OUR THEATRICAL PLAYGROUND.
“THE PLAYERS.”
PERHAPS the most notable event in the players’ world, with which the new year was ushered in, was the presentation by Edwin Booth to the organization of leading actors known as “The Players,” of a magnificent club-house in Grammercy Park. As the old year drew to a close there assembled a brilliant audience of players and guests, and at the stroke of twelve Mr. Booth handed over the deed to the property to Mr. Augustin Daly, of “The Players.” Mr. Booth closed his presentation speech in the following happy manner: “Though somewhat past the season, let us now fire the Yule-log, with the request that it be burnt as an offering of ‘love, peace and good-will to The Players.’ While it burns, let us drink from this loving cup, bequeathed by William Warren of loved and honored memory to our no less valued Jefferson, and by him presented to us; from this cup and this souvenir of long ago—my father’s flagon—let us now, beneath his portrait and on the anniversaries of this occupation, drink: To the Players’ Perpetual Prosperity.”
Mr. Daly responded appropriately in behalf of the club, and after a general grasping of hands, all adjourned to feast around the generous board. In every way this new home is most complete, and the decorations are handsome and solid. In the lounging room are two oil paintings by Joseph Jefferson. Beside them hangs Sir Joshua Reynolds’ celebrated portrait of David Garrick. There is also a Gainsborough, and a portrait of John Gilbert by J. Alden Weir. A goodly collection of dramatic literature fills the library on the second floor, Mr. Booth having presented 1,200 volumes, and Mr. Lawrence Barrett 2,000, besides a large number of rare works from Augustin Daly, T. B. Aldrich, Stanford White and others. An excellent maxim is found directly above the great seal of the order, which is inserted in the ornamental brickwork under the mantelpiece. It reads thus:
“Good friends, for friendship’s sake forbeare
To utter what is gossip heare
In social chatt, lest unawares
Thy tongue offende thy fellow-plaiers.”
OLD ENGLISH COMEDY.
FOR his annual comedy revival Mr. Daly has chosen Capt. George Farquhar’s “The Inconstant; or, the Way to Win Him.” This play has not been seen in this city since 1873, and in Mr. Daly’s hands the somewhat doubtful morale of the play has been improved, and thus the revival was practically a first performance of the play. The change to suit modern ideas has been admirably effected, though possibly the fifth act might have been subjected to closer censorship. It is needless to say that Mr. Daly’s band of players acted their parts well. The public has come to accept that as almost a foregone conclusion. Miss Rehan as Oriana is the same person that has pleased us so long, but in the mad scene she strikes a key that is almost pathetic. The “Inconstant” may be looked upon as a success.
SHAKESPEARE AT PALMER’S.
PLAY-GOERS in New York have no reason to feel dissatisfied with the feast spread before them this season. Shakespeare has not been neglected for the newer generation of writers. Rarely has a play, however, been put on the stage in a more complete way, with greater magnificence and attention to details, than “Antony and Cleopatra.” Mr. Abbey has spared no expense, and surely it would be difficult to find an actress to look the part better than Mrs. James Brown Potter. Whatever may be her faults, she has succeeded in ridding herself of some of them, and in gesture, walk and pose this improvement is most marked. She still lacks facility in expressive speaking. Thus the presentation is of a spectacular sort, and on that fact will have to depend success or failure. The single scene which perhaps impresses the interested spectator most is revealed in the entrance of Cleopatra’s barge—“a bizarre painting of Egypt’s historical convoy, with its flowing sails of magenta, its glittering front and sides, its silver oars, its fawning slaves, and, over all, the tinkle of drowsy music.” The acting version of the play is by Mr. Kyrle Bellew, who himself assumes the character of Antony. He is not a roystering old ruffian; one does not behold scarred limbs and grizzled locks. The Antony of Kyrle Bellew is tender in speech, soft in action, and ever the lover. The play is scheduled for an extended run, and will doubtless receive a generous share of attention.
MACBETH.
AT the Fifth Avenue Theater Mrs. Langtry has been acting Lady Macbeth, and has won a good measure of success, which deserves recognition for the reason that her conception of the part differs from that acceptable to most Americans. Charlotte Cushman’s Lady Macbeth was a grim, imperious virago, and we have accepted that version as the true one. In Irving’s celebrated revival of the play, Ellen Terry presents a coaxing, loving, charming contradiction to the Cushman model. Mrs. Langtry has chosen a middle path. While not wholly able to cope successfully with the part, she gives a thoroughly interesting portrayal. In the sleep-walk scene she is bravely original. Utterly sacrificing her comeliness, she comes out from her bedroom like a veritable corpse from a tomb, a figure to shudder at in a theatre and to fly from if met near a churchyard. While her reading of this particular scene will call forth some condemnation perhaps, considerate judgment must also accord praise.
