TOPICS OF THE DAY. (From Our London" Correspondent.)

Te Aroha News, Volume III, Issue 142, 20 February 1886, Page 4

TOPICS OF THE DAY. (From Our London" Correspondent.)

AFIKR THE ELECTIONS.-CHRISTMAS HOLldats—The Political Pkogbammk—Proba-bilities-Mr ' Tll-BITS,"M.P.— AFORTUNK out 01? Paste and Scissors -Nkwnes— His Career — Parnell's Programme — Disgraceful Conduct of Lady Canvassers at Ciiblsea— The Armstrong Family Provided for— Eliza's Future -A Comfortable Home and Dowry. CHRISTMAS AT THIS THEATRES. — PRODUCTION of "Faust" at tiie Lyceum—Preparations —•' Harbour Ligiits " at the Adslphi— Miss Toole's Marriage- " Jack SIIEPrARD " AT TITE GAIKTY — WILLTAM Rignold— " Loyal Lovers " Ouida's New Novel "Otiimau" — A Dull Book— New I Stories in " Temple Bar," etc.

London, December 17. Christmas is once again upon us, and "all the world and his wife" are preparing to make violently merry. Truth to tell, seasonable festivities seem likely to be lesß forced and more genuine than usual this anniversary. People are mostly in the vein for a holiday. The worry of the elections is over, and business of every kind may be said to be looking up. Altogether, the outlook for the coming year i 3 promising, and paterfamilias can eat his turkey and pudding and play an after-dinner game at blind-man's-buff with less secret anxiety than was the case this time last year. The Cabinet held a consultation on Monday, and resolved to meet Parliament in ordinary constitutional fashion, taking an early opportunity of ascertaining the views of the new Hovise of Commons relative to their remaining in office. A very general impression begins to prevail that the situation will settle itself without much difficulty. The Liberal leaders are almost to a man against taking office ; in fact, it is more than doubtful whether Mr Gladstone could form a Cabinet just now. The split between the Whigs and the Chamberlain contingent grows wider daily, as the views of the member for Birmingham become more and more pronounced ; and what the end of it will be no one likes to think. Lord Salisbury clearly means to " set his cap " at the moderate Liberals, and so far they are not irresponsive. A coalition which would suppress the extreme Radicals and render Parnell's crew comparatively innocuous might, after all, prove the most satisfactory arrangoment. I'm afraid though, the red-hot Tory element would kick against it. No Liberal victory during the recent elections has created more surprise than that of Mr Newnes for the Newmarket division of Cambridgeshire. He was totally unknown to the electors, personally, and had moreover to fight against a great local magnate, yet Mr Gladstone's good friend " Hodge," and the fact that he (Newnes) was the proprietor of " Tit Bits," pulled him through triumphantly. Who will say after this that there is nothing in paste and scissors ? Five years ago, Mr Newnes was an obscure clerk in a Manchester broker's, with as much apparent chance of making a fortune as you, dear reader, or myself. He had a habit of slicing out any little bits in the newspapers that interested him, and sticking them into a scrap-book. One day the notion occurred to him that a weekly journal composed entirely of scraps taken from books, papers, magazines, &c, might be road. He consulted soveral journalist friends, but they naturally didn't think much of the idea, I shouldn't have done, either. Newnes, however, fancied his notion, and as he'd saved up a few pounds, resolved to give it a trial. His sister helped him, and with the aid of a pair of scissors, a paste-pot, and two or three American papers a friend gavo him, the pair created "TitBits." Whether it was the name or the notion, or both combined (who can say?), but "TitBits " at once hit the fancy of the Lan cashir© mill hands, both lads and lasses. It sold in hundreds outside the great manufactories every Saturday, and before thro months had elapsed, was a household word all over the north of England. Presently, of course, the circulation spread to London, where, in a very short time, half a score of rivals arose. Some of these were good and somo bad, but none in the lea3t affected the original "Tit-Bits," which floated its proprietor steadily into fortune. Nownes personally is not responsible for the numerous "happy thoughts" (Tit-Bits villa, the Tasce scheme, etc.) associated with tho paper. They spring mostly from the London editor, who is a Yankee, I'm told, As a property, " Tit-Bits " has, of course, grown enormously valuable, its expenses being infinitesimal and its income very large. The circulation even exceeds that of the " Family Herald." So much for Mr Tit-Bits, M.P. Talking of papers reminds me to digress for a moment and advise you to buy the Christmas numbers of " Vanity Fair " and " The Pictorial World." From a literary point of view they are both capital. Bret liarte's " Snowbound at Eagle's Nest" in the latter 13 quite in his best form, and the "Vanity Fair" stories will tickle almost any palate. The ParneUites express themselves as in no hurry to force " home rule " upon either party. Their idea is that the longer they wait the more powerful they will become. Put plainly, this means that sooner or later the Radicals will find it worth while to promise the Irish party all they want. Just now if an Irish measure were introduced, it would be a moderate one. Parnell wouldn't accept such a one. " All or nothing " is his cry. " Ireland like Canada " is his programme. A very strong feeling prevails in Chelsea against a syndicate of ladies who during tho [recent eloction made a house-to-house canvass to protest against the return to Parliament of "a profligate" like Sir Charles Dilke. Some pamphlets recapitulating the worst "pleadings" in "Crawford v. Dilke " were freely circulated, and must have done enormous harm, more especially as many of them were distributed by clergymen. Sir Charles, speaking at a public meeting in the district last week said that he had serious thoughts of proceeding against a bevy of these rev. gentlemen for criminal libel.

