The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1872-01-20

THE DRAAIA-MR. AND Mrs. WATKINS.
For the drama in its integrity, we have
high appreciation. Philosophically consi-
dered, we cannot say that we consider
habitual theatre.going advantageous to
the young. for the reason, that whilst
f3rne and manly sentiments may be incul-
GATED, yet no nractica! action can tollow
up the aroused sensibilities; aud thus it
happens that we can perceive how, after
time, the springs of the sympathies
may dry up and leave The heart waste.
To explain our thought: In real life, the
oftener our sympsthies are evoked, the
less lively they become; but whilst they
becoms less lively and vivid, get, ,0hen
foaotoea up by action, the active habit of
virtue becomes strengthened. To illus
trate, the oftener We hear the appeal Of
the beggar. the less lively are the emo
tions produced; but, if we respond with
money, the stronger becomes the active
principle Of benevolence. So, too, the
oftener the soldier goes into action, the
less liable to excitement he grows; but
the more careful of his personal safety
he gets, or the stronger becomes the
active principle of prudence. In the
case, however, of the theatre-goer, the
case is different. The sensibilities may
be powerfully excited, but, upon repeti-
ton. they become less and less aroused; F.;
whilst, in the meantime, there is not, as
in real life, any strengthening of nm ac-
tive habit OF virtue. In other words, in
healthy human organization, as the
Hensibilities diminish In force npon repe-
tition, the active principle or habit of
virtue should be strengthened; 30 that,
when the star of feeling sets, the star of
habitual virtuous action may shine with
unaffected brillianoy.
AS mental recreation, however. and
as taste that may be temperately and
judiciously INDUCED, We hold that dra-
matio performances may be both valua-
BILE and pleasing. To condemn the
drama, because there are and have been
immoral plays, is to condemn literature
because there are and have been immo-
raj and pernioious books printed and
published. That the drama has been
perverted to vile abuses, and been asso-
ciated with much that is false and de-
praved and low, is true; but equally true
is it that this need not be so, and that
rightly used, it is good element, and
may be made to effect valuable results,
and to wield powerful influence in be-
half OF truth, virtuo and patriotism.
These remarks ore Introductory to
what We propose to say of the Watkins
Troupe, who have been performing here
for the past weok. We have Witnessed
several OF the performances, and are ena-
bled to speak Of their character. We
have had very limited experience in
this department. We are, however. we
may venture to say, quite capable of
judging OF good acting when we see it /.
Whilst all the troupe perform their parts
we'll. including the little girl of the COM
pany, yet Mr.. and Mrs. Watkins GER
tainly rise far above mediocrity. They
arc superior in their department, and
most successfully do they hold "the mir
ror up to nature" The voice of eaoh is
peculiar for clearness and sweetness, and
is suggestive Of silver bells ringing out
upon the pure air.
In addition to this, Mr.. Watkins de-
serves credit for the tas!e displayed in
the pieces he brings forward, and for the
nnexceptionable character OF the repre-
sentations. Fine, manly and patriotic
sentiments abound in his selections, aud
both he and his gifted wife give utter
ance to these sentiments with forvor
and effect calculated to make the audi
ence better, purer and wiser. We have
observed that the influence exerted by
this troupe has been in the right direo-
tion. Mr.. Watkins is as pleasant in pri-
vato life as he is gifted man on the
stage. Last night he gave an entertain
ment for tho benefit of the Palmetto
etenrn en1ina proieot Th;o vpoo oano,orn