The Macbeth of Mr. Charles Coghlan was thoughtful, but hardly satisfactory. It lacks the fire and passion which make the character such a strong one in the hands of some actors. Mr. Joseph Wheelock, as Macduff, was as successful as that conscientious actor usually is in all he undertakes, and he called forth the enthusiasm of all by his painstaking work. On the whole the venture may be looked upon as a success.
“THE Harvard Index” for 1888–89 is a very complete directory of the students and the various literary and sporting organizations in college. A valuable feature is the list of best-on-record performances, both collegiate and other, for America and England.
ONE of the best and most artistic college annuals is the Princeton, 90, “Bric-à-Brac.” Some of the drawings are quite elaborate, and very much to the point. The records of the doings of the different associations, and the list of students, are as complete as it was possible to make them.
A SERIES of interesting books is issued by the well-known house of Lee & Shepard, under the general title of “Good Company.” The name is well bestowed, and the thoughtful reader will find, as he becomes acquainted with the various members of the company, that there is much which he can note with profit. Not only is the company good, but the dress is neat and inviting. The books before us are: “The Lover,” by Steele; “The Wishing-Cap Papers,” by Leigh Hunt; “Fireside Saints,” by Douglas Jerrold; “Dream Thorpe,” by Alexander Smith; “A Physician’s Problems,” by Charles Elam; “Broken Lights,” by Frances Power Cobbe, and “Religious Duties,” by the same author.
The same publishing house has issued a new edition of Rev. P. C. Headley’s biography of “Fighting Phil.” This book, intended for young readers, well describes the life of the dashing general, and at this time, when his personal memoirs are receiving such marked attention, the simpler story of Rev. Mr. Headley will be widely read by boys.
AN excellent library of sports and pastimes, the Badminton, is being issued by Longmans, Green & Co. Those who are seeking for knowledge on any of the subjects dealt with will find the results of many years’ experience written by men who are in every case adepts at the sport of which they write. There have already appeared, “Hunting,” “Fishing,” “Racing and Steeple-chasing,” “Cycling,” “Athletics and Football.” The latest additions to the library are “Boating” and “Cricket.” The former volume is by W. B. Woodgate, a veteran oarsman; the latter by A. G. Steel and the Hon. R. H. Lyttelton. The text is handsomely illustrated, and in every respect are the volumes to be recommended. Every sportsman should have a complete set of this series of books; they are an ornament to any library, and the information contained in them such as can not readily be obtained in other books on sports.
“CRUISINGS in the Cascades,” by the well-known author G. O. Shields, is in the press of Rand, McNally & Co., of Chicago. It is a record of an extended hunting tour, made by the author in the Cascade Mountains in Oregon, Washington Territory, and British Columbia. The work is handsomely illustrated from drawings and from instantaneous photographs taken by Mr. Shields.
AN entertaining work, not only for grown people, but also for boys, is John Augustus O’Shea’s “Military Mosaics.” The author has tried to be faithful to truth, and the language used is as close an approach to that which men would speak under the circumstances as can well be given in print. This effort on the part of the author is to be heartily commended, since boys are naturally anxious to know if things are what they seem. In the author’s words, “There is not an event set down which did not happen, or might not have happened, and to the soldier’s life, as to all others, there is a seamy side.” Thus we are told of hardships, fatiguing marches, exposure to all sorts of weather, and are impressed with the fact that the chief pleasures of warfare are those of memory. Messrs. W. H. Allen & Co., London, are the publishers.
The same firm has brought out “Orient and Occident,” a journey east from Lahore to Liverpool, by Major-General R. C. W. Reveley Mitford. It is a description of a home-coming by routes little traveled. China, Japan and the United States are successively visited, and as the author drifts from place to place he rather pleasantly gives us his impressions. The text is embellished with illustrations from sketches by the author.
A useful book for the yachtsmen who wish to spend some time cruising in the Mediterranean is “Shooting and Yachting in the Mediterranean,” by A. G. Bagot. Of course the yachtsman always provides himself with guns, and is ever ready to “pepper away.” However, it is rather the rule that he fails to bag his game. In “Shooting and Yachting” he will find much useful information on this point, as well as learn of localities to be visited, dangers to be avoided, etc. Not the least valuable part of Mr. Bagot’s work are the practical hints to yachtsmen, and the list of yacht-clubs with which the book closes. Allen & Co., London, are the publishers.
THE author of the “Book of the Black Bass” has issued through the press of Robert Clarke & Co., Cincinnati, a supplement, which he calls very happily “More About the Black Bass.” In it he presents the latest developments in the scientific and life history of this best of American game fishes, and describes the most recent improvements in tools, tackle and implements. The little work appears at a most opportune time.
