Year: 1860

We frequently hear pungent satires on the spirit
of the age, as manifested in the universal neglect of
tragedy on the stage, in favor of comedy of the
iightest kind burlesques, fantasies, fairy scenes
and gorgeous shows that strike the eye rather than
the ear While this tendency is distinctly admit
ted, there are some who strive to account for it
philosophcally, and yet charitably, on the ground
that people Of this generation are too intellectual
in their occupations to be serious in their amuse.
ments. Men stand all day in q brown study, with
finger forehead, and Of course at night they
must give way to childish hilarity and frelic. The
bent bow must be unstrung occasionally.


Now, we cannot exactly see the force, though
we acknowledge the charitable intention, of this
explanation. In fact, the Wisest men, the most
profound thinkers, the best writers, have been the
greatest admirers and patrons of heavy tragedy.
Besides, we doubt somewhat the claims of this
generation to superior intellectual effort. There is
undoubtedly more general information among the
masses than formerly; but is there more thought
more assiduous application of the mind to the af-
fairs of life? We have yet TO see the proof of it,
The greater number of those who patronize the
frolic, fun and scenic brilliancy of the present
stage, have been lounging around all day in
. marble halls, with juleps and punch by their
side"


And then it is to us rather o new idea that fol-
lowing q tragic representation requires much in
teectual exertion. The interest and excellence
Of such piece consists in its effective appeal to
the gravcr passions. Revenge, pity, compassion
and grief are within the province of the heart and
by no means tax the same faculties that during
the day have been engaged in abstruse arithmeti-
cal problems and cotton calculations.


Perhaps more correct solution of the question
would be found by referring to the intrinsic merit
of the performances rather than to the public
taste. Human passions are the same now as ever,
and the objects interest them. If the misfor-
tunes Of Desdenono, the gillainy of Richard III
and the perfdy Of lago could eectrify an audi
ence fifty years ago. they would do the same now
if they were represented with the same force. But
there is the difficulty. 1t requires very high
order of genins and of a peculiar nature to embody
those masterpieces Of genius in action. OF course
these are not found every day, and the public are
equally, of course, Wearied with an unnatural ex-
hbition, and will remain SO until some one arises
who can raise the buried thought to real life. In
the meantime artists of eminent ability in other de-
partments of the drama appear, and the public
naturally follow them. Lets Forrest, a Booth or





would soon strut as admired as ever.





ATMOSPHERIC PHENoMENoN.-A few days since
the atmosphere was transparent at Newport,
R. l., that people within the city, with the naked
eye, distinctly saw Block Island, thirty miles dis
tant. So clearly could this be done that the slope
Of the hills and color Of the sand could be traced
By the aid of glass, the people moving abou
were seen, and among other things noticed was
the pushing off of small hoat.


ADDICTION AT NEw BEDFoHD.-Captain Swasey
of the ship Sylvia, arrived at New Bedford, Mass
from the Sandwich Islands last week, bringing
young islander with him. The story was noise,
| abroad among the coiored people that the gir
waa slave and in short time the former subject
of Kafnahameha ". was forcibly carried on in tri'
umph hy a white man.