New-York tribune., 1871-09-26

familiar anecdote, but 1t may ftly and well
YbA1Gt4dt- for it suggests pertinent ana val
liable lesson. AS with c0quety, 10 with the
public taste. In every human heart there u
something which responds, with respect and
sympathy, to all manifestations Of righteous
power and real beauty. To this tho stage
should appeal-not interhittently, but invari-
ably--and 1t could afford to ignore everything
else. The world honors q leader. No obsta-
cles can stand in the way, and no uncer-
tainties can attend the progress, Of q
determined, purpose, which serves what is
beautiful, in honest and earnest accordance
with what is right. Keeping its rightful state,
the drama could always command the multi
tude and educate its votaries. There is no
need for it to stand in the attitude of the
hungry and anxious mendicant, grinding at
hand -organ and urging q wretched monkey
to dance for pennies. Nothing could be more
superfuous than these feverish fluctuations
from Shakespeare to the musical glasses, from
Punch and Judy to the Parthenon.
Awaiting tho age of theatrical reason, let
us, however, be duly thankful for the spasm
of theatrical sense. 1t will relieve us-at least
for little while-of a nauseating frippery OF
dirty furbelows and dirty language; OF the
namby- y-pambyism that minces and babblee
about in q state Of semi nudity of the jews
harp and harmonicon drama; and of all the
coarse and sorry clowns, new-hatched from
the minstrel stage, who think it funny TO
bawl out "Moly Hoses" and airiy divertlng
to vex the ear with chatter of broken En-
glish. "For this relief, much thanks :"
Our enforced observation OF the stage,
in various directions for some time
past, has made us ashamed OF the
theaters, the public, and our own vova-
ton. Il has seemed positively pitfful to De
contemplating such scenes, and making them
the theme of thought and comment. The
change to the new dramatic year is, therefore,
especially welcome. 1t comes betimes. 1t Is
like the friendly frost that kills the musketoes'
and the strong north wind that scatters the
filthy fog. On some promised features we
have already, from time to time, offered
passing remark. Reeapitulation Is neverthe-
less proper. The first of the really great
events is here. Charlotte Cushman, the
greatest tragic actress, of American origin, now
alive has returned to the STAGE after ten years OF
retirement, and acts at Edwin Booths Theater.
Mr.. Wallack's dramatic company, newly organ
lied and materially. strengthened, will begin,
next Saturday, season that will present
the best comedies in the English language,
new as we'll as old. Mr.. Fechter, at what
was formerly the French Theater, has made
careful and formidable preparations, and will
shortly bring forward fine corps of players,
in dramas of high order. This enterprise
has been quietly and patiently matured, and
there is reason to anticipate from it the
most excellent results. Mr.. Sothern, with
the prestige Of brilliant popularity acquired
on the English stage, will soon make his
appearance at Niblo's Garden. New come
dies, by American, English, and French au-
thors-regarding which the word of promise
is emphatic and glowing-are in active prepa-
ration, under Mr.. Days energetic care, at the
Fifth Avenue Theater. One of the most strik-
ing and successful Irish dramas that have
been produced in London for years-Mr. Fal-
coner's Eileen Oge"-win speedily be brought
out at the Grand Opera House, where the
public will greet, after long absence, Mr..
and Mrs. w. j. Florence. Pantomime, now pre-
vailing In it's Best estate at the Olympic Thea
ter, is to receive a succession of new embellish-
ments, as the merry weeks fit by and bring
us nearer and nearer to the Christmas Holi-
days. Stars of much magnitude, revolving in
their professional orbits, are rolling hither-
wards, and will soon be seen to shine. Mr..
William Creswick co0perates with Miss
Cushman at Booths. Charles Mathews is
to act at Wallack's. Booth, Owens, Wallack,
Brougham, Barrett, Gilbert Matilda Heron,
and Maggie Mitchell. will be seen in due
time by their respective crowds of ad-
mirers. Other names of merit will like
wise adorn our bill-bOards and mingle
in our conversations. From the sources
thus indicated it seems certain that local play
goers will draw both benefit and pleasure.
Sooner or later folly may once more show it
self at full length, according to its custom
but in the happy interim, sense will find its
opportunity. Let us hope-even against hope
that it will be so asserted and so encouraged
that reciprocal effort and appreciation. may
result in noble enthusiasm for the drama, and
another lapse into the slough of Stiffness be
rendered impossible.
We may pardon something to the natural sus.