THE. SUNDAY OKEGONIAS, PORTLAND,. NOVEMBER 23, 1902.
21
-7T
Btuart Robson, -who for two generations
hss been, a strong favorite with playgo
ers of Portland, begins an Important en
gagement at the Marquam Grand "Wednes
day evening, appearing for the first time
In 10 years as Dromlo of Syracuse in "The
Comedy of Errors." Mr. Robson, In re
viving this immortal Shakespeare come
dy and taking the part In which he was
bo successful many years ago, has bent
all his energies and his mastery of stage
craft to make the presentation the great
est ever given to this play. From the re
ception given to it in other cities from
New York here it is evident that he has
fully succeeded. The revival must rank
as one of the leading dramatic events of
the season.
Mr. Robson for many decades has ranked
as the foremost Interpreter of classic
comedy in this country, and. In fact, since
the death of Compton, the celebrated
English player, Mr. Robson has not even
had a rival on the stage In such parts as
Dromlo of Syracuse, -Touchstone, Bottom
the Weaver and Sir Andrew Aguecheek.
His own. personality and the remem
brance of his success of old In "The Com
edy of Errors" would serve of themselves
to malte this presentation most no'table
but Mr. Robson hac not rested with him
self, but has gathered together the strong
est possible cast for his support. The play
is richly staged, the people superbly cos
tumed, and in addition the company car
ries Its own electrical equipment which
is the most elaborate ever take on tour by
a dramatic company.
Shakespearean scholars unqualifiedly
give to Mr. Robson the credit of being
the actor who has done the most to es
tablish "The Comedy of Errors in its prop
er place in the dramatic world. Ke al
ways has contended that the play is a
comedy of the purest type and not a farce
as many at times have sought to class It.
His work along thre lines has been
steady and consistent, and today critics
give him the credit of having done for
this great play what the aged Macklin
did towards rescuing Shylock from the
buffooneilcs of the clown comedian.
Clifford Leigh. . the English actor who
has won such distinction in the companies
or Sir Charles Wyridham, Cyril Maude and
Mrs. Langlry, plays the opposite role to
Mr. Robson, that of Dromlo of Ephcrius,
and his work has been most flatteringly
re-ceived. The men bear striking resem
bianco to one another, so much so they
frequently arc mistaken while in their
street clothes. "When In their costumes
and make up they cannot be told apart.
One. of the reasons why Mr. Robson has
not revived this great play before was
the difficulty in securing a man who bears
Buch a striking resemblance to him and
who at the same time possesses the abil
ity to act the part.
The rest of the company is exceptionally
strong. Edwin Holt Is Antipholus of Syra
cuse, and Adolph Jackson his twin brother,
Antipholus of Ephesun. Eleanor Barry,
Mr. Robson's leading woman, plays Adri
ana, and her attractive personality and
delightful stage presence everywhere arc
winning great favor. Frances Grahamc
Maya plays Luciana, her sister, and
Charles Lane appears as Sollnus, Duke ol
Ephesus. Cecil. Klngstone !o Aegcon,
father of the Antipholl; Jennie Relfferth is
ho Abbess: Laura Thompson is Phrync;
Joseph P. Kcefe and "Walter Pennington
are the two merchants. The stage pic
tures are completed by many minor char
acters, and an array of guards, slaves and
attendants.
"The Comedy of Errors" will be Mr.
Robson.; bill for Wednesday night, No
vember 26, and Thursday (Thanksgiving)
matinee at the Marquam Grand, and on
Thanksgiving night he ' will revive "The
Henrietta at the urgent request of many
friends in this city. In this famous old
Bronson comedy the star will .appear
again as "Bertie the Lamb," the role
which he has played more than 2000 times
in the 15 years that have elapsed since
he first produced it at the old Union
Square Theater in New York.
"A GOLD MIXE.
This Saccessfnl Comedy Will He at
thii Baker for Thanksgiving.
