The Evening critic., 1881-07-21
FUN FOR THE BOYS.
A Midnight Feast Of lager and SWEET
zer, Sandwiched Between Song and


A Midnight Feast Of lager ma SWEET
zer. Standardized Between Song and
Drama.
"All work and no play, makes Jack - dull
boy" Is an old and true adage. 1t has been
fully demonstrated since the days of father
Adam, and never more SO than last night,
~ the following narrative will prove: 1t
was nearing midnight. Few people. were
seen on the street. At intervals bright
light, twinkling here and there, was seep,
and through the darkness came the shat1s
rattle of wheels as some bclated beiuG was
driven home in night-lincr. Two news
paper representatives winding their way
homeward after long and tedious siege in
quest of items, halted Mt the corner OF
Tenth and Pennsylvania avenue and tossed
up to see who should pay for the midnight
beer The handsOmest, and, as usual, the
poorest lost, and going few steps further
on the two entered Phil. Refers, on Tenth
street. where moment later the amber
colorcd, daintily-frosted beverage was before
them. At that time the only other occu-
pants of the scrupulously clean and delight
fully cool saloon were the proprietor, a
gentleman who had the appearance of being
somewhat engaged in the commercial line,
and handsome Newfoundland dog.
1t was the scene of perfect peace, and one
of the scribes had just expressed himself to
that effect when the door opened and u
member of the detective force entered and
inquired if a certain party had been there.
The reporters bounced upon him, and more
beer was drawn for the party, but before
they could incorporate 1t into their systems
Frank Lewis, the popular young motto vo-
calist, John Robinson, the actor, Jake
Budd, Denny ONcill, Billy Danvcrs and a
number of others Just released from their
nights work Mt the Theatre Comique, APP
peared upon the scene, having dropped in for
q refreshing draught of cool, fOaming beer.
Phil Reitcr was soon up to his ears in bust
ness. The stone beer mugs foamed and
ratified and were emptied and rcfilled
rapidly, and all went swimmingly until
the cucco clock in distant corner an
nounced the midnight hour. Phil Reiter
then called halt. No more drinking was
allowed The party heard his ukase with
regret, and were preparing to leave when
the gentleman mentioned above as APP
parcntly being something in the commercial
line made suggestion that the party
adjourn to the dining-roOm at the
rear of the saloon and become his guest.
The invitation was accepted, and in half an
hour, when bountiful supply Of solid and
other refreshments had been provided, the
boys sat around the long table and fun
twinkled in each eye. Frank Lewis ini-
tiated the movement by singing" The
cradles empty, baby's dead" in his most
pathetic tones, striking tender chord in
the breast of each auditor. Denny O'Neill
was visibly affected, tears standing in his
eyes when the singing ceased. John Rob-
inson came next with humorous re-
citation, delivered in his peculiarly
funny way, and the commercial gentleman
was called on next to contribute to the
performance. The old gentleman tried it,,
but failed. His efforts weSc devoted to sing
ing song something about "Whcn you
and were boys, Tom; " but he broke down
and gave way to Billy Danvers, who re-
cited the first verse of new poem very
neatly. He started in on the second verse,
but stuck. Denny O'Neill and Jake Budd
then attempted to sign u duet, but they
sang so badly that by request they gave it
up, and one of the newspaper guests was
called on. He tried a song also,
but he was picked up bodily
and fired out of the room. Other
songs and rccitatiOns followed the per-
Torrance closing with the balcony scene
from Romeo and Juliet" neatly rendered
by John Robinson and Denny O'Neill, ably
assisted by Jake Budd's dog. The party
dispersed quietly having heartily enjoyed
the event, which, though an impromptu
affair, and had been sprung without the
least notification, was one of those events
which OCCUR in ones life now and then to be
rccollected as pleasant incident in years
to come.