The Sun.
London, England, 1865-05-01 00:00:00

The Last of the Great English Actors.

(From the New York Herald.)
Mr. Charles Kean, the last of the great English
actors, is now in this city on a passing visit to his
American friends. After an extensive tour of a
great portion of the globe, embracing in its range
the golden lands of Australia and California, as well
as the islands of the Antilles, he has once morebent
his steps to the magnificent metropolis of the
Western world. Like Rienzi, the Roman tribune,
this distinguished man is the last of a noble race of
actors whose triumphant fame has filled the land.
Such another actor does not live at this day. His
style is pure, chaste, finished and highly intel-
lectual. To sec him is to see at once the im-
personation of perfect art and a true specimen
of the most careful cultivation. In his acting
we find nothing of the coarse, vulgar " Black-
hawk" style which " tears a passion to rags" and
" splits the ears of groundlings"—a kind of acting
that has unfortunately been coming too much into
vogue of late. This, among many other reasons, is
cause enough why Mr. Kean should be earnestly
welcomed among us.

Of Mrs. Kean, who has gained laurels wherever
she has gone, we may make the same remarks.
The thousands of play-goers in this city who re-
member her will bear in mind her warm, impas-
sioned and energetic style of acting, which speaks
at once to the intellect as well as to the heart of
her audience. She returns to us with more power
than before—with a larger and a richer store
of pearls gathered from the depths of the histrionic
sea. The opportunity afforded the public of seeing
and hearing these accomplished artists is brief ; but
let all who can take advantage of it. As the last of
the great illustrators of hiS profession in his own
land, Charles Kean will necessarily attract great
attention. With the close of his career the race of
great English actors will have passed may. He will
leave us to go to his place in Westminster Abbey—
the sacred precincts reserved by his country for those
who have distinguished themselves in the profession
of arms or of art. To this republic, with its inex-
haustible resources, is given the mission of hereafter
producing the great interpreters of all scenic and
dramatic art. And now that, for a brief period, we
have the last of the English. actors among us, let
every one who can go to see him, feeling assured
that he is the last link that binds us to a system
now passing away.

THE "Fm ARTS QUARTERLY REVIEW" iS sus-
pended for a season. As a commercial speculation it has
not yet had time to prove a success.

THE PRINCE OF WALES has accepted the presi-
dency of the Accliraatiaation Society of Great Britain,

BLACKWOOD.—A new tale is commenced in this
number, called " Sir Brook Fossbrooke." It pro-
mises well, so far as we can judge from the opening.
The character of the chief personage is well defined,
anclthe description of the testy old judge, who will
not hear right or reason, is admirably defined.
His marked querulousness took the form at last of assert..
ing that every one was looking out for his death, and
speculating upon his successor. The glimpse of Lendrick's
family is a charming picture of country-life, and old
"Nicholas" is a fractious retainer taken off to the life. An
article is devoted to the "Life of Sterne," by Percy Fitz-
gerald. It is mentioned as a curious fact that hitherto there
has been no biography of Sterne, none worth the name,
that is to say, that can afford an idea of the man's life and
character. Mr. Fitzgerald has accomplished a success so far
as it goes, and, at all events, prepared the way for others to
go on in the same track. It is here said that this work in.
question should be read by all "who aro desirous to obtain
an impartial view of the character of ono of the most re-
markable men in the list of English authors." It is well
observed by the writer of this paper that it is absurd to lay
the charge of "plagiarism" to Sterne to as great an extent
as some persons do, and that at any rate no one can gain-
say his originality in many respects. "Is there any book
in the language," it is asked, "that to this day stands out so
distinct and solitary as Tristram Shandy.' " " Cornelius
O'Dowd `open Men, Women, and other things in general,"
presents us with the usual quota of interesting information,
interspersed with agreeable anecdote and lively disquisi-
tions upon the chief topics of interest and sources of ex-
citement that the hour produces. The "English In-
quisition" is a smart sketch of the witness-box, and
the tortures of that ordeal which the law sanctions
and approves. Of this martyrdom it is quaintly observed
that we call our house our castle, and all that tirade of in-
dependence which appertains to this declaration, but all
the title "we endure a serfdom ten thousand times more
degrading than all the perquisitions of the police, and all
the searchings of a gendarmerie." The strictures on
" Thrift" are very good, and the sketches of "A Dream"
and "Personal-Parliamentary" noticeable in their way.
"Miss Marjoribanks" is continued at some length, and does
not diminish in interest as it proceeds. On the contrary,
the character of Lucilla comes out strongly, and she shows
herself quite equal to the emergency in which she was
placed. In all probability Barbara will find herself in a
dilemma before long, but her bold demeanour and spiteful
feelings preclude one from taking any interest in her, or even
caring for her disappointments. The directmanner in which
Lucilla goes straight to her point is worthy of notice, and
bears a striking proof of her decided disposition and down-
right purpose. " The Rate of Interest" is the title of a
sensible article on this subject, which tells some home-
truths to those whom it concerns, and offers suggestions
that it would be well to adopt, could prejudice and par-
tiality allow it to be done. It cannot be denied that an un-
welcome truth is told in the passage which declares that
"the rate of interest under our present monetary laws is
not regulated by natural causes, but by the artificial fetters
imposed by a legislative monopoly." In a subsequent
article it is proposed to show how, and in what manner an
improvement can be made in this matter, and what steps
should be taken in order to abolish the "pernicious
monopoly" of the Bank of England. "Piccadilly" an
episode of contemporaneous autobiography, is con-
tinued, and relates some amusing adventures. Lady
Broadbrim is an able caricature, and the scenes
that take place • aro capitally described. "To a
Lark" is the title of some verses that are well
suited to their subject, and are composed in a flowing strain
and melodious style. "The State and Prospect of Parties"
is the final article met with ; it gives an effective summary
of events, and puts before the reader the position of things
at this critical juncture of political affairs. It is truly said
that the Radicals have sustained a great loss in Mr: Cobden,
who was popular among many who were quite- against his
views. An assurance is given that whatever Government
is in power they will always receive from the Conserva-
tives a "ready and willing support to every measure of
which it is the object to maintain the rights and defend
the honour of the country." Some of the shortcomings
and unequal courses adopted by the present Ministry are
shown up in a forcible manner, and especially their very
insufficient action and vacillating management in foreign
policy.

