The New York Herald Newspaper, November 17, 1878, Page 5

TM LURAY CAVERNS, Further Discovery of Wondrous Halls and Chambers Underground. AGE OF THE FORMATIONS. History of the Place Traced in Stalactites to ; the Era of Creation. oe = NATURE’S ART. ————— Beautiful Monuments, Grottoes, Columns and Balconies. nod THE WEIRD ROTUNDA. Luray, Page county, Va., Nov. 14, 1878, The arrival of the Henatp, with a map of the won, derful caverns #o recently discovered here, took every- body by surprise. Even the adventurous discoverers and explorers were astonished ut the remarkable accu racy and faithfulness of detail displayed in the pub- \ished plan of the subterrancan chambers, corridors, chasms, halls and galleries, besides locating the many wouders in which the caverns abound. The only re- gret in connection with it was the limited supply that Tedched here, as everybody wanted a copy. The re- cent discoveries Lave considerably augmented the be- foro known dimensions of the caverns, From tho entranco to the caverns, at the base of the hill in which they are, the descent is gradual to the centre, a distance of a quarter of a mile, where it is about two hundred feet below the level ground, and $50 below the apex of the hill. Mcasuring from the entrance on the east to the extreme of the explorations on the west the distance is about three quarters of a mile, and from the new discoveri¢s on the southeast to the ttfamber, lying northwest of “Giant's Hall,” the dis- tance is also about the same. The territory, however, of the caverns does not coyer an area in extent any- \hing like that which the dimensions given would Indicate, but the chambers, corridors, chasms and alls aro scattered in every direction within that space. Last week's explorations and discoveries, which were so fully described in the Herat of the (2th inst., were all in a southeasterly direction and were reached by corridors leading from the chambers in the immediate vicinity of the ‘‘Skeleton’s Gulch.” They cover an additional extent of fiye or six acres. Another range, as yet unexplored, runs directly west from the galleries of “Giant's Hall,” of which no esti- mate can be made. The more recent discoveries, which are fully described below, extend in a north- easterly direction from the ‘Giant's Hall” toward “Fort Monntsin’’ of the Massannutton range, and cover about seven acres, The entire arcaoft the caverns proper, so far as explored, are variously esti- mated at from sixty to seventy-five acres. FURTHER EXPLORATION. i In the interest of the public, through the medium of the Hesaxp, I haye just made another visit to the caverns. Reaching the first gallery I cross over through 8 left band’ or southerly route and enter a chamber whose walle are formed by a series of great columns, knitted together in compact form. Here are “The Three Monuments’’ and “The Bathhouse.”” ‘The monuments ere cach fifteen fect in height, rest- ing on square pedestals of dark stone, their tops capped with pure white, running into a rich brown Shout their centres. ‘They are great curiosities and ‘Wary elegant struetures, ‘‘The Bathhouse,” immedi- ately opponite, js reached by a flight of four steps, composed of brownish stone, ending at a white sill, ‘The doorway is tall and arched, and inside three basins of water may be seen, each raised about a foot shove the other, forming a handsome cascade. The water runs off rapidly, but where no one can tell. A DISMAL OUTLOOK., Arocky descent of fifty feet, and a seemingly new cave opens up. A few feet to the left a dark and dismal body of water extends many feet anil loses itself in the distance. No lines could be more appropriate to this place than those from Virgil’s 6th a.:— was the cave, and downward as it went From the wide mouth a rocky, rough descent; ‘And here th’ access a gloomy grove defends, And there th’ unnavigable lake extends O'er whoue unhappy waters, void of light, No bird presumes to steer his airy flignt. A CHEERING AND GORGEOUS PROSPECT. Apath to the right of this gloomy lake leads into some of the most sublime parts of the caverns. From floor to dome at this point was considerably over one tundred feet. In our front and on all sides monster columns reared themselves upward. Many of these were marvellously beautiful and of most imposing de- signs. They looked like immense giants compared with all other columns in the caverns, Huge slabs of beautifully colored stone, many over seventy feet in length, in width from two to thirty, and almost transparent, hung suspended from the dome in all directions. Numbers of them had assumed the like- ness of immense leaves touched by frost, others the wings of huge birds, and others still resembled fancy leatherwork on a large scale. Thou- sends of tons of vfrious colored stalactites of wonderful length, interwoven with these besutiful slabs, formed amazing draperies. Formations of stalagma in exquisitely shaped white monuments, several surmounted by well defined figures, added their charms to the scene, while bowl- ders here and there the size of ordinary houses gavo some idea of the gigantic character of the surround- ings. At the mouth of an opening leading into snother cavern stood a. figure of stone, thirty feet-in- height, half man, half beast, which Jooked like a great eenteur guarding the approach to sacred ground. Winding around columns, mounds and other gigantic formations, many. Places appeared as if snow had fallen, 90 perfect wasi the white formation. Proceed: ing: on the columns and draperies became grander. Several pillars appeared, containing in their huge sides niches holding —_xprings of icy cold water. Many columns had fallen, and, with walls of rock half crumbled away, formed pic- tures of magnificent ruins. Occasionally the brink of an immense chasm would be reached; again the top of vast rocky piles; then deep ravines and hill- sides, and finally a very steep hill, which ended at an opening leading into a gallery overlooking the great “Giants’ Hall.” From this gallery there appeared to be several outlets, of contracted character, One of these was some thirty feet above the level of the gal- lery floor, over a piece of handsome stone drapery. with the assistance of & heavy hammer the opening was increased sufficiently to enter on hands and knees, but even this did not last