Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1895-10-13
Richmond Should Have nm Audito-
RUM or Big Opern-HOuse.

10 inc EQltOr OF the DiSId'Cns
Your suggestion that an auditorium be
built In this city sufficient 10 meet ali
the demands Of 4 large audience Is ico
opportune and should be acted upon.
Hut when acted upon the fact that
Richmond has no adequate orcrd-hObse
or theatre should also toe borne IN mind
and the same provided for. These two
needs should be supplied by the same
building when your idea Of permanent
structure IS put into clfect-into reality
which the public-spiritci and progressive
capitalists Of the city should see IS done
within A reasonable time.
Richmond Is now the foremost city Of
the Staten fact, one OF The foremost
cities OF the country, not only on account
of her beauty, splendid situation, pro
gress. and influence, but because Of heI
history and surroundings These are
precious things, and II she only maintains
and extends her advantages and progress
she will increase and flourish exceedingly
in the near future. 1t is not only BY
business enterprise and manufactures
nor by commercial activity and achieve
ment that she can prosper but she must
combine with these essential elements
Of municipal success other things That
win aid and further these advantages.
She must be able TO draw TO her centre
and mingle with her business and COM
mcrcial life the higher things OF the
mind and the social and literary demands
OF the people who shall crowd into her
bounds She has reached that point
when she requires more than she ever
did before. If she wishes or expects 10
go forward she must make horSelI, %
some extent at least. the literary ana
artistic centre of the state, and, If posi-
Eb. needs fine ana
large opora-house, ara that such an IN
stitution be favored and patronized. as
part Of this movement towards her IN
teliectual and literary primacy OF the
State and South. She needs the life and
movement Of the drama, the elevation
and excitement OF music. the glow and
fire OF literature. and all the splendid
and stirring impulses and inspirations
that will follow their institution, Guilt
walton, and diffusion. esf attractions
would draw to her and bind to her for
tunes many who would not come. ana
who are making ready for leaye-taking.
In the course Of a few years she would
be able TO build up and spread an in
1uence and power In the advancement
and fostering OF these important factors
I'm her life and prosperity that would
crown her with great happiness ana
glory.
Richmond was IN the past-"ln the
good old times"-the centre OF much Of
the literary dramatic. and artistic en-
tcrurise and achievement Of the South.
Much that came from the successful
writer's OF that part OF the nation was in
troduccd 20 the world through her gates.
Her theatre was the most pre-cmihent
Of the whole country. Her people were
lovers and cultivators 81 the arts ana
O.. ff.ar. ~ n
in consequence. culture ana rehhth III
adorned her sons and daughters.
There is much Of the same spirit here
nov In many Instances It is latent ard
untitled. We need its expression and eX-
nansion. our enlarged and progressive
r,istenca requires that We should have
r,rtropolitan breadth and depth; the cul-
t,yation OF the mind. and the elevation
Of the thoughts OF the people. and the
refinement Of the tastes and amusemcnts
~ our children. thai we may keep pace
With orr material progress. our hopes
and possibilities.
we should. therefore. lay aside the
relics OF provincialism and become
city in fun accord with the spirit or m
proyement. not allowing violation ot
law and order and oecency, on the one
hand, nor expellins refinement, lhstruc-
ton. ana amusement, oll thV o@ii'''
An opera-house built TO accommodate
all, beautiful. commodious, finely equipped.
ana conducted in a proper and
refined manner, with the best attrac-
lions would be one Of the most potent
means of elevating and refining the
minds. the tastes. the pleasures, and
amusements of our people. Pure opera
elevated drama. refined art, would take
the place OF buffonery, burlesque, horse
NAV. and chaff. and the theatre no
longer be condemned, but approved.
Now is an opportunity afforded to re-
ito the advantages Of the past and
"a accomplish these desirable things.
when the auditorium is built, and built
II win be. we confidently predict provide
tor tho amusements. the pleasures, the
elevation. and the intellectual advance
ment OF the people by the reintroduction
or a pure opera and refined drama to
our citizens In an elegant and adequate
cdiflce. and with il a literary and arts
tic revival in our city
4 LOOKER-ON.