FRASER.—The first article in Fraser is entitled
" May Flowerings," and though appearing appro-
priately in the May a number, it has in reality
nothing to do with the flowery season of the year,
but refers to that world-famous pilgrim group who
landed at Plymouth Rock. Alas for old traditions !
Plymouth Rock, as described by the writer of these pages,
exists only in poetry and romance, and the old New Eng-
lander who escorted him to the point, scraped the mud
from a flat surface to show him Plymouth Rock ! "Dr.
Channing records that he once told Mrs. Romans of the
thousands of voices which he had heard singing on Fore-
father's-day her famous hymn about these waves dashing
high on the rock-bound shore, and that she wept from
emotion; but I imagine that she might have smiled through
her tears if she could have seen the plain flat shore, with
no rock visible, where the pilgrims really did land." All
of us have heard, of course, of the American Thanksgiving_
day, but perhaps few in this country know the particulars
of its origin, which we find in the following terms :—" The
pilgrims had been reduced to their last grain of corn, the
ship which was to bring them provisions not having
arrived. In their deep distress they had all gone down to
the shore of the bay, and were watching for the ship, with
nothing but their prayers to confront threatening starva-
tion. But whilst they knelt and wept there, some eye
straining towards the horizon caught a glimpse of the sail
that was to them the white wing of mercy; and it was
then that the pilgrims repaired to their little church and
held their first thanksgiving service,,to be followed by the
first good dinner which they had had for a long time.
Since then, at about the same time of the year—to wit, about
the last Thursday of November—the religious service
and the good dinner and gifts to the poor have been the
chief features of the celebration." Diningwith a New Eng-
land family on that day for the first time, the writer was
surprised to find a grain of corn on his plate, which he
learnt was in memory of the pilgrim's extremity. Many,
interesting peculiarities of the sturdy, upright, but some-
what narrow and intolerant character which the New Eng-
landers inherit from their founders are given, though the
logic of the argument that the present war is waged to
secure the abolition of slavery, instead of the continuance
of the profits accruing to the North by its agency for
Southern goods, is anything but conclusive. The letters
of Maria Theresa and Marie Antoinette form the subject
of an interesting paper. They exhibit the Empress and
the Queen inlhe most favourable light, as a tender mother
and daughter—the former lavish of her counsels, the latter
dutiful and complaisante. It would have been well
for tho unfortunate Queen if so wise and firm a
friend had lived to direct and assist her in her later
troubles. Mr. W. M. Rossetti contributes an essay on Mr.
Madox Brown's exhibition, and an article on Spinoza
carries the reader at once into the region of metaphysics.
The story of " Gilbert Rugge" proceeds with interest. If
this author's former tales were somewhat too bare of in-
cident, this present fiction does not share the want. The
story proceeds rapidly. Poor Gilbert is still overwhelmed
by the discovery of his lowly birth, but comports himself
well and nobly under the shock. His betrothed, Miss
Harlixtowe, fails in the hour of trial, as the reader has all
along foreseen. At the Rectory there are startling changes,
and the old rector passes away to his account, leaving his
work undone. There are other articles of interest, the
most conspicuous being on the " Histoire de Jules
Cdsar."

