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About The Sunday Oregonian. (Portland, Ore.) 1881-current | View Entire Issue (Jan. 5, 1908)
THE SUNDAY OREGOXIAN, PORTLAND. JANUARY 5, 1908. Mew CJork Has Seven New Plays in One Week JAMES K. HACKETT, MAXINE ELLIOTT, MABEL TALIAFERRO APPEAR IN NEW DRAMAS AT THE METROPOLIS 71 xs I . , ' 4 - j 'JPI life Vxf " - .-V. j FY gL2Z:?.ff?lC . ! - I H gmm'mm mm mm iiMiMWiiuiiimiii.Nii .iii.iii I NEW TORK. Dec. SO. Holiday week has been filled up to the brim, and special attractions are not yet over. In both opera houses there have ben Christmas matinee performances as well ' as In all of the theaters. In most of the theaters the plays have not been changed especially where they ! were In the least popular. There were, however, seven new plays on this week. James K. Hackett opened at Daly's Thea ter In "John Gladys' Honor," a play by Alfred Sutro, which enjoyed a healthy run In London last season. The play has not a new text by any means, but Is the story of how a man neglects his wife not withstanding a deep affection for her and how h afterwards treats her and the ob ject upon whom she has lavished her thoughts In her spare moments. Maxine Elliott also opened at the Gar rlck Theater in "Under the Greenwood Tree," on Wednesday night. Miss Elliott has not been In New York for several seasons and she is always sure of a warm welcome here. The play in which she is starring is by H. V. Esmond and tells a story of Mary Hamilton, a modern young woman further emancipated from conven tional restraints than the most advanced of her sisterhood. She essays to return to nature by living the simple life in true Itypsy fashion. She is an orphan and the possessor of J15.000.000 and annoyed by mercenary offers of marriage, wearied by appeals from numberless societies and in stitutions, and sick of the social round, h goes into the woods and lives in a gypsy caravan attended by her secretary. .Thla whimsical proceeding leads to a ro mantic conclusion. The squire on whose estate Mary Hamilton has settled falls in love with her. believing her to be a gyp sy of rare beauty, proposes marriage and is accepted. Miss Elliott has In the cast Ada Klngsley, Mary Gerrold, Eric Ma turln, Arthur Haremont, Charles Cherry and W. J. Teldham. At the Liberty Theater, a new play by Margaret Mayo, well known In Portland, served to present Miss Mabel Taliaferro as a star. Mies Mayo has called her play "Polly of the Circus" and has built II ii I ring within a play. The story deals with a daring circus rider named Polly, who. while performing in a small country town is thrown from her horse In the ring and injured. Asa matter of course after having been conveyed to the home of a neighboring clergyman, she ; falls In love with him and he with her, i A circus show is presented as one of the attractions of the play. One of the scenes i showing the circus caravan leaving the little town and one presenting a perform ; ance In the ring. In addition to the star the cast Includes John Pindlay, Jo ! eph Brennan. Herbert Ayling. J. W. Ben- eon. Jenny Wetheraby. Mattie Ferguson, Mathilda Weffing and Desire Lazard. An old friend opened in an old play on . Monday night. This was Digby Bell, who ; offered the .popular melodrama. "Shore Acres." by the late James A. Heme. It t was an Interesting revival, and came In the right sason, as it is pre-eminently a ' Christmas play. ' - - Maude Adame was the object of much 1 delight to a large number of friends of ! "Peter Pan." alias Maude Adams, at the Kmplre, and after the performance there was a Christmas tree in her dressing ' room for the children of the play. Miss ; Adams is u attractive as ever, and she 1 succeeded again in securing a confession of faith in fairies from the most skeptical - and sedate. "Peter Pan" will hold the boards until January t, when "Quality Street" will re revived, and later Mies Adams will appear in a new play called The Jesters." On Christmas day. the theater were going full tilt In every playhouse in the city, but if one may judge from the audi ences of both opera-houses, most of the people remained at home. At the Metro politan "Haensel und Gretel" has come to be regarded much as "Peter Pan" is held, and in consequence it is expected that the children will predominate. Even this . being the case, there was a very small audience at the splendid produc tion of one of the quaintest of all operatic offerings. At the Manhattan "The Tales of Hoffmann," always a drawing card, attracted a very small audience. In both houses, however, the audiences in the evening were larger. At the Metropoli tan Madame Sembrich returned to the role of Rostna In "The Barber of Se ville." after a severe cold, and Dlppel played the part of the Duke instead of Bond, who had not yet sufficiently re covered to go through the role. Dippel is known as the handy man, and it is well that he Is, because he has been pressed into service of all sorts, from Italian to Wagnerian opera. The Christmas night bill at the Man hattan was "Alda," with Madame Agos tlnelll in ttfe title role and Sammarco as Amonasro. Sammarco is one of the greatest artists of the Manhattan, and is a tremendous acquisition to the operatic circles