Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1872-01-06
Stage and Studi ..


successful, as well in an artistic sense as from
the cash-box point Of view. The reputation of
the several artists enlisted fully justifes the
former expectation, and in the fact that Con-
gress will be in session again and the gay season
fully inaugurated the latter win doubtless be
realized. But, Messieurs Managers, isn't one
dollar extra for reserved seats verging little
too nearly on extorticn? IL is very much like
offering man a good dinner for a dollar, and
then charging HIM a dollar more for place in
the dining-rOOm; and you must know yourselves
what community would think of q party who
played that little game. The fact il, the person
who pays for admission and secures a seat in
advance of the day of performance becomes to
that extent, and solely at his own risk, an in
surer of the manager against loss. He ought,
therefore, to have the benefit of discount,
instead of being charged premium for what
he may not after all be able to use. At any
rate. he shouldn't be taxed so awfully heavy for
his temerity, considering that the advantages in
the case are about equally balanced.
1t is whispered about that some of our lead
ing amateur vocalsts are rehearsng ~ Trord-
tore with a view of bringing it out later i'm the
season. The cast includes the names Of several
who figured prominently i'm the production OF
Martha last winter. 4. r. is a pretty heavy con-
tract for novices, but our amateurs not easily
frightened.
We have thought at times that Washington
audiences were a little demonstrative and dis
posed to get the full worth of their money by
sncoriHg favorite performers at concerts and
opera; but could we hope to rival the Moscovians
in this respect, even If we wanted to ? While
singing Lucia in the old Russian capital in
December last, Patti was recalled five times
after an aria, six times after duet, six times
alter the final scene in act 2, and fifteen times
after the mad scene in the last act
Miss Nilsson received calls New Year day,
just like other folks. She made her home for
the day at the residence OF her friend DR..
Doremus.
- Fechter has gone 10 England to secure tai
ent for his new company with which he proposes
to open the Fourteenth street theater, in New
York. He hopes to be under way in the latter
part of February. Whether he will succeed as
a manager remains to be seen, but many of his
warmest admirers believe he has no talent
for that branch of the dramatic profession. But
there's nothing like paying to find out.
The shoal Of criticasters who chatter stale
platitudes about the pictures and statuary at the
capitol may be interested in knowing that, ac-
cording to Senator Sumner, Mr.. Thackeray pro-
nounced the paintings by Trumbull in the ro-
tUnda 1.-THE best pictures in the country This
is doubtless extravagant praise; but it shows
that they cannot be wholly without merit as the
chronic fault would have US believe. Mr.
Thackeray undoubtedly knew more about the
subject than most of the wiseacres who have
come after him.
The portrait of Senator Anthony has recent
ly been added TO the collection of Governors of
Rhode Island, which the authorities of that state
sometime since authorized to be made for the
state house. 1t was painted by Arnold, of Prov
idence, and is said to be one OF the best pictures
of the series, whether considered as a portrait or
a work Of art. The portrait of Goyerno
SpIague is understood to be alsozin the hands Of
the artist.
On exhibition at Barlow's may be seen the
painting lately presented to Mr.. Sumner by Dun
canSon, the well known artist of Cincinnati, as a
testimonial of what Mr.. s. has done for the ele-
walton of the colored to which Mr.. Dun
eanson belongs. The picture attracts much at
IGNITION, and ELECTS variety of comment, as Mr.
Duncanson's efforts generally do. 1t may Justly
be said of this one, however, that while it is on
the whole pleasing picture, and possesses some
good points, the qualities exhibited are of the
snowy order rather than those which character
Use the highest artistic efforts in landscape paint
ing. We fancy that Mr.. Sumner has MANY
better pictures in his collection, though possibly
none that he will value more; but this on &C
count Of association, rather than intrinsic worth
Il There seems to be trouble about the Page
picture Of Farragut recently presented to Prince
Alexis, as there was also, it will be remembered,
about the painting given to the Prince Of Wales
when he visited this country. 1t seems that the
Page picture was originally painted with the
view Of having it bought and sent to the En-
peror of Russia, and a committee was appointed
to raise the money for that snobbish purpose
the price TO be paid being s10 900 gold. Through
some cause the scheme miscarried, and nothing
came of it. But the visit of Alexis revived the
matter, and the requisite machinery was put i'm
motion to have the picture bought for the son
a long as the father failed to get it. The thing
worked all right, so far the presentation was
concerned; but how those butts will come in in
such cases! > it now turns out that through some
oversight or Misunderstanding on the part of
Mr.. Bierstadt who was member Of the COM
mittoe and also Pages agent or friend in the
premises, only 81, 200 was paid by the committee
when the picture was delivered, and this
sum they seemed TO suppose was its full price.
Mr.. Page, however, expected TO get his original
figure of $4,000 gold, and accordingly applied
ter the balance. Meantime Mr.. Bierstadt has
gone ba,k TO California without making any ex-
PLANTATION, and the secretary OF the committee
tells Mr.. Page that they have no money left,
ana furthermore, that, in order to comply with
the spirit OF the presentation, the members will
have to expend considerable money from their
own pockets to ship it to Russia. And 50 the
matter stands. Whether or not it will result
in lawsuit remains to be seen. If it does SO
terminate, and We are placed on the jury, we
shall feel compelled to say that Mr.. Page-Presi-
dentof the Academy, though he be,-has already
received the full value of his picture, and some
thing besides.
With that keen eye to business which he
never keeps shut long at time, Bierstadt, the
artist, seems TO have turned his connection with
the Alexis reception committee in New York to
good account by selling one Of his paintings to
the Grand Duke. The price paid for 1t is said
to be $4,000, although good judges express the
opinion that il would not have brought 81 900
If put in the market on its merits, even with the
fancy reputation Of its painter to back it. 1t is
further said that Mr.. Bierstadt expects an i'm
perial decoration from the Gear.
The VIRGINIA DEBT QUEsrroN.-The Vir-
ginia house yesterday, by 50 to q, passed the
resolution stopping the funding Of the public
debt over Gov. Walkers veto. A resolution was
then NM mi rnou al al tn appo{ut