The New York Herald Newspaper, April 23, 1876, Page 7

NEW YORK HERALD, SUNDAY, AFRiL 25, 1876—QUINTUPLE SHEET | LONDON CHIMES, Tennyson's “Queen Mary” Before the Footlights, SLASHINGS AND ALTERATIONS. A Gorgeous Setting—Splendid Cos- tumes-+A Brilliant Audience. ‘THE STRONG POINTS AND “HITS.” Kate Bateman as Queen Mary— My. Irving as Philip. THE GRAND CLOSING SCENE. The , American Horses in England— Mate Improving. THE FINANCIAL SITUATION. [@PmctAL DEATATCH TO THE HERALD BY CABLE. ] Lonpos, April 22, 1876. ‘The bringing out of Tennyson’s “Queen Mary” on the stage of the Lyceum on Tuesday last is the great event of the London dramatic season. It has produced the same sort of stir in London circles as Dumas’ play of the “Etrangtre” in the French capi- tal, and it has created vast interest in literary and @ramatic circles. The poet has so many friends and admirers who know and love his poetry that the whole of London seemed to be interested in the event, as in the success of some intimate personal friend. Especially was this the case in the world of let- ters. All the journalists, ali the great literary lights of the capital, from Swinburne to Rossetti, and from George Eliot to Wilkie Collins, took a lively Interest in the preparations for the forthcoming play, and discussed its prospects of success with as much interest us though they had each been per- sonally concerned. TENNYSON’S NEW VENTURE. ‘Tennyson’s ordinary style is so different from that Tequired in dramatic writing, and his want of stage experience was so evident in the play itself, as it originally appeared, that many pronounced the at tempt @ foolish one, and predicted a failure. Others thought they saw in 1t evidence of the highest dra- matic power, and with equal assurance foretold a success, It was well known that ‘Tennyson ‘was making very considerable changes tn it, in order to adapt it to the requirements of the stage, and, like French dramatic authors, was watching the rehearsals, and continually altering and cutting Gown wherever he saw it necessary. Mra. Tennyson, too, took an active part in the preparations, and George Eliot and many other literary people assisted with their advice. THE REBRARSALS, Tennyson himself was as delighted as though he ‘were a young author unknown to the world bringing “out fis first work; and if this one succeeds he will ‘probably favor us with more plays, It would be a strange and most agreeable surprise if he were eud- denly to develop a great dramatic talent in this age bo barren of true dramatic literature. THE SCENIC PREPARATIONS, Mrs. Bateman, it was well known, had determined to give the play every advantage of costume, scenery and decoration, and was going to bring it out ina style of magnificence and splendor even surpassing that of “Hamlet,” “Macbeth” and “Othello.” The costames ure exact copies of old tostumes now existing in Pomfret Castle, Hampton Dourt Palace, Windsor C3utle, Stafford House, and the National South Kensington Gallery, and are also taken from pictures and portraits found tn the same places. The scenery representing exactly old London before the fire—old streets, old rooms of tho period and the old Guildball—is taken from old pic- tures actually in existence. All of this gave a double interest to the per- formance, and as brilliant an audience as ever as- sembied in a London theatre congregated to see the Poet Luureate’s first venture on the stage. ‘A BRILLIANT AUDLENCE. ‘The Lyceum Theatre was full long before the rise Of the curtain and all the seats had been taken long in advance. The world of science, of politica, of art, as well as the world of fashion and of letters, ‘were represented. Among those present were Robert Browning, the poet; George Elliot, (Mrs Lewes), the novelist; John K. Millais, RA. afd Frederick Leighton, A. R. A. the painters; Lady Hamilton Gordon, Mr. Furnival, director of the Shakespeare Society; arthur Hallam Tennyson, son of the Laureate; Mr. Russell Sturgis, of Baring Brothers; Tom Taylor, the art critic and playwright; Miss Braddon, the novelist—in short, most of the prominent literateurs of London, together with representatives of the English, French, German, Italian, Russian and American press. A GLANCR AROUND THE HOUSR. ‘The whole theatre had that sort of look as though @ach individual had a deep personal interest in the performance that the ordinary playgoer would not be Ukely to exhibit. There was a pleased look of ex- pectation on every face and a pleasant bum of con- Versation before the rise of the curtain. Nearly everybody seemed to know everybody, and recog- nized and bowed to each other across the theatre, VUE PLAY BEGINS. =e The curtain alowly rises and <liscloses an apart- Ment in the pasace, There are curious old carved Pasellings on the walls, which are rich with Gothic tracery, lit up with medallions, each of which can- tains @ portrait. The room is of an irregular shape, brogen at the corners and doorways, with pictur- esquely arranged cabinets full of old