of New York. Mary Garden was not yet well enough to risk appearing In "Louise." so Mr. Hammerstein decided to put it off until January 3, and In its place was - presented for the first time this season a very old work of Verdi's, seldom seen In this country- This was "Un Ballo in Maschera," with Madame de Cisneros, M. Arimondl, M. Zenatello and M. Sammarco in the cast. Originally "The Masked Ball" was laid in one of the European cities, but for government reasons the censors objected to it on ac count of the successful conspiracy against the established Governor. In . order to keep the play Just as It was conceived by the author, the sVene was changed to a far distant city, known only by name. This was Boston, and this fact will ex plain a good deal otherwise beyond the pale of understanding among those who would be astonished at the events which are supposed to have taken place in our Puritan city. According to the opera Richard, Count of Warwick and Colonial Gov ernor of Boston and of the surrounding territory, falls in love with Amelia, tho wife of Reinhart, his secretary. WMth the exception of this failing, Richard seems to be an upright, honorable man, 4 who struggles with the passion which bids fair to overpower him. Amelia, too. trdtavors to be faithful to hr husband, while strongly drawn to re turn the affection of the Count, and in this perplexity she saeks counsel from Ulrica, a fortune-teller, who as sures her . that everything csn be straightened out under one ditflcult condition. Ulrica tells her of a certain plant which has the power to effect a cure in such cases, but it jrrows only under the gibbet on the place of occ tiou near the city. It must be gathered at night, and will only be potent when plucked ty the one who has need of its healing virtues. Amellv in her distress, overcomes her dread of the excursion and concludes to go. At this rery moment Count Richard, In the spirit of amusement, comes to consult the sorceress and overhears the conversation between Amelia and Ulrica. Two of the Count's enemies have followed him with the Intention of taking his life in the hut of the fortune-teller, but owing to so many un expected visitors among whom are so many of the Count's friends, they are deterred for the time being. Count Richard, in spart, asks the witch to tell his fortune, and she predicts that he will fall by the hand of a friend. In the second act, Amelia is found at the deaded place of execution at midnight. She distinguishes a form among the gibbets, which she believes to be a phantom, but which is really the Count, who, knowing of her intended visit, has come to meet her. In the meeting she. confesses her love for him, but pleads her duty to her husband, who is the Count's devoted friend. They are interrupted by the approach of Reinhart, who hastens thither to warn Count Richard of the approach'of his enemies, who have tracked and fol lowed him. Richard, consents to flee on condition that Reinhart will conduct the lady safely into the city.' To this the secretary consents, and he leads Amelia, silently and closely veiled, a little distance, when they are surround ed by-the assassins, .who mistake Rein hark for his employer. In the fright of the moment, Amelia drops her veil and Is recognized by her husband. Rein hart, in his astonishment and fury, will listen to no explanations, but conducts her home, has an interview with the Count's enemies and offers" to assist them in their next design, which is to assassinate him during the progress of a, masked ball to which all are Invited, and where their disguises will serve to conceal their purpose and their weapons. Count Richard; with returning rea son, and remorse for the Injury he has Inflicted on Reinhart and his wife, de termines to send them both to Eng land, where they may live happily to gether, while both Amelia and himself will he free from temptation. He writes an order for the .secretary's return, on which is designated the ship that Is to carry the pair across the ocean. This done, he dons a disguise and enters the ballroom, where he is soon- recognized by Reinhart, who. has questioned the page as to the disguise his master will wear. Soon after Amelia. In disguise, approaches and entreats the Count to retire, warning him of the . assassins present. Richard, with his natural fear lessness, makes light of the danger. The secretary approaches, and behold ing his wife again' In close conference with the Count, in mad jealousy and rage, plunges a dagger In his master's heart, thus fulfilling the prediction. .It is then that Reinhart learns of the un broken fidelity of his wife and of the intention of the Count to send them to England, and the honor. of the noble man, .who dies regretted by all, is cleared. EMELIE FRANCES BAUER. Herbert Witherspoon Coming ' ERBERT. WITHERSPOON, who comes soon to this city, under the Helligr Theater management,- Wednes day evening, January 29, will undoubt edly forward the artistic administra tion of the local concert series with a mo.st interesting recital. The singer's power, as an interpre tative artist is something unique, for he has intelligence, musicianship and the temperamental quality of emotion three things to define and