The New York Herald Newspaper, December 5, 1878, Page 5

A GOLDEN WEDDING, —_———+ An Actor Who Has Been Fifty Years on the Stage THE NESTOR OF THE DRAMA. Pleasant Reminiscences from the Lips of “Uncle” John Gilbert. There is not a more domestically quiet or artis- tically arranged home in all New York than that oc- cupied by the veteran actor, John Gilbert, on Lexing- ton avenue, When one goes there to enjoy remi- niscences that cover a full half century ne finds the associations fully in keeping with the place. Glanc- ing around the walls you see pictures of actors and actresses whose names have long since been written on tombstones—old friends of the living repre- sentative who sits at yonder table; but he will turn you to his library and, in addition to his own personal memories, point out where history has recorded their reputation and preserved to us with loving duty an interesting nar- rative of early dramatic experience. It is rare in America that an actor outlives 2 book in his own collection, and that when a forgotten date or an old picture suggests an incident the pleasant gossip of a contemporary can surround it with the sparkle of intelligent description, and so conversationally wed the present and the past. It was under these pleasant conditions that a writer for the Henaxp found the veteran at home and suc- ceeded in engaging him in conversation. The two had not before met away from the stage, and conse- quently, on the one hand, the impressions were fresh. The physique of Mr. Gilbert is familiar to every old playgoer in New York. Notwithstanding his nearly deventy years of life experience he stands erect and straight as an Indian. Correct habits and the careful observance of hygienic rules have pre- served his health so that scarcely a wrinkle marks the ravages of time; the eye is undimmed, the voice clear, the step elastic and the virility of manhood is apparently as little undisturbed as it would be if he were only just crossing the equatorial line of fifty. REMINISCENCES. ‘Tt was not easy to draw the veteran out of his shell, for while he is a favorite member of the Lambs’ Club, a resort on Union square, where one may meet the most famous professionals of the metropolis, and there occasionally breaks loose in anecdote (for he is a charming raconteur), his modesty, when ap- proached by a journalist, makes him reticent, and he does little more than anawer direct questions. Some of these follow:— “In view of your coming anniversary,” said the re- porter, “I have called to obtain from you some of the leading facts connected with your career.” “You are quite welcome,” said Mr. Gilbert, “but I scarcely know’ where to commence. You will best understand me when I show you this diary of my work, in which is a record of upward of eleven hun- dred and fitty characters that I have personated since I made my first appearance. By the way, first ap- pearances now and those of fifty years ago mate- rially differ. Now it is more or less a question of in- fluence, dress and money. Then it was # matter of merit. For instance, when I wanted to go upon the stage (and I was us ambitious as anybody well could be) it was necessary for me to rehearse before 4 committee of judges. ‘These consisted of three or four chosen friends of the management, who were supposed to possess more or less of judiciary power and to exercise the same in considering the applications of all débutantes. It was a critical mo- ment with me, for I was only eighteen years of age. Nevertheless I passed the Rubicon, successfully re- hearsing the réles of Jaffier in ‘‘Venice Preserved,” Sir Edward Mortimer and Shylock. My first part was in the play Ihave firxt named. It was performed at the Tremont Theatre on Friday evening, November 98, 1828, I was supported in this and many subse- aent performances by the famous Mrs. Duff, one of the most beautiful and accomplished women then on the stage. Afterward I became a regular member of the Tremont Theatre and was cast for a variety of parts. [remember that Edwin Forrest played in our hae oes about this time.’ “But how did you happen at so early an age todrift into the line of ‘old men?” “Ian scarcely tell you. Like most young actors my earliest ambition was to personate tragedy, for I thonght in my innocence that that was my réle. Bur- ton, the comedian, fell into a similar error, and was, like myself, only cured of his delusion by aecldent. ‘Man proposes, Yat God disposes.” ‘The trath is,” remarked Mr. Gilbert, “young actors frequently make a mistake in depending on their unaided instincts, and it is only through a happy combination of cir- cumstances that they sometimes bit upon the real field in life for which they are intended, I think I discovered my vocation during a tour through the South and West, which at that time, by the way, was suggestive of anything but comfort. Travelling fa- cUitics were scant and the American drama was in its erm Iplayed on this trip Sir Anthony Absolute, faster Walter and other familiar characters in this vein with such success as to determine my career. Doubtless you know the rest.’” ‘20 THE MANOR BORN. “From your style of speech you are evidently not an American?” “Quite the contrary. I am proud to. say that ‘I am to the manor born’ (spelt with an 0); that I claim Boston as my birthplace, and February, 1810, as the year. If I intonate clean, well cut English, it is the result of study and habit. Charlotte Cushman was born next door, in Richmond street, a few years later, and we were life-long friends ‘until her death,” (A beantiful life size crayon like- nesy of the deud actrexs hung upon the wall.) “And your boyhood days?” ‘The old actor laughed, and replied, “Like all boys, my dear sir, without an event.” Sumimerized, my christening ‘and short clothes were followed by school days, first in the primaries, then at the old Mayhew school and finally at the high school. Here they used to like my clocution on declamation days, and I'm not sure that it didn’t have an effect on me subsequently, Afterward I went into a dry goods shop With my uncle, but becoming weary of the monotoriy of this kind of business I started, as T told you just now, learned some parts and went before the censors. You know the rest. ‘his, however, only pparenthetically.” “Atter your Southern and Western experience what 4id you do?” “Came back to the North as fast as conveyance would bring me, and commenced a series of engage: ments. In 1834 I played Old Dornton in the to Ruin’ at the Tremont; in ‘Evadne,’ the celebrated Mrs. Peloy taking the title rdl, and 4 great number of other parts. Tom Barry was then the manager. I think I was the last actor who spoke upon the boards of the Old Tremont. When it was rebuilt it was opened with a hyimn beginning, ‘Lord, let these ran- jomed walls rejoice’ (and the olf actor laughed at the (dea), Kalloch used to preach there. Probably you baye heard of him since, for most journalists have published his reputation. Subsequently L acted tor # period at the Bowery in this city. ‘AN INCIDENT. “By the way, {t may not be an uninteresting incident emong your notes to stato that while play ing a round of Shakespearean characters with the elder Booth at the National Theatre, Boston, I found myself in a curious predicament. Booth was not to be found, ‘The great crowd assembled yrew impatient aud the manage- ment were almost in despair. At this juncture an appeal was made to me to go on in the character of ir Adam Contest, in ‘The Wedding Day,’ in order to kill time, I was dresse for another part, but quickly changing went on and quicted the cominotlon until Booth could be found. Then I had to hurry to the dressing room and change again for the character of Henry for the first scene in ‘Richard IL’ During the second scene Booth stag- wred to the stage and endeavored to recite bis lines, ut was eventually obliged to retire, The audience took the incident kindly, for the foibles of the great travedian were well understood, and the play went on. In the subsequent scene in the whi Henry is killed by Richard, [ was seated on « couch, Mr, Booth walked leisurely across the stage and raid: — ‘John, get up; 1 want to lie down.’ Of conrse there wus another commotion, in the midst of which Mr, Booth was gently removed trom the stage and sent aome, MARRIAGE AND TRIP TO ENGLAND. My first marriage, said Mr. Gilbert, now thor- oughly partaking of the reminiscent spirit, wae to Misy Campbell, in 1896, and with her, in 145.1 visited England. This was a new and comparatively un- fauiliar phase of life; but I was warmly received by the English people everywhere, Tplayed an engage- ment at the Princess’ Theatre, opening a8 Sir Robert Bramble in the © man. if t had cho- sen to remain I done so with much bit. “blood know, is thicker than and oT rred the = faces of own people; so that after a@ vars I returned, hen at the Park company. In when Lwent again Bowery. to Boston and played a great n parts at the Howard Athenwu nioved to Philadeiphia and oper Street T ander Quinlan in 1861, there fou John, Adrastus, Iago, Master Wal Sir Anthony Absolute, Sir Robert Bramble and othe In 1854 T returned to Boston, opened the Boston Thi tro with an address, surrendered my Philadelphia en- ayenont and remained until recalled to Philadelphia fa ivst, where I played in the Arch Street Theatre. AT WALLACK'S, “It will be interesting to the public, Mr. Gilbert, to My old friend, Tom Ha and i is, I I reinainod years, playing stich characters as King Old Dornton, | lack imanjrurated his se know when you first commenced your connection with Wallack’s Theatre?” “I think it was about the year L mil seuaor Wax amad@ memorable by production of hool for Scandal,’ with an unusually strong and chosen cast. Mrs. J Hoey was the Lady I played Sir Pet Vallack Charles Sur- face and Mr, Charles Fis! ph Surface. I have remained with the company since that time, and, of course, have been more or less identi with many of the plays put upon its stage. By the way, my first appearance as Sir Peter was in Natchez, Miss., when Miss Clara Fisher, now Mrs. Maeder,’ played Lady Teazle.”” “How does it happen that your allegiance has en- dured so long in one place while other actors, as a rule, haye sought pastures 1 “Tn the tours made in early life I found little ben- efit accrui from constant change, Fortune blew hot and cold, and actor's life, u know both variable and umstantial, Always preferring the quiet of a home, I determined, nearly a generation ayo, to make and hold one. That's the reason you sce me here. I have only to add that my associations connected with Wallack’s Theatre have been among the happiest in my existence. I have experienced nothing but kindness and found only friondly hands to grasp.” when Mr, Wal OLD TIMES AND NEW. “Doubtless you are constantly reminded of many contrasts in your profession when you think of old times?” “Ah, yes, sir. The improvements have in many respects been wonderful, especially in the iatter of machinery und stage properties, “In old times there used to be many incongruities, ax, for instance, a Romun scene on. one side of the stage and a sign of “fom and Jerry’ on the other. Carpeting on the stage was not then known, and I was once uston- ished to sce that even a pisce of green baize had been spread on the boards for Ophelia to rest upon. In those days the people cared more for the strength and interest of the play than they did for its surroundings, and even now, wsthetic as we have become, I have an idea that scenery is only a secondary consideration, and oes not of itself save a bad piece from condemnation, Of course people like a pretty picture, but it satisfies only the eye, not the intel “Speaking of the ma: have appeared, Mr. Gilbert, do you qu a part when its reproduction is necessary? “Old parts, yes; but you may think it strange that © modern pieces make ie a great deal ot trouble. When I have a new character it gives me a world of work until I have thoroughly conquered the text. You have uno conception of my feelings occasionally when, being assigned to an old part-1 turn back t former casts and find that Iam the only surviving member of the company. It sometimes makes me feel lonely.” COMPARISONS AND COMMEN'IS, “After your varied experience and large observa- tion what judgment have you formed with reference to the American as compared with the English stage ?” ““Laking it as a whole I prefer the American method by long odds. Its tout ensemble is almost perfect. When a good play is well mounted in New York it has no superior anywhere. Belonging to the old school, however, as I confess that I do, my prefer- ence is not for what is known as modern society comedies. Nevertheless, understand me, I don’t be- lieve in crowding the old plays down’ the public throat all the time. Change is both desirable and at- tractive.” “What is your impre ion of our modern actors?’ We have upon the stage at the present time excellent representatives of the pro- fession, who, whercver the English language is spoken, would make reputations, as, for instance, Mr. Charles Thorne, Mr. James Lewis, Mr. Harry Beckett, Mrs. Agues Booth, Mrs. Gilbert, Miss Eftie Germon and others. Mury Gannon was simply a marvel—exquisite. By the way, did you ever notice that there is a larger distribution of individuality among the ladies of the profession than among the gentlemen? Charactoristicully they always secm to strike alight. Their stars and leading people out- number those of our own sex.”” “From what you intimated a moment ago I fancy that you are not partial to society plays ?”” “Oh, yes,” replied Mr. Gilbert. “I like them once in a while, although you sce only a repetition of ¢he life that is all about you; whereas in an old play you tind something to admire as you do in an old pic- ture; a chance to study costume and manners. Why, only a little while ugo I saw nine gentlemen on the stage all dressed alike, from the waiter who livered the messages up to the hero, What illusion was there in this? The charm of a theatrical performance consists in closely iimitating realism. If we are going to play the ‘School for Scandal’ we must play it according to tradition, for there can be no such character as a modern Sir Peter Teazle or Oliver Surface. How would you have Sir Peter take a pinch of snuif—in any other way than that which has been handed down from the time of William Farren (the great Sir Peter) to the present moment? No, sir; I believe in adhering to tradition allthe time and to the color- ing of nature that attaches to a given dramatic eriod.”” ‘A ‘The advent of another visitor at this moment com- pelled a break in the conversation, and the represen- tative of the HERarp regretfully parted with the genial old actor, whose fifty years of lite upon the stage are to be celebrated Thursday afternoon at Wallack’s Theatre. AN EPISCOPALIAN FAIR. SOME OF THE BEAUTIFUL THINGS ON SALE IN THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. ‘The pretty little church edifice on Fifty-seventh , Street, near Park avenue, which was for @ long time offered for sale, found a purchaser, about a year ago, in Mrs. Guilbert, the wife of tle Rev. Mr. Guilbert, an Episcopalian clergyman, formerly of Tarrytown. Mr. Guilbert devoted himself at once to the work of building up achurch and parish organization, and the building is now known as the Church of the Holy Spirit, Protestant Episcopal, ‘The price of the prop- erty remains @ debt on the church, but recently $3,000 was expended in fitting up the building, and thi mount it was desired to repay at once. The ladies of the church, with Mrs. Hammond for a presi- dent, therefore determined to hold a fair, and this fair is now open, It began on Tuesday, and will continue from two to ten P, M. each day till Friday of this week. Probably no fair was ever put into so small a space as in the pretty little lecture room of the church. A dozen or more of tables, at which are displayed fancy goods of every kind imaginable; Rebecca's weil, @ confectionery store, flower stands, a post office and numberless other devices for tempting the unwary visitor to part with his money fill the main room so full that there seems hardly room to hold visitora enough to buy all the goods. Then in an adjoining room is an exhibition of Edison's phonograph tor the benefit of the scientifically inclined, and a “Punch and Judy” show for the young and the frivolous. In another room is a most enticing restaurant under the management of Mrs, Guilbert, where dolightful little tables, spread with the snowiest of nupery, give op- portunities for (ete-d-tete feasts of the choicest deii- cacies. ‘There is a grand pianoforte, and there are beautiful young ladies ready to demo rfection of tone at 4 moment's notice. of ornemental workmanship, and there are a dozen or more of choice ofl paintings and water which have been donated and are to be obtained by any one who will buy a lottery ticket and who is pos- sessed of the requisite luck. But though the me valuable goods are to be disposed of in raffles, yet are no obstacles to the spending of money by who object to the element of chance, haps the most interesting thing in the whole fair is the Dolls’ Bazaar, and its chief interest is that it was entirely gotten up (except a little assistance from a playmate of her own age) by Miss Annie Ham- mond, a young lady only twelve years old. All the fancy work is hers, and there is everything of that nature that the heart of the most frivolous fou could desire, All the wardrobes are of her manufacture, nd there are costumes that would certainly make Worth weep. The drawing rooms, in which sit dow- ager dolls of immense dignity and unbending deeo- rum, and younger and fairer Volts, were fitted | up by the same young lady with most exquisite taste. And there is farniture and wphoistery enough to furnish the mansions of all the dolls who will get mar- ried and go to housekeeping during the coming holi- day seavon, ‘here is a table of fancy goods, isting, it seems at the first glance, mostly of bas! at which Mrs, Stoutenbergh presides, assisted by Miss Griffin, But though the baskets seem the most conspicnous of any- thing there, there are alao hundreds of things the nature and use of which were utterly beyond the re porter’s comprehension, He was aw iex, however, that all’ these things ty cheap at the pri ext tuble, und ge of Mra. Miller Fleming, there was nothing and the ladies were filled with pride at lieve to be an original idea. “We have almost any kind of that anybody can want,"’ said Mrs, Miller, ook#’ aprons, waiters’ aprons ladies’ apron: aprons, children’s aprons and other aprons, re any price you may choose to pay, from twenty fi¥e cents upto $6." One of thone valued at the seemingly unuesessary number of doliats last mentioned was shown to the wonder- ing visitor, and it was certainly a thing of beauty. It was of the freshest and finest of lawn, alanost hid- den by beautifal embroidery. Mrs, Brown and her sister have charge of a table Whereat all sorts of Japanese trinkets and curios may be bought. The variety and curious nature of “Jap” ware forbade the attempt at making @ catalogue, but the exhibition was gay with bright colors end odd in fantastic shapes, ‘Thon there is a table with the famifiar sign, “Coun- try Store,” it which the two Misses Grant sell “prod- anil “sass of different kinds, as well a« an in- ‘ies andl delicatessen and all ‘0 be found in places of the ‘There is also kept by the two Misses Storms a kind. table of clocks, bronzes and biyouterie, that i8 as taste- fully displayed as possible, and the goods on which are of the choicest. The most costly of these goods as well a8 the Japanese ware ts to be sold by the la- everything else has been do- ross receipts wre to go toward the pur- Mrs, Eddy keeps # tand, which he little ones, and on which may be found the Christmas presouts every one has to buy, Mise Baker and Mise Hoffman have a bower of flowers, where bouquets of the rarest blossoms insy be had at sur prisingly reasonable rates. ‘The fair has been well patronized so far, and it is hoped and expected that the most if not all of the sum needed will be realized, AMUSEMENTS, “MY SON” AT WALLACK'S THEATRE. Herr We' el, a shoe manufacturer: MMM iisnsearnn re ’ Frenker, } Popps an approntice. der, a walter... ib. 7 Children of Rudolph 4 . and Clara t el’s daughter. Koop Weigel’s workmen } is Frau Willner, Linda Willner, ; ra Mario Willner. (Sisters, )).! nat Willies § ‘ rau Selinitzel, Lannidross. An Enylish version of L “Mein Leopold,” was produced to a crowded house at Wallack’s last evening, under tie title of “My Son.” It is in five acts, employs twenty speaking characters, took nearly four hours to play, and was received with frequent applause. Messrs. Gilbert and Barron were each fur- nished with strong parts, which they interpreted with their accustomed ability and to the satisfaction of the house. ; It is a pleasure for once to get away from the lord and Indy style of comedy at Wallack’s and come down to homelier types. In these modern German comedy abounds, and we are glad that the English translators, Dr. F. Harris and Mr. Frel. Williams, did not attempt to transplant the whole thing to England or America, but have preserved the action and locality of the original, If they had restrained themselves at this point they would have done well, but instead we find that a flux‘of flippant verbal wit, uot of a very high order either, has been spread over it, which in many points destroys the German honesty of the dialogue. The play is diffuse to the point of distraction. Brisk in movement, if not direct in purpose, in the first two acts, it is weak in the third and fourth, and is finally saved in the fifth by pathetic situations which are terribly long drawn, Notwithstanding all these drawbacks, it isa strong character play, and if re- lentlessly cut should enjoy a continuance of the favor bestowed on it by the enthusiastic first night audience. The author was evidently embar- rasset by his riches, but having laid out a huge German feast in the beginning, he felt himself bound to see every viand disposed of, regard- less of the digestion of his guests.’ Briefly, it is the story of the Prodigal Son. A meals but uneducated shoe manufacturer, Herr Wiegel. resolves that his son shall be a gentle- man, But the son, Leopold, is a rake and @ spend- thrift, and dissipates his father’s means. His daughter, Clara, incurs her father’s anger by engaging herself to marry his foreman, Rudolph, an honest workman, and he turns her from his house, Enraged at this treatment, Rudolph swears never to let the old man set foot in his house or eat his bread until he has come upon his knees to him. Tho father, ruined by his son's extravagance and crime in running away with another man's moncy, is reduced to his old trade of shoemaking. The son has fled to America, where he reforms, and, aided by the stern but kindly Rudolph, becomes an independent man in five years and comes home just as the poor old father, brought to his son-in-law’s feet by a strata- gem, has been restored to the family circle. At the same time he finds the girl who loved him, and whom he treated very shabbily, still waiting for him, and everybody is made happy. We cannot here more than indicate the number of by currents into which the story is run before reaching this conclu- sion, The first act takes place in the house of Herr Willner, a poor Treasury clerk, who, with his wite and three charming daughters,’ ix celebrating his birthday, One of these girls, Marie, is in love with es) ld, the “‘son’’ of the play. Here also is introduce one of the funniest characters of the play, Herr Mehimeyer, a music- mad lover of Linda Wilner's. He floats in and out through the piece, playing tunes upon the furniture and the character in a bewilder- ingly funny way. visited by Herr Wiegel, their landlord, the doating father of Leopold, who wants Herr Willner to swear that @ poor tailor, whose house he desires to convert into a stable for his son’s horse, Willner refuses and the agt closes effectively with s quarrel between them, but the quarrel leads nowhere. The second act takes place in Wiegel’s house, where are introduced to the worthless son, the good daughter and the honest workman, The — love-making of the two latter is one of the best pieces of geure comedy we have seenin along time. The father spurns the daughter for her choice of a husband and the act closes in a fine scene, the real pivot of the play. The third ‘act takes place in a sumptnous breakfast room, and shows the doating father waiting on his dissipated son, whose loose morals and mean character are dis- played in his proposals for a mercenary marriage. Herr Hehwalbach, the father of the pink thus sought on discovering the worthlessness of Leopold refuses to permit him to visit his house. The fourth act is in a beer garden, and is weighted with irrelevant matter, amusing enough in its way, but only helping the ai by relating the jomin- ious flight of Leopold, who does not apy . Five years elapse, and in the fitth act Wiegel, once more a peg is, a8 we have stated, brought back to his Me noes in this summary we have not had time to notice four or five good characters which contribute to the amusement of the gods if not to the strength of the play. In the old father, whose fondness for his son leads him into harshness to his danghter end final! to ruin, Mr. Gilbert found a Ee ad- mirably ‘suited to him, and | was followed throughout with hearty plaudits. It is a fact significant in itself to find this voet- eran on the night which closes his fif- tieth year upon the stage embody so vigorously a new and complex character, Long may he flourish! To Mr. Barron fell the next honors of the evening, his Rudolph being strong and hearty as it could be mado. Mesars. Beckett, Brougham, Rockwell, Holland and Shannon each deserve praise, Miss Coghlan had a part much within her pow- ers, but she played it with nice effect, Miss Stella Boniface as the keen witted Linda Willmer was seen to better adyant: than ever before on this stage. Mme. Ponisi, Miss Efe Germon and Miss Meta Bartlett are also worthy of honorable mention. Indeed, every part was so well played and the piece so admirably set that much of the discuraiveness of the play was more than atoned for, FIFTH AVENUE THEATRE —‘'RICHARD 111.” , Edwin Booth itr, Prank R. Pierce 2. Frank Mord: -. Mr. E. J. Buckley Mr. KA. MeDowell Mr, William Duke of Kuekingham.. een Norfolk. . argo M f Bishoy ; eJ.B. Brown Sie William Bit Richard Ratelift. Sir Thomas Vaught Sid: 2 Mise Eilon Cummii iss Constance Hamblin Duchess of Y ly Anne... While the play of “Richard IIT.” did not draw as large ahouse at the Fifth Avenue Theatre last night as it doserved, the performance, so far as Mr. Booth is concerned, was inevery way worthy of the reputa- tion of the great actor, Indecd, it may be ranked as chief among his artistic successes of the season, because it afforded him an opportunity to porsonate phases of character in which tho subticst of action was necessary to illustrate the worst of human passions, It is true that the version of the tragedy played last night differs in many re- specta from that with which old theatre-goers are familiar, portions of the original text being omitted and changes being made in the ar- rangement of some of the scenes. The compiler excuses this alteration with the remark that the objections to Colley Cibber’s version are that the latter made innovations which contained cheap theatrical language unworthy of association with that of Shakespeare, and “lowering Shakespeare's idea of Gloster, making hin @ coarse mon- ster of cruelty, devoid of sardonic, bitter and piteous self-mockery, and dostitute of human feeling.” The tragedy in its present form, as enacted by Mr. Booth, representa Richard as an am- hitious hypocrite, crafty, roldntless, halting at no obstacle in the way of the achievement of hiv pur- poses; equally ready to sacrifice friend or fe wife or children, and yet a coward in his own dreams. He is made to appear aw an intellectual animal, who, being brought to bay, becomes a fend, There is ndt a ray of softening light thrown upon the character from beginning to end, and he rushes to death with a desperation and a re- morse that seems the just result of a on poth, curse his own crimes, = Mr. in interpreting these phases, first of Gl then of Richard's natt tod admirably. y look, ataile and crafty glance of oye, and every hate- vession of his expressive mouth told the story of a heart burdened with the flercost of p sions, ty which he gave not one instant’s truce. ‘The consequence was a presentation of the part, more perfect than which has not been witnessed xe to be passages r on the staye for many years, If one hypereritical it would be casy to indicat that were slurred, or at loast where was carclosss and sttsceptible of im) but in the picture of a character so enerally excellent there is too much harmony to be disturbed by a few faults in he or shade. The eup- port was not all that could be desired, Mr. Frank NEW YORK HERALD, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1878.