The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1867-10-08
Hlstori.

The following is from Oliver Logan las,
contribution to the Turf Field and Farm:
il is not Ristori's fault that the American
public has had enough of her. Neither is i,
the American publie's fault. 1t lie, however,
Ristori's misfortune. The fashion last season
was to try and make yourself believe that
you were overwhelmed with awe and admi-
ration of Ristori; and now the fashion has
changed. There were moments, certainly,
when the power Of her undoubted eeniu 5
forced itself upon US and won our admiration
in spite of our ignorance Of what she was
talking about. But those eyes which can be
on the stage and on the liborette at once are
so rare that have never yet seen any Be-
sides, the hborette was often so very funny in
its translation that one felt like bursting out
laughing at the most serious part of the play.
lhe actress herself was also a source of
laughter sometimes, and her Italian brethren
oilener. Nothing in the way of burlesque, it
seems TO me, could be more provocative Of
merriment than the spectacle OF those grima
cling shoulder Struggling foreigners mounting
their absurd translation of Macbeth If
any one ever saw a funner stage creation
which was intended to be gravely impressive,
than IN Italian Scotchman, | beg 10 be in.
formed OF il. The iiorid Italian school of
acting with its wild, nervous, temnes,uous
American stage-or so OF least it appears,
when We are witnessing gestures which to MS
emphasize nothing, and hearing words which
10 US have no meaning.
While n foreign actor is a novelty, il il
natural that VIZ should rush to see him as
we should rush to any other curiosity
%But we soon get familiar with his .sclassic
poses" his artistic draperyi' and his
mouthed thunder. and he is lucky if he do
no more than bore us-he is lucky if he do
not become food Tor laughter have no ex.
perlmental acquaintance with the Italian
stage, but no doubt all countries are alike in
loving their own language best in an actors
mouth, and can easily imagine the effect
Forrest, for instance, on French audience.
Fancy his shouting at the Coincide Franchise
his,
The world is out OF joint-oh, cursed spite
That ever LII was bor-r-rn to set it right,
Or his,
Caie the bon n n oman
"Grand Dieu!" fancy my hext neighbor
remarking, "mais is the giant Of the fairy
tales, this one here He makes fear to the
children-he is en- Orge."
A sroRY OF CouSr DrsxARK.-The Daaeim
tells story Of Count Bismark. which anus.
ingly illustrates the well-knowu fondness of
tina; minister for practical joke. One day,
while he was dining at his hotel in Frankfort
at the table d hote, he observed two young
ladies sitting opposite to him who were laugh
ing and talking in very loud tone. He soon
perceived that they were making fun of the
company, and that their remarks were espe-
cially directed against HIMSELF but he could
not understand word of what they were say.
ing. rs they spoke in the Lettish language.
evidently making sure that no one at the ta-
hle was acquainted with it. Although the
Count was ignorant Of the language, he had.
however, learnt two or three Lettish words
during recent tour in Courlaud, and he de-
termined to use his knowledge so as to dis
concert his lair assailan,s. Turning to friend
who sat near him, he whispered: "When
you hear me speak in foreign language give
me your watch key" Meanwhile the ladies
went on talking more loudly than ever, and
by time the desert WAS PIT upon the table
their hilar,ty had reached its climax. AT
length during pause after somewhat hear.
tier burst of laughter than usual, Count Bis.
mark said quietly to his friend, 'Dohd man
azleck-" t'Give the key The effect
was instantaneous the ladies started as if
they were shot, and with their faces covered
with bushes, rushed out of the ROOM
An anecdote worth laughing over is told of
man who had an inrfmity as well as an APP
petite for fish He was anxious to keep M
his character for honesty, even while making
bill with his merchant, % the story goes,