secure ex cellent results, and he also possesses a fourth power in the gift of- pro gramme making that is highly com mendable. No other American artist has received two engagements in Lon don in the same season.' Herbert Witherspoon undoubtedly reached his highest attainment in Ger man songs, although his programmes give a series of modern. French songs, a number of Russian melodies and a most interesting group of modern songs by American composers; in fact, the Witherspoon programmes1 are known for their diversified build. To those who have not yet had the pleasure of hearing Witherspoon,' his coming will be a profound - musical YOU can't go anywhere, at home or away, where our Shoes won't be a credit to you. We'll supply you with any kind you want, . from the highest-priced down. v ' At $3.50, $4 and $5 you probably don't care to go lower you'll get Selz Royal Blue Shoes; we can give you a perfect fit, and the kind of service you'll like. Every pair guaranteed. Best oak sole leather used on all our shoes - . . . i - CORNER SEVENTH AND WASHINGTON STREETS (Formerly 140 Third Street.) treat. But one recital will be given In this city. Mail' orders from this city will be received, beginning Monday, January 20. ' SUE AUTHOR FOR LIBEL Students Begin Case Against Author of "Quo Vadis." . VIENNA, Dec. 2S. M. Sienklewicz, the author of "Quo Vadis," Is to ap pear as a defendant In a curious libel case, which will be tried before a jury in Vienna. The case arose out of the imprisonment some time ago of a num ber of Ruthenlan students charged with disorderly conduct at the Uni versity of Lemburg, In Polish Gallcia. These students, as a protest against their long preliminary detention, de clared what is called a "hunger strike." that Is, refused to take any food until their' demands were satisfied. As a Polish patriot, M. , Sienkiewics wrote an article to the Austrian Polish press, as well as in the Zelt, stlgfhatlz. Ing conduct of the Ruthenlan students as disgraceful, and Insinuating that the "hunger strike" they had declared was a mere sham, - Inasmuch, as they vera secretly- suplied by their friends with steaks and wine. It Is because of his assertion, which they declare and regard as a -calumny; that , the Ruthenlan students have in stituted legal proceedings. Although -M. Sienklewicz Is not an Austrian subject and is living abroad, he has informed the court that he will not fall to put In an appearance on the day fixed for trial. SLUMP !N LINEN TRADE Big: Reduction Made In Spinning Mills at Belfast. BELFAST, Jan. 4. (Special.) Indus trial conditions in Belfast will be serious ly upset as a. result of the reduction of working hours in- all the spinning mills in the city and district, taking effect from today until further notice. Thirty thou sand workers will be affected. 'and wages will be reduced by one-fifth weekly, which for Belfast workers : means a loss of J15.000 a week.- '.. The cause is a slump in the linen trade. Output in the country mills will be re-' duced by one-tenth.- The army of work ers may derive . consolation from the fact that the alternative to a reduction of the daily working hours was the absolute dlsemployment of a large number, who sisl, Ifo&tneo Faco Powder And Kosmeo Cream are used everywhere by ladies of refinement who desire a . fresh, clear, velvety complexion, free from pimples, blackheads, sallowness, tan, freckles, and all imperfections. Ask , Your Dealer For a Free Sample of Kosmeo Cream and Kosmeo Face Powder and try them yourself. Price 60c at all Dealers If Tour dealer does not sell them write to me. and I will give you the name of one who does. Hrs.' Gervaise Graham, Chicago Hilr. ot Timt Toilet rreMnliou. W IS For Kale In Clarke & Mall Portland - by Woodard, Co., Special Agent. Order Solicited. would, thus be left wholly without re sources in midwinter. As matters are. an enormous number of people will feel a pinch at a time when it hurts most. True liove in Old Yamhill. M'MINNVILLE. Or., Jan. 4. (Special.) During the past 12 months there have been 142 marriage licenses, issued In this county. Presumably nearly all of these matches were "made In heaven," for out of the large number of previous weddings as well, there were only 29 divorces granted in the county during the past year. . K" r rfrWti&y .rs. ..... a. ' - 4 Ni a v 'L t.f...JLJ. JV. .Je. ff t, mn rr ' .ri -..n,, .., .,.,,, r r.ima.-.-rr, ,,.- ,fr,r ,m.i . SHEKMAtf, CLAT CO. BANQUET. The employes of Sherman. Clay & Co. were given a banquet Wednesday evening. January 1, at the Commercial Club. Besides the sales force of the Portland house, there were pres ent tho following; managers of branch houses: T. W. Searle, Seattle? J. H. Cooley, Tacoma; T. P. Du Bose, Everett: G. H. Barnes, Belltngham; E. O'Callaghan, Spokane. Mr. G. F. Johnson, general manager, acted as toastraaster and addressed the company at some length regarding the past, year's success and outlined the plans and policy for the year 1808. . Short speeches were made by the visiting managers and other employes. It is an interesting fact that Sherman, Clay & Co. are the largest Stelnway piano dealers In the world; they are also the world's largest distributors of Victor talking machines. , ' . . -