Saturday Evening Gazette/June 7, 1856/Waifs from New York
Waifs from New York.
From our Regular Correspondent.
The Democratic Nomination.—Mr. Crampton.—Barnum.—The Baker Trial.—The Washington Statue.—Gallantry of “Our Own.”—Odds and Ends.—Theatrical, Dramatic and Operatic Gossip.
The nomination of James Buchanan for the Presidency was received here with demonstrations of joy by all democrats, save those who enjoy governmental pap. They of course give in their adhesion—but they did hope that the “glorious and God-like administration of Franklin Pierce” would be continued.
If there had been any doubt as to the strong feeling of New York with reference to the outrage on Mr. Sumner, the meeting at the Tabernacle would have effectually dissipated it. In numbers it was overwhelming; in sentiment unmistakeable; and its influence must be great, for my fears were not realized—it was not a political or party movement; but all political opinions were represented—it was a powerful combination to mark with proper reprobation, a great wrong. I have attended all sorts of meetings in this city; but I never witnessed such another—so much unanimity of feeling, and so much concentrated indignation. The one at Brooklyn on Saturday was an echo of the other in every respect.
The dismissal of Mr. Crampton does not cause any excitement here, and although he was in the city for several days, no demonstration took place, except a serenade which some patriotic Englishmen got up, who hired a band to play “God Save the Queen” and “Rule Britannia” in front of Mr. ex-Consul Barclay’s house. There certainly could be nothing highly objectionable in this, although the times are not Republican; but some rowdies looked upon it as offensive and the next night went there to indulge in Callithumpian music, but their designs were frustrated by the Police, who, for a wonder, were on hand when wanted. The Johnny Bulls in the English ale houses discuss the affair of the dismissal and speculate upon the consequences; but the idea of a war springing out of the affair is, generally, repudiated.
Barnum has very magnanimously refused to receive a series of benefits to be given under the auspices of some of our first class citizens; about a thousand of whom signed a letter to him tendering them. It is somewhat curious how systematically all these communications are published! Somebody must pay for their publication.
It is generally believed that a change of venue will be granted in the case of Baker, charged with the murder of Bill Poole; and should they discover a locality in the State where no newspapers are received, a jury may possibly be found who have not formed an opinion of this outrageous affair. Jury trials here are becoming mere farces; but there is little fun in them, so far as the people are concerned.
The equestrian statue of Washington, to be erected in Union Square, is now here; at least I saw the horse this morning near the pedestal, and presume the rider is not far off. The whole affair, pedestal and all, is only twenty-eight feet high. I presume that the other corners of Union Square will be similarly ornamented ere long. It is stated that Brown contracted to supply this one for $25,000, but that he has been engaged upon it four years, and sunk $10,000! Of course our aristocracy of the Union Square stamp will not permit him to be a loser! oh, no, they are so liberal!
I cannot resist telling your lady readers my last discovery in female appendages—the “skeleton skirt,” which serves to increase the rotundity without inconveniencing the wearer with any additional weight. It resembles lattice work, is, in fact, a frame of delicate cotton ropes, combining firmness with pliability, and is bulky without being cumbersome. I wonder what will be the next novelty in these skirt-al protuberances. The way I came to see the skeleton was by a lady getting out of an omnibus, and the ropes had got hitched to a part of the step. The vehicle moved on, and the lady with it for nearly half a block before I was enabled to stop it and extricate her.
You will have seen the account of that disgraceful affair in Beecher’s church last Sunday, when a female runaway slave was exhibited as a money-making speculation and “cash and jewels” were contributed with a frantic prodigality. One thing in the affair strikes me as somewhat curious; only $500 were required, but $815 were collected. Of course the surplus amount must be held on to. Happy thought! it was discovered that the woman had a child. Now mark, there was not a word about the child before. I may be wrong, but it certainly looks very like a “dodge.”
The Fry and Bennett case is not over yet. Bennett wasn’t satisfied with the $10,000 verdict, and now, although less by $4,000, he is still unwilling to pay. He says he will take it, if necessary, to the highest tribunal in the country.