For Thanksgiving week at The Baker
theater the Neill Stock Company will,
starting with Sunday matinee, present
the greatest and most successful comedy
in which Mr. Nat C. Goodwin has ever
appeared, "A Gold Mine." The scene of
the play is In England, and the story Is
that of an American who is the owner of
a gold mine In California, which during
his visit to Great Britain, he sacrifices
In order to save a friend from being cut
off' with a penny. However, after many
incidents, which are most amusing and
at the same time Interesting, the mine Is
returned to this big-hearted American
by the sister of the man to whom it was
SDld. In-the end this young lady be
comes the wife of the American and
everything ends happily for everybody
except the man who causes all the trou
ble. 4
Silas K. Wolcott' the American who
goes to England to show those .with
whom he comes in contact what a true
American really. Is, will be played by
Mr. Charles "Wyngate, and that he wiil
give the "part a most excellent Interpre
tation, is a foregone conclusion, as his
great success in every role he has un
dertaken has been most pronounced.
Miss Catherine Countiss as The Honor
able Mrs. Meredith, will be as charming
as she has been in anything she has
yet attempted. Her work in this char
acter will be most finished. As Gerald
Rlordan, a member of Parliament from
Ireland, "William Bernard will give all
the polish to the role necessary to Its
success.
Miss Elsie Esmond has a part that is
decidedly one of the best she has played
Elnce the opening of the season, in Una
Foxwood, the young and beautiful daugh
ter of Sir Edward. George Foxwood. the
son. will receive a masterful Interpreta
tion in the hands of Mr. Howard. Russell.
As usual Mr. Fred Mower will be seen
In a character which calls for some good
acting, that of Julius Krcba Miss Glea
son will contribute a good share of the
excellent work so indispensable to the
proper presentation of a high-class
comedy. Mr. Dills, who has been out of
the cast the past week, will be given the
role of Sir Everard Foxwood. who lends
considerable aid to the plot of the play,
and will do it full Justice, and as "Wilson
the Butler. Mr. Southard will be all that
Is called for in the part.
Another feature of next week's produc
tion will bo a special Thanksgiving mat
inee on Thursday, November 27.
"MELODRAMA, "LOST RIVER."
Tills Sncccssfal Play at Cordray's for
Thankssrlvincr "Week.
Joseph Arthur's famous melodramatic
success, "Lost River." Is in pastoral form
and made a startling impression at the
New York Fourteenth-Street Theater,
running six months to unprecedented re
ceipts. With it Joseph Arthur has dupli
cated his former great success in this
land," which is to be brought out in New j remainder of the season. Maud Raymond j the title role. The piece is reported to
is said to- nave reiusea to accept miss i nuvt.- iuuuo u. tteui un uu w
York. December 15.
Madge Lessing and Mario 'George are ! Williams' part on account of not wanting
down for prominent parts in the Drury i to leave New York.
Lane, London, Christmas pantomime
called "Mother Goose."
Mra. Langtry lias written to Charles
Frohman that In her American engage
ment she will havo the most beautiful
dresses ever seen on the stage.
A dramatization of F. Anstey's "Lyre
and Lancet" is-to have an early produc
tion in London. The cast will include (
The scene of "The Bird In the Cage,"
Clyde Fitch's new play, 'Is placed near
Boston, in one of the factory towns. The
characters are many of the employe in
a paper manufactory, and. the young own- j
cr ortne cstaDiisnmcns is ice nero. ane
plot, however, does not hinge upon the
struggle between capital and labor.
Henrietta Crosman has arranged for her
tour to extend to the Pacific Coaat before
She will
suc-
finamn Rtimrt and Mabel Beardslev.
Buuranieea- oner oi oW " cesg Tho gword of the King," "Mistress
SS SSV?dJfSSk " i ell " "3 Y Like It" "M&elelntf' and
does not care for twlcc-a-day work. j Nance oidfield." She will travel with
famine O Arviiie nas once more given her company by special train
up private life and has decided to accept
effers to go into vaudeville. She will ap
pear under Robert Grau's management.
After resting six months, at a salary
of $100 per week, Toby Claude at last goes
to work for the Shuberts in "A Chinese
Honeymoon," playing the part of Fi Fl.
Kyrle Bellew was in New York last Sun
day and underwent an operation on his
right hand, which he had been advised
was necessary to prevent blood poisoning.
While going through his sword duel- In
"A Gentleman of France." in Philadel
phia, ho was pinked by the sword in the
James R. Ryan, the comedian, of ' hands of- Arthur Butler, and the wound
"Shooting the Chutes" company, and ( refused to heal.