THE NEW MONTHLY MAGAZINE.—There are
several papers of considerable interest in this num-

ber, among them an essay on " Next Morning,"
by Francis Jacox, a description of the Arsenal of
Vienna, and a sketch of the varied and not over

happy life of Elizabeth Charlotte, of Orleans, wife of the

, .
Grand Monarque's eldest so; and mother of the detested
-

__—
Regent, whose years of power helped forward very consi-
derably the great catastrophe of 1789. We have, besides,
the continuation of Alexander. Andrews's speculations on
Cotton Possibilities, and a pleasant sketch of two German
painters, Wachter and Schick, little known among us, but
very influential in their own country. A lengthened article
on the "Physical Geography of the Holy Land" comes
very appropriately at this season, when the exploration of
Palestine is so much talked of.

CORNHILL.—."Armadah" becomes more and more
exciting than ever, though some might think it para-
doxical to say so, after the thrilling incidents that
have already been mentioned. It must be confessed
that the dark characters have all the advantages on
their side in the way of skill and discernment, and
What with Mr. Brooks' simplicity and Midwinter's frenzied
demeanour, the wily tricks of Miss Smith and her confe-

[crate are likely to succeed for a time. The conduct of
_ _ .

Midwinter was so strange and singular that it is be
wondered at that those around him were unfavourably im-
pressed by him, and that he hindered thocausepf ingratiat-

