davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times., 1899-07-02
CoIumbia-"Divorcon's.r y

The hard-working actress, Eugenie Blair
and specially selected company headed
b. William Bramwell, will open at the Co
lumbia Theatre for a limited engagement,
Monday evening. July 10. in Sardou's "Di-
vorcon's." Miss Blair has long been asso-
ciated with tragic parts and great deal
OF pleasure is anticipated in seeing her in
the role Of Julia, which abounds in spirit
and humor. The play is clever satire on
the subject of divorce. which had more
point than IL now has when the whole
French nation was debating the subject of
permitting divorce. AS presented by Miss
Blair and company, it is a genuine and
inofensive comedy with brilliant dia-
logue.
.Diyorcon s." as Sardou wrote it and as
presented by Miss Blair and company. rre-
sents well-defined characters and develops
an entertaining and humorous story of the
characters themselves and their relations
10 the subject of divorce. The central fig
ures are Henri and Julia, who have grown
apart In their married life not on account
OF substantial differences, but because the
wife is sentimental and demands a roman
tic lover. She has fixed her affections on a
fop, and is awaiting the passage of the di-
vorce law that she may procure legal
separation from her husband. false re-
port of the passage of the bill brings af-
fairs TO crisis, but her husband. TO cure
her. pretends to consent to the divorce
presents her to her lover. and prepares to
resume his bachelor life. Then her love
for him returns. He takes her out TO sup
per as her lover and her real paramour is
made TO appear ridiculous in her eyes. In
the end she gives up her false notions, and
husband and wife are restored to happi-
ness.
The comedy has not been presented in
Washington for years and was last done
here By Mile. Aimee. The version used by
her was developed on farcical lines and
was somewhat risque. but was not as good
play as the present version of Sardous
''Divorcon's'' as offered by Miss Blair. The
same scale Of summer prices is to remain
and the sale OF seats opens next Thursday
morning at the box Office of the theatre.
The times., 1899-07-02

Charles Dickson and Katherine Oster-
man, both well known in Washington,
made their vaudeville debut at Keith's. in
New York, Monday evening. in compara-
lively new and unique sketch, entitled
Tomorrow at Twelve" While a little
over advertised. the offering is said to have
been very favorably received. The story
concerns two art students who had acci-
dentally engaged the same studio for the
same hour. A duel in reparte results
with the natural ending that each falls
violently in love in a few minutes and
the curtain drops to the accompanying
smacks of osculatory reciprocation. This
departure of the twain from the legiti-
mate is not permanent. When the nights
get longer and cooler, Mr. Dickson will
betake himself TO his first love, Mistakes
VIII Happen" in which he will be starred,
while Miss Osterman will begin rehearsals
in her husbands new farce comedy, Dear
Old Charley
The times., 1899-07-02

About the only person who will in the
least profit by the recent fiasco in theatri-
cal affairs is not yet aware OF her pros
pective good fortune. This is Violette
Kimball, who was TO have had one of the
smaller parts in christopher, Jr." As all
familiar with local affairs theatrical are
aware. she made her initial professional
appearance in small role in ''The Dane
ing Girl" When the management were
attempting to hold the late lamented COM
pany together and to that end set them to
rehearsing a bill for the following week.
with other local women, Miss Kimball
was asked to assist in the performance
Previous TO that time none of the actors
or actresses had ever seen or heard of her,
but so readily did she take hold of the
part, SO promptly respond to her cues
and otherwise conduct herself in an exem-
plary manner that the sole subject of con-
versation, between the periods of almost
continued knocking" was regarding Miss
Kimball. Mr.. Gilmore was especially i'm
pressed with her adaptability and prophe-
sled great future for her in the profess
sion. At this juncture Joseph Buckley ap-
peared on the scene and spoke of his task
of engaging people for the support of his
star, Otis Skinner, for next season. Mr.
Gilmore Immediately recommended the
young Washington lady. and all others
consulted by the manager endorsed his YER
dict. AS a result. within week. at least.
Miss Kimball will receive a proposition
which, if accepted, will give her fine po-
sition with one Of the best and most schol-
arly actor-stars in America. She probably
does not yet know Of the prospect in view
and this announcement may be her first
information on the subject. Nevertheless.
it seems likely that Miss Kimball will be
seen in THE Liars" when il comes here
early in the dramatic year
The times., 1899-07-02

