Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-11-19
ADJUSTMENTS.

tan Maclaren."-Those who heard Rev:
John Watson yesterday afternoon at the
Columbia Theater expound Certain Traits
Of Scottish Character''-and they complete
ly filled the new playhouse-went to their
homes and their dinners with a warm spot
in their hearts for the "canny lads Of the
lowlands," and perhaps many of them had
a half-acknowledged wish that they had
been born amid the gray mists and early
SHOWS of the land O. cakes. This was due
to the charming way in which the author
of Beside the Bonnie Brier Bush" told of
the geographical and physical factors In
the composition of that Draw man" who
faced three foes at once-French, English
and Northumberland never finched or
failed. Rev. Mr.. Watson's talk was pre-
coded by pleasant word of introduction by
Rev. DIR. Wallace A. Radcliffe, and the now
famous Acknowledgment was greeted with
hearty applause, and accorded close, ap-
preciative attention throughout his lecture,
which began at $3.50 and closed few min
utes after 5 o'clock.
He spoke without notes, and dwelt first
on that side Of Scotch character that has
being destitute of humor. In order to re-
flute the charge. DR.. Watson classified the
europeans according to their humorous
+ CHARACTERISTICS. according wit to the
french, drollery to the Irish, fun to the
English, and irony to the Scotch. But the
Scotchman seldom laughs. His enjoyment
OF joke Is too deep for outward demon
strat1on, and he relishes the discontinue of
MS antagonist with inward amusement
that partakes of the pleasure which every
Scot experiences in conducting an argu-
ment. To argue gives him the keenest sat-
isfaction. To deny all assertions and to
combat them. step by step, to the last point,
is national trait DR.. Watson explained
that the Scot had reduced language to an
exact science giving to every word its pre-
else meaning, and using adjectives with
discrimination Hence ho
taken In selecting phrases and the quick
repartee that characterizes French wit,
irish drollery and occasionally English fun,
Is out OF the question with Scotchman
The lecturer went on to tell of other
traits and to explain the true meaning of
sucn words as "canny" and "dour." that
ere applied to describe the Scotchman. He
dweit lovingly on the softer characteristics
OF his countrymen. likening them to q
great gray rock. against which 1t is useless
to rush, but which can be easily surrounded
by diplomacy and entirely conquered by
roundabout methods. Dourness, he said
| Is far more than its nearest English equiv
alent OF obstinacy, for 1t means resistance
to the end against opposition and oppres-
sion. He Illustrated his talk with many
amusing and some touching anecdotes that
brought forth alternate laughter and tears
from his hearers At the close of his dis
course he read a passage from one of the
stories in his celebrated collection of low
land tales, Through the Flood" dramat-
ic episode in the life Of DR.. Mcclure. to the
keen enjoyment of all present. DR.. Watson
has strong personality with fine man
ner and pleasing voice. He speaks in a
mixture of English and Scotch accents,
which enables him to drop easily into the
broad Drhmtochty dialect.
Mr.. Beerbohm Tree.-The engagement of
Opera House next week will be very I'M
portant one for several reasons First Of
all 1t is the beginning Of his limited Ameri-
can tour under the direction Of Charles
nd Hovn inno tn ha
opening of his new Her Majestys Thcater.
in London-so named by permission of the
queen. Next. Washington is one of five
cities which alone will be fortunate enough
to see Mr.. Tree. and again. while he Is here
he will produce the play with which he is
to dedicate his new London house. This
play is Gilbert Parker's own Naturalization
of his great rovel Seats Of the Mighty"
which will be done for the first time on any
stage at the Lafayette Square Theater next
Friday night. The entire production Mr..
Tree brings from London. The only other
play in which he will be seen here Is Henry
Arthur Jones' drama, THE Dancing Girl -
in which he first gained prominence on the
other side. and in which he will open his
engagement in this city.
1.-THE Wizard of the Nile."-Added to its
many other points Of excellence, the Frank
Daniels Opera Company has received high
praise from critical musicians for the great
excellence Of its chorus voices One emf
nent New York opera director said Never
outside of grand opera have l heard such
power, musical culture, sweetness and
freshness Of voice and such spirited singing
in chorus as in The Wizard of the Nile
this season." This point which may seem
Of minor Importance to the general auditor.
Is really as necessary factor to COM
plete performance as any Of the apparently
more necessary ones Of high excellence in
those artists who appear in the leading
roles. ard is es quickly missed even by the
rncultured or MOUNTAINEERING patron who is
fond of music. During its engagement here
next week matinees will be given Thursday
Thanksgiving day. and Saturday.