Page:The Bowbells Tribune, 1899-12-01.djvu/6

 MEXICAN THEATERS ARE BETTER THAN OURS

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Only One American Singer of Popularity in All the Republic.

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The man who crosses the Rio Grande river for the first time is always surprised at the number and magnificence of the theaters he finds in the Mexican republic. Every city of more than 10,000 inhabitants has one, while cities of 25,000 have playhouses that would be a credit to New York, Philadelphia or St. Louis.

Strange to say, however, the most beautiful of Mexico's theaters are not to be found in Mexico City, but in the various state capitals throughout the republic. Perhaps one reason for this Is that the theaters of Mexico City are owned by private parties, while those of the state capitals are the property of the several states. Mexico City has but two important theaters, the "Nacional" and the "Principal"—the former generally devoted to opera and the latter to musical farces or "zarzuelas," as they are called In Mexico. These "zarzuelas" are probably the most popular form of stage entertainment in vogue in Mexico. They are generally in one act, and four or five of them constitute an evening's entertainment. One of the queer customs is that admission may be purchased for the entire evening, or for a single "tanda," or act. It's a la carte. You pay for what you get at the. rate of 25 cents an act. These little plays are almost always written and acted by Spaniards, and, of course, deal with Spanish life. They are clean enough for a Sunday school to witness, and the music is invariably good. The costumes are picturesque, though not rich, the two costly features of a Spanish actress' wardrobe being her embroidered Manila shawl and her fan, and both of these she uses with the grace possessed by the women of no other race.

The Mexican women are exceedingly fond of opera. Several times a year they have a "season" of from six to eight weeks duration, during which all the old favorites and some new works are given. "Aida" is very popular, and are "Carmen" and "Cavalleria Rusticana" and Puccini's "La Boheme," which is almost unknown in this country. Mexico has developed some very food singers of her own, though generally the companies heard, there are from Italy. There is a "season" now on in Mexico, the operas being given at Orrin's Circus—a barn of a place wholly unsuited to operatic performances. It is the permanent home of the circus which goes traveling through the country in summer time. The manager of the opera company has floored over the ring—there is still but one ring la Mexico—and this forms the parquet. A circle of boxes is raised about six feet above this and behind the boxes are the balcony and the gallery. You can get a seat at almost any price—50, 60, 70 and 85 cents, with parquet seats at $1.75 and box seats at $2. These prices translated into gold money are not at all unreasonable. In the company now singing at Orrin's is one American, Miss Eleanor Broadfoot, the tall contralto who was at the Century last fall with the International opera company, and who is to join Mr. Grau's forces this year.

Mr. Franklin Fyles in an article in the Ladies' Home Journal says that the largest theater in America is the Boston theater, which can seat 4,000. Instead of "America," Mr. Fyles should have restricted his statement to the United States. The largest theater on this continent is undoubtedly the "Teatro Degollado," at Guadalajara, in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. It has five galleries, where the Boston theater has three, and can seat 4,000 people. I have heard that there is a theater in one of the South American cities larger than this one in Mexico, though Mexicans claim there is not. This Guadalajara theater was begun in 1856—thirty years before the city had a railroad—by the then governor of the state, Don Santos Degollado, and after ten years and a million of dollars had been spent upon it, was opened in 1866, in an unfinished condition. It was completed some years later, and is now very handsomely decorated. Its plan is that of the Metropolitan opera house in New York, the first three balconies being devoted to boxes, and the two above to the gods. This is the plan of all the fine theaters of Mexico.

But while the "Teatro Degollado" is pre-eminent in size, the "Teatro Juarez" at Guanajuata surpasses it and all others that I have ever seen in beauty. It was completed only four years ago after twenty years' labor, and has cost something over $2,000,000. It is constructed of a variegated stone peculiar to Guanajuato—a stone that seems to have all the rainbow's colors, green prevailing. The carved pillars supporting the roof of the portico are magnificent. The roof is ornamented with eight heroic bronzes, and bronze lions guard the entrance. This theater has four balconies, two of them divided into boxes, and there is, in addition, a series of boxes on either side of the auditorium below. The interior decorations are Moorish. The stage is enormous, with splendidly furnished dressing rooms for the actors, and—something we don't have in this country—a "green room." The scenery is all by the best French scenic artists, and the stage furniture is French as well. The theater is owned by the state and is the hobby of the present governor, as it was of his predecessor who projected it.