IN his “Hunting Notes” “Borderer” gives a valuable resumé of the season’s work. While of no direct interest to the American reader, these notes present an admirable picture of the way hunting is done in Old England, and to those who follow the hounds in this country, and their number is increasing from year to year, a perusal of “Hunting Notes” will be profitable and entertaining. The publishers are A. H. Baily & Co., London.
I’M SINGLE NO LONGER, YOU KNOW.
’TWAS while kneeling at beauty’s fair shrine,
In the years that I fain would regain,
Spinster Fate drugged my vintage of wine,
And entangled me fast in her skein.
In the days ere my star’s sudden wane,
I was thought a most handsome young beau,
But I’m now called “decidedly plain,”
For I’m single no longer, you know!
Edith said that my eyes were divine
As we strolled thro’ the green country lane—
That the girls thought my figure was fine,
I discovered from sweet Mary Jane;
But alas for a once happy swain,
With the virtues of one year ago!
I am met with a haughty disdain,
For I’m single no longer, you know!
Tho’ these ballades and rondeaux of mine
Had the verdict of “quite in the vein,”
They say now I am shunned by the Nine,
And my verses are ruthlessly slain.
Tho’ by courtesy we are called twain,
’Tis my wife that comprises the Co.,
And of course I’ve no right to complain,
For I’m single no longer, you know!
In a word, to conclude the refrain,
I have hung up my fiddle and bow,
I have mortgaged my castles in Spain,
For I’m single no longer, you know!
Sanborn Gove Tenney.
FOR A PRESENT WHAT COULD BE BETTER THAN A SUBSCRIPTION?
Among the Artists represented are:
ELIHU VEDDER.
J. ALDEN WEIR.
J. W. TWACHTMAN.
M. J. BURNS.
WILLIAM HOLE.
GEORGE HITCHCOCK.
J. FRANCIS MURPHY.
WILL H. LOW.
W. H. GIBSON.
J. D. WOODWARD.
ROBERT BLUM.
C. JAY TAYLOR.
ALFRED KAPPES.
ELBRIDGE KINGSLEY.
BRUCE CRANE.
WALTER L. PALMER.
SCRIBNER’S MAGAZINE.
Christmas Number Now Ready.
The completion of the second year of SCRIBNER’S MAGAZINE will be signalized by the publication of a remarkably beautiful and interesting Christmas Number. There will be about sixty illustrations, one-third of them full-pages of rich design.
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON will contribute a second instalment of his romantic novel, “The Master of Ballantrae,” strikingly illustrated by William Hole.
H. C. BUNNER’S “Squire Five Fathom” is a delicate and finely imagined story. C. Jay Taylor of Puck, will fully illustrate it.
REBECCA HARDING DAVIS will tell a story of life at a wayside station in the North Carolina mountains. Illustrations by Alfred Kappes.
W. M. TABER will contribute an unusually ingenious tale of a mystery entitled “Three Bad Men,” with illustrations by Francis Day and M. J. Burns.
JOHN J. à BECKETT will tell the story of a sentiment. Its title is “The Roses of the Señor,” and it will be illustrated by Robert Blum.
WILL H. LOW, the artist, will describe the origin and rapid growth in the United States of the art of making stained-glass windows; with beautiful reproductions of windows by La Farge, Armstrong, Tiffany and Lathrop.
WINTER IN THE ADIRONDACKS will be picturesquely described by Hamilton Wright Mabie, and elaborately illustrated by W. Hamilton Gibson, Bruce Crane, J. Francis Murphy, and J. D. Woodward.
LESTER WALLACK’S Reminiscences will be concluded; fully illustrated with portraits—one, taken last summer, representing Mr. Wallack at his country home, with his favorite dog at his feet.
GEORGE HITCHCOCK, the artist, will write of Botticelli. Illustrations from drawings by the author.
ILLUSTRATED POEMS will be a feature of the number, one of them, “THE LION OF THE NILE,” containing four pictures by ELIHU VEDDER.
MR. STEVENSON concludes for this year his series of monthly papers with “A Christmas Sermon.”
The publishers of SCRIBNER’S MAGAZINE aim to make it the most popular and enterprising of periodicals, while at all times preserving its high literary character. 25,000 new readers have been drawn to it during the past six months by the increased excellence of its contents (notably the Railway articles), and it closes its second year with a new impetus and an assured success. The illustrations will show some new effects, and nothing to make SCRIBNER’S MAGAZINE attractive and interesting will be neglected.
Price, 25 Cents a Number; $3.00 a Year.
CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS, 743–745 Broadway, N. Y.
FRAUDS IN POROUS PLASTERS.
Those who cannot originate, imitate, and all so-called Porous Plasters are only fraudulent imitations of ALLCOCK’S. If you want the genuine article, be certain not only to ask for
“ALLCOCK’S,”
but look well at the plaster and see that this
Trade
Mark
is on every one. None are genuine without it.
