Morning journal and courier., 1886-02-27
living things, is question for the descend

living things, is 8 question for the descend ants of the philosophers and professors of old who discussed how many angels could dance on the point of a needle, a very philo sophical inquiry even in these materialistic days. The representative philosopher of the Darwin school has been found in Professor Ray Lankester, who has discoursed at the London institution on Charles Darwin and his works" He said, speaking on the de- velopment of species: "That doctrine had been opposed by those who held to the doc Urine of miraculous creation, but miraculous creation was not primitive notion. When Mrs. Beecher Stowe put into the mouth of Topsy the phrase I 'specks I growed,' she gave the explanation which the natural man offered of living things around him." Oar winism should therefore be rechristened and be termed Topsyism; and the nigger girl, in primeval ignorance, be hailed as the great est philosopher of the day, the discoverer of q truth greater than that of gravitation or the circulation of ths blood. The dark con tinent is enlightening the nations. The Zu- Jus converted the lamented Bishop Colenzo- great he was at fgures-from the errors of his ways; and now negro girl in her ig norance proclaims the newest and greatest
 idea to the philosophical mind in this age of enlightenment and scientific research. Only there is no proof that it is true, and is not more of fiction than poor Topsy herself. However this may be, among the best books
  should be placed as the revealer of the mys- tery of creation.
 The Parisians have turned 0 new leaf in theatrical matters, and their papers are very eloquent on the reaction of taste indicated by the production of M. Gondinet's "A Pari- sian" The play is indeed treat, a relief af- ter the stories of courtesans related, nay act ed in Victorien Sardou's "Georgette" and Alphonse Daudet's ''Sapho." The absence of nearly all scenic and millinery display is accepted tribute to the intellectual taste of the public, that does not require that it's appetite should be tempted by mere mechan- ical effects The play is attractive on it's own literary merits. Of course the French never have gone to English lengths in get ting up mechanical effects, but they have gone too far ill the millinery way, and I am glad they are beginning to go back. All this excessive stage elaboration will eventual ly go to the wall. France set England the bad example and the English forthwith leaped over the head of the French. "A Parisian" is an extremely proper play, with very insignificant plot, but most brilliant and witty dialogue. It is not meant to be feast for the eyes; it is an intellectual treat.
 M. Edouard Pailleron, the great drama list, member of the French academy, has told pretty story of his earliest tragedy, which deserves repeating. When boy at school he wrote piece and showed it to an other boy who had great school fame as a poet. The latter boy thought the play very good, but complained to young Pailleron that it was not in verse. The two put their heads together and determined to versify the drama. To get time for this work they pre- tended to be sick, and so obtained relief from school work. When the great play was finished they decided to submit it to great authority, and immediately resolved to send it to no less an authority than Victor Hugo. The great poet was then in exile in the Chan nel Islands, but to indicate their sense of the grandeur of his position they addressed the manuscript ill this way: "Victor Hugo, Ocean," The parcel duly reached its desti nation and Victor Hugo acknowledged it in Hugian language: 'I am the sunset; you enter, I take my departure" The still more Hugolatre. Nj. Pailleron when France. In England every school boy " schoolboy of average abilities in France dreams of becoming a dramatic author. All the spare time allowed him by Latin verses and Greek exercises he devotes to the construction of play. When his work is over he sends to distinguished writer to obtain opinion, or oftener straight to the director of one of the Pari- sian theaters. All plays sent to good theater in France read by reading committee An elaborate criticism of the play is sent to the author with the deci- sion of the director. I can still remember French schoolboys reading to their school fellows the answer of director. What heroes they were! What heroes we were. For had once my little try at it.
 MAX ORELL.