The San Francisco call., 1898-07-26
The New War Drama
 at the Columbia.
TWO ORPHANS" M0RoSC0'S
FEAST LYNNE WAS NOT UP TO
 EXPECTATIONS
"The Beggar Student Cordially Re ceived by a Good House at the Tivoli-orpheum Has a
 Big Bill.

"A Gallant Surrender" the new war drama by Edward Kidder was given it's initial production at the Columbia last night before a large and discriminating audience. It Is quite melodramatic and was expected to take its place with such plays as Shenandoah" Held by the Enemy" and other patriotic dramas, but it did not meet expectations. It may be that the radical change in sentiment af- fecting the North and South, which has occurred since the beginning of the pres ent war, had much to do with the verdict last night, and we think it did, for there were lines and climaxes that if given six months ago would have been greeted with enthusiasm which were received with in- difference. It Is true the production has some palpable faults, but they can be modified by experiment and experience, as, for instance, in the third act. In- stead of a thrilling conclusion there was an anti-climax for which there was little excuse. The audience does not expect to walt quarter of an hour for the explo- sion of torpedo containing twenty tons of powder" and not know that the act has been performed until they learn by word of mouth. In short, the whole effect so laboriously striven for is lost in a situation in which much was antici- pated. In act second the drilling scene was not only foreign to the situation, but prolonged 10 a Wedr1SOInG QeRTeo, SDOll- ing what might have otherwise passed for acceptable comedy. In this connection it may be said that the part of Mir Char ters as the Confederate lieutenant Is not alone impossible in its lines and action under such tragic conditions as are SUD- posed to exist, but is disagreeably over drawn. After the use of a blue pencil the character could be made quite amusing.
 The plot is connected and comprehen- 5ive, but It's working out does not bring about the mental condition of the specta- tor which goes to the making of great war drama. The climax In the rally around the flag is the prettiest scene of all and most nearly approaches the de-
 sired standard. "A Gallant surrender Is constructed on the regular lines, with mortal combat, love, some good comedy and bright diaIoPue, but the din and shock of battle, the delicious thrill which the spectator awaits does not come. How ever, there Is plenty of pathos and some really humorous situations which promise well for the play when 1t shall have been properly adjusted. The merit of the pro- the efforts of May Buckley, who, in the session of a high orner of creative talent. The part is very emotional one, well suited to her, and Is the gem of the play. She Is to be congratulated upon her con ception of it. Sam Edwards displayed his versatility in the portrayal of the charac- ter of the loyal and lovable old ex-slave and made a success of his part.
 In the guise of a rebel corporal always hungry. but possessed of good, bubbling Irish wit and humor, Thomas Leary was made an admirable Federal officer, and Theodore Roberts will be quite acceptable when he learns his lines.
 Edward Bell, Alfred Hickman, Theodore
 Roberts and Miss Fanchon CampoelI were cast in congenial parts. It Is to be regretted that the same cannot be said of Miss Madeline Bouton. Her character of a young and attractive widow affords op- portunities for effective acting, but she 1 does not conceive its import and the re-