The Statesman.
London, England, 1823-11-06 00:00:00

THE STATESMAN

COVENT OARDEN 'THEATRE.

Afters long season of preparati6o, during which, we
presume the author, the performers and the scene painter,
have been equally anxious, and industrions, a new Opera,
entitled " Cortex ; or, the Conquest of 11/crier), was last
night presented at this theatre. The first representation of
this piece had buil originally fix•d for Tuesday ; hut,
owing to some cause, which even now does not seem suffi-
ciently explained, the theatre was unexpectedly closed,
and a total suspension of the performances or that evening
took place. As the announcement of that suspension was
only given on the morning of Tuesday, a variety of reports
were circulated, and different reasons assigned as the cause
of so sudden a postponement. By some it was aliened
thst Miss M. Tees. conceiving the part which had been
allotted hems not sufficiently important to merit the exercise
of her talents, had signified her intention of resigning it,
and had thus rendered a postponement necessary, in order
to give to same other actress time and opportunity for the
study of the discarded character. Such a determination
on the part of Miss Tees could have been decidedly
at variance with the good sense which she has
generally exhibited; and it was ;herefore believed by
another portion of the public that the disappointment ou
her part had been unavoidable, and had resulted solely
from the delicate state of her health. This presumption
has been confirmed by a certificate bearing the signature
of Dr Mitchell, which states the general indisposition of
Miss Tees to be so great, as absolutely to require for a
short time a cessation of her professional exertions.
Having thus noticed a circumstance which the busy tongue
of rumour bad invested with more importance than it
deserved, it will be sufficient to add, that from whatever
cause Miss TREE'S absence might ari'e, it di l not give rise
to any inconvenience, as Miss Live who, at one day's
notice, undertook the part, proved herself a ►ery efficient
substitute.

The incidents of the New Opera (ae the title imports)
turn entirely on the conquest of Mexico by the Spaniards,
and the author has gathered the names of the characters
from history. The folio.. ing err the principal characters:
SPANlARDS.—Ferdinand Cortez, Mr. Cooper; Gohzales de
Sandoval, Mr. (eases; Pedro de Alvarado. Mr. Taylor • Ve-
league: de Leon, Mr. Comer; Diego de Ordaz, Mr. lorre-
how ; Francisco de Lurgo, Mr. Pyile; Sancho (farrier to the
forces) Mr. Fawcett.
11 exice Ns,—Montezurna, Emperor of Mexico, Mr. Baker ;
Tehixo, Mr. Bennett; Marina, ?Aids Love.
Tr.s•CALANS.—Maxienzin (Cacique of Tinsels) Mr. Chap-
man ; Xncolzio and %cards (his sous) Mr. T. P. Cook, and Mr.
Wrest; ; Amazilli, Miss Paton.

