THE GLOBE. FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 1881. THE “STAR” ON THE WAR PATH.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2161, 28 January 1881, Page 2

THE GLOBE. FRIDAY, JANUARY 28, 1881. THE “STAR” ON THE WAR PATH.

Ocu contemporary the “ Star” occasionally has fits of moralising in which shadewy objections and phantom ideas, evolved from its own imagination only, are dealt with as if they really existed, and disposed of no doubt to the great satisfaction of the writer. It might possibly occur to any one giving a fair amount of consideration to the subject that it would bo time enough for the thunder of the Cathedral Square Jupiter to be launched when the invasion of the rights and liberties of the subject so eloquently, and with so many words, defended was actually proposed. But our contemporary thinks differently. Proceeding to bnild up on entirely fallacious premises, a lofty edifice of misconception, the writer then goes on with a great deal of elaboration to demolish it. The “ Star” in an article last night takes it for granted that the City Council will forbid the giving of sacred concerts in the Theatre, nay more, even the holding of religious services there. How it

arrived at this conclusion it is hard to say. No such an intention was stated at the meeting, nor is it all likely that such a course would be adopted. No word was said as to the performance last Sunday by the Simonsen Opera Company, yet our contemporary pours out a flood of words to prove what no one denies, that in this performance there was nothing to offend the most fastidious. What the Council have done is simply to acquire that which wo contend they should have had long ere this—the right to say what performances shall bo given there on Sunday, and to prevent the utterances of such persons as—now she has left the province—our contemporary stylos “ a notorious woman.” The projectors of religious services or sacred concerts have only now to make application for a permit, and when this is refused to something to which there can bo no possible objection on the score of public morality or decency, then our friend’s fine frenzy and dramatic writing will be in season. At present it is but so much padding, a sort of dive into futurity to conjure up a state of things which possibly may never arrive. It is a pity that so much sweetness should be absolutely wasted upon the desert air, but the stern fact remains that, so far as at present is ascertainable, there is no intention whatever on the part of the Council to prohibit the sacred concerts, which are lauded with so much unction by the “ Star.” The concluding paragraph of the article on the subject of the Coffee Palace being open on Sunday is a delicious morcenu.v of what our American friends would call steep writing. The Council are “ cautioned ” severely by the “ Star ” as to their conduct. This can only be paralelled in bathos by an article appearing in a little country paper in England which commenced,“We warn the Emperor of Russia.” What the consequences will be if the Council do not take hoed to the “ caution” of the “ Star ” wo are not told, bat no doubt they will be something tremendous. Wo wait the result in fear and trembling for the unhappy members of that doomed body, who will at their next meeting, no doubt, endeavour to avert the fearful result of their misdeeds by an abject apology to the “Star.” The article in question suggests the idea for a fine historical picture, which might take its place alongside the well-known one, pounraying the citizens of a French town, led before the English King with ropes around their necks. It might be entitled “ The City Council imploring the * Star ’ to spare them,” and the various members of that body could be depicted making submission to the wielder of their destinies and that of the colony. Or perhaps, as the special forte of our contemporary is local dramatisation, a fiveact play might be constructed from the materials above mentioned. Its production on the boards of our theatre would no doubt, in point of popularity, eclipse those of a similar character which have preceded it. At any rate, wo trust, for the peace of the members of the City Council, that the “ Star ” will not keep them in suspense as to their doom, which no doubt will follow swiftly on the “ caution.” More than a week has yet to elapse before they meet again, and daring that period they will be on the rack of suspense. As our contemporary is strong, so wo hope will ho be merciful.