davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25
THE LOUNGERS' LEAGUE.

They were discussing wit in the L0ung-
ers' League.
There" grsyely observed the Vice
President. whose general unpopularity
was due largely to the superiority of his
attachments, lis mental quality. lacking
which. mankind would have been
much gentler 1t is a weapon aud, like
other weapons is carried chiefly b. the
weak. Possession prompts its use. and pro-
iiciehcy in handling it. as Shakespeare
says of the rapier breeds reputation The
stiIletto of the craven. the sword of the
bravado, the"
Wit" queried the searge4t-et-Arms,
in establishment.
Quick as a gasp. the Vice President
turned on the interrupter. "One of those
things which you have not. he explained
Come! Comet" the President admon-
ished
The Vice President seemed sorry. But
there is my point" he remarked. Be
cause the blade was at my side struck
There is no fencing with the steel. On
lockers do not laugh until some one is
stabbed. The famous thrusters invariably
have been infamous slaughterers. Pope
was a butcher. Sidney Smith cut deep
est when he wanted most"
(which VASE
do you remember hearing his reply to
the jeers that followed his proposal to pave
the streets of London with blocks of wood ?
The councilmen had objected: impossible
Not at ALL answered Smith. Gentlemen.
lay your heads together and the thing is
done"
I'VE are being civilized" quoth the First
Member. The bright folk of today are less
reckless Can you wish for a pleasanter
wit than is Richard Mansfield An ac-
quaintance once observed to the actor: I |
am told that in youth ycu lived by your |
painting No returned Mr.. Mansfield. |
Despite it
"And yet" argued the Vice President. |
ut was Mr.. Mansfield who overheard !
Jealous star at rivals well-attended |
performance of 'Othelo comment: I won
der how much bad work the public will |
tolerate in Shakespearean Dramas and |
who suggested Why don't Won Try them?
THE cut was deserved applauded the /
President
"Mr Mansfield witnessed a dispute be-
tween two dinner guests a few months ago |
ut the Holland House." put in the First
Member. "a was claiming that a player.
like a poet. was born. urged that a
player. like a painter. was made. Both
appealed to the actor. In my opinion"
Judged Mr.. Mansfield. "a player. like Izalk
angler, is first bonn and then
made.
Which wasn't half bad
''Ill give you better example of my
IDEAS" quoth the Vice President. George |
cohan, who comes to the Grand next
week with the Behman people. became in
'olved in an argument With celebrated
recruit from the legitimate for whSm he
rad contracted to write sketch. Mr.. Co
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25
CHATS WITH THE PLAYERS

In my estimation, the funniest role
ever written is that of Shylock"
The statement was made in the lobby OF
the Riggs House by Raymond Hitchcock.
and it produced the effect that might have
been anticipated, J. II. Corning. an en-
thusiastic student of the drama and a
friend Of the comedian. heard it
and gasped for breath. Two casual
listeners pulled hard at their
cigars. The Times man, who was
interviewing Mr.. Hitchcock. smothered his
surprise. and remarked; "Of course. YOU
are thinking OF some particularly clever
burlesque"'
Not at all was the reply. The part
/ have in mind was conceived by the late
lamented William Shakespeare. and put
into 4 play called The Merchant of Ven-
ice It is generally conceded fact that
originally the character was supposed to
be comic. every tendency OF the piece and
Of the period pointing in that direction.
But. whether the Bard intended Shvloclt
as relief OF not, there is no creation in
his works that can be rendered so laugh
able. without departing from the lines
or traditional business. the courtroom
scene is convertible into bowling farce.
So. too. are the dialogues between the
Jew and Antonio, the Jew and the Jessica,
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25

and the Jew and Launcelot Gobbo. Ger
fanny. you can understand the humorous
possibilities OF the speeches. Imagine
Dave Warheld going through the pound
oil hesh portion of the effort. knife and
scales in hand tell you. the opportuni-
titles are so great that a single slip will
transform the role. should know where
oil speak, for 1 have essayed Shy,ock fire.
queutiy.'
Here was reason for astonishmeri-
haymond Hitchcock. the David Tooke OF
Three Little Lambs" having attempted
a part that had called forth the best ideas
OF Sir Henry Irving and that had eompIete-
ly bafiied Edwin Booth. "You essayed
Shylock!" exclaimed the reporter.
Il did" quoth Mr.. Hitchcock. Like
wise the principal characters in The
Ticket-of-Leave Man. The Corsicau
Brothers, and Uncle Toms Cabin II
was in the early days Of my career and
the case was that of the fool and his desire
to go where angels fear TO tread had
jOurneyed from Auburn. where all consid-
cred me a prodigy. and had reached New
York with hopes that were destined to fade
failed utterly in the endeavor to secure
an engagement and my money became 4
bright spot in my memory. Finally, wen.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25

