YORK, JR., A Superior Aggregation of Meritorious Talent. NEXT WEEK—JOHN L. SULLIVAN'S OWN CO, mb7-6t,15 EXCURSIONS, ETC. |g htead & WV 2shington Steamboat Co. Every dar in the ycer Norfolk, Newport News and all: points the super powerful steel steamers ton” on the ‘scifedule: Lx. Portewouth..5:30 pm pm Lv. Norfolk. 29 pra = SUIT 5 BRR