The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-11-21


In 1.-THE County Chairman" presented be-
fore an Indianapolis audience for the first
time last night at English's, George Ade
aims higher than he has in the past, and
his success in his undertaking strengthens
the opinion that the promise of char
aoteristic American drama lies in such
light pieces as he and Augustus Thomas
and George II. Broadhurst are capable of
writing. rather than in the pretentiousiy
serious plays. in which still more preten-
tiously serious prospectors persistently
seek IL.
1.-The County Chairman" impresses one
as being very meritorious piece of the
the most part, skillful and neat the lines
are, as is to be expected OF George AIDE,
unusually clever; so far the story itself
Is concerned, IL borrows little as posi-
bic from the ancient heaps of material for
plays or its class, while the characters
situations and humor have a genuine and
-ndivicualfzed American flavor that is
sonnd TO appeal TO the average American
theater-goer.
A large audience enjoyed the new play
last night and 1t Is safe to say that there
will be heavy attendance 1T the perform
ance this afternoon and the final perform
ance this evening, for AIDE and his works
are much admired in Indianapolis and there
Is prevailing desire among local play
goers to see this latest and most ambitious
effort OF the Indiana humorist.
In giving this piece to the American
stage. Mr.. AIDE is to be especially con-
graduated as the author of a rural comedy
that is entirely free from the familiar
farmyard accessories and other oyerworked
properties and business" of the usual
bucolic drama. 1t cannot trutnfuIly be
said that his plot is an entirely new one,
nor can II be said that the story he has
to tell Is absorbingly interesting. The value
Of the play lies in its faithful presentation
OF mtdwestern types, whose typical Ian
guagc and mannerisms become decidedly
amusing when interpreted by capable play
ers. Mr.. AIDE has drawn his characters
with remarkable fidelity. and. If the dra-
matte element is sometimes lacking i'm
his play, there is surely no lack of enter
tanning dialogue
The play is nothing If not simple and
straightforward. The story opens on the
day OF q political convention i'm the town of
Antioch, the scene OF the first act being
the open space adjoining the general mer-
chan0ise store OF one Vance Jimmison In
q nearby town the delegates are choosing
a candidate for prosecuting attorney TO
run against Elias Rigsby, a prominent citi-
gen who Is not very popular. The good
denizens of Antioch put In their spare time
talking over the prevailing topics of the
day until Jim Hackler. the county chair
man. makes his appearance with the news
that the convention. through shrewd man
agement on his part has nominated his
young law partner. T1lford Wheeler. Every
DOQy present - pitdSeQ save the young
man himself. for Wheeler has only a short
time before asked the daughter of the Op-
posing candidate to become his wife. He
agrees to accept the nomination. but de-
ciares he cannot make an open fight.
The second act occurs in the courthouse
grove OF Antioch. The feminine inha bit-
ants OF the town decorate the speakers
stand with bunting and flags for the OPEN
ing OF the campaign, and after q while the
candidates and voters OF both parties ar
rive on the scene, together with the
s.narching club" the towns much-admired
drum corps, the school girls who repre-
sent the States" In the procession and all
the other participants In the campaign.
This is the great scene OF the play and is
productive OF no end OF coed fun. Judge
i2igby proceeds 10 challenge young Wheeler
TO a debate but the latter refuses TO be-
come involved in a heated argument with
the father Of the girl he loves. But when
the Judge makes some remarks rejecting
unor WheeIer's character the young candi-
date warns up. and, jumping upon con-
yenient stump, he deals out scathing re-
buke that brings about free fight and
breaks his engagement with his sweet
heart.
The third act takes place In the county
chairrnan's law office just before the cleo
tion. Jim Hacker. in looking about for
campaign material of the usual Sort has
found out that Rigby has embezzled some
money that belongs 10 an orphaned girl,
and. Of course. he starts forth 10 spread
the story. In interview between Hack
Ter and Rigby IL develops that Rigby's wife
vas once sweetheart OF Hackers. Dur