The times., 1899-11-26
FRIENDS OF LAST WEEK.

no existing thing is altogether neutral
in its effect said German philosopher
1.-The most trivial condition must work
harm or good" The statement certainly
seems most creditable, and, upon reflec-
ton, it applies even TO the insignifcantly
nasty French farces with which Washing
ton has been regaled. In this case, the
harm" probably comes to the women who
play the questionable roles in such pro-
ductions. The fact was brought home to
localities during the week by the close
connection between Alice JudsOn, who was
here with Mile. Fiji, and many denizens
of this city. Miss Judson is too wen liked
in the Capital for much to have been quot
ed in relation to her assumption, but, new
ertheless, there was some idle chatter
concerning the portrayal The most sen
sible and cOnsiderate We're free in confess
ing their surprise that the young woman
should ever have appeared before her
townsmen in a part such as is the titular
one of the Brady & Ziegfeld Offering.
Of course, such gossip is worth hardly
a thought ana possibly receives no more,
but the truth remains that, whatever may
be the rights or wrongs of these tmpeT-
souaticns. the enactment of Objectionable
characters does not benefit the reputation
of those involved. Professionally, the Ia
borer is not helped by them, though she
may not be injured, and outside of the
amusement world she subjects herself to
ignorant or malicious Identification with
the type. Street loungers and persons Of
a ICftier class are all too quick 10 draw
comparisons. while the general impression
created is not of an exceptionally desira-
bic order Such comment may have a
merely trifing result but according to
the philosopher, some result it must have.
And the working cannot be sorted with
the good
As a matter of fact. the aforesaid COM
rnent is not undeseryed. It is true that
most folk enter the dramatic profession il
order to make lvelihoods, but there are
PLAYERS who abjure such roles and still earn
bread and butter. Whatever their status OF
insignifcance, there are situations in
which talent may be shown more clearly
and there are lines that reflect greater
credit upon those who speak them than do
those of the low order. Reciting such
speeches may be a simple business affair
this is set forth as a defence-but il is not
a better business than are many unsanc-
toned by society. There is no woman in
the field of French farce who could not be
more satisfactorily employed outside. This
applies particularly, from a moral and an
artistic viewpoint, to such actresses as are
in constant demand Miss JudsOn's en-
gagement with Mile. Fiji" may have been
an only choice Miss Judson is still new
behind the footlights But Josephine Hall
and Clara Lipman and Minnie Seligman and
Marie Wainwright are not so limited. Each
is capable of worthier things and Wash
ington will be glad to judge them again un-
der different conditions.
Miss Wainwright, by the way, was one
of the four people in the cast Of Mile
Fiji" who seemed to get into the spirit of
the farce The other three were Dore Da-
wilson. Thomas Burns. and Jeanette Low
rie And not even Mr.. Burns whose poT-
trayal of the Duke was a veritahle mas
terpiece. ranked above the young woman
last mentioned In a role that was rather
ungrateful, Miss Lowrie impressed with
her absolute self-confdence and with a
certain naive sweetness that made her
Florence sympathetically charming Her
reading was intelligent and thoughtful to
degree; her positions more studiously
unstudied than are those Of the average
player. The fact that the part was not
unlike that of the wife in Because She
Loved Him So" and that Miss LowTie
| seems TO be more efficient than either Ida
Conquest or Annie Irish suggests that
when J. e. Dodson and his spouse have got
through with William Gillette's farce,
Charles Frohman might do worse than by
engaging this clever girl for its prinei-
pal feminine character.
Gerald Griffin, who was seen at the Grand
in silence Is Golden is a comedian Of
methods absolutely unique His grasp on
the roles entrusted to him is ouito ~
markable n half hour appearing to suffice
for an exhibition of score Of important
traits. Vaudeville can boast of few disei-
plies more painstaking or hard working.
Both he and Lydia Knott are to be con-
graduated upon their efforts in the Ward
sketch
Queer-isn't it?-that managers in the
variety business cannot admit the possi-
biIity of native talent being worthy. Just
as soon as a sketch team or a comedienne