Alexandria gazette & daily advertiser. [volume] (Alexandria [Va.]) 1817-1822, 1817-11-18

IN inc rcmdt Ms "hSh ioh"", " 10 nv
my design to invite controversy on the
subject of dramatic entertainments.
have too high regard for the reputation
If newspaper to wish to occupy its CO.
lumns with Inspirations which can be III
teresting to but few, and which will re.
ceiye the condemnation Of large class
Of readers, with whom the name oil
Shakespeare (which / have intrOdacsd)
is synony NOUS with lewdness and Treli-
gion, and who make up their minds on
the value Of an essay from the mere
knowledge Of the fact that its object is to
epliyen and amuse their fellow citizens.
Without venturing an assertion, there
fore, which can tend to excite the ire OF
provoke the resentment OF my opponents,
] shall carefully proceed to invite the
public attention to the encouragement OF
dramatic representations, and hint the
propriety Of giving its aid 10 the perma'
nent establishment OF theatrical corps
in Alexandria.
1t is an incontrovertible fact that the
introduction OF stage representations con-
iributed more than any other power to
the civilization of the ancient barbarians,
and to the Introduction Of those sciences
for which they afterwards became so dis
tinguished. The memories OF Esohylas,
Eurypides and Thespis are still venera-
ted as the founders of a glorious era in
Greece, and, while spark Of gratitude
remains, will never be forgotten.
For long time Rome cultivated. tho
dranatc arts, and rapidly adyarcld in
refinement. During this period she was
engaged in innumeIa able wars. The Golhs
and Yandals made repeated lrruptions
into her territory, while desolation and
ruin maj ked their footsteps
a Fair science from her throne Of liz hit
was hurld,
And long night Of foil y cuIst the world"
The dark and bloody scenes which fol-
lowed this event had almost extinguish-
ed every ray Of civilization Greece had
BEEN conquered and despOiled; Rome,
eaervated beyond the power of governing,
had sulk within the vortex OF yoluptu.
GUS dissipation, aud the world w: re-
hpsing into its former state eff savage
barbarity.
1t remained for England TO reclaim the
wanderings Of the muse, and revive the
spark of science which neglec, had near
" extinguished. A new era was about
to commence, and under the guidance OF
Elizabeth, star was to arise whose !us-
tire would continue forever.
"When Learning's triumph DER her bar
b'rous foes
First rear'd the stage, immortal Shakes
peare rose;
a mortal born, he met the general doom,
But left, like Egypt's kings, lasting
tomb"
From the birth Of Shakespeare may be
dated the rise Of the drama. The admi-
ration Of the people in his Iavor bordered
-cn. enthusiasm; and am warranted in
saving that no one event in ancient or
modern history had half the effect in re-
forming the manners of the people, or in
contributing to their real Improvement.
The encouragement given to genius p o.
daced many authors Of admired talents,
whose writings could give a tone to the
pubic feeling-could rouse the passions
iuto an exercise Of virtue and philanthre.
ply, or animate them, when necessary,
to deeds Of valor. From the influence Of
the drama upon the dispositions Of the
pcople, governments were convinced OF
the important truth-that THEIR PROS
pBRrrr DEPENDED UPON THE LIBERAL
sNcsURAoEMEsr OF SCIENCE AND IL
TERATuRE. 49,
Ihaye here taken brief view OF the
: rise Of the drama. 1t is subject which
Ill admit Of an elahi rafH lescI iA3l0n-.-