The British Press; or, Morning Literary Advertiser.
London, England, 1803-03-08 00:00:00

7izi7.Ari E S.

bisttv-t.mci.
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Mr. Cooeen, from Philal:lphia, a new can Ji-
date for the favour of a London-audience, last night
made his first appearance at this Theatre, in the
character of Hamlet. It has beat a matter of sur-
prise that so arduous a character has been so often
chosen for a probationary effort. !Amid, indeed, is
a bold attempt ; but, if it is likely to disgrace the
presuming pretender, the man of real genius will
find his advantage in chusing it. It is in Hamlet,
that the discriminating and judicious player will be
obviously distinguished from thu man of mere voice
and figure ; and to come off with tolerable success,
is honourable to the young representative of such a
character.

Mr. COOPER, therefore, may be a man of much
merit, though he is far front a perfect liamln. His
person is certainly good, but not exactly calculated
for this character ; his make is rather stout, and
his face more jolly than expressive. His conception
might be, in general, accurate, but in many in-
stances he conveyed but an imperfect idea of the
poet's int mtions. In the first scenes with the Ghost,
Mr. Cool, EH would he using his hands, when a fiat
and motionless attention would, we think, much
better have expressed the awe-struck state in whic.a,
on such an occasion, he must be thrown. In the
start, too, if some performers are apt to be extra-
vagant, Mr. COOPER flattened into the other cx.
treme ; an accidental jog of the elbow would oc-
casion such a start as his. Again, when the G.69it
disappears, he invokes his sinews to " bear him
stiffly up," when they seem already to he effectu-
ally performing that duty. I his voice is full-nand,
mellow, and powerful, but he uses it with link
mo-
dulation ; his delivery is markei with a solenia
monotony, or else becomes turlvalmt. 'lle vio-
lence which Mr. Coorxit used, when he is reproach-
ing himself for his tardiness in executing hi.
pair-
pose of revenge, certainly does not belong to the
character, and particularly in a soliloquy.
In some parts however, Mr. Coors; was unex-
ceptionable. His closet scene was his best ; the
pious adoration with which he contemplates the
portrait of his father, and the detestation inspired
by that of his uncle, are particularly entitled to
praise. The celebrated soliloquy, and the instruc-
tions to the players, were also given with judg-
ment ; though we see no reason for repeating " no
more," (after to die—to sleep) in a tone of interro-
gation ; or for his emphasis in the following pas-
sage :

" And enterprises of great pith and moment,
" Milt this regard their currents turn away,
" And lose the NAME of action."
The 'word aflion should surely have _the emphasis.
In the play scene, Mr. Coo? La was unequal; his
insinuations to probe his uncle were forcible, but on
the latter's sudden departure, thus confirming Ham-
let's suspicion of his guilt, the tumult of feelings
that should then agitate his bosom, was very inade-
quately expressed in the manner of Mr. Coo PE R.
Upon the *hole, Mr. COn PEWS Hamlet was re-
spe6table, but it was distinguished by no flashes of
particular excellence. His chief wants were those
of elegance and delicacy ; and we are inclined to
think he would succeed better in characters of a
stronger cast.

COVENT-GARDEN.
Mr. COLMAN'S New Play went off, last night,
with the greatest eclat.--It has every prospect of
becoming a favourite stock-piece. The pressure for
places exceeded that of Saturday night.—lndeed,
public curiosity has been seldom so strongly ex-
c►ted. The following is the lyrical Epilogue, sung
by Mr. JunNsroNL, with such admirable circa.

