The New York herald., 1868-06-17


the Lost Cause" " is the title OF new drama In three
acts now being performed at the Brooklyn Park thea
tire. II is homely, unpretentious production, Dut
nevertheless possesses features that enttle IL
to commendation, and while it is perhaps devoid
OF much scenic effects II Is sensible, natural and
entirely free from the outrageous tone which, howa
days generally characteriZes such efusions. Through
out the plot is well interviewer, and the dialogue
quick, humorous and effective. The piece is founded
on one OF the numerous incidents with which the
Irish rebellion Of '9s Is replete. Fergus Mccarthy
tir H. Watkins, the author is an exile, with price
set upon his head, having previously taken a promi-
nent part iii the instructions, and, subsequently, TO
avoid detection assumes the disguise OF piper and
fortune teller While pursuing his ayocation among
.me cuhtry iolks, who are assembled ON The grounds
surrounding Desmond Castle he Is encountered by
Herrlck NoI Mr. c. Hamilton), who, having
Maissipa,ea a. ms fortune desires to retrieve
II by espouslg the heiress Blanche Mrs H. Wat
kins, VINO, however, il engaged TO Robert O'fara,
gentleman of noble family (Mr J. savillel. Prior
to the MARRIAGE Lord Desmond reveals to Robert
that he is not the father of Blanche, but that she In
the daughter Of peasant substituted for his own
deceased one since her childhood. Wolf plays the
eavesdropper and induces Fergus to represent him.
self as Blanches father, and having fully diluted
himself with wlskey, the latter proclams himself a.
her parent and takes her to his home While there
Herrick importunes her TO marry him, but she dis
danfulIy rejects his oier and still retains an ardent
affection for O'IIara who reciprocates the feeling
and brings her the last present OF her mother en-
nn ~ ,e nn iscnvers Ieifer which, ds
closes the fact that Fergus is really her father,
who now exhibits the most parental affection.
Herrck persists his entreaties and preslIming upon
the power he nolds over Fergus, who is liable at any
moment to be handed over to the authorities at
aroused TO anger at the audacity OF Herrtck.
seizes him ana while attempting to chastise him
for his misdeels is arrested by the soldiers whom
Ilerrick had ordered 10 be In attendance. The
third act SHOWS Fergus in prison earnestly
attended by his daughter Blanche He 10 con-
demned to death and awaits the hour Of his execu-
ton and recognizing in the sentinel an old rebel ac-
with much earnestness. But the sentinel having his
duty in view declines to allow him to escape and
finally agrees TO fire through the prison bars at the
lighted candle which Fergus Is to hold in his hand at
twelve O'Clock thereby putting an end TO his exist
ence. as soldier rather than die felon's
death. In the meantime, however, O'fara is at
work, and, ha' ing completed the arrangements for
the escape OF Fergus sends his daughter to advise
him OF that fact, and while he IL just making his exit
WOr enters and again mportunes Fergus for the
hand OF his daughter. Enraged at his tauntng air
Fergus rushes Il, him and is about to strangle him
when the officers Interfere. Wolff, in taking up the
candle, walks toward the window to draw attention
the last stroke OF twelve is shot by the sentinel
outside. Through the intercession OF the
American Mnsier Fergus VINO had @
offences. Blanche Is Joined in wedlock to O'Hara,
and the drama is brought TO a close with the usual
hand shaking and parental blessings AS whole,
the production is well put upon the stage, and
the sentiments, being Of the most Hibernian order,
loud tokens OF appreciation. Mr. Watkins, who
sustains the principal character, shows that he
in the humorous or more anecting parts, gives
evidence of talent carefulness and study: He is
eSaen enhanee greatly her clever
impersonaton by the rendition OF few sweet songs
enous pa with ered AS Nelly Fey Miss
Savie is quite at home, while the other characters
are more or less fairly portrayed y, an, Altogether
perhaps not remarkable for great literary ability 1t If
just as good as most productions OF its class, depict
ing as 1t does with falth1uneSS the incidents IN
tended to he represented
MRS O'DONOvAN ROSA AT COOPER INSTITUTE
| The large hall Of the Cooper Institute has had
gathered within its walls many meetings for many
purposes, and at these meetings there have been
many degrees OF enthusiasm but at no gathering there
has there been more hearty, more tumultuous, more
| unanimous enthusiasm than last evening" The occa-
sion was the nitiatory appearance of Mrs. 0'Dono-
van Rosa In the first OF series OF proposed read
! ings in this country to raise funds to be used
to accomplish the release from prison OF her
husband, to which, as is well known he has
been sentenced for life by the English government
on the charge of having melted through the columns
OF the irish People, published in Dublin. of which he
was editor, the original Fenian outbreak In Ireland.
An Introductory address by James r. Brady, char
| acterized by all the usual fervOr and enthusiasm,
particularly, in such cause, OF this accomplished
orator. opened the exercises. Mrs. Rosa first read
| "The Green Flag" by Miles O'Rely, and at once
proclaimed her nigh genius as reader AT the close
She was given. three rounds OF cheers while
at her feet fell shower OF bouquets. Subse-
quently she read 'lhe Sister OF Charityr by
Gerald Grillln; The Brldge,n of which she
Is the authoress, and "Fonienoy by Thomas Davis.
she has voice of great compass and hexblity, and
her intonation, expression AMI manner are well nigh
perfect. During the evening spirited addresses were
delivered by Horace Greeley and General Charles G..
iialpine, and the programme was further pleasngly
diversified by readings by Prof. FrObisher and songs
by Miss Garrison. The hall, 1t should have been stated,
was crowded. on the stage were many OF our prom
inent citizens Of Celtic BIRTH Altogether the recep
ton OF the lady reader and the speeches and the
| enthusiasm showed firm and decided cropping out
| OF metropolitan Fenianism.
MRS. KECKLEY IN NEW RoLE.-Mrs. Elizabeth
| Keckley, well known as the companion, ntodiste,
or personal attendant of Mrs. Lincoln, and who has
recently given to the public, in book entitled Be
hind the Scenesn her recollections Of the sayings
| and dOngs OF the great personages with
| whom she came in contact during her con
| nection with the White House. made her debut
last evening in the chapel of the University Building,
corner Wavcrlcy place and University place, before
a small audience invited to attend IA private read-
ingn preparatory to her pubic appearance. The
| subject selected for this initial efOrt was ''The
| Assassination Chapter'' from her book and
! selections from Longfellow's 'iiawa,ha." We
| have no desire deter Mrs. keckley from
| the funlment of her announced intention TO invite
the criticism OF Boston audience regarding her ta'
| ems IA a reader: but while making every allow
ance for the natural nervousness consequent upon
first appearance were NOT very favorably
impressed with her attempt last evening, and
cannot but regard the prospect OF her success
in this role as at least equivocal. Her appear
ance and voice are both certainly pleasing; but
failed to find any distinct Interpretation of the sent
ment embodiment OF the thought in either tone
expression. Beyond moderately careful attention
TO the punctuation OF what she read, or rather
cited, Mrs. Keckley's rendering was without matter
for either commendation or criticism.
Musical and Theatrical Notes.
The Webb sisters are great favorites among the