china. The furniture ts of carved oak, velvet and gold, and on One aide 16 an oki Areplacg standing out from the wall 90 high that one might easily stand under it, such a8 may yet be seen in many ancient mansions in England. Le Stour de Nouilles, the French Ambassador, fe discovered, and opens with the lines from the third scene of the original play. If Elizabeth lose her head, ‘That makes for France, And \f ber people, angered thereupon, Afige aguinet her and dethrone the Queen, ‘That makes for France. And If | breed contusion anyway, That makes fur France, lordly fop, which runs tnto the fourth scene of the firstacy The first two scenes and part of the third have been cut away bodily. COURTENAY, EARL OP DEVON. four scenes have been ruthlessly slashed out, All the ceremonies attendant upon England being ad- mitted again to the church are therefore omitted, Wogether with the long sermon of absolution pro- Courtenay is dressed in a doublet of crimson satin, | nounced by Pole upon the occasion and the quarrels with a front piece of cloth of tissue powdered with | of Pole and Gardiner, What is most to be regretted diamonds; over this @ mantle, pounced with gold, | 1s Bagenhall’s description of the death of Lady Jane set with pearis and fastened with a jewelled clasp. ‘The part is taken by Mr. Carton. After Courtenay has delivered the monologue Elizabeth enters, saying:— What are you masing on, my Lord of Devon? THE PRINCESS ELIZABETH, Elizabeth wears a@ robe of white brocade, very atitf, entirely covered with rich silver embroidery. How very uncomfortable the women must have been in those days! A kirtle of white silk crossed with pearis; the corsage of white velvet, tight and tapering, girt at the waist with @ cordelitre of gems; open low down the bosom, with a small ruff surmounting a partiet; the sleeves of velyct, very ght, a small puff of silk at the shoulders, gathered at the wrist into ruMes; a carcanet of jewels around the throat; bracelets on the wrists, All this for the benefit of my lady readers. The hair golden, the coif embroidered with silver and bordered with pearls. The part is taken by Miss Virginia Francts, and the make-up ia splendid. She bears a consider- able resemblance to Elizabeth. Courtenay tries to make love to her, but docs not succeed. Enter Lord Howard, who interrupts the (2te-a-téte. He is dressed tn a long purple silk gown, richly lined with costly fur, a black hat, black feather, fastened by a jewelled brooch. About half the scene 1s cut away, and Gardiner does not enter here atall. The acting up to this point was stiff, lacking ease and lightness. The whole of the first act takes place in the same scene. ENTER QUEEN MARY, As Elizabeth and Howard leave the stage Mary, accompanied by Alice, enters, gazing at and kissing Philip’s miniature. Most goodly, kinglike, and an Emperor's son— Aking tobe. Is he not noble, girl? She wears a cloth of gold petticoat raised with pearls, a stomacher and girdle blazing with diamonds, a surcoat of scarlet velvet, train of velvet upon velvet, long sleeves of embossed velvet lined with bright cloth of gold, a partiet of white'satin terminating at the throat with a small rnf, slightly opened in the front and bordered with pearls. Over the partlet a carcanet of beaten gold set with diamonds and rubies, from which @ single large peari depends. On her head a coif bordered with two rows of large dia- monds, making in all a really splendid costume. The part is taken by Mrs, Crowe (née Kate Bate- man), and she excites our interest and sympathy at once in the passage— ¥ O Just God! Sweet mother, you had time and cause enough To sicken of his lies and his roses. TREATING FOR THE MARRIAGE, ‘The rest of the act is played nearly as it was writ- ten, with only a passage or two altered. Gardiner, Played by Mr. Swinburne, appeared in the scarlet. simar and sarplice, with white lawn sleeves anda berretta, Simon Renard, the Spanish Ambassador, is played by Mr. Brooke. He isdressedallin black, with the decoration of the toison d'or. The costume of Alice is a beautifully worked -blue brocade, with very tight corsayijand, 9ign ie latter raised |,at the shoulders. She wears two ruff, one very small and tight to the throat, the outer one fanned out at the back. The scene between her and Simon Renard just before the end of the act is a very pretty one, turning its pretty compliments, as it does, with Shakespearian iteration on the word “pretty” itself. THE ACTING—AN INCIDENT. The acting throughout was constrained, but the act ends well with the entry of Queen Mary, stag- gering with excitement, after the Council has de- cided on the marriage with Philip. Mrs. Crowe was called before the curtain. A curious incident oc- curred during this act, when, to Renard’s speech— Good madam, when the Roman wish’d to reign, He slew not him alone who wore the purple, But bis assessor in the throne, perchance A child more innocent than Lady Jane, Mary replies:— ; . lam English Queen, not Roman Emperor, Touching