The opening scene possesses considerable beauty, and
discovers the Suanish encampment near Vera Cruz, after
having met with some reverses in the interior. Ile Leon
and Ordaz weary of the fatigues which the Spaniards have
already- undergone, instigate the troops to revolt and
re►urn to Cuba. The proposal meets with encouragement,
and the fidelity of the troops begin to waver, when Cortez
soddenly enters, urges the shame of flight and the rimy of
eventual success, and succeeds in reclaiming the affections
of the soldiers. Ambassadors from Mexico are then
introduced, and after presenting Cortex with presents from
Montezuma, commaed bins in the name of that Monarch to
quit their shore. l'he Spaniard in sewn offers presents
to the Emperor, and displays the power of his forces. A
troop of horse appear on the stage; some well executed
mansearres take place ; and the Mexican's retire struck with
admiration and awe. This is followed by the conflagration
of the fleet, which is here represented as the sole artifice of
Cortez, and not (as recounted by the historian,) the ottani•
mous act of a bo ty of men, resolved to trust to the energy
which necessity and despair inspire when all hope of retreat
is cat off. The Spaniards then engage with► the Tlascalans,
the ancient enemies of Mexico, whom they conquer; and
afterwards secure by an alliance. In the engazement
which here takes place, Aeacix is taken prisoner by Cortex;
Xneetzin eseapes, and mks Amazitli, of whom both the'
brothers are enamoured, and %s he had in the former scene
urged them to suspend their mutual jealousy and resent-
ment, and direct their prowess against the Spaniards, their
common enemy. The Spaniards, accompanied by the
Tlascalans now march for Mexico, where they are received
as friends. A plot, however, is entered into, by the
Mexicans, for the total extirpation of the strangers, which
is discovered by oteaci.e, and revealed to Cortex, by whom
' his life and liberty It and been preserved. dfariaa (in the
Opera, the sister of Teluxo) is throughout the whole at-
tached to Cortez, and Telu.ro in vain endeavours to detach
her from the service of Spain. In the end site is taken
prisoner by the Mexicans, and destined to be sacrificed as
a deserter of her country and bet gods. Teluxo in vain
suppurates her deliverance; all that he can obtain is a
•ceitful promise that the sacrifice shall he deferred, and
in that belief he departs to hasten the destruction of the
Spaniards. The preparations for the destruction of
d/oriestr, are continued it, the absence of her brother,
and she is about to fall a victim to her fluidity to
(Aerie.; when that hero is apprized of her danger, marches
to her relief, rescues her, and consumes the temple. 'lke
Opera concludes by a grand display of the entrance of
Curie: into Mexico, and his friendly reception by the
Emperor Montezuma
The above is an outline of the history of the play; and
it will be obvious tint with such a subject mach might
have been effected. That a great effect was at times pro-
duced, is true, but the whole fell far beneath, our expecta-
tion. Considered as a mere show, it is interior to its
splendid rival at Drury Lane, nor is the superiority of the
composition and drattrutic merit, so striking as to give it
in that point of view, a very decided a leant tge. The
scenery is in general good. The ape ning scene is well
imagined; and the display of the conflagration of the
fleet co 1111 l landed considerable applause. The horseman-
ship (that apparchtly indispensable ingredient of a modern
drams) was.hisp'ayed with great skill.
The performers in general made the most of their
parts. Coomta played well and looked the character
most admirably. Mr. BENNETT displayed powers
whir!► may one day lead bins to time acme of his
profession, but he must avoid a very obvious proneness to
an itamitation of Macready. FAWCETT gave considerable
effect to a wreatched character, and was encored in a
laughable song. entitled " The widow of Estrenitulara."
ff Miss Love we have already spoken. She was encored
in a song which she sung in the first act, and was through-
out favoured with the applause of the audience. Miss Parox
(it is almost unnecessary to say)sung with► the greatest taste,
and performed with ease and effect. She was encored in a
bravura in the second act. The Opera was well received
by a mo t crowded house, and gives out for repetition this
evening.

It will be perceived by a paragraph in the first page that
the new commission of the Peace for the city of Edinburgh,
includes the names of a number of persons distinguished fur
their opposition to the present ministry. This liberality, while
it reflects no inconsiderable credikon the Lord Advocate, is a
remarkable contrast to the narrow minded bigotry which drove
from the bar its greatest ornament, Henry Erskine. Were this
policy gen.-rally pursued, it would do away the bitterness of
party politics ; and render discussions on the affairs of state
more worthy of the name of reasonings than they have gene-
rally been.—(Glusgem Chron.)
THE AKM Y.—The 63d (West Suffolk) Regiment of lo-
la:try, has been ordered to march from Dublin to Him
The 93d (High! Ind Regins•nt of Foot,) has been em-
barked on bored transports at Cork, for the %Vest Indies.
The 12th (East Suffolk) Regt. of Infantry will embArk
at Portsmouth forthwith, for tlibraltsr. _ _ _

Tile last division of the 62.1 (Wiltshire) Regt. of Infan-
try lion its march from Cork to Fermoy.
The East India Company's ship Repulse, outward bound
arrived at Bencoolen on the 16th of June.

A parhelioa, or false sun. was observed, on Thursday last,
at linaresborough. at the western edge of a laslo, and nearly
of the same magettede u the real see.