The "Teatro Calderon" at Zacatecas is probably the most American of the Mexican theaters. It has been completed less than two years, and nearly all of the material used in its furnishings was purchased in the United States, The "Teatro de Doblado" at Leon and the "Teatro de la Paz" at San Luis Potosi are both fine structures, but inferior both in size and furnishings to the "Juarez" and the "Degollado." There has recently been completed at Monterey a theater on the style of that at Zacatecas, the complete equipment of which was purchased in St. Louis. And St. Louis promises to have a hand in the furnishing of the $250,000 theater the state of Chihuahua is erecting at its capital.

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THE ELECTRIC CAT.

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A New Instrument of Correction in Use In France and Her Colonies.

Some of the French newspapers have been telling about the new method of whipping men which has just been introduced experimentally into some of the penitentiaries and colonies of France. The instrument bears the pleasing name of "The Electric Cat," and l'Electricien expresses the scientific opinion that it is a great improvement upon the Russian knout and the cat-o'-nine-tails which it says "still unfortunately figure in many penal colonies and in the penitentiaries of so-called civilized states." The method of this new whipping machine is very simply and business-like. The culprit who has been sentenced to undergo the lash is tied to a post in the usual manner. Behind him is a wheel, driven by an electric motor, which goes round and round with a velocity that is unpleasant for the victim. The velocity may be regulated, however, according to the severity of the trouncing to be administered. Attached to one of the spokes is a whip which swings around the circle and the culprit is placed at such an angle with reference to the instrument of flagellation that every time it comes around it nips him squarely on the back. It is claimed for the new invention that it dispenses justice impartially and equally, it has no animus against the prisoner, its blows are given with equal intensity, and it better fulfills the idea of evenhanded justice than manual flogging, which is likely to distribute penalties very unevenly.

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Kipling Agreed with Him.

It is related of Rev. George Macdonald, Rudyard Kipling's maternal grandfather, that in the days when he was courting the lady whom he afterward married the father-in-law to be an aged Methodist with extremely strict notions in regard to the proprieties—was injudicious enough on one occasion to enter the drawing-room without giving any warning of his approach. The consequence was that he found the young lovers occupying a single chair. Deeply shocked by the spectacle the old man solemnly said: "Mr. Macdonald, when I was courting Mrs. Brown she sat on one side of the room and I on the other." Mr. Macdonald's reply was: "That's just what I should have done, sir, if I had been courting Mrs. Brown."

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Seeking Sunken Treasure.

Soundings and divings are taking place near the island of Terschelllng, In the north of Holland, at the spot where a French warship sunk just 100 years ago. She was loaded with silver and gold to the amount of 40,000,000 francs, or $8,000,000. The captain's log mentions the account, and as early as 1800 French sailors succeeded In bringing to the surface a box containing 1,500,000 francs' worth of gold and silver ingots. In 1856 and 1860 a private undertaking succeeded in raising another 1,250,000 francs value. The warship sunk in 230 feet of water and divers have great difficulty in working at such a depth. Dynamite is now being used to break up the iron cases.

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THE LATEST PRUSSIAN TRIAL.

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Officer of the German Army Establish a Regular Gambling Hell.

Berlin is greatly excited over a trial for gambling. It appears that three young men of good family, who had been officers, attracted attention by an expenditure out of all proportion to their means. It was found on inquiry that they had set up a baccarat club which was a regular "hell," frequented by more than 200 persons of their own class. As they made money by their club, and had none to start with, they were suspected of cheating, but this part of the charge has not been proved. What has been proved is that a large number of members of the highest society are accustomed to gamble for large sums—one man lost £2,000 in one night—in company with adventurers and ladies of the demi-monde, to borrow money of the bank, and even of waiters, and to drink in excess. All this is wholly opposed to the tone of the Prussian army, which is severe, and of Prussian society, which abhors wastefulness more than many other vices. It is believed that the socialistic party, which is always denouncing the dissoluteness of the rich, will make great capital out of the trial, and that the emperor will Issue an order even sterner than the celebrated one of 1893. He should follow it up with an increase of allowances. A Prussian officer may once have been able to live on £1 2s. 6d. a week, but he certainly cannot now, and the poor noblesse to which most of them belong can spare no allowances.—London Spectator.

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The Confinement of Luceheni.