ROYAL
BAKING
POWDER
ABSOLUTELY PURE.
This powder never varies. A marvel of purity, strength and wholesomeness. More economical than the ordinary kinds, and cannot be sold in competition with the multitude of low test, short weight, alum or phosphate powders. Sold only in cans. ROYAL BAKING POWDER CO., 106 Wall St., N.Y.
| GOLD MEDAL, PARIS, 1878. BAKER’S Breakfast Cocoa. Warranted absolutely pure Cocoa, from which the excess of Oil has been removed. It has more than three times the strength of Cocoa mixed with Starch Arrowroot or Sugar, and is therefore far more economical, costing less than one cent a cup. It is delicious, nourishing, strengthening, easily digested, and admirably adapted for invalids as well as for persons in health. Sold by Grocers everywhere. |
W. BAKER & CO., Dorchester, Mass.
| GOLD MEDAL, PARIS, 1878. BAKER’S Vanilla Chocolate Like all our chocolates, is prepared with the greatest care, and consists of a superior quality of cocoa and sugar, flavored with pure vanilla bean. Served as a drink, or eaten dry as confectionery, it is a delicious article, and is highly recommended by tourists. Sold by Grocers everywhere. |
W. BAKER & CO., Dorchester, Mass.
UNITED STATES
GOVERNMENT
AND OTHER DESIRABLE
SECURITIES
FOR
INVESTORS
HARVEY FISK & SONS,
BANKERS,
28 Nassau Street, New York.
J. & W. TOLLEY’S “PARAGON”
HAMMERLESS GUN.
AFTER ELEVEN YEARS’ TRIAL in every sporting country, now stands unequalled for SAFETY, DURABILITY, EASE OF MANIPULATION and GENERAL EFFICIENCY.
Prices, $79, $100, $125, $150, $175.
The Highest Possible Excellence.
The Most Elegant English Guns.
| LONG RANGE WILDFOWL GUNS. Guaranteed performance of 10-bore at 100 yds.; 8-bore at 120 yds.; 4-bore at 150 yds. Shooting certificate accompanies each gun. Full particulars in detailed catalogue mailed free. AMERICANS wishing a perfect gun should call to be accurately measured, and we will build gun while they are in Europe. 1 CONDUIT STREET, REGENT STREET, LONDON. |
| LORENZ REICH, IMPORTER OF THE CHOICEST AND PUREST HUNGARIAN WINES, Commended by the most Eminent Medical Men of this Country. |
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that I have examined Mr. Reich’s TOKAYER AUSBRUCH, TOKAYER MASLAS, and BUDAI IMP. I take great pleasure in commending these wines to the medical profession because of their purity.
R. OGDEN DOREMUS, M.D., LL.D.,
Prof. of Chemistry and Toxicology, Bellevue Hospital Med. Coll., and Prof. of Chemistry and Physics, Coll. City of N. Y.
Tokayer Ausbruch and Tokayer Maslas, Vintage of 1874.
Somlayai Imp. (White Wine), and Budai Imp. (Red Wine), Vintage of 1874.
SLIVOVITZ (Prune Brandy), 1868.
Sherries from the Vineyards of J. J. V. VEGAS, Frontera, Spain.
RAYAS, PALO CORTADO, AMONTILLADO PASADO, SANTO TOMAS.
ALSO, SOLE AGENT U. S. A. AND CANADA, FOR THE FOLLOWING BRANDS CHAMPAGNE:
MOIGNEAUX PERE ET FILS, DIZY, CUREE DE RESERVE, TRES SEC, PRES EPERNAY.
LORENZ REICH, The Cambridge, 334 Fifth Avenue, New York.
Branch Office, 70 State St., Chicago, Ill. Telephone Call, 318—39th St.
All orders promptly filled and shipped to any part of the United States. Beware of Impositions, as unscrupulous dealers are buying up my empty bottles.
The Kodak Camera
Anybody can use the KODAK without learning anything about photography, further than the mere operation of pointing the camera and PRESSING A BUTTON. No dark rooms or chemicals necessary. The camera is loaded for 100 pictures.
THE KODAK SYSTEM is a DIVISION OF LABOR whereby all the work of finishing the pictures is done at the factory, where the camera is sent by mail to be reloaded, and is available for those who have no time, inclination or facilities for learning photography.
Any Amateur can, of course, finish his own pictures if desirable.
If you want to know more about the Kodak, send for a copy of the Kodak Primer: a beautiful illustrated pamphlet containing Kodak photograph, free, by mail.
The Eastman Dry Plate and Film Co.,
PRICE, $25.00. ROCHESTER, N. Y.
For sale by all Photo. Stock Dealers.