The Portland daily press., 1878-10-09
If ihe Union was worth fighting for it is
worth paying for.
The Carnival of Authors,

The getters up of these "Carnvals of Au-
thors" now In vogue, do not avail themselves
it seems to many, of the vast resources of
literature open to them. Dickens and Long
fellow are well enough in their way, but peo-
pie nowadays like sensation in their amuse-
ments. They want to be frightened even
while at their play, to have the voice of ap-
plause stick in the throat and the murmur of
approval become a groan of horror. They
demand something that will curdle their
blood and blanch their cheeks. And if they
are not gratifed in this regard they feel that
they have failed to receive their moneys
worth.
Since the popular taste is in this direction
why would not it be well for our church and
charitable societies to make an effort to graft
fy it, knowing that thereby much money will
be brought into3 3heir Golfers? OF course the
object of these fairs is-to drop into Hebrew
terminology-to rake in the shekes. Not
only will that object be achieved by the adop-
tion OF the change indicated but profitable in
eursions will be made into new fields of Eng.
lish literature now fallow to the charity tax
gatherer. The prospect thus offered is a
wide one. Many people would, for example,
become familiar with the delightful creations
of Mr.. Harrison Ainsworth, an author as yet
little known in church circles. Of course
Dickens and that kind of literary feller are
well enough. But it must be acknowledged
that that sort of thing is little pass9. A
broader and more liberal policy is demanded
of those who aim to givs us pleasure. What
are chiefly needed in amusements now are
novelty and sensation. These certainly will
be furnished to the Carnival of Authors if Mr..
Ainswortb, Mr.. Pierce Egan and the
latest of the manly school of authors,
Sir Randall Roberts, are permitted to
contribute. Startling and popular ef-
fects could be produced too, by the ad-
mission of the heroines of "Ouida", Rhoda
Broughton, and Miss Braadon. Certainly
the beautiful blonde with the face of an angel
and the heart and brain of a demon, affected
by the last mentioned writer, would prove
great attraction. Everybody would want to see
her. The beautiful blonde, thank fortune, is
reasonably numerous, but wofully lacking in
fendishness. Considerable outlay might be
necessitated for red fire, trap doors and other
theatrical properties but the increased expense
needed to properly-or improperly bring out
the Braddon woman, would be more than
made good by the enlarged receipts at the
box office. Another pleasing novelty would
be the introduction of the Guy Livingstone
hero. That dodge is always fascinating.
Certainly there are many young men in our
city who would find the part to their taste
and could quite realize the ideal. 1t would
be quite the "propah capah" for them.
But we would not have the Carnival of Au-
thors depend wholly upon our kin beyond
sea. The wide field of American literature af-
lords tempting opportunities. The American
drama as conceived by Mr.. Ned Buntline and
interpreted by the Hon. William Cody and Mr..
Oliver Doud Byron, should be utilized. The
introduction of the tomahawk and scalping
knife would be most pleasing feature. The
chance thus afforded, too, for the display of
costumes is great and not to be
rashly neglected. Above all, the wonderful
creations of our latest and greatest master of
zation, Mr.. Dennis Kearney, must be made
use OF. The manager who will first introduce
to the amusement-seeking public, those lofty
of genius, the blue, ,blooded bri-
gand of Beacon Street, the brass-mounted
galoot of politics, the college-consumptive,
and the lop-eared pelican of the desert, can
command crowded houses for hundred
nights at least, and will assure his fortune.
These suggestions are thrown out with no
diffiience; and that protector OF Carnival of
Authors who forsakes the old beaten track
aud acts upon them will win the regard
which is the due of energy and far-sighted
comprehension of the wants of the public.