customary return for the money expended.
Wicness the sequel Financial loss
TO both parties has brought them
to their senses at last. The
announcement is made with an ap-
parent show of verification that the twain
will be seen in the same company the COM
ing season, being co-starred. Each lost
considerably over $4,000 last year and the
harvest of this scattered seed is a small
crop of good intentions. The DeAngelis-
Fox company would make q profitable
booking for any house. while either the
DeAngelis or Fox attraction would not be
received except under protest and with
doubt. All of which is merely proof of the
opinion voiced in these columns when the
pair were in Washington, to the effect that
each was only half star and could never
go ii alone"
The times., 1899-07-02

After his engagement as an imitator and
entertainer in London. Harry Gilfoil will
go on the road with "A Trip to China
town." assuming the role OF Welland
Strong. Harry is one OF the few great
artists in his line of business and his
friends here In his home are proud of him,
The times., 1899-07-02

that she has made Lederer all he is to-
day; that she loaned him money to pay
the chorus in ia Belle Helene" and
otherwise is responsible for his position
in theatrical affairs. She says he could
never have secured lease on the Casino
had she not agreed to appear there, and
claims that the suit will be followed by
counter suit until the manager is really
sorry for his too precipitate action And
the end is not yet.
The times., 1899-07-02

With all the pronounced and announced
needs of the stage today, none is more
prominent than reform in the writing of
comic opera. When last here with THE
Fortune Teller" Eugene Cowles about
struck the proper note when he said the
hour was at hand for ratonalism in opera
as was the drama for naturalism and mod
Grafton. He cited instance after instance
among the older comic operas where the
love story was natural and not overdrawn,
where the heart interest was keen through
out, and the events following each other
in logical order as in a legitimate dra-
matte effort. Then he called attention to
the present state of affairs, where the
opera is made up of a series OF disconnect-
ed events, with practically no bearing upon
each other, and whose sole aim was to
amuse. He was especially severe upon
the effort in which he was then appear
ing. stating that he had studied the story
both from the production and manuscript
and failed to see single rational idea in
the whole score. There seems little reason
for this fault except that success from
popular standpoint seems to bedim all
other considerations. Some day. in the
near future, too q librettist Will turn ou.
a comic opera with a clear-cu logical
story which Will be devoid of cake walks
and coon SONGS and will make de-
served hit. When as eminent an artist
as Eugene Cowles realizes the dement's
of present day offerings, successful though
they are, it is time for an alteration. Pos
sibly the coming season will give us some
thing applaudable in story as well as mu-
sic. Such has not been the case since
the present decade began.
The times., 1899-07-02

While originally organized by members
Of the profession, the Benevolent and Pro-
tective Order of Elks is now made up al
most exclusively of non-professional peo-
pie, the alteration being so gradual as to be
almost unnoticed. The recent meeting OF
the Grand Lodge at st. Louis emphasized
the truth of this situation very forcibly.
OF all the grand officers elected, not one
was either an actor or manager. and the
statement is made that outside of Gotham
town the professional people are in the
hopeless minority both in numbers and in
fuence. Despite this, the feeling of friend
ship between the wearers of the antlers
and the deyotees Of grease paint is every
where very strong and lasting
The times., 1899-07-02

