New-York tribune., 1871-09-26
THEATRICAL PROSPECTS.

The new Qramatlc year IudkcS, aO ioo oPoh-
ing, considerable show of activity, and many
signs of promise. 1t is manifestly destined 70
prove exceedingly busy; and though the effort
put forth within it's limits may not tend, In
any marked degree, toward the elevation OF
the stage, it seems likely, at any late, to keep
our theaters in a healthful condition. The
programmes of most of the managers have
been promulgated, and it is upon these, OF
course that we base our anticipations OF an
agreeable and wholesome season. These
programmes seem to indicate, among other
things, the growing prevalence OF an i'm
preston, on the part Of those who admin
lister public entertainments that trash has
prevailed long enough and ought now to
be supplanted by solid value. This i'm
pression is timely, wise, and well founded and
the fact that it exists is hopeful sign OF
the theatrical times. Its presence may not
and probably it does not, except within limited
circle-indicate sincere allegiance to the dra-
matte art faith and zeal in the service of that
cause have mostly lapsed into chronic languor:
but it does plainly denote shrewd perception
of the necessity of keeping up appearances.
There is wise counsel in Hamlets injunction to
assume virtue if you have it mott" and
business men in theatrical life find occasions
when there is abundant reason for needing it.
Such an occasion confronts them now. The
public has been fooled to the top of its bent
and much more fooling may chance to cloy
upon its dainty palate. The dolt is, now and
then, superseded by the sage. The self-same
taste that has asked for theatrical rubbish,
and battened upon it, is quite capable OF sud
den scOn and cold neglect of the very mon
who have ministered to its appetite. In other
words unless the stage, as money-making
vocation, is TO be rendered quite sterile, some
show of respect must be made for that great
art of acting which, after all. is the only sure
and permanent foundation of prosperity in the
theatrical business. And the time has come
for making the show.
1t will not be amiss to express the desire
which, assuredly, is felt by all true friends of
the stage-that this show might be made sub
stance; that broader view of the capriciOus
alterations of sense and folly in the public
mind might be taken by those who administer
the DRAMA and that o wiser policy might be
adopted, in the treatment of them, than has
usually been pursued. Assume a virtue if
"you have it not" is the doctrine of expedi-
ence. "Have virtue, and do not assume it"
is the doctrine of right: and the universal
adoption of that doctrine would save the
stage a great deal of perplexity, dis
grace, and loss. It's chief troubles
have arisen from greed, insincerity,
and feebleness. 1t has sought, with sordid
motives, to catch the instant way to
momentary public favor, and thus has lived in
perpetual state of futtering anxiety and weak
kneed yacillation. Its highest philosophy has
been misappfication Of the old statement
that those who live to please must please to
"iven and It's best wisdom has been to fol-
low-and not to lead-the superficial and tenn
porary oaprices of its patron populace. The
results are evident to all thoughtful observers:
theater from which noble ideals have been
almost entirely banished. and public so hu-
mored in It's ignorance and low desires
that 1t regards the stage, not as the con-
servatory Of beautiful art, but as o
shop for tho manufacture and sale of men.
tai and sensual condiments. The utter re-
mova of these base conditions fs, we say, the
desire of all who love the drama, and the
great and pressing need Of dramatic life at
this time. Nor would it be found very diff
cult of achievement. To humor caprice. ID TO
rivet the chains of its tyranny. To ignore It,
Is 10 make 1t powerless. AT Arst she told
"me,n said DR.. johnson, referring to his wife,
and their ride on the wedding day." that I
"rode too fast, and abe could not keep up
l" with me and, when rode little slower, she
"passed me, and complained that Jagged be-
"hind l, therefore, pushed on briskly, till
"was fairly out Of her sight. The road Lay
"between two edges, 80 that I was sure she
q could not miss it; and I contived that she
should soon come UP with me. When she
did, | observed her TO be in tears" 1t is a
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