The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1881-06-02
London Theatre.)

lLohaoh IucdlIt.l
Perhaps one of the densest crowds that
London ever knew assembled to witness the
entry of the Prince OF Wales with the Princess
Alexandra, some years ago. The refined beau
ty and grace OF the little princess had been
loudly proclaimed throughout the land and
curiosity to see the bride of the future king OF
England, was up to fever heat. The line of
the route was not long one, some of the streets
being very narrow; and it was calculated at
the time that over three millions OF people,
from various points of the compass assisted at
this welcoming spectacle.
The procession having to promenade Fleet
street en- route to Temple Bar (without passing
through which ancient and vexatious portal n,
respectable procession would be completely, tho
editor of Punch issued invitations to sele,r
coterie of artistic and literary friends to assem-
BILE at the Punch office at 10 o'clock in tho
morning, to partake of lunch and see the show
from the windows. As a sample of the stamp
of men present, there were Mark Lemon, Shir-
ley BROOKS, Tom Taylor, John Leech, TennieI,
the entire Punch staff; Millais and Firth, the
eminent painters; Ruskin, Lord Lytton,
Cruikshank, Charles Dickens, Tennyson-in
fact, more brilliant assembly of men of ge-
MUS, perhaps, rarely met under one roof. A
magnificent entertainment was served; and il
the good things that were said on that bright
March morning had been carefully noted down
they would have filled number of the famous
Journal within whose walls the Company met
Among the persons expected was Sothern, the
comedian, whose Lord Dundreary was at that
moment making people laugh their heads off
at the Haymarket theatre. The procession
was not TO move until IL O'Clock, and Lord
Dundreary did not leave home until half-past
10. All was plain sailing as far as Fleet street,
and discharging his carriage at the corner OF
street lnlersecting this thoroughfare, he
reached Fleet street, and by dint of hard
squeezlng ana pushing, prevailing ana watch
at last got opposite the Punch office, and there
he was compelled to halt. To cross the street
was simply impossible. Deeply buried in the
dense throng, he stood for quite an hour watch
ing his friends at the windows. He could even
hear, now and again, peal of laughter and
the ring OF their merry voices. "By the GODS"
unused the comedian, "I'm missing an enor-
nous treatl must get across this street by
hook or by crook. But how?'
Happy thought! AT that moment lie saw
policeman. He worked his way toward him
and said, Bobby, if you'll manage to take me
across the street to the Punch Office I'll
give you o sovereign
The policeman simply smiled, and pointed
to the impenetrable through.
II know it will be tough work and perhaps
may lose my coat and hat in the struggle"
pursued Sothern: but it's most important
that should be there with my friends"
i've no doubt of it, sir; but it's impossible.
Why, you might as well ask me to take you
through the walls OF st. Pauls there
Nonsense, urged Sothern, with irresistible
persistence. "You are tall, strong man,-I'm
thin and wiry; if you'll open the way, I'll fol-
low, and it's to be done with little effcrt Look
here (whisper) get me over and I'll give you
hve-pnund motel"
AT this offer the policeman shut one eye,
rubbed his ear, puckered his lips, elevated his
nose, stood on tiptoe, and surveyed the scene
before him.
brace yourself for a mighty effort" said
Sothern, encouragingly.
He made an effort, but without success. The
crowd instantly howled with one voice, "Back,
back, Bobby, back! Where are you shown
to?'
AT that moment Dickens and Brooks came
to the window, each with glass OF champagne
il his haud, looked out, surveyed the scene,
and then retired, radiant with some observa-
tion made by the author of "Pickwick." This
tableau was too much for Lord Dundreary-to
miss all the brilliant talk of that mornng-to
miss being presented to some of the most gifted
men on earth!-he would make one last effort.
Policeman" whispered he .shave YOU got a
pair of handouts? I'll strike you. Arrest me.
Shout "A pickpocket! I've got him!' Drag me
across; the crowd will tako up the cry and
make way; that's the programme; here's the
money in advanced The policeman was a
huge, strapping member of the force. 1t was
the work of an instant. Into his pocke: went
the note; out came the handcuffs. Sothern
made plunge at the breast of the man, who
literally hurled himself at the crowd, dragging
his victim after him. Of went hats, down fell
half dozen people not physically gifted, and,
after three minutes hard fighting with the
most savage opposition, the twain lauded on
the steps of the Punch office.
10 say that there was yell OF execration at
the policeman for his vigorous coup de main
would family describe the howl that went up
from the crowd. 1t reminded one of that vol
umn OF sound heard on Derby day when the
favorlfe shoots past the winning post Punch
was the word in more senses than the journal
implied. There were punched heads, punched
hats, to say nothing of ribs and noses, and
Sothern and the bold blue Bobby sought
refuge within the hospitable portals of the
Fleet street humorist.
Happily at that moment loud voice shout
ed, 'The prince is comng-crder!' and tho
excitement lulled. The comedian made his
way up to his friends, related the incident and
quaifed glass of champagne, which was held
TO his lips by Mark Lemon. While this was
going on, Cruikshank, always ready for joke,
wheedled the policeman out of b,ck door in-
to side street, with strict injunciions not TO
return until after the procession had passed;
aud Sothern saw the show, made some charm
ing new acquaintances, partook of his lunch,
and uttered his cry of welcome to tho pretty
princess-frmly bound in strong iron Brace
lets.
Millais ohaffingy suggested grand histori-
cal picture for the academy-"Lord Dundreary
in Fetters at the Great Welcoming OF the
Beautiful Bride" Shirley Brooks insisted
that French dramatist would havo got
Paias royal farce out of tue incident, and
Sothern conso!ed himself with the reflection
that he was the only person of the millions
present who witnessed tha OAJplnt hand