. ,
SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE.
DIAL, Not. S.E. Arrived and sailed for the
river, the Agincourt, Mahon, from Bombay; and Georgians,
Warren. from Berbice ; the latter has bad part of her cargo
washed overboard; the Delight was espeeted to sail the latter
'Mot Oct. Came down from the river and remain. the Castle
Lachlan, Smith, for Jamaica; Brothers, Cummings, for Rio:
Puny Hall, Head, for Domiuica ; Thomas, Bell, for St. Vin-
cent's ; and Cicero, Plunkett, for Honduras.
Poarsmourn, Nov. s.—Wind S. Arrived the Llilles,Hutch-
Jason, from Oports ; Geo. Washjelton, Whitney, Havannab ;
Jack Tar, Downs, Minstrel, Da.; Brunswick, from Quebec;
Gov. Harcourt, Wilson, Demerara; Marianne. Gardner, New
Zealand ; Hector, Howlett, Guernsey; Betsey, Frith, Tobago ;
and North Briton, Morrison, Virginia, all with loss of sails
and other damage: also arrived the John, Cowan, from Que-
bec, Dart. Cox, Smyrna ; Juliana, Cool, Downs; Deveron,
Wilson, New South Wales •, Industry, Barclay, Norway : and
the Fame, ---, from Hull; the latter with her cargo shifted,
haring bt en on shore. Sailed the Jack Tar, and Ceth. Green,
for Jamaica.

PrArmoberti, Nov. 4.—Wind W.R.W. Arrived the Hibernia,
Gilles, from London, for Botany Hay, with damage; Lucy Da-
vidson, Wailfully, Dawns, for Cape of Good Hope; cod the
American vessel, Auguste, from East Indies, for Ifolland,witb
damage.
- - - -

F4LMOVTII, Nov. 4.—Wind S.W. Arrived the Adrian, Gor-
don, for Vun Dtemen's Land, with loss of bowsprit, foremast,
main top-past, rigaing, sails, bulwarks, &c. &e.; Mariner,
Churchland. from Havre; Marshal Rlucher, Oasis, from Ply-
mouth; end Mary. Quick, from Cork. Sailed the Alexander,
Longmaid, for Leghorn • Dash, Webster, end Four Friends.
!tuber te, for Loudon ; Off the Port, the Matron, Wilson, from
Port Jackson, sailed 6th June.

•
The brig James and %larj, Phuntree, from Caen, to New-
castle, is on shore in West Hay, Duugeness.

The Globe. of Sunderland, went on shore in Swain.* Bay
9d inst. and broke to pieces.

The Friends. Richard:, from Poole to Liverpool, was aban-
doned off the Lizard, and afterward.; sank.

A Dinner was provided by Mr. Harrison, of the Granby
Inn, wait!, was serve up in excel'ent style, in the
Apollo Room, and was plentifully supplied with venison,
game, and every delicacy of the season. Lord Viscount
Folkestone honored the Corporation with his presence on
the occasion. After the nett toasts were given, the Mayor
proposed the health of the Noble Lora. which was drunk
with entbusias:u, upon which his Lordship returned thanks
in a handsome simeeli, stating he was glad at having an
opportunity of meeting them, and should be happy to in-
crease the intercourse, and it would be gratifyieg to him
to 110 all in his power that should tend to the benefit and
welfareof the Town & Port of Polkestone." His Lordship
concluded his speech of consid Table length, and gave as a
toast " Prosperity to the. Town of Folkestone."After which
the Health of Charles John Lawson, Esq. (the Recorder,)
was given, and in returning thanks, took occasion to com-
pliment the Mayor, who, he said, had tilled the civic chair
with as much ability and integtity as he had ever ditnessed
as well on the present, as on a former mayoralty, con•
eluded by proposing his health, which was drank with
three times three. The Mayor returned thanks for the
honor they had done him in an appropriate speech and
embraced the opportunity of alluding to the cooties. ension
of the Noble Lord in paying theta that visit, and thanking
him in the name of the corporation for tile litany go M
and charitable services he hasl rendered the town, after
whirls he gave the Health of the Right Honourable the
Harlot' Radnor, whose name be said was duly appreciated,
and would ever be esteemed by the inhabitants; Lord
Folkestone returned thanks on behalf of his Nohle Father,
and added lie was sire he-wool.' be extfemely happy to
hear he was s.) handsomely rensetuttered by the-Corporation
and Inhabitants of Folkestone. The health of Thomas
Baker, Esq. (the Deputy Mayor), the Rev. Thomas Pearce,
Mr. William Slates., the Town Clerk, and several other
Gentlemen of the company wee also drank, when they
returned suitable acknowledgments. The County Members,
Mr. Brongham, and many oilier public ebaracters, were
given, which, will the number of interesting toasts and
patriotic songs, added to the conviviality of the evenind.—
The company remained till a late hoer, and separated highly
delig la ted.

