Feliciana sentinel., 1892-09-03

two million dollars.
Chicago has not the reputation OF
being a center of literature, learning
and art, but with such examples and op
portunities it is likely soon to take its
place among the foremost seats Of cul.
ture.
While in most other big cities the
theaters close down for the summer
season. Chicago makes a departure in
this as in many other directions. Il
has introduced the fashion Of summer
performances-selectin light, attract.
i've subjects, and running almost en-.
tirely to the spectacular. The cxtrav.
aganzas Of the summer theaters are
proving a pronounced success. They
were started six years ago by David
Henderson at the Chicago opera house,
and have since been taken up by the
other theaters-the Columbia, Grand
opera house, Hoolcy's, lIaymarket,
etc, all having a ''show" of the light,
spectacular kind.
This does not mean they are degraded
into variety theaters, or give exhibi
tions of a questionable character. They
simply pick out performances that wiU
entertain the eye and please the ea,
without appealing to the more pro
found feelings Or requiring any mental
exertion. They afford excellent enter
tainmcnt to those who cannot leave tho
city on a vacation.
Their success has been so pronounced
that some of the performances were
taken TO New York and Reproduced
there. proving to be very entertaining
to lovers of light theatricals. AT the
same time Manager McVicl<er is once
more making an effort to establish a
stock company, departing from the sys
tenn of travelling companies. AS yet his
enterprise must be looked upon as IN
experiment.
The final settlement of the question
Of an appropriation by congress in aid
of the worlds fair has had the effect Of
bringing about a more settled condition
of affairs in the management of the big
enterprise. The uncertainty regarding
the appropriation was having n dcpress-
ing effect upon the exposition. Many
things were at a standstill for the real
son that the resources of the company
were not known. Everything is now
receiving IA fresh impetus. There is
an effort made to curtail expenses,
particularly in the construction
department, and some plans will
have to be altered to meet the
new conditions. On the whole, how
ever, the management is inclined to
look upon the grant of So, 800. 900 as
quite equal to the 1000, 900 asked for.
The money is appropriated outright to
the exposition company, whereas the
So, 900, 600 was asked as loan or stock
subscription and would nave had to be
returned.
Offers have been received by the
directors to buy the souvenir coin at a
premium. The appropriation by cnn-
gress was made tor 100000 souvenir
half dollars, which shall be legal ten
der. Speculation is already rife in re-
gard to these coins. Several offers have
come in to buy the first coin issued
at price of Sl5O One party offers
81, 100000 for the 81 800, ,OC0 issue OF
souvenir coins, another one offers
half million more. But the
management is unwilling to sell them
cheaper than one dollar apiece. II
they get this price the five million dol
lars will be secured after all. 1t is
thought that every one will want to
keep souvenir coin and be willing to
pay dollar or more for it. Souvenirs
of former expositions frequently sold at
three or four times their face value.
What more funds the exposition may
need can undoubtedly be raised by
direct loan from private parties.
II. E. o. HEINEMANS.