Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1885-02-25

All those features which were to give com
pleteness and style to the Opera House may De
said to have received the nnsshing touch
The stair-ways and immediate approaches are
yet to be completed, as well as the granting O
the interior; but the stage scenery. frescoing
drop curtain. De-, have received the maj ar
designs Of the contractors, and last night, un'
der gas-llght. an inspection of the same waf
had under the direction of the Council Oom
mittee Of which Mr.. Tams is chairman, VINO
had the work in charge. the entire body being
present. together with large number OF iaoies
and gentlemen.
The auditorium was re-modeled under draw
ings by Mr.. Wallace Humes. of Chicago. an ex'
perienced Theatrical architect, and the WORE
was executed by Mr.. - Woodruff, builder
OF fine reputation. and IL in every way credita'
BILE to him.
The frescoing is beautiful in design, ana exc
cuted in true artistic style in modern decora-
tive art. The prevailing colors are olive, oio
gold. peacock, and carmine, all highly lighted
with colored bronzes. In the center OF the
ceiling is dome some fifteen feet in diameter
painted in f1eecy sky, surl rounded by panels Of
carmine and gold. In each corner is bust
larger than life of the four popular authors.
Shakespeare. Schiller. Beethoven, and Meyer
beer, as finely executed as any parlor picture
Ofthe drop curtain. 1t may be said that 1t Is
complete in manifold beauties. The technique
is masterpiece of the painters skill and I'M
agination. Heavy folds o. crimson plush hang
from golden cornice. and forms sweeps
Of drapery on each side, that set of the DELI
cate sheen of white satin looped up and form
ing frame to enhance and bring into promi-
hence q picture In the center apparently paint
Ell upon satin. and relieves q border Of corn
color brocade satin. royal purple, and old gold
The picture represents an Italian landscape
with marble arch-way on the right, having
roadway leading to broad terrace, upon
which are several groupes OF figures in Nea-
politan costumes of soft texture. suggesting
the delicate languor of the climate. Beyond
sleeps in the dreamy distance the misty noun
tains with glimpse Of q small white villa
nesting amid warm foliage, and backed by
hills on which the verdure OF Itaiy's vines is
sleeping Overhead canopies the dark blue
sky producing a beautiful effect 1t is almost
impossible to believe one gazes on picture
1t is 30 near cal and breathes of nature in all
its phases The very folds OF the satin drapery
are those that satin only takes with Its crisp
gleamings of light and soft luminous folds.
The plush is plush indeed. and its own
peculiar quality alone. The trick of the light
having been SO happily caught. the deep shad-
ows form a wonderful contrast to the sheen of
the satin. The massive marble steps leading
to the picture reflect the surrounding objects.
The curtain is par excellence In execution
and design, and the truthfulness to nature
places its authors, Messrs. Noxon, Albert, and
Toomey, Of St. Louis, at the head of their pro-
fession as scenic artists.
AS the curtain was raised, the eye was en-
tranced with very elaborate palace set scene
In perspective. Then followed in rapid sue
cession, eleven other scenes which are all COM
plets and appropriate.
The scenic artists, Meesrs Noxen, Albert &
To ,mey. have doubtless filled their engage
ment to the satisfaction of the City Council
They spe OF their sojourn in this city as ex-
ceedingly pleasant and will carry with them
many easing recollectfons of it.
Mr. Tams, with his colleagues of the Commit
tee and the Council can be congratulated on
the style and completeness Of the Opera House.
COUNTY CoURr-Judge Stout, presiding
The will Of Mrs Jenetta McComb was admit
ted to probate, and the Executor, W Brown
Patterson, named therein appeared and DECLINE
ed to take upon himself the bother of Its exc
cution.
The will of John Churchman was admitted
to probate with Jno w Churchman as Exscu-
tor.
The will of Jesse Root was admitted to pro.
bate with Louisa Root, Executrix. without
security.
Administration was granted to James N
Mcfarland on the estate Of David Speck, de-
ceased.
The powers Of Thos ] Martin, az administra-
tor OF Francis M Finley, were revoked.
Crowell was appointed guardian of Joseph
NJ, Augusta v, Ora v, and Adeline Crowell.
M R Coalter and ] Woodward qualified as
notaries public.
John W Arbuckle qualified as guardian OF
Finley Me-, James Edward. Mary Hall. and
John Tate Arhuckle.
Grand Jury made pressntments as follows
Lee r Harberry, grand larceny. James Bever-
ly, malicious manning. James e Bell aud
Lewis Morton, grand larceny. Charles Shackle-
ford. Walter Shack eford, and Thompson break.
ing and entering in the day time John
Shreeve two cases for forgery and uttering.
Cornelia Argenoright and Nancy Splitter, dis
turbing religious worship.
John and Anne Reed Washington, petit
larceny.
Washington Gillian, keeping q disorderly
house. All these were trne hills.
Lucy SOuthall, for arson, and Kate Hamil-
ton for keeping disorderly house. Not a true
bill.
The Commonwealth vs.. Cyuthia Robinson,
colored for placing Instructions on the 4 g
Railway. near Swoopcs Depot, was under trial
last night For the prosecution, M White.
Defendant, N G Braxton-