The Sun.
London, England, 1855-12-07 00:00:00

DRURY-LANE THEATRE.

Last night the entertainments here were for the benefit
of the enterprising and spirited manager, Mr. Smith,
and although increased accommodation had been made
it was not nearly sufficient to accommodate the immense
attendance. So complete an overflow must have been
exceedingly gratifying to the lessee, and at once prove
to him that the manner in which he has conducted this
national establishment, in accordance with the prestige
attached to " Old Drury," has been appreciated by
that puolic which is at all times ready to sup-
port energy, talent, and enterprise. At the con-
elusion of Charles Mathews' farce, Patter versus
Clatter, there were loud calls for Mr. Smith, and on his
appearance he was met with the most enthusiastic ap-
plause. In returning thanks for the public patronage,
he briefly recapitulated the events of the season. He
referred more particularly to the engagement of the
Lyceum Company, and mentioned with genuine cor-
diality the services of Mr. Charles Mathews ; and very
good-naturedly announced that his benefit was fixed for
Wednesday week. He promised at Christmas a jovial
and gorgeous pantomime ; and candidly confessed,
despite the pressure of the times, he had managed to
meet all claims, and keep the theatre open in a manner
worthy of its historic memories.

"FVON'T I TEST THE WIZARD!"

The extraordinary clever manner in which Professor
Anderson continues to conduct, at the Lyceum,
his wonderful delusions deservedly meets nightly with
unparalleled success and unbounded. applause. Of all
the tricks with which that gentleman delights and
amuses his audience the gun-trick Las caused the great-
est sensation. Unfortunately there are a number of silly
persons who, in this age of enlightenment, imagine that
the Professor possesses some superhuman power, by
which he becomes invulnerable and capable of resisting
shot and powder different from ordinary mortals—a
secret which, did he possess and could he impart it,
would be of great advantage to ourselves and our brave
allies just at this particular time ; and we were much
surprised at-witnessing a scene last night between the
Professor and a gentleman who had volunteered to go
on the stage and assist him, which might have led to
serious results. The appearance of the gentleman war-
ranted the audience in supposing that he was a person
having claims to intellect far higher than to believe the
Professor was anything but human, or that he would
endeavour to play any tricks likely to endanger the life
of that individual. When the Professor called upon him
to hold the bullet previous to its being put into the gun,
he coolly took a bullet from his pocket, saying " I have
one here ;" when the Professor, in a quiet and dignified
manner, rebuked him, by informing him that that was
no place for him to play tricks, and that he had a police-
man at the door. He then politely motioned him to his
chair, and addressed the audience on the exciting inci-
dent, remarking that ho was surprised to f. n d any loci. I
son could believe his tricks were anything but delusions.
The Professor, who was warmly applauded, proceeded
with the trick, much to the chagrin of the individual who
made himsel so ridiculous for the first time on these,
and it is to be hoped the last time on any, boards.

HAMPTON COURT PALACE.-THE
MISSING PICIU.RE.

TO TUE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
SlR—Towards the close of the last session of Parliament
a question was asked in the House of Commons what
had become of a picture of large dimensions, said to be
missing from the collection of paintings at Hampton
Court Palace ? The answer I believe then given was to
the effect that the picture had so mysteriously descended
from its exalted position and disa,ppeared that the mem-
ber of the Government appealed to could give no satis-
factory explanation of the subject. Can you, or any of
your rea•lers, inform me if the picture has been since re-
covered, or, if not, its subject, because my curiosity has
been excited by reading, i❑ a late number of House-
hold Words, an article on " Peter the Great," where it

is stated that when the late Czar visited this country a
full length portrait of Peter (the most truthful and
best in existence), then at Hampton Gina Palace, was
removed from the Palace on the authority of a high
personage to Buckingham Palace, to decorate one of
the rooms occupied by the Enperor ? lam anxious to
know whether or not the missing picture is that of
" Peter the Great," and, if so, is it still at Buckingham
Palace ? Because, if the latter, the sooner it be restored
to its proper pace, the better the country will be
pleased. INQUIRER.
Dec. 7, 1855.