Daily American telegraph. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1851-1852, 1852-03-08
The National Theatre.

The business of this establishment has been
very poor of late Miss BENNETT deserved bet
ter success than she experienced but things ap-
pcared to "come tardy off, The JoRDANs, a
clever brace of actors, acquitted themselves well,
and so did others who might be named but
more of the same sort :" are needed.
Miss DAVENPORT commences an engagement
this evening. Miss D. is a great favorite in
Washington, and cannot fail in the absence of
some seriously depressing cause. Her friends
and an admiring public should bear in mind her
claims and merits and overlooking all imperfec-
lions, endeavor to rally to her support.
The decadence of the drama is often mourned
We do not mourn over it. SO long as the stage is
q subject of interest to our readers, we shall en-
deavor to entertain them by comments upon its
progress; and we confess that the concern we
feel for individuals connected with it, and
for those who seek pleasure in its representa-
tons, often makes realize feeling of gratifca
ton at its good order and success. But the
occasions for such qualification are but few and
brief 1t was in past times favorite notion
with us that there was no necessary intrinsic
immortality in dramatic representations but the
tended to the conviction that what we regarded
as merely extrinsic concomitants are but its in
dispensable adjuncts. For twenty years past we
have never seen an interesting girl walking its
boards without feeling prompted by the emotions
of compassion to save her from the bitter flu
ture almost inevitably her portion while of the
talented and noble young men we have known in
that time to enter the profession Of the actor,
but few survive to tel their history; and Of these
few, none can boast OF present prosperity and
happiness.
1t is strange infatuation. skilful actor or
actress can only become such by the devotion of
such means to the attainment Of excellence as
would insure the highest success in any other pro-
fession inl life Howfew they are who appreciate
the sacrifices made by the votaries of this calling
The severest study unceasing exercise, privations
even to the most pinching penury, the humilia-
ting modification that poverty and dependence
usually entail, the temptations presented by want
and its congenial fellowship, all surround the
student for the stage in ninety-nine Of every one
hundred instances; and his earlier efforts are at
tended by the whitening, soul-destroying SCOTS of
thoughtless spectators, or the equally pernicous
intoxication of their applause
Could the private history of tho young and as
yet interrupted actor and actress be faithfully
narrated, there would be few to encourage them in
their mimic scenes, but thousands ready to
rescue them and place them in useful and hon.
CRADLE positions in the great drama Of life.
We believe it is true that the great majority OF
the enthusiastic and infatuated who enter
upon the theatrical career in early life are i'm
PEELED thither by the very impulses that in other
paths would secure the love Of their fellow men
and lead to prosperity and fame Thenoble sen
timents uttered upon the stage ever captivate tin
actor, as well as the auditor and the knave ant
despised character finds few DESTROYS to assum
it, 1t is the hardened or broken-down stage
in general who prefers Iago to Othello, or give
up Hamlet for his guilty uncle 1t is the grie
of managers that all their young and popula
performers aspire to represent the good, tn
amiable and the lovable personages in the drama
Through the agency Of wise and kind counsels
the same emotions and preferences might Otter
lead the novice from the false glare Of the mimi
world to the safe and tranquil lights of mor
useful industry.
DuL OF WHht hIe we tdikIHB MISS Davenport
Is to appear tonight, and all that the managers
can do to sustain her viii no doubt be done
She is forcible and charming actress and tn,
scene will be gay and gladstone where the melody
Of her voice is heard. She is also much respected
and beloved by her many friends. May they
prove worthy Of her
DEy~ We are astonished to learn that severa
northern papers were hoaxed by the story of the
nfI II rrill