han beat his verbal antagonist to cor
ner from which that individual was prone
to cry. You are impertinent.' You would
be. too, was the retort. were you bright
enough -
Il should call that merely smart" the
First Member corrected.
1t smarted~
The purest wit" said the Treasurer.
leaves no wound. To me Dickens seems
TO have been a greater satirist than was
Ihaekeray. | had rather read John Ken
drick Bangs The Masters Pen than all
the gall-tracinss OF those Engiishmeu who
were bred In the time Ct Elizabeth"
And Jerome X. Jerome?"
"A humorist''
III you take up humor" ehlmed in tho
Vice President. Il must cite remark made
to me In New York recently by the elder OF
behm1ns Rossow midgets. l was Whaling
down the street with the little fellow and
was talking over the Boer war. recalled
to him the axiom that for every man
Killed in battle the Weight OF two men was
hred in lead and powder. That cannot in
Yariably apply he objected. whlmsicalIy.
afford only a quarter target and my
"hen' is less than that Of the chap who
presents a whole one g
The President was gloomy.
We are getting away FROM the subject
suggested the First Member THE Vice
President has urged that wit is as painful
as is dentistry
Painless dentistry. qucth the Treas
urer.
and he has not been corrected be-
lieve that only the wit of the weak must
have for its topic the weaknesses OF 9th
ers Many of the kindliest OF our poets
nave been celebrated for their repartee
cannot see that the example of a few play
ers need be adopted to prove the Vice Pres
,deht point. What do you think. Mr..
PRESIDENT
Inc Presidents gloom increased
rms mas been half hour feast OF rea-
son. ne commented. land during that Pc
ROD nothing else has been partaken OF.
inink that the flowing bowl always is
preferable to flow OF soul. and l move
that the Secretary be asked to call
q waiter"
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25
BRIEFLY TOLD.

| Nine. Melba is to be married.
William GiIlette's season in Sherlock
Holmes" Will close early in April.
Tess of the D'Urbervilles" is to be
acted in England and Australia. though
not By Mrs. Fiske
Jennie Yeamans will be seen as a boy
in the coming Roster & Balls production
of The Regatta Girl"
Olive Redpath. of Naughty Anthony"
is to go a-starring. Few women in her
line are better qualified.
The receipts OF the first ninsty-two per-
formances Of Ben Hur.' given at the
Broadway Theatre, amounted to $1Si.S2g.
Harry B, Smith and Reginald de Koven
are writing a sequel TO Robin Hood
The piece will be entitled THE Sheriff OF
Nottingham"
The New York critics speak most Lightly
OF the work OF Percy Leach. washing~
ton boy. who is supporting Lillian Burl<-
hart in vaudeville
Israel Zangwill has sued the New York
Sun" for damages said to have been sus-
tanned by him through Franklin Fyles+
criticism OF Children Of the Ghetto"
Justin Huntly Mccarthy is said to be
writing comedy for Thomas Wise. the
exceedingly clever actor who was seen
here most recently as the prospector in
The Last Chapter
Walter Stetson. Washingtoniar. and
Selma Forester have closed with The "A
Busy Day company and are on the Proc
tor circuit with their new George Cohan
skit. Il Want to Know
After a run OF hardly over two months
run sustained by the aid of every means
az the power Of It's produeers-"Chris and
the Wonderful Lamp is about to be taken
out OF New York. Evidently. The Times
Judgment of Glen Macdonoughs brill
liant" work was not far wrong, after all.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25
FRIENDS OF LAST WEEK.

Somehow or other. it seems that stage
folk should take success and anti-fat ST.
multaneously. Just as soon as the av-
erage actress comes into prominence she
begins putting on airs and avoirdupois at
an astonishing rate. May Irwin and Ma
RE Dressler and Mrs. Leslie Carter and
Minnie Madden Fiske all have grown
stout as their box office receipts have in
creased. Last week the influence was de-
cidedly noticeable. At the Lafayette. in
Three Little Lambs" there was Nellie
Braggins. who used 10 sing and dance
gracefully in "The Three Dragons" pos
lively webbing through a simple pas
seui and shaking the house with her every
step And, in The Man in the Moon,
Jr.. one had revelation in Helen Lord
Time was when Miss Lord warbled Fol
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25

be the equal OF that which contained
Joseph Sheehan, Lizzie Macuichol, Grace
Golden. Raymond Hitchcock Arthur
Wooley. William Stewart. Gertrude Quin-
Ian. and-a scene PAINTER.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25

And the Strakosch Opera Company. whicf
is coming to the Lafayette, is to demanf
$3.50 apiece for best seats. This is NOR,
than a stock organization ever has askes
in Washington. II is precisely twice wha,
the Castle Square people exacted. either a,
the Lafayette or the Columbia. and Mr.
Strakoseh never has proved his troupe to
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25
WEIGHT.

