New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-05-22

waverers, after looking to him for orders during
the last four years. are now falling in behind
him. Instead OF being the chief of a privileged
clique of personal friends and discouraging am
bilious outsiders eager to distinguish themselves.
he is now a broadminded and earnest leader of
a party united in principles. and welcomes aid
from anybody who makes himself useful in re-
storing the Unionists to power TO work out a
tariff policy for the kingdom and preferential
trading for the empire. Apart from the two
leaders OF the front benches there have been
few changes in the range of personal influence
Mr.. Bonar Law has become more active as
debater in Opposition, and Sir Gilbert Parker
more serviceable as a tactician. On the govern
ment side Mr. Asquith has produced a Radical
budget without overcoming the prejudces of ad-
vanced men; Mr.. Haldane has shown himself
more fluent in exposition of army reform than
dexterous in convincing opponents that it is
necessary; Mr.. Bfrrell has lost ground by intro
ducing an Irish bill without air of personal
conviction and MI Churchill has stood sti!l.
Only one minister has distinctly improved his
position This is Mr.. Harcourt who has bright
wit suavity OF manner, sound judgment and
responsiveness. He is a natural manager or
men. and has winning personality which is the
incompatible gift of leadership.
It is one of the encouraging signs of inter-
national good feeling that the American invasion
Of the London theatres has not excited resent
ment. Within a few weeks three American
companies have appeared behind the footllghts
and a transatlantic play has been enacted at
another theatre: and in each instance there has
been an instantaneous and hearty welcome, with
fair treatment from the London critics. There
is good business for each Of these enterprises
and the general effect of the invasion is in
creased respect for the American stage The
highest class Of work has been done at the Wal
dorf by the Sothern- Marlowe combination. MI
Sothern suffered at the outset in comparison
with Miss Marlowe but now that Hamlet" has
been played for week there has been re-
adjustment in his favor. II is the common
judgment of impartial critics that the American
productions of Shakespeare are the most
thoughtful and artistic witnessed in London for
a long period. and that in clearness of enuncia-
ton. melodious recitation of blank verse and
perfection of English undefiled London players
have much to learn from these accomplished
artists. Mrs. Wigs of the Cabbage Patch" has
been a great hit at Terrys. and Mrs. Madge Carr
Cooks impersonation IS regarded triumph
Of realism and eccentric comedy. Equally cord
ial has been the appreciation Of Mr. Robert
Edeson and his fellow players in "Strongheart'
at the Aldwyck While critics have been
stunned by the energy of the actors and have
not understood the variegated college slang.
they have praised Mr.. Edeson a most re-
markabe character actor. The three companies
have produced the impression that while English
actors toying with their parts and whisper
ing their lines the American players work
strenuously and thoughtfuy and present amaz>
ing effects Of realism The American play
'Brewsters Millions" at the Hicks Theatre. is
also running exceedingly well, Mr.. Du Maurier
doing full justice to the eccentric comedy and
playing with fine variety and rollicking spirit.
I. n F.