We'll, have been living in the same
house with physician for the past four
weeks and have consumed all kinds of
medicine hourly for three months. Is it
any wonder that | am nearly restored
to my original weight OF l5S pounds?"
This was the answer received in Te-
sponse to the enquiry propounded by a
Times reviewer when he greeted Tim
Murphy yesterday shortly after his arrival
in the city from Clarksyille, Tenn. His
looks did not belle his words, and from
appearances one would not think that six
weeks ago the popular comedian was
close to the state demanding crepe, under
takers. and wreaths of flowers from mourn
ing but admiring friends. For the pres
ent Mr.. Murphy will remain in Washing
ton as the guest of relatives and then
pass up 10 New York to look after his
bookings for the coming period of hustle
and prosperity. There is little doubt that
THE Carpet Bagger' will remain MIR.
Murphy's vehicle for the present. and he
says it. has been licked into excellent
shape, the numerous errors of construc-
ton eradicated, and the situations built
up considerably throughout. These were
the only faults discovered in the effort
when seen here in its very crude state
early in the season, and if the task of
pruning is really successfully and artis-
tically done there is no need for further
search for material or vehicles for the
Washington Brander. After completing
his business arrangements in New York
Tim will return to Washington and re-
main here until the opening of the season.
The times., 1899-07-02

Five years ago Daisy Hammack was do
ing a bit with THE Private Secretary"
and doing it we'll. The coming season will
see her in the role of Minerva. the Brown
ing and Darwinian student In the best
farce of the decade, What Happened TO
Jones'" This role was written in order
to give the other ladies of the company an
understudy and may be cut out altogether
if occasion requires. AS a result. Miss
Hammack will be required to be up on
all the parts from Helma. the Swedish
servant girl to Cissy. the bright and win
some lass who thought Boston slower than
San Francisco. It should be a profitable
season for the young woman. and her YER
satility should permit her TO make a de-
cided impression artistically.
The times., 1899-07-02

Personal advices from members of the
Frawley Company in Milwaukee signify
that affairs are not as satisfactory there as
their many friends here would desire. The
town is a problem to conjure with even at
its best. having acquired the reputation of
being the most deceased theatrical burg in
America. In the regular season visiting
organizations are assured of hearty well
come from the newspapers, but even with
this aid scarcely manage to find the finan-
cial footing on the right side OF the ledger
In the first place. the citizenship is dis
tinctly Teutonic, yet even the Lilliputians
III the height of their American popularity,
and while delivering their piece In the Ian
guage of the fatherland, did a starvation
The times., 1899-07-02

The inevitable disagreement has occurr-
ed between Lillian Russell and Manager
Lederer, and TO add to the personal ami
mosities, the aid of the law has been in
voked by each party and the findings of
the court will likely be interesting if not
sensational Il all comes from the fair
and naughty Lillian's independent disposi-
tion. When engaged for the revival of La
Belle Helene" with the other prominent
operatic people. Miss Russell found herself
a good deal of the real thing. With this
idea in view. she quit the organization
suddenly in this city. after her appearance
had been widely advertised. and having
the other artists under contract. the loss
to Mr. Lederer must have been very
very large. In return he has brought suit
against his former star for $4,000 dam
ages. In a public statement, Lillian AYERS
The times., 1899-07-02

At last George Buckler has been heard
from. 1t is now two years and more since
he began his stock company engagement
at the Grand and at the end of two weeks
left twenty-four alleged Thespians in the
city without a dollar to their names or
a stitch OF extra clothes to their backs.
But he bobs up as serenely as of old. this
time through a half-column defence of
Alfred Ayres and an attack upon w. J.
Thorald In the course of this screed he
claims to have acted in the same produc-
tion of THE Merchant of Venice" as did
Ayres, and considers himself suitable to
judge of his abilities. There can be but
one George Buckler with this infinite
nerve and Washington has seen him in
variety of roles, extending from Hamlet
to James, the butler, in Mike O'Clanna-
hans Search for Employment" The clos
ing sentence of Mr. Buckler's communi-
cation is quite worthy of him. II includes:
Get acquainted with some OF the real peo-
pie of the dramatic profession who can
keep you posted on contemporaneous mat
ters Pay more attention to your own
parts, and less to those OF others live hon
orably, be kind to everyone, render to ev-
cry man his just due, and some day you
may emerge from your mediocrity of OBJ
livion and be truly great yoursefi'
This last stab was a keen one. the un-
kindest blow OF all Like the Pharisee
George wraps his slender garment about
him and thanks heaven that he is not as
other men. And the other men are thank
full, also.
The times., 1899-07-02