long. ‘The space became smaller and the “dragging through” process had to be resorted to. This con- tinued s few yards, when less difficulty was experi. enced. All this time the route was running parallel with the gallery, but suddenly it turned directly to the left, opened up sufficiently for crawling and con- tinued this way, at times becoming larger, for at Jeast one hundred and fifty yards, where it ended at large chamber, which proved to be an attractive one, though rather uncomfortable at first, for at every step the water was knee deep. THE CHAMBER OF ONE HUNDRED seRIXas, It had 106 springs of pure cold water, cach ina dis. tinct basin and all surrounded by beautiful erystallic particles, forming network and fretwork of every imaginable style. These springs rangod in length and breadth from afew inches to several fect, and none were less than twelve inches in depth, and many two fect or more. AN ANCIENT CAVERN, This room led into another which appeared to be very ancient, from the appearance of its pillars and draperics, All of these seemed crumbling away, ex- hibiting 4 hardness on tho surface, but @ singu- lar softness under the shell of stone. Upon breaking thom the inside could be A ladder being procured it was a comparatively easy matter to reach the aperture, but a vary dificult one to equeezo through. However, wWEW YORK HERALD, P picnea out with the finger, crumbling away like salt or sugar. This apartment ended at a narrow corridor, which entered a chamber still larger, and whose whole floor resembled a vogetable garden. It was anything but pleasant walking, yet it led to a more wonderful place—a circular gallery belonging to & monster room, THR WEIRD ROTUNDA, The floor of this gullery was located about seven feet under the dome of an immense round chamber, 95 feet in depth and 310 feet in diameter. The gallery ran eutirely aroun’ it, but was a very narrow one, and, at many points sloping down, became almost part of the wall, so that climb- ing around was a dangerous process, There was only one coluran of any size, and that was an immense one, reaching from the floor to the vaulted roof and located immediately in the centre, Looking down into its great depths from a high perch it had an awful and a weird look, us if haunted by the ghosts of a generation of giants. A strange awe seemed to pervade the scene and a fecling akin to fear | crept over me as I climbed down its huge, dark, rocky wall. Arriving at the bottom the floor displayed tons of large stalactites which had dropped from the ceil- ing and imbedded themselves in cach other, forming uneven piles, This was explained upon returning to the gallery, for @ close inspection showed the whole dome covered with a mass of beautiful white stala tites, ranging in length from three to six inches. THEORY OF THE AGF OF STALACTITES. ‘The other formations were rotten with age, from which it may be inferred that this is one of the old- est portions of the caverns, and hero is a theory which may go far toward calculating the age of some of the larger draperies. It is this:—A gentleman re- siding in this county discovered a small cave on hik place in the year 1848, Hanging from the ceiling of this cave were a number of handsome stalactites of some length. These were all broken short off and the ceiling scraped clean, so that the cave might be put to some use; but finding it too damp for the purpose, the opening was filled up with rock and dirt and only reopened a few days ago. Thirty years had elapsed, and new stalactites had formed on the ceiling, the largest being about four inches in length. Now, making a calculation on this basis and allowing that it takes no extra time for the greater stalactites and slabs to gain bulk, those that drop eighty fect from the domes would have been in the course of forma- tion over seven thousand years. Those that are rot- ten and look so much older would evidently exceed that time. Many of the monster columns rising over a hundred feet must have commenced with the crea- tion of the world. Under the dome in the gallery of this great room many things could be discerned that it would be impossible to discover from the floor. Actoxe examination revealed several large stalactites, meas- uring eight or ten feet, rolling away from the ceil- ing, the last remnants of old formations. One of these hung so near the gallery that we reached out, and a slight Jerk loosened it, and falling inward one half reached the gallery floor, while the other broke off and rolled down into the abyss, This half, being the portion recently attached to the ceiling, we found perfectly porous, except the outside shell. Age had weakened its hold, and it only lung by a thread. It is to be presumed that the various broken pillars found through the caverns have decayed in the samo way at their roots, end gradually parting from the cciling their weight caused them to separate and fall. This would upset the theory of earthquakes in these caverns. FIRST DISCOVERY OF LIVING ANIMALS, While these examinations were going on no less than cight bats made their appearance and flew around our lights. From whence they came is a question: that so far remains unéxplained. There must be another aperture from this room. lead- ing to. the outside world. .In one portion of the gallery was a mass of small rough stone, crowned with a brilliant surface, such as is found in the gold.stone. Returning tothe gallery overlooking “Giant's Hell” and descending by the aid of a very long ladder into another gallery lower than the.one we occupied, we commenced making other observations: A ROUGH ROUTE. At the other end of the gallery s steep ascent pre- sented itself. Again the ladder was brought into Tequisition, and the difficulty overcome, but this did not end thé jourri¢y for to the left, as far au could be Seen, was a narrow: testo amid the rocks, running upward, though not lessening in its depth. Along the side of this—in its very jaws—were rows of all sorts of small stalagmites, presenting safe footholds. On, on, up, up, we went, bearing always to the left or south, THE MOST GORGKOUS CHAMBER OF ALL. At iast through a narrow opéning we came sud- denly into the most brilliant room in the cave, and almost twin in size to the “Giant's Hall” proper. The contrast between this and ‘‘Giant’s Hall’ was