The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-06-01
A Great Play.
THE GRAND TRANSPORTATION SCENE IN THE
MOST CELEBRATED THEATRE IN EUROPE.

THE GRAND TRANSPORTATION SCENE IN THE
MOST CELEBRATED THEATRE IN EUROPE.
Correspondence Detroit Free Press
4. n, There is in London theatre that does not
advertise, yet it is always full. The dramas
enacted there are of the most absorbing in
terest. The actors are the best that England
possesses, and the leading man is perhaps
without peer in his own specialties in the
world. The building in which this cultured
company plays is the noblest OF Its kind, and
many comedy and many tragedy has been
presented on its boards that has more or less
affected every nation on the globe. The thea
tire at Westminster differs from others in the
fact that it is conducted solely on the dead
head" system, and perhaps this is one reason
that the stage is constructed to hold more
than the auditorium. 1t is, however, mis-
take to suppose that money will no; gain adj
mittaEce to st. Stephens Theatre. 1t will.
strangers gallery, but if you have enough of
it you may, perhaps, take your place as an
actor just as the same needful substance will
get you place in the noted Theatre Comique at
Washington.
In my callow days of London inexperience
l wrote to the American Minister saying that
would be, ETC., etc, if he would kindly write
me pass for a performance at the Houses of
Parliament, as my acquaintance among mem
beers of the British 'Ouse was somewhat lin
cd ho6 of To
ply, ETC., ETC., etc. Ireceived very nice lit
tie note to the effect that Mr. Lowell had long
since disposed of all the passes at his disposal
He regretted, etc, etc. But" said the Minis
tel" "a. have heard that half a crown judiciously
expended may gain person admission to the
strangers gallery"
Mr. Lowell was quite correct in the matter
ofthe halfcrown and as one good turn deserves
another, l take this opportunity of informing
J. X. that on ordinary occasions a shilling will
do the same service.
Say to any policeman in the environs of the
House, 81 would like to hear debate to night
can you get me pass 2" the policeman will
| look grave and shake his head He will say
that had it been any other night in the session
but that particular night there might have
been chance. This is merely CANNON ap
piled for the purpose of increasing the mar
ket value of the pass, several of which bobby
has in his pocket at that moment. All! He
suddenly recollects A friend his has pass
which might be obtained. Wouldn't mine
'alf a crown, sir? I'd AYE to pay that al
least" You answer on your part-if you wan
to economize- that you don't care particular L.
about going in that night. Fit were shilling
he will see if it can be had for shilling, bu
he has doubts about the matter. He goes OF
and soon returns with your pass and you pa
him the shilling and take your turn. The myth
ical friend comes in like Sairy Camps com
rade, Mrs. Harris, and is a recognized facto
in the bargain.
On the afternoon of Thursday, May 4, ther
were no shilling tickets going. Passes wer
worth money that night and even when oh
tanned they partook of the nature of a lotter
ticket. There were hundreds there who ha
tickets, but there was only room for sixty i
the gallery. At last the balloting began, an
| happened to be among the lucky three-scol
who were the elect. The rest took their place
in turn on the benches on each side of th
long entrance hall, but it was no doubt hop,
less wait that night, as Forster was to max
his statement and ParneG was expected t
speak, and in the words of the comic song.
was generally supposed and hoped that ther
was to be "another jolly row upstairs. -
Knowing the limited opportunities the stral
gers gallery gives for observation, resolve