Which comment doubtless is very friv-
olous and rinbecoming but which certsinly
seems pertinent in view OF the embonp0int
of the persons mentioned.
In all possible seriousness. however. lO-
calites had every reason to be astonshed
last week at the work OF Marie Cahl l. the
Phyllis Argyle Of Three Little Lamhs .
It is not too much to say that Miss
Cahill. with Raymond Hitchcock and
Edmund Lawrence. was the life Of the
performance. The chic and shapely young
woman is comparatively new to Wa shiug-
ten. too. or, il she is not, never before
made a hit Of sufficient Importance to Re
remembered here. In the first OF the trio
OF title roles in the L. 4. Barnet Offering
she was delightful. Her spirit and bright
ness peryaded the entertainment. she sang
well and she was funny without apparent
effort. When the buriesque on Becky
Sharp" was reached. Miss CGhiil proved
herself possessed of genuine ability.
closer and yet more amusing mimicry OF
Mrs. Fiske could not have been imagined.
In voice and manner and gesture the com
edienne almost became the marvellous ac-
tress whose Tess OF the D'Urbervilles"
won her pre-eminent place in he pro es-
sion. The auditor might have closed his
eyes at the end of the Lafayette trayesty
and have thought that he heard Mrs Fiske
repeating. I'm done fnr-Im done for"
Miss Cahills career will be worth watch
ing.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25

much of the scandal-cyclone that always
has ragged about Mr. Mansfield is due to
the motion of personally-conducted cleo
trio fans
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25

However, immortality on the stage IL
not more Objectionable than is complete
idiocy. If the New York Manhattan
has made reputation for Offering
dirty farces, Washington has a house tn
seasons bookings at which. when 'Shor,
Acres" and Secret service have been ex-
cepted. have consisted entirely of such in.
telligent works as are THE King of thu
Opium Ring" THE White Heather. Tive
Jolly Rovers,' when London Sleeps,
'Finnigan's Ball." Have You Seen
Smith," "McFadden's Row of Flats" "Su-
perba." "A Hot Old Time" Through tn,
Breakers "A Female Drummer" Isl
Hopkins "A Wise Guy THE King O,
Rogues" The Evil Eye" 1.-THE Gunner,
Mate" over the Fence" Devils Island
and THE Queen of Chinatown How.
that for high arte
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25

low On" and looked demure and innocent
enough to pose as the heroine Of Cold
en- Hair" ditty. But. as Jovilet would
say. things is different now" The for
iner Salvation Army lassie cannot weigh
a pound under $50. and she looks a triiie
less demure than might 4 cat with its
whiskers full of cream. All this has hap
pened since Miss Lord was here with
Hugh Morton's comedy. and as she has
climbed the .Droverbial ladder of fame.
One fairly could imagine a page in her
notebook reading:
EPISODE. WEIGHT.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-02-25

Seriously. Mr.. Skinner would do we'll I,
look into the history OF the man who /,
reputed TO have made fortune by writing
lines for valentines.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-06
AS SEEN IN WILKESBARRE.
Comment on the Probability of the
Miners Striking.

WILKESBARRE. Pa, Sept. 5.-The pros
poets for the threatened strike of the an
thracite miners being averted are better
tonight than they have been for several
days. Nearly all the mine superintendents
In this vicinity were in New York today
attending a meeting Of operators there.
What the object of the meeting was the
officials here will not say. but indications
point to the fact that it was for consider
ing the advisab,Iity of making some con-
cessions to the miners.
1t is not believed that any of the oper-
atOrs will grant the full demand for a 20
per cent increase, but they may offer 5
or 10 per cent and agree to meet the min
ers of the respective companies for dis
cussion of the grievances. 1t is said on
good authority that they will still refuse
to recognize the United Mine Workers or
TO treat with the officials of that union,
but will instead offer 10 recognize separate
unions formed Of men belonging to each
company In that way they can avoid the
danger of a general strike. which they
would experience IL the United Mine Work
ers maintained their power. These indi-
yduai unions wouh not have the prestige
nor get the assistance which would be
given to the big unions, controlling all the
work-Ien.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-06
BRITISH RAISE THE SIEGE.
Dispatches Announce the Relief OF
the Ladybrnnd Garrison.