Tolstoi's drama, "The Resurrection,
I ";jmHi baker
Miss Helen Davis, of the same organiza
tion, were .married at Mansfield, O., last
week. ,
Sarah Bernhardt was the guest of honor
at a reception given by the Berlin Press
Club, previous to her recent first appear
ance as an actress In the German capital.
Three hundred newspaper workers were
on hand to greet her.
"The Girl From Kay's" had Its first pree
ntation in London lalst Saturday night
and is reported to have scored a success.
Tho presentation of the piece marked thn
return to the stage of Letty Lind, who
has been in retirement for several years.
Cecilia Loftua will sail for New York,
December 4, to rejoin E. H. Sothern's
company, In which she Is to play Ophelia
to his Hamlet, and Juliet to his Romeo.
She has been a member of Sir Henry liv
ing's company since leaving America last
Spring. '
George Loos, who has been one of Ed
Rush's treasurers, located in Chicago, was
recently charged with being J3G00 short In
his accounts. It appears that the J3000
was used to finance "The Power of tho
Cross' company In direct opposition to
play of tho same name put out by Mr.
Rush.
Hattie Williams has decided to curb her
temper, patched up her little quarrel with I
will shortly be presented at the" Odeon,
Paris. It promises to be the theatrical
event of the season. The Russian author
ities have granted tho use In Paris of
actual prison dresses from the Moscow
jail. The striking scenes depict " the life
of the Russian aristocracy, life, in Rus
sian prison and the transportation of con
victs to Siberia. v
Annie Oakley, the well-known shot, who
has been with Buffalo Bill for many
years, was thrown from her horse and
painfully injured during an afternoon per
formance of "Tho Western Girl" on
Young's pier at Atlantic City. Miss Oak
ley struck a piece of projecting scenery,
and was picked up unconscious. She
played her part at the evening perform
ance, despite her bruises.
Harry Davenport, who Is playing In
Ethel Barrymore's support in "A Country
Mouse," one night last week delayed the
piece several minutes owing to absent
mindedness. He was In tho act of going
on the stage In a full dress suit with one
patent leather and a tan shoe. He dis
covered his mistake just as he was step
ping on the stage, and held up the piece
while hunting for his right patent leather.
A duplicate production of Belaoco's "Du
the Rogers brothers and will continue Barry" was given in Vienna last Satur
wlth the company as leading lady for tho day night, with Mine. Helene Odillon in
long run,
Fitzgerald Murphy has written a new
three-act Irish comedy entitled "Tho
Cross and the Shamrock."
Robert Owen Westford, last year lead
ing man for Frank Daniels, and his wife,
Susanne Leonard, are to go into vaude
ville. Maud Milton, well known through her
long association with Henry Irving and
Ellen Terrj', is to tour Australia early
next year.
"The Other Fellow" and "Sister's Love"
companies closed their season last week,
the first named In Florida and the second
in Michigan. Both did poor business from
the start this season.
Kitty Loftus has made such a big suc
cess with "Naughty Nancy" in London
that time has been extended, and it is
more than probable that the piece will
run until the first of the year.
George Fuller Gordon, well known In
vaudeville for the past live years, has
been engaged for a starring tour tinder
the management of William A. Brady.
Cutllffe Hyne's "Captain Kettle" stories
have been made over Into a play by
Murray Carson and Malcolm Watson, and
the piece, which is in four acts, will be
presented In London. H. V. Esmond is to
have the title role.
Harry Conor, whose "Wolland Strong"
is so well remembered, has become an
Invalid in earnest, and has been confined
to his rooms in New York, suffering
from an attack of pneumonia. His recov
ery is 'announced as certain, however.
George W. Lederer, tho well-known
theatrical magnate, has been working
steadily for almost a year without a rest,
and during the past week has been re
cuperating at the Virginia Hob Springs
on the advice of his physician.
Vaudeville managers were after Molln
eux immediately after his acquittal last
Tuesday in New York. One manager
mado him an offer of $2000 a week, and
wants him to tell of his experience In
Sing Sing in a sort of monologue turn.
