Washington sentinel. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1853-1855, 1854-10-31
MADEMOIsELLE RACHEL In THE
UNITED STATES

MADEMOIsELLE RACHEL IN THE
UNITED STATES.
We have lately given biographical sketch
Of Mademoiselle Rachel, the celebrated French
tragedienne. We are happy to learn by the
French press of New York that brother Of
hers has just arrived in America, with the
object we understand, to make preparations
for the coming of his sister. We can but hail
with pleasure these good tidings, for, in our
opinion, two material advantages will be de.
rived from her presence among US.
1t would be idle to lay stress upon the
reputation of the first actress of the day.
For twenty years and more, Europe has re-
sounded with her name; she has resusci-
tated, in the old world, the noble but declin-
ing art of Garrick, Keen, Kemble, and Talma
of whom she is the worthy successor; she has
even eclipsed the memory of the celebrated
Clarion and Adrenne Lecouvreur, the two
French tragediennes immortalised by Voltaire;
she has received the warmest reception all over
Europe, as well in large capitals as in small
cities; and if the fact could have any weight
in Republican country, we would add that
she has been petted and flattered by all the ab-
solute monarchs Of Europe, especially by the
Queen of England, from whom she received
the most unmis.akable proofs Of sympathy and
generosity.
Such talent such reputation, coming in
a country where, so often, humbugs are the OBJ
ject of a favorable reception, will not fail to
create sensation Of different character, and
will, perhaps, give to our people the opportu-
nifty of showing better understanding of what
becomes both genius and talent; for it is true
and sure that appreciation ought to be as far
from tumultuous clamor, as clustering and self
conceit is distant from modesty and knowledge.
The character of Mademoiselle Rachels talent,
though especially popular, will, in consequence
of its perfection, attract the best and most edu-
Gated part of our community to her represen-
tatons, and thus give to it that sanction which,
in all ages and all countries, it is in the power
alone of the educated classes to bestow. We
trust, then, that the coming of Mademoiselle
Rachel among US will receive that kind OF
praise she truly deserves.
But there is another kind of consideration
which must most specially secure welcome to
Nile Rachel. She carries with her talent
completely unknown to US, viz: the art of the
French stage and French pieces; the finish Of
the scenic performance, and the genius of the
French theatre. Her coming will, then, have
all the merit Of discovery and of an initiation;
fer, aside of few privileged persons, none OF
us has been lucky enough to see the represen.
tation of French plays upon stage truly
French. There is undoubtedly great beauties in
it. Forsooth, there are many persons, asserting
that, though not so complete as the English,
the French stage has beauties of higher char
acter than the latter. If Coraeae does not
grasp SO wide scope as Shakespeare, his pieces
are more Systematically composed-his ideas
more clearly understood, and loftier in their
aspiration. According to M. Cousin, his studies
of sentiment are deeper-more profound than
those of the great English author. Whenever
passions are at play, or the chords Of the heart
in motion, we do not hesitate to pronounce
Corneille and Racine superior to Shakespeare.
1t seems that these great authors had discov.
cred the last Of the human sensibilities and
set them in motion to teach and move others.
In all respects, then, we hail the arrival OF
Mademoiselle Rachel among US. We sincerely
hope that her visit to the United States will be
profitable to her interests as it is certain to be
to her fame,