Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1886-07-04
NEW YORK LETTER.
TIE proYSrRAcY OF THE MODERN
DRAMA
SIMMER clnbs Society Gossip and mo-
neysd In.,i,utions-A Wealthy
Man, &c.


IN autumn. And everybody whs Is
ANYBODY is now at Newport, Saratoga,
Isnox. Bar Harbor, Rich6eld Springs,
or host of other places. The Law
renee wedding was well attended, as
both bride and groom are very promi-
nent socially and both are possessed Of
much wealth. Mr.. Prescott Lawrence
was named for his maternal grandfather,
Prescott the historian. He is also q
grandson of the famous Abbott Law
renee, Of Boston. The bride has been
great belle in New York, and is one
Of family OF attractive sisters. The
Honeymoon is to be passed at Groton,
Mass, where young Mr.. Lawrence has
n fine estate. Later in the season they
will be at Newport. Speaking OF New
port, Mrs. William X. Vanderbilt will be
there in August, and as learn she has
bought an unusual number Of magni-
fcent toilets recently in London, she
doubtless intends to leave off mourning
for her fsther-in.law and resume enter
tanning, Of which she is so fond.
whether her husband will participate
in these prospective amusements re-
mains 10 be seen.
A GREAT ALBUM.
Just before Mrs. Vanderbilt went to
Europe this spring she had Mr.. Mora,
the well-known photographer, prepare
probably the finest photograph album
ever made. 1t was nearly yard in
length and almost as wide, with heavy
clasps; there were four large pictures
about eight inches square on each page ;
the photographs were Of the guests that
attended the great and never.to-be-for-
gotten ball in masquerade costume. AS
a souvenir Of the occasion and work OF
art it is invaluable. 1t is worth about
$4,000. The first picture is of Mrs.
Vanderbilt in her beautiful costume,
surrounded by white doves. Two con-
spicuous pictures are of Lady
Nandeyille in handsome court
dress, surrounded by frame
representing an old picture. Another
particularly attractive picture is OF Mrs.
James Brosn Potter as = mandolin
player. The story of many life may
be read in looking over this book; yet
il is but three years old. These three
ladies are enjoying London society to
the utmost Just now, and are entertain
ing each other. Ali three are expected
back TO this country about the same
time. Lady Vaudeville has not been
here for over two years. They all 60
to Newport. Miss Julia Thomas, who
has for some seasons had an establish
mept for elocution, out-of-door sketch.
ing. ard physical culture at Newport
has elected tie favor of Mrs. John
Jacob Astor, who has placed al
Miss Thomas disposal for the
summer the beautiful st. Johns
Hall. which Mrs. Astor had erected a,
aresdiDg room for ST. Johns parish, in
which she is much interested. The hal
is very attractive, and will be used fol-
Rotations, &c, by the many fashionable
amateurs who pass the summer at New
port and make Miss Thomas's establish
ment a necessity. Mr.. and Mrs. Petel
Barlow. nee Miss Louise Mathews, wen'
directly TO the residence Of Mr.. Bar
lows father, the prominent legal al
wiser, Mr.. s. L. NJ. Barlow. 1t is
charming place al Glen Cove, delight
fol for a honeymoon, which they so re
Gently began in Paris. Mrs. Barlow j
wonderfully clever, and just such
Girl as one might expect Brande
Mathews's sister would be. A feV
wears ago, when Mr.. HurlDert, tbel
connected with tho New York World
propounded those wonderful ono hun
dred prize questions Miss Mathew
was one Of the three to answer then
all, or nearly all, correctly. Mrs. Charlie
&. Francklyn was also one of the cleve
competitors.
ZITKA.
The late eccentric Mr.. Carleton wrot
some years ago a play called "Zitka,
which be offered to a number Of mana
gers. not one Of whom would touch 1t
lie died suddenly and miserably, bu
be left this play as a heritage to his lit
tie daughter. Some friends of hers sue
ceeded in calling Mr.. Harry Miner
attention to it. lie produced 1t at tn
Peoples Theatre fortnight ago, and
is now the opinion of actors and mana
gers that there is an enormous FORUM
In it. 1t has been the town talk eve
since the first night. 1t has drawn IN
mense assemblages Of people Of bot
sexes, and it has by them been halle
with delight.
In spite of all this it is necessary t
say that the play is one Of the most fla
giant violations of good taste and dra
matte art tina. | have ever seen. Ii
very cleyerness of construction and II
genuity Of incident only add to It's mora
hideousness, for its hero is blackguar
at heart, and its heroine an animal thu
appears to be governed in her destin
by her desires. This hero Is introduce
TO US in the character of ruilian, WI
assaults and violates an innocent 81
while his drunken companions make
noise to drown her screams. This gu
is the heroine.
That play with this text of cAaracte
should be regarded with interest b
mixed audiences and praised for II
audacious cleverneSs by actors is
sad commentary on the taste oftheatr'
goers.
have heard intelligent players
discussing it declare that anything
allowable in q drama so long as It
made interesting.
What an astounding pagan doctrir
this is. 1t takes us back in one pha'
10 the Roman theatre, when publI
interest was measured by blood an
vice. II looks forward to the thu
when the pedestal Of art will rcek wit
the infsmy of real life.
"BUFFALo BILL"
Against this pagan drama there h'
been set one other show during II
week which has given US the absola
realism of our borders, and in l
wholesome yirile outdoor actually o'
shamed the sophistications OF chea
dTamatists. ,.,
| refer &c Buffalo Bills " WI
West ] saw it on Staten Island u
day it opened. There were l5,OU
nsonle thafe. IL realized 10 the Asseu