Gus Hill, the theatrical manager, who
has about a dozen shows on tho road, has
issued notice that hereafter no -married
couples will be allowed to play with any
ono of his attractions. Mr. Hill is not the
first theatrical manager to make this
stand.
J. M. Barrle'3 new comedy, "The Ad
miral Crichton," has achieved success at
the Duke of York's Theater,' London.
SSs
subtlest light comedies of the modern
French stage and had a prodigious run.
La Chatelaine.' every whit as brilliant,
goes deeper into the emotions and prom
ises to have an even more prosperous
career."
Thomas Jefferson, a young man of IS.
rode to London in 1746, on one of his
father's farm horses, and there met Da
vid Garrick, the greatest actor of hla
time. Jefferson was the wit of RIpton,
Yorkshire-, and it was there that he first
made the acquaintance of Garrick. He
was struck with the genius of Jefferson
and proposed his going on the stage with
him, which he accepted. This was the
foundation of the Jefferson family of act
ors. Jefferson died in 1S07. His family
consisted of wife and two sons: the
younger became a minister, and the elder,
Joseph Jefferson the second, an actor. He
was born in 1774. Having some difficulty
with his father's second wife, he left
England and came to America, arriving
In 1SJ7. Joseph Jefferson found lodgings
In New York with a Mrs. Fortune. Sho
had two daughters, one Euphemla, who
became the vntlnir mmrrifnn' -wlfA- tho
other married William Warren, the father
or uie celebrated and much-beloved come
dian of the Boston Museum. This is
Where those two talentnil f aminos nf net.
ors becameTelated. His second son, Jo
seph Jefferson the third, was born 1S01. Ha
inherited his father's1 talent for drawing
ana painting. He married Miss Cornelia
Frances Thomas, who was the reigning
singer at that time. She had four chil
dren, two of whom died in infancy, the
other two being Joseph Jefferson the
fourth and Cornelia Jefferson. Jqseph
Jefferson the fourth hardly needs an in
troduction, as he has become known all
over the world as the actor of his time.
Few artists have played so many parts,
and none ever lived that held the publia
heart with so firm a grasp. He was born
in Philadelphia. February 20, 1829, and at
the early age of 3 years made his debut
One might fill many pages with analya's
of Mr. Jefferson's Impersonations: they
have been so many times described that it
wUl not bb hard for those of another
generation to get some idea of his pow
ers. The present generation will remem
ber him chiefly as the creator of Rip Van
Winkle, Bob Acres, Caleb Plummer, Mr.
GoUghtly and Dr. Pangloss. Five years
ago Jefferson was taken ill at tho Fifth
Avenue Theater,, New York. He conceived
the idea that 'it would give his son,
Thomas, an opportunity to display hl3
talents, and allotted him the part of Rip
Van Winkle. On thej first night of tha
performance all were eager to see this
actor in the part his father had mado fa
mous throughout the world. They came,
they saw, and young Jefferson conquered;
the mantle of his father had fallen on him
and dear, old Rip would live in the son
and bo handed down to generations as It
has been for over 40 years. Thomas, we
will note as Jefferson the Fifth! He was
born in New York, September 10, 1S57. In
early boyhood he was sent to London and
afterwards to Paris to be educated. After
adopting the stage he made his first regu
lar professional appearance at Edinburgh
and continued in England playing a num
ber of parts, while in Paris he played in
French. On his return to the United
States he was engaged by Lester Wallack
to join his company. This young man has
played no lees than 60 parts, ami has
played with Joseph Jefferson, Booth, Bar
rett. Neilson. Wallack, Davenport, Mrs.
Drew, W. J. Florence, John Gilbert, Viola
Allen and many others. With all this ex
perience, and his love for his profession
he hopes to keep up the name made fa
mous by his illustrious father and ancestors.
