National Republican., 1885-03-07
DRAMATIC EEuILLEroN.

The adjournment Of congress means In
Washington that the theatrical season is pretty
well over No first class attractions are In re-
serve at either house, although few good
ones will be seen at both before the curtains
arc finally rung down for the season. The
probabilities of any grand opera, either
Italian or German, are not great, think.
Had 1t not been for the chance coming Of the
Milan troupe. Washington would for the first
time In many years havo had to struggle
along without grand opera As 1t Is, there
has been none OF the recognized "great ar.
fists here this season, either in concert or
opera. This | suppose, is duo to the hard
times, but II was managerial mistake.
Washington is the Inst place in this country
to feel the pinch OF poverty. Tho prospective
change Of administration did not keep the
really great attractions OF established reputa.
tions from drawing splendid audiences.
~
There is no accounting for tastes The Bun
thorne Of Mr.. W. II. Barnabee, by many
people considered tho most comic Of that
droll gentlemau's impersonations, the critic
of the Philadelphia Times pronounCcs simply
brutal" Miss Geraldine Ulmar Is also taken
! to task by the same critic for her atlectalion.
A little ludicious criticism will not harm sew.
eral of the members Of the Ideal troupe. Moth.
ing is so fatal to an actors or artists useful.
ness however great their genius, as unani-
nous praise. Many people regard criticism OF
the Ideals as simply vain presumption. l re-
member when they sang martha" here
vcntured to remark TO n friend on the evident
break In Marie stones voice. A lady who sat
| just in front Of us overheard me, and can yet
distinctly see the smile of good.natured con
] lpuapt tuitfph UnrnaI h9r gp1F plnppui
features.
Mr.. II. II. Soule, one Of the best critics aud
most entertaining writer's on dramatic subjects
| who has ever contributed to the press ol
Washington, LEFT hero on Thursday night for
New York. Mr.. soule was for several year:
connected with the daily and weekly press OF
the latter city, and returns there now to take
Il position on Ffctmds Weekly lie possesses
that last excellence oftho critic-the art OF ir
retrleyably damning play or q performance
in pleasant and graceful manner without
making author or actor feel that ne is hurt
lie has wide acquaintance among theatrical
people, and is a general favoritc.
-
Little Ida Mule, who was here recently will
tho Bottle of Ink" troupe aud afterwart
joined Bob Downing's "Tally IIo" company
was married to Mr. Tuthill, business manage
OF the latter organization, in Philadelphia las
Saturday evening. The marriage took plac'
on "the spur of tho moment" although tn,
couple had been engaged some time. Sine
then both Mr.. Tuthill aud his charming httl
wife have severed their connection with tn
Tally lIo" company, and arc now of on
bridal tour. The part which Miss Mule tool
in Tally Ho" was specially written in for her
and she is said to have made a success OF 1t.
~
The announcement by tho Boston Trdnscrip
that Edwin Booth contemplates retiring iron
the stage at the close of next season will be re
ceived with widespread and genuine regret
On what authority the statement is made l
not known, bat the transcripts reputation as
careful newspaper gives good ground to fea
that It Is true. Edwin Booth IS one OF the fey
living actors who are entirely great and his dc
parture from the boards will close an epoch Il
the history of the American stage.
a"a
BY the way, what has become of the move
mcnt to induce Mr.. Booth to reconsider his d.
termination never TO visit Washington again
1t was thought that, us the bloody trench b'
tween north and south had at last been com
pletely sealed by the election OF Cleveland, h
might forget the unhappy connection of hi
family with the most tragic event in the greI
: struggle and once more appear in the nation'
s capital With this hope us basis of actiol
a a movement was begun some time ago to e'
:, deavor to induce MIR. Booth to come here tn
season. The plan was TO obtain the signi
L lures of distinguished government official
judges, generals, senators, and represent
tives asking Mr.. Booth to appear in Washin
| ton, and, without giving him any inkling
q Il In advance send delegation to present
to him. How far this project was carried Of
: do not know. Nothing has been heard Of
In some weeks. MAX EssE.