sharply on the now popular question of “Queen or Empress,” it caught the ear of the audience and brought down the house, with some hissing among the gods in the gallery. | THE BECOND ACT—GUILDHALL, In the second act we have a view of the interior of the old Guildhall ag it was before partially destroyed by fire. At the extreme end, opposite the specta- tor, 1s a beautiful imitation of a Gothic stained glass window, occupying the entire centre of the scene. There are rows of columms along the walls on each side supporting the roof, and the city arms on a white shield, with red cross and dagger, appear in evety direction. Flags and banners, each bearing the insignia of a guild, are hung around the wails. On one side is a canopy placed on a raised platform, where the Queen is seated on a throne, surrounded by her ladies, courtiers, representatives of the oid city companies, soldiers, citizens in their odd, quaint costumes, with the light stream ing in on them through the stained giass window, making up # beautiful scene. It ts the second ecene of the second act we have before us. The whole of the first scene has been omitted, and nearly half of this one cut away. The triumphant epeech of Sir ‘Thomas White, Lord Mayor of London, in this scene, where, on behalf of the loyal citizens, he makes oath to brush This Wyatt from our shoulders, like a flea | ‘Thas might have leapt upon us auawares, | was well delivered by Mr. Hunter, but the scene lacked effectiveness, owing to the lack of numbers | of sapernumeraries to dress the stage property. i THR REBRLLION SCEXES CUT. ‘Then, aa the act proceeds, we perceive that the whole of the third scene is cut out, Thus, every- ‘thing describing the rebellion 1s omitted, and the parts of Wyatt apd Knyvett are entirely left out. ‘The whole of the fourth and last scene, taking place in a room in the gatehouse of Westminster Palace, 1s played, however, and a slight addition is made to it, This act ia, therefore, reduced to two scenes. A VINE SCEXE, ‘The closing portion of this act, full of movement and fine dramatic effect, with its stirring closing lin o— My foes are at my fect, and Philip King, ‘was well rendered, bringing forth repeated rounds Mrs. Crowe. Owing, however, to the omission of the previous scenes, descriptive of the Wyatt rebell- fon, the leaps in the action are too sudden, making the effective portions appear unduly short. THE THIRD ACI—SLASMIXG AND CUTTING. ‘The curtain rises on the third act, and we are much surprised to find that it is Woodstock, the pace to which Biizabeth has been banished, as this is the fifth scene of the act. The whole of the first and Mary's fervent outburst, beginning He hath awaked, be hath awaked! Ho stirs within the darkness. THE WOODSTOCK SCENE. Elizabeth in this act wears a surcoat of very pale salmon-pink silk, trimmed with swan’s down, white paned silk sleeves, slashed with pink, white part- let and ruff open at the throat, and a salmon-pink coif, like the surcoat, sewed with seed pearis. A speech has been added at the beginning of the scene, wherein Elizabeth expresses some surprise at the marriage of Philip and Mary, which has taken Place ince the end of the second act The Test of the scene is played as it is written, and ts a very pretty one, The mikmaid song has been, at Mrs. Tennyson’s suggestion, set to @ sonata by Beethoven. It was execrably sung. This is a very dificult scene, butit was admirably sustained and proved very interesting. ENTER PHILIP, ‘The second scene, or sixth as it originally stood, is played in the same room as scene 1 of act L It is in this scene Philip first appears. He is person- ated by Irving. He wears a black velvet doublet slashed with white silk. The Order of the Garter buckled below his knee, white sik stockings, hauis de chausses of black velvet slashed with white, a cap of black velvet ornamented With emall goid chains and a little feather at the right side, The mantle lined with white silk, a gold chain round the shoulders, the decoration of the golden fieeco-on his breast and tight ruff round his throat, make up a costume that causes Mr. Irving’s lady admirers to fall down and blindly worship at his shrine. Irving in this scene is made up after the portrait by Titian, with yellow hair and beard. Although newly married, Philip's very first words show ‘that he is half inclined to make love to Elizabeth— Would she had been the Queen, The scene is played as written and it ends act third. IEVING’S ACTING. The presentation of the character of Philip was striking and powerful. The dominant idea was boredom at everything English expressed in the lnes:— 8o weary am I of this wet land of theirs And every soul of man that breathes therein. It was an admirable piece of self-containing acting, giving a picture of the proud, scornfal, ennuyd of applause, with another call before the curtain for | prince that was loudly applauded. QUEEN MARY'S SECOND DRESS, ‘The Queen wore her second dressin this act. It was 8 robe of