The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-18

The feet OF the whole matter. when the
observer generalizes in time and place,
is that ordinary play-going is much too
expsnsiyc-ioo expensive from several
viewpoints. The rates that have come to
be customary are absolutely barring to
the very individuals whose patronage pro-
yides managers with their chief revenues
Fer after all, Ii is neither the society
scion nor the casual dropper-in who rem
ders profitable the conduct OF an amuse-
ment resort. One has not the leisure and
the other lacks the inclination which en-
ahles that close attention to dramatic
affairs which prompts constant attendance
at the theatre. The much-despised matt
nee girl, who subscribes to the ''profes-
sional'' papers and saves her programmes:
the purchaser of the admittRnce ticket,
who sees everything and sees intelligently;
the sslaried young fellow, who
feels the necessity of taking his lady
friend" out Observation-Disclosures are the
folk whose money shows best on the
tneasurers' statements at the conclusion
OF most provincial engagements. And
these also are the folk who simply cannot
afford TO pay what is asked at the higher
class of houses.
In Washington fourth variety of en-
observation-disclosures may be added TO the
three mentioned. The fourth variety viii
consist OF the male and female employees of
Uncle Samuel. There is but the slightes,
difference between its components and
those primally described. None OF the col
lection probably cares or is qualified TO
visit a Thespian temple Gnaccompsnied.
The ordinary person Of the stronger sex
finds half his enjoyment in companion
ship; the ordinary person of the weaker
hesitates to venture into the night with
out escort Under existing circumstances.
IL is hardly possible for either to invite
his or her acquaintance TO occupy a seat
further removed from the stage than are
those in the orchestra circle Such chairs
cost 81 at usual performances. Two.
therefore, amount TO twice that sum and
presence at the play house three times in
a week-three times is not an excessive
number-involves an expenditure of Sc.
Since no reasonable being could put the
general stipend OF these clerks at mark
exceeding $50 a month one reaches the
fact that fidelity to what doubtless is a
mingled diversion and study must require
an outlay notably over a third of the hg-
ure which represents the average income
OF the student
Unquestiona5ly. TO this verify is due the
vogue Of vaudeville. The men ana women
70 whom allusion has been made perhaps
are the most intellectual of the theatre
going public. They cannot be expected TO
cultivate an interest in the sort of attrao-
tion best known as the popular-priced.
They do not thrill at safe robberies and
steamship wrecks. nor do they laugh at
settler bottle mistakes and clap-stick as
saults Consequently. those Of the ilk who
are unable 70 stand the strain mentioned
are forming the clientele of the "coutinu-
Gus" resorts: will be more and mere seen
ct chose resorts as Maggie clines become
rarlties and Marie wainwrights fire.
Quencies. The proof of the foreg Ing rea-
son given for the profit in theSe places of
amusement is not further removed than a
house In this very city. For several
months the Grand was run with the cost
OF downstairs seats set at 81 To say that
business was bad would be TO furnish an
inadequate description. The rate was
halved at the beginning of the current sea-
son, and il now is uncommon for the cur
tain to be raised before fewer than GOO
auditors. The dreadfully particular ex.
elusive would be surprised 10 see the class
OF people who attend the entertainments at
the Grand. Ching Ling Foo riraled Miss
Ne.hersoie In the stylishness OF the gath
erings drawn.
In the majority of instances there abso-
jutely is no necessity for the demands made
by managers. Expenses rarely are com
nensuraie with returns-capab'e actors
annually net fortunes for themselves tiei
directors. and the ieasers OF the haildings
in which they appear. Probably til Amer
lean stage today holds twenty individuals
whose work results In a personal income
of not less. than $500 a week 1t is need
less to remark TINT such q sum is cut 81
all Proportion TO the labor accomplished
The srgumentfve may urge the considera-
ton OF risks. hut. oddly enough. the stars
whose tours involve no risk hiring more to