New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-01-03

weakness in the general elections by the menace
OF three-cornered contests at Getesheed and
Norwich. Strenuous efforts are making to
secure the withdrawal OF labor candidates.
so that the full free trade strength can be
massed against the protectionists. but the
Liberal organization is inefficient and COM
promises are difficult. The trade unionst agita-
tors bent upon securing g larger labor con-
lngent IN the next Parliament for the sake Of
enacting new law by which the recent de-
cisions OF the bench exposing the funds Of the
unions to processes Of distraint may be counter
acted. Their demonstrations in the impending
by-elections are intended to influence the central
Liberal organization and compel q more gen.
erous distribution Of candidates in distinctly
labor constituencies
The Chicago theatre fire has called oIt many
manifestations Of public sympathy for the
mourning American city and inspired critical
reflections respecting the safety of London play
houses. The usual changes are not rung upon
American recklessness. for the truth is frankly
admitted that there is not IN London a single
theatre which can be compared to the Eoquois
in structural arrangements, fireproof condi-
tons. the number Of exits and general safe
guards. The point is made that the failure to
lower the asbestos curtain more than half way
would have been impossible in London, where
the managers compelled to let down cur
tains Of this kind at every performance and keep
them in running order. Candid theatre man
ayers admit that while the dangers OF an out
break of fire be minintzed. there cannot be
adequate safeguards against the mad rushes of
panic-stricken audiences.
Two notable clearances Of crowded schools
have been effected recently in London when the
buildings were burning. but this is because the
school children are Systematically drilled for
the emergency of fire as sailors on ocean liners.
Theatre audiences cannot be subjected to disci-
pline and helpless when panic sets in. Lon
don managers assert that. while girls are en-
ployed as ushers. they have more men at hand
TO control the audiences than employed in
American theatres. They do not deny that
passages into theatres needless3y circuitous.
and that safeguards are lacking for keeping the
doors open at critical moments and preventing
disastrous blocks.
The winter exhibition OF the Royal Academy
is fairly interesting: the mixed and incon-
gruous selection of portraits by Sir Thomas Law
renee nearly fills two rooms. but includes many
mediocre and only few of his best works. 1t is
pieced out with ten portraits and hunting pieces
by Sir Francis Grant. and the adjoining room
with Henry T. Weiss portrait Of Lord Hath
erly and miscellaneous works by him, Sam
Bough, Sidney Cooper and John Callcott Horsley
is an affectionate tribute of fellow craftsmen
rather than exposition Of the old masters.
There are real masterpieces Of all schools in
the Long Gallery. One is Canaletto's wonder
fully beautiful picture of Verona. owned by Lord
Fowls; another is Lord Darnleys Van Dyck, a
picturesque. softly toned portrait of Lord John
and Lord Bernard Stuart. Another IS a por-
trait of the wife and daughter of Charles Book
Governor of South Carolina, a most beautiful
example Of Sir Joshua Reynoldss art. The first
gallery contains forty-three old masters. mainly
Italian, from private collections. Lord North
ampton's Botticelli. formerly Lady Ashburton's.
representing the Virgin and Child with angels
Filipino Lippi's Holy Family with st. Mar
garet, from Edward Perry Warren's collection;
Filipino Lipprs "Annunciation." from Lord
Methuen's, and two works attributed to Gior-
gione are conspicuous. There three works
from Windsor Castle and Hampton Court, and
]. Pierpont Morgan, Alfred Belt and Julius
wernher contribute a collection Of bronzes.
sculpture and medals.
Six landscape painters are exhibiting at the
Dudley Gallery. and there is an interesting dis
play OF William Blake's work at the Carfax
Gallery.
An important bronze relief OF the early six
teenth century has been discovered behind one
of the pictures at Hartford House, new treas
ure-trove for the Wallace collection.
1.-THE Darling of the Gods" is spiendidy
staged at His Majestys Theatre, and is as
beautiful in the way OF decoration as II is In
teresting, poetic. impressive and japanese
Both Mr. Tree and Lena Ashwell act with force
and intensity, and every member Of the COM
pany is thoroughly drilled. and looks, walks.
talks and dresses like the wonderful little peo-
pie; but the interest OF the piece lies mainly in
the magnificent spectacle.
Arthur Bourchier proclains the glad tidings
that W. s. Gilbert, after long period Of in
action, has re-entered the theatrical lists, and
has written a sparkling comedy for the Gar
rick.
Mary Anderson's East End charity perform
ance with recitation and songs, Bach's Christ
mas oratorio at Westminster Abbey and the
splendid rendering Of The Messiah" at Albert
Hall under the leadership of Sir Frederick
Bridge have been among the incidents Of holi-
day week. l. y. r.
HnDTTC fDTC