The New York herald., 1844-12-23

which was to have sailed last Saturday, but does not
sail TIL this morning. As the mission Of these two
theatrical stars of the American armament is
rather curious and interesting, we may as well
state all that we know about the matter.
II may be recollected that few years ago Mr..
Hackett visited England in his professional capa-
city, and was remarkably well received there;asan
American actor in the higher order of comic drama,
embracing Shakspeare's Falstaff and other charac-
ters. He produced considerable impression in
England, andcreated great deal ofgdiscussion and
critical controversy in the journals Since that time
he has been principally engaged travelling through
the United Ststes-studying his fession-impro-
wing himself at all points, and now makes Sc.
cond visit to England under still more favorable
auspices than formerly. On occasion of his first
visit, ne went as an entire stranger, without sim
ge letter OF introduction In any quarter Now he
goes with an established reputation in his profess
sion, and letters, we believe. from almost every
man OF note in the country, to many of the most
distinguished persons in Europe. He intends to
play the whole round of his characters in the Lon
don theatres, and afterwards in the provincial
Whether he may have an engagement at the Eng
lish theatre in Paris, we do not know probably he
may. Such aresMr. Hackett's views and purposes
on visiting England, and from his highly original
talent, his unassuming and gentemanly demeanor
as private individual, anda variety of other cir
cumstances, no doubt he will be well received
wherever he goes.
Mr. Forrest also goes to Europe, and, strangely
eWugh, in the same vessel with Mr.. Hackett, but
on very different theatrical enterprise 1t will be
recollected that Mr.. Forrest appeared few years
ago IN London, at one OF the thea,es, and prefaced
his engagement by speech of very curious char
acter in which he stated that he going to make
the experiment whether an English public could
appreciate an American actor. He played one or
two engagements in London and elsewhere, we be-
lieve; but they did not by any means answer his
expectations, and the last of his London en-
gagements was given up in some measure
as failure. The want OF appreciation, how
ever, by an English audience, did not drown
the ambition, or impair the energy Of Mr.. For.
rest Since that time he has been studying the
French language with great intensity, as we'll as
occupying himself in his professional pursuits
in this country. He now goes to visit Paris,
through England, on the novel mission of making
his appearance at the Theatre Framcaise, in the
French metropolis, and assuming the mantle Of the
great Tama, which has not been taken up since
the death Of that distinguished tragedian. This is
certainly novel enterprise. An American, orr
ginally only acquainted with the English language,
and that imperfectly, until he had grown up into
mans estate studying theFrench language in France
and in his own country, and going back TO Paris
with the daring determination of startling the
French people in the very character that Talma
himself used to play! This purpose explains the
singular peculiarly of his recent speech in Phila-
delphia, at the close OF an engagement, when he
intimated that he was about to visit Paris, and
expected to be well received there, In consequence
Of the friendly relations which originally existed
between the two nations during our revolutionary
struggles. No doubt he expects to obtain at the
hands Of the generous and warm-hearted Parisians,
reversal of the decision OF English taste and Eng
sh criticism, on his talents as an actor of genius
and originality. This is certainly, we must
repeat, novel enterprises curious enterprise
"a highly original enterprise. 1t speaks much
for the moral courage of Mr.. Forest, what
ever may be the result He has a great deal
OF talent and a great deal Of genius, though
we have always thought that he has been rather
over-rated by his friends. At all events, we shall
watch with great deal Of interest the issue oi
this bold movement to selze the dramatic crown
OF the French nation, which has been possessed
by none since the time of Talma.
This is, we believe, the correct and authentic
intelligence relative TO the mission of these two
theatrical gentlemen to Europe. Theirprogress and
successwil be watched with great deal Of interest
BISHOP ONpERDoNK's TRIAL-THE Holy INQur-
sITIoN.-The Holy lnquisition, or secret conclave
Of plous Bishops now sitting in ST. Johns Church
in this city, for the investigation of the manners
and morals OF brother Bishop, Onderdonk by
name, is beginning to create more and more obser.
vation, more and more talk, more and more gos-
slipping, and more and more rumor, throughout the
whole city, including the tea-tables of old maids
and the card-tables Of fashionable roues. What Is
the reason that this secret court Of investigation do
not throw their doors open at once, and let the
world know what they are about? 1t is very true
that they are sitting with open doors to the nhabi-
tants OF heaven, and another country at the other
end OF the line; for they cannot conceal
their dongs from the recording angels above, who
are beyond doubt the most accurate reporters OF
this or any other age. But they endeavour to
conceal from us suffering sinners below all these
rich and varied and wonderful doings that are
taking place beneath the roof Of the sanctuary.
Look at the consequences Of such conceament
How are the penny papers every other morning re-
failing the most nheardof unruths the most gross
fabricatioDs, the most mpudent insinuations in re-
lation to this interesting investigation. We have
every reason to believe that the stories told by
certain OF these "cheap and nasty" journals are
utterly devoid Of truth, not possessing even
the semblance of truth, and that the charac-
ter of the twenty one Bishops-the purity OF
of their order-and the ends OF justice, are very
much injured by this locking and barring Of this
holy conclave of saints. 1t is due to christianity
it is due to the purity Of relgion-it is due to
justice itself-it is due to the twenty-one Bishops
it is due to the spirit Of the age-that the doors
OF this Court should be opened forthwith. II these
doors are not opened, there will be burst Of in.
dignation that cannot be prevented from taking
place sooner or later.
If Bishop Onderdonk be guilty, let it be seen,-
let the world know, and let all the proceedings be
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