The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-10-28
ne. Duriug the week a new three

vertising. During the week new three
sheet lithograph of Mr. Murphy adorned
the entrance to the Columbia. The head
was Murphy's all right, but the accom-
panying name was that of Tim Murphi.
For some years the Washingtonian has
been considering the advisability Of chang
ing his name, principally because he may
be imbued with the false idea that he is
unable to attract as fashionable audiences
with his good, honest name as he might
with a name that savored more Of the golf
links and pink teas Or, 1t may be that
having arrived at that stage of his inter-
estirg career when he has his photographs
taken in a studious pose, with bundle Of
books under his arm, the former Maverick
Brander asDireS to name that suggests
member of the banana selling fraternity.
If Murphy is bound to be Murphi, why not
alter the Tim also? There are so many
opportunities to adopt really sweet front
name that it would be a shame to disfe-
gard them. II Mr.. Murphi is set upon the
Italian sunset cognomen, The Times sug-
gests Antonio. and the former Tim MUIR
ply could have his plate engraved Tony
Murphi. Or. If the comedian is seeking, a
dress suit name, that Of Perez is respect
fully offered. Anything but Tim when
coupled with such weird appellation as
Murphi.
But in all seriousness, it was a grievous
business error to put out the Murphi three
sheet advertisement In Washington of all
cities, where the actor was reared and
where he has more friends to the square
foot than any other player who claims the
Capital as his home. II it is an effort to
attract the Italian element Of the city's
population to the theatre it will also have
the effect of keeping away from the Column
D1yav- <,f DO F.s- r,,re
be able to stand the Murphi. Anyway you
may look at it, the advertisement is a mis-
take and Mr.. Murphy-the Irish mama.
please-should have it called in when he
next plays in his native city.
The death Of Uriah H. Painter, the
owner and former manager of the La
fayette Square Opera House was made
doubly sad, occurring as 1t did. on the
same day that his theatre entered upon
what gives every promise of being an ex-
ceedingly prosperous season. Mr.. Painter
would certainly have been gratified had
it been wiiled that he was to witness the
scene at the Lafayette on the night CT the
day his soul took its flight, for during his
later years one of his chief business VEN
lures was the opera house, and he looked
upon its struggles with more of paternal
interest imam upon any OIL DIS Otner
numerous business affairs. When the La
fayette ceased to be syndicate theatre.
Mr.. Painter endeayored to conduct it as
an independent house. but it was impos-
sible to secure suitable attractions and
the attendance upon an inferior class OF
performances was discouraging and would
have caused any other manager to close
the theatre and give UP the struggle
against the overwhelming cdds-odds that
no living man could overcome.
But Mr.. Painter made courageous and
splendid fight. and never for one moment
considered the idea of a surrender. He
had fought many hard battles during his
time, and won them. too. and some had
been against stronger adversaries than the
theatrical syndicate. only the conditions
were not similar. His many local business
friends pointed out to him the utter i'm
possibility Of victory. and sought to in