The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-11-02

old charm or simplicity, ana Sllll pleases with his quiet mannerisms. His new article, written by himself and Mil ton Higgins, is one that cannot fail to please. The field this time is Missouri instead of Kentucky, but the play is wholly southern in theme and treat ment
 As Captain Clay, the sport of Corn vile, the lover of mint juleps and race ing horses, the clean politician and self-sacrificing man, David Higgins, full ly upholds the standard of excellence he has for so long maintained. The character appeals to every southern heart, and calls forth hearty admira- tion. Miss Clare Armstrong is an able second in her part of Melissa Benton, the captains old sweetheart. Lawrence Atkinson, in the role of Hon. Cal Slavin, the politician, is an ideal villain, as is John Webb Dillon. in the part of Smith Barnell. Miss Bliss Milford, as Charlotte Ross; Jesse Keppler, as Hod Doane, the jockey, and Charles Will lard as Corporal Billy Cartmill, are good in comedy work. The remaining parts are in good hands and the com- pany as a whole is well balanced.
 The play is of the true David Hig- gins stamp, teeming with the excite ment of horse racing. The story deals with the old love of Captain Clay for Melissa Benton, who will not accept his hand until he has promised to fore go the pleasures of a life of sport, to quit horse racing and forever swear off from drinking. Clay Is seeking the democratic nomination for congress- man, and has as his rival Cal Slavin, an unprincipaled politician. Harry Benton the brother of the sweetheart, is teller in the village bank and is engaged in bucket-shop speculations at the insti- gation of Smith Barnell, the cashier, who is also in love with Melissa. Clay entrusts young Benton with the cam pagin fund that has been placed in his hands, asking him to deposit the money in the bank. Benton suddenly leaves town, and the campaign fund is found to have been withdrawn. To shield his sweetheart's brother from the suspicion that naturally falls upon him, Captain Clay takes the guilt upon his own head and finds himself reduced to his last dollar and unable to cover the deficit. The horse which he has promised Me lissa not to enter in the coming race is secretly taken from his stables by hfs jockey who is successful in winning the race and redeeming Clay. The in- cidental complications and the ending give the final touches to a story of absorbing interest.
 David Higgins is an excellent actor in an excellent vehicle. Captain Clay of Missouri is well worth seeing.
 Sweet Glover" at the Majestic.
 CAST OF CHARACTERS.
 Jerome Holcombe Harry B. Castle.
 Jack Hamilton. his nephew, John F. Carlton.
 Job Mason, an old friend. Edward Law renee.
 Eldridge Grosvenor, Clarence Chase.
 Albert Slade, John B. Whiteman.
 James, a butler, William van Size.
 Abigail IIolcombe, Jeromes sister, Miss Myrtle Hurlbert.
 Mrs. Livingston, Mrs. Octavia Roma.
 Mrs. Emmett, Miss Amy Laird.
 5unule AHureWs, Aln. GuAuiSltb Hlcce, Miss Florence Hills
 Miss Mabel Paige aS Lois Holcombe. Jerome's daughter.
 The second weeks stay of Miss Mabel Paige at the Majestic opened suspicious ly last night with the presentation of the pretty four-act romantic drama, Sweet Clover" by Marion Short and Pauline Phelps. These authors have written sev- eral successful plays. in one of which. "A Grand Army Man." David Warfie<d has scored quite a triumph. and in Sweet Clover they have cleverly woven a love story with it's rosy beginning around the usual thorny pathway with its heartaches and obstacles. through sev- eral well constructed dramatic situations. gently unwinding to a delightfully."- happy climax.
 finished performance is given by a stock company. Each part Is handled graceful ly and ably, and the performance goes with a smoothness that is in every way pleasing to the audience.
 As Lois Holcombe, around whom tile story is largely centsred, Miss Paige has ample opportunity to display her dra- matic ability, and measures fully up to the demands upon her talent MT. Castle, as Jerome Holcombe, her father, gives some good character delineation, while MT. Lawrence, as Job Mason, has the audience with him from the start with his clever handling of the part of the backward suitor. Mr. Chase, who has the role of Eldridge Grosvenor. fully sus- tains his popularity as leading man and MT. Whitman, in the part of Albert Slade, handles his part admirably and shows the marks of a finished actor. Nr. Carlton, Miss Laird, Miss Hurlbert~ and Mrs. Roma do their parts well. and Miss Hills, as 6unnie Andrews. 10 as full of life and vivacity as ever. Tudg- ing by last nights performance, Sweet Clover'' will no doubt be proven even greater success than Lovers LAne," which was so well presented last week.
 There will be a performance every night this week. with matinees Wednes- day and Saturday.