The Sun.
London, England, 1832-03-22 00:00:00

CAUSE OF THE DRAMA.-(THIS DAY).

A very numerous and respectable public meeting was held
this day, at the Strand Theatre, for the purpose of peti-
tioning Parliament to repeal all laws affecting the Drama.
Sir F. Burdett had promised to preside at the meet-
ing, but was prevented by other I usiness. In consequeace
Mr. RAYNER came forward and read the following note
from Sir Francis, which was addressed to Mr. Richardson :
" Dear Sir,—l am very sorry, but it will be impossible
for me to attend the meeting about the theatres to-morrow ; I
must be at one o'clock at a meeting of Members to support the
Reform Bill for the debate in the evening. Pray say for me'
how much I regret this, but it was impossible to foresee it.
" Your's, &c. " F.
Having read that note, Mr. Rayner observed, that no ley-
than eight Members of Parliament had promised him to
attend the meeting, and the same cause that prevented Si,
F. Burdett attending operated in keeping others away, for
the cause of the drama was but of trifling importance com-
pared with that of Reform.—(Cheers.) He was glad,
however, to be able to state, that one of the Members
was true to his promise and would take the chair—he
meant Mr. Thomas Duncombe, Member for Hertford.
Mr. DuNcomax, in taking the chair, said the communi-
cation which had been made by Mr. Rayner was a source
of great regret to him, because it had deprived the meeting
of the abilities of a most able statesman, whose advice in a'l
cases was of such material consequence in any cause which
he took in hand.—(Cheers.) He was, however, happy
in being enabled to state that the cause which the public
had now undertaken, and which they had now met to sup-
port was rapidly drawing to a satisfactory and triumphant
issue. It appears to me, the Hon. Gentleman observed, that
this is not a very complicated question. It can be ex-
pressed in the simple word, monopoly. At the same time,
it is a question that does not involve the interests of the
proprietors of either the major or minor theatres alone,
hut the rights, amusements, and I, may add, the
privileges of the public. And as it affects the rights and
privileges of the public, I think you are taking a
judicious course to take the opinions of that pub-
lic by whose support alone, or from the want of
whose support, the large as well as the minor theatres.
must stand or fall. It is for the expression of your opi-
nion, therefore, this day, that I believe this meeting his
been convened ; and when we consider the present state
of correction and reformation which is going on respecting
the abuses of this country—when we consider that every
part of the State is undergoing that reformation, allow
me to ask, are the interests of the Drama
alone to be neglected ? I think that it is impossible
they can, if you will only act with moderation, at the same
time with firmness, and under a strict sense of justice.
My opinion is, that Reform will extend with the increasing
intelligence of the country, so that we shall soon are Old
Drury, like Old Sarum yield to the universal cry of Re-
forin.—(Cheers.) It appears to me that it must be ap-
plied to every part of the drama, and that being done,
it will prove beneficient to all, because the major and pa-
tent theatres will be obliged to admit, that their sole claim
to support will depend on an honourable competition, in-
stead of a struggle, not only to bring to the ground, but
to carry in their own ruins, buildings like this which have
been raised by the spirited Reform and industry of the
public.—(Cheers.) Gentlemen, I shall detain the meet-
ing no longer, as I am sure there must be many here
ready to express their sentiments on the present occasion.
Mr. SERLE came forward amidst loud applause. He said-
-1 Mr. Chairman and Gentlemen,—lt has devolved on me, at
the request of those who have originated and conducted
the business of this meeting, to lay as brief a statement as
may be of the cause we have taken up, and which you
have so kindly patronized, before the public in general and
this meeting in particular. This is, perhaps, necessary,
in order that you may be fully aware of the grounds on
which those who are personally interested in this profes-
sional matter presume to act, and of those grounds on which
they claim the patronage and the protection of the public. It
is not necessary for me here to attempt to vindicate the great
cause of the Dratna,—that art which is identified with the
cause of civilization—that art which is always the first to
prosper and often the first to decay, but whose decline is
generally the sign of the decline of the talent, industry
and intellect of the nation itself. There can be no neces-
sity for me to attempt to vindicate an art which seems to
have its origin in the very intuition of nature—which seems
to have risen is ith every interest, and every claim in every
country, and at every age—which seems to have been
born from the desire of man
,to see his own image—his
very mind and soul—his rights and hopes—painted on a
stage, anti as it were brought before him in a glass.—
To those who deem it the best morality to pass through the
world without passions, who think they were things
given us, not to curb and govern, like bounding steeds, to
