The Sun.
London, England, 1863-04-17 00:00:00

THE RIVAL THEATRES.

Yesterday Mr. William Smith, an advertising
agent, and acting manager of the New Adelphi
Theatre, applied to Mr. Norton, at the Lambeth
Police-court, to make a few remarks on what had
already gone forth to the public, in reference to the
statement made on a former day by Mr. Boucicault,
the manager of the New Westminster Theatre. He
begged to state that at the time Mr. Boucicault
made his statement in that court he was well aware
and cognisant of the fact that he (Mr. Smith) was
an advertising agent, kind had in that capacity
advertised the "Colleen Bawn" all over this coun-
try and abroad, even to Australia, by means of
which success bad followed the performances
of that drama. It was known now to the
public that it was proposed to erect three new
theatres in the metropolis, and statements had Leen
put forth which he (Mr. Smith) wished to repu-
diate and deny. He was prepared to show that the
St. James's Theatre had never been let at the ren-
tal of £4,500 per annum, as had been alleged. The
Princess's Theatre, when let for £1,200 per annum,
was an untried theatre, without scenery, dresses,
properties, and the other requirements for such an
stablishment, but now he had reason to believe the
whole was actually insured against risk from fire
for no less a sum than £3,000. The bills and pla-
cards of which Mr. Boucicault had complained had
been published with a view to warn the public
against entering into imprudent speculations, and in
those no' ices, unless Mr. Boucicault represented the
three newly proposed theatres, he was not, in the
bills complained of alluded to, more than any °ther
of the promoters of the projects. Mr. Smith added
that he now came forward, as an humble servant of
the public, to state thus much in his own justifica-
tion, and to dispel misrepresentation of facts which
might d, mage his character. Mr. Norton said that
he was sure the applicant would not justify the pub-
lication of a placard -without the printer's name
being appended to it as required by law. He bad
heard the explanation, which no doubt would gain
the same publicity Ps the complaint. Mr. Smith
expressed himself obliged for the courteous attention
he had received, and retired from the court.

DRURY-LANE THEATRE.•—Mr. Walter Liey will
take a benefit at this theatre this evening (17th),
when will be represented the comedy of " London Assur-
ance," in which Mr. Compton and Mr. J. L. Toole will
perform. Mr. and Mrs. Howard Paul will appear in a
musical vaudeville, and Mis; Lydia Thompson in " The
Hungarian Czardez."

HAYMARKET THEATRE.—Mr. and Mrs. Alfred
Wigan, who have been residing at Nice for emit
time past, have returned to London, and will commence
a brief engagement at the Haymarket Theatre on Mon-
day next. The piece in which they will make their re-
appearance will be Mr. Tom Taylor's well-known drama
of "Still Waters Run deep ;" but a new comedy by the
Countess of Gifford, and another by Leicester Bucking-
ham, will soon afford fresh and interesting occasions for
the display of their brilliant abilities.
CRYSTAL PALACE.—One Shilling Day, Thursday,
April 16.—Admissions on payment, 1,287; ditto by season
tickets, 700; total Visitors, 1,987,

TIT TAT
Ltinal

HER MAJESTY.

WINDSOR CASTLE, April 16.
The Queen walked in the grounds yesterday after-
noon, attended by the Hon. Horatia Stopford.
The Duke of Newcastle arrived at the Castle and
had an audience of her Majesty.

Prince Alfred, attended by Major Cowell, arrived
in town yesterday. Prince Louis of Hesse, at-
tended by Captain Alrestcrweller, arrived in the
afternoon at Buckingham Palace from Windsor
Castle. Their Royal Highnesses were present last
evening in the House of Commons during the finan•
cial statement.

The Countess (Dowager) of Ranfurly and the
Ladies Knox have arrived at their new residence in Great
Cumberland-place. _ _ _

Lord and Lady Rendlesham have arrived at the
Clarendon Hotel from Paris.

Lady Harry Vane has issued cards for a dancing
party on Monday, April 27, and on Monday, May 4.
Lady Dinorben and the Hon. Miss Hughes have
arrived at Bute House, from Italy. _ _

Sir Charles Grey has arrived at the Clarendon
Hotel from Tunbridge Wells.

Sir Augustus Clifford is still confined to his room
from the effects of his late accident, but is progressing
favourably. Colonel Clifford will superintend the admis-
sion of strangers below the Bar of the House of Lords
until Sir Augustus's recovery.

Sir Edward Lytton Bulwer appeared for the first
time last night in the House of Commons since the
commencement of the session. The right hon. baronet
looked well, and was warmly greeted by Mr. Disraeli and
his other colleagues on the Opposition benches. The Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer, whose reception by the house was
truly flattering, rose at 20 minutes to five and concluded at
20 minutes to eight o'clock. His statement accordingly
occupied exactly three hours.