The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1892-01-10

1 land and who
had been i'm
| 7HrHjl .ss.: of T' .an. !.
/ ding wanting which never fails to strike
those who are accustomed TO life in large
European cities.
apparently the only reason why the
toru, of entertainment afforded in London
& the music halls, and in Paris at the
ais chantants is practically unknown in
XeW York is that no attempt has yet been
made to accimatize either one or a modifi-
cation of both the systems on scale of
! suficient magnitude 10 establish distinct
J feature IN the amusements of the city. No
ofber explanation offers itself
New Workers are essentially a music
loving people, and are especially devoted
d the bright, unthinking, ingenious friv-
oity Of the vaudeville. In view of this
circumstance and the size and concentra-
hon Of the population itself, it may safely
x assumed that no insignificant reward
awaits the far-seeing caterer who exploits
shitherto neglected form of enterprise by
throwing open to Gothamites palace of
amusement on the lines of the Empire,
the Alhambra or the Pavilion, the Folies
Bergeres, iiEldorado or the Eden.
While fulfilling the same mission and
| possessing many points of contact, the
| music hall and the cafe chantant are new
| etheless essentially unlike in certain de-
tails governed by differences of climate
7 md national temper. The chief of these
distinctions lies in the absence, in the case
of the former, of the garden. the tables
for drinkers, a great part of the freedom,
snd the general quasi al fresco air usually
distinguishing the latter. In fact, the
london music hall is departure from the
legitimate theater. while the Partisan pro-
totype is. at its best, but a development of
the institution whose name still clings to
Il, and is always cafe chantant.
Instead of paying nominal fee, or
nothing at all, for admission to the enter
tsinment and being obliged TO purchase
Investments, the Londoner pays fair
price for his seat. and incidentally, and
only If he so desires, can indulge in his
favorite tipple to his hearts content. The
Atlantic Garden, on the Bowery, is mod
eled after the cafe chantant; Roster &
Bial's after the music hall. 1t is hardly
necessary to add, in each case, long way
Later
In the vast agglomeration called Lon
don every broadly defined Typographical
I class in its population of 5000 900 may be
mid TO have 1t representative music halls.
md few surer means could be devised of
nnging the temper, social habits, and
Even the politics of LondoDers in the
Vest, East, North and South than by
visiting a few typical establishments of
the kind as scattered throughout the
ength and breadth of the largest city in
the world. But in speaking of London
the Imagination is, in nine cases out of
itn almost unconsciously confined to the
Vest End, and in the West End. as a
natter of course. must be sought the
nnsic hall in its highest development.
Among West End music halls the En-
pre- and the Aihambra stand pre-eminent
Sitting almost facing each other on Leices-
4 if square. they possess many features in
1 eommon and that distinguish them from
cher music halls. Both are devoted to
Z the production of spectacular bailets on a
Eale OF great magniticence, and at both
may be studied the classical art of dancing
y expounded nightly by rival stars of Eu-
ropean fame, on whose shoulders, per-
chance, has fallen the gauZy mantle of
Tagloni
To view the new ballet at the Empire or
the Alhambra is almost as necessary a
social ana artistic devoir as 10 visit the
Italian opera at Coyent Garden or TO see
irving IN a new part The wide, hand
some facade OF tie Alhambra, blazing at
hight with vari-coiored Examinations, is
one of the sights of London. The Empire,
having a smaller frontage. affords a less
impressive display. but pays enormous
dividends TO It's shareholders.
Uf the two hnnSps no A Ia m bra ia the
larger, seating over two thousand persons.
Inc Empire is, however. even more at
uacfiYe and more popular than its hand
some rival. Both are gorgeous internally
WITH red plush. gold carving and mirrors,
and both possess stages of the dimensions
feqnisite for large crowds and heavy spec
acniar effects. The national fondness for
hrmaity and display is gratiued by the
appearance OF the gigantic tootmen in liy-
efy who dance in attendance upon those
Who arrive by carriage or cab. and by the
neatly uniformed and attentive male and
Rnaie walters, ushers programme sellers
ta the like, who minister 10 the comfort
ana convenience OF the audience. and who
Pleasantly acknowledge tips judiciouSly
bestowed
Than the audience itself nothing could
Mmore mixed. In the private boxes are
zen and women in evening dress. The
men outside would express II, and the
somen are generally handsome. Some
ZINES II Is party of society people who
save Just looked in for an hour after din
mel, on their way, perchance, 10 ball or
.out Oitener II is wine party, consist
Ms OF ladies whom good people would call
aast escorted 10y young Tor old) b!oods
ssa men about town
10 one, unlike tins last, ordinarily
INV a. fs.s,
aN, box 1T the Empire means
e evening devoted To the deiic-
Gus aud harmless excitement of
imagining oneself fast" and watch
es The ways of the half-world. The
sArworld, by the way, Is strongly IN evil
senee al these places aud makes a showing
Mlne balcony of the Empire--the highest
F'ced part OF the house-whjch, for APP
<Sranee, dress and style, is unsurpassed
Europe. Chance club men in evening
s.sss are to be seen IN all parts of the
ssOase, and the masculine element is pre-
.omlnant. though not unduly SO. The
ssage citizen s wife keeply enjoys night
lie Empire or the Alhamhra, but woe
ssssue the average citizen if his better-halt
Ssscosers that he has visited one Of those
.s~ants OF irlvolity unsccompanied by her.
sne stalls are usually occupied by people
-. ~ mean 10 sit the performance out, as at
;aaester, while the promenade is filled
~ ~ city clerks and nondescripts. often IN
s..mpany with their sweethearts. The
ss sses OF seats range from shillings TO /
'a...iing (Sl. 25 70 - cents).
avery part of the house is provided with
sal az which liquor OF an average quality
s;.oo.alhaoie at reasonable prices Walters
ssalSte dlscreetly. and are prepared 10
- . ..ah anything ordered, from Heidsick
hssh.o ut al" Small brackets, liked TO the
saeSs Of the seats, are admirably adapted
- l su glasses-for the Englishman likes
urihk with elaboration. smoking is
! issloie anywhere except in the three
mont rows of stalls.