noble ends—to those who think that those great gifts of
heaven ought to be reduced to mere negations, I have no--
thing to say ; but to those who think the mighty power
of literature in general, and of poetry in particular, is such
is to lead the passions of men to the glorious ends to which
the noble passions are given : to them alone I can address
observations, for from them alone can I wish for support
them alone will I appeal in so great, so generous, so
noble a cause.—(Cheers.) But I should entreat your
pardon for having so began, because I am sure this point
needs no advocacy, and that the feeblest voice must be en-
ablsd to raise the strongest echo in the; hearts and breasts
of every individual. Gentlemen, I shall endeavour first to
state the shortest possible historical view of the British stake
I shall show you that in the time of Shakspeare, when the
population and extent of London was scarcely one-fifth of
what it is at present, there were seventeen theatres, each
possessing equal rights—equal authority, to perform what-
ever plays they chose to accept and exhibit for the best in-
terests of themselves and the public. By th's
open competition both actors and authors realized
fortunes : and if those of the present d iv
will look back to the state of those who possessed the
same rights under the reign of Queen Elizabeth, they will
find that our glorious Shakspeare retired at comparatively
an early age to his native town, to4njoy with his fellow-
citizens the comforts and happiness with which his merits
had been rewarded. This is all that artists and actors can
require. They ought to have no wish for better remuneration
than to be able to spend their days in honour, and close
them in peace.—(Cheers.) Thus stood the stage in its
high and palmy state, under the reign of Queen Eliz tbeth,
when men acted the real tragedies which were played in
the contests between the monarchy and the common-
wealth. They had no time for a moment to view those faint
signs which were but faint characters of the great
drama in which they themselves had been actors. Had it
been otherwise, the very Puritans must themselves
have, as the Quakers of the present day do, stolen
gradually towards the gentleness of literature, and soothed
the stern realities with its intellectual advantages.
Upon the restoration of Charles it was thought necessary
to raise the Drains from its ashes, to collect its scattered
materials, which had been thrown all over England. To
do that it was considered necessary to establish something
like a monopoly in order that there might be an exclusive
enjoyment on behalf of some, this was rather a difficult
task, but from the exercise of a most arbitrary power,
patents were created for services which I need not name.
Thus those monopolies commenced, and they have
proceeded in a manner worthy of their origin,
they began in infamy and have ended in
treachery.—(Loud applause.) The stage after this
flourished till the time of Garrick, and the only vi-
sible effect of the monopolies seems to have been, that
instead of delighting the public with the works of that
great dramatic genius Shakspeare, they have been obliged
to put up with translations of poor French plays, or poorer
translations of Corneille and Racine.—(Applause.) But
this was a silent effect, unmarked with much activity;
but which was sapping the very foundation of lite-
rature. But all the greater actors of the day took
not their origin from the patent houses; and as an
example of that I will appaal to the glory of the
histronic art, Garrick,—was he introduced to the
public by the patent theatres? No, be first made his
appearance before the public at a small theatre in Good-
man's-fields. The monopoly, however, of the patent the-
. atres had been going quietly on to the present time,
interrupted now and then by that spirit which struggles
against false Legislation. Every now and then there
were actions defended on those patents, and every time
time defendant was cast in damages he had the public
sympathy with him, and every triumph was hailed by the
public with delight. The minor theatres amounting now to 15
in number, are prevented by the patent ones from performing
the regular Drama. In those minor theatres individuals,
amounting to nearly 3,000 are employed, and who de-
pend upon them fur their livelihood ; but notwithstanding
this, although they knew perfectly wed that to destroy
those theatres would put this great number of persons out
of employment; yet the patent theatres, thinking they
could not succeed while they have rivals, regardless of
everything, had brought an action ag (inst the proprietor of a
theatre for purchasing a piece which they would not pur-
chase—for employing actors which they would not employ
—and in the Court of King's Bench, to the shame of the
ninteenth century, in England be it spoken, they
got a verdict which condemned him to a prison,
in which he had to remain for six months.__
(Loud cries of shame, shame.) Mr. Serie then went on to
observe that what he had stated would conclude his obser-
vations, as far as the subject was a personal matter, and be
would not come to the time, when the public deeming it
to he their own cause, came forward, heart, hand, and
urse,to assist the cause of the minor theatres, and by that

