Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1882-01-17
rue oRIoIS OF aOODLUnIsM.

rue ORioIN OF aOODLUMIsM.
The Chinese play OF Pipsr's Opera
House last night wal Q revelation to
many.
It gave to them an insight to some
things not before comprehended. The
average citizen has long been at q loss 10
know whence the modern hoodlum drew
his inspiration. Here they saw tho
model upon which that dsspieabls char
acter 10 formed.
The Chinese a. they are known In this
country are usually quiet and inofsn.
sivs; yes. more than that-thsy are
humbls and sbj.ct. In their dramas
they are exactly the reverse. Not con-
tent with being bold and outspoksn. a.
q hero In civilized communities would
be represented. the Chinese bravo IL
made not only to defy the power OF his
King and all mortals. but also the puis-
sauce Of his gods; that 10. II hs stands
in no real danger. When confronted
with possible punishmspt. he 10 on his
knses in q moment. This much has
been explained to the writer BY intslli.
gent Mongols who have taken the trouble
to translate for him the important
features OF the dramas a. performed In
San Francisco for q long time. although
but recently introduced to the attention
OF this community.
It Is unnecessary to add that plays Of
this character are not under any circum'
stances permitted to DO made public in
China. The rulers are too cunning for
that. Their object Is to keep down the
already subdusd martial spirit OF the
lower classes. substituting in its stead
stolid indifference. a belief 10 fate. and
blind obedience. In this they have sue
cseded to IN astonishing degree.
The Brother Of the Sun. however. en-
courases his subjects in giving these
pseudo maniisstoss publicity and Gre
dsncs abroad.
In contemplating tho Chinese char
aeter these things remind n OF the
ostrich. which buries its head in tho
sand and fondly imagines its entire body
to be safe from attack. simply because 1t
cannot SEQ its pursuers.
But to return to the original theme.
No one Who has ever seen Q full-blown
hoodlum in his incompatible and unap-
proachabls ipsolsncs could help being
reminded Of the same BY the actions OF
the leading man at Piper's last night.
OF course the Euslish.spsakirg portion
OF the audience could not understand
the text OF the play. and but little OF the
plot. except so far as it was explained
by some accommodating Celestial; but
throughout 1t appeared to be an oriental
sxaegeration Of Richard the Third, with
hero OF trsnscsndant power and un-
psrsllslsd ~impudspcs. to whom three
Richmonds In the field would have been
o mere matter Of moonshine-provided
always that be Was safe from harm.
This is evidently where the modern
hoodlum got his starter. His walk ID
the same, his actions identical. and
throughout the actors part there seemed
to be q refrain like unto the familiar eI'
pressisus OF the modern hoodlum.
Furthermore. there was Q scent
OF cigarettes and opium about the per-
Torrance which identified II with the
hoodlum element.
The conclusion Is therefore irresisti
BILE that the hoodlum takes his cue from
the Chinese drama-insolent and over
bearing where hs has NO danger to en-
counter. bat q srovslins slave where op'
posing force is actually offered.
The Chinese drama is 10 some places
amusing and instructive. but its sug-
gestions are painful. 1t reminds one
too much OF the degenerate element in
the American community.