Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1881-05-20
METROPOLITAN THEATER.

Under the management of Ben. Stern, and
the proprietorship of John Rickaby, the
Gus Williams Comedy Troupe appeared at
the Metropolitan Theater last night. The
play, Our German Senator" is an extrava-
grant, but not wholly unnatural story, which
has its pivotal interest in the canvass for and
election to United States Senatorship of
one j. Adolph Dinkel (Mr. Williams), rich
retired German Milwaukee brewer, who de-
spises political life, and has sense enough to
know he is not fit for the place, but is forced
to take it by the ambition of his wife and the
wiles of a couple of shrewd managers, who
wish to use him in the place. interviewer with
this plot are a couple of love stories, couple
of fiirtations and any amount of small talk.
Tie comedy is OF a piece with the host of
specialties of the day which are written for
the sole purpose OF fitting and framing some
particular person who aspires to be star,
and can only bill himself as such by that
means, and by gathering about him, and
by subordinating to him, travelling com
pany. 1t is piece CT the order and kind
which is pressing the breath of life out of the
legitimate drama. But, this said as to its
tone and tendency, let it be added that it is
chaste, and so, unlike the "Lingard" nasti
ness; it is probable, and so, unlike the
"Strategists'" tomfoolery; it is d reg
ularly -ordered and arranged play, and 80,
unlike the Tourists" nonsense, and Mr..
Williams is dialect comedian of recognized
and decided ability, and so, unlike the army
of pretenders who claim public consideration.
His play, therefore. is neither sensational,
foolish impure, nor greatly improbable, and
50 it is better than the ordinary run, though
it must be classified as stated in the outset
MIR. Williams, heretofore known a superior
dialect variety performer, in this piece bios
SONS out as a comedian, and with entiCe
success How versatile he may be remains
to be seen, but it is fair to fore last for him
broader success still than he enjoys in this,
his first etfors as an actor. As a bur-
lesque, in the manner in which, and the
qualities for which Senators are come
times chosen, his play is a hit. But he
is the central figure. and around him the
comedy must revolve. He is vastly funny,
aud keeps his audience IN the merriest
Of humors from the uprising Of the curtain to
the final going down thereof. As to his sup
port it is, with one exception, fair, and with
two exceptions, good. The one exception
relates to the gentleman who plays the part
of Judge Spruce, as he is altogether too ex-
travagent. and undignified and agile for the
part. Miss Dora Stuart, as Dinkle's am
bilious wife, is excellent in that character,
in her acting. Just tte woman of all osheIs for
the part. Some of the local hits made by
Williams last night were capt. j /: as, when IN
the telephone scene," he learns that Sacra.
mento has magnificent Postotfce building,
butit is about to be let for q stable; and that
the levees are to be repaired aud enlarged
after another wet spell, SIS they don't netd it
when it's dry, etc. So, too, he makes his
part bristle with keen jokes On the Conklisg
IA l. L. i. a
President who can't make an appointment
without a row with Nav York Senator
The same play will be ven again this even
ing, and those who attend will find their
laughtsr.loving desires quite filed to the
brim.
SARsFIELD GUARD PIcNIc-A new feature
is introduced by the managers of the Sars-
field Guard picnic, to be held next Sunday at
Beach'S Grove, in the shape of boat-ride
down the river to the picnic grounds. Added
to this arrangements for dancing during the
trip have been made. Captain Foster is hav-
ing the fine new barge Garfield (which is just
now attracting considerable attention. lifted
for this purpose. A railing has b. en- cor
structed around its outer line to prevent ac-
cident. The deck, which il smooth and fiat,
is being laid with ta:paulin as a canvas for
dancing, and the plsasnre-seekers will be
fully protected from the sun by an awning
above. This will insure delightful, cool
trip upon the river. The barge is to be
dashed alongside of the steamer Enterprise,
which will convey it to the grove. This
excursion boat will be accompanied by the
| First Artillery Band for concert aud dancing.
Among the entertainments provided to take
place at the picnic will be glass. bali shooting
and base ball. for which coin prizes are OF
| fered. Prizes will also be given Tor the sue
cessful contestants at jumping. running, tug
| u war, catching CREASED pig climbing
CREASED pole and other sports. Disreputable
persons will positively be excluded. Tickets,
81; children half price. Persons going in
carriages will be admitted for fifty cents.
ACROSS THE Continent on BIcYoIEs.-
Professor Fred Merrill and A A. Bennett,
hi,yclists, started Wednesday from San
Francisco TO cross the continent to Boston.
going the entire distance on their wheeled
steeds. They are under wager of 50 eco
upon the success of their trip, ard expect to
arrive in this city tomorrow.
COMMERCIAL The steamer San JOAQUIN
No. came up from the bay yesterday with
! barge of general merchar disc, and returned
loaded with -four and feed. The ID. T..
Knight has passed down from Marysville
loaded with wood with barge Marysville
having cargo Of -four.
THE CRY PosroFFroE. There is pros
pect that the promised repairs to the city
! Postnffics will soon be entered upon. The
architect, William ii. Hamilton, adyertises
for bids from contractors, to be submitted by
3 O'Clock this afternoon.
ARRESTED George Brady was arrested
h., A.h a Oh 6
petit larceny. for the taking Of some paint,
the property Of Robert carton.
TRuSKs AND VAnsEs a. the Mechanics
Store.
MINIS buckle, Alexis dress shoe, 50. Red
House.