MARQUAM "GRAND
companion play to "Blue Jeans." In Chi
cago and other large cities "Lost River"
has even surpassed Its metropolitan rec
ord. The play appeals strongly to the
mind, eye and heart. It 13 a thrilling
love story, crowded with humorous inci
dents of homely life aj)d chock-full of ex
citing episodes. "Lost River" tajtes Its
name from a mysterious stream in In
diana that disappears under a mountain
and is not seen again. Bob Blessing, a
young New York contractor, has been
building an aqueduct over Lost River,
and has fallen in love with a sweet but
illiterate little Hoosier girl. Ora, who lives
alone with her grandmother near Lost
River. Gladys Middleton, the fashionable
daughter of his partner. Is piqued and de-
characters. In "Hearts of Oak" and
"Shore Acres," two of the Herne plays
that are meeting with the greatest suc
cess this season, the little children are
entitled to no small portion of the ap
plause of the public. Unlike the stage,
children of many years ago, they are not
mere machines, trained to deliver lines in
an unnatural voice and to walk around
the stage in an unchlldlike fashion. The
children in the Hcrne plays are "real"
children. Not only do they speak their
lines as children do In many thousands
of American homes today, but the little
ones give expression to the words In an
equally life-like manner. This is due to
the fact that James A. Herne evolved
the characters of - stage children from
One
termlned to win him for herself. With oriclnals that he carefullv studied
this end in view she has induced her J feels better after witnessing the presenta
young brother, nicknamed Buster, to tion of such plays as "Hearts of Oak" or
bring her to the springs of West Baden ; "Shore Acres." The spectator for a few
near by. Her scorn for the little Hoosier , hours gets away from the vitiated and
girl is surpassed by her rage, 'when she too often demoralizing atmosphere of city
finds in her a rival for the affections of : life. He is carried to the Atlantic-swept
Bob, and thenceforward her 'effort Is to j shores of New England, and sharing In
ruin and disgrace Ora. There are sev- the joys and sorrows of the honest fisher
eral sensational scenes and massive me-J and sailor folk who live there, seems to
chanical effects in the play, notably the j inhale the life-giving odor of the sea. The
bicycle race for life "in the first act, in ' spectator leaves the" theater with a deep
which Ora's timely shot saves Bob Bless- impression that he has really beheld the
Ing from thcoipllfted knife of Bill Loucks, "mirror held up to nature." This season
one of the uncouth natives- who loves Ora. j "Hearts of Oak" is being played by a
The scene is made further effective by 1 specially selected- company, Including
vivid lightning, the rolling of thunder and j James Home", Edward Wonn. J. Leonard
a realistic patter of rain. The scene in Clarke, W. J. Gross, Albert Wahle. Wll
the ballroom of the West Baden Springs J Ham Nash, Walter Coupe, Elise Ryan,
Hotel, with the country "orchestry," j Emily Macpherson, Leona Evans, a re
whose leader drives the 'bus' and hangs j markable tot but G years old, and Grace
his hat on the bans viol, Is comical in Estelle Clarke. There is also a member
the extreme. The accidents and mishaps , of the company-who Is but a 6-months-of
the Hoosier folk on tho well-waxed) old baby, and a feature. is a splendid male
floor are ludicrous, while the tenderness i quartet. "Hearts of Oak" is presented
and pathon of the love scenes and homely with a wealth of realistic scenery and
incidents in the Hoosier farm, with its effects for two performances only.
Wall"! nanprril tvith neTrcnrnrrc If c- r.,. 1 .
erty and countrified atmosphere, are very
interesting. There are many other ex
citing climaxes. Ora is riding at full
gallop on her black thoroughbred, carry
ing the money to pay off her father's men,
working on the Lost River aqueduct
Loucks shuts the tollgate to detain her
till two mounted desperadoes, galloping
In pursuit, can overtake her. Here Bless
ing comes to the rescue, smashes open
the gate, lets her through Just in time,
and with pointed revolver and a merry
laugh invites the robbers to come still i
"Rudolph and Adolpli" Xext Week.
Mason and Mason, the emperors of Ger
man comedy, are this season appearing
in the second edition of Charles New
man's successful musical farce, "Rudolph
and Adolph." The company has been
strengthened by the addition of a large
chorus and several new vaudeville fea
tures added. The Immense popularity en
joyed by this production last season bids
fair to be eclipsed by the present onp.
Mason and Manon come to Cbrdray's for
"HEARTS OF OXlC."
A Natural Coriicdy Well Presented at
the Mnrqnam.