royal purple richly ornamented with pearls, ‘the train lined and bound with royal ermine and curiously embrofdered with gold devices. The large sleeves are turned up with clusters of gold set with pearia and diamonds. The close gown worn be- neath the robe ts black cloth of gold upon gald, collarand girdle of worked gold set with diamonds and sapphires. Her headdress, a carl of gold, and over it, at the back, @ round cap adorned with Orient pearis. ‘THE FOURTH ACT—CUTTING AND CHANGING, Act fourth opens with a street in Smithfleld, as it ‘was before the great fire, with gable roofs and lat- ticed windows. Tiband Joan! Here is a slashing, indeed. The ‘whole of the foyrth act has been cut out, all but this short passage at arms between the two old women, Joan and Tib, who take the op- portunity to inform us that Latimer, Ridley and Cranmer have been burnt. The lines in this col- loquy— Tek thou my word vor’t, Joan—and I been’t wrong not twiee i? ten year—the burnin’ o’ the owld arch- bishop ‘ill burn the Pwoap out o’ this ‘ere Jand vor iver and iver, brought down the house naturally, for your Lon- doner thinks about “Pwoaps” to-day much as old ‘Tib did. We econ perceive that a new fourth act has been carved out of the first three scenes of the fifth, to which Mrs Tennyson has made several additions, These additions are speeches for Mary and Philip and are very characteristic, showing the increased spleen of Philip at his treatment by the English, recalling! how Howard fired @ shot acrogs the bows of his vessel on his return to Eug- land, making him lower ¥is fag to the English stan- dard. Mary replies \ that “no king, were ho ten umes king—but mus} lower his fag to England on the seas of England.” Thus the play moves into tragedy. The heart of the Queen is breaking, and Philip, bitter in his scorn, jets 1t break. The acting between Mra, Crowe and Mr, Irving was admirable at this point. Mr, Irving made up after the por- trait by Velasquez. The act-ends picturesquely, but somewhat tamely. \ ‘THE VIFTH act. ‘The fifth act opens tn th’s house, near Lon- don. It is the third scene éf what was the fifth act. A pretty old room of the period, quaint old } furniture, heads of stags, Whose antlers throw vexed shadows on the walls; family portraits, rich heavy curtains hung against the windows which admit the sualight on the polished oak panels, and arichly groined ceiling covers ttallin. She dallies with Count de Feria, who makes love to her, for Philip, now in Spuin, and Matters her. Were you in Spain, this fine, fair gossamer gold, Like sungilt breathings on @ frosty duwn that hovers round your shculders— Exgaueru—Is it 80 fine? Troth, some have said so. She equivocates with him about Philip, though, and he trifies with her; then finally telis her Mary 1s dying, to her great indignation. God's death! wherefore spoke you We dally with our lazy moments he: Aud bers are numbered, Horses Why did you keep me waiting? —and flies out in a rage. ‘Then the scene changes and we hi scene of the tragedy. The last scene | ven tert out—a pity, I think, aa it adds the effect of what follows, The last Mary's apartments in White! before? , without js there! | with Gothic tracery, at the end of which a | looking on the garden. There is @ large portrait of Philip, so of a Velasquez, done by ® Royal Acad | Heavy curtains hang over the doorways in | masses of shadow. There is a writing table, | shaded lamp upon it. The moonlight en! room by the deep-set Gothic windows, and as walks up and down in her feverish exci | ‘casts a dim, ghostly shadow, which Crosses one by one The moonlight casements patterned on the wal Following her like her sorrow. tt ia a@rand and beautiful scene. Queen Mary’ dressed -in a loose robe of rich gray silk brocaac, over a kirtle of rose morte and olive green Venetian Velvet; tight sleeves of the same velvet, guarded with | gold, worn flowing ones of gray brocade; a black colf ornamented with pearis and a raft. MRS. CROWE’S TRIUMPH. ‘Mrs. Crowe in tijis act was very good. Previously | she had been hardly sympathetic enough. Here she | was highly pathetic. In the passage— Barn!— Fie, what asavor! Tell the cooks to close The doors of all the offices below, . Latimer! ‘Sir, we are private with our women hero— Ever a rough, blunt and uncourtly fellow— Thou light a torch that never will go out! *Tis out—mine flames. . .. * . Have you found mercy there? Grant it me here; and see, be smiles and goes, Gentle as in life, Where she thinks she sees Latimer and smells burn- ing flesh the tragical effect was very fine. Mary's Uwnaltering, pestering, foolish fondness for Philip; | her patriotism; her persecutions; her enemtes | throwing insulting papers about the palace; her despair when convinced that Philip loves no more; | her delirium when she thinks she sees the ghost of | Latimer; her feverish walking to and fro on the bal- | cony, with her shadow following; her heartbroken | sobbing when she sits and writes, “I am dying, | Philip; come to