The Liverpool Standard, and General Advertiser.
Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1854-08-01 00:00:00

MUSIC AND THE DRAMA,

AT THE ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE, the performances
have, during the past week, been sustained by the ma-
tured talent of Mr. Vandenhoff, who has commenced the
second portion of his farewell engagement at this theatre,
and they have been also graced by the charming acting of
his accomplished daughter. The repertoire for the week
has been choice, including, on Tuesday night, the play of
" Brutus," the character of Lucius Junius being repre-
sented by Mr. Vandenhoff, with his customary classic
taste. On Wednesday, Miss Vandenhoff's fine play of
" Woman's Heart" was produced, the leading characters
being sustained by that young lady and her father.
Thursday was devoted to Shakspere's noble drama of the
"Merchant of Venice," Shylock finding an able repre-
sentative in Mr. Vandenhoff; while the difficult character
of .Portia fell to the lot of Miss Vandenhoff, and was by
her effectively performed—her elocution, like that of her
father, being pointed, expressive, and natural. Sheridan
Knowles' effective drama of the " Hunchback" was the
attraction of Friday, the character of Master Walter,
with his fitful and curt cynicism, and strong passion,
being naturally and ably delineated by Mr. Vandenhoff.
His action was in general subdued, tasteful, and appro-
priate, with here and there a sparkling outbreak of vehe-
mence and impassioned feeling, finely expressive of the
author's meaning. The Julia of Miss Vandenhoff was
generally fine, in many passages excellent, and in not a
few admirable. The simplicity of her demeanour in the
early scenes was powerfully contrasted with the headlong
gaiety and lively, yet frivolous, ambition of the middle
acts; and both were in strong relief to the impetuous and
withering passion which scathed and tortured her towards
the conclusion of the play. In all she was natural and
impressive; and even her wildest and most impulsive
outbursts were admirably tinctured and commingled with
the promptings of virtuous emotion and high-toned feel-
ing. Delicacy pervaded her conception of the character,
and her rendering of it was in keeping with the senti-
ment. The character of Helen was performed by Mis,
M. Seaman, from the Royal Strand and Surrey Theatres
who made her first appearance, and a favourable one, on
the occasion. She is possessed of an arch liveliness and a
pleasing vivacity, which she displayed to much advan-
tage. She promises to be a welcome and a valuable ad-
dition to the f tock company. In Lord Tinsel, Mr. F. L.
Villiers was easy and buoyant; and we were glad to
recognise animproved quietude of manner in Mr. Loraine,
whose performance of Sir Thomas Clifford was in most
respects creditable. The rest of the characters were fairly
sustained, and, as a whole, the piece was most respectably
I put upon the stage. "Macbeth" was produced on Satur-
day, Mr. Vandenhoff playing the character of Macbeth,
while the arduous and trying part of Lady Macbeth was
undertaken and performed by Miss Vandenboff.

Frank Sniith was hung -at New Orleans on the 7th
instant, for the -.murder of his wife ; and the Mayor of
Ale:Landria, Louisianaa, was shot dead during an affray
on the 4th.
Malignant dysentery is prevailing in North Carolina, at
Leaksiriille,and Pittsylvania, and many deaths had occurred.
A fire occurred at Massilon, Ohio, on Monday, July 17,
destroying the Massilon-house and a number of other
buildings. Loss about $25,000, fully covered by insurance.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of incendiarism.
At Danvers, as two young ladies, daughters of Frederick
Howls, Esq., of Boston, were attempting to cross the
railroad track in a • wagon, the Manchester train came
along and dashed the wagon to pieces, instantly killing
one of the ladies, and mangling the other so badly that
she cannot survive. _ _

Ethyard Crane, President of the Vermont Central Rail-
road, resigned his office on the 15th ult. Previous to his
resignation it was discovered that he had over-issued
8,000 Shares of the Vermont Central Railroad. The trans-
fer books of the company have been closed for the present,
in order' to give time for a thorough investigation, and a
meeting of the directors has been called for the earliest
time they, can be assembled.

The Mercantile community in St. John's, Newfound-
land; were raising subscriptions for the purpose of sending
a vessel to Cape John for the protection of the fisheries ;
Government to pay one-half of the expense. A boat and
crew are also to be dispatched to Bell Isle for the same

purpose.
From the city of Mexico to the Bth it is •reported 'that
General Alvarez is ill, with no prospect of recovery.

A new expedition, under the command of Count Soul-
bon, comprising two battalions, has been sent to Michoa-
can, where the revolution continues.
Santa Anna has sent the Grand Cross of Guadeloupe to
Queen Vieforia, Emperor Napoleon, the King of Prussia,
and others.
A large number of Indians from Mexico were marching
into the interior of Texas, creating considerable excite-
ment. "No efficient troops opposed them, and the people
were complaining against General Smith, and getting up
petitions for his removal, and the appointment of General
Harney to the chief command. The condition of the
troops throughout Texas was excellent.
Advices have been received from Rio Janeiro to the sth
of June. Unusual good health prevailed at Rio.
The United States frigate Savannah and store-ship Re-
lief were in port—the latter about to sail for New York.
The brig Bainbridge had sailed for Monte Video, and the
Germantown was expected at Rio about the middle of
July. , .

The coffee market was firmer, and had an improving
tendency. Sales at $4 550 to $4 500. Stock on hand,
about 45,000 bags. The indications are that the new crop
will be of a rather inferior quality. Exchange on London
was quoted at 27i-d. premium.