Tomorrow (Monday) and Tuesday
nights. James A Heme's beautiful play,
"Hearts of Oak," will be the attraction
at the Marquam Grand Theater. One of i sketches called "The Education of Mr.
day matinee, November 20.
further, an Invitation which is not ac- i nc ent,t wet' beSlnning with the Sun
cepted. mere are 30 people in the cast
a quartet of hoboes, a country "orches
try," three horses, and all the superb
iscenery of the New York production.
"Lost River" will be the attraction for
the., entire week, beginning with today's
matinee. There will be a Th'antegiVing
matinee Thursday.
Dramatic Notes.
Ellen Terry has now decided that she
will not accompany Sir Henry Irving on
his next visit to the United States.
Johnstone Bennett is to star next season
under the management of W. A. Brady.
Martin Harvey made a hit in New York
in "The Cigarette-Maker's Romance" and
"Rouget de l'lsle."
The great ambition of Eleanora Duse
is to found a National theater In Italv
similar to the Comedle Frapcahse in Paris.
Stuart Robson will, next season - linvo n !
dramafczation of Charles Dana' Gibson's 1
CSS''
THEATRE
the great charms of the plays written by I Pip."
James A. Herne Is the introduction of de- I Dan Daly Is to have a prominent part j
Ughtfully natural children as speaking J in the pantomime, 'Bluebell in Fairy-i
A
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PVEHELEN.BR15C0E
LOSTEIVEIT
C0RD&AY3"THEATER-'
Since its first production two weeks ago
it has been somewhat changed, and the
presentation now moves briskly and with
out hitch.
After a consultation between Julia Mar
lowe and Charles B. Dillingham it was
decided to present "The Cavalier," a
dramatization of George Cable's novel of
that name, when Miss Marlowe resumes
work In New York next month. This play
would heve been presented later in the
season, but the failure of "Queen Fiamet
ta" and the illness of Miss Marlowe
brought the chang'e of plans. Paul Kester
did the dramatization of "The Cavalier."
Aimee Angeles can now act where she
pleases, having won her suit against the
Schuberts, In New York, but the court
decreed that she must not use her pres
ent specialty. Miss Angeles was play
ing in "A Chinese Honeymaft," demanded
more money, and, when it was refused,
quit The Schuberts asked for an injunc
tion against her playing elsewhere, which
was disallowed, but the cutting out of the
specialty was vlrtlually a victory for the
managara.
Almee Angeles can now act where she
pleases, having won her suit against the
Schuberts, in New York, but the court de
creed that she must not use her pressnt
specialty. Mias Angeles was playing in "A
Chinese Honeymoon," demanded more
money, and, when It was refused, quit.
The Schuberts asked for an injunction
against her playing elsewhere,, which was
disallowed, but the cutting out of the
specialty was -virtually a victory for the
managers.
The theatrical performance given at
Sandrlngham House, says a London dis
patch of the 14th, was the crowning event
of the German EmpeVor's visit to England.
Sir Henry Irving and his company made,
a record Journey from Belfast. Ireland.
Arthur Bourchler, with his compapy, madf
a journey from London. Sir Henrv rrv
ing, Mr. and Mrs. Bourchler (Miss TIoTel
Van Burgh) took supper with the royal
party. The King insisted that Bourchler
should eat In his costume representing
the corpulent Dr. Johnson. '
Buffalo J3411 has acquired the retiring
habit, and now announces that he has
made his last appeirance before the great
American public that after his two years
abroad he will leave the show for good.
The show opens In London December 27,
having closed Its season in this country
at Memphis Saturday last. Colonel Cody
says he contemplates becoming a plain
hotel man, looking after his Interests at
Cody. He also intends to devote consid
erable time to the upbuilding of the Big
Horn Basin, where he has 40,000 acres of
land under Irrigation.
Mr. Wlllard has secured the American
rlghtsto "La Chatelaine," M. Capus lat
est play, which had its production at the
Paris Renaissance on October 25, with M.
Gultry and Mme. Jane Hading In the prin
cipal roles. The. correspondent of the,
London Telegraph cables: "Nobody talks
about anything now in Paris but 'La.
Chatelaine.' and everybody Is agreed that
the actor-manager has started on his ca
reer as a theater director with one of the
biggest successes ever seen at a playhouse.
M. Capus' "La Veine' was one of the
William "Winter on Eleanora Dnse.
