Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1877-06-20

large rs ON Friday-bad weather having some
thing to do with the falling off in numbers.
Comment on the singing Of the Arion Quar-
tette is scarcely necessary; they have sung before
our people so much that their reputation is es-
tabshed It Is enough to say that on this occa-
sion their singing was as fine as usual, and won
gratifying applause from their audience. Their
rendering of (Which is the Properest Day to
Drnk2' was especially appreciated; hearty en-
core was given them, to which they responded.
Messrs Bancroft and Phillips in their respective
songs, lyon and |" and /" So Shall my Darling
BE" were in good voice and sang finely-just as
was to be expected of them. The Duet by Mrs
Wheatley and Mr.. Phillips " How Dear the Hour"
was finely sung of course and was very enjoy
able. Miss Merrick came before a Montpelier
audience for the first time in solo singing The
two songs rendered by her were, Once Again"
and Fly forth, o Gentle Dove" Richards
"lmage of the Rose" sung by Mrs. Briggs and
the Aron Qnartette, is IA beautiful thing, and was
rendered with much expression; the blending of
the voices was all that could be desired, and the
audience gave evidence of their appreciation of
this feature OF the programme by hearty applause
Now came the Trial by jury" an operetta by
Arthur Sullivan. The stage had been fitted up
as n courtroom with bench, witness box and
jury box, and presented as good an appearance rs
was possible. This cantata represents the trial
of a suit for breach of promise, in which the fair
plaintiff is aided by learned counsel, while the
defendant pleads his own cause. Court is opened
by the usher. The learned judge appears and is
greeted with an can Hailn' The trial proceeds
with various heartrending" scenes The defend
ant makes propositions which are not agreed to
BY the Others and the Judge at last settles the mat
ter by marrying the plaintiff The affair closes
with a congratulatory chorus
Mr.. C. IL Pitkin, as the Learned Judge made
a decided success. Arrayed in the English court
costume-howing robe and powdered wig-he
presided with dignity and covered himself with
honor in the rendering Of his part. His ntterances
were clear and distinct and he proved himself
fully equal to the perplexing "dilemma" in
which he found himself Mt a certain stage of the
proceedings No better selection could have been
made for the position. His associate" Mr.
Ed Nj. Irish. fulfilled the duties of his position in
A way that won extensive plaudit from the audi
ence. His efforts to share in the task of " pro-
tectinp the fair plaintiff were particularly anus
ing, though perhaps not resulting satisfactorily to
himself
Mr.. Phillips acted AS counsel for the plain
tiff =" and excelled in that direction His solos
were given with good effect, and his appeals to
the Jury in behalf of his interesting client re-
suited in winning their sympathy. He argued his
case well and exercised most tender watch
care oyerhis weeping" charge; giving evidence
that he has ability as an actor as well as singer
Mr. Bancroft as the " Defendant" could not
be beaten Being in good voice, his solos were
given with his usual excellence and though op-
posed by Learned counsel" and threatened con
tinually by an excited Jury and sympathizing
bridesmaids, he sustained well his character rs a
gay deceiver," and won hearty applause by the
easy and graceful manner in which he carried on
his part of the trial lie is perfectly at home "
on the stage and makes u success of what he
undertakes.
Mr. Wheelock. of Barre. AS Usher" also sue
ceeded admirably. He has clear, telling bass
voice and it could be heard above all the others
in his cry of Silence in court lie per-
formed his duties with ease and although he had
AN uneasy set of jurymen to handle, he kept
them within bounds. The Society were fortunate
in having his aid, for no one could have served
their purpose better.
MIR Sabin did finely in his role AS foreman of
the iury. His - atherly affection for the pain
tiff was very noticeable. as WAS also his disonst
when he was kindly (?) relieved of his charge by
the Iudye
Mrs Briggs in the character of the " Plaintiff "
SURPASSED herself Never has this lady apneared
better ON the stage. and never has she won more
golden opinions from an audience Her voice
was in IA fne condition. and in every stage of the
trial she sustained her part excellently That
point in the trial where she collected the parland-
| from her bridesmaids and bribed the iurv with
I them was particularly appreciated by the audi
epce VINO eyinced their delight by hearty applause
Mrs. Briggs is to be congratulated on the success
she achieved on this occasion. Her bridesmaids
were six in number: Mrs Miller. Mrs Wheatlev
Misses Merrick, Abbott, King and Roleau. They
held AN important position in the trial. and they
deserve much credit for the manner in which
their duties were performed Their choruses were
given with spirit, and at certain times through
ont the trial their sympathy for the plaintff. "A,
well as their condemnation Of the defendant wa,
made decidedly plain.
A iury of twelve was impanelled and mad,
things interesting by their display of feelinl
in regard to what was going on. We are afrait
the "hrihes " given them by the fair nlaintir ha,