-TRIPLE SHEET. Mordaunt as the Duke of Clarence read his lines with his usual exceilent effect, and Messrs. Pierce and Buckley made the most of their respective parts. Mr. MeDowell worked hard to make the Duke of Buckingham worthy of soni essors, but | thers ix apparently about t i gentleman for a su i Among the laties the honors of the evening were borne by Miss Louise Muldener, of whom it is only | us justice to suy that there are few better a sem now on the New York stage. She possesses al strikingly mobile face, a xpressive eye, | graceful yesticulation, and evidently a knowledg of stage business that’ must have resulted from pa tient study in the foreign schools, She played th part of Lady Anne, Miss Alice Grey ax the Duchess of York, Mixs Ellen Cummins as Queen Elizabeth, and | Miss Constance Hamblin as Queen Murgaret, wer din their personations, and will doubtless be Det- | hon the tr is again presented, Several of | scenes etoetive, and 4 Booth was culled before nat the end of ¢ act to wc knowledge the comp its of the audienc ITALIAN OPERA—‘‘E PURITA The second representation of Bellini’s tuneful opera justified the good judgment of the management in reviving the work after its long slumber, and in giving ita place in the season's repertory. It was sufficiently evident from the very large attendance, from the continuous interest manifested throughout the performance, and from the favor with which the efforts of the artists were ‘received, that the public only needed to be made acquainted with the music to give the opera a cordial welcome. After its emphatic success last night it would not be a matter of surprise if it should prove one of the strongest drawing attractions that the present season has offered. As to the performance, the artists wore all in good voice. Signor Campanini first aroused the interest of the evening by the fiery force of his singing and acting in the first act. His voice scdom fails to respond | to his every demand, and last night it was simply incomparable, Signor Galassi has never been | excelled in Ricardo, and he took a ringing A fat in the “Liberty” duet in a way we have seldom heard | equalled in this number. Signor Foli has not during the soason found » part which he fits #0 admirably ax Giorgo, He sings the music flawlessly and he looks the part as well ax he sings. The baritone and the basso were especially honored by an encore atter the curtain had fallen on the duo “Suoni 1a tromba.”” Last, but not least of the principals, Mme. Gerster won new laurels tor her exquisite interpretation of the music of Elvira, It cannot be said that, dramati- cally, her readering of the réle of the Puritan's daugh- ter equals her portrayal of the bride of Lammermoor, but all the manifold vocal opportunities are im- proved wonderfully well. The Polacca, and the bril- liant florid pendant to “Qui la Voce” aroused the audience to a furore, and the finale of the first number was given again, The minor parts were well rendered by ‘Signor Grazz ignor Pyatt and Mme. Roliati. The chorus mad ‘some nice effects of shading in the finale of the first ‘act, and the orchestra was more than good, except in the second part of the “Liberty” du e it played too strong a fortissimo, Many listeners were disturbed last night by the influx of,late comers. Mr. Mapleson. who has instituted several reforms already, would do his patrons a real seryice if he would adopt the rulg of the Philharmonic Society, and prohibit officious ushers from showing seats While solos are being per- formed, THE CATHEDRAL FAIR—A GRAND PROMENADE CONCERT, ‘There is something harmonious in the thought that, after the many weeks of success which have attended the efforts of the ladies at the Cathedral fair, music will celebrate the closing scenes. o-night Gilmore, with his great band, will be present and furnish melodies to which every one may keep step while en- joying a grand promenade. Levy will be there with his cornet to scatter splendid variations throughout the vast edifice, while other artists may meanwhile yolunteer their services and lend to the occasion the largest possible interest. The event is likely to prove a memory in connection with the fair, for after the hard work done at the tables the workers will natur- rally turn aside and for the nonce enjoy the reward of rest to which they are entitled. The audience ought to be very large, since everybody who ix worth scving is likely to be present. It is only necessary to add that the efforts of those who organized the fair have been blessed with excellent success, and nothing has been left undone that could afford pleasure to the public. ‘ MUSICAL AND DRAMATIC NOTES. It is said that the Mapleson Opera Company will appear in Philadelphia, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis during the months of January and February. ‘The Staten Island Philharmonic Society will give a concert to-morrow evening, This is the fourth sca- son, and the performances heretofore haye been artistic and attractive, Anote received at alate hour from Mr. Mapleson states that, owing to the continued indisposition of Signor Frapolli, “Nozze do Figaro” will be giveri on Friday night, instead of the “Barber of Seville,” here- tofore announced, Rossini’s ‘Il Barbiere di Seviglia’’ will receive its first performance here in several years at the Academy to-morrow, with Miss Hauk as Rosina, Signor Frapolli as Almaviva, Signor Del Puente as Figaro, Signor Grazzi as Fiorello, Signor Foli as Don Basilio, | firgt rate fellow, TEMPERANCE WORK. “The work is progressing magnificently, my boy. Blossed bi a stur has appeared bigger than the queen of night. ‘The Gospel ship is stecring a straight course, with all suil set, and cannot fail to enter port in safety,” said Mr. Murphy, en- thusiastically, to a Hxnacp reporter last evening. In support of this figurative expression he added that a series of Gospel,temperance meetings would be in- augurated on Friday evening at the Sailors’ Ex- change, on Cherry street, with the sanction and sup- port of United States Shipping Commissioner Dun, can, An organization is also to be effected to be called “Phe Murphy Workers,” so that the wa agaiust | alcohol is to be carvied into every quarter of the metropolis. ‘The prayer meeting at Grand Union Hall at noon was largely uttended, and while the class of people who atten led were not at all demonstrative it was evident that a deep underlying feeling pervaded the meeting. On Tucslay evening the anecting at the Tabernecle, in Thirty-tourth street, was held in the lecture room, ‘Last night the church proper was thrown open and every seat on the floor and in the w and rendered ie Will Hide M Mr. Murphy in his happiest mood, and it is a noticeable fuct that when he is ina church he confines himself al- most entirely in his remarks to the Gospel. He di- Verged a lite, however, last night. He stated that thus far upward of eight thousand people had signed the pledge in New York, and the work was yet in its infancy, He called attention to the motto on the pledge card, “With mulice toward none,” &e., and said he wanted it distinctly understood that this Gospel temperance meeting was entirely free from any system of religious proselytizing, ‘Some people,” he said, “think Bob Ingersoll is going to turn the world, "Now, I know Bob very well. He is a ad you needn’t be afraid of him. Ho can’t harm the Chureh, because he says himself ‘that he never knew anything about it, What we've got to be afraid of is thoxe people Who profess to. walk like the Saviour but who in reality act like the fellow down below.” ‘The call for signers to the pledge was numerously responded to, in the midst of which Mr. Murphy slipped away to Grand Union Hall. Mr, Caldwell, of Elinira, had organized the meeting there, and, strange to say, the hall was not uncomforably filled, This was accounted tor, however, by the fact that two police- men had been’ stationed at the door and no one was allowed to enter atter the seats were occupied, Hundreds were thus turned away, and even Mr. Edward Murphy