complete. While in the latter everything is dark, weird and awful, everything hero was light, brilliant and gorgeous. A scene of unpar- alleled splendor, of sublime grandeur, burst upon ns, The whole scene was ‘brilliant’ and dazzling beyond description. If an artist never failed before he would fail here, for this inconceivable mass of splendor no brush could paint or pen depict to the mind of man, ‘There were no facilities for measuring this chamber, as all its parts are not yet accessible. Several bridges and a number of stairways will be required, ‘The formations are marvellonsly beautiful, a number of them being entirely beyond description. There is an absence of springs, but beantiful grottoes, bowers and palace-like structures are to be seen at every turn. In one place a Chinese pagoda presented itself; there were four entrances between its columns. Its roof was steeple pointed, and served as a canopy for the rarest and most exquisitely beau- tiful structure yet discovered. This marvellous form- ation was a white monument, seven feet high, twelve inches in diameter at its largest part, tapering up to adelicate head and forming in and rising from the centre of a pedestal of dark stone, perfectly round andabout two and a half feet in diameter, the whole resting on a perfectly square platform five feet either way. This platform rested at the height of twelve inches on a second platform about seven feet square, and this in turn on a third, somewhat larger, and the third finally on a fourth stilllarger. ‘These platforms -and the monument itself were formed of manases of beautiful white crystallic particles, unlike any other formations in the caverns. The whole glistened under our lights and presented a transcendently beautiful spectacle. We stand in awe and almost in terror before this wonderful structure. We have no words to ex- press our feelings. One can only remember that the works of nature are beyond the comprehension of poor weak mortals, ‘The principal colors in this wigantic room are light buff and pure white, There is not a speck of dirt or mud in view. Even the chasms and ravines have a white lining. The dome is a pure buff, with thousands of lovely white stalac- tites hanging from it. Where there are a few columns’ mounds and monuments in other chambers there are hundreds here; all grand, brilliant and beautiful. From a gallery on the right a structure in shape of a monster shell hung out, socmingly without support. Climbing up into the gallery and examining it an opening was found which would admit a man casily. It would measure nearly eight by ten feet, and is suM- ciently high for one to move about in it without stooping. There must be a very large num- bet of openings from this room, as we could easily discern many up among the draperies hanging about its walls; but the route at present is xo diffenlt that the strongest men could not drag a ladder long enough to reach most of them, With a little more labor and expenditure these apertures may be oasily reached, and perhaps other large dis- coveries will take place. PROSPECTS FOR PATRONAGE. Tho caverns aro being moderately patronized, bnt the want of a railroad tells against them. There was a prospect of the Shenandoah Valley Railroad reaching this point, but that is now only problem. ‘al and in the dim distant future. There a road, however, that will undoubtedly connect this point with the outside world, and that | is the Washington, Cincinnati and St. Louis Narrow Gauge Railroad, Peter B. Borst, president, This road commences at Georgetown, D. C., and crossing the Potomac on the old piers adjoining the new bridge and pawsing through Fairfax, London, Fauquier and Rappahannock counties, will come through Boehm’s Gap into Page Valley; then on through this town to Harrisonburg, and throngh Highland and Webster, where over one hundred miles of its roadbed is already graded, will run out to the Ohio River, and is finally expected to reach St. Louis. As soon as this road touches this point fares will be cheap and visitors te the caverns plenty, AMUSEMENTS, ITALIAN OPERA~~‘‘CARMEN.” ‘The enormous house in attendance at the matinee yesterday must have afforded Miss Hauk a gratifying evidence of the esteem in which she is held, for it the fifth representafion of Bizet's opera and the ele- ment of novelty was not @ factor in the interest at- tending it. The performance was the best the opera has had, Yo tho dramatic perfection and artistic, vocalization, always characteristic of her Cur- men, there was added a something moro of carrying quality in the yoice — that deepened the eoloring of the music of the part and lent a new charm to this artist's fascinating and pic- turesque creation, Signor Campanini, too, excelled his previons efforts in that he sung his aria in the second act with a feeling and intensity not before, equalled, Dramatically he could not well improve his grand impersonation of the wayward, passionate soldier, who knows no fhalf moods, who either loves madly or hates vindietively. His great seene with Carmen in the last act will be re- membered by opera habiiués of the present season as the most impressive aud realistic specimen of tragic acting the lyvic stage of our time has presented. Signor Del Puente received his usual weleome as Escamillio, His graceful acknowledgment of Miss Hauk’s part in the “Toreador attento” is worthy of especial note. Mme. Lablache, Mime, Sinico, Mme. Robiati, Signor Grazzi, M. Thierry, Signor Fran- cheschi and Signor Bolli gave, as before, admirable support to the principals, and the chorus and orches- tra contributed materially to the effect of the ensemble. The audience, more than any of its predecessors, was cspecially appreciative of the numerous "fine points abounding in the performance, and Miss Hauk and Signor Campanini were many times called before the curtain, and numer- 4 floral tributes, including a beautiful harp, were stowed upon the prima donna. Numerieally, the audience was one of the largest ever in attendance at matinee, Ladies were standing three or four rows deep, aud in some cases were seated upon the aisle’ steps, It is probable that many more tickets were sold for ‘Carmen’’ yesterday than for any other single performance — af the present season, as it must be remembered that matinées are not im the