The Theatres.

THE THEATRES .

jVlr . H . A . Jones must now regret the article he wrote i „ a recent number of the " Fortnightly" attacking tl , e critics and criticisms of " First Nights , " for his name , owing chiefly to the "firstnighters , " has within the last few days become famous , and he has been

placed by the much abused critics in the front ranks 0 [ dramatic authors . We do not think Mr . Jones can be so inconsistent as to object to first night criticism when it is adverse , and to appreciate it when It is favourable . The reception which " The Middleman " met on its first production and each evening

since , as friends have told us , must have satisfied even Mr . Henry Arthur Jones . We were one of the few who praised his previous work , "Wealth , " lately played at the Haymarket ; we thought it a good play , and an improvement upon his " Saints and Sinners , " which we also liked . " The Middleman " surpasses

any of Mr . Jones ' s previous efforts in the way of construction and interest . There can be little doubt that for months to come the Shaftesbury will be flocked to by the theatre-going public . " The Middleman " touches a social subject now very predominant , but it does not solve it , so that those who thought that by its

title they were to get at the solution ofthe sweatingsystem quicker than the Royal Commission and the philanthropists may be disappointed . In " Saints and Sinners " Mr . Jones showed the bigotry and narrowmindedness of certain relig ious sects . In " Wealth " he depicted what might ensue to a man of strong

intellect who gave himself up , body and soul , to the hoarding of riches . "The Middleman " illustrates how one man may fatten and grow rich on the brains of another , but the author stops there ; he leaves capital and labour and such vexed social questions to ( be worked out by others , for he has another side of his plot to work out .

Probably , had the author only shown us Mr . Chandler a very common man , but a shrewd one , amassing wealth by giving Blenkarn a few hundred pounds for his patent , the play would have appealed to but a few ; but when Chandler ' s son ruins Blenkarn ' s daughter the plot is turned'into another channel , and on Blenkarn ' s

struggle for revenge to lay low Chandler , the audience have a very fervent interest in following the play to its issue . A strong thread of domestic interest always tells on an audience . In the first act Joseph Chandler is discovered addressing the people of Tatlow from his drawing-room window as a candidate for Parliament ,

for he is wealthy , and probably—though the author does not tell us so—he began life side by side with Cyrus Blenkarn as a worker in the potteries . This Blenkarn has invented something for which Chandler pays him a sum , takes out a patent , and soon becomes purse proud . He places his son in the army , and

desires to negotiate a marriage betwixt Capt . Chandler and Miss Umfraville , the daughter of a poor but influential baronet , who can be of use in Chandler ' s parliamentbry ambitions . It appears that Blenkarn ' s daughter Mary is a great friend of Miss Chandler , and her brother has formed a strong attachment to his

sister ' s friend , and , though he has dishonoured her , he wishes to make the best amend he can by marrying Mary . His father , finding this out , makes him join his regiment at once , and without giving him a chance of arranging with Mary . In the second act we find that Mary takes flight rather than face her father , who would

soon learn her condition . It is only just to Captain Chandler to say he was written asking his sweetheart Jo join him in Paris that he may marry her , but this fitter is intercepted by old Chandler . Blenkharn , on warning of the ruin of his g irl , vows vengeance on the chandlers , and calls heaven to curse them , and to

wake him rich in order that he may lay them low . In the third act we find he sacrifices everything to endeavour to re-discover the dormant art by which china may " made to stand the furnace . He is hopeful , though Months have elapsed since he devoted himself to the task , but the thirst for vengeance keeps him at it . He

ls . driven to extremities ; no one will supply him *> th more coal , and his furnaces are getting cold , "e breaks up chairs , tables , anything , and reaps his reward . The old art is found again . Chandler offers torn money , but he will not sells his brains again . He l Ps the secret to himsplf and snnn amasses wealth .

J-handler , by speculating on the Stock Exchange , has become ruined , and is forced to sell Tatlow Hall , which 'enkarn purchases . In the fourth act , we see handler cringing before his former employe ^ begging "n to give him a berth , but Blenkarn refuses . His our has come . But , as we all learn in life , there is a

great deal of humanity in human nature . Blenkarn , oY •" *" *" * ' ° PP ortunity . soon relents , and er s his late master a berth in his business . Colonel andler—for he has been promoted—is returning n } e laden with honours for the bravery displayed in vill ' ' ' "' no * knowing his father ' s adversity . The , 'gers are cheerinp- him . and he enters Tatlow Hall

ha ^ 6 ' * " father , when Blenkarn seizes him , for he ivh * - ° his villainy by bringing home a wife , but Ble 'Y ^ eing introduced , turns out to be Mary told v , " ^ curta ' fa " without the audience being took 1 t ' le cou P le hid met , or when the marriage Ma P e ' ^ ) if it had been some time ago , we think h ' y a y ery undutiful and unkind daughter not to has e s f her father ' s mind at rest . Mr . Willard one T an exceHent low villain , and an aristocratic ° o , and now he shows that he is equally as good

