The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-12-13
AT THE THEATERS.

David Higgins has produced an unconven-
tional melodrama in cat Piney Ridge" which
was presented at the Grand opera house last
night. 1t is unconventional in two respects.
The author has daringly discarded a whole
lot of improbable cards that are never drawn
in the real game Of life He has also, but
recklessly written speeches in the trying
scenes that are compatible with common
sense-such speeches a sane man woman
might be excused for uttering under similar
circumstances. 1t might also be added, by
way Of distinguishing this from a host Of
other melodramas, that none Of the scenery
appertaining to this melodrama moves-while
the curtain is up. 1t is content to remain
in the background and give the players
chance. In some instances the people have
confessed a debt of gratitude to the invisi-
BILE man who moved the bridge" because
he subordinated the actors while he was do
ing it, but there Is no justification for slenc-
ing or obscuring the players in this COM
pany, for not only has Mr. Higgins deity put
together logical succession of dramatic sit
uations but he has engaged an aggrega-
ton Of intelligent and experienced men and
women to present those situations Perhaps
the most convincing test that this melodrama
Is above the average is revealed IN the sec
ond act, which contains an unnatural comedy
scene, that would escape criticism II 1t were
a part Of a conventional effort. 1t is one OF
those sofa scenes" wherein a gushing and
susceptible, but thoroughly respectable wo-
man Is made to recline her head on the
hero's bosom without the suggestion Of an
invitation from him. 1t Is not within the
experience Of most men that women, who
even profess a character, offend the propri-
cites in such a fragrant style. In farce these
performances may be permissible, and even
in a melodrama less worthy than this such
behavior might pass unnodced. AS 1t is. the
gallery laughs.
An interesting. not to say an exciting
story is told in this drama, and told CO.
herently and without violating ones con-
ceptlon of what might actually happen.
Moreover. it is embellished with accompany
ing character touches and episodes that fur
nish effective light and shade, without halt
ing. delaying or confusing the main action.
The comedy element is not dragged in by
the heels at inopportune moments to ex-
asperate the spectators at time when they
have forgotten the comedians and are alb
sorbed in following the fortunes of hero and
heroine
The love story dominates. The scheme to
separate the lovers is black in more senses
than one. The villain is picturesquely aided
and abetted by a revengeful woman Dag
mar. a former slave, who boasts that she
can trace the white blood coursing through
her veins back to a governor" of Ten
nessee-and nobody doubts her. This woman
brands the hero. whose engagement to the
fair daughter Of a man about to get the
nomination for governor of Tennessee has
Just been announced. as her son. The viii
lain calls MIN white niger" This makes
guns discharged. AS a matter of fact, the
villain Is q gentleman whose ancestry is
not entirely Caucasian. Furthermore he is
the man who betrayed a mountaineers
daughter, and then sought to fix the re-
sponsibility upon the hero. But these dark
aspersions are all cleared up at last, and
not in few conventional speeches that are
invariably drowned by the hustle of the
audience putting on It's overshoes. but in
distinctly dramatic and original manner.
This reminds OF another unconventional
its of this melodrama. The hero has
m0ney-lots of lt-from start to finish
Surely the most conspicuous player in
the company is Louise Rial, who imper-
sonates Dagmar. the quadroon. An intense
performance this. that does not blaze forth
until the last act. 1t is a strong, well con-
sidered and at times brilliant effort
Mr.. Higgins, the author, plays the hero.
He gives the role a distince and agreeable
personality. If he is almost too verdant in
the first and second acts. he Is most sat
isfying, sensible and manly thereafter. In
the climax Of the third act, which is con-
structed with conmendable ingenuity. Mr..
Higgins won the applause bestowed fairly
and legitimately.
Frederick Julian was satisfactory in the
role of Gen. Deering, and Miss Elizabeth
Field contributed an appreciative and re-
fined impersonation OF Azalie Deering Miss
Georgia Waldron merits commentator for
her sympathetic and picturesque portrayal
Of Cindy Lane, the wronged girl. Benjamin
F. Mornings delineation OF the william was
marked by good judgment and considerable
force.
Miss Olive Maud Davis supplied much re-
freshing comedy in the character of Susan
nah, the mulatto, which she played with de-
lightful freshness and spontaneity. Mr. Van
Kinzie's Characterization Of Abe Moonlight
was also good. The remainder OF the cast
URs adequate.
Grain Warehouse in Ruins.
Special to the Globe.
GRAND FORKS, N. D., Dec. 1.-THE
Northwestern elevator at Bathgate was de-
"a II, t. T.