treat organ, the preen, they said, that tyranny had lied
long enough, that they would by their own defenders, and
that the system should last no longer. The actors them-
selves, of all grades, were universal in favour of the objects
of this present Meeting, and however some might feel bound
by a false sense of honour in supposing that the money
which they took from the great theatres ought not to ee
employed against them, yet they were not such idiots as t•ot
'o enter fully into the views of the present meeting, .cud
countenance its object.. The case however really belonged to
the public, whose right it was to have the legitimate Drama
performed in a theatre where it might be seen and heard.
The public were the patrons of the Drama in all
its branches—both of authors and actors—and were the
encouragers of literature ; and the only wish and hope
of the actors were from their exertions to enjoy a decent
competency in their old age. The great argument against
,he minors was the immense sums of money which had
been laid out upon the two large theatres, who stood
upon their vested rights, which was their only hope,
amid the general disapprobation of an enlightened public.
He, however, could tell them that their vested rights bad
become a mere cypher. If the patent theatres had cre-
ditors, if they had proprietors, he should wish to see
their claims satisfied as far as possible ; and he thought
that if the Government would but allow thole theatres
to be disposed of by lottery, they would reap a
much larger sum without their pitiente than they
were now producing with them, attacked as they were oa
all sides and by all parties.—(Cheers.) It had been
his wish more to sketch an outline of the cane of the
actors, and to show how that case had Income the public's.
He now came to that part of the question as to what
alterations were necessary in the law to secure
to the public end to the theaters, all the advantages which
were so necessary. It was not the wish of any one indivi-
dual in the profession to ett ike down a large and expensive
monopoly, with the view of ect ,blishing a smaller one; they
wished the public to be the judges of their own amusements.
It was not sufficient that the present Theatres should have
the privilege of constantly going on, but th,t if any
one should be improperly conducted, the public voice
should decide upon having another in its st.ad.—(Cheers.)
He was of opinion, that beyond the mere certificate of a
surveyor, that a building was fitted for its purpose, and
certain public regulations, there should be no laws for
regulation of Theatres. Hitherto the preambles of Acts
of Parliament bad designated actors as rogues and vaga-
bonds, and inflicted heavy penalties es if the National
Drama was a nuisance, to be *oppressed or
curtailed—if not altogether pat down and destroyed.
—(Cheers) But now men had Irgen to think for them-
selves, independently and therefore justly—he saw
around him the will and the power to do justice—
they had fallen upon a time when every aspira-
tion of intellect met with sympathy, if not with
reward—when oppression was fast sinking bsneath truth
and justice, and he felt confident that those who contri-
buted to the amusement of the publie should not be allowed
to remain the only slaves.—( Loud cheers.)
Colonel Jonas had great pleasure in proposing a resolu-
tion which bad been put into his hands. The Drama had
always been a di.tingu:ehed feature in history. The learned
Greek., so celebrated for their great mental powers, gave
encourogement to it, and their poets were the actors.
They were not, in those days, designated rogues
and vagabonds.—(Herr.) They were persons to whom
the present age looked up for a cultivation of the human
intellect. The Roman Government felt that the drama
was immediately connected with the splendour of the State,
arid that it reflected addition lustre on all the great military
achievements. Now was time when a lull scope should be
given to talent whenever it was found,—whether on the
stage, or in any other institutions of the country. The
very wants of the people were changed—they were not
content with the performances at two large Theatres,
but wished for others, as well for their instruction as
for their amusement. If anything were wanting to com-
plete the character of an Englishman, it was the dearth
of amusement. There was not a town in France, in which
not only the higher and middling classes, but the labour-
ing population might go to the theatres, and ob-
tain instruction and amusement.—(Loud cheers.)
He therefore, hoped, that the wisdom of a re-
formed Parliament would be directed to destroy the mono.
poly which was now complained of. The Gadant Officer
concluded by moving a resolution to the effect that any
restriction in the performance of dramatic entertainments
except for the preservation of morality and decorum, was
opposed to the present enlightened spirit of the age, and
inconsistent with that open competition by which alone
perfection could be obtained in art, science, or litera-
ture.—(Cheers.)
Mr. PLACE having seconded the resolution, it was
carried unanimously.
Mr. MA Hos( rose to propose the second Resolution. He
knew not whether the appeal they were making that day
would succeed with the present Legislature, constituted as
it was but if they had any regard for the legitimate
Drama, the appeal from its justice must nitimately be suc-
cessful.
[The Meeting was proceeding when our Reporter left. I

130W-STREET.-(THIS DAY).

