Semi=weekly graphic., 1899-09-20

Snuming.
 In the California theater. San Fran cisco, the other night. Otto Kawakami and Mime. Yacco and their company of rising Japanese actors and ac. tresses' appeared for the first time ia America, in no less than four different pieces. At first sight and sound the native Japanese drama is rather q dif, ficut problem Its tragedy does nor make serious dent in the American auditor, and its comedy does not strike him as the most joyous thing in the world. The Japanese actor, one finds. expresses pathos though his nose; he. roles, in blind staggers, and humor in aefobatie hip-haps He snufles when he is saddest And as there was great deal of sadness in the first twa pieces presented last night, there was deal of snufiing. Our Japanese townfolk filled the gallery and seemed to find delight in these nasal special- ties, but the people downstairs didn't appear to know just how to take them
 
 with the aid Of the arguments" print ed in the programme, quite intelligibie The first one, "The Duel" displays beautiful scenery and costumes and a diYerting sword fight. The second.
 Kosunoki," is full of fights, during which the actors employ themselves iu many realistic tumbles from pile oe stage rocks some fifteen feet in height. Hypnotism also seems to have place in this piece, as one no tices that many Japs fall down van quished at the mere glance of the hot eyed hero. The most interesting fa plot is "The Temjye of Dojoji," which Is built around the Japanese legend of the bell in which the lovers hide and are cremated by the jealous woman's wrath. In this Mme. Yaeco, who im- personates the vengeful rival, executes dance that is full of unique steps aud l poses. The performance closes with what is arehly entitled Dewey Day Celebration on the Pine Fringed Shores of Miho' Here the Geisha dances ara introduced with pleasing result. An 1 other diversion that comes earlier in the programme is song, accompanied l by the characteristic Japanese instru- ment the shamisen. The song itself Is long-yoiced falsetto and painful to 1 the ears but the accompaniment is iu- teresting from technical standpoint at least. Cut to practical proportions. this Japanese show ought to have a curious interest for all play -goers. But in it's present shape the Jap auditors seem to have most of the fun. As picture, it is we'll worth taking in, the scenery is striking and the costumes are splendid. It is quite like an ant mated Japanese screen.
 Family of Musical Tastes.
 Harper's Bazar: A gentleman of de- cided and highly cultivated musical tastes, wishing to change his residence. advertised for rooms in "a private fam ! fly fond of music" The next mall brought him the following reply: Dear Sir:-I think we could accom- modate you with rooms, and as for music one of my daughters plays the parlor organ and gittar; another ons plays the aecordeon and banjo; I play cornet and fiddle; my wife plays the harmonica, and my son the flute. Wa all sing and if you are good tenner singing you would fit right in when we get to singing gospel hymns evenings, for none of us sing tenner. Or If you play the base vial we have one right here in the house. If you want music as well as board we could accommodate you and there would be no extra charge for it."