had to send in to be identified before he was admitted. When Mr. Murphy said, “Well, here you are, all looking as happy and handsome as ever!” there was clapping hands and stamping of feet. ‘What's the matter w: you good people? cried Murphy. “I’m astonished at you. ioe don’t you shout? You're making me do it all at this end of the hall. When I say, ‘Lord, bless us!’ why don’t you shout ‘Amen! I don’t be- lieve there's a Methodist among us except this good Episcopal brother behind me, We read, ‘the trees shali clap their hands,’ but as it isn't pleasant wo some lovely Christians, don’t do it. ‘Mr. Murphy's converted Scotchman made en excel- lent speech, and was followed by Mr, Whittield, of ‘Troy, who told a long story about a man who failed to keep his pledge, much to the disgust of Mr. Mur- phy, who requested him to ‘tell about some fellows who did.” A collection was taken up, after which shone two hundred signatures to the pledge were ob- ained. ‘THY’ MUNDY-MULLIN ROW—AN AMICABLE SETTLE- MENT IN THE TOMBS POLICE COURT, In response to Mr. Mundy’s complaint against John Doe for libel and a subpcena issued thercon for Far- mienich, the beer saloon keeper, that individual put in an appearance at the Tombs Police Court yestez- day, accompanied by Mullin, Mundy's antagonist, The important question to be settled was whether Farmenich had said, as Mullin stated to the reporters of several papers, that Mundy was a patron of his bar to the extent of six or ‘seven glasses of beer per diem, Mr. Mundy claimed that in his position as an advocate of temperance the statement was a libel upon him, and, believi Farmenich to be in possession of information whic! would establish the falsity of the publication, de- sired to have him testify under oath whether or not he had used the published language attributed to him by Mr. Mullin. ‘The latter gentleman contended that there was nothing libellous, civilly or criminally, 10 what hed been said, but admitted that since the pub- lication of it Farmenich had admitted that he was mistaken about what he said of Mr. William H. Mundy, and believed that it was his brother who once came to the saloon. Mr. bers wanted to have Farmenich sworn, but Mr. Mullin objected, holding that his statement ought to be entirely satis- taetory. Farmenich explained how some months ago a party of gentlemen came to his place, and one of them spoke facetiously about getting trust. He Afterward heard that the geutleman’s nume was Mundy, and supposed it was the temperance advo- cate. Upon being questioned by Mr. Mundy Farme- nich answered that he did not say Mundy was in the habit of taking five or six glasses of beer s day in his lace, He also admitted that he promised to make Mr. Mullin correct the statement made by him. Mr, Mundy explained to the Court what he believed Farmenich had said as com) with what Mr. Mullin had attribute to him, and added his opinion as to what he thought ought to be done with a man who would manufacture a statement calculated to injure his fellow :nan. Mr, Mullin coincided with Mr. Mundy, and added in the M. Thierry as Bartolo and Mme. Lablache as Berta. “Eighty Days Around the World” is now on the boards at Niblo’s. It isa spectacular sensation, is fairly mounted, and the dialogue, as adapted trom the story of Jules Verne, is here and there humor- ous, The ballet is good, and Mile, Bonfanti has ap- parently lost none of her grace and piquancy as its major general. The second public rehearsal of the Symphony So - ciety will taxe place this afternoon at Steinway Hall. ‘| The programnfe includes Haydn's symphony in G, No. 8; Beethoven's concerto in E flat, No. 5, with M: Max Pinher as soloist; the overture to “King Lear, by Berlioz; three short numbers by Svensden, Handel and Glinka, and the overture to “Fingal’s Cave,” by Mendelssohn, The half century anniversary of Mr. John Gilbert will be celebrated this afternoon at Wallack’s Theatre, when nearly all of the prominent actors and mana- gors in New York will take part. It is scarcely neces- sary to make the announcement, however, for every seat in the house has been sold for two or three days, ‘The management made a mistoke in not securing a larger place for the public accommodation. It is a pleasant tribute to the veteran that the demand for seats, accompanied by money, comes from all parts of the country. One of the letters sent him the other day was from an old gentleman in Brooklyn who witnessed his first performance in Boston fifty years ago, and by reason of his great age was barely able to write the complimentary lines that scored the tact. Miss Elsie Moore plays Lizette in ‘Otto,"’ at the Broadway, on account of the continued illness of Mrs. Knight. THEATRICAL MANAGEMENT. New Yous, Dec, 2, 1878. ‘To rue Eprror or THe Hrratp:— In some foreign countries, when the theatre man- agers are obliged to postpone or change a perform- ance, cither by sickness of any of the artists or from any other cause, they let the public know of it in time by means of placards posted on every playbill that stands at the principal thoroughfares, Are not the American people and the floating foreign popula- tion that live among ws deserving of the same atten- tion? It is very annoying, especially to those who live a long way from the place of amusement they wish to go to, to find on their arrival at the door a slip of paper, with the brief autograph, “No concert (or play) to-night.” Besides, we believe the public is entitled to know what is ycing to be played, and not to be dis appointed, as for instance:—Last Saturday the play- bill at the Fifth Avenue Theatre offered to the audi- ence the five-act drama of ‘The Merchant of Venice’ — so when the curtain was drawn, after the fourth act, very few persons quitted their seats, till a voice from the upper regions called out, “That is all.’ Mr. Editor, don’t you think it would Pp to state on the programme that the whole o fith act would be suppresse We know that we ? are not to expect to see the Shakespearean productions the stage whole and just as they were written—a yreat many words are to be changed, and some scones vith rtniled or st ord alto- ether—but when the juatter is a who it would he advisable to state it beforehand. At the foot of some foreign playbills can be seen quite often notes like these:—"The opera (Rigoletto) will end with the duet, La Malediccione! “Miss So and So, instead of singing the original musical losxon (‘Barbiero di Sivigha,), will futroduce ‘I Baceio.’ * At other times, when the piece is well known, they only atate:—"With the usual suppressions.”” played ¢ « By the way, for the benefit of those who take sevont ts for the second bal- five cents reserved ne Theatre we should ask its the Fifth Aver f not to remove the gas jets that are placed balcony, at least to have its is going on; the upy the sides le the railing of th lights very low while the perform glare and heat received by those wh of the first rows, besides proventing th parte of the stage, are injurious aud annoying to the sight, Yioping you will be kind enough to publish the eof » hints in your valuable newspaper, they may be road by, and produce the desred effect on, some managers, both for their own benetit and for that of the patrons of their theatres, we beg of you to accept in advance the best thanks from an mA BOME THEATRE GOERS. ne breath that he had been informed by a banker that Mundy had been interested in a wholesale liquor business at Seneca Falls within the past two years. Judge Kilbreth, aiming at an amicable settlement of the trouble, suggested that as the publication had re- sulted in prejudi We the public against Mr. Mundy, and as all he wauted was to be set right before the community, a proper retraction ought to be satis- factory. The suggestion was accepted and resulted in the following card ;— hereby certify that in the statement published in the Henarn, Times ond Star of Sunday last Twas mistaken io the person, Willian H. Mandy never entered tay placa, tomy knowledge, and drank there, I had some other per: . view whom 1 sepposed Mr, Mundy, but have ascertained that Iwas mistaken, The statement was hed without my knowledge or authority. TI never before Monday last, Dece . 