Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1853-11-23

views but to all Of which Senior Ramirez offered
firm and eventually indignant opposition. The
Orden, of the 25th ult., publishes supplement
containing letter Of some four columns in length,
and signed by four Spanish creditors, in which they
refer particularly to the conduct of the legation in
relation TO the existing conventions between
Mexico and Spain; the attempt of the Mexican
government TO override them, and the endeavors
OF the Universal TO support them in dong SO.
Senior Ramirez, also, in the Sigio of the 9Th ut,
publishes similarly lengthy letter, referring TO
the Universafs article, and vigorously defending
his course with respect TO the conventions. And
the Universal subsequently announces that rela-
tons were likely soon 10 be renewed, and that
there was every reason to believe that q new ar
rangement would be come to, which would put an
end TO all differences. And the Diarto Ofciat, OF
the 7th instant announces that all this had been
done, TO the great qualification of all parties
The Italian Opera Company and the De-
trOit Theatre.-There is homely but rather
significant old adage that he who lays down with
dogs will get up with feas. The Italian opera
troupe have had rather forcible illustration of
the truth ofthe proverb in their intercourse with
the proprietor of the Metropolitan theatre. Alter
finding that they could not procure Fireman's
Hall r their appearance, they leased the theatre
for gfven number of nights at a stipulated price
This amount was paid each night in good faith,
and 10 the apparent satisfaction OF the lessee.
But last evening, after the performance was over
and the audience had left, but before the company
had done so, the doors ofthe theatre We're locked,
and Sherlock, backed up by several hirelings with
clubs, demanded eighty dollars more than
agreed upon between the parties. The agent OF
the company exhibited his contract, but was told
he must comply with the demand or the company
could not leave the theatre. The proprietor also
had the rufianism to enter the dressing room,
where some of the ladies' of the troupe were
changing their dresses, and TO insult them with
threats of violence if the money was not forth
coming. After great deal more of this exhibition
Of brutality, and finding they had fallen into den
Of thieves, and that they We're in the power OF the
rufian gang ofblackmailers, they at last consented
10 pay the eighty dollars or so demanded, when
in fact they did not owe dollar, according to the
terms Of their contract.
These are the facts of this infamous outrage as
they have been related to u.s. They may or may
not be correct in all particulars. But they are so
in keeping with what we have understood 10 be
the conduct of the man in question, in his capa-
city of proprietor Of the theatre, that pre-
pared to believe that they are not too strongly
stated. sAnd now, we ask the citizens of Detroit
how long they will permit this disgraceful pest to
be kept amongst them by their patronage. The
character Of the city is involved in its continuance,
and as lovers of peace and decency it becomes
them to abate the nuisance by Withholding the
means by which il is sustained. Against well
managed theatre, by respectable men, we have no
prejudice. But the quicker the city is rid of one
where such outages as the above are practiced,
the better for the character and wel-being of the
city.
P. S.-Since the above was written we have
received the following card which, il will be seen,
substantially sustans the above statement:
TO THE PUBLIC.
The undersigned, members Of the Artists Asso-
alton, fearing that wrong impressions may go
abroad relative to the difficulty they had in settling
with the proprietor of the metropolitan theatre,
would respectfully submit, for the information of
the public, the following statement, viz:
LIST. That they hired this theatre for four nights,
at the stipulated of $40 per night, the propri
etor agreeing to furnish gas lights, supernumera-
ries, carpenters, door-keepers, and one person TO
attend to the stage and keep the theatre clean.
I'd. That by the orders of the proprietor money
was paid from time TO time by the treasurer Of the
Artists Association to some of the men employed,
which was to be deducted out OF the amount to be
paid to Mr.. Sherlock and for which they have the
receipts.
3d. On Monday night, after the performance,
while the gentlemen and ladies of the company
were undressing, the proprietor Of the theatre
and the persons in his employ, came into the dress
ing room, and with great violence of action, and
in the most abusive language, demanded repay
ment of the amount already paid, and which the
contract shows he had himself agreed TO pay. In
the meanwhile the doors Of the theatre were closed
and nailed and the company, ladies' and gentle
men, were told by men, who shook their fists in
their faces, that they would not be allowed to pass
out of the theatre to ask for advice or to seek
sistance, until these unjust demands should be
complied with. Being imprisoned with a number
of rufian looking men, threatening violence, not
only to themselves but the ladies', who were pres
emit the extorton was submitted TO, andthe money
was paid.
Grateful to the people Of Detroit for their gen.
erous patronage and kind attentions, which have
been showered upon them, the undersigned be-
ieve it to be their duty to themselves and to the
citizens, to expose the injustice, imposition, and
rutfianly treatment to which they were compelled
to submit rather than have it said they were per-
sons who had no self-respect, and who were will
ling to disturb the peace of the city for paltry
sum, which they would willingly have paid rather
than have suffered the gross insults inflicted on
themselves and the ladies in their charge.
With the hope that this statement of facts will
explain the cause of the rumored disturbance of
Monday night, and that the public of Detroit will
not deem the undersigned insensible TO their kind
ness, nor ungrateful for their liberalty they sign
themselves, respectfully,
LUIGI ARDITI,
LUIGI SANTELLIA,
,GASPARI POZZOLINI,
FRANCISCO TAFFANELLI,
GULIO MACHI.