ATTACK ON THE NEW POLICE.

This morning Mr. Miissitur.L, the Magistrate was oc-
cupied in hearing charges against individuals for attacking
the New Police of the F division at Temple-bar yesterday.
The first person brought forward sv.s a lad named
Thomas Kirkland, charged by Mr. Thomas, the super-
intendant, who stated, that yesterday afternoon he was on
duty with part of his force, in Pickett-street, Strand, just
within Temple-bar, in order to cut off the approach of
upwards of 2,000 people from the city, who kept up an
attack upon his force for a considerable time, by throwing
bricks, mud, and any thing they could obtain, and many
of his men have received considerable injury. The police
bore the assault with great patience, and they were unable
to make an attack upon the aggressors, as they kept within
the boundary of the city, therefore the metropolitan police
could not legally act.
Mr. MlNsitur.l.--I think it high time that some ar-
rangement should he entered into between Magistrates and
the city authorities upon that subject. A man on duty
on the outside of the city gates might he murdered if such
a ridiculous custom is allowed to exist.
Mr. Thomas continued—Ere saw the prisoner actively
engaged in pelting the police with mud when they had
taken a man into custody, and a cry of rescue was raised
in all directions, upon which he gave him into the hands
of the officers.

The defendant admitted throwing the mud, but not
stones, and he was led to do so because others did. He
was now very sorry for what he had done.
The Magistrate ordered him to find bail.
David Davis, a poor half-famished jlurneyman shoe-
maker, was charged by Higgins, a policeman, with pelting
the force with stones at Temple-bar.
Higgins stated, that he was in his plain clothes, and
saw the prisoner in the act of breaking one of the paving-
stones in Pickett-street, and with the pieces pelt the
men on duty. (Here one of the pieces of stones was
produced, and was of a most formidable size.) On seeing
this he took him into custody. Higgins described the
conduct of the mob to be most desperate.
The Magistrate convicted the prisoner in the penalty of
3/., and in default he was commited for two months to Cie
House of Correction, and to be kept to hard labour.
James Kennedy, a poor-looking was charged
with leading a mob of the rioters in Pickett-street, and
creating a great disturbance by heating an old tin kettle.
He was committed to the Hwuse of Correction.

Andrew Carey was brought up charged with fracturing
the skull of a policeman named Mills, who is in the hos-
pital lying in a dangerous state. He was remanded till
the fate of the man is known.

AFFRAY IN TOTTENHAM-COURT-ROAD.--
Yesterday, besides the desperate affray which. took place in
Finsbury-square, another of the same nature occurred in Tot.
tenham-court-road. It was expected that a large body were to
join the Union in the New-road, from Westminster and St:
Giles's, to counteract which a force of four hundred police, of
the S and D divisions, ender the command of Mr. Lazenby,
took their station in Tottenham-street at three o'clock, shortly
after which a body of about five thousand were seen to ad.
vance, when Mr. Lazenby drew his men up eight deep across
the street. The mob, on seeing the strong position of the
police, halted, but in a few minutes commenced throwing
stones. This was borne patiently for some time; but on the
mob closing towards the police, Mr. Lazenby gave the word—
" Charge " This was done in such a gallant manner, that their
assailants retreated in all directions, followed by the police.
Again the mob made a stand at the corner of the New -road,
having been joined by another party, we believe, from Somers-
town, and again the missiles flew in showers. Nothing daunted,
the word "charge" again was given, when one of the most des-
perate conflicts ever witnessed in the streets of the metropoli.,
commenced. The mob was driven back ; and so effectually
did the men perform this arduous duty, that in a few minuet_
the mob took to flight, several, we may say hundreds, carry
iug
with them broken heads. Several of the principal leaders w ere
taken into custody.
GENUINE TRAGIC FEELING.--Porus,
Athenian 'actor, was upon one occasion appointed to sustain
the character of Electra, who, in the course of the drama, ap.
pears with an urn, containing, as she supposes, the ashes of
Orestes. The actor having recently lost a favourite child, pro.
cured for the occasion the urn which actually contained its
ashes, which affected him so much that the audienco soon
perceived that the reality of his
grief was such that r.o actor
could aseuma)