Fatty" Walsh, father of Blanche
Walsh, the actress. one of the most wide
ly known sports and politicians in the
metropolis. died last week after brief ILL
ness. With all his faults Walsh loved his
daughter, and did all in his power and
ability TO push her to her present front
rank in her profession. And be it said 10
her credit that she never was in the least
ashamed of her humble origin and rather
gloried in il than otherwise IL was from
this. father that Blanche inherited her de-
termination and strong will, which have
enabled her to accomplish her great career
and will keep her in the galaxy of stars
which truly have a right to claim that
much ill-used appellation.
The times., 1899-07-02

Alterations and improvements are un-
der way at the New National, which will
be appreciated by the members of the
profession, though scarcely visible to the
general public. Visiting property men
and stage managers will especially rejoice
over the changes made. The small prop
erty room has ceased to accommodate the
accumulated paraphernalia, and separate
building is in process of construction.
This will facilitate the dressing of the
stage hereafter and save many waits.
Then, too, the dressing rooms have re-
ceived a thorough overhauling and new
carpets and fixtures provided. Some time
in the future the Rapleys will conclude to
put the National buffet in the basement
of the building and use its present location
for a ladies' drawing and reading room,
but this alteration is not included in the
present plans. However the theatre is
even now better fitted for the public COM
fort than is the usual playhouse. and other
improvements viii simply add to its at
tractiyeness.
The San Francisco call., 1899-02-26
ANGL LO-FRENCH STRAIN
SERIOUSLY INCREASED

NEW YORK, Feb. 25.-A cable to the
Journal from London says: There has
been a temporary halt for some un-
known reason in Lord Salisbury's ne
gotiations with Embassador Cambon
for the settlement of disputes between
England and France. There has been
no conferences between these two dip
lomats during the last week, although
the Muscat incident led to an exchange
of communications between the Foreign
Offices of the two countries.
The French declare they had no no.
tion of obtaining a strip Of territory
in the province of Oman on the Persian
Gulf, but only coal depot for the ben
eft of trade.
The English action in forcing the
Sultan of Oman to refuse the French
request was neither correct nor polite
to France, so the diplomats across the
channel assert. Coming on the heels OF
the Shanghai affair. it tends to prove
to the Partisan mind the persistent i'll
will of Great Britain toward France.
On the other hand, English diplomats
assert that France by secret intrigue
purchased from the Sultan of Oman a
coaling station, and the agreement did
not forbid it being fortified. The sum
of the whole matter is, however, that
the Anglo French strain has seriously
increased.
The San Francisco call., 1899-02-26
FIRE OF FILIPIN0S
is MORE ACCURATE

MANILA. Feb. 25.-Later reports
show there was considerable fighting at
Caloocan last night. The Filipinos are
becoming more accurate in their firing.
During the skirmish last night two
Americans on the railroad were slight
Iy wounded A member of the Kan
sas regiment was shot through the head
this morning 1t is believed his wound
is mortal.
A Spaniard with flag Of truce came
through the lines of the Kansas regi-
ment this morning at half past s
o'clock. Filipinos are visible in force TO
the northward.
The deputation from Negros Island
which came here after the people there
had accepted the rule of the United
Stats is evidently pleased with its re-
ception It's members will return to
Bacolet. the capital of the island, on
Tuesday.
The military police have raided sew
eral suspected houses in the various
districts, capturing small bodies of
twenty or thirty persons in each place.
This and the o'clock ordinance is eff
fectually dispelling the fears of the ma
tives of a threatened outbreak, who
did not care, singly or collectively, to
appear on the streets after dark. The
feeling in the city has decidedly i'm
proved.
The Chinese are still timorous. Hun
dreds of applicants for cedulas besiege
the Registers office. the natives ap-
parently being under, the impression
that their possession insures them from
The San Francisco call., 1899-02-26
TO OVERTHROW
THE GOVERNMENT
OF GUATEMALA
ALLEGED ORGANIZATION of a Filibus-
tering Expedition to Invade
Central America.

