National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1874-12-23
ADJUSTMENTS.
THE NATIONAL THEATRE-ROSE AND
HARRY WATKINS

THE NATIONAL THEATRE-ROSE AND
HARRY WATKINS.
Mr.. Harry Watkins imPersOnatiOn OF Fergus
Mccarthy, in the romantic Irish American drama
Of "Trodden Down." surprised and delighted his
audience at the National theatre last night.
Critics agree in speaking of 1t as one OF the finest
performances the stage affords. The text Of the
play is singular, but for the actor, a happy ad-
mixture of comedy and pathos, exacting in its
proper delivery the quickest apprehension, and
the true form Of genius. One thing in Mr.. Wat
kinS' assumption is infinitely pleasing, and that
is the completeness and entirety Of the assqmp-
before us constantly the exile of Erin.
The FIRST act of the play opens in ireland at the
close Of the rebellion in '9s. 1t is merely pro-
logue, making the audience acquainted with the
character and antecedents Of the drGmdtiS per-
soma.
The second act introduces Fergus Mccarthy
disguised as wandering bagpiper and fortune
teller, Just arrived in ireland from America, to
learn the fate Of his wife. He is recognized by
old comrade in arms who ia telling his sister
about him is overheard by the rival OF the &C
cepted lover Of Blanche Desmond, an adopted
daughter of Desmond. The rival makes Fer
gus swear that he is the putative father Of
Blanche, and to drown his feelings he first gets
drunk and then goes to Desmond Castle to claim
blanche as his child; Here ior full half hour
the actor not only depicts with rare fidelity
drunken, maudlin scene, and he must keep in
prominence before his audience the sense of
shame he feels and HIS struggle to keep from tell
ing the actual truth. The act is played with most
excellent judgment, and with tne dramatic ef-
feet.
The third act reveals blanche living in hum
bic home with Fergus, nd while by education
and refinement she is IL above him, there Is
mysterious sympathetic .veliDg between them,
and its portrayal is one Of the most enjoyable fea
lures Of the play, and when the truth begins to
dawn upon him, and when at last he finds out that
she is really his child, MIR. Watkins rises to the
full height OF q grand impersonatiOn, original in
conception and execution. His endowment OF pa
thOs, his wealth Of humor, and his great passion
were all seen here to fine advantage, and from
this time on the scenes are carefully and energet-
ically worked up to the climax, which removes the
o6loquy hitherto resting upon his name, and
which enables him to reassert himself as q hero
and man. Every situation is one of power, con-
stantly moving his audience to applause and
laughter. As represented by Mr.. Watkins, there
is nothing strained or unnatural in any part Of
the representation and as dramatic picture it is
truly one Of the very best to be seen behind the
fOotiights. Rose Watkins as Blanche Desmond
was admirable throughout. Gifted with pleas
ing and handsome presence, ready knowledge Of
her art and highly cultivated contralto voice,
she added greatly TO the enjoyment Of the even
ing. Tonight the play will be repeated. During
duced.
FORD'S OPERAHOUSE-MR.J J. S. CLARKE.
Truly q gala occasion was Mr.. Ciarke's fist ap-
peaTanee Monday evening at FOrd's opera house.
That pretty temple Of Thalia was filled in every
section with an audience as elegant and appre-
ciatiVe as it was numerous anc expressive. Ban
see spread their folds around the baeonies and
box fronts. where our hOnored Chief Executive
sat with his family and friends, and opposite vas
the nations guest, the King OF the Sandwich
Islands, and his suite, who paid profound atten-
tiOn to the performance, while the President eX-
hibited the greatest appreciation Of the humorous
scenes and language Of the dramas.
The entire audience on this occasion, as last
night, were moved to real enjoyment Of the
as lie performed with great spirit his roles in the
admiTably-seleeted plays.
plays OF capital points Of humOT, bright with wit
and full Ofvsrled interest, superior TO the major
ity Of brief, humorous dramas. As the lawyer,
Recmo7 Tape, MI. Clarke exhibited wonderful
finish OF conception OF a character marked by
touch Of Dickens humor. His Toodles was as
peculiarly good as ever, and his drunken scene
was more irresistibly funny, laughable and sur
passingly ridiculous than ever seen before. The
audience laughed till the tears ran. The plays
were elegantly appointed and put upon the stage,
end fine support was afforded by the company
from Booths theatre. Mr.. and Mrs. Walcot,
Miss Baker, and Mrs. Creese all proved talent
enough to insure fine and even performances
throughout the week. A more special delinea-
ton Of Mr.. Clarke's merit as comedian is re-
served, but we trust one will fall OF improving
this opportunity to one OF the greatest actors
OF any nation or time. 1t is necessary to secure
good seats to reserve them.
THE UUMIQUE.
Fanny Herring is creating decided sensation
at the Comique in a three-act drama entitled
The TIgress Of the West" The programme
will be changed Thursday night to the greatest
Of the sensation dramas, London in I7l5; or,
From Cradle to ScaffOld." La Belle Pauline aud
Miss Ida Norton are new and attractive stars.
Miss Virginia Stickney, favorite, aud rapidly
growing in popularity, is still at the Comique.
JANAUSCHEK
To be obliged so say that Janauschek's engage
ment, commencing at the National theatre Jar
uary IS, is her last here is by no means a pleas
ant duty. This community Is not ready to D lrt
with this good woman and greatest Of TRACE
dieDes. She Will appear In 'Chesney WOld."
Earl Of Essex" (drst time here.) "DebOrah,m
''Henry VIII, - and other roles The community
will insist upon seeing her as Media and Mary
Stuart.
BLIND TOM.
II is three years since Blind Tom was here, but
his marvellous, hidden gifts in music and Imita-
ton are as fresh as ever, He will give three
concerts Thursday, Friday and Saturday even
ings Of this week at Odd Fellows hall