Washington sentinel., 1853-12-10
PUBLIC AMUsEMENTs IN WASH.
INGTON.


INGTON.
The setting-in Of winter is usually the signal
for that very useful class Of PERSONS whose lives
are devoted to promoting the amusement and
the happiness Of mankind, to commence their
labors We say labors; for while their exhibit
tons are amusement to spectators and listen
ers, they entail on them unremitting toll and
unrelaxing effort.
Let no one because he may have risen high
as a statesman, as jurist, as fterateur, think
lightly and speak scornfully Of that large and
cultivated class to which we refer. They fill
up with their diversions the leisure hours of the
busy and the serious world. The statesman,
wearied by the fatigues and harrassed by the per
plexities of his position, may seek and find re-
lief in the theatre, in the concert room, in the
various places Of public amusement. He is
now thrilled by the noble sentiment or the he
roic deed of some tragedy king; now moved TO
laughter by the folly or the wit of the good
commedian, and now excited to scorn and con-
tempt by the mean and miserable traitor or
coward. He now listens in rapt attention to
the sweet ballad, and now looks in wonder and
delight at the incompatible danseuse.
In all ages of the world-in all countries
where the arts and sciences have been cult
waited, this useful class has been highly es-
teemed. Among them is as much talent and
cultivation as any class perhaps can boast Of:
We know no calling that requires the exercise
of higher powers than that Of the actor. He
has to represent men in every condition Of life,
from the king on his throne to the beggar in
his squalid misery. He has to represent every
passion and feeling that agitates the human
heart and that leads now to an act of lofty he
roism-now to deed Of shame and horror.
Books are not more necessary to nation
than public amusements. The highest attain
ments in the arts, from music and dancing, to
poetry and painting, have been made in those
countries that are most polished and most hui
manized. Among such nations the artists are
more highly appreciated and better compen-
sated.
But the object Of these hurried lines was to
call attention to the amusemcnts of Washing
ton. We are pleased that the city is so well
supplied this season with places of rational
The national theatre has for some weeks been
opened under the auspices of Mr.. Marshall,
who is aided by Mr.. Mattison--both Of them
well known to the citizens of Washington.
Arrangements have been made, and engage
ments entered into, to render the theatre unu-
sually attractive Already it has been the
scene Of Jullien's triumph, and Of the match
less performances Of the Rave troupe, including
Monster Marzetti, whose representations of the
red devil, and Jocko the ape, entitle him alike
to the distinguished consideration Of his satanic
majesty, and to the sincere thanks of the whole
ape fraternity. Nor must we omit to mention
that admirable dansuese Madle Yrca Matthias,
with whose performance we have been much
pleased.
Risley's Variete at Iron hall presents many
attractions to the lovers of art and the lovers
of pleasure. Risley has fitted up the building
with great taste and elegance, and at great ex-
pense. His company is an excellent one.
That charming actress and fine singer, Mrs.
Howard, has, until very recently, been lending
to the Variete the fascinations of her profess
sional genius and Ter personal beauty, Miss
Gertrude Dawes, who has acquired much celeb
rity as dansuese, is now fulfilling an engage
ment. She has made fine impression, and
draws large houses.
The two establishments to which we refer
deserve, and we hope will receive generous
support from the community.