The Dorset County Express and Agricultural Gazette.
Dorchester, Dorset, England, 1876-10-10 00:00:00

"RICHARD III." AT DRURY LANE,
ANT Tlia

PAST AND FRESENI7-61iii-R3 OF THE TIMES.
[We have been asked to give the following. Upon
the merits of the dispute, we offer no opinion; it is
quite evident Mr. Chatterton is well able to take care
of himself.—Editor of bored Counts Exprrts.]
An appeal to the public against the conduct of any
portion of the press is one that a theatrical manager
could only be induced to publish when suffering under
a strong sense 1 injustice. I, personally, have so
profound a conviction f both the power and the
general advantage of our newspapers that, most
assuredly, no light csuse would induce me to utter one
word in opposition or deprecation. Certainly I have
never objected to fair criticism on my productions,
even when it has been most unfavourable; and I have
never desired or expected the critice to show me either
favour or affection. But Ido ask, as I have a right to
ask, to be treated with fairness. I even think that, in
my position as manager of "Drury Lane," a position
of no slight emhirrasment, difficulty and anxiety,
which I have hell for a long period than any of any
predecessors' fulfilling, during that time, every engage-
ment I have made with the Company, with the cosplolgt
and with the patrons of the theatre. I am justified in
asking that judmeat should lean to the side of kindness,
and that praise where deserved should be bestowed at
least as ungrudgingly as censure.
In the large majority of instances, this expected
treatment I gratefully acknowledge that I have
received, but it is useless to blind myself to the fact
that the present critic of the Tiutc4 has seemingly con-
ceived so violent dislike to my system of management,
that he is unable to believe there can be any good in
what is produced at a theatre under my control, and
he is consequently guilty of constant injustice, not only
to me, but to all the authors, actors, and artists with
whom I have the h.mour to he associated.

+omen

Against this abuse ..f the wide-reaching power of the
Tina to the gratification of a prejudice—whether well
or ill-founded I will not atop to enquire—l do most
emphatically protest, and that I do not protest with-
out sufficient cause, an unvendshed statement of facts
will, I believe, convince the public at large the prose
generally, and, perhaps, even the Tina itself.
Nearly nine years ago, I received Colley Cibber'e
version of Shakespeare's "Richard III." at this theatre,
with a cast almost unanimously pronounced to be a
very powerful one, and incluihng the names of Mr.
r Sullivan as Glo'ster, Mr. Sinclair as Richmond,
aliNlirs. Hermon Vezin am the Queen. In criticising
this performance, the then dramatic critic of the risits,
a gentleman who hail worthily and honourably filled
that position for 30 years, and had acquired a more
than European reputation as a profound student of the
dramatic literatures f ff England, France and Germany,
entered into a masterly analysis of the play, and
examined the relative merits of Shakespeare's and
Cibber'a versions, expressing an abstract love for the
former, from a "purely literary point of view ;" but
coining to the conclusion, that "a, a stage play," no
manager would be justified departing from the pre-
cedents of A 175 yea—precedents followed by
Garrick, Cooke, and Edmund Kean. The acting and
general pi eduction of the play were ileseribed in terms
of almost unqualified eulogy. Of Mr. Barry Sullivan
hesignificantly remarked, that after this performance,
' "he will soon be acknowledged as the leading
legiti-
mate actor of the British capital." He further threw
out the suggestion, that the play " might be ',refit:tidy
revived on a still more complete scale, with accurate
representation of the Tower of London, and others of
the archafolosical accasiories, that are so highly appro
ciatcsl by modern spectators"
So far the critic of 30 years' experience. His con-
cluding advice I had never forgotten, and ..n the first
occasion circumstances permitted, I determined i.n a
grand revival iff " Richard III.," which should he
worthy alike of the poet and of the theatre.
For the part of "Gloster" I re-engaged Mr. Barry
Sullivan, who hail previously been so successful in the
character, and who is, in my belief, the neat ixfpular
living tragedian throughout all English-speaking lands.
Nor slid I leave him to stand alone, for I selected his
supporters solely for their efficiency, and I venture to
assert that the play could not be more strongly cast at
the present day.
Ti the most popular scenic artist since the days of
Clarkson Stanfield, I entrusted the arrangement and
painting of the scenery' and how Mr. William
Beverly has accomplished his task is chronicled in
the applause that nightly greets the revelation id his
various scenes. .