KANSAS CITY, The Times VIII print the de-
expedition object
Government of Guatemala in Central America
Accord a
via
the
out O Regiments
nonommssioned officers of
of
expedition pledged
meeting at which fifty signed
in ano
would
transportation by rail and had
A
the TO in
fused have anything % 10 flbusters
The San Francisco call., 1899-02-26
A CABLE TO THE
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
Senate Committee Agrees to Incor-
porate Provision for It in the
Sundry Civil Bill.

WASHINGTON, Feb. 25.-The Sem
ate Committee on Appropriations to-
day agreed to incorporate a provision
in the sundry civil appropriation bin
providing for the construction Of a sub
marine cable connecting the United
States with the Hawaiian Islands. The
amendment adopted is the one intro
duced by Senator Butler. and 1t pro-
vides for the laying of the cable by the
United States and for its subsequent
ownership by the Government. the
Navy Department TO perform the SER
vice and the cable when completed to
be operated by the Postofhce. Depart
ment.
Senator Buffers original proposltion
provided for the extension of the cable
to the Philippine Islands, but the com
mittee decided not to make provision
for this extension because of the un-
Certainty of tenure of the United States
in the last-named islands.
Senator Butler made statement pc
fore the committee showing that the
cable could be laid to Honolulu for
s6,942, 900.
The San Francisco call., 1899-02-26
POSITION OF SPANIARDS
BECOMING INSECURE

MADRID, Feb. 25.-General Rios,
who commanded the Spanish troops in
the Philippines, cables from Manila
that the position of the Spaniards there
is becoming very insecure, owing to
the movement of the insurgents of the
town.
The Chamber of Deputies continued
the debate on the peace treaty, the dis
cussion consisting mainly of personal
recriminations by the members.
Senior Sagasta eloquently eulogized
the heroism of the army. He did not
deny that some might have failed in
their duty, but did not believe that in
dividual faults could be laid to the
army as a whole.
If continued the Premier, "a di-
rect accusation is made. the Govern
ment is prepared to bring the guilty
persons before the courts.
Senior Sagasta declared that it was
untrue that the country had lost con-
fidence in the army.
Marshal de Campos is about to sub
nit to the Senate motion signed by
all the generals in the Senate, demand
ing parliamentary inquiry into the
conduct of the recent war.
The San Francisco call., 1899-02-26
Your early arrival necessary
f." Situation critical.

provide protection to foreigners, and
marines from foreign men of war
would form a very small guard, which
could not be effective against the Fill
pinos unless supported by American
troops.
While the authorities are anxious to
place at General Otis disposal all the
troops he may need there seems to be
no apparent desire on his part for the
department to hasten reinforcements 10
him The statement in his dispatch
that no anxiety need be felt here had
a quieting effect, and the result was an
order this afternoon directing that two
companies of the Ninth Infantry be
sent to Vancouver Barracks, there TO
take station, and that the remainder
of the regiment proceed to San Fran
cisco.
It is now apparent to the authorities
that General Otis is confident he has
the situation well in hand and the only
thing over which they feel any concern
is Rear Admiral Dewey's mysterious
dispatch concerning the Oregon.
Secretary Long is quoted this morn
ing as saying: II am sure that Dewey's
dispatch has no international signifi-
canoe You may state that positively.
Probably he wants a fine ship there.
as the American Commissioners are
about due, and it will give weight to
the American representations.
Naval officers who were seen on the
subject were far from agreeing with
The San Francisco call., 1899-02-26

interference and the ignominy of being
searched for arms on the streets. 1t
is generally believed that the disas-
trous attempts to attack the city and
destroy property, the Filipinos them
selves being the worst sufferers. will
prevent their recurrence. but every pre-
caution is being taken to deal with an
emergency if it arises. The insurance
agents refuse TO entertain any claims
on account of Wednesdays fires. They
intimate that General Otis, having
guaranteed the safety of life and prop
erty of the inhabitants, is responsible
for these claims.
The German first class cruiser Kais>
erin Augusta has arrived here.