4, ITA, ber 2. M'FARMENICH. Mr, Mundy pocketed the certificate and the con- testants withdrew. As they did so a scrap of paper alropped from the Court desk, upon which was writ- ten “Sic transit gloria mundi.” THIRD AVENUE RAILROAD. A rumor has been prevalent among the drivers and conductors of the Third Avenue line for the past week that a further reduction in their pay was contemplated by the directors of the road, and great strength was given to it a few days ago, when it was discovered that three of the drivers who had received notice of discharge and had called upon the president in regard to the notice wore told that they could go to work provided they would eub- scribe their names and be sworn before a notary pub- lic to wn affidavit or oath embodying the following points: —First, that they would not engage in any fu ture strike; second, that they would come forward and drive whenever called upon, and, third, that they would not resign without giving the company thirty days’ notice. This is the substance of the oath required to be taken as detailed to a re- porter yesterday by one of the drivers, There is a great deal of bitter feeling among nearly all the drivers on the road on account of this late action of the company, and many of them state openly that, oath or no oath, if there is any ‘urther reduction there will be another strike, f One of the drivers who secon to be pretty well in- formed sad the plan of the prosident was to give # majority of the drivers gradually notices of their diss charge for some trivial cause and then to take them back on their taking this oath, “They will all take it when called upon, of course,” he said, It was only & matter of form. It has no legal value and ought not to be any more binding ‘on the consciences of the men than the contract the company went iuto to pay the men, Two dollars a day had’ been on the conscienves of the, dirce “As far as that is concerned, however,” said th driver, “there is not one of the poorest of the drivers Dut has more conscience and honesty in his heart than all the directors put together have.” “Are th one of the directors that are favorable to the me “Not now, There were two--Mr. Webb and Mr, Hall—in the last Board, They were in tavor of giv- ing the men @ Sus say 8 Per but they were too decent tor the rest of them, and they were put out at the last election.” THE DIRECTORS IN COUNCIL. A meeting of the officers and directors of the road was held at the depot in Third avenue yesterday af- ternoon. dd they were in earnest discussion trom four o k to a quarter to six, It was held with closed doors, and a scutinel was placed at the foot of ng to the President's aud Directors’ ws to allow no one but those con within twenty feet of the rooms. —It,was g lly considered that the subject of reducing the pay of the Dusiness of uiweting and the ¢ prolonged «0 much beyond the When the mecting was concluded the directors and officers came out in a body and, by their — appearance, showed that the discussion. had been = somewhat —ex- usual time, dent Phillips positively refused to say any, fact he was so full of his own importance thing. that he did not think the public had any right to know whetier there was going to be any reduction 0 not, Mr. Fields, superintendent of the road, stated that he had heard of drivers Veing obliged to take an oath, but nothing about the proposed reduction, Notwith- standing the reticence of the officers and directors in regard to the redtiction, the impression is #o general among all the employés that uch a thing is in con- tenplation that it will require an explicit denial froma the officers before the impression is dispelled =r? Aho woueral discontent abated, something «bout some | wearing 5 TRAINING SCHOOL FOR NURSES, ANNUAL MEZTING AND PRESENTATION OF DI+ PLOMAS—WHAT HAS BEEN DONE DURING THE PAST YEAR. The fifth annual mecting of the training school for nurges, in connection with Bellevue Hospital, was held yesterday. The Home, at No. 426 East 'Twenty- sixth street, presented a cheerful scene. Carriage after carriage passed the hospital on the opposite side of the way and drew up in front of the stone stepa ding to the door, while many ladiea found their way thither on foot. \ly dressed nurses, snow-white cops, van up and down the broad flight of stairs leading to the second floor, while others waited in the main hall to receive the visitors and show them into the room which had been set apart for the anniversary exere Twenty young ladies who were to receive diplomas, and as many visitors as the dining room would hold, were comfortably seated at half-past one o'clock, when Rev. Dr. O, H. ‘Tiffany offered the opem ing prayer, Undergraduates, ladies and young physi ians, who could not be accommodated in the dining room, stood about the hallway, near the door. After and the reading of minutes an address was de- y Dr. William H. Van Buren. Then came the annual report and the presentation of diplomas by the President, Mrs. Alexander Hamilton, At the conclusion of these exercises visitors were shown throughout the building, which is comparatively new, having been remodelled and almost entirely re- built when purehased for the use of the school a year anda half ago. The parlor, dining room and spacious hall, with painted floors, and walls adorned cises, | with photographs and engravings, were the objects of special admiration on the first floor, while in the upper stories the -beautifully furnished apartments ot the Superintendent, Miss Perkins, were the de- light of the lady visitors, Nor were the little rooms occupied by the sixty-three nurses at present in the Home passed by without an approving word. Mora than an hour was spent in this informal inspection of the building, visitors seeming loath to take their departure from so cheerful a spot. DR. VAN BUREN'S ADDRESS, In his address to the young ladies who were to rex ceive diplomas Dr, Van Buren expressed gratitude for the aid which the training school is constantly afford- ing to the inedical profession in t vity—a fact which the pub has not been slow to reeognize, “It should be your first ambition,” he said, so to perform your duties as to do honor to the institution that has educated and now indorses you. With yous knowledge, acquired so laboriously, comes a sense of power which you may be tempted to abuse by un- warrantable assertion, Itis a strong human trait and has been asserted to be especially American, but asx you have been taught to sink your personality in your work you will be less liable to fail into this error. Young physicians, just graduated, often suffer from this fault, and it takes some years of contact with the world to rid them of