LONDON. Sept. 5.--A despatch received
from Maseru this afternoon states that the
siege Of the Ladybrand garrison has been
raised. Further details of the siege are
contained in another Maseru despatch OF
yesterdays date. At the time this was
sent the Beers had ceased firing upon the
beleaguered force They had removed
their heavy guns and were collecting their
cattle. with view to raising the siege
The casualties Of the garrison were not
known. Officers on the Basutoiand side
of the Caledon River had photographed to
the garrison The message was acknowi-
edged by them, but 1t was not answered
II was believed that. owing to the un-
certainty OF the Beers as to the quarter
from which the British relief was to come,
they would rendezvous at Mequalings Mex.
Two Englishmen escaped from the gar
rison and eluded the Boer scouts by swim
ming the river. The scouts continued
firing upon them when they reached neu-
tral territory.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-06
CoNGER TO REMAIN.
VIII Not BE Relieved From Duty Mt
PelSin Mt Present

The decision was reached yesterday by
the State Department that Minister Con-
ger shall remain at his post in Pekin un-
til recalled This latter action will not be
taken until the present diplomatic mudGle
has been cleared up and satisfactory re-
suit reached in the matter OF indemnity.
MT. Conger has not as yet expressed any
desire to be relieved from duty in the
city within which he suffered such a try
ing ordeal but il is known that he expects
to be relieved, and deserves a long vaca-
tion. He has been asked by the state De-
partment to remain where he is and to
represent the United States in all negotia-
tions with China and the allied powers
with reference to restoring the imperial
Government in Pekin and in bringing about
order in the Empire.
This announcement verifes the statement
that w. w. ROckhill, the special envoy
who was sent to China by the President,
has managed to get himself into disfavot
and has earned recall through the state
ments credited to him IN an interview
given to several correspondents at Shang-
hal. It was openly stated yesterday that
the entire Cabinet, as well as the Presi-
dent, were Of one mind as to n prompt re-
call of Mr. Rockhili.
Mr.. Rockhill is quoted as saying that a
state of war did exist all along in China;
that the imperial Government and not any
bands of Boxers was responsible for sSe
outrages committed upon foreigners. both
in the legations in Pekin and elsewhere.
This view is what the Administration has
been seeking to deny since the Chinese
troubles began, and it has time and again
been reiterated that a state of war did
not exist in China, and that there was not
the slightest basis upon which the United
States might declare war on the Celestial
Kingdom. All of this has been torn down
by the accredited representative of this
Government and the officials are deeply
chagrined over the affair.
A high official of the State Department
was asked yesterday how soon Mr.. Rockhill
would be recalled
That do not care 10 say was the re-
ply.
How soon will he return to this coun-
try?" was then asked.
'-oh. probably within a very short time
was the response
The Rockhill incident has been discussed
at Cabinet meetings and it is certainty
that Mr.. Conger will relieve the former
of his intended duties.
The State Department officials are
inclined TO think that Russia would
change her course under the present pres
sure and would retain her troops at Pc
kin 1t is not believed that she will with
draw and leave Germany and other DOW
ers in occupation.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-06
YOUNG LEDYARD WEDS.
Bride and Groom start to Meet
Baroness Won Kettcler.

HAMILTON. Ont, Sept 5.-The Presby-
terian Church here was well filled this
afternoon with a large and fashionable
audience, assembled TO witness the mar
riage of Miss Maude Hendrie, daughter
Of William Hendrie, and Henry Ledyard,
son of President II. B. Ledyard of the
Michigan Central Railroad. The marriage
was to have taken place tomorrow. but
a message from Baroness Won Ketteler,
whose husband was slain by the Boxers
in Pekin. asking that some one meet her
at Yokohama, hastened the preparations
and it took place today. She is a sister
of the bridegroom.
Immediately after quiet reception at
the home of the brides parents special
train was boarded by the newly welded
pair and a race was begun to catch the
regular train which connects at Vancouver
with the steamship leaving for Japan. They
expected to overhaul the train somewhere
near Winnepeg. after which all will be
plain sailing for the bridal pair. They
are expected to arrive in Yokohama late
in September, and will leave there about
October ..
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-06
THE RESULT IN VERMONT.
Late Returns Show n Republican Ma
iority of 2O,5OO.