The Armstrong Family. The appeal for funds to help the Arm strong family which Mr Poland, Q. C, recently made, has been most generously responded to by the public, and the Arm-

strong family are now in a fair way of doing well. Little Eliza went last week to the Princess Louise's Home for the training of young girls at Wanstead, and her father has been set up with two new sets of sweeping machines capable of reaching the tons ot the highest chimneys^built. Mr Poland has f urthei apportioned a part of the funds to furnish the family a new house, and when this is done enough will remain over to provide Eliza with a substantial dowry when she marries, or to set her up in business should she remain single. Maseabun has kept very quiet since ho came out of gaol. He was treated as a common felon, and spent a very unpleasant time at Holloway. Steads' friends did not bother themI selves about his case and he resents the fact.

Christmas at the Theatres. The most important of forthcoming theatrical novelties of a legitimate kind should be "Faust," at the Lyceum, and '• The Harbour Lights," at the Adelpi. Preparations for the former have been going on for months, and are on a scale of splendour unusual even for for Mr Irving. Just as an instance of the way things at the Lyceum are doing, I may mention that for the cathedral scene a new set of hemispherical bells, costing no less than £400, have been specially cast. H. B. Conway (not Terris) plays Faust, Irving MephiBtopheles, and Ellen Terry (a trifle mature, perhaps, for the character) Marguerito. Great curiosity is expressed as to the way in which Wills has treated the old legend, so many modern dramatists have tried their hands at it and failed. Gilbert, you may remember, brought out a version entitled " Grizel " at the Olympic not long ago. The piece was voted poetic, and good of its kind, but far too heavy to run. "The Harbour Lights" will, according to report, rely chiefly for success on a series of realistic scenes, illustrative of the modern man of-war's man's life. Chas. Warner has seceded from the Adelphi Company, but his place will be taken by Terris, the iri'esistible, who ought to look too awfully fetching in naval uniform. Young Justin Huntley McCarthy, the author of "The Candidate," which still runs merrily at the Criterion, is about to lead to the altar Miss Toole, daughter of " England's premier low comedian," as the great J. L. T. loves to be called. Toole, by the way, has returned to his little theatre in King William-street, and appears nightly in a three-act farce by the veteran Madison Morton, entitled " Going It." I havo not eeen the piece yet, and so cannot give you any definite idea of its merits, but the papers don't seem to be specially laudatory. Christmas novelties include a burlesque by Yardley and Stephens entitled "Jack Sheppard " at the Gaiety Theatre, with Nelly Farren, David James, Fred Leslie, ODell, Miss Wadman,andtheßroughtonsin the leading role?, and " Kenil worth " at the Avenue, supported by Arthur Roberts (as Queen Elizabeth), Violet Cameron(Leiceater), and Connie Gilchrist (Amy Robsart). " Aladdin," at Drury Lane, will once more be the only great pantomime at the West End, though, as usual, between eight and a dozen are promised further east. " Human Nature" has been the greatest dramatic success the Harris management ha"? ever known at Old Drury, and is to be revived directly after the pantomime season. You are pretty sure to see this play soon in New Zealand, as the Australian rights are in the hands of either Williamson or Rignold I fear, though, colonists won't think much of the "piece." With Drury Lane scenery and about 300 supernumeraries, " Human Nature "is one thing ; without either, I should fancy, it would be quite another. Mention of Rignold reminds mo that I met his brother William at the Savage Club last House Dinner, He recited "Enoch Arden"— a tremendous effort, you may imagine— yet literally held that critical audience spellbound. I never realised before the poem was half so fine. Poor old Maccabe occupied the chair. He has aged considerably since I last saw him, but still retains much of his marvellous imitative faculty, and gave the well-known story of the street musician and " Begone, Dull Care," as whimsically as ever. "Loyal Lovers," a new version of " Le Voyage de M. Perrichon," which had a long run in London as "Peacock's Holiday " some years ago, was produced at the Vaudeville last week, and met with sufficient success to justify the management in putting it forthwith into the evening bill. The story is substantially that of the French original. A vulgar tradesman named Coverham goes to Swit zerland with his family for a holiday, followed by two young men suitors for his pretty daughter's hand. One actually saves the old tailor's life, but makes such injudicious use of the service to forward his suit that he hurts the silly old man's vanity. The other young fellow (wiser in his generation) pretends the venerable shopkeeper has saved his life, and so enables the old fool to pose has a hero. The tailor's vanity is immensely tickled, and the youngster keeps up the deception by getting paragraphs praising "Mr Goverham's gallant and courageous rescue " fnto the newspapers. The bubble bursts at last through the victim overhearing the artful lover revealing to his supposed disconsolate rival his methods of "humbugging the old man." The silly old ass then comes to his senees, and bestows his daughter on the bona jidc saviour of his life, who is also the man the girl has favoured throughout.

New Year's Eve, ISSS. Although "Christmas comes but once a year," it is unfortunately a fact that the New Zealand mail— quite regardless of holiday making— goes out once a fortnight. Consequently, I find myself compelled, in the midst of what the newspapers call "seasonable festivities," to sit down and recall for your readers' benefit some of the less frivolous gossip of the hour. Talk amongst men is, even at Christmastime, mostly on the subject politics, and politics at present means — "What about Gladstone and Home Rule?" Well, I happen to possess a little very special information upon this point, and will confide it to you. The G.O.M. was furious at the premature disclosure of his plans — for they wore his plans, and though he has solemnly declared the publiahedprogrammo in accurate and unauthorised, he cannot disown it altogether. The truth happens to be, the news came first-hand from no less a person than Mr Herbert Gladstone. That young gentleman, in an expansive after-dinner moment, expounded his parent's notions to Mr Wemyss Reid, editor of the " Leeds Morcury," omitting altogether to add that the information must be considered confidential. Very few journalists could resist the temptation of being the first to explode such a bombshell on the political world, and Mr Reid is certainly not one of them. He went straight from Master Herbert's table to Mr Mudford at the "Standard" Office, and the