me;” her final fit of rage when she | hysterically hacks Philip’s picture; her death, with the touching appeal to her mother— OSaint of Aragon, with that sweet, worn smile Among thy patient wrinkles— made up as grand a piece of picturesque dramatic | force as ever Was put upon the stage. PRESS COMMENTS. The papers concur in praising Mrs. Bateman’s splendid mise en scene, but predict only a short run for the play, owing to its inherent defects. THE LAUREATE, Tennyson, however, has no reason to be dissatis- fled with the result The Poet Laureate was not present at the first representation. _ STRANGE FRLLOWSHIP. ‘The production of “Queen efary” and the Black- burn horror are the chief topics of interest in Lon- don just now. THE AMERICAN HORSES. ‘Mr. Sanford has decided on running Mate in the City and Suburban. He carries a weight of 115 | pounds, Mate is much fitter for this event than any of the others, but there is 66 to 1 in the betting against him. Bay Final will probably take a chance for the Metropolitan Stakes on Wednesday. Preakness galloped two miles yesterday with Mate and Bay Final. He went the same distance this morning. ‘THE ASCOT CUP, Preakness is to be prepared to ran for the Ascot Cup. PETRARCH’S BAD LUCK. Petrarch, who has been recently sold for $60,000, has been beaten in his trial, and, it is rumored, he is scratched for the Two Thousand Guineas, A NEW AMERICAN FAVORITE. Lady Mostyn, daughter of the American mare Annette, is @ great favorite for the City and Sub- urban, FINANCIAL. ices ti is abundant credit is limited. The result is @ stagnaticn in financial operations and a standstill in many directions. Confidence has not returned. The investing public hold aloof, except tw sell, keeping their money in the hands of their bankers. WHAT THEY DO WITH IT. The bankers, owing to the difilculty of employing the money in the discount market, buy up solid se- curities, Hence an advance in consols, notwith- standing the continental complications, | whois @ cripple, touched him on the head with his THE HOME TRADE HEAVY. ‘The home trade is practically stagnant. The pub- lic, which ts in a very discriminating mood, casts aside schemes which had once been easily floated. THE EASTERN QUESTION. Regarding the Eastern question the fact remains that the insurrection in Herzegovina gains ground, although it is impossible for the people of the prov- ince to obtain arms and ammunition with their own local means. It is generally supposed, therefore, that Russia supplies both arms and money to the insurgents. THB VIENNA BOURSE VASTLY DEPRESSED. Unfavorable political news continues toexercise a depressing influence on the money market. The Vienna Bourse is agitated. Austrian, Hungarian, Danubian, Russian and Turkish securities all ex- perienced a further fall on receipt of the news of the defeat of the Turkish troops when attempting to revictual Nicsic. | SERVIA MUST JOIN IN. ‘The belief increases that Servia must join the in- surrection against Turkey. OTHER FOREIGN STOCKS. In other foreign stocks the tendency is rather favorable. Argentines rose suddenly on the publica- | ton ofa favorable'letter by the Argentine Minister, other South American securities following suit. AMERICAN SECURITIES. American governments and railroads fell early | in the week, apparently owing to the existence of | fears concerning the extradition treaty relations be- tween the United States and Great Britain. ‘The depression in American governments consti- tutes quite a new feature in the market. American railway securities continue fat ‘TUB MARAT Fou SILVER, Loxbox, April 22, 1876, Bar silver, 63 11-164. TUR MIXCING LANE MARKET—GTATS OF TRADE AND PRicks. In Mineing Lane basiness since the Easter holidays has been moderate, Sugar was rather firmor, especially West Indian refining sorte Coffee, with few excep tions, wae easier yesterday; plantation, Ceylon and Kast Indian met with asteady demand, but low do. scriptions are dull, PuCES Prices at this weok’s Dutch sale wore somewhat ir- regular, but generaliy pearly equalte previous rates A quotation of b4e, a b4igc. was established for good ordinary Java Tea and rice rethain quiet, i eurrLy, A heavy supply of cocoa is for sale next Tuesday. ‘Tho spice market was unsettied, aud the transactions ‘were even on @ smaller scale than heretofore. Several sales of saltpotre are roported, but prices show no improvement, Rossi's HAMLET. Loxpom, April 22, 1876 The Times to-day, speaking of Signor Rossi's per- formance of Hamlet, says:—"We vantot accept, nor can we believe any Englishman wil) accept, Signor | Rossi's Hamiet/as in any sense the Hamlet of Shakes- | | Peare. ‘That Signor Rossi is an actor of great and va- nous powers we cau well believe, and we look forward — with plengure to, we trust, an early opportunity of finding our belief confirmed.’ WAS IT SUICIDE? 