F.PILUGI F.
$Y ►tR. COLMAN..
l'in come here, (rye see, to du something new,
So 1 hope you'll allow me a fiddle or two.
At talking I'm strange as the man lit the moon ;
So if 1 may sing, 1 shall speak awe im rand%
de nil,
And methinks now I hear the Ci /TIC \lts say—
a trumpery liartlemy Fair kind of Play.
It smells stmng of Sashlyietd—that all must .illow,
For it is all about nab and the !Know red Colo.
And ye•t a good mural the Author indites ;
For the blessings it paints of an INC GISH M AN'S RIGHTS :
A lira:ices a man, and the Barrage... 4 all
KIIoW that brass has great weight, SIN, in Westaeinster-hall
But still an improbable tale has been told,
Tuat rectgritte swam, Sirs, though lo.silcd with gold;
li h., who sinks rash should happen hi swim,
rounds to shillings I'll bet, his cash will not sink him.
But now an PYruse cutups plump to my sight—
Suppose we should prove that the Gaineus were light ?
Anti to chi these sail tricks, Sirs, all Well have a hank,
For the Guineas arc closely shot up in the Bank!
Then, obeying the diaates of Nature's first law,
A delicate female has made a fans pas ;
Bid Cat les, who to praisi., Sirs, are never in huts,
Will, 1 tear, not agree, that thu incident's rhade.
Tarr Sheila trot oft may in Bond-street be found,
And. if all the Puppies wece in Thames to be drowned,
At this real nirsim you need not admire,
Fur a was Jr VII het, they'll not set it an fire.
Then, Mr. Brukruddery„ and his fat dear,
•A sweet pair, who agrsie, Sirs, like Thunder and Bei r;
Thought I IMO.; Ittesjokes are worn out and h.tek'.l,,
bow charmingly sure Mr. JORNSTOVE !
rye given you now the best parts of the play,
Which 1 hope you'll not drive, Sirs, completely away,
But nightly be suffeed, with gle", to go on,
lit sinnaiiaaas thot•gh I fear not neat. con.
Then let us re(left with pleasure and pride,.
On the cuinfiirts surrounding each inan'snee-iii/e,
At which should the Foe e'er insultingly frown.
May tic neer want a Poker to knock him flat (loon.

Tin Far race stands good with .11k grant;, be-. 1
tween'the owners of the mares, for 4000 guineas, and;
to a certainty, will be ran ; the former is the fa--
vouritc, about 7 to 4, but if both conic well and
quite up to the post, it is imagined, the odds will be
more in favour of Tirneful.
The new ship built by Mr. BONHAM for the Com-
pany's service this season, and which is ready to be
launched, is to be named the Lord MEtvitr.E. She
is to be commanded by Captain CuAstzs Ltagox.
Saturday Mr. ROLFE, who has had the building
of several houses on Snow-hill, made a charge be-
fore the LORD NIA v ore, against Thomas Elliott. a
carpenter, and task-master under his employ, tbr
leaving his work in an unfinished state. Elliott ac.
knov.ledged the fth, but said he could not get nieu
to work f,r twenty-two shillings a week, that being
the price agreed on by Mt. Rote!. He called
some persons who gave him a good charafter, and
who said that journeymen could not now be procur-
ed for less than twenty-four shillings a week. Upon
the recommendation of the,Loso w v oil, the mat-
ter was accommodated between the parties.