The Theatres.

an actor in sympathetic parts . It was not only the author ' s good work which took with the audience , but Mr . Willard ' s splendid acting as Cyrus Blenkarn , which is the grandest thing he has yet done . Mr . Mackintosh , as the Middleman , leaves nothing to be desired . Of the other parts there is not much to say ,

for there is not much to do . Mr . Esmond plays fairly well , but his attitudes are not those of an officer . Mr . Garden is good , but he is better in Adelphi pieces . Miss Maude Millett has such personal charms , that she carries all before her . Her pretty face , graceful manners , and tout ensemble make her welcome as Mary

Blenkarn , otherwise she is quite unsuited to the part . She seemed to us insincere and never to feel what she had to do . In fact , when we heard that Miss Millett had to represent a girl wronged by a man we did not think the character one she could take . In comedy she is delightful , but pathos is not her forte . As the play

progresses Miss Millett may be able to render the part with more genuine feeling . Miss Annie Hughes is also very weak in a small part . In the third act she has a chance , but she did not warm up to it . It is the first time we have seen Miss Hughes play indifferently . The kiln scene is a triumph of stage craft , and Mr . Willard is in every way to be heartily congratulated .

* * * Five big events are nearly due in the theatrical world , the re-opening of the Haymarket with " A Man ' s Shadow , " a translation by Mr . Buchanan of " Roger la Honte ; " the Lyceum with "The Dead Heart ;" Drury Lane with the romantic melodrama , "The Royal Oak ; " and the Adelphi with "London Day by Day , " by Sims and Pettitt .

* * * " The Theatre " for this month contains an interesting article on " Stage Children , " by C . H ., on the moral and social side of the question . There are photographs of Miss Rose Leclerq and Mr . Bassett Roe , and the usual news of the month just past . The reprint of

Mr . Clement Scott's criticism on "A Doll's House , " from the Daily Telegraph , appeared in a recent number , as did a highly interesting article by him entitled " A Critic on the Criticised . " The photos of Misses Olga Nethersole , Gertrude Kingston ( who has lately become

the wife of Captain Lay , of the Black Watch ) , Cicely Richards , Lottie Venne , and Messrs . Cyril Mande , E . D . Ward , and George Giddens also appears . Altogether , our contemporary more than keeps up its former prestige . It is one of the most useful journals on matters connected with the opera and drama .

* * The new Gaiety burlesque entitled " Ruy Bias , or the Blase Roue , " the appearance of which had been so eagerly looked forward to , was produced at the Grand Theatre , Birmingham , on Tuesday evening , with a success which must be very gratifying to the joint

authors , Messrs . Fred Leslie and H . F . Clark , the latter of whom is a nephew of Bro . G . Reynolds , the worthy Secretary of the Anglo-American Lodge . The plot is of little consequence in this class of performance , but the piece has been conceived admirably throughout . The music by Herr Meyer Lutz is enchanting , the chief

strength being in the choruses ; the dances are picturesque and lively , and the dresses both costly and beautiful . The theatre was crowded in every part , and the reiterated and hearty applause of the audience placed the completeness of the success achieved beyond all question .

? . Bro . Henry Wright , P . M . 1827 , arranged a boating party last Sunday , which started from Paddington at 9 o ' clock , where a carriage was reserved for Henley . Amongst those invited were Miss Norreys , Mr . Charles Terry , Miss Annie Irish , Mr . and Mrs . Frank Tyars , Miss May Whitby , Miss Margaret Terry , Mr . Walter

Everard , Mr . Fred Terry , Mr . Henry Pugden , Miss Marie De Grey , Mr . George Terry , Miss de Pothonier , Miss Mary Kingsley , Miss Jessie Bond , Miss Helen Forsyth , and little Minnie Terry ( Bootle ' s Baby ) . On arrival at Twyford , owing to an alteration of the trains , the party would have had to wait two hours for the

Henley train , but the station master courteously telegraphed for a special train to be sent , so that the guests were all afloat by 11 o ' clock . Sculling up to Sonning , in which the ladies did their share , luncheon was partaken of at the White Hart in a private room . After strolling abont the pretty little village , the boats were again taken to and rowed down the Lodden ,

where tea was made on the bank , and Henley was reached just in time to catch the last train . Much regret was expressed that the day had come to an end , for every one expressed themselves as never having spent a pleasanter day . The weather was all that could be desired , and it was hoped that a similar party would be arranged another season .

- » Bro . Commodore H . Markham , of Arctic fame , who is about relinquishing the command of the training squadron , will succeed Rear-Admiral Lord Walter Kerr , as Private Secretary to the First Lord of the Admiralty—Bro . Lord George Hamilton , M . P .

