The times., 1897-08-29

anthem after thelast curtain Either Hall,
Columbia" or The Star Spangled Ban
ner'' ought TO be ON every program They
are bright and inspiring and they are al
ways grateful to the ear. The custom Gf
pla ying the national anthem the audi
ence leaves the tfeater is followed In
Chicago, Boston, New York and other
cities. { ought to be the custom. in the
National Capital, even If it were not
elsewhere.
Our three leading theaters have patriotic
titles. THERE'S the Lafayette, named after
d hero dear to every true American and it
stands within sight and hearing of the
Executive Mansion; the Columbia bears the
name OF our national patroness; the Ma,
tional Theater is patriotic in its title.
Visitors from all over the land and from
all lands are in these and ouI other thea.
ters every night, yet there is no indica-
ton OF AIner'caIlism or patriotism In any
oneof them except in the name IL would
be distinctly fitting the position the thea
tcrs hold as national playhouses as well as
gratefully Inspiring to the people assembled
TO nave the orchestras play the national an
them every night.
"a Western prose poet contributes this
seasons openings:
''0nce A again" the doors of the big, dark
opera house, which have been closed to all
except tue 1anitors, swing open, the
Lox-office is lighted, the call boy comes
back with a new suit and the theatergoers
who have deserted the hot, busy city fer
the murmur of the sad, sea waves, don
their opera coats and gowns and hustle
for passes.
''Once Again" the property man, who
has been working on lumber barge all
summer, is seen looking over the head
of the electrician from the first entrance
"once gain" the treasurer 1ollies up
the patrons in anticipation Of his benefit
next spring.
"once Again the stage manager has
it i'm for that chorus girl with the dark
hair.
Once Again the low comedian is seen
hustling up the stairs OF the newspaper
officc, with a big photograp phi under his
arm, TO make himself popular with the
dramatic editor.
once Again the chappie is seen stand
ing at the stage entrance door, and once
a gain lie gets the stony stare.
once Again the usher rushes down the
aisle and bangs the seats down with a
sound like couple OF young cannon going
Off.
"once Again the man in the center of
the row develops a terrible thirst at the
close OF each act.
"once again does the piece OF canvas,
which has been pasted around the peep
hole, get black with grease paint
Once again. does the laundry man
charge you Is cents for doing up two
collars.
once Again do we hear the property
man or the show promise TO write a long
letter TO the property man OF the house
"Once Again does the autograph fiend
hand gou mis- pen and tell you that you are
the best actor he ever saw.
''oncc Again does the angel put his
eyes TO the peepnoIe and ask, "How's the
house?''
.once Again" does the call boy bring you
IT. the flattest glass of vichy you ever
drank.
"once Again" does the stage-struck youth
wrtA YOU long letter and tell you all If
his troubles
"once Again" do you stand in the first
entrahce and swear when the encore comes.
and once again do you swear when il
don't.
once Again" do we hear that old IA
miliar thud made by the leading man a.
he drops into the ranks Of the vaudeville
But NEVER AGAIN shall poor Old
Hoss ''swipe" red hot stove and bring
/ down the house.