New Orleans Republican., 1871-10-08

l xn0 GET o&0W00I O1 C0l9 4e0Oto0D00 0e6D
Academy Of Music closes this evening
was very unfavOrable, and must have pre-
vented many persons from attending the
theatre. Yet the nightly attendance has
been large and most respectable-upon some
occasions too crowded for comfort. As q
delineator of Irish character, the public
were prepared to expect much from Mr..
Murray. His fame as an irish actor had
preceded his advent here.
In such characters as Terrence Finnegan,
Miles Ma Copp0lcen, Shaun the Post, Benj0-
min BObbin, Mickey Free and Judith Nc
Cam, etc, his reputation is deservedly
high. His representations in this line Of
the drama are truthful and full OF life, such
| as it ia. These characters are the type of
men who figure in the ruder walks Of So
| ciety. They are the trough diamonds" of
humanity, and the actor who can depict
their traits in the strongest c0lOrs con-
| sistent with nature renders himself remark
able. Mr.. Murray has done this.
A man may become remarkable as an
impersOnatOr of but one character. Mr..
JefersOn's characterization of Rip Tan
Winkle has made him distinguished
actor. We do not know that he pretends
to excel in any other character. But in
that he is without rival.
Mr.. Murray has taken broader field for
Iuc UcSclOpIucut VI MS OTdmdtlC powers,
and displays a versatility Of talen truly as
tonishing.
On the occasion Of his benefit last Friday
evening, he stepped from the line we had
supposed to be his speciality. and appeared
as Pierre La C,'Oche, in that beautiful three
act drama entitled "The Golden Bubble
1t is a representation OF French character
in the seventeenth century, and is founded
on what is known in history as the grand
Mississippi scheme for advancing the French
interest in Louisiana. A ruined gambler
from Scotland, by the name of John Lar,
devised plan tor enriching himself and
his partners by an indefinite issue Of paper
money. His cOmpan was formed in Paris,
and obtained the sole right from the French
government Of coming money and trading
with Asia, Canada and the Mississippi
valley.
When the paper circulation was over
two hundred millions of dollars, Lar was
made minister Of finance. He is said to
have kept up the value of his bills by
ordering that any one who sought to ex-
change Mississippi money tor silver should
forfeit BOTH Many persons in France be-
lieved there was untold wealth in the
scheme, and dealt freely in the stock,
which rose to nearly twenty times its
nominal value.
But the golden bubble could not last
long. 1t soon burst, and in May, 1920. the
notes were only worth ten cents on the
dollar, and the company reduced to bank
ruptcy. Thousands of persons were ruined
by the scheme. while some few made
fortunes: and Pierre La Croche was one of
the lucky ones.
When the Golden Bubble was started he
was the poor but efficient secretary of the
Marquis Bellmaison, who was then rich
and powerful, and disposed to tread upon
his humble secretary. Pe,re's mother oc-
cupied q cottage on the grounds of the
Marquis. She was in very bad health,
confined to her bed, with but feeble hope
der came for her removal. The Marquis
wanted the cottage torn down to make
room for Improvements. Pierre protested
against this, and earnestly pleaded that his
mother might be permitted to remain un e.
disturbed for q few day. He had the aid of
CVarisse De Bellmaison. daughter Of the
Marquis, in his pleadings. but the Marquis
could not be moved from his purpose. The
cottage was removed. aud it caused the
death of Pierves mother.
This sad event drives him to Paris. where.
in the course Of a few years, he becomes
one of the richest and most powerful men
with the government. The scheme-the
golden bubble-that had proved disastrous
to thousands, was source of sudden
wealth to him, and basking in the sunshine
OF power. it becomes his fortune to have the
Marquis de Bellmaison importuning him to
use his influence with the government to
save his sons life.
The play is an excellent one, ard the
Pierre La Croche Of Mr.. Murray is sufficient
to stamp him An actor of preeminent abil-
ity. In this character he displays all the
fire and genius that rendered the perform
ances OF the elder Booth so deservedly pop
ular.
Last evening ''Oonah's Engagement" and
good house. This evening Mr.. Murray will
close his engagement by appearing in
"Aileen Aroon' and the ''Benicia Boy" two
excellent pieces.