The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-09-21
ADJUSTMENTS.

ENGLIsH's-MATT MoRGANs WAR PICTURES.
fine audience gathered last night on the occa-
sion of the opening of this popular place of
amusement to witness the presentation of Mr.
Matthew Morgan's great pictures Of the war of
the Rebellion. The house has been redecorated
in many ways. and presents a very handsome
appearance Mr. Morgan's effort to portray
those stirring events of the great struggle be-
tween the North and the South has resulted in
battle scenes remarkably inspiriting and giving
a very realistic idea of what war is These
pictures are twelve in number, beginning with
the comparatively insignificant battle of Bel
mont and ending with the surrender at Apo
mattox. The fact that Belmont ia chosen is
owing to General Grants participation in it,
that being the first time that public at
tention was directed to the rising
young commander Of the West The
other pictures in their historical order and the
order of their presentation are: Donaldson, the
first day at Shiloh, the second day at Shiloh,
Vicksburg, Gettysburg. Mission Ridge, Yellow
Tavern, Grant in the Wilderness, Atlanta. Five
Forks and. finally, Appomattox. The paintings
are displayed heavily framed in bronze, filling
the spacious stage and the effect is that of con-
templating them in large gallery. They pos
sess this advantage over such single pieces as the
Battle of Gettysburg the Siege of Vicksburg,
and such paintings, in that this gives the orator
an opportunity to briefly sketch the main feat
ures Of the war from its inceptlon to its close.
The representation of the scene in the Wilder
ness campaign arranged with mechanical eff
fects, and was most roundly applauded. it being
arranged in four parts, showing a very extended
perspective, and with every accompaniment of
midnight thunderstorm.
The address accompanying the presentation is
delivered by Mr. Steele Mackaxe, the noted dram
atist and orator It was marred somewhat in
places by stilted language and stacy deliverance,
though in the main it was eloquent and interest
ing The meeting he portrayed between Gen
eral Grant and President Lincoln on the occa-
sion of the presentation of his commission as
lieutenant-generalt to the latter, indicated that
each was attired in full dress suit, with claw
hammer coat silk hat and kid gloves, and the
dialogue between them was very precise and In
the choicest English, as though they had re-
hearsed their parts several times In costume.
Miss Helen Mar added to the interest of the &C.
aston by reciting two pieces in harmony with the
subject of the lecture and paintings She is a
very pleasing reader, and possessed of more
than ordinary charms of voice, features and
bearing. Altogether the entertainment is one
we'll worth witnessing, bringing wildly back the
recollections Of the war, and giving those who
have no recollection of 1t d very graphic idea of
the same. It is under patronage Of the Grand
Army of the Republic and will doubtless draw
full houses during the week, for it is to run six
nights and Saturday matinee. 1t will not do to
miss it. as it is something that will long be re-
membered by all who see it, veteran and civilian
alike.