The Arkansaw traveler., 1888-12-22

interests I'm al their manifestations. A psr1cf
material fabric, firmly established m the pillars a.
Hercules beautiful In her perfection as Athsns
In her days OF halcyon glory, Chicago now turns
to the refining influences of literature and The arts
New York, no long the acknowledged American
center OF production for things artistic literary
dramatic and musical, Ia now By the natural work
ings Of natures rules Obliged TO share with CHICAGO
her boosted position arbiter Of the destinies OF
artistic candidates for the favor Of the world
Twas long thought that no book, no opera no
play Of merit could come save from the east, and
that the stamp Of New Yorks approval was neoes-
sary to insure the success Of any new work. but the
fallacy has been exploded, and now Chicago's
sponsorship Il nearly valuable a New York's.
Gradually has the center of origin moved TO thu
center Of the continent the mighty city by the un-
sAlted seas, until the Christmas tide Of 'Ss marks
the establishment OF Chicago among the cities of
the earth, Of the lodged homes of liters-
ture, music and dramatic art. The Chicago press
publishers and particularly the Chicago theatres
have by their energy, enterprise and excellence
accomplished this work Of love, and particularly II
IL true OF the dramatic and musical art that nowhere
is excellence 20 generally demanded and 20 well
appreciated as In Chicago.
OF the individuals who have brought about this
wondrous transformation, this transportation Of
the temple Of the muses. from the e6ee east to the
great and growing west, none have been 20 active
90 intelligently, fearessy "resultfally" ener-
getic add enterprisng as the managers # the new
Columbia theatre. This most beautiful of Ameri-
can temples of Euterpe, Calliope and Thalia has
since Its rebuilding and since the of the present
arrangements control been devoted to the advance
ment Of the dramatic and lyric art In Its highest
form, in Chicago The theatre IL q magnificent
structure, occupying half block of valuable
ground on Monroe street, in the heart OF the city,
and for perfection In every point Il has not its
equal In America This beautiful theater has been
devoted by Mr.. James d. Carson, the proprietor,
and Mr. w. II. Morton the manager, to a broader
field of usefulness than was ever before filed by
any American house of amusement. Both the
proprietor and manager are young men Of the nine
tenth century type, fnll Of VIM enterprise and
IDEAS with the advantages Of education and wealth
behind them. With Characteristic astuteness they
have departed from the beaten path of reproducing
New York successes, and have entered on q career
of origin at the Columbia. Comic opera il the par
ticular path in which their efforts exercised,
and the era they have inaugurated Is marked by
the initial production In America on December "a
of Adolph Mueller's latest and greatest triumph,
1.-THE Kings Fool" The opera L. one which admits
OF the most gorgeous of incidental investiure and
with lavish hand has every possible allotment to
the accomplishment OF every possibility been made.
One hundred and thirty artists including some
two-score principals engaged at magnificent @la-
ries will have part In the splendid production
on December "a. The services Of Herr Heinrich
Conried, the distinguished impressario, and Herr
Pelz, the noted orchestral conductor, have been
retained and their constant efforts now directed
towards the perfection of every detail of prepare
ton for the opening. The Kings Fool" Is beau
tiful opera, and gorgeously given 1t will be, 1T
tingly marks the commencement of the era Of
operate production in Chicago.
"Well this do beat all |" exclaimed Aunt Harriet,