Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1882-05-27

night TN Chinese Thcssern of San Fr.ncasco =
Pitch. who sayr of the plays
The drama that was presented on this occs-
sion Is known as THE Dragon Disputlng Pearls"
IL lie q play Of intrigue, In which diplomacy
takes the place Of love. In fact, the tender
passion, which lends the main interest TO
the dramatic literature Of other nations, Is
almost wholly ignored by the Chinese play
wrights.
In the drama referred TO. the scene opens on
the household Of an Emperor, who Is blessed
with two wives. Each spouse represents a
favored province that has shared In the honors
and rewards OF the royal choice. Each wife
has borne . son, but TO the son by the first
wife belongs the Inheritance OF the throne.
The fierce jealousy between the partisans Of
the two wives is communicated 10 the two
brothers, and In q quarrel the younger slays
his elder brother, throws the body into the
river, and gives out the report Of an accidental
drowning. The truth OF this domestic tragedy
reaches the ears OF the Emperor. He summons
the younger wife and her son. In the mothers
presence he kills her boy, but not before she has
bruised his forehead In her struggle to save the
youth. Injury to the Emperor's person is q
capital offence, and the wife escapes death only
by declaring that she 10 with child. A short
time after she gives birth to q boy. The Empe-
ror has great desire to get possession Of this
infant heir to the throne. He succeeds In PALM
iIg Oh SPURIOUS 1n1ant on tne nurse. Inc
mother detects the fraud, ascertains where the
genuine child lie hidden, dons male attire, and
at the head OF an armed force (six "supers")
marches to the province and demands her child.
long parley is held with the governor Of the
province but when the imperial flag is shown
this functionary delivers up the infant, and the
militant mother returns In triumph. The En-
peror is struck with her ability, recognizes the
child as his heir, and peace broods over the Inn
perial household.
The performance OF this play-one OF the
shortest In the theatrical repertory-was begun
at o'clock and ended at midnight. 1t was re-
lieyed by not single sparkle of wit, not soli-
tary CLEAN OF humor. The nearest approach to
pleasantly was furnished by the speech Of the
Emperor when he killed his child. The mother
exclaimed, "Alasl you have slain our SON" To
which his answer Is: swell, console yourself:
I'm not going to kill him again" This brought
out a burst Of laughter from the audience;
all seemed to regard II as o finished
bit of humor. They looked on unmoved,
however, when the CORY corpse rose and
retired from the stage, while O men,
Der of the orchestra handed to the murderer q
false head, which he apostrophized In blood
curdling terms. The only other expression OF
enjoyment was elected by the disguise OF the
mother In mans attire. When she stroked her
long false beard, several Of the spectators
laughed heartily, while ripple OF smiles passed
over the stold faces Of the others. The roles OF
fine soprano voices. One was a skiltful actor,
and initiated many peculiar feminine traits and
gestures with much nicely. The leading man,
who was brought over from Pekin and whose
salary is $4,000 year, has face brim-full Of
fun.