The engagement of Bourcicault and Agnes Robertson was abruptly concluded on Friday night, when, much to the chagrin of Mr. Burton, the house was closed. It appears that Bourcicault came there shortly before the time for opening of the doors, and stated that Miss R. had been suddenly attacked with neuralgia, that her face was frightfully swollen, and she could not possibly appear. Burton was not to be found,—and here was an emergency! Bourcicault, however, took the responsibility, and closed the house. The manager arrived about 8 o’clock, and you may imagine his consternation and anger. There was no help for it, for the orchestra, doorkeepers and ushers were ensconced at Wallack’s, enjoying Brougham’s Pocahontas. The notice of Miss R.’s benefit for Saturday night remained unchanged during the day, and a crowd attended in the evening, but when informed that “Paul Pry” and “The Toodles” had been substituted, nearly everyone turned away, leaving only a “beggarly account” of empty benches,—which was chagrin No. 2 for the manager. Mrs. Chas. Howard has reappeared this week, and fascinated the visitors with her charming performances. The house will shortly close.
They are “hurrying up” the benefits at Wallack’s, which closes on Monday week. The old gentlemen, besides visiting Montreal, this summer, goes I believe to Halifax, N. S., to play an engagement for Stewart, one of his company, who has the theatre there, and the one in Hamilton, Ca. Mrs. Hoey’s benefit on Saturday night was the benefit of the season, and only falling short of it a few dollars in the returns. The amount, I understand, was close upon $700! Dyott, a popular actor, had a strong muster of his friends on Tuesday; and on Wednesday the leader of the orchestra, the Bordolph-ian Italiana La Manna was duly complimented. The ancient, but still juvenile Momus, Geo. Holland, put forth his claim on Friday; but very funny and very popular as he is, his benefits are not very profitable.
Laura Keene has produced a so-called American comedietta entitled, “It takes two to make a Bargain,” written by a gentleman with the distinguished cognomen of Fitzjames O’Brien. A Yankee-stage-abortion is the principal character, a Deacon from Gripville, who thinks himself mighty ‘cute’ at a bargain, but is over-reached by a widow Blythe, in this way—her friend, widow Hartleigh, must not marry again, or her property goes to the deacon. She wants to marry but tries to compromise for his reversionary interest. Widow Blythe passes herself off upon a Yankee as relative, and by assuming the manners of a strong minded, woman’s right advocate, holding the masculine in utter contempt, so bothers him, that he gladly bargains for $1000 per annum, leaving the widow the other $6000. Johnston, Laura Keene, and Ada Clifton sustained the characters, and did all they could with them, but the author is responsible for the failure of the piece. The Yankee character is an awful failure; he utters the veriest twaddle, worn-out Yankeeisms and commonplace similies. O’Brien, as his name indicates, is an Irishman, and should concot for Barney Williams. By the by, Barney and Mrs. Barney had an ovation on Saturday night. On the outside of the theatre was the following in variegated lamps, “Farewell to Mr. and Mrs. Williams,”—inside was a jam. They were at Newark at the beginning of the week, and leave for Liverpool on Saturday next. I believe they are engaged at the Haymarket, London.
The city is full of theatrical people—Wallack, Jr., Jno. Oxley, DeBar, Bland, Mr. and Mrs. Reeve, Jno. Sloan and his talented little wife; and many others I do not now remember. By the by, Sloan does not take the management of the Charleston Theatre next season, so he will be in the market. He has purchased a delightful place at Shrewsbury, N. J., commanding a beautiful view of the Atlantic, and during the summer solstice, enjogs there his otium cumdignitate. They say that Vestvali has hired Laura Keene’s Varieties for the summer, and will give musical intertainments there. The season terminates about the 20th, and Vestvali will commence early in July. Laura goes to Europe for reinforcements. Rosalie Durand, Lyster, and Trevor left the house in high dudgeon, because on the benefit night of the lady, the receipts fell far short of the expenses, and lessee charged her with the deficiency. Wallack will probably let his theatre during the recess. Mrs. Hoey has been secured by him for next season, and so also, I believe Walcot, Brougham, and several others. Brougham takes his benefit on Monday next and plays “Romance and Reality.”
The doors of the Academy of Music open once more this (Friday) evening, for a complimentary benefit to Signora Vertiprach, a very fine contralto. La Grange and the opera company will make their final, farewell and positively last appearance. “Parting is such sweet sorrow” that they are continually saying “Good bye.” Myself.