There are many English noblemen among Australian landowners , the most noteworthy cases being those of Bros , the Duke of Manchester , Lord Brassey , the Earl of Carnarvon , who is the owner of property in the City of Melbourne and of an estate in Western Australia , and Lord Sherbrooke , who , when Mr . Robert Lowe , was a barrister at law in Sydney , and played a conspicuous part as a colonial politician .

True Masonic Progress.

TRUE MASONIC PROGRESS .

What progress have we made in all that is noble and praiseworthy ? " Progress " should be stamped on each life from its earliest infancy to its closing hour . The path of noble and worthy human living always leads upwards . " Excelsior " is the watchword of every true Mason .

The call is to advance ; to overcome all obstacles ; to march on to higher and nobler endeavours ; to rise , even if need be , by making " of our dead selves stepping-stones to nobler things . " Well may we ask ourselves , " What is true progress in life ?"

It has been said , " He onl y is advancing in life whose heart is getting softer , whose blood warmer , whose brain quicker , and whose spirit is entering into living peace . " " It is an inward development , a larger and more accurate comprehension of truth , the disciplining and

ennobling of our moral being by increased adversities and struggles . " The more a man learns , the more he wants to know . The better a man is in this world , the better he is compelled to be . The bold youth who climbed the rocky steeps of the Natural Bridge in Virginia , and carved his name

higher than any other , found it impossible to descend . His only alternative was to go on and scale the hei ght , and find safety at the summit . So with all climbing in life . There is no going downward . It is climbing higher , or falling ! Every upward step makes another needful , and so we must go on and upward , until Heaven is attained .

And Masonic progress means far more than the mere taking of many Degrees . It means far more than positions or honours . The truly progressive Mason is faithful in whatever station he occupies . He appreciates Freemasonry in its social , its intellectual , and moral bearings . He

makes progress by expressing more and more every day , by his life , the genius and spirit of the Institution ; by illustrating in his daily conduct those eternal truths and moral precepts he had been taught at her altars ; and above all by never failing to display at all times and in all places the crowning gem of

Masonry—Chanty , that suffereth long and is kind ; that envieth not ; that is not puffed up ; that beareth all things , believeth all things , hopeth all things , endureth all things . " Such a Mason makes continual progress along an ever-brightening way , gathering new lessons and fresh

acquisitions as the years go by . Let us each one to-day , as we look back upon our lives during the last 12 months , ask ourselves , "Have I made such progress ? " And if in this retrospect we see many a broken purpose , many a misspent hour ,

many a rash and ill-advised action , many a golden opportunity neglected , let us not be down-hearted , or despair 1 " Let the dead past bury its dead 1 " The future , with all its golden possibilities , is before us 1 The present , with all solemn responsibilities , is upon us !—Keystone .

Births, Marriages, And Deaths.

Births , Marriages , and Deaths .

BIRTHS . GREEN . —On the 4 th inst ., at 10 , Winchester-place , Highgate , the wife of Bro . Neville Green , of a daughter .

FRAMPTON . —On the ist inst ., at Cheltenham , the wife of Edward Frampton , Esq ., of a son . SHAFTO . —On the 31 st ult ., at 9 , Palmeira-square , Brighton , the wife of Slingsby Duncombe Shafto , Esq ., of a son . MARRIAGES . NAIRNE—EDWARDS . —On the 2 nd inst ., at Kingsbury Church , Middlesex , by the Rev . Spencer Nairne , Vicar of Latton , Essex , father of the bridegroom , assisted by the Rev . Raymond Edwards , brother of the bride , the Rev . Alexander Nairne , Fellow of Jesus College , Cambridge , to Ethel , only surviving daughter of the Rev . Lambart Edwards , Vicar of Kingsbury . SMITH—CLARKE . —On the 3 rd inst , at St . Dionis , Pulham , S . W ., Charles , eldest son of James Smith ' of Orwell , Cambridgeshire , to Beatrice Ruth ' , second daughter of James N . Clarke , of Pulham . DEATHS . ARTINDALE — On the 31 st ult ., at his residence , 17 , Grosvenor-road , Scarborough , owing to an accident , Thomas Frederic Artindale , J . P ., and of Burnley , in his 46 th year . CLIFFORD . —On the 3 rd inst ., at Cloonlurg , Slough , John James Clifford , M . D . Edinburgh , late Surgeon-General 9 th ( Queen ' s Royal ) Lancers .

GOODDAY — On the ist inst . , at Harold Wood , the Rev . James Goodday , last surviving son of the late Rev . William Goodday , for many years Vicar of Terling , Essex , aged 65 . SARTORIS — On the 2 nd inst ., at 22 A , Cavendish-square , Maurice Urban Sartoris , Esq ., aged 21 .

General Sir Evelyn Wood gave orders on Wednesday for a third working party of 500 men from the 3 rd Brigade to march to Bisley the following day to be employed on the new ranges of the National Rifle Association .