The record-union., 1899-11-30
ADJUSTMENTS.

A good house at the Clunie last night
witnessed the first production here by
any company of the society drama,
1.-The Idler." The Elleford troupe con-
cedes that it is heavy for the organiZa-
ton; that it demands specially selected
people and a group exceedingly we'll
balanced THE Idler" in the hands of
a company of players who are accus-
toned to dealing with intensely emo
tional and finely drawn dramas, where
everything depends upon delicate shad-
ings and bold, strong pencilings as well,
and just the quality of color demanded
with not bit more nor less, is one that
will deeply move and impress any audi
ence. The thread of refined comedy in
it requires the most skillfull handling
and artists specially adapted by per-
sonal charm and by both youth and
mature age, to develop all its niceties.
The emotional and semi-tragic parts
require an order of handling that is
found only in organizations selected
and raised especially for that kind of
work. But nevertheless the Elleford
company gave a good performance. 1t
rose to the task before it with more
courage and accomplished it with more
the company won distinct credit. They
constitute an all around stock com
pany, playing melodrama, low comedy,
farce, sensational drama and the like,
and are not much given to undertaking
such work as that in hand last night.
That they should have achieved a very
creditable degree of success is grat1fy-
ing. The play is one of great strength,
of novel plot, unconventional situations
and most unexpected climaxes It's
strength lies in the development OF
character under unworthy passion ana
the test of love in the crucible of 1nJus-
tice. 1t is the one play out OF nun
dreds that runs the gamut OF emo
lions, and deals with love- wrong, re-
venge, to forgiveness and human char-
ity, that is yet without an irreclaimable
wrong-doer in it. There is no apah-
doned rascal, no bad, bold woman, no
human injury that is not r1ghted, no
wrong that is not atOned, no misery
that is lasting, and no life or character
sacrificed. Yet throughout the drama
life is in peril, honor is risked, Wo-
mans good name is involved, motner
love is tried in the fires of imperiled ar
lection, and filial duty stands upon the
verge of ingratitude. But breadtn OF
charity frank confession and sincere
forgiveness; love spurned but requlted;
unholy passion aroused but rebuked
and shamed. characterize the scenes.
1t has defects in the rather unsatls1ac-
tory conclusion and the extended Gil
makes. which lack that sharpness ana
clearness of design essential to hlghly
effective works The chief honors OF
the presentation last night are to De
divided between Mr.. Cooley as the
Idler, who, out of sheer want OF useful
occupation has drifted into thought OF
evil unworthy of him, and Miss Eil1ott,
whose Helen was well sustained, the
best part in the play and handled with
more of skill and deeper feeling than
we had thought she could command.
Mr.. Cooleys Idler was effective, well
read, intelligently interpreted and acted
with ease and finish. These two char
acters We're exceptionally we'll drawn
and acted Next in line of credit must
be placed the Strong of Mr.. Wyn1an
1t was the most genteel and the clever
est thing he has done here. Jessie
Norton is too practiced a commedienne
not to realize that she was cast out OF
her sphere. The Kate of the play must
be very young. rather gushing. good
deal kittenish. somewhat hoydenish
maiden, whose very boldness and mis-
chievousness are pardoned by her in
nocence, youth and charms. Jessie