subscription series and no coursp subscribers were represented in the house. Under such circumstances Mr. Mapleson has done well to announce a repetition of the opera at the matinée of Saturday next. The attention of the man- agement is again called to the necessity of having the centre door open when large audiences are to come: There was another crush yesterday, and the door was. tardily opened. WALLACK'§—“‘OUR CLUB.” Stanisinus Radeteki, an Englishnnan, of Hungarian extraction, architect rtist in water colors, member of the Keeentric Club ~Mr. WR. Alphonse Dubuisson, # Frenchman, who ‘he “ residing in England for many yerrs, painter, secretary to the ecentric Club... wr c Fr. “ Coghlan Floyd Honey Lennard, artist and actor, member of. the Eecentric Clu! Mr. Charles Barron Dr, Stanmore of the Ee- centric Clu Mr. J. W. Shannon A. Eytin, lle" Chast Rockwall a A J. Leonard -Mr. ©. B. Edwin . Peck Capt. Ranger, Capt. Farnsborougi § Buitlay, sceward t8 the Becenisic Clam. Robert! {Servants to the |. Charles. ul H Tom Rij ’, Hon, Rlehurd Frobisher Lady Ethel Crawford Mrs. Alphonse Dabuis Myre, Wray, of the Prior: a Nellie Gurdon, Henry Lonnard’s sister, Miss Stella Boniface Polly Finch, French housemaid at the Priory, Mins Nelito Bingham Amanda Williams, Mrs. Wray's waiting maid, Miss Minnio Vining ‘The production of a new play at Wallack’s Theatre is always a dramatic event, for the public by long ex- perience Have been taught to expect a representation of good taste, admirable acting, beautiful scenery, and, in fact, all the elements which in these later days combine to illustrate the refinement of stage art. In bringing out “Our Club” Mr. Wallack has not been unmindful of his reputation, and it is not too much to say that he has happily selected a subject that bids fair to be popular among the theatro going fraternity. Why he chose a Ssturday matinée for the initial performance is a conundrum, because it is an innovation on custom, but the example is not unworthy’ of imitation, inasmuch as the performers enjoy all the advantages that pertain to a first class dress rehearsal, The comedy was written by Mr. I. C. Burnand and has been-played with much snocess in London, but is now presented for tle first time in America. Judging from its reception yesterday, both in the afterngon and evening, it will doubtless de equally efavorite heres ‘The plotis locabed in Ekg- land. The curtain rises on a scene in the morning room of the Eccentric Club on “ladies’ day’’—a pic- turesque view of what our wives and. sweet- hearts scold about at three o'clock in the morning, Several of the members are pres- ent, and one may listen to “the usnal gossip that belongs to such places. The lady visitors pass in and out while inspecting the pictures that adorn the walls, and letters are brought in by the servants with such & profusion that, in the language of Mme, Dubuisson, “it seems quite like # post office.” All these letters point to a.,common rendezvons at the priory of.a Mrs. Wray—e place where both Lady Ethel Crawford, the sweetheart, abd Nellie Gurdon, the sister of Henry Lennard, are sojourning. ‘The latter’ being an actor and Bohemian is under an assumed, name, and is, therefore, not known by his club associates as the brother of the beautiful lady with whom Radetzki is in love. A complication of amusing . incidents follows the meeting of the respective parties, at the priory, owing their mutual ignor- ance of ¢ach other's purposes, and in this Dubuisson, the Frenchman, plays the part of # mutual friend, who, in attempting to give a bad character to a servant, is really misrepresenting the character of his own friend and associate, Henry Lennard, Another letter, however, eae aceae a to the mystery, and the’ play ¢nds as stage ove stories. It was evident Stun the first that ‘Our Club” promises to enter a asuccessful career. The dialogue is brisk and frequently epigramatic. Nearly every one of the leading actors has the opportunity of saying some- | thing bright and taking part in u situation that is ‘here is not an instant in which the action flags, and even to the servants are confided enough of stage business to secure for theni necessary place in the Lacie Mr. W. RB. sore: Qs Stanislaus Radeszki, “a? SS ted the artist and man of the won. bile Mr. Coghlan astonished those who are not famillar with the yer- satility of his talent by his imitation of the well- bred ~~ English ‘ing Frenchman. There was just enough of dialect to make his clever. speech enjoyable, just enough of nervousness in ges- tienlation and manner to convey the idea he was oot nt to the manuer born, and jnst enough of | that dia relieve one from — the that ho laying o farce, Mr. —_ Peg Henry a rd, has mn n adinifabte voice afd be conversational way bore his share of the ance in a manner to which even the author could scarcely take exception. Mr. Harry Beckett had Little opportunity to lay his peculiar comic tal- ent, but as Hon, ke bent} ight nage! de the most of his situations. Miss Rose ly Ethel Crawford, was the heroine onthe Pl Ming Efe Germon, the wife of Dubursson, share ‘with her the honors of the evening in delivering the racy lines that tee ematly evoked the laughter and of | the lan, udience. The reapective two fine actresses have exhibited to greater advantage ve of genuine comedy than they are in this p Mrs. Lindsey and Miss Stella Boniface wero assigned comparatively quiet parts, but they were none the less praiseworthy. The dwpsses of the several ladies were quite handsome, It is scarcely necessary to add after the foregoing comments that “Our Club” bids fair to meet with a kind reception. ‘There ts a sparkle and enappishness about it well cal- culate? to please an American audience, and these, combined with three exquisite settings that rest the eye, like a beautitul picture, are pretty sure to justify the taste of the management in selecting the play to follow the older aan comedies that have recently been the features at k's. CHICKERING HALL---THE FIRST SYMPHONY CON- CERT. In most respects tho first symphony concert in the Chickering Hall sories last night proved highly en- joyable. It was an error in making the programme to include Schumann's symphony in D minor and Beethoven's symphony in A major in the same con- cert, In the first place, not more than one