The Sun.
London, England, 1865-05-09 00:00:00

ASTLEY'S THEATRE.

The energetic lessee of this theatre, Mr. E. T.
Smith, last night commenced his efforts to revive the
taste for English opera, such as pleased the public
in the days of Braham, Incledon, and Phillips.
The opera selected for the opening night was " Guy
, Mannering," and in order that it might be given,
with the greatest effect, Mr. Smith has entered into
an engagement with Miss Louisa Pyne, Miss Sii.san
Pyne, Mr. W. Harrison, Mr. and Mrs. Weis.% Mr.
Vernon Rigby, Mr. E. St. Albyn, Miss A. Cottrell,
and a powerful orchestra, admirably conducted by
Mr. J. 11. Tully. The opera of " Guy Mannerrig,"
to the older portion of the audience, is full of the
Imost delightful associations; and those who are not
thus attracted by it cannot but feel charmed with
the pure, simple, and touching music of Sir Henry
Bishop, and the admirable story of Sir Walter Scott,
In order to move with the taste of the time some
popular songs were introduced, and thus we had
a ballad from all the principal artistes. Mr. Har-
rison sang "Be mine, dear maid ;" Miss L. Pyne,
" The Power of Love," from the opera of " Sate-
nella ;" Mr. and Weiss, " The Wolf." The original
music was excellently sung, the celebrated gipsy
glee and chorus, " The Chough and Crow," elicit-.
ing the most enthusiastic applause. The dramatic
characters were well supported by Mr. B. Potter as
Dandie Dinmont of Charlie's Hope ; Mr. Atkins,
Dominie Sampson ; and Mr. Fraser, as Gilbert
Glossin. We could have wished that Mrs. Macready
had been a little more natural in her assumption of
the part of Meg Merrilles. It seemed to us to be the
lady's desire to imitate Miss Cushman in the part,
but the attempt fell far short of accomplishment.
Her reading was in many parts pointless and
monotonous, whilst her . attitudes were at
times perfectly absurd and unnatural. The
opera, however, gave the greatest delight, and at
the fall of the curtain the applause was general and
enthusiastic. The popular burletta of " Midas"
followed the opera, and was much enjoyed from the
lively and clever way in which it was performed,
and the number of attractive ladies it comprises as
heathen gods and goddesses, foremost amongst
whom shines and sings Miss A. Cottrell. Altogether,
we may congratulate the manager on the new vein
of performance he has opened ; and there can be no
doubt that the fine old English opera, full as it is
of airs and music that have become national, will be
duly appreciated.

LambAh Election—This Day.

This morning the electors of the borough of Lam-
beth proceeded to the election of a member to servo
in the present Parliament, in the room of Mr. W.
Williams, deceased.

The hustings were erected in the large open space
near the Horns Tavern, Kensington, so often the
scene of fierce political conflicts. To-day there was
nothing fierce or exciting, and the whole proceeding
was a very dull affair indeed.

Mr. ONsLow, the returning officer, briefly opened
the proceedings. They were now called upon to
elect a burgess to supply the vacancy caused by the
death of Mr. Williams, and he hoped the proceeed-
ings would be conducted with justice to all parties.
Mr. T. WEBBER nominated Mr. Alderman James
Clarke Lawrence as a fit and proper person to re-
present the borough in Parliament.
Mr. J. A. LYON seconded the nomination.

Mr. ONSLOW then inquired whether any elector
had another candidate to propose. There was no
response. After waiting a moment or two, Alder-
man J. C. Lawrence was declared duly elected.
Alderman LAWRENCE thanked the electors for the
honour, conferred upon him, and propoeed a vote
of thanks to Mr. Onslow, and the proceedings
terminated.

Liverpool Cotton Market—This Day.

Market opens stead,.
bales.

Sales, probably 15,000