Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1875-12-21
Colonel Piatt and Colonel sellers

Editor Of the &ar:-Kindly permit a little
space In THE STAR for some brief comments
the last issue of his paper. First desire to
admit that ii is at times difficult, very diff
cult In this city, to meet the varying de-
mands OF pursuit which must in its
struggle for maintenance make an entire
change OF its attractions almost every week
OF Its season. In cities of great population
of plays very similar in their exactions upon
the actors, and one of these plays when sue
cessful will run prosperously for half if not
the entire season; here it is quite different.
AS to Mr. Raymonds play, the characters
that of Laura Hawkins. And they must
to pc 50 to sys the
same with rip Van Wrinkle, and Of all like
personal plays.
Some Of the actors he so wantonly de.
nounced in the article referred TO are as rep
utable in their profession as Col. Piatt was
in war or is in journalism, and have
been SO recognized. Upon their professional
families. Mr.. Harry Pearson, who acted
Isl Hawkins" was selected above all others
upon the American stage by both
play John Peery bingie" In ssThe Cricket
on the Hearth" at It's first presentation
In New York: Mr.. Sam1 Glenn was the
choice OF Mr.. Raymond over every one else
in the country to play his present character
OF "the district attorney" and a favorite &C
tor here for many years. Mr.. Harry Lee, has
acted with acceptance in some OF the best
theaters in the country. He played "Col.
Selby' in Baltimore and here, although
was asked on Saturday by Col. Piatt, "Why
did You not bring him TO Washington
The young actor, Mr.. Walters, (praisei by
Col. Patti who is yet novice in his bust
ness, was recommended to me by distin-
guished friend "the colonels." So much
points. am not ga wealthy man. in any
sense OF the term, but have some credit be-
cause pay my debts, and have probably
some reputation for means when it should
DE for business principle only.
claim the ordinary intelligence of know
ing thatI must do the best within my power
to please the public so as TO succeed. have
had twenty five wears experience, and feel
ing conscious that have much yet to learn,
am very willing TO be instructed by those
who have either the right or the ability to
theatre as "the colonel" does about news
paper management, and that am as faith
ful 10 my duties as he Is TO his. / presume,
too, that am as careful ia the selection of
my employees as he Is OF his writers, and
compensate them with equal ltberality.
II is one Of the penalties of the theatrical
calling that, like the victims of the murder
are too often thrown up to be shot down
merely to show the cleverness OF a Quill
armed "Bogardus," the conscience Of the
upon us is usually from an invited or q vol
unteer guest and, in consequence, scarcely
as defensible. 1t has been too frequent ex-
managers have failed to please the public;
then the abuse or criticism falls upon the
latter, and the loss upon the manager. As q
newspaper man "The colonel is too much
like "mine ancient, Iago," nothing IL not
himself beyond criticism, ("there's millions
in il, - how much better qualif1ed would he
be to set In Judgment upon others? To be
forever scolding "like very drab" In his
common practice.
Very respectfully, JOHN 7. FORD.
National Theatre, Washington, December 30th,