it. It has been said, however, that the best of them grow more modest as their experience becomes mature. Then, again, self-assertion is not a feminine trait, and £ have but little fear that you will assume medical functions to which you have not the claim. I have frequently observed with satisfaction the devotion shown by the trained nurso to her patient. This is the true professional spirit, which assumes an immediate personal interest in everything that bears upon the paticnt's welfare, and shrinks from no service, however menial, which may be found necessary. I do not mean that you should assume ministerial offices when they can by otherwise provided for, but that, rather than le! pias patient suffer, you should shrink from nothin; owever unpleasant. The unressoning devotion | the mother to her child is the model of the self-abne- gation you should strive to attain, and in servin; our fellow creatures you must simulate the spirit of winility which led Christ to wash the feet of His dixe ciples. “And now, my friends, let me ask you to kee; this idea constantly in your minds:—Tho credit aed reputation of your calling is in a certain degree come mitted to each one of you, and it behooves you to cherirh and to magnify the good name it is earning in this comuunity."’ WHAT THE SCHOOL I8 DOING. Some Saber enn points were brought out in the annual report. Tie school opencd in May, 1873, with six nurses and 2 superintendent in charge of ix wards containing torty three patients. Now thera are fourteen wards aud sixty regular nurses, and 1,959 patients have becn cared for this year. On the 1st of January Mrs. Brown, superintendent of the female branch of the City Mission, had under hes charge one nurss from the training school. Shortly after she was reinforced by two more. A fourth went to her aid two months ago end a fifth on the Ist of November. One of these young ladies has attended 131 cases in six months and the total number of visite made by the five ix 2472. These nursea are supported by private ladies, but it ia hoped that in ‘time every church will have one in its eve, pre Twenty-four young ladies hava been admitted to the training school since January 1, and are qualifying themselves for the duties of @ nurse, Fifteen of the number had not previously supported themselves, while the remaining eight were teachers or had been eng in literary work. Graduates find no difficulty in obtaining employmen’ in hospitals or private families, and they are said to enjoy as good health as women engaged in other oc~ cupations, During the past five years there has been but one death in the school. A member of the Board of Managers some time ago invented and presented to the training school & contrivance for liftin; helpless patients, which has already proved the greatest service, The Emergency Hospital, eatab- lished a year and s half ago in connection with the school, has done much practical good. It has accom~ modations for eleven patients, and, since the lst of January, has taken care of 130 women, Of the twenty nurses who yesterday received diplomas the first named six will leave the school immediately to enter upon the discharge of their pro= fessional duties. The others will return their di- plomus to the Superintendent and receive them agajm at the expiration of their two years’ course, which, pmo cases, has well nigh expired. Following is 0 list :— Mrs. 8. E. Riley, New York State; Miss Eliza Wy Brown, Virginia; Miss Emma J. Hagar, Newtown, Mass.; Miss Aunie Scott Odell, Eastport, Me,; Misa Catherine Proxall, England; Miss Rachel Belt, Baltic more, Md.; Miss Emima Clay, Middlebury, Vt.; Mise Mazzie Guillam, England; Miss Guadaloup Call Georgetown, D. C Liss Julia G. McNutt, Wilke: barre, Pa,; Miss 4 Porter, Massachusetts; Mis Eliza Perry, Ithaca, N. Y.; Miss Effie Benedict, Mise Mary A. Miner and Miss Ruth Price, New York State; Miss M. R. Boggs, Augusta, Ga.; Miss Emaina Church, Vermont; Miss Rachel Liller, Colorado; Mixe A Wickham, Connecticut; Miss Mary E, Knight, York city, . THE DAIRY SHOW. MR, ERASTUS BROOKS ON THE IMPORTANCE O1 THE DAIRY INDUSTBY OF THE EMPIRE STATE, ‘The dairy show yesterday was visited by a numen ous delegation of the Produce Exchange of Philadek phia, headed by, its President, Mr. William H. Dunlap, ‘They were cordially welcomed in @ brief speech on behalf of the Fair Association by Colonel R. M, Littler, of Iowa, Chairman of tie Reception Commit tee. The attendance during the day was very large, and some interesting little additions were made to the dizplay, but in the main the show remained aq dexcribed in the Henatp of Wednesday. It was an: nonaced that on Saturday evening Mr. Frank Mouk ton, of Beecher acandal notoriety, would deliver an address, In the evening the attendance was even greater tha during the day. APEEOH OF HON, BRASCUS BROOKS, Mr. Erastus Beooks delivered an address, in the course of which, after making some playful allusion to the “milk in the cocoanut,” “the milk of human kindness” and other dairy products not exhibited in the show, he said ducer of butter even if a lite more than ki less in kine, for six times more the United Sletes than in all Great Britain, and more than twice the number than all in France, and two and @ half times as many as in all Prussia— all large milk produ countries. If the cows that in time are made beef, and the hides that in time are mate leather, and the rest of the animals—for nothing is lost in this age of utility—are counted up, the regate of values grows in proportion pd ys) simply enormous. With four times more lein alt Great Britain, Russia, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Austria, fat md and Switzerland, this country produecs more butter and cheese than all of them together, and the best cheeses of old England are only siecossrul competitors with the best dairies of Herkimer, Oneida, Chautauqua and Jefferson and those of Vermont. The English cheese, indeed, is only dearer where it is better, and it is only better where it is made of the best cream and in the best way, PLENTY OF COWS, BUT FEW SHIPS, ‘The great quantity of cheese in’ this building among which are the best sanples from the Old World and the best from the New, is suggestive of the fact connected with our deficient foreign com« merce, Almost all of the 160,000,000 pounds of butter and cheese sent out of the country and the many millions in value brought in—snall I aaj to our shame or to our mistakes?—is carri in foreign vessels, In our harbor the stars and stripes floating over American steamers sailing abroad is the constant exception to the rule. Nearly all that is paid for freight and passengers to and fro is put into the pockets of persons who are either more economical, more careful, or more skilful ourselves, Ships go out loaded between decks from bottom to top with American produce, and yet they are not American vessels, It was not so always in the past, and will not, IL trust, always be so in the future, Nor would it be so now with wise and true mea ag our ‘Tepresontatives inthe State and inthe nation, Surely ‘he granary of the world, and the frat cotton and tobacvo cotuntry of the world, and the ureat dairy country of the ‘world, with iron b and hard wood enough, it properly cared for, tobuild Ve h t all the ships tu the world now and hereafter, not to, ppendent vpon foreign labor and a capital'to bear across the seas the product of its own Heids and farins aud workshowa 6)