Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1869-05-13
The Dramn in Me mphis-Benehf OF
MRS. w, &. Tn Omps0n.

MRS. w. e. Thompson.
To encourage the drama is to encour
age art and civilization; more; it is to
encourage learning and refinement; fol
the drama is a combination Of art and
intellect, by which the lights and shades
Of human nature are SO blended and
brought into contrast as to form pictures
of the deepest interest. 1t was distin'
gushing mark of the genius OF the
Greeks and Romans, and has been q
powerful element in great nations, since
the establishment of Christianity, in i'm
pressing great principles and grand ideas
upon the minds of the people. The
Fathers of the Roman Church took hold
of it, Just as they took hold of sculpture
and painting, to teach moral lessons.
They turned the soul-destroying pictures
of heathenism into divine forms of good
ness and beauty; and therein they exhib'
tied more wisdom than the Fathers OF
the Anglican Church, whose places OF
prayer are as gloomy and devoid OF
ornament as if the sea, land and sky, the
rivulets, cascades and lakes, the glades,
plains and mou ntains, the sunlight, star
light and flowers, were not the handiwork
of the Lord. But although the Anglican
Fathers neglected sculpture and paint
| ing, they favored the drama, and through
its agency turned the arguments and
| ideas of their adversaries into ridicuie.
The American drama is thing
| founded on English principles and Esg-
lish ideas. In fact, there is scarcely a
drama extant in which true American
sentiments are expressed or true Ameri-
can scenery represented. But the time
is coming when they will appear, and
serve to cement the hearts of our people
stronger and steadier to democratic In
stitutions. There is a wide field for the
dramatist in this country, and the sooner
we have pure American dramas the bet
ter.
Ladies are especially interested ia the
drama, because it humanizes, civilizes
and refnes society. II is their duty tt
encourage it, because it is kind of en-
ioyment that encourages literature anC
art. two elements that ennoble life anc
lend exquisite charms to our social cir
Giles and daily conversation. Their pres
ence anywhere has a civilizing effect
but nowhere go much as in theater il
the presence Of woman So powerful fol
good. There she shines as an angel, and
all about her is harmony and love.
The lady who takes a benefit at the
New Memphis on Friday night-Mrs. W.
C. Thompson-should be remembered by
every lady of refined taste and culture in
! Memphis. We all owe debt Of gratitude
to her and her late husband, about whose
names cluster incidents that can only be
forgotten when this generation fades
away. Many is the fair one who recol-
lects "happy times" at the old theater,
ere Memphis "put on city airs" when
we were all as united as one family, and
enjoyed life in the purest sunshine OF
friendship and goodwill. Many, too,
recollect the optpopring Of sympathy p"
in the new theater, when this same lady
arranged tableaur for the benefit Of "our
boys" in '6l. Shall we forget her now Z
10, no, Every son and daughter of
Memphis viii odd their mites to the
testimonial" and oherish it in their
heart of hearts. There are heroines
among us whom we cannot forget We
have seen them Irvine wreaths Of white
roses and wet them with tears as they
scattered them oyer the pale shrouds OF
heroes, We have seen them stand at
prison bars, and by their gentle suppl
cations coax sentinels aside, that they
might speak words Of love and consola-
ton to some "dear boy" and cheer him
with little gift, such as a loving mother
Eopld give to a needy son. All, the time
will come when these heross snd heFolnes
shall have brilliant pages in romancei in
history, in song; when they shall shine
as exemplars of purity and patriotic de-
yoiiou. But the rubbish must first be
cleared away we npst have pure press
and pure criticism before the PUBLIC is
prepared for the reception of such noble
characters. In the meantime let US pay
our tribute of thankfulness to one who
was "friend in need" who was ever
foremost in acts of kindness and patriot
ism. The farewell benefit of Mrs
Thompson should Indeed be "testi-
monialv worthy Of her merits, her gen.
eresity and her goodness. 1t should be
more than a crowded house. Will none
of our ladies think of something hand
some to express their sentiments on this
occasion
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CeNvESTIoN.-We
- -. - Ia a loroa horunon.