National Republican., 1883-11-20
KEEP the murdorers out.
ADJUSTMENTS.
NATIONAL rHEArER.

"The Silver King" was presented for tho
first time in Washington last night, at the
National theater, and tho favorable verdict
given wherever it has been produced may be
indorsed. II is certainly tho best of the
many molo-dramas that have been brought
out within tho last few years,
both as to clearly defined plot, with sequen-
tial developments, aud as to the excellence
and sometimes positive beauty of its diction.
In reference TO the language the expression
of Bentley, as he is struggling in the country
lane, may be quoted. In his agony of romorsc
over tho crimo he has committed, he says,
"oh, God turn back Thy universe and give
mo yesterday"
Tho plot may DO briefly stated rs follows:
Wilfrod Denver, young man, married and
in good position in life, takes to gambling
on the turf, and then becomes addicted to
drink. He Is unreasonably jealous of n
former rival, Godfrey Ware who still hovors
about his wife and ondeavors to poison her
mind against him. In ono of his fits
intending to attack him, but on
his arrival disturbs some burglars, tho
head Of whom is o swell cracksman, known
| by tho namo of Tho Spider, who on dis
covering Denver choroforms him to keep
him quiet. Ware returns and in scuille
with the burglars is shot by The Spider,
who with his accomplccs escape. Dem
ver on awaking from his stupor finds
the dead body of Ware beside
him and believes he has murdered
him. He goes to his own house, has an excit-
ing parting with his wife, starts by train,
but jumps from it when short distance
from London to elude tho officers who had
telegraphed to have him approhended at the
| first station The train is wrecked and
he is supposed to be numbered among
the passengers killed. He goes to
Nevada, where he strikes rich silver
mine, and returns after u lapse of three years
to find his wife and children starving. lie is
soon able TO clear himself of the murder by
the discovery that Tho Spider committed the
deed, and is again happy with his wife and
children and in the possession of great wealth.
The acting throughout Is good, and there
is hardly bad character in the largo cast.
Mr.. WalteE El'entley, who plays Wilfred Dem
YER, is an actor of much force, and seems
particularly adapted to the role. He is ably
seconded by Miss Helen Tracy as Nellie
Denver whose abilities as an actress are we'll
known, and Of whom it is simply necessary
to say that she does herself and the part full
justice.
| Miss Lillian Edgington is now to Washing
ton, but she proved herself an accomplished
actress, easy and graceful of carriage, with q
fine face and figure, and thoroughly under
standing the art of dress ing. dp her ladylike
acting she was in marked contrast to The
| Spider, Mr.. w. L. Gleason, and it was
hard to understand how so brutal
a man could hold the love of so re-
| fined woman. Mr.. Gleason sustained the
part of the swell cracksman excellently.
Little Miss Pollock as Cissey was remarkably
good, and Mr.. John Jennings as the old SER
want Jaikos gave one of the best bits of
character acting that has been seen here in
years.
"Tho Silver King d" will be presented every
night this week and Wednesday and Satur-
day afternoons.
FoRD's OPERA HOUSE.
"Hazel Kirke" was presented at Ford's
opera house last night. This play will be
given tonight and for the remainder of tho
| week.