New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-09-18

It's an Ill wind that blows nobody
any good. So, when rude Soreas
twitches a certain most damnatory
scrap Of paper out Of the plutocratic
fingers Of Martin Hasterman and sends
it whlrling down from his skyscrapsr
Office the cause of benefcent pater-
nalistic government Is materially adj
vanced over that Of selfish and pred
atory wealth. As if to emphasize the
antithosis one way or the other, which
ever 1t was, Lord and Lady Aberdeen
occupied a box on the one hand, while
Max d. Steuer was an observer in the
stalls on the opposite side.
This dark mystery OF a stupendous
plot to corner the chief resources Of
the country in collision with alien enc
my bankers starts with much fascina-
ton. Masterman is the presiding
genius Of Che conspirators, with Robert
Blaisdell and Daniel Cardigan agreeing,
he can control the food, coal and trans
portation of the United States. Tho
scene opens "a Masterman demands the
compliance Of the other two. Little by
little their scruples give way; they
Millions as Masterman reiterates with
JUNCTION.
The signed document is proof con-
elusive of agreements in restraint Of
trade and heaven knows what other dire
crime. The whole truth is not i'm
parted TO the audience. 1t is not
that paper signed the conspirators
intends TO keep the paper as his surety
for the good faith of his accomplices.
Then the door is opened, and sud
den gust Of wind sends the fateful
scrap of paper on its capricious jour
ney, its ups and down shifted at the
winds will.
As a dramatic situation, that Of the
object Of great value which passes
from one avid contender to the next
Is one Of the most popular Of the eter-
nal forms. The present example is
slightly reminiscent Of the old French
play, THE Lottery Ticket" but there
is originality enough, the adroitness
under all Of Owen Davis's sophisticated
fist, and an element that is entirely
new. Alas, too newt A sweet young
girl insists that her lover, who has
fortuitously come into possession OF
the scrap Of paper, shall use it as a
club TO force predatory wealth to end
the sufferings of hapless humanity.
II is not to be inferred that such mo-
tive is impossible, but, coming out of a
clear sky. as il were, it claps itself
ponderously upon the head and shout
ders Of the plot. One would think
that the adroit Mr.. Davis might take
Kirby Rowland aside, tell her what an
extraordinarily sweet and pretty girl
she is and csjole her into ventilating
her principles at less crucial moment.
~ The former vein were held and
screwed up to little higher pitch at
the finale the first act would be one OF
the best in modern melodrama.
The play abounds in clever turns
and tricks, and the cast all round are
specially qualified TO take advantage
Of their opportunities. Handsome
Harry" Mack is one of the dellghtfulest
crooks imaginable. His mere entrance
was enough TO divert man with
toothache. Mr.. billiard, Of course,
mado masterful captain of industry.
The part is one OF the best he has
had, with the exception OF the last
scene. This is matter which must
be touched on, painful as it is, to be
captious.
In this case il is Mr.. Masterman's
daughter whom Owen should eliminate
gently from the scene. Not that we do
not approve OF her beauty. We would
gladly have her come on for several