The Sun.
London, England, 1868-08-03 00:00:00

ASTLEY'S THEA7RE ROYAL.

The production of Mr. Disraeli's " Alarcos " at
this theatre on Saturday night was looked forward
to with considerable interest. 'Though long known
to the readers of Mr. Disraeli's novels, this play has
never had a-isigned to it the prominence which it
seems to us eminently to merit. Tragedy, even
under the inspiration of a Shakspere, (seems to
have lost its charm for the play-going public,
and the light dramatic pieces of French
origin, which have so long been in vogue,
are unquestionably the only performances that are
really in favour. It says s9mething therefore for
the enterprise of the present management of Astley's
that a new, hazardous, and iudepe,Lient path should
be struck out by it. The production of anything
from the pen of the distinguished man who holds
the reigns of Government of this kingdom would
be sure to command attention, notwithstanding
that it has become the custom of several of our con-
tewporay ies to ridicule, deprecate, and discover the
" cloven hoof" in each line and each sentence which
emanates from it; but the success of a piece like that
of " Alarcos" eminently depends upon the garb in
which it is presented co the public. It is question-
able whether the author ever intended the play for
stage representation at all ; but whether he did so
or not, we are sure he would feel thoroughly satisfied
with the manner in which it has now been presented.
The scenery was excellent, the acting good, and
whatever adverse criticism may be expended upon
the play itself by political partizans, we are sure the
public will appreciate at its just valve both the
singular merits of the piece and the enterprise of
the manager who has brought it forward. In the
farce which preceded "Alarcos," entitled " An Ob-
ject of Interest," the acting of Miss Emily Scott,
Mr. 11. Norton, and Mr. J. Royston was very
commendable, the piece itself being full of humour.
Altogether the opening night was a decided success.

111ARKE7S-7llls DAY.

c--- ----

CORN.
The harvest progresses most satisfactory. The trade
in the provinces is quiet.
At Mark Lane this morning tho attendance was better,
several arrivals from the North swelling the :number of
buyers, and the tone of the trade much less depressed.
At last Friday's offers, that is is to 2s decline on the
rates of
.Monday last, there were few buyers of new Eng-
lish wheats, the large reduction was only in a few cases
accepted. A general clearance being made at the decline
of ls., and in some instances even last Monday's rates were
said to have been obtained.

Foreign wheat was in liberal supply, and moved off
steadily, at is to 2s less money on the week.
Flour the turn cheaper.
Grinding barley easier to buyer, there Laing several ar-
rivals of foreign.
Beans and pea; in steady request.
Russian oats 3d. cheaper. Other quotations unaltered.
Supplies large.
METUOPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET.

The market was again heavily supplied iu face of a ma-
nifest want of demand iu the dead market.

Tho stock, however, showed the effect of drought and
want of food, the coLdition being generally indifferent.
Of beasts there were 34 from Scotland, 3,186 from the
Euglish pastures, and 1,890 from abroad. The few really
prime realised full prices, while the general tralo was
depressed.

Of sheep and lambs 33,250 came to hand, 6,020 being
foreign. Primo English mutton maintained its value, but
middling qualities sold cheaper. Veal depressed, 328
on sae, 313 being foreign.