Luceheni, the assassin of the unfortunate empress of Austria, is still in strict solitary confinement—a year after his crime. Ordinary criminals only remain six months in such rigorous imprisonment, but the strictest penalty is meted out to Luceheni. He occupies two cells in the Eveche prison at Geneva the ordinary cell for sleeping, and another fitted up as a workshop, where the convict makes cardboard boxes. Twice daily he is allowed half an hour's exercise in a tiny courtyard, but he sees no one except his jaolers, the governor of the prison, and the chaplain. He is fed like the other prisoners on soup, bread and vegetables, with a little sugar and wine, and he is allowed plenty of books, novels being sent in by his friends outside. Luceheni has grown stouter and coarser looking since his imprisonment, but he is in capital health, while his conduct is excellent.

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Glass DOOM in Ovens.

Glass doors are used in some of the new cooking stoves, to enable the cook to watch the food in the oven without opening the door.

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His Lack.

Mrs. Bludsoe—Was Col. Corkright intoxicated last night? Maj. Bludsoe—Not by a jugful.—Puck.

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The royal deer park at Copenhagen covers 4,200 acres.

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FORGOT HER TONGUE

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MARIA LIVED ALONE FOR TWENTY YEARS.

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Bat Civilization Killed Her—Died In Less Than Three Months After Being Taken to Santa Barbara—Her Remarkable Dress of Feathers.

About seventy miles off the coast of Southern California lies the island of San Nicolas—a veritable desert, wind-swept to such a degree that one might well imagine that the furies are guarding the island, says the Scientific American. San Nicolas, which is twelve miles long and four or five wide, has no harbors, the anchorage being merely a lee under the low hills, the fact that the wind blows directly off-shore making it possible for vessels to anchor here at certain seasons. On this island, which has been the central point of a romance and tragedy of much interest, deserted and alone, Maria Better-Than-Nothing, the wild woman of San Nicolas, lived twenty years—long enough to forget her people and even her language. The story told by Prof. C. F. Holder is as follows: "For centuries the island was inhabited by a race of hardy mariners who have left their monuments in large shell heaps and mounds that cover many acres. Less than 100 years ago the Franciscan fathers determined to take the natives away from the inhospitable island and provide them with homes around the various missions, where they could also be comfortably converted. With this object in view a vessel was sent to the island, and after much difficulty the Indians, now reduced to about 100, were collected, and taken aboard, deserting thousands of implements which their ancestors had used for centuries. When the vessel was about to sail one of the women discovered that her child had been left behind. But it was blowing a gale and the vessel could not hold, so the captain sailed away, whereupon the frantic mother dashed into the sea and swam back to shore, making her way successfully through the surf. The captain of the vessel promised to return for the woman, but soon after his vessel was wrecked and no attempt was made to rescue the poor Indian woman until twenty years after, when a priest determined to make an effort to learn whether she was alive. He enlisted the services of an otter hunter and several Indians, who, in a small schooner known as the Better-Than-Nothing, set sail for San Nicolas. They landed on the island and very soon found evidence that some one was living there, but avoiding them. To make the search perfect the men formed a line across the island at certain distances apart, which resulted in the discovery of the wild woman. She was sitting by a brush hut in a canyon, about which was a windbreak of whalebones and various material. She smiled and spoke to the Indians in a language they did not understand, but they fell on their faces before her as though to worship her. She offered them food and readily consented to go with them and was taken aboard the schooner with a tame otter. She was dressed in the skins of birds, over which was a garment of sealskin. She was named Better-Than-Nothing, after the vessel, and by signs succeeded in telling some Indians on the mainland something of her history. At first she had mourned the loss of her friends, then the dogs killed her baby and she wished to die and was sick for a long time. She was taken to Santa Barbara, where Indians from all about were brought to her to see if they could understand her language, but without avail. She lived with different families at Santa Barbara, but civilization proved disastrous to her and in less than three months she died. Her remarkable dress of feathers was sent to Rome as a curiosity, and the remains of the unfortunate woman found a resting-place in the sanctified ground of the mission. San Nicolas has proved a veritable " treasure house for the archaeologist, and tons of stone implements have been taken from various mounds on the island. One of the most remarkable shell mounds in the world Is found here, being, it la said, nearly a mile long and ten feet in average height."

Irish Wit.