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I'esterday a dteeting was coineenel, Pursuant to
advertisement, At the Spread Eagle, Epsom, of the
Nobility,. ClerFreeholdets, Gentry, and Latta-
.bi tants of the County of Surf:7, for the purpose of
votimati Address to congratulate his Majesty on
his providential escape from the intended assassi-
nation, wickedly projeCted by his late enemies.
At twelve o'clock the company assembled, and
about one the chair was taken by the High Sheriff,
John Poole Kensington, Esq. wha made the fol-
lowing speech :
" Gentlemen of the county of Surrey,—We leave
met at this place, upon an occasion that must excite
the highest sensa of satisfaftion in the bosom of
every true Englishman :—it is for the purpose of
congratulating our most gracious Sovereign on his
providential escape from the machinations of his
enemies, and the enemies of the country at large—
those men, whose wish it was to have destroyed the
present glorious foundation of our Constitution,
and to have planted anarchy, bloodshed, and con-
fusion, in its stead. Their designs were, however,
happily discovered, and prevented. By the vigi-
lance of the Government, all was deteCted ; with
the greatest order and regularity, the offenders were
brought to punishment, and suffered for their crimes.
Yet, Gentlemen, I shudder at the idea of the conse-
quence which may result from the infusion of their
principles amongst those deluded persons who may
have credulously attended to their inflammatory ad-
vice. If the friends of their country would avoid
those evils, which arise from disobedience to the
established Government, they will ultimately dis-
card the principles that have lately been exploded so
much to the injury of all good and peaceful subjeets.
Those who may be weak enough to vindicate such
conduCt, ought to retied that while they become in-
subordinate and rebellious to the existing Govern-
ment. they aro plunging themselves, their families,
and friends, into an abyss, which will be ever ready
taswallow the &aims and perturbed destroyers of
the public repose. NN bat would have been the horrors
attending the execution of the designs of the late
guilty charaCters, every one may determine. A scene
would undoubtedly have taken place, too painful to
conceive. Contrast such a piClure with the advantages
derived from the present establishment of the Con-
stitution, and poor indeed must the inducement be
to depart from loyalty and obedience !—Gentlemen,
there is an all-wise and over-ruling Providence, who
ever proteCts us and guides our aCtions ; that Provi-
dence has graciously preserved the life of our Sove-
reign, and has deteCted the attempts of his enemies.
It would, conequently, be highly honourable to con-
gratulate his Majesty on his escape from the danger
to which his Royal Person was exposed. I would
therefore move that an Address should be immedi-
ately presented.
LORD ONSLOW expressed himself strongly at-
tached to the Address, and briefly stated the happi-
ness resulting from the established Constitution, in
preference to any other form that had been suggest-
ed by those persons who had lately been the subjcd
of so much observation.
Mr. Psi' P IN, the late Sheriff of the County, said, he
felt himself extremelyhappy upon the present occasion.
It was the wish of the County of Surrey to take the
lead in the expressions of loyalty which at this period
were particularly manifested in different parts of
England. The retpeetable company then present
had been summoned from that motive.
Joss PooLs KENSINGTON, Esq. said, he made
no apology for summoning the Gentlemen from all
parts of the County of Surrey, as he was assured
every person was happy to attend upon such an oc-
casion.
Lord Oristow again addressed the company, and
stated, that the present Motion had his warmest ap-
probation. He observed, that there was not the
least necessity to say a word more in support of it,
as every person present felt the full force of' the pro-
priety of such a measure.
The Address was then read, and was loudly ap-
plauded. The substance of it was to the following
effeit

AV,!, the Nobility, Cterr, Freeholders, Gentry, and
Inhabitants of the Ci_tatity of Surrey, beg Permission to con
gratulate his Majesty on the discovery and failure of the late
treasonable conspiraey. We blew; the Dicinr Providence, whn
has preserved unto us our illustrious and august Sovcrc'gn
and further pray, that he may in future be presorted from the
machination; of foreign and domestie traitors."
Lord L st.iE embraced this opportunity of ex-
pressing his horror and detestation of the designs
which were employed for the assassination of his
Majesty. There never was a clearer deteetion of
guilt than on the late occasion, anti however se-
cret their plans might he formed, they could na
escape that vigilance which ever watches over the
public good.
At the time when insurreilion was adjudged to
be near maturity, there were 15,000 men all ready
to rally round the banners of loyalty, and to oppose
the violations of the public tranquillity. He thanked
God, their despicable attempts had failed, and that
they were timely brought to justice. it was un-
doubtedly a great satisfuction to know such men
had been deteuEted, but he feared there were many
more whose minds had deviated from their allegi-
ance. The Noble Lord had known one of the ae-
hided men (Macnamara) who suffered for treason,
previous to his conviction. He was a day-labourer,
and lived near his Lordship's residence, who had
frequently observed him going into public-houses for
the purpose of attempting to administer unlawful
oaths, and to infuse treason into the hearts of the

ignorant.
It was the duty of the Gentlemen present, to
watch such principles, and not to suffer them to
gain ground.
Mr. BOTH in said, the county of Surrey had
long been noticed for doing its duty to the best of
Kings. On the present occasion no man had been
discriminated in the meeting, that every man might
have an opportunity of shewing that loyalty—[Nero
the Company expressed iln;t• applasue,] which they
would ever retain.
It was then unanimously agreed, that the address
should be presented to his Majesty on WeJnesday
se'nnight ; which was unanimously agreed to.
A motion was made for the thanks of the coun-
ty to be given to the late Sheriff, for his arrange-
ment during the late trials, and his humane treat-
ment of the unfortunate prisoners while under

tence of death.
Mr. PZPPIN returned his thank; to the Gentle.
men for their intere►t in his behalf, and expressed
the high sense of gratitude which he entertained

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