The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1865-12-13

ment of the effort at reconciliation OF the ooun-
try, and the adoption of the policy OF destruc-
ton. If followed up it needs no prophet
to predict the result Anarchy and ruin, poll
teal and financially, are the logical results.
They will follow as certain as night fol-
lows day. The policy of Stevens is that
Of the Jacobins Of France-revolution-
airy and bloodthirssy, alike destructive to
our prosperity, national strength, growth
and influence. The history of the world
furnishes too many examples of the folly
as well as crime of pursuing such course for
any person with the ability W ich member Of
Congress should possess to go astray. In
waging war radical measures may avail, but
in adjustment conservative measures alone
can heal the wound, cement the bonds OF
unity and make peace permanent. Radical-
ism, in final settlements, only covers the fire
for time, while it adds the fuel necessary
to enable it to constantly break out ,afresh.
The treatment of Poland by Russia and Ireland
by England are living examples of this truth
in the present day. While the war was raging
the Southern leaders declared to re masses
that they had nothing to hope for but annihiia-
ton in submitting to the North. The action
of the House on the first day of the session
is direct endorsement Of that charge against
us. New Conflicts new wars and destruo-
ton of one section of the country are sure to
follow continuation of that policy on the
part of Congress. This, then, is q critical
period, and we call upon the people of the
North to hold public meetings in every local
ity, and so speak on the issue now presented
that every member of Congress cannot mistake
their sentments-that they are for immediate
reconciliation and restoration, and against de-
struction.
The Head Centres OF eho Opera, East and
West.
On must needs have very hard and I'M
feeling heart not to rejoice that Oily Cannon
and his singers are about to depart from this
inhospitable metropolis. A natural compassion
for the poor artists would Of itself produce
such an emotion. We are glad that they ore
at last permitted to escape from that catac0mb
of an Academy which has cracked their voices,
distressed them with colds in the head and rem
dered even their very best efforts utterly futile.
As for the public, they are still more heartily
to be ngratulated. The African has been
too much for the long suffering people Of this
operate head centre. Cracked voices, ancient
prima donnas and robustious tenors, baritones
and bassos were bad enough but when it came
to an opera that depended solely upon ~
stage carpenter for its attractions, the last
weight was placed upon the back of that patient
camel, the New York public, and the back
broke Consequently Oily Cannon and his
singers will howl and squeal their final fare
well this week and then pack up their duds
and their bad notes and vamose for parts
unknown. The catacombs Of the Academy
will know them no more, let us hope, forever.
Having got rid of them and of the influenza,
let this metropolitan head centre settle down
graciously to a merry Christmas, happy New
Year and fine, pleasant, gay and fashionable
winter.
The Western head centre, Chicago, is tempo
rarily deserted by Manager Grau, who is de-
lighting the loyal population of ST. Louis with
good works and first class artists. Grau ap-
pears to be sort of travelling centre, like the
Stephens who has just thrown all England
into Juror. Manager Grau carries
about with him an operate company
which would do no discredit to either London
or Paris, and is vastly superior to ANY
| that we have recently heard in New York.
His leading prma donna alone outwcighs .
dozen of the second rate and second hand
singers to whom we have become accustomed.
| His artists can all sing; and although we have
been trcatei to plenty of bowling, plenty OF
screaming and plenty of squealing, under Oily
| Gammon's lager beer administration, we have
certainly had very little real singing in the
catacombs Instead Of weak and cracked
voices, the organs of Grau's artists are fresh,
vigorous and tuneful. Nature, having given
Oily Gammon's company the cold shoulder,
has done wonders for the troupe of Manager
| Grau. Its members are described as young and
| handsome, while the candid critic must reluc-
family admit that the most Of the people at the
catacombs are both old ana ugly. And then,
best of oil, Grau's artists can act. They have
no cracks either in their voices or their brains.
| They know what emotions ought to be ex-
pressed during the operas, and how to give
| them utterance. It il oil very well, under Oily
| Gammon's management, to employ tho stage
carpenter to insert sharp pin in the calf Of
the baritone's leg when that singer wishes 10
give shrek Of joy, and another pin when the
same parsonage desires to emit q shrek Of
| grief; but that can scarcely be considered high
art in the modern acceptation Of the torn.
Nor is 1t less inartistic to deluge the singers
with lager beer between the acts in order to
strengthen their lungs, and to bcfuddle the
association critics with the same beverage In
order to increase their praises. Such lodges
are worthy Of the celebrated Joyce Heth In
breechss, but not Of the opera. Contrast the
two managers and the two troupes, and IL ID