The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-03-04

few performances cam IT be Sc. ious alb
negation. series of such sacrifices would
do much toward stopping the increased
demands that have come TO be expected
whenever a capable actor reaches town.
Unless something OF the sort is tried soon
the Uniform tariff here will be 81 for or
chcstra chairs.
Evidences on which to base the prophecy
are not wanting In the Capital there IS a
manager who has the distinction OF hav-
ing raised rates this year for no fewer
than six men and women. who never be-
fore were presented at charges exceeding
Sl.5O. In the Capital there is a theatre at
which. during the current season, but an
eycl half-doZen first-class stars have ap
peared without attempting to swell their
revenues by the doubtful means in quss-
ton. AT that house Mrs. Leslie Carter
Olga Nethersole. Henry Miller, and Sir
Henry Irving already have been seen at
advanced prices, while it is understood
that Nat C. Goodwin and William Gillette
both will be introduced at the 81 schedule.
Neither of these artists being more at
,ractive than hitherto, except for the pos
session of successful plays. the observer
is left TO decide that only when they have
unsuccessful plays Will the two condescend
to accept ticket fees that do not go over
s1-50. Leaving out of the case Sol Smith
Russell, Alice Nielsen, John Drew. W. II.
Crane Mr.. and Mrs. Kendall and E. II.
Sothern. the solitary performances fur
nished in this resort since September. at
whic h increased rates have not been
asked are those of THE Girl From Max
ms THE Cuckoo" Sporting Life, 3"
"Phroso," "Papa's Wife" Chris and the
Wonderful Lamp" "At the White Horse
Tavern" Children of the Ghetto" Be
cause She Loved Him So Lord and
Lady Algy." the James Kidder- Hanford
triumvirate, James X. Hackett. and Prim-
rose and Dockstader's Minstrels. The
list speaks for itself.
These are few randomly selected ez-
amples of the sort of thing to which this
city is submitting. The Times describes
the evil. but it cannot be rectified by de-
scription more than by being made the
subject OF numerous communications.
There is remedy, and that remedy should
be applied But probably it will not-cer-
tainly not while ink and paper hold out
and Uncle Samuel carries the mails.
Some amusing advertisements are 20 be
seen in country papers. The Scranton Re
publican recently contained one concern
ing the coming of the organization playing
"A Greek Slave" the most absolute fail
IRE of its kind that the season has
brought TO Gotham. In the Republican"
it is stated that Mr.. Edward l.. Bloom
presents the Augustin DAILY production of
London's latest comic opera success, a
Greek Slave as given 800 nights in Lon
don. $50 in New York and 100 in Boston.
Interpreted by company Of great magni-
tude and Importance, including 100 artists,
travelling by a special train of eight cars"
OF course. every person who is posted on
theatrical affairs knows that Augustin
Daily died months before "a Greek Slave
ever was seen in this country. and that
consequently, no single member of Mr..
Blooms troupe was engaged by that man
ager. BY look or crook-principally by
crook-the piece was made to last through
twenty-five performances. among them
matinees, In the metropolis. Sin e its pre-
miere at the Herald Square occurred on
November 2S, were Mr.. Bloom speaking
the truth the comedy still would be in
New York and there would remain until
the evening of May 81 next. The allega-
lions relating to 100 artists and "a
special train Of eight cars" are ludicrous
on their face. There Is not a star In
America who is supported by 100 people,
and Richard Mansfield and Sir Henry IT.
wing are the only two who have special
trains. All this the good folk of Scranton
must have realized had they thought an
instant. And Mr. Blooms press agent must
have realized that they would realize had
his been the power to think for tenth of
that time.
In speaking of the Illness of Z. II. Soth-
ern last Sunday this paper referred to that
gentleman as "a very poor actor" Tues
days post brought the following letter:
theatical editer deer SER seen in your valyahle
paper yesterday that you thot that Southern is
poor acter now don you think you ar littel
unjust to Southern mister editor seen southern
~t-4s1.s
that seen him in that mist no that Southern amt
poor acter. ALSO seen SutheIn in the Jolly
nusketeeer and luther things now don want to
teech you your bisris but don you think he dun
better then you cud dun in his phase yours truly
The "theat:cal editer" feels properly
Inundated and contrite. Perhaps IL he
had seen Mr. Sothern in 1.-THE Jolly muske-
teeer" things might not have been thus.
A Western daily prints list OF the quail
fications which Georgia Cayyan once
quoted as being necessary to theatrical
success. The list follows:
A strong physique.
An unimpaired digestion.
A slender figure.
4 marked face.
A carrying Voice.
A lack Of real feeling.
Al abundance Of pretended feeling.
Much magnetism.
Fascination Of manner.
Purity of speech.
A general knowledge OF history.
A good general education.
A general knowledge of costumng.
A practical knowledge OF economy in dress.
Considerable business faculty.
tEfagging industry.
Un6aunted ambition.
An utter lack OF sersitiveness
A vast capacity for taking pains.
An absolute and undisputed devotion TO the
theatre.
Ar unwedded life
An ability TO distinguish criticism from abuse
or fulsome gush.
A readiness to profit thereby.
Some genius at advertising.
Quickness at seizing opportunities.
A well-defned specially.
A good memory.
Good luck.
Talent.
A list of the successful actors who have
all these qualifications would be shorter.
The managers of the Columbia Theatre
are making a decided Improvement in
their comfortable house. A portion of the
east wall OF the lobby has been taken
down, thus establishing communication
with the apartment next, and this addi-
ton will be fitted as a reading, writing.
and waiting room for ladies'. Hitherto,
local places OF amusement have lacked
conveniences of the sort to a lamentable
degree, and there Is no doubt that the
move of Messrs. Luckett and Dwyer will
be appreciated. if not by everyone, at least
by everyone who has waited beyond the
portal" for a friend or relative.
II was announced late last week that
Manager Chase had added to the chain of
vaudeville theatres which he operates, and
OF which the Grand is most imnortant