4 PROMINENT LAWYER DROWNED A WEEK AGO AND THE FACTS SUPPRESSED—THE BODY NOT YET FOUND, | Edward J, Wilson, until receatly, a law partner of ex: Corporation Counsel Richard OGormon, occupied an oflice at No. 10 Pine street, Mr. Wilson had amassed a fortune of nofhinally about $300,000 by investments in real estate, principally in New York and Westches. ter counties, Starting depreciation in value of real estate for years past affected Mr. Wilson, as well as other investors, and ho was compelled to resort toa sale of some ot bis property to raise money. His real estate broker bad apparently found a customer, and on Saturday, the 15th inst, Mr, Wilson called on the bro- ker, but was told by the ‘latter that the purchaser had not put in an appearance, Mr. Wilson seemed very mueh depressed by this intelligence, and remarked, despondingly, that life was not worth having, and that no man’s word could be depended on, The real estate broker, taking this as an allusion to himself, resented the remark, and said he had done the best he could. Mr. Wilson promptly assured the broker that he did | not blame him; that the remark was tntended to apply to the man who had promised to buy the farm which he (Mr. Wilson) had for sale. Alter a few minutes’ further conversation, during which tho real estate broker tried to quiet Mr. Wilson, the latter left, remarking that hfe was not worth hay- ing, a8 men’s promises could not be depended ou. THB SUICIDE, Between ten and eleven o'clock on the same evening, Saturday, the 10th inst., w man was seen by « watch: man walking along the pier at the foot of Kast Tweni third street. The watchman went up to bim nd warned him of the danger of his falling {nto the river, ‘The man so warned replied, biufly, thatit was none of the watchman’s busiuess. About five minutes afterward the watchinan, Who bad not gone far, heard asplash, and on gomg back saw the man in the water. Dobson, crutch; but the gentleman, who may have been stunned, did not reach for tt, A hat and cane found in the water disclosed that he was Edward J, Wilson. MR. WILSON'S HISTORY, Mr. Wilson came to New York when he was young, and studied law with Thomas Addis Emmet, He m: real estate his specialty. Early in his practice he wa & partucr of Abram D. Ditinars, ex-Mayor of Long Island City, and Richard, Emmet. In 1855 his firm was Dillon, O'Gorman & Wilson, the first member being | Jobn B. Dillon, who subsequently returned to Ireland | aud became a member of Parliament, and the second being Hon, Richard O'Gorman. When Mr. O'Gorman | was made Corporation Counsel he appointed Mr, Wilson Cierk of Street Upenings, which position he filled im connection with bis private business, which was done under the firm name of Wilson & Clarke, the iatter be- ing Richard H Clarke. In 1867 his partners were Hon. Addison G. Rico, « well known lawyer of Central New York, and General Patrick HL. Jones, ex-Postmaster and present Regiater of the ety and county of New York. In 1871 Le formed a partnership with Hon, Michael Nolan, who, when he became Assistant District Attorney, was ceeded in the firm by Hon. Moody B, Sinith, for years District Attorney for the city and county ot Wilmington, XN. C. Mr, Smith was lis partner at the time of his death, Mr, Wilson was beloved by all who knew him, and had a sense of honor of more than ordinary delicacy. He was geverous and charitable toa fault. As evidence of his thoughttulness and consideration of others it is related that he wus accustomed to send his nurse, who | lived in the West Indies, a very considerable annuity | to the date of her death, He was one of the 100 law- yors who were sclected to form the bar Association, — | He leit his boarding place, No. 91 West Eleventh street, about half-past seven o'clock in the evening of | his drowning, and told the lundiady that he should soon return lor a bath. The gas was found burning. His only relatives are bis brother, Mr. Hagh C. Wile son, of Peekskill, and the latter's four children. De- ccased was a bachelor, His friends do not think he committed suicide, ag, notwithstanding his inet habits, he did not leave behind him any explai letters. SUICIDE OF A MERCHANT. Putvapevrura, Pa. April 22, 1876. George Ritchie, a prominent merchant of this city, committed suicide yesterday at Norristown, Pa, by shooting himself. He was a director of the Kensing: ton National Bank and of the Hannis Distilicry Com- pany. AN OLD MAN DROWNED. Povonxerrrsts, N, Y., April 22, 1876 The body of John W. Babcock, was found in a creek in the town of Stamford, yesterday, It is supposed that he fell through a bridge the might before. He was aged seventy-five. CHARITIES AND CORRECTIONS. FORMAL INSPECTION BY THB GRAND JURY OF THE INSTITUTIONS ON BLACKWELL'S ISLAND. Early yesterday morning the members of the Grand Jury passed on board of the steamer Minvahanock, at the foot of Eas Twenty-sixth street, and went to Blackwell’s Island, for the purpose of investigating the operations of tho institutions located there, aud to find out by actual contact with the inmates of the hguses whether any cause of complaint existed or im- provements could be recommended. . Among