symphony of such length as these works shold be given in one concert, and, in the second place, Beethoven's work #0 overshadows that of his brother com- poser as to pale in comparison with it. The “Concerto Dramatico” of Spohr served necessarily the keynote to the selections of the first part, “Re- meny?, a8 soloist, chose this work, and the stirround- ings should have been arranged to support ft. They served rather to obscure what there was of good in it, although the violiniat'’s masterly playing secured him an encore, and, indeed, two encores, the latter a tran- scription of one of ‘Mendelssohn's songs without words. Miss Kate Thayer again gave the ‘Non Mi Dir,” from “Don Giovanni,” with nice expression and good style, but was not always in tune. But for the playing of the orchostra thete can only be the warmest commendation. It was fresh, strong, admirably colored and well conducted, No inexorable Arditi had conspired to fret the son! of his adversary on this oceasion, Mr. Carlborg recovered his leader's poise with his restored temper, and the band played as if in the vein, as it probably was, The andieuce was a larg eand brilliant one and amply de} See yp ke ing the soloists, Miss Kate Thayer and M. Remenyi, inmost enthusiastically, There seems to be no reason why these concerts, which offer good. musio by an-ex- cellent orchestre at a moderate ptice, should net havo. JINDAY, NOVEMBER 1/7, a 78.—QU. ADRU PLE | SHEET— W ITH SUPPLEMENT. an estimable place in the season's list of sterling mu- sical cutertu‘nments. MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC NOTES. Rémenyi's next concerts at Steinway Hall take place on the 26th and 24th. Tony Pastor with his variety entertainment is drawing very large houses. Oliver Doud Byron has drawn large houses at Niblo’s in “Across the Continent.” The sale of seats for the Mapleson Opera season in Brooklyn is almost unprecedented, The concerts and mechenical attractions at the American Institute Puir still continue to draw great crowds, ‘The opening week will be the last but one of the engagement of the Williansons in ‘Struck Oil" at the Grand Opera House, “Tho Banker's Daughter” is in preparation at the Union Square, and the last nights of ‘Mother and Son” are advertised. ‘The programme of ths San Francisco Minstre!s dur- ing the last week or two has been one of the most amusing of their season. Miss Charlotte Adams, a young lady of high social Position, will make her theatrieul début in the Mod- jeska travelling company. Kate Claxton and Chartes A, Stevenson, with their travelling company, will be at the Arch Street The atre, Philadelphia, this week, in “The Two Orphans.” “Joshua Whitcoid" last night concluded his elev- enth week at the Lyceum. His hickory manners and gonial yood humor have made him hosts of abiding friends, i ‘This is positively the last week of Lotta at the Park Theatre. On Friday evening she takes her farewell benefit, when she will play her favorite character of Musette. Iu compliance with numerous reqnests the box sheets for Mr. Jefferson's “Rip Van Winkle” have been prepared in advance for the holiday weeks, to accommodate theatre parties. Mile. Zelie Weil, the French star, will appear, as- sixted by Messrs. Miulet, Doria and other members of the French pany, at Fifth Avenue Hall, on Tuesday evening, November 19, Mr. George Knight has “fits” every night at the Broadway. Theatre. As bis engagement progresses and the houses grow more crowded they are said to | become more violent and amusing. The tiny brochure of ‘Les Papillons,” issued by the management of the Academy and published by Sammel French & Son, is a helpful accompaniment to the performance of the new ballet. ‘At the Standard “Almost a Life,” as arranged by Mrs. Henderson, promises to become one of the dra- matic hits of the season. ‘The play is full of strong points and is beautifully mounted. Ole Bull will make his first appearance in New York this season December 14. Arrangements are being made to give him an exceptionably strong support, including Miss Hank and Signor Galassi. Miss Eva Mills, daughter of Clark Mills, the sculp- tor, of Washington, will sing under the direction of Max Maretzck at the Elks’ benefit at the Academy of Music on Thursday afternoon, November 21. At the Walnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, the re- vival of Kiralfy's ‘Around the World in Eighty Days” has been very successful, and it is to be continued this week. The ballet and spectacular effacts are very lav- ish and elaborate. Mile. Malvina Cavalazzi, the premiere danseuse of Her Majesty's Opera, leaves us shortly to fulfil an engagement in Eugland at Christmas. Her departure will be regretted by all those who have enjoyed her graccful ballet divertissemente. _o In consequence of the grest success. of “Carmen” at the Saturday matinée, when hundreds were unable to obtain admission, “Carmen” will be repested at the matinée on Saturday next, in lieu of “Don Gio- ‘vanni,"’ as was originally announced. The trained horses and dogs at the Aquarium have been taught some new tricks, which will be intro- duced during the coming week. On Monday, Novem- ‘ber'25, Captain Bogardus, the champion wing shot of the world, will give an exhibition there. ‘The “Chimes of Normandy” will remain the current attraction at the St. James Theatre’ for another week, ‘The Tracy Titus Opera Company hee been well re- ceived, and its leading artista, are already well sd- A full length, life-size crayon portrait of Miss Lotts in character in her new play, “La Cigale,” has at- tracted much attention in Philadelphia recently. It is the work of Giovanni Bressau, a Philadelphia artist, It is in black and white and is a striking pieturo, Yesterday was Miss Hauk's birthday. The charm- ing artiste was handsomely remembered by her hoste of friends here, and at her performance of “Car- men” yesterday afternoon she received several valu- able souvenirs, including some rare gems, as well as floral offerings. if ‘The third grand combination concert is announced to take place at the Grand Opera House this evening, when Gilmore's famous band, with its full strength; Tevy, the cornetist; Mme. Ilma de Murska, Signor Susini and Professor Hill (pianist), will appear. The programme is an attractive one, Catl Lanzer’s second grand vocal