Neither time, trouble, nor expense were spared in
consulting the beet authorities in public museums,
collections, and libraries, to ensure the most absolute
accuracy of dresses, anus, armour, banners, and all
archasibs,ical accessories, while all the resources id
the stage were celled into requisition to reproduce with
fidelity the England f the last quarter of the
fifteenth century. The loud applause of enthusiastic
audiences, awl the favourable criticisms of nearly
every newspaper in the kingdom show that my efforts
have not been unsuccessfuL Ent what says the
present youthful critic id the Times?
After a most remarkable delay, before he con-
descends to notice at all, the production of a Shake.
spearean play at the National Theatre, he published
an article, in one half of which I am condemned
utterly, and in the other half gun "damned with
faint praise." Ignoring the suggestion of his
illustrious predecessor, to which, in great measure, the
production is due, the writer tells me I am wrong to
reviic Coney Cibber's version, which passes the limits
of the patience iind the presumption of man ; he
sneers at Mr. Sullivan "as an actor high in favour in
America, and on our provincial stages, but less known,
perhaps, in London;" and for the rest of the
company, with two exceptions, he has not even
one word to say. For the manner in which the
play has been produced his highest word if praise
is, that "it must be honestly admitted that no
fault is to be found." Surely, if there be no
fault there must be dOlllO merit., and this might have
been acknowledged. "The dresses arc picturesque
and dron ;" "the stage is sufficiently well furnished
"there are some exceedingly good scenes," and so on,
but not one word as to bow the play and players were
accepted by the audience. But the critic's sin of
commiasion are worse than those of omission. Ile
describes a Richard in almost the very words of
Shakespeare, and then pionounces the creation to 1.1)
Mr. Sullivan's, .I,lnoustnAing his %lolent lore for the
poet's text by blaming the actor for not giving 11.4 the
Iliehard of history instead of the Richard nf the
drama! Ito hltunleni strangely as to how I 'libber
made up his play, and iliscribce this word, which has
held the stage, with trilling alterations, for so many
years. as "a formless and purpisieless jumble."
This may be criticism, but to me it appears merely
aimless abuse, and I ask confidently: Is it fair; Li it
even I cot? It may be, and probably is, the result
rather ,4 youthful inexperience than of malice ; but
even then, is it not a burlesque on the mighty power
he wields, that this individual member its staff
should be able to stultify all previous utterances of the
Timor

