The Sun.
London, England, 1841-05-17 00:00:00

MR. BARNES.

A great event has occurred this xreek in journalism,
by the death of Mr. Barnes, the leading Editor of the
Times. Mr. Barnes succeeded Dr. Stoddart in the edi-
torship of that paper, and by his extraordinary skill,
discrimination, and powers of writing. raised that journal
to its present power. Nor was the talent of Mr. Barnes
confined to his own personal articles. He prescribed to
other able writers their" piece-work," and, by his criti-
cal pen, he preserved the unity of political leaders. He
was, unquestionably, the most accomplished and power-
ful political writer of the day, and particularly excelled
in the portraiture of public men. He was the author of
the sketch of Lord Brougham's character, in the autumn
of 1839, when his Lordship was prematurely killed by
the press. Mr. Barnes was the democratic influence on
the Times. His loss, added to the recent death of the
second editor, Mr. Bacon, draws the sting of the " lead-
ing journal." Mr. Murray, Mr. Barnes, and Mr. Bacon,
now all dead, were the master-spirits of the paper. Mr.
Barnes also was the gentleman in confidential communi-
cation with political leaders, and a scholar and man of
letters experienced in parties. Scotsman.

SUDDEN CLOSING OF THE
LYCEUM.

We regret to state that this pretty little theatre was
suddenly closed on Saturday night. Some little delay
having occurred after the performance of the Handsel
Penny, the audience manifested its impatience in the
usual way, which brought Mr. Balfe for ward, who ad-
dressed the house to the following effect
Ladies and Gentlemen—Above two hours ago I
received a note from Mr. John Barnett, whose pupil
Miss Gould is, stating that he could not allow her to
appear at this theatre any longer. She being the third
who has tlvus left the establishment, I am really unable
at Ibis moment to substitute anything for .11 Paddy
Ifiback, as Nlarcelline cannot be played, neither Mr.
Harris nor Mr. Selby being in the house. Had I
known of this sooner, I would have put something
ova r the bills to prevent your coming ; but
if you will wait five or ten minutes, perhaps
Mr. Harris will arrive. This is the last night of the
ErgUsb Opera House, or at lerst of it under my reign.
Cries of " so.") The fact is there arc not sufficient
funds is the house, and I am ahead), burthened with
five or six hundred pounds debt through it. I have
done all in my power for the establishment ; I brought
my opera of licolanthe gratis, for which Madame Ves-
tris offered me three hundred guineas, if I would have
it brought out at her theatre. I had another opera by
Mr. Macfarrep, ready cast and studied, but I was not
able to produce it in consequence of the secession of Mr.
H. Phillip=.--(Cries of " Shame !") lam exceedingly
sorry that I ever was such a fool as to become a mana-
ger to an English theatre—in that capacity I will never
appear again before you, but in future only as a com-
poser."
Mr. Balfe's address, the substance of which we have
given above, was frequently interrupted by expressions
of regret, cries of " Shame," &e. &c., and at its con-
clusion he was greeted with loud and continuous ap-
plause, which lasted for several minutes after he had
retired. Such a termination to the speculation is
deeply to be deplored, not only from the pecuniary loss
sustained by Mr. Balfe, but from the serious injury
which will accrue to the profession. The members
thereof will have reason to regret their not having duly
supported the inanager of the English Opera House.