Nelson Chronicle, Colne Observer, and Clitheroe Division News. — 1897-12-03 (Nelson, Lancashire, England)

THE THEATRES.  "THE DESTROYING ANGEL" AT BURNLEY.  This week Burnley theatre-goers have a rare treat provided at the Victoria Opera House, in Mr. F. A. Sendamore's mystic drama, " The Destroying Angel." The plot of the piece is on similar lines to that of Marie Correlli's "Sorrows of Satan," and is extremely fascinating throughout. The piece abounds in scenes of true dramatic interest. It is produced under the direction of Miss Agnes Hewitt, who, in the part of Evelyn West, scores a distinct success Cyril Aubrey is represented with true artistic instinct by Mr. Lionel D'Aragon, and the "Mr. Orcus " of Mr. Cyril Austin-Lee, is admirable. The thankless part of Bill Hat, who, for the sake of money which he knows to be hidden in the house, endeavours to impose himself upon Evelyn as her father, whom he has murdered, is in the capable hands of Mr. Frank Harding. Other narts are equally well taken. The piece is splenaidly mounted, and big houses should be the rule this week end.  Sir Wm. Harcourt had struck the true note when he said they must attack the House of Lords —(hear, hear). It was the bottom of all their troubles—(applause). They would never march to a solid victory until they had tackled that question of questions. The present government was a hybrid government, and was altogether not a happy party. From the House of Lords, Liberals could expect nothing whatever. They had always been as destructive as they dare to be. Nothing could so unite the Liberal party as the destruction of the House of Lords as a political force. What could the workman of this country expect from a House where labour was represented by such men as Lord Penryn ? But the destrustion of it must not be left to the leaders. They must rise as a solid phalanx If the great victory had to be won. They might depend upon it the Lords would not go out from a mere shout. It would be a long fight and a strong fight, but if they were united they might depend upon it that victory would come to the force that made for the freedom, equality and the brotherhood of the people—(applause). Miss Taylor then gave an address, saying that they wanted it to be understood that they were working along-side the men. They wanted to show the men that a woman who stepped outside her home was not ridiculous, that politics and the things effected by politics were for woman as well as men. She thought, however, that every true woman would understand that the home had to be considered first. She hoped the Association would be a success and a credit to themselves and the town.—(applause). Mr. Widdop and a number of the members of the Reedyford choir were present, and kindly gave their services, the proceedings after the foregoing speeches being pleasantly varied with music and recitations by Mrs. Singleton, who is one of the best lady Lancashire dialect recitera in the district. Miss Birtle gave a nice rendering of "Darby and Joan," and later on Miss Ashworth delighted the audience with a fine rendering of the brilliant song, "Bid me discourse." The choir gave the following selections in very choice and refined style, "Sweet love to me," and " Crulskeen Lawn," Mr. Widdop conducting, and officiatiug as accompanist to the songs. Mr. Tunstill next offered a few remarks, speaking of the influence of women upon the Liberal party during the last seventy or eighty years, for though they had not had a Women's Association or combined in any way to work harmoniously together, they had still been working. The influence ef women upon husbands, sons, and brothers could hardly be estimated. Who had not felt the influence of a wise, shrewd woman, full of common sense? She did not know how she asserted her reason, but it came, and very often was the most valuable. The Liberal party had a great deal to be thankful for in the work that HOIREII2 had done in that way. Bnt the women had aided them in other ways. In that great movement of the Anti-Corn Law League which took years and years and cost hundreds and thousands of pounds during the contention, they were aided all through by the women. So early as 1841—and the movement only began late on in the thirties—they held a bazaar in Manchester where they raised £lO,