Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-04-04
Letter from Boston.
lrRoM AN OCCASIONAL ooRRuspoSDrSr.I
BosToH, April 8, 1872

Boston, April 3, 1872.
We have seen in the way of amusement at the
"hub" during the present season, almost with
out interruption, the grotesque face of comedy
in all its varying moods and changelul FORMS
With the exception Of the engagement of Miss
Charlotte Cushman and the tragic impersona-
ton ofthe opera Allegro, it has held undisputed
sway. The current of popular taste is undoubt.
edly strongly in favor Of comedy, for mankind
if left TO its choice, prefers the bright and merry
side Of life, and BESIDES tragedy, unless in the
hands of a master and produced with every ac-
cessory, always degenerates into tame farce.
During the past week, however, Mr.. Edwin
Forrest, the veteran tragedian, after long alb
sence from Boston, has been playing King Lear
to crowded houses, creating genuine enthu-
siasm; meeting the complete appreciation of the
critics, those finical fellows so hard to please,
who, as if to make up for the praise so lavshly
bestowed on the performances at the "Globe,'
have been discussing the faults and errors of
several inferior artists with almost savage
terocity of invective. Mr.. Forrest is quite old
having reached his sixty-ninth year. His intel,
lect is still vigorous, his voice deep and flexible,
and perhaps now by reason of his are he is bet.
ter adapted than realize the life of the I'M
fortunate king, that sadly true picture of flial
ingrattude the great dramatist has drawn with
such unerring fidelity
The audiences have been large, intelligent and
appreciative. Many bald heads, spectacles, and
ministerial looking yisages appearing on every
side, exhibiting marked contrast to the throng
that nightly crowds another place of entertain
ment not far distant. This week Mr. Forrest
appears as Riehelieu and Virginius, and this is
said to be his last appearance in Boston.
Though ordinarily this is the most patent
trick Of the trade, there is such good ground
for the announcement that we must, suppose,
give it credence.
The spring-like weather on Saturday had
raised bright auticpations Of fine Easter, but
unhappily the weather was as wretched as well
could be, and called forth much execration.
Still, large crowd was assembled before the
church of the Immaculate Conception an hour
before the doors were opened, patiently enduring
the storm Of seet in order to secure
good seat during the service Of
high mass, which was very solemn and
impressive. The choir has the reputation of
being the best in the city. Mrs. II. NJ. Smith,
well known in Worcester from the many con-
certs in which she has taken part, is the leading
soprano. The seats at this church are sold to
strangers, those in the broad aisle of course
commanding the highest price. 1t seems rather
odd at first, but is very proper and fair where
there is so large an attendance.
AT the Church OF the Unity, the Rev. Mr..
Schemerhorn's, the concluding vesper service
was performed, IN the evening one great attrae-
ton Of which-ackuowledged by the pastor in
very fattering terms-has been the fine singing.
In this branch Of worship it is reckoned only in
lerior to the Church of the Immaculate Concep-
ton. Miss Ryan, the contralto, has something
more than local reputation, while Miss NJ. II.
stone of Worcester, has sung very acceptably,
proving great addition to the excellence of the
| quarette. The rendering Of the duet by Men
delssohn, "lu his hands arc all the corners of
the earth" was especially fine
| Inc Grafton bank robbers, Gleason and Doc.
herty, who related with so much apparent can.
DOR the story Of their lives at their recent trial,
and tried 50 hard to explain the network of cir.
eumsiances which enveloped them. are at pres.
ent engaged in the moulding department of the
state prison. They have given no trouble or
annoyance, being doubtless glad 10 be engaged
in something active, otter the dull, monotonous
routine Of Jail life. G.F.FALcuLA.