Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-06-09

From the ArkGnsddo TrdUeJer.
The country theatre in ArkansaW has not
attained that excellence for which the stage
in older communities is noted. In the back
woods part of the State the shallow rretense
OF tight with swords 10 rldIculed. Sometime
ago. out at a little town endearingly known
AS Pot Licker, a troup of hungry and much
worn players topped and decided to give a
thrilling rendition of Richard III" The
people were delighted with the prospect of
seeing a show. and with that unrestrained lib
erality born of intense desire, they were will
ling to pay almost any price ranging from l5c.
to a quarter.
The Mayor went to see the rehearsal He
said but little until the sword fight took place.
He could stand 1t no longer.
"H0ld on ~ said the Mayor.
The retributive "Richmond" and the en-
ragged Richard" ceased their slaughter, and
respectfully turned to the Mayor.
Gentlemen" said the Mayor, ''you amt
goin' ter fight with them thar knittin'
needles. air your"
''These are swords,'' said Richmond"
Bet your unhampered life they are, old
man." observed the am strung Richard"
"1Ou may call 'em swords" the Mayor re-
piled, but they amt good enough for chill
lun to play with in this country. You'll
have to light with suthin' else"
pleaded.
''Then III git you a couple of bowie kniv YES,
the very thing ter make the scrimmage look
naehul. Say, hold on, I've got it. You'll use
double barl shotguns. Them's the things
thatll fetch down the house. Wen load 'em
halfway almos', an when you turn 'em loose
thev'll SCUM ike suthin' had happened"
"ShOtguns!" orchard" gasped,
That's what said"
"PreposterOus, man. There were no shot
guns in those days Of the Three Eyed Dick
the DAYS when Duckingham's buck iumped
into the wheat field" the actor replied with
forced Righteousness.
snakes no difference. but thar air shotguns
now. AN we're Twin now an not then"
1--WE won't use guns" said "Richmond."
Then you shan't play. Nobody ken come
along an put humbug show on us. let me
tell you: We know what good show is an
we won't put up with bad one. III go over
whar you air putin up an tell ole Baxter
not ter let yer have nothin' ter eat lessen you
pay for 1t IN advance, an mon that, IN see
order. Do You heah me?"
They heard him. They knew that it was a
case OF compliance or starvation, so they
agreed to fight with shot guns.
The house was crowded. When erich
mOnd' and "Richard," both heavily armed,
met each other, the audience broke forth into
cyclone OF raptnrous applause.
Bang Bang! Bang? Bang"
When the smoke cleared away "Richmond'
was seen seen rubbing powder out of his eyes,
while Richard" was observed trying to ex-
tlnguish fire which had been ignted among
the wrinkles of his taWdrY raiment. The guns
were no more. A fragment OF one was stick
ing up among the rafters, while mule. which
had been ridden by the tax assessor. lunged
through the moonlight, carrying with him a
piece OF warm but uncOngenial iron. 1t was
indeed great rendition, but the actors have
never been the same men they were before
that laundering performance. Under the
clear, delicate skin of "Richmond's'' face can
be seen many blue, great primer periods, to-
gether with collection Of commas and SEMI
cOlons. His countenance still has a sugges-
tion-a struggling reminder-of its wOnted
frankness, but many Of its classic lines are
eXpunged.
Richard" 10 not likely to be himself again.
He IS destined to ever remain someone else.
He has but one eye and his nose is italicized.
II used to be Roman. The leather ear which
he wears is not handsome. but then it is tough
and can stand a great deal of wear.