Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1879-01-22
Rich, Rare and Racy.

log before an audience 10 New Rochelle 1t
| appears the Count had been several days in the
village ssekiug rest and relaxation after his
long sustained and powerful histrionc efforts
on tho Metropolitan boards. His presence
soon became known, and deputation OF citi-
zaps waited upon the distinguished actor to re.
uues! that he would give some illustrations OF
Shakespeare in The Town Hall. The Count was
oaly 100 happy to oblige, and he looked for
ward to an occasion that would prove in happy
contrast to the experience he too painfully re.
membered of Now York audiences. 1n his
maids eye he saw the elite of New Rochelle,
With looks Of wondering admiration, listening
in breathIess Interest to the music Of his voice.
All the boys Of the village were shortly aware
of the Couol's Intentions and they pre-.
pared to give him as warm reception as they
knew how. They wero encouraged 10 this by sew
eraI Of thts, who waited 90 the Count and pre-
tended an exalted homage for bis genius as an &c.
Tor but Winkcd their eye 10 auothcr direc.loo.
The Count has heretofore acted In regular the
atres or rccled on platforms where there was
10 gallery behind his back and directly over bis
head to accommodate his tautalizing foes. The
Town Hall OF New Rochelle has low stage or
platform and gallery above and behind it.
On the OCCASION in question this gallery was
almcs: entirely screened by q national flag, not
in homer Of the Count, but for purpose that
will bo presently understood.
The organization to welcome the Count was
cnLerad into with great spirit. 1t was under
stood that he would recite Othello's address to
tho Senate, and six darkies dressed 10 fantastic
garb and each one With dozon labels on him
marked "Seuator" were provided and instruct
IL tp1,np tho founT
opened in that particular passage. 1t was also
recite the famous exclamation, IA horse
horse my kingdom for horse |" So village
artist was set to work, and, on large scroll OF
canvas attached to roller like school map.
was painted a picture of q iackass, with head
down and heels alolt 10 the air, and bearing
the inscription "tha Counts boss." This was
rolled up and fixed at the back of the stage
under the gallery, to be unroed at the proper
time. Eighteen special policemen, each with
shield as large 81 shovel made out of com
mon tin, were cprolled and given Samsonian
clubs 10 carry. Tho chairs and tables provided
for the Counts accommodation we're as fral as
they could be made, and when tho table gave
way as the Count put bis hand on it, and the
chair landed him upon the carpet, the audience
roared itself sick.
The Count was utterly innocent of all tho
preparations that were being made for his ap.
pearance, and there was where the fun more
particularly came ip. When he reached tho
hall Thursday evening and took notice OF the
large attendance and the eighteen policemen be
vas agreeably impressed. He said to the sham
captain OF the sham police, yet believing they
were the genuine village law guardians. albeit
their shields had ridiculous magnitude "ln
4. K;ar Ioho noot,to I
me to thy valiant care" Then the Count, ac-
passed up to the dressing room 10 the rear Of
the stage, from which he soon issued and began
his Grafton on the character Of Shakespeare.
He wore black frock coat bound all round
with two isches of black velvet, white vest
and purple scarf. in which was stuck some
foreign decoration, probably from the Emperor
of Morocco
He had not been long uoder way when
voices from the gallery, 10 base aud treble, we're
heard in interruption; but he paid no attention
| 10 them and kept straight on. Very soon be
was 10 the middle of the part of Richard, sod
as he came to the words, IA horsel" &c.,
| down rolled the map displaying tho almost life
size picture of jackass. The roar of laughter
this created completely bewildered the Couot,
| who was unable to SEQ where the laugh came
| 10. Presently be turned bis head, and, seeing
| the cause Of the merriment, put on savage
expression of face and exclaimed Yes, look
| on your brother likeness and weep; but l want
you 10 understand that | am lion among Jack.
asses!" This was received With great applause,
and he was allowed to proceed without inter-
ruption for FIVE minutes.
| He next tackled Macbeth, and as he reached
the dagger scene a long slender pole like a
| fishing rod was seen 10 shoot out from the gal
lery above the head of the Count. From the
eud ot it, attached to piece OF thread. daDeled
what looked like large bumblebee. The
Count Knocked it away from bis nose several
times without paylog attention to II, thinking
it was fly or spider peculiar to New Rochelle.
Striking an attitude and yelling, us ita dagger
I see before mel" the thing was dropped di-
rectly under bis nose. This was the supreme
but it jumped away from him, while the audi.
ence went into convulsio1s. Looking upward
| he perceived the fishing rod and saw through
| the Joke, but he was so immeasurably disgusted
that be hurriedly left the stage. While absent
the engineer of the sport was heard to ask one Of
bis assistants if the cats were ready. A string
| of live cats were to bs dropped FROM the gal.
lery on the stage at particular Juucture,
but now that the Count showed signs OF
brssking his engagement it was resolved to
leave that feature over Indefinitely The
Count stayed away but few minutes and
was soon into the middle Of Othellos speech
to the Senate. As hc progressed he turned
around and his eyes rested on the six fantastic
darkies labelled Senators standing 10 row
below the stage. He folded his arms acros:
his breast. paused aud darted look at the
trembling coos 10 front of him that was terrible
to behold. Then he turned away and fnished
the Grafton.
Romeo and Juliet followed, with Miss Ayonis
Fairbanks as juliet The lady was doing bel
very bast and prettiest when down tumDed 6