ing Allan upon the goodwill of his surroundings, rather
than furthering it. Allan was in his turn very uncertain,
so that the style of the new comers at Thorpe Ambrose was
most peculiar, and calculated to gain the distrust of the
neighbours. " Machinery and the Passions" is a paper
that carries out its theory very accurately. There is great
truth in the remarks here made as to the general adoption
of machines proving a. restriction to the vehement demon-
strations in which people were wont to indulge in when
their labours were manual. It is thus put :—" You could
not be angry at carbonic acid gas, no matter what injury it
did ; nor could you cherish much hatred against a default-
ing
confederation if you had no knowledge of its members."
The conclusion which is arrived at is, that as mechanical
causes operate more strongly in society, the passions will
fade, and life become more and more an "intellectual pro-
cess." There are already not wanting evidences to show the
correctness of these observations in important particulars.
" The Romances of Country Life " is both amusing and in-
structive to peruse ; it furnishes a variety of information
in an agreeable manner, and brings before the notice of
the reader some curious facts relating to country existence,
at which the uninitiated will be amazed at the manner in
which the victimised citizen sets about becoming inde-
pendent of cheating " swains " and deceptive " nymphs'
is very entertaining ; and his horses and cows are intro-'
duced on the scene in an effective manner—not to speak
of the " jintleman who pays the rint "—the pig. Many
may derive some useful hints from these lively sketches.
" Wives and Daughters " is rather lugubrious in this num-
ber. Mrs. Gibson makes herself most disagreeable, and
shows such unmistakeable efforts to pay court to the elder
son that she becomes quite insufferable. Osborne's secret
marriage made him quite wretched, and Roger threw away
his chance by his devoted partiality to Cynthia, who, in
her turn, seems drooping and desponding. This every-
day story is altogether merging on those sad subjects
what make it too like its title not to be likely and natural.
Plague and Pestilence " is a sketch that is sure just now
to meet with attention and excite interest. It furnishes us
with some graphic accounts of these dreaded visitants,
and it tends to relieve anxiety respecting the enemy now
so feared, which is advancing from Vienna towards us. It
is stated that wo need not dread any new form of this
fever in this country, for it is here already. Typhus
has been increasing for the last two years, both
in the metropolis and the large provincial cities.
Great stress is laid upon the necssity that exists for the re-
moval of the sick to proper receptacles, and this excellent
advice cannot bo too strongly insisted on, nor too widely
followed. " The Essence of Christianity," it is well and
wisely said, is relief to the poor, the sick, and the helpless,
there is wealth in abundance, and charity enough, if it
were directed into the right channels to meet any emergency,
and the kindness and genuine philanthropy will, as usual,
be found on the side of sound knowledge. "The English
Drama," is an entertaining sketch, that puts before the
reader a good definition of its theme. It is forcibly declared
that "at all periods of history, the stage has been the mir-
ror of the spirit of the century in which it has arisen."
" Modern Falconry" will suit those of a sporting tendency.
"Heroines and their Grandmothers" is a sketch that con-
tains some very just strictures on the extravagant
theories and extreme notions that obtain credence and im-
press the individuals of the present day, in too many in-
stances, and contrasts unfavourably with the simpler style
of earlier days. Nothing is truer than the remark here
made as to the worldliness in which some are prone. to in-
dulge, to the detriment of their truest and noblest feelings.
Our heroines are indeed too often calculated to justify the
description here given of them as being " morbid con-
stantly occupied with themselves, one-sided and ungrateful
to the wonders and blessing of a world which is not less
beautiful now than it was a hundred years ago."
THE WATCH TOWER, No. 2.—The second num-
ber of this new magazine fully keeps up its promise.
It contains many excellent articles, and is written
and edited in a style which is likely to secure a
standard position. The first paper, "After Work,"
give us the pleasantly discursive reflections natural
to the easy chair and the evening leisure. "May Day "is
an excellent paper, pointing out the wonderful sermon
annually preached to us by the seed and the flower, and
the impressive lessons taught by those inexhaustible
moralists whose teachings we are too blind to read, too
deaf to hear. The writer observes that once going to a
village church to preach when Easter Sunday fell in May-
time, and the church was arrayed in flowers, he felt un-
willing to disturb the silent eloquence with which they
preached of the resurrection, by his own less emphatic
words. " Our Navvies" is a brief but interesting paper,
showing how much was effected among a rough untrained
set of labourers by kindly, conscientious efforts. The suc-
cess which followed the benevolent endeavour to give
these poor men some better amusement than the gin
palace, which was their ruin, surpassed all expectations,
and proves how much may be done in the least hopeful
quarters. Martin F. Tupper contributes one of the princi-
pal articles in-the number, and one, too, which is very well
wort /i 9 reading It is on "lihyme and Rhythm," and gives
many admirable examples or the charm° and grace
of rhyme, the writer remarking that notwithstanding
the inherent difficulties presented by the nature
of our language, which has no terminal cases or tenses,
the English tongue is especially rich in rhymed poetry.
He marvels greatly that rhyme was so entirely neglected
among the ancients. Were they ignorant of its charms
or insensible to them ? "How could it come to pass that
never once in nearly 5,000 years did our world in her poets
think of rhyming? that love managed to warble without
its music, wit to sparkle without its sprightliness, hate to
satirise without its point, piety to praise without its
beauty ? Somehow or other everybody for five millena-
ries poetised in blank verse—blank verse in every sort of
rhythm, elaborate as well as simple, from the strophed
and anti-strophed chorus to the plain iambics of an
Angels, but in no one instance intentionally (barely
in one accidentally) breaking into rhyme. Furthermore,
if intentionally disavowed, how should Horace in an ode
especially built for immortality have only just that once
stumbled into the great fault all seem to have eschewed ?
How is it that till the medieval monks filled their choirs
with music, till Gregory chanted, and Aliempis sung, the
dignity and beauty of the rhymed Latin ode were never
even suspected ? and that till troubadours arose in the
crusading era, the ballad or the serenades, or the joyous
outburst of song—otherwise bacchanalian or military—
seems in all countries to have escaped tho terminal en-
chantment of rhyme ?" The writer enters, as few pro-
fessedly critical writers do, into the spirit of the sub-
ject, not regarding it as a mere matter of dactyls
and trochaics, but as the intuitive melody of
an inspired singer. The story of " Through the Furnace"
continues with interest. Well-meaning but shortsighted
Patty is powerless to change the course of events," and a
great catastrophe occurs just as the wedding preparations
are complete. "Under the Limes" is a pleasant story
pleasantly told, complete in the number ; an advantage
that is becoming more and more rare. D. W., by Mary
Brotherton, gives a life-like sketch of a literary ephemera.
There are two earnest-minded poems, and altogether the
number may bear comparison with its old and tried con-
temporaries.
TEMPLE BAR.—" Sir Jasper's Tenant" is con-
tinued, and the instalment here presented is rather
an inviting one, for the " florid widow" makes her-
self most obnoxious, and the baronet is absurd
enough to listen to her. Mr. Pauncefort performs
his task very badly, for it is always a Mistake when
a man runs away from a difficult affair, and trusts to
writing letters, instead of transacting business personally.
Maria possesses nearly all the sense of the party. What
with the designs of one, and the sluggishness and the un-
kindness of the others, this dangerous widow is doubtless
destined to play an important part in the future pages of
this story, and will become one of those graphic sketches
which have already contributed so largely to the fame of
this author. "The Streets of the World" has for subject
this time "Broadway itself," which just now is certainly
most appropriate. It is given with the usual lively style
and descriptive manner that has long characterised the
sketches of this writer, whose labours have placed before
the public a panorama of the chief cities of the world. The
accounts given of the female "helps," or rather hindrances
is amusing. The sharpwitted among employers seek to
obtain the services of foreigners, but after a time the per-
nicious influences of the place infects them, and they, too,
turn defaulters. They awake to the conviction that they
are as good as rare, and as it is aptly put here, when this
persuasion comes in at the door, discipline, deference,
obedience fly out at the window." Cunning coiffeurs and
accomplished dentists are greatly in demand in New York,
for the ladies are most unfortunate in losing their hair and
spoiling their teeth. The manner in which they age
prematurely is also most astonishing. "At twenty-
six she is middle-aged, at thirty she is elderly,
at forty ne rien parley pas." The men get rid of themselves
at an early ago by their fast style Of procedure ; ".they
work, fret, smoke, speculate, cheer, or drink themselves to
death at a comparatively early age." They appear to be
jealous of others eclipsing them in longevity, for it is a
common thing to hear an old lawgiver or statesman called
"a worn-out cuss." "Knots and Coils" is a suggestive
sketch that presents some noticeable remarks to the reader.
It is truly said that "every one has knots and coils of some
kind, differing only as to size and name." Many ingenious
descriptions are given of the various events and numerous
incidents, which combine to make up the tangled thread of
life, of which it is affirmed, in conclusion, that they are