BURLINGTON. VT, Sept. 5.-Returns
received here tonight make the Repub-
lican plurality in yesterdays election
30,91S and the majority of 29,500, If the
remaining towns correspond to the vote
already reported. The Senate is solidly
Republican. The Democrats carry forty
six out of the 246 towns and cities.
Every county ticket, as usual, is Repub-
lican. but by the same decreased ma
jorities as the State ticket.
Returns from 23S out of 246 towns and
cities give these figures: w. ". Stickney,
of Ludlow tRepublican), E,597; John H.
Senter, of Montpelier (DemocraD, 1898:
all others, 996. This is Republican
plurality of 30, ,659. In the senatorial con-
test Gen. w. w. Greut has a substantial
lead In the House. In a despatch re-
ceived from him tonight he claims total
of 1874 on the first ballot out of Z total
of 246 on joint ballot, with several towns
yet to hear from. In Washington County.
the home of Ex-Governor Dillingham;,
Grout claims to have thirteen votes. with
eight Democrats unpledged.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-06
HELENA STERN RELEASED.
Result of the Enquiry Into the Death
of Mrs. ROscnbery

An inquest was held yesterday after
noon by Coroner hewitt at the Sixth
precinct station for the purpose of en-
quiring into the death of Mrs Bessie
Rosenberg, who died at Providence HIS
pital last week Koppell Rosenberg. hus-
band of the deceased, who lives at
Fourth and H Streets northwest. ap-
peared before the authorities on Tuesday
He said that he had reason to believe
that his wife had died as the result of
a criminal operation. and swore cut
warrant charging Mrs Helena Stern with
the crime. The accused was arrested
Tuesday evening and spent that night in
the House of Detention. Coroner Nsyitt
ordered the body of Mrs. Rosenberg,
which had been buried in Adas Israel
Cemetery. to be exhumed and an autopsy
held. This was done early yesterday
morning under the direction of Deputy
Coroner Fisher. The examination showed
evidences of an operation. Tetanus. or
lockjaw, had been induced, and this was
the immediate cause of death. After the
inquest Mrs. Stern was released from
custody
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-06

George Roberts and Richard Miller, the
former a soldier. the latter a drummer,
are lodged at the First precinct station
on charges of affray. They came to-
gether in front of cigar store near the
corner of Tenth Street and Pennsylvania
Avenue northwest last night about u
O'Clock. Both will be arraigned today in
court. Miller is said to have been ia
tOxicated and he claims that Roberts
came along and kicked him. This Rob
erts denies. He says he was brutally as
saulted while sauntering along the Ave-
nue. by Mile and others. During the
trouble RObel was pitched through a
large glass window of the cigar store
and severely cut about the arms and face.
Policemen Simpson and Cover took the
men to the station. Roberts was treated
later at the Emergency Hospital and then
locked up.
The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-09-06
LEAPED FROM A FERRYBoAT.
An Unknown Man Suddenly Pfunges
Into the River.

a man about thirty-ive years of age,
now lodged at the Fourth precinct sta
tion. is puzzling the police. He refuses
to tell who he is. He is said to have
attempted suicide. He is neatly attired
and apparently well educated.
The man boarded the steamer Belle
Haven, which does ferry duty between
Washington and Alexandria last night
deck of the vessel. seated himself, and
remained quiet until the steamer was
under way. As the boat left the wharf
other passengers took seats near him.
The boat had passed the line of wharfs
along the river front and was abreast
the Arsenal wall before the stranger
moved. Then, quickly divesting himself
Of coat, vest, and hat, he leaped into the
river.
A soldier at the arsenal named HaIford
Mills was sauntering along the wall when
the man jumped from the steamer. He
plunged into the river. II wGs a long
swim TO the channel, but Mills reached
it in time to grasp the stranger as he
was sinking. Mills swan with the man
to the shore, reaching there in an ex-
hausted condition. A stretcher was pro-
cured and the man was taken to the Ar
senal Hospital. There physicians resus-
citated him and about o'clock he was
turned over to the police.
The Rev. S. II. Greene, pastor Of Cal
vary Baptist Church, was asked for by
the man. DR.. Greene Is out of the city.
He then asked for John Feister, Of 1910
Sixteenth Street northwest. and late at
night Fei5ter called at the station. He
did rot divulge the name of the man.
however. To a reporter the prisoner
said: Il did IL simply for newspaper no
teriety. All my family are anxious to
have the matter published in the papers
think / shall try opium poisoning next