Cleveland daily leader. [volume] ([Cleveland, Ohio]) 1865-1873, 1866-02-09
FROM NEW YORK.
Matters Artistic and Theatrical in
Gotham. ~
Especial Correspondence Cleveland LsApsR.l
NFw YoRK Februarv Cd 1919.

Gotham. ~
Special Correspondence Cleveland LsApsR.l
NEW YORK, February I'd, 1859.
EDITORS OF THE LEADER: On my way
down Broadway yesterday I stepped into
Cartoons (publisher), to look at sour
Artist in Cuba" a brochure that made its
appearance last Spring, soliciting atten-
ton as a representation of the somical
side of Cuban life.
The manners and customs Of all South
ern America and Islands are so closely
allied, 1 having visited those chimes, feel
myself qualified to speak intelligently of
whatever sketches of their people seme to
my notice.
The sketch of a wench, in demi-toilette,
standing by a stream, raising on high q
ponderous stone, which 10 to act as a
FOUNDER on the shirt spread on another
rock at her feet, much amused and forci-
bly, reminded me Of what l have often
seen by many water side. It is aptly
called "The Primitive Habits Of the Ma
tives-Wsshing, 81 a Dozen in Gold"
There ought to be an accompanying
sketch showing the native clothes-wringer,
not superior to Putnam's, though of un-
questioned antiquity. Those who have
had buttons broken and torn off, CLOTHES
sadly SHREDDED by this native operation of
pounding and wringing, can appreciate
the sketch.
As 1 write, an instance Of primitive
manner occurs to me. Years ago before
the iron horse made the entire trip across
the ~Isthmus-as it does new-enabling
travellers to make the transit with much
ease-parties were obliged to go the last
stage on mule back; the internal roads,
which, to be appreciated, must be seen,
obliged ladies, as well as gentlemen, to
ride en- cavalier. When Panama was
reached-the haven Of our hopes-a great
shedding of muddy and torn garments
took place, 10 Danish, if possible, With the
outward habiliments all inwardNemem-
brances of the very disagresable Journey
Just accomplished.
The muleteers thronged the hotel eorri-
doris to receive their share ef the east-off
clothing.
One of the party-a lady-having
Invested herself Of her pantaloons, gave
them to her gallant muliteer who made
his appearance apropos, to receive them.
He, nothing 10th, thanked her, and In a
twinkling was about to drop his own
where he stood and put on hers He was
shown to the door without more ado.
As to our artist in Cuba it seems to me
that caricatures-for they hardly pretend
to anything more-of life comparatively
so unknown to us, will find little apprecia-
ton with the general public. In fact
would a like volume have been published
by the Carleton's-saYe that one of the
firm was the author
l attended last night at Wallaek's the
representation of Sheridan's celebrated
play of the Rivals. Celebrated. I said,
for who has not heard Of Bob Aeresf
whose courage oosed out not at his fingers
ends, as the common reading is, but at his
palms. Then Sir Lucious O'Wigger, the
doughty Fenian of his day; Miss Lydia
Languisto, sentimentalism personihed, and
Mrs. Malaprep, not a progeny of learning
as she says, whose lspsus lingus have made
her famous.
The elegant scenery, dresses snd ap-
,pointments Of the stage-ths general mise
st scens-the careful attention to effect
all combine to leave with the spectators
the most pleasing remembrance. When
| add that the company is composed Of
artists who have played long together and
are each almost perfect in their several
lines 1 think it superauous to say that
Wallack's is regarded as the best theatre
in America.
Old New Workers who remember the
palmy days efthe old Park and Olympic
theatres say that around Wallaek's linger
the old remaining traces of the legitimate
drama. Afavorablef feature of the theatre
is, that usually, only one play is put Oh
the same e~Vening-this is carefully per-
formed and ending at an early houf ena-
bles one to get home by times.
So the WEAKNESS of sitting through two
or three pieces Of different character-in-
differently and hastily done-is avoided,
and consequent depression the next day.
For to get seats you must go early, and
often the last play is the n you wish to
see.
I notice with regret hat Geo. Holt and
Mrs. Vernon, long public favorites, at last
begin to show the oVerpowering effects of
age.
Lester Wallack, 1 believe, has not
this season. Poor health has in
1uced him to withdraw from the boards
he has SO long ornamented.
ARFN