New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1869-09-03
THE NEW DRAMATIC SEASON.

The cool winds Of September have begun to
blow, and the blue skies of September have
begun to smile. In this delightful weather the
city is as pleasant as the cOuntry-and, III
some respects, surpasses Its rural rival. Ac-
cordngy the great army of metropolitan ex-
cursionists las struck its tents, and is march
ing on the capitSi. Familiar faces are once
moro seen In familiar haunts. Enterprise
arouses itself from its sluggish Summer sleep
r.ashion prepares to resume its sway. Bust
, u., rrno -, N "a old channels. And IN the
theatrical world busy hum oil ptSp"'" ;nai
mingng With the loud noto i" Ot " t6S 1er"lnr
Gates that We arc 49, .----
season. Melting. perhaps, would be the better
word; for the transition proceeds gradually,
rs Summer is merged into Autumn. OF the
dozen places of amusement that are now opcu,
half, at least, are avowedy started upon the
regular season.
The promise Of that season is Enthusiastically
good. Decency, it is evident, will prevail at
most of the theaters; and this, after what We
have experienced is a very important con-
sideratiOn. AT few places, of cOurse--where
the unquenchable spirit of mercenary greed is
rampant and would do anything, however
filthy, for the sake of money-the usual dirty
appeal will be made to the lowest instincts of the
sensual multitude. OF course, too, we shall once
more encounter the usual doctrine in defense
of this abuse-that the public want muck, and
will have it, and therefore it is right for
theatrical managers to give it to them. These
blotches are to be expected. We are not liv-
ing in Utopia, but in a world wherein most
persons are selfish, many are unprincipled, and
ignorance, vanity, and sensuality abound.
Nevertheless, there is a bright side of the
picture and the promise OF the new season, as
we have said, is Enthusiastically good Past excess
in the direction of frivolity and coarseness has
promoted a reaction in favor of the legitimate
drama and this, If it be not allowed TO 20
too far, will manifestly lead to wholesome re-
suits. Wherever the legitimate drama pre-
walls, the theater takes a high intellectual |
tone ; for the legitimate drama requires acting, !
and acting is matter of ability and not of |
legs. Moreover, where there is ability there is |
usually taste, refinement, self-respect, and |
moral principle. To get away from ignorance |
and weakness is also to get away from de- |
pravity. People of talent. at any rate, know |
how to assume virtue if they have it not |
and the theaters in which able and cultivated |
players are assembled will, we may safely pre-
sumo, be beneficial in their influence, and
therefore worthy of public esteem and support.
Such, next season, will be the character of the
chief theaters in Newly York.
With decent and intellectual effort on the
stage, let us hope that there will also come
ready and ample response of the best pu bile
intelligence and sympathy IL we would have
a pure stage we must encourage those who
strive TO uphold il in purity. II we would en-
joy acting, we must cheer those who cultivate
that high and difficult art by thoughtful con-
sideraton Of their efforts and judiciOus praise
of their merits. If ever the drama needed fos-
tering care, it needs it now. If ever there was
a time when slight defects and trivial blem-
isles ought to be overlooked in favor
of worthy purposes earnestly pursued, it
is this present moment Questions as to
the propriety of Browns whiskers or Robin
sons boots, Miss Smiths waterfall or Mrs.
Jones's Grecian Bend. may be important in
their place. But their place is altogether sub
,idiary to that of the great question, whether
.he stage is administered in such way
Is to cxert,-concuuently with all
other agencies of education,-a cheering,
refining, and eley0ting influence upOn the age.