the Grand Jury were Messra, James A. Smith Eugene Jackson, Samuel Abraham, Edward Colgate, Gust Koenigsberger, Walter A. Yates, Ecward Lam- bert, Hamilton R. Kerr, Louis C. Koppeli, David L. Baker and Harvey B. Lane. Mr, William H, Phillips, the foreman, was unavoidably absent. The steamer left her wharf at a quarter past cleven A.M. The first landing was at the Insane Asylum. The Grand Jury, escorted by Commissioners Thomas 3S, Brennan, T@wnsend Cox and Isaac H. Batley, then passed rapidly through the various wards and pavilions of the Insane Department. The members of the Grana Jury stopped at the bedsides of the most intel- ligent patients, and with cheerful greetings gained the good will of the sufferers and drew them into conversa- tion. Those who were able to speak intelligently, the patients exhibiting tho mild forms of dementia, expressed their satisfaction with the —_sani- tary arrangements of the department, saying, “Wedo not find uny fault with the food, or treatment, or ventilauion, The kitchens, the couking arrangements, the quautities and quaiities of food furnished, were closely examined. The jurymen mended the scru- puious cleanliness of exhibited in their management. Leaving the chapel of the Insane Asylum, the gen- tlemen passed over the eight acres of new made land on the upper end of Biackwell’s Island und inspected tho lighthouse on Its vorthern extremity. That land was flied in, and 4 granite sea wail built around it, aa an extension of the property, solely vy convict labor, A Visit was then made to the projected bathhouse. It | ts located on the upper and eastern side of the island, ‘A stone wall incioses a basin about six feet in depth, mto which the sait water ebbs and flows, A louse is to be put over the basin so that the paticats cau have the benelit of salt water baths without exposing them- selves to tho gaze of passengers on passing steamers, After a {ull and careful inspection of the va- rious institutions the members of the Grand Jury asked the Commissioners to express themselves. Mr. Bailey said, “We are trying to make the labor of the convicts productive 80 far as possible, The great ob. stacle we have met is the insuiliciency of keepers. Wo are limited in our money and have not enough keep- | ers to prevent convicts from cloping. To every 200 men there ts only one keeper, Those keepers receive eng that is $300 mae 7 year than the pay of a New York policeman. The cost ot ki ving people in the Almshouse is now from ten to twelve aud a hi cents per day. Commissioner Brennan said that tn contrast with the ublic jastitutions at Albany and other cities, New ork was certainly in advaui The materials sup- plied from the Peaitentiary and Workhouse on Black. weil’s Island, made by convict labor, are distributed through thirty-eight other institutions If the force of laborers and tradesmen was let out by contract, the Commissioners would be obliged to purchase trom w contractors the result of the labor of the convicts abe | | lurgely increased rate, Speeches were then made by Mr. Smith, Mr, Edward Lambert, Mr. Jackson, Mr. Koppel, Mr. Baxer, Mr. Lane and others of the Grand Jury, warmly compli- menting Mr. Bronnan and the other ‘members of the Commission of Charities and Correction for the porfect diserpline of their subordinates, the cleanliness and | excelient management of the imstitutions under thelr | charge, saying, in the course of their remarks, | that, having visited the charnablo institutions in the j other States and in Europe, they foit that those of New York reflected credit apon the city and the Empire State. NOT CHARLEY ROSS. ‘Yesterday Superintendent Walling received the fol- | lowing lettor trom Mayor Wickbam, who bad received 16 by post Hon. Witniaw Wier: row that thie 1 n's pass Superintendent Walling on receipt of the above note placed detectives on the ease with instructions to Wworoughly investigate 1 “a | however, and informed the They retarne! so Superintendent that t jot Charley Ross, that bis vame is Joseph Quin, and that be bus slightly ree sembies the abducted boy. SENTENCE OF A FORGER. Charles Wilson, alias Wistar, ® map of gepteo! ap- pearance, about forty-two years ol age, wes sentenced for passing # forged check by Juage Moore, in the Kings County Court of Sessions, to tive yoars’ impris. it in the Penitentiary. The prisoner, who ts said r ‘Ap Intimate acquaintance ‘burglars who were shot Signor Rossi was unable to act last might on account of continued hoarseness, of M by Mr. Van Brun L. LHe was arrested po Sele ee oe sare, coroenpnien of beimg one @ Luildings and the economy | a PARISIAN PEAIS. Verdi Rehearses “Aida” at the Italiens. A FINE CAST, Political Amenities—MacMahon's Salary— French Dignity. THE BILLIARDISTS’ TROUBLES. | New Skating Rinks—New Plays~ New Books, [SPECIAL DESPATCH TO THE HERALD BY CABLE.) HERALD BUREAU, NO, 61 AVENUE DE L’OPERA, Paxis, April 22, 1876, Marshal MacMahon’s salary as President of the French Republic has been declared insufticient