and instrumental concert will take place at Chickering Hall on Wednes- day evening, November 20, Among the performers are Miss Annie J, Borie, soprano; Mr. J. N, Pattison, pianist; Mr. Harrison Millard, baritone; Mr. H. R* Humphries, tenor, and Mr, John White, organist. London World:—The late Mr. Robertson's best comedy, “Caste,” which was last played seven years ago at the Prince of Wales’ Theatre, will be revived there in January. Mr. and Mrs, Bancroft will play their original parts, and Sam Gerridge, the gasfitter, which was Mr. Hare's chef @'eucre, willbe played by Mr. Arthur Cecil. A grand concert in aia of St. Cecelia’s Church is to be given ‘at Steinway Hall November 2%, at which most of the artists of Mr. Mapleson’s troupe will ap- pear, including Mies Minnio Hauk, Mme. Pisani, Mile. Parodi, Mme. Sinico, Mme. Lablache, Signor Cam- panini, Signor Galassi and Signor Foli. There will be # full orchestra, led by Arditi. , Mr. John McCullough commences an engagement atthe Brooklyn Park Theatre to-morrow evening, opening in Virginius. Ou Tuesday he personates Othello, on Wednesday plays in “Damon and Pythias,”” on Thursday in “Hamlet,” and on Friday in “The Gladiator.” During his engagement he will also play King Lear, Julius Cesar, Brutus and Jack Cade. “My Son” has just been withdrawrat the Chestnut Street Theatre, Philadelphia, after a three weeks’ run. “Our Boys,” Which is still playing in London, where it has been running continuously for over twelve hundred nights, is to be revived this woek. This comedy was first performed in this country at the Chestnut three years ago, enjoying a run of 174 rep- resentations. ‘The second Aronson concert is announced this evening at Gilmore's Garden. Between popular prices—the admission being only twenty-five cents. and good music by excellent musicians the entertain- ment ought to be well patronized, It is the first time for several years that tho Vienna, Berlin and - Parts style has been reproduced in Naw York. Mr, Ar- buckle, the well known cornctist, is among the solo- ists, Miss Mario Gordon (Mrs, John T. Raymond) will appear at Booth's Theatre, November 25, ina new play dramatized from the celebrated novel, “That Tasso’ Lowrie’s,” by Mrs, Burnett and Julian Magnus, She will be supported by Mr. J. B. Booth, Mr. William H Davidge, Geraldine Maye, Florence Wood and other names well known on the New York stage, Mr. W. R. Dentsch will be the manager of this nndertaking, ‘The prices of admission will be fifty and seventy- five cents. ‘The French opéra bouffe company which has re- cently appeared at Booth'’s has been reorganized under the inanagement of Mr. J. addition of Mr. Lanrent, the new tenor, They will bring ont “The Little Duke,” the latest Parisian opira bouffe sensation, the profits on which are said to have amounted in Paris alone to $600,000, The vépertoire Will also comprise “Giroflé-Girofla,” “The Chimes of Corneville” and other operas, Mr. Fryer will take his troupe on a starring tour through the country within a few days. Wilhelmj has been received with enthusiasm in Baltimore. ‘The local papers there describe his re- coption a8 unequalled by anything before seen in Paltimore. Even the standing room was completely filled at » vonsert given on Wednesday last. Wilhelinj’s next concert in New York takes place at Steinway Hall to-morrow evening. The great violin- ist will play the first movement from Beethoven's concerto in D, romance from Chopin's converte in E, }. Fryer, with the | Mme. Tarantelle,”” and Polonaise (uew), by Lamb. play “Campanella,” by Liszt; binstein, and “Grande Valse,” his des'ro, accompany Wilhelm) on th Siguor ‘fagl'apretra will sing Schubert's “serenade und ‘La Stella Confidante,”” by Rabandy, aud Miss Kate James will render two balisds. The principal cast of “Richelicu,” to be produced at the Fifth Avenue 1 morrow (Monday) ning, will be as folloy by Ru- by Lisat, and will, by pianoforte, dwin Booth Salle de Mirtimar 2) Marion do Lyrme..- be pha: day's matinee, le last week but two of the circus, museum, me- and curiosities is announced at Gilmore's During the past week several new artists hay Garden. were introduced. ‘Che Egyptian jugglers perform a variety of original tricks. Miss Lizzie Marcelius is au cquestrienne of fair accomplishments, riding & quick act and making a brilliant finish, Miss Emuia | Lake, the great manége rider, has been re-engaged, ‘ontinucs to receive a recall at each performance. Signor Sebastian commences his ‘‘bareback’? riding in the traditional style common for the last twenty years, surprising alb toward the close of the act.by introducing novelties which are graceful and daring, The double somersault over six large elephants and a camel, by John Bachelor, is worthy of a place higher up inthe programme. The entertainment is long, and many fail to sce an exploit that requires not only nerve but skill to perform. An entire change will be mado this week. Miss Emma Abbott and the Hess English Opera company have had a remarkably successful season at the Broad Street Theatre, Philadelphia, now under the management of Messrs, Ford and Zimmerman. They are just enterfhg upon the third and last week of their engagemont, during which, at almost every per- formance, many have been turned away, unable to procure seats. Miss Abbott has met with a reception in Philade!phia of which she has reason to be proud. The programme for this week will be as follow#:— Monday, “Bohemian Girl;”” Tuesday, “Fra Diayolo;" Wednesday matinée, “The Chimes of Normandy Wednesday night, “Marth: Friday, benefit of Miss Abbott, * Saturday matings, “The Rose of Castile;"’ Saturday night, “The Chimes of Normandy.” Mr. Ben Macauley appears atthe Broad Street on the 25th inanew American comedy, entitled “A Messenger from Jarvis Sec- tion.” “Dr. Klaus,” a comedy in five acts, the latest and dest production of “L'Arronge,” was a great attrac- tion at the Germania Theatre last week, and has proved such a decided success that Manager Nuen- dorff has determined to keep it on his stage during the present week. This comedy is by tho same author as ‘Hasemanns Toechter,” which had such a successful run last season. The plot of ‘Dr. Klaus" is, if not very original, quite intricate. A very rich tradesman marries his only daughter to ® handsome but penniless baron, and