F. B. CHA'ITIRTON.

SHOCKING ACCIDENT IN A DEER PARK.—On Friday
.% most lamentable accident happened in the deer-park
at Coombe Abbey, Warwickshire, the ..eat 'of the
Earl of Craven. A number of gentlemen and servants
were engaged in catching deer of both sexisi for tran-
eisirtation into Scotland. The *edits operandi was to
drive the animals into a net which had been placed
around the woods, and a boy 13 years of age, named
William Monger, Brinklow, near Rugby, was attempt-
ing to stop a fine buck, when it juuiped at him and
piertvd one of its antlers through bid temples int. the
brain. Mr. Houghton and his in, of F.;leshill, both
members ,4 the medical profesaion, were participatin'
in the day's sport, and they at once rendered every '
aasistance ismsible, but there is no hope, as the brain
protruded. The boy was removed to a cottage close
by in a .lying state. Several other accidents of a
rough character happened duriug the day.
THE LATE TRAGEDT AT LIVICRIVOL.-011 Friday
MN. Morris, the lady charged with the wilful murder
,f two .4 her children by shootini; at Crosby, near
Liverpsd, on the 2fith ultimo, was brought up at the
Kirk.hilo Putty Sessions, charged with that crime, and,
in addition, with the attenipte..l murder of a third
child, and with attenitted . suicide. The ease, will
be remembered, is that in which the prisoner, who IN
the widow of a bank clerk, and lived in very comfort,
ably tircuinstanoue, became unhinged in her mind
through brooding over the death '1 her husband, and
gave way to distressing fancies with regard to her
position and the welfare of her children. On the day
etwfooeerualdmtcjakiir.''hter"shedeld'afterwwoauri:Ldiedithaor henwandlfr that)
named she got up early in the morning and dbut her
bead. Mrs. Morris appeared hi dock in deep mourn-
ing and wearing a
.iluiceveiL She was attended by
her sister, a lady resulentin Manchester. The evidence
given at the Wined Was repeated, and the
chartadyg;7geroommicasettedexcite%
thetbe
....dcf,..t..yoninpauthenty.

THE PECULIAR
There aro many good-weaning People in this world who
contrive to do a good deal of harm. They are conacientoue enough, but their unreasonableness. niers ever/thin
. • and
the good they would do is turnol to evil. To is class the
Peculiar People, who have made Plumate:id fame. he
their residence in its vicinity, though the reason why ft
should have been selected for this especial honour
iio
not appear. As our readers are aware, one of the phew.
font articles of the faith of this sect, who for the mmt put
we believe, inure in the humbler walks of life, is pp- Pi:
shaken belief in the literal interpretation of Scripture, Hence, if any ono of their number is sick, they rail inon.
of their "Elders" to anoint him with oil and prar „ew
him. and then trust to Providence for his recovery ,
death, believing it would be • sinful interference with God's government to call in medical aid. About
months ago Mr. John Robert Downes, wio
himself an elder, whose child died after hens
anointed and prayed for, was brought up be fore Mr. Justice Blackburn, on the charge of men.
slaughter, he was warned that although he aught do ash.
pleased with himselflas an adult, the law would not allow
hint to neglect procuring medical aid for his children in
case of serious illness. Kr. Hearne; who Mewed
ignorance of the law, promised in future to abide it, sad
was discharged. The other day, however, he es
ed for the manslaughter of another child
who, after duly anointed and prayed for, died ei
scarlet fever. 80, to put a stop to this "slaughter el
the innocents," he was sentenced to three wonted
imprisonment, which it is to be hoped will have the
desired effect of opening the eyes of these infatuated
people. We quite believe in the sincerity of their
convictions, but the sanctity of human life is ahove the
recognition of an unreasonable doctrine. And thst
It ts most unreasonable the peculiar people wield
easily see if they would reflect; for if this lineal
interpretation is necessary in one thing, it
be wust
be necessary in all. We can hardly believe that
the most scrupulous of the sect would, if a man were 10
" take his coat," "give him his cloak " also. If so, and he
went on acting in literal obedience to this scripture'
Injunction, by the end of the year his wardrobe wow,'
prove a costly one, unless he abandoned wearincupparel
altogether, for he would most assuredly find plenty cd
willing customers on such terms. One word more, the
Peculiar People might learn a lesson from Christ's own
Impressive parable of Ole Good Samaritan, who did not stop after pouring oil and wine into the wounds ot the
man who fell among thieves, but afterwards took bin to an inn and left money to pay for his requisite nemsseries No one objects to the anointing, and certainly not t, the
prayers, but the apostles themselves would hare been the
drat to say "this ought ye to bare done, and not tun
left the mime undone. Thus whilst wt: sympathise with
Mr. Downes and his friends, we eaun• d say, in the interest
id their families, that the sentence i.unjujt •
--CArkitais Globe.