for his services or to enable him to properly maintain the dignity of the Executive in the reception of dis- tinguished foreigners, potentates or ministers, Le Soir now suggests that M. Gambetta as President of the Budget Committee of the Chamber of Deputies should recommend an increase of pay to the Chief Magistrate. This would prove a politic step for the republicans, as MacMahon cannot hold oMee always, ud who knows but Gambetta would only be making the place the snugger for himself? THE EMBASSY TO BERLIN. ‘The report has been confirmed that Count Goutaut- Biron resigns the office of French Ambassador at the Court of Germany. The late marriage of his daugh- ter with the naturalized Prussian subject, Count Tal- leyrand-Perijord, has caused considerable unkind comment in France, and Count Biron cannot afford to retain so delicate a post with dissatisfaction be- hind him. PRUSSIA TAKING LESSONS. The Prussian government is ofticially engaged in studying the French police and prison discipline sys- tems, with a view to the introduction of reforms in the home management of both departments. In the latter a change is sorely needed, for the Prussian prison system is one of the worst and most cruel in Europe. A FRENCH LESSON FROM NEW YORK. The Paris municipality is at work for the further improvement of thé drainage of the city, taking a lesson from New York this time. CITY IMPROVEMENT—A NEW LOAN, A new loan of $24,000,000 will shortly be issued by the Paris municipality for the purpose of completing the Boulevard St. Germain and the new Avenue dq lOpera. QUEEN VICTORIA AND MACMAHON, Her Majesty Queen Victoria received the Marshal President MacMahon, she being seated in her care riage, when passing through Paris on her return from Germany. French dignity is thus satisfled for the slight which it imagined it had received by the Queen not having called on the republican Executive when on her outward journey to Saxe Coburg-Gotha, AN ENGLISH CLUB, A new English club has been opened in Paris, CHURCH AND STATE. The French government and Papal authorities of the Vatican are disputing over the appointment to the vacant See of the Archbishopric of Lyons, EGYPTIAN STOCK, Egypt is still busy stockjobbing, and the ups and downs of the Khedive’s securities form the most im teresting feature on the Bourse at present. " CL'Y TRAVEL—A LESSON FOR NEW YORK, Another lesson for the city government and cap talists of New York is afforded in the fact that new two-horse landaus have been placed this week om the Paris cab stands for hire. These vehicles arg handsome in style and equipment and comfortabi¢ for uae, THE PARE. The fare is only three francs or sixty centeam hour, and no increase for driving in the Bols de Boulogne. VERDI'S “AIDA’—A GRAND REHEARSAL. ‘There was a grand rehearsal of Verdi's “Alda” at the Italiens on Thursday, Verdi conducting the work in person. Five hundred tickets had been issued to journalists. The leading fashionables and celeb- vrities in the city were present. Her Majesty Isabella IL, ex-Queen of Spain, with the, three infantas, her children, occupied what is known as the Emperor's box. The ex-Queen has engaged this box for the season at the rate of $100 cach night. A GRAND SUCCESS. ‘The opera was a grand success. The utmost en- thusiasm prevailed with regard to Verdi. The great composer was forced to appear on the stage several times, and was overwhelmed with applause on eac® Occasion. THE RENDERING ON THE STAGE. ‘The opera was magnificently rendered. Stolz, the Greatest living soprano, Waldman, @ superb con- tralto, and Masini, a fine éenore robusto, exerted themselves to the utmost, ‘The scenery and costumes were magnificent. THE Cast. ‘The following is the cast of “Alda’:—Aalds, Mme Stolz; Amneris, Mme. Waldman; Radames, Sig Masini; Ramfls, Sig. Medini; Amonasro, Sig. Pam dolfint. Italian opera has been gloriously revived here, A NEW PIRCE. Anew piece, “Les Dominos Roses,” was success fully produced on Monday at the Vemdeville. The plot ts slight, but highly amusing. It was writes by the authors Proces and Vearadieux, A COMPOSITE PIRCR, A pew composite piece, “Les Mirlitons,” produceg at the Folies Dramatiques, Was also @ success. MAPLESON AND THB CENTRNMIAL, Mr, Mapleson 1s ready to go.to the Ameticam Oam tennial, provided an arrangement can be made wit, the stockholders of the Academy of Music, ULLMAN, Mr. Ullman will visit America in June, A GKATING PALACE OPRNED, ‘The skating palace in the Bots de Boulogne wap opened to-day. It 1s the largest rink in the world, THE BILLIARDIST KING. Vignaux has gone to Toulouse without replying ta Sexton's last challenge. Sexton sails for New York on the 27th, He received a present of ® parse of $500 last night, @ gift from bis Paris friends and ade mirers. ‘There is universal indignation against Vige naux's conduct. A NEW BOOK. Chottens’ book, “Les Francais @@ ‘with a preface by M. Laboulaye, bas jase: It is well written and Interesting. AN EX-MINISTER KN ROUTE. on their way home. a