iterontt IN CoLLECTING THE SCOTCH C1:11T0318.—II
appears from the late Reports of the Revenue Commission.
ers on the Out Ports of Scotland, toat the total groat
produce of the CI1,410(11 duties of Scotland, for the year
ending sth January, Its:22, a nounteil tit 759,79ti1. It vivo
appears, that no less than 6:40,06U of this stun were
collected at the five custom-houses of Ulasgow, Port.
Greenock, Gran :eitionth, and Leith, the remain.
1111( tteettigs.ight est thlialiments being exclusively occupied
in the collection of 79.716 a year. And it further appears
that in twenty:lire of these eatah)isliments, the revenue is
collected at an expence of one hundred and thirty•eight
pct. Cent! The principal measure suggested by the Com-
missioners consists in the proposed reduction of the
number of separate castomlionses from thirty three to
seventeen. Subordinate establishments are still to be kept
up at the whole thirty-three ports; hut their expense will
not exceed the hay' of ails: it costs to support time present
establishment, while there is every reason to think that
the revenue will be still better protected.
Mr. James Dalhy, of Dring-house, near York, planted in
his garden a sins* potatoriti the ordinary way. from the roots
of which he 1005 up op Monday se'unigat, the astonishing
quantity of five pecks.

The General Sessions of the. Peace wns bol•len for the
Town of Folkestone, on Friday last, before the Alayor,
Recorder, and Magistrates, when the Recorder delivered a
most able end exceilent charge to the Grand Jury.
An indictment was preferred against Thomas Webster,
for felony, time Jury returned a verdict of Gnilty, and the
court semrnced him to be imprisoned three ealeadas
months, and kept to hard takortr.
Sunday last it was discovered that the convicts under the
senteoce of death in Neweate had it in contemplation to
effect an esecpe, by All ascent to the top of the Gaol from
the Press yard. In consequence the Governor, aideil Icy his
assistant(' repair(' I to time yard.and there discovered that the
rugs anti blankets of time convicts had heen actually cut
i•mto slips, in order to form a ladder fur their escape._
l'imej were all immediately loeked up for tame night, On
MouJay morning the Sheriff attended the Gaol ; an esa•
tninatiun took pace, the result of which was, that three
of the principals were double Wowed and confined to their
cells

On Saturday night, shoot half-past ten, the inhabitants
residing in the Market l'lsee, florncastle, were [moth
alarmed by two explosions of gunpowder at th• bark of the
premises oceopied by Messrs. Morley and Newman, che-
mists and dru,rgists. Out. of their apprentices being
prudently suffered to he emfal•tyed in tasking fireworks by
candlelight, the gable end of the warehouse and the win-
dow were blown out, and the young man was much burnt
and hurt, but not seriously. There were upwards of 1701 b.
of gunpowder in an-adjoining room, but fortunately no
further mise..ief was dune.

Great expectations are entertained for the recovery of
Richard swoon of Clerkenwell (the poor fellow who was
so•severelytuaitued by his wile) uuw in J3nrtnolotnew's Hos-
pital.

CORONER'S IxQuesr.—An inquisition was taken on
Tuesday night, at the Duke of Wellington, Cannon Street,
St. George's in the East, on view of the bo,ly of Elieibeth
Al'Quin, who was burnt to death while in a state of inebri•
ation. Verdict—" Accidental Death."

• THE MURDER OF MR. W. WEARE.
......opm...

•

Of XL TEITALL, LANDLORD OW TN! COACH!

AND HORSES.

Last sight Mr. Tetsall, the landlord of the Coach sad Horses,
Conduit street, was appreheoded by Bishop, ea a warrant, In
which he stood charged as "an accessary is a certain felony
and murder." Ile was brought before Mr. HALLS, at Bow
Street, and will be taken into Hertfordshire. Bail was offered
for him to may amount, but refused; Mr. Halls observing, that
the warrant was Issued My the magistrates of Hertfordshire,
and merely backed by him, and he could not therefore, do
otherwise than send him down.
EXAMINATION OF MRS.PROBERT AND MISS