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, aid had in that capacity
advertised the "Colleen Bawn" all over this coun-
try and abroad, even to Australia, by means of
which success had followed the performanceE
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 been
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
tstablishment, 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 notices, unless Mr. Boucicault represented the
three newly proposed theatres, he was not, in the
bills complained of alluded to, more than any other
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
ae 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 had
heard the explanation, which no doubt would gain
the same publicity as the complaint. Mr. Smith
expressed himself obliged for the courteous attention
he had received, and retired from the court.

DRURY-LANE THEATRE..—Mr. Walter Lacy 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 Miss Lydia Thompson in" The
Hungarian Czardaz."
HAYMARKET THEATRE.—Mr. and Mrs. Alfred
Wigan, who have been residing at Nice for some
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,
Aprill6.—Admissions on paynient, 1,287; ditto by season
ticket', 700; totftl visitors, 1,987,