"scarcely to be opened now, I think, until the great day
of unravelling comes, when we shall know all things, and
all things be known to us. May each of us keep our threads
of life smooth, white and ungnarled, for that time of final
inspection, and may we find our last coil flung heaven-
ward, with the Christian virtues for the pulleys." "Land
at Last" is continued, and some eventful passages occur.
The interesting story of "David Chantrey" is also pro-
ceeded with. "Masters, Servants, and Tradesmen" is a
sketch that is welcome just now, when so much is being
said and written on the topic. It is very truly said that
the extra sum paid to a good servant is but a premium of
insurance against the loss of large sums. "By the Sea"
is a gloomy dirge that tells of a sad story of love and
death. "Sunshine and Shadow" is a pleasant sketch, and
there are other articles met with of interest and importance,
among which may be mentioned " Our Dockyards," which
is very cleverly written.

Not,r-v
•
-64;40A44,yr,
41.144441:

HER MAJESTY.

OSBORNE, April 29.
The Queen and royal family went out yesterday
morning, and again in the afternoon.
Hir Royal Highness Prince Alfred, attended by
Dr. Bernhardt, went over to Bewley.

April 30.
Her Majesty the Queen drove out yesterday
morning.

The Right Hon. Sir George Grey arrived from
London, and had the honour of dining with the
Queen and royal family.

The Prince and Princess of Wales.

.SANDRINGIIA3I, April 30.
Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess
of Wales and Prince Albert Victor and suite will
leave here for town to-morrow, proceeding by
special train for Wolferton at 2 o'clock, and due at
Bishopsgate shortly before 5 o'clock.

Yesterday afternoon his Royal Highness the
Prince of Wales received the Mayor of King's Lynn
(Mr. W. Monement), the Rev.. T. White (head
master of the Lynn Grammar School), and Mr.
Bristow (one of the pupils of the school) at Sand-
ringham. His royal highness graciously presented
to Mr. Bristow the gold medal given annually to
the school by the Prince of Wales, and which had
been won this year (the first of its presentation) by
that young gentleman. The presentation of the
medal was accompanied by some highly appropriate
remarks.

This morning their Royal Highness the Prince
and Princess of Wales, attended by the Hon. Mrs.
Edward Coke, Lieut.-General Knollys,&c.,attended
Divine service.

The Princess Bariatinsky left Claridge's Hotel
yesterday morning for Paris.

The Marquis and Marchioness of Hastings have
left the St. George's Hotel.
___

The Countess of Derby will have evening parties
on the 11th and 18th of the present month.
The Earl and Countess of Effingham and the
Ladies Howard have arrived at Farrance's Hotel.

The Earl and Countess Spencer are expected to
arrive at Spencer House, St. James's, from Althorp, early
in the week.

The Earl of Carnarvon has arrived at Brown's
Hotel.

The Right Hon. Sir George Grey left town on
Saturday for Osborne, Isle of Wight.
Mrs. W. E. Gladstone will have an amateur
musical party after the Chancellor of the Exchequer's en,
tertainment to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge
on Wednesday next.