The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1856-11-11

mind.
THE OPERA--ITs FORTHCOMING HIsToRY.--We
are happy in being able to announce to our
readers that the elegant, fashionable and civifz-
ing institution of Italian Opera has been re-
established in our midst The season announced
by the La Grange or Stankoyitch dynasty COM
menced last night, the company being the same
as that last organized by Max Maretzek and the
Opera being IN Trovatore." There was rich
scene when the orchestra bell rung for the over
ture, and when Max Maretzek's friends, in great
numbers, forced the popular conductor to be re-
installed, Phalen and the directors notwith-
standing. On the whole, the Inauguration was
prcptious, and might lead to the belief that,
Notwithstanding the constant discussions between
artists, impres0rios and directors, the Opera was
bound to be permanent institution in this
metropolis.
The inside and outside history Of Opera in
this country, since the first attempt to establish it.
made by Garcia some thirty years ago, would be
most entertaining and interesting production
1t is known to but very few; and therefore the
more novel and attractive would it be. We have
been from the commencement spectator, and
very amused spectator of the various phases of
that history. 1t commenced in the midst of
difficulties, squabbles and contentious and
its chequered existence ever since has been more
or less marked by storm and tempest. 1t was
hoped that on the opening Of the Academy Of
Music, Opera would have entered on anew era of
peace, prosperity and progress; but those hopes
have foll a.
ticipations in that regard We have had since
the opening Of the house in Irving place sue
cession Of squabbles between managers artists
and directors, not whit less ridiculous, absurd
and virulent than those which had marked former
times; but amid them all we have had occasional
glimpes Of operate splendor and sunshine which
inspired confidence that the storm would blow
over and calm be restored.
In view Of the opening which there is just now
for 'thirty years. view' of Opera, we intend in
very few days to commence the publication of
a very full and literal report Of the famous Fry
libel case. 1t contains many funny "Reminiscences,
and particularly exhibits, in most amusing and
instructive light, the style Of management
under one Of the most interesting impreMrios-
Signor Fry-which was not properly Pr
sented to the public in the first tria.
The publication which we promise is the report
OF the second trial and we have no doubt that
it will be more attractive reading than any Of
The new novels Of the day. 1t may even rise to
equality in interest and importance with Cheva-
lier Wikofrs new book, developing the secret di-
plomacy Of France and England, and introducing
the reader to behind the curtain views Of Louis
Napoleon, Palmerston, Buchanan, Marcy and
ohor celebrities on both sides of the Atlantic.
This publication Of ours which will be o per-
feet and graphic representation Of operate ma
naeement, win also contain great deal Of i'm
portant information on the law Of libel II will be
recoltcted that on the first trial of the Fry case
the jury, to the establishment of every body, aud
with apparent recklcssncss, returned verdict Of
$40, 900 in favor OF the mismanagemcnt Of the
Opera, aud against the liberty Of the press,
and Its right even to describe in gra-
pbic and accurate style the interesting pub
lie events that take place in the community.
The second trial exhibited an Improvement in.the
tone Of the public mind and in the common sense
Of that class Of men from among whom jurors are
selected. On that occasion the verdict was cut
down TO $4,000. But even that verdict was
monsirous anomaly in Law and justice, aud in
oil legal precedents in regard to the liberty Of
The press. 1t was derided and laughed at even
In England and France, where the laws are rigid
to proyerb against any undue liberties being
taken by newspapers with any public personagcs.
We shall show on the publication OF this report
what the facts OF the case we're, and that these
facts, as testified TO, entirely justified, according
TO all laws aud precedents, the statements which
we made in relation to them And yet, singular
to relate, the law was in that case completely
and ignorsntly violated by the jury in returning
such verdict as they did. The case Is still be
fore the courts, and new trial viii probably be
bad at future day, which, under a more en-
ligbtened state Of public opinion, win result in
verdict for the defendant, who, in all this contro
versy, merely represented the rights, privileges
and independence Of the press
City Politics.
ruy yorNQ nyH's kpPrRrrCAN COMMITTEE.