Dr. Klaus, the uncle of this daughter, is the instrument to bring order out of the chaos this mesalliance pro- duces, Mr. Rauk as the father, Mr. Will as coachmen, Herr Reinan as Baron Max Roden, Her Wolkenstein as assessor, are capital in their respective parts, and the portrayal of Dr. Klaus by Mr. Couried is also a fine piece of acting. - Miss Groeger as Julie; the lovely Emma, by Misa: Necker;<the Doctor's wife, by Miss Beringer, as well as Marianna, the housekeeper, are well conceived characters and handsomely acted, “The Comedy of Errors," to be produced at the Park Theatre by Robson and Crane, on Monday even- ing, November 25, will, we are told, be very hand- somely mounted, every scene being new. «This com- edy has not been produced in this city for nearly twenty years, and Manager Avbeoy intends doing everything possible for it. Charlex Webb, the sur- viving brother of the Webbs known in Great Britain as the Dromio Webbs, is over here pecially to super- intend ite production and. give the benefit of his long acquaintance with this: - ceit of Shakespeare's, Commencing with s semi- serious prologue, it leaps at once into the broadest regions of farce, comedy and pantomime without outraging either probability or possibility. Robson and Crane are to be the Two Dromios here. Robson (Dromio No. 1) is continually taken for Crane (Dromio No. 2). Indeed, one is so like both that ho is always seized on for the other, so that both receive kicks, cuffs and cowhiding intended for the brother. The two Webbs played this comedy for nearly six consecutive years in every city and town of importance in Great Britain, bets being made among the audience as to which was which. Some held to the belief that it was only one man playing the two characters until they saw them face to face in the last acene. Indeed, on one occasion Charles had to play the two parts, for his absent brother was sym- pathetically mourning in the balcony of the Adelphia Theatre, London, over the sorrows of Leah (M.as Bateman), in place of being on tho stage of the Prin- cess, Oxford street, until he was hurried into » cab and borne off—just in time to save the plot of the play and an apology. BUSINESS REVIVAL, THE TRADE OF LOUISVILLE, KY., LARGELY IN- CREASED SINCE THE SUBSIDENCE OF THE SCOURGE—CROPS IN KENTUCKY. Lovunsviite, Noy, 13, 1878, The trade of Louisville, which had @ most peculiar experience d@ring the existence of the great epidemic in the South, has now fairly opened and may be said to be “booming, sweetly booming.” Geographically the gateway to the South, Louisville receives a large Sonthern trade at al times, but at the pres- ent moment is enjoying such patronage as was never given before. When the low fever broke out this year Louisville cially declared her gates open to all Southern refugees, and the consequence was such an influx of «i re as hath never ‘known before. Other cities” qnar- antined against fever stricken places, and therefore the first pdint thought of by those fleeing waa Louis- ville. A great rush of business followed the coming of these people, particularly ins retail way, Other cities, jealons of Loutsville’s position, Peay rary having her qidcasttinet | against ol, Soutien cities where had’ not the reason given being the existance of some sporadic cases of yellow fever here. The estab- lishment of these quarantines against Louisville was most severely felt in commercial circles for awhile, but when the fever was at the end of its long career cities which had * uarantined against Lonisville discovered quickly the injustice of their action and hastened to make all possible reparation, the result | being the reception here of all the orders for supplies | Louisy: ille can well take care of. These orders, with those from persons who © it days of refuge in | Louisville, cause a splendid fall and winter trade. cHors, ‘The November report of the Kentucky Commis- sioner of Agriculture giver the following facts con- cerning crops :— There has been this month ehanzo reported i P < crown durin y staple wot hw vested fe corn, which ha fall, matured order, The f “killing frost” did ne v1 Kentucky until the 24th of October in unprece dented in our annals. This gave ample timo for the maturity all the outstanding tobacco, Wut may prove quite detrimental to the fall-sown wheat by aor a good soayon inn fly to de: © wher There is great nt mong ur farmers ne tow prices of all fagricultural produets, particularly for hogs, corn i inter witeat has town in neronge about equal to Inst year's crop, although the preparation a” the groubd bas heen berter than usual and more pains havo beew taken to une the very hest of xed. The proportion of drilled wheat is greater than ever before in the Siate. j "Five bation and eve gown this full are in acreage each 110, | fich better than last crops ar reported In ytel "iho same as month, except even, which isnot wo vod ae wae anticipated. A fair report of ‘the yield thin year will i for tob “ag FO, corn, UO; whe poratoes, 410; hay, 100, gras ‘iW 60; ponrs, 7 Hi ‘There has boen a decrease in the number of mules raised, owing to the low prices wow obtain ern markets. about 90, and sheep aod howe cach Jews dastructive than it has iwen any ye Stock « | the mountain Qu Sr. ‘Tomas, Nov. 9, 1878, ‘The island of St. Croix is now quiet and work has been resumed on all the ostates. Martial law was | raised on the Sat of October. Governor Garde, wh returned tu St. Thomas on the dist of October, went Vack ty St. Croix yesterday, J hear that the government has levied on seme of of the burned properties for taxes, but the report only came here now and I have not been able to confirm it. I think from $700,000 to $8000,00 is about a correct | cotimate of tho total lusees, 5 TERRIBLE ACCIDENT. An Explosion i ina Parlor Car Causes the Death of Five Persons, NE OF HORROR AND EXCITEMENT (BY TELrGRAPH TO THY HERALD.