NOTICES.
All communications should be addressed to the &liter
Express and Telegram Offices. Dorchester. and Post-offica
onfers may be made payable to the publisher, Mr. Gto.
FRANKLIN.
When stuns are went in stamps it is requested that
they may be in half-penny statuPd.

BIRTHS.
We regret that in the List week's Telegram, the wife
of Mr. H. lloatawain, of South Parrott Farm, was
credited in this column with a son. Those who are
acquainted with the family and all the circumstances
..f the case are naturally indignant. The only reparw
tion we can make is to ;sive an unqualified
which will be as widely circulated as the announcement
was. It is 011 e of the aetestable tricks which the
Editors of all vipers are lid& to have ',bye,' off upon
them. We require "events" which appear underthee
headings to be authenticated by the name and *Mawr
of the sender, but, if a spiteful fool chooses to use
a wrong one our readers must see we are at his or her
mercy. We are not a walking directory of these
counties. The "o.py," however, written in a neat
and lady-like band, has been handed over to the police,
and if they aurawa in tracing out the author: where
it is, they may depena upon it they shall receive the
tumost the law can seire them
September Si, at East Chidden. Winfrith, the wife si
Mr. J. Tod, of a daughter.
September 20, at Wareham, the wife of Mr. S. Bennett.
jun., Castle Close, of a son -stillborn.
September iff, at Whit...church, the wife of Mr. J. Rata
of aeon.
September ffn,' at East tlranilinetort North-
timberland, the wife of Mr. G. B. Lane, ut two
daughters.
Septemlier St at 10, Belgravederrace, We.ymeeth. thy
wife of Gabriel rapo. of a son.
September ffit at the Vicaraim. privett, I lant, the wile
of the Rev. .1. F. Falwasser, v ,of a daughter.
September 30, at Sutton Pointe, the wife of Mr. J. LAS'
of • eon.
September 30, at Tineleton, the wile of Mt. Jaw
Trovitt, of a son.

September 24. at St. Mary's Church, Wermonthah4
Rev. T. A. Falkner, Edward Bodingfield, of lii
'aa
to Lydia BarnwaYs• third daughter of John Sunintrz.
Weymouth. .
Septernoer 2tkdat Marylehono church, Henry, eldest
son of Thomas ward Dowden, Roke Farm, IlLunifoni.
Dorset, to Bertha, eldest daughter 01 Percy liagt°'
Hobart Town, Torments.
September 94 at St. John's Church. Weymouth. by
Bight Bev. IL 11. Parry, Bishop Designate of Psn.
Western Australia. assisted by the Rev. John StrrobewL
Vicar, Csntain R. C. Parry, 102nd Fusiliers, Ad,pilat
county Dublin 1.. I. Militia, to Momoria Marl
morent, daughter of the late George Morsat,
formerly of the Grenadier Guards.
September 22, at St. James' Otureli, Bath, by the I:0-
W. Littiewoutt, vicar, Richard, yww,:cr 4.. n of the IA
Itichard Dunn, of IteatninAter, Don.ct, t 33'.
third daughter of the late Williazu Part.,n, of Bath.

DRAMS.
September at Jereey• after a hum ant painful Wet
Mn. Mary Pine, fornierly of Sutton Points. Demi.
f 7 years.
September 24. at CourtrFarrm Sere flee,.
beloved wife of Mr. Charles !Mecum)" and Ilftb o.'6f
—t—
ot Mr. G. Smith. of Wilksworth Farm, Wimberne.
32 years.
SePtember oi, at Fortlingto4 Dorchester, Mary Arlll4
for 00 years a valued and faiWnl 'errant of the late
Chart.* and Mns. Direkof Chaselbourne Rector?. 1)46"
and of their 104 the late Rey. Thomas Wickham Dm*
aged SI Tear& the
September M. at No. 2. N.wier-terrace, Dorchester.
infant son of Mr. J. Gay, agA 6 weeka a 0
October 3, at Preston. the wife of Kr' nal7°64