American Republican and Baltimore daily clipper. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1844-1846, 1845-01-06

no little wonder, among the public generally,
not only here but elsewhere that theatrical
performances have been so poorly encouraged
in this city; some have attributed it to one
cause and Others to another; and, we are aware
that much discredit has been attached to the
people of Baltimore, from the fact alluded to.
Though we cannot but acknowledge that thea
trlcal performances have met with less encou-
ragement in this city than perhaps any other in
the Union, possessing similar advantages; yet
we are of the opinion, that, in attribuing it to
want Of that proper regard for, and interest ill.,
the legitimate drama, which has ever charac-
tcrized intelligent communities, the most gross
injustice has been done the people of Baltimore.
This community, like others, may have its
faults a feeling of phrenzy may have, at times
upon the appearance of some heradcd dansucs
turned the heads of the few; but it is no less
TACT that whenever the drama has presented
its claims-fortitied by merit and acknowledge
ed taent-it has received liberal patronage
from discriminating community. The fault,
therefore, is not with the citizens of Baltimore,
but is owing to the miserable manner in which
the management ofour theatres has been con-
Quoted. But few nights since, upon the an
pearancc Of Mr.. Anderson, Ga gentleman of
much reputc,) and Miss Clifton, formerly IA
vorably known,) at the IIoliday-st. Theatre
being the first night of the season-ln the sterl-
ing drama, "The Lady of Lyons" the house
was crammed from pit to dome, the ''dresS cir
cle' presenting an array of fashion and intelli-
gence, that bespoke how wisely and how well
the people of Baltimore discriminate between
mere chaff and merit. 1t turned out, however.
that, on this occasion, the patrons of the dra-
ma did not realize so rich treat as was anti
cipated; by which, we do not wish to be under
stood as saying that Mr.. Anderson, (who was
evidently the great attraction, J was at fault;
but we do say, that he was evidently much
embarrassed by the effort of those who attemp-
ted to sustain minor parts Of the pay-for
there never was more complete burlcsQue of
any piece attempted, After repeated disap-
ontments-attributed, as announced, to the
ndispostion of Miss Clifton-it was posted that
"The Stranger" would be performed the part
of the Stranger, by Mr.. Anderson, and Mrs,
Haller, by Miss Clifton, and the theatre was a.
gain crowded.
We confess that we were somewhat disap-
pointed at finding so large and respectable an
audience present, after having been so much
annoyed by previous appointments, Sc; and
we knew not whether to attribute their gener-
Gus torbearance to a love of the drama, or a de-
sire to see and hear the actor; but perhaps they
were moved by both these considerations; at
all events, good part needs good actor, and
if sustained, deserves a liberal patronage. But,
alas! Miss Clifton was again indlsposed, and
Miss Clarendon appeared IN her place. As
might be expected, the play did not pass off as
we'll as if otherwise, from this sudden change
of characters. This occasion passed, we need
not detail further than to express our surprise
at learning, late on Saturday, that there would
be no performance that evening, or on Monday
evening. There is something wrong, we APP
prehend, in the management of this theatre;
the fault cannot be charged against the actors
entirely and, as matter due to the public, it
should be remedled. Never, perhaps, has a
theatre been opened in this city under more
hattering circumstances; the tide of public
opinion was full in its favor; and without an
effort, the manager might have made it most
profitable season. With good stock, and Il
succession of actors of merit, the manager may
yet retrieve his fading fortunes, and we hope
he will see to it,