Seumas MacManus in the Saturday Evening Post: Two navvies, ill-clad, dirt-covered, rain-soaked, got possession of a heavenly nook between two high stone walls while an extra-heavy sleet shower prevailed. They had "hunkered" low, and were watching the smoke-wreaths mount from their pipes. "I'm tout," said one of them, breaking a reverie, "I'm toul, Jamie, that the king of Jarminy niver smokes." Both regarded the wreaths again for a minute in silence. "Poor man! I wouldn't like to be him, Larry—would you?" Betty Haran of Thrummon was a very pious old Methodist. Father Dan often dropped Into Betty's for a gossip. "Betty, I said Father Dan, "I always find you stuck in your Bible. Now, tell me truly, do you understand It all?" "Of course I do," indignantly. "Well, well. I've been studying it all my life, and don't understand it all yet" "An’ if yer reverence is a blockhead, do ye think every wan else like yerself?'

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Women Scarce There.

The disproportion of the sexes is still very great in West Australia. There are only 54,000 women in a population of 168,000.

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Everybody sympathizes with the man who weds with a ben-pecked prospect

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He Wanted Credit.

Loafit is going to move to Rhode island

"What for?"

"Oh, he's exhausted his credit here, and he has heard about lots of people trusting in Providence.”—Philadelphia Record.

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Electricity for Brain.

A scientist has decoveded an apparatus that will stimulate the brain. It consists of an electric band. While scientists have been seeking unnatural ways of making the brain work, Hostetter' Stomach Bitters have for fifty years been doing it naturally. It cures dyspepsia and all stomach troubles and builds up the system.

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Different New.

House Hunter—This is a quiet neighborhood, is it not?

Janitor (of Apartment Building)—It was until that painless dentist opened an office on the second floor.—Chicago Tribune.

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December 13th and 14th. The National Flax, Hemp and Ramie association will meet in Fargo on December 13th and 14th next. The flax interests of North Dakota have in the past few years assumed such vast proportions that it is second to wheat. Anything that will give information on the subject of its cultivation and the uses to which it can be put in the interests of the farmers will be of vast import to them. The raising of flails important from many standpoints, and by those familiar with its cultivation, getting together and exchanging views, cannot help but benefit all those who attend. Located in Fargo is the only flax mill in the state. She also has the first flax fiber mill erected in the state about ready to begin operation. Those who attend will see the practical workings of both mills there. By the erection of oil and fiber mills in different portions of the state farmers will find a ready market for seed and for straw and fiber as well.

The national secretary states that men and women who are eminent, not only in the culture of flax, but the uses to which the straw or fiber can be put will attend the convention. The railroads have arranged for reduced rates on the certificate plan. Pay full fare at the starting point and get a receipt from the selling agent, and the secretary will certify to your attendance and you can return home at one-fifth fare in North and South Dakota and one-third fare in Minnesota.

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Imperfect Disguise.

She—An imitation tramp called at the kitchen door this afternoon.

He—How do you know he was an imitation?

She—He carried a can that bad held peaches outside of a tomato can.

The aptitude of woman's eye in noting details has long been observed.—Indianapolis Journal.

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TO CURE A COLD IN ONE DAY.

Take Laxative Bromo Quinine Tablets. All druggists refund the money if it fails to cure. 25c. E. W. Grove's signature on each box.

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Some Can't.

Miss Daintee—What an awful occupation! To be employed in a place where they tin meats.

Mr. Edgemore—Well it argues a certain ability.

Miss Daintee—Ability?

Mr. Edgemore—Certainly. They only employ those who can.—New York World.

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Do Your Feet Ache and Burn?

Shake into your shoes Allen's Foot-Ease, a powder for the feet. It makes tight or New Shoes feel Easy. Cures Corns, Bunions, Swollen, Hot and Sweating Feet. At all Druggists and Shoe Stores, 25c. Sample sent FREE. Addres Allen S. Olmsted, LeRoy, N. Y.

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Back of His Youth.

"Well" said the Observant Boarder, "Dewey has returned to his college pranks."

"In what way?" asked the Crosseyed Boarder.

"He has taken to Hazen."—Pittsburg Chronicle Telegraph.

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Cured After Repeated Failures With Others

I will inform addicted to Morphine, Laudanum, Opium, Cocaine, of never-falling, harmless, homecure. Mrs. M. E. Baldwin, Box 1212, Chicago, Ill.

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Great Fighters.

Tommy—What's Willie Wyman dragging about?

Billy—Why, he says his father looks like Dewey, and his grandfather looks like Oom Paul.—Chicago News.

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I shall recommend Piso's Cure for Consumption far and wide.—Mrs. Mulligan. Plumstead, Kent, England, Nov. 8, 1895.

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Some men, when they have anything to say, don't say it, while others say something else.