} 16, 1878, ‘The Philadelphia aud Reading Railroad nave alive Mauanoy €zry, Pa., Nov. of small engines and parlor cans combined, used by officials of the road for business trips. One of these, called the Gem, inade a trip to-day down tite Mahanoy Valley with J, ii. Olansen, superintendent of tie It arrived in front of the depot at this place at three o'clock P.M. The superintendent alighted and stepped into the telegraph offic Mahavoy and oad Mountain Brangi, adjoining tae depot to send a message. While he was seated at the table with the operator the boiler of the engine exploded with terrific foree, tearing off the roof of the oftice, severs ing telegraph wires and knocking out one end of the depot buildings. Gem were hurled into the buildings, and the oceu- pants dropped to the floor in time to avoid being struck, Large pieces of plate glass from the FATAL EFFECTS OF YHE EXPLOSION. Engineer W. F. Brocius, of Trackville, was blown to pieces, and his remains were gathered in a bucket. Jacob Trout, conductor and car supervisor, had his head blown clean off, being struck with a piece of He leaves a wife and seven children. Willie Wenrich, aged nine years, had the top of his head blown off. His brains were strewn on the de pot floor. Two others, George and Horace Hagenbuck, were both badly, injured. George dicd two hours after. They were distributing handbills at the depot when the explosion occurred, and George was lost in the Horace, a brave lad of seven years, covered with blood, heroically boiler. ruins. searched for his elder brother. He ran down the street, and when his uncle clasped him in his arms he cried, ‘Let me go; I can walk home. Go fud George; he is hurt worse than I.” Calvin Lutz, aged twelve, was killed by the shock, dying after an hour’s agony. sare in numbors filly avernce: cattle | Charles Conrad, aged sixteen, son of Philip Conrad, superintendent of Wiggan’s colliery, was slightly in- jured by flying timber, as were a number of other boys, who were all huddled together in a heap. A FATHER'S GRIEF. Young Lutz's father picked him out of the débris and wiped the dirt and blood off, he not knowing he was his son. The discovery nearly drove him crazy, ‘THE WHOLE TOWN SHAKEN. ‘There is great excitement in the town. The force of the explosion was so terrible as to shake the houses to their foundations, and the whole population is on the street, rushing wildly to and from the scene and searching the mountain sides after remains of vio tims. Five persons have died so far, as follows:— KILLED. W. F. BROCIUS, engineer; leaves large family. JACOB TROUT, conductor; leaves wife and seveg children. WILLIE WENBICE, aged nine, = CALVIN EDEZ, mgod twelve,’ + GEORGE HAGENBUCH, aged twelve. WOUNDED. FINLEY, fireman, slightly in head. HORACE HAGENBUCG, aged seven, severely. CHARLES CONRAD, aged sixteen, slightly, and sew eral other boys, names unknown, injured slightly. THY. CAR UNINJURED, — Acurious cireumstance of the explosion is that, while the engine and boiler are blown to atoms, the car apartment remains uninjured, not a cushion being destroyed. A piece of the boiler fell in Ban low’s flour mill, a quarter of a mile away, and timbers and glass are strewn for rods around. THE NEW BRUNSWICK DISASTER, [Y TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD. ] Sr. Jony, N. B., Nov. 16, 1878, Turner and Phillips, reported last night to have died of injuries from the railway accident near Peel station, are still living; but the latter is very low, ae is also conductor Yerxa, who is unconscious. Turnes will probably recover. The verdict of the Coroner's jury is considered very unsatisfactory and a full in- vestigation is demanded by the public. Nathan Perry, oy formerly resided in Bangor, and was sixty years of age. For the last fifteen years be has been te business in Presque Isle. Isaac Hacker, also killed, waa upwards of seventy, and was one of the foremost men in Aroostook. Ho was @ trader and lumberman. RAILROAD ACC IDENT. Airey Depoe, of Centreville, " J., while driving in @ wagon across the Norfolk street crossing in Newark of the Morris and Essex Railroad last evening, shortly after eight o'clock, was struck by @ locomotive. The horse was killed, the wagon smashed to ee he Mr. severely and probably fatally inju! He was removed to St. bar wane eon, TENNESSEE "LAWLESSNESS, (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) SHELBYVILLE, Nov. 16, 1878, At a corn shacking near Flat Creek Village, Bedford county, last Wednesday night, Sidney Frazier (coh ored) was ona pile of corn, throwing it down for more convenience in shucking. A white man named Felix Holt amused himself by throwing cars of corn at him, frequently striikng him. Discovering who was thus mistreating him, be cursed Holt, Far- rar, another white man, hates a conflict. brew- ing, induced Frazier to leave with him, which he was prodeeding to do, when Holt followed and com- inenioed kicking Frazier, who turned and fatally stab- bed Holt in the side, Holt shooting Frazier in the ab- domen, and mortally wounding bim, LYNCH LAW. Last night at eleven o'clock six masked men went to Frazier’s house, took him from his bed where ha was lying in a dying condition, laid him on his back on the ground in front of his door and fired four pistol balls into his right breast and shoulder, killing him instantly, Fravier's shrieking wife and two other colored —e were witnesses to the barbarous and bloody Shoat Frazier, brother of deceased, was punished by mob violence one year ago for stabbing a prominent white man to death. A TOW SHIP MULCTED, [BY TELEGRAPH To THE MERALD.] Trentox, N. J., Nov. 16, 187% An important case occupied the attention of the United States Court in this city for tho past three day John M. Ramsdell was plaintiff and the town- ship of Montelair, Eesex county, defendant. The «nit was brought to recover $18,009, with interest, bei the amount of bonds iasued by the township to air in the construction of the Moutelair and Greenwoo 1 Lake Railroad, Counsel tor the defendant ee that the legislative act authorizing the townshi | issue the bonds was unconstitutional, therefore tl 0 | was no lability to pay. .o jury returned a verdics for the plaintiff for $2 oat ae e | A CANADIAN < INFLATIONIST, (BY TELEGRAPH TO THE HERALD.) Ortawa, Now. 16, 1878, Sir A. T, Galt, who has gone to ®ngland incompany with the Finance Minister, is under#tood to have re marked before leaving Oltawa that, tanch ns he deprecated a toeort to Lac process weking Money hy the aid of the printing press, be fered that ia the present condition of atairs Canads would have to fall ack on an inflationist policy. The visit of Sir Alox- ander to England is bolleved to be ia connection With Geherics question solely.