, 1890-11-19

arguments dS To I'll llultlCc lOE GOOu OF
the stage, and of its position, us an expo
nent and an educator. The question has
been long ago threShed out. The drama OF
today differs from that Ofthe 18th Century
against which the P~ulitanS Numbered, aud
rightly Numbered, against which Collier
launched his inVectiveS, as do the writings
of TennySon aud Browning, from Aristo-
phanes or J%uevenal. 1t was against the
gross ohscenities, the perniciouS teachings
of the plays, especially at the period OF the
Restoration. that the PuritanS acclaimed,
but going as they did to the extreme of de-
nOulcing all recreation as deadly sin, a re-
dictionary spirit influenced the dramatists
of the day.
The times are changed, there is now no
reason for denunciations on the one side,
nor for indecent defiance on the other. The
plays OF Wycherly or COngreve aud of
others much later even, would not now be
tolerated by the most easy going mOraliSts.
No one could be found to act them, and if
any such were found, they would be- brave
men and women who would venture OH the
stage. And apart from the shrinking that
all classes would feel from encouragement
of any such performances, the Press exer-
1iSes "a watchful care over the pieces that
are produced. The Wycherly and Con-
greve muse is dead "and her 0 choked
In times ashes" We shall never hear her
voice again. Those therefore who decry
ihe stage, do 50 either from ignorance or
prejudice. That there was not enough
public spirit amongst US to defy the last,
and insufficient interest to instruct the
first, is a confession Of which we need not
be proud. We are content and there is no
more to be said. In our contentment, how
oT1nu xro fnlyn uu alfnnoflAp Y,nu 1o,N, Ut Irn
in the matter of Exhibitions, in assuming
that our visitors will be equally satisfied
with such a st ate of things, and that the
absence of any amusement i'll the Town,
will be quite in accord with their views and
experiences of Exhibitions elsewhere. Eng
lishmen it is said take their pleasures Seri-
ously. We will demonstrate that we take
none at ali. Our visitors will need none.
See Rome and diet Visit Kingston and DO
other amusement will be wanted. Should
any be so strangely constituted as to de-
sire anything like distraction, they can
seek it ia the maddening excitement of the
Merry-g go. Rounds or the Switch Back Rail
way, while a promenade through the streets
of livingston will be u never falling source Of
wonder and delighr. We are a serious peo-
pie and we take life seriously. Our great
@sAt Home to which we have invited all
the world must be conducted accordingly.
The Egyptians at their feaStS, had the mum
mieS of their Ancestors ranged round the
banquet Hall. We shall have the Church
bells tolling to warn our visitors, that like
ourselves they are mortal, and miserable
sinners all. Miserimus!
This will be the proper and becoming
moral aud mental attitude in which to re-
ceive our guests. So far as our streets are
concerned, we shall he able to manifest our
superiority to the pOmp and vanity of
cleanliness. Altogether, we shall CompOrt
ourselves with becoming gravity and he le-
garded as a "piOuS sober and orderly
community, and SO reap all the advantages
derivable from such reputation.
With respect to the amusements for our
own people and the coming up to Kingston
Of the country folk during the Exhibition
time, a note Ct warning has been sounded
from a denominatiOnal paper against the
demOralizing influence of the baleful Switch
Back Railway, and the perniciOus soul
destroying evils of the satanic Merry-go
Rounds. The note comes from Cave Val
ley Post Office. Wherever this cave may
be, it is evidently a very dark and gloomy
one, aud the sooner some rays of light
penetrate this cavern, and son OF Gods
sunshine impart warmth to it, the better
it will be for Pastor and flock. The spirit
ual S~ustenance derivable by the latter,
from this cavernous pasture land must 10
poor indeed.