Another of Mr. D'Annunzio's tedious
and tainted plays this time a particularly
foul and offensive one was presented at
the Victoria Theater, under the name of
"La Citta Morta," and the performance
of it was observed with attention, and
favored with applause, by i numerous
and especially fashionable audience, saj3
Wm. Winter in the New York Tribune.
The play consists of a long series of long
colloquies, relative to a particularlv
nasty and horrible domestic mess, impli
cating two men, who are erotlcally dis
eased, and two women, who are miserably
afflicted one of them finally being mur
dered, and the other, a blind woman,
being driven to melancholy madness.
One of the men, Leonardo by name, Is
represented as carnally in love with hl3
own sister, called Bianca Maria, and this
same unfortunate Bianca Maria is repre
sented as an object of licentious pursuit
to the other man. Alessandro, the hus
band of the blind woman. In one address
of pitiless prolixity, the filthy degenerate
Leonardo is made to recount, to the
odious sentimental lecher Alessandro, the
operation of the loathsome passion by
which ho is controlled, and the conse
quent agony with which he Is tormented.
In other monologues of affliction and
etymology the blind woman, Anna, as
sumed, by Mme. Duse, Is made to declare
her knowledge of her husband's Infatua
tion, and, presently, her accommodating
resolve to efface herself by suicide. The
preliminary expenditure of verbiage is
prodigal, and this Is associated with a
continuous rumblo of emotional colic;
but at length Leonardo leads his sister to
a pond and drowns her In it bj- way of
saving her from pollution (a service that
he might have better done by cutting his
own worthless weasand), and thereafter
the blind Anna finds the corpse with the
two men sitting beside It, and collapses
with a shriek of frenzy this being the
one note of splendid power In Mme. Duse's
performance. This putrid concoction is
called "a modern, tragedy," but why
"modern" more than "ancient" the play
bill neglects to state. Some of the old
Greek plays are loaded down with incest,
adultery and murder but the Greek poets
did not sentimentalize about them, nor
confound good "with evil, nor gloss de
pravity as the venial aberration of genius.
Tho only decent thing in the play is the
poor girl whom the two "blackguards in
vest, for even the blind wife can fatuously
find in the girl's beauty a justification for
her husband's Illicit love.
The obvious object of this piece, while
suggesting the possible bestiality and de
pravity of human nature, is to provide
Its central character, tho blind wife, with
an opportunity to suffer. This opportu
nity Mme. Duse improves, maintaining
tho aspect and demeanor of blindness,
posing In attitudes of grief, wandering
round the scene In a fog of desolation and
bleating with anguish. This 13 supposed
to be "natural" acting, and, as it is ex
ceedingly tedious, the supposition seems
well founded. Meinwhlle, the truth re
mains" undisturbed, that the really au
thoritative, convincing and controlling ef
fect of nature was never yet produced
on the stage, and never can be produced
there, except by means of delicate artistic
exaggeration. But this ancient theme has
been often discussed, and no present need
exists of reviving a threadbare contro
versy. Personal charm Mme. Duse ex
erts, evew" In the rank and verbose
dramas of Mr. D'AnnunzIo; her method
Is dullness itself notwithstanding fine
intelligence. occasional outbursts of
piteous feeling, and a generally exquisite
by-play. Fortunately that method is for
eign, and, as everybody knows, things
that are foreign are necessarily fine.
Even the odoriferous muse of Mr. D'An
nunzio has elicited local admiration, on
the ground of its impartment of un
pleasant truth. "Thus men may grow
wiser every day." learning that the mon
strosities of disease are the essential
ministrants of civilization and- that the
common sewage of a disordered brain is
the proper material of the drama.
NEW TOURIST SERVICE.
St. Louis and Other Sontlieastcrn
Points Reached Front Portland.
Commencing Wednesday, November 25
a new weekly tourist sleeping car route
from Portland will be inaugurated by the
OrR. & N. on train No. G (8:50 P M ) to
St. Louis, via Denver and Kansas City
A new tourist car service will also ba
inaugurated to Memphis. Tenn... by th
O. R- & N. via Denver. Kansas Citv and
St. Louis, first car leaving Portland oi
No. C (S:50 P. M.) Monday. November
For particulars inquire O. R. & N ticket
office, Third and Washington.
A
i