The New York herald., 1863-10-26
The War OF the Roses-rhc York and
Lancaster OF Opera

The War OF the Roses-Thc York and
Lancaster OF Opern.
The musical world is excited At any hour
Grau- the irrepressible Grau-may arrive in
New York with bis artists, and then will com
meuce struggle before which all historical
preccdents fade into utter nsignfcance In
other words, then will commence the Maretzek
and Grau war; and deep and deadly will the
conflict he. Grau is flushed with his European
successes, his triumphant receptions in Paris
London, Milan, Vienna and Berlin, and be will
no doubt have lost all the pleasant smoothness
of his fsrmer manner, and become as naughty
and unbending as European impressorii always
are. The force of example is contagious, and
Grau will no doubt have adopted the style OF
those lordly managers Of foreign opera houses.
He comes provided with artists whom he an
nounces with flourish Of trumpets. He is
proud satisfied, elated, eager for the fray.
Maretzek is nowse anxious to avoid the en-
counter. Far from it. We hear of combinations
which he is at present turning over in his mind
which are to astonish Grau. In fact, Max
thinks he has found ''Swamp Angel" which
shall utterly silence Grau's great guns. We
are not as yet at liberty togive the details Of
the intended campaign, as we might pre-
judice thereby the results and find our
selves suddenly in some operate Fort
Lafayette as punishment for our indiscretion.
Who knows whether, under his smiling, joval
manner, Maretzek may not turn out a very
Burnside in his edicts and we suffer accord
ingly? Be that as it may. Maretzek is prepar-
ing mines and countermines, and has even laid
in supply of torpedoes and Greek fire. In
the way of ammunition he has a lot of new and
attractive operas in rehearsal. But he may
we'll take measures of defence; for who knows
what engines of destruction Grau may not
have secured? He may have some heavily
plated iron-clad opera which shall utterly crush
and destroy those works upon which Max 80
confidently relies. So the precautions of the
| latter are wise and timely.
We are not aware as yet where Grau will
| pitch his tent and begin his intrenchments and
| Notifications; but we are assured that he will
| find place by those who seem to confide i'm
| plicitly in his ability to do so. There can ex-
ist no doubt that Grau's army place great con-
| hdence in their general. The same must be
said OF Max. however; and, as he has had time
to erect all his defences, and has obtained pos
session Of the strongest ground, so far the ad
vantage is In his favor. 1t is said, as an Offset
to this that Grau is great at mining, and that he
may run parallels and saps right into his ene-
| my's camp. This of course, Maretzek will
guard against to the best Of his ability and the
conflict thus promises to be most animated.
Grau has some heavy weapons-among
others tenor, who may be considered four
hundred FOUNDER, having an immense range.
We refer to Brignoli. But there is q flaw in
the affair which must be arranged ere Grau
can use this formidable means of assault AS
a skilful general, Grau will more than likely
see that his great gun is at once put in the best
order, else he would prosecute the coming ope-
ratio war at great disadvantage; in fact, Max
might at once snap up Brignoli and turn his
fire upon the foe. IF Grau has Brignol Ma
retzek has Mazzolen'; and, though very differ
ent in style, these weapons are equally de-
structive. Other and most potent weapons
have both OF the soon to be contending gene
rals and they may congratulate themselves
upon the fact that never was there season so
propitious for an operate struggle.
Money is plentiful in New York. We are told
that it is a ''drug in the market" which ac-
counts, we suppose, for tho great number of
patients who throng the place. From the pub
lic abundantly supplied with greenbacks Ma
retzek and Grau can draw inexhaustible sup
plies. Shoddy is determined to come to the
| aid of opera, and the rival impressarii
will profit thereby, Of course Diamonds, laces,
silks and satins must be shown, must be worn,
must be admired; and where can all this be OBJ
tanned so easily as at the Opera? So we anti
cipate grand and glorious struggle and shall
do all in our power--we are naturally sangui-
nary-to excite and exasperate the combatants
The more they produce new operas and famous
artists, the more shall we applaud these vindic-
tive efforts and urge on the conflict. We shall
not finch even when we see the artists covering
under the shower Of missiles (bouquets) which
shall be heaped upon them. Not one jot Of
kindly feeling shall we show when. painting and
fatigued, the tenori attempt an escape from a
tumultuous encore. The war must be q rou-
trance, and we shall never cease urging on the
rivals until one or the other party acknowledge
their defeat.
or course, as we have announced the coming
war, New York will prepare to take an active
interest in the affair. New supplies of the
richest toilettes will be ordered, while natty
evening bonnets will be laid in without discre-
ton. Truly there will be a rare chance for en-
joymcnt during the impending musical tourna-
ment
The NEGRO IN MAssAcaUsETTs-Who shall say
the world does not move? Who shall say that
its revolutions are not felt within the walls of that
famous State House in Boston, famlarly and
profaney known as the Hub of the Universe %
In January last an article was published In
our columns showing conclusvely that by the
statute law Of Massachusetts, negroes we're and
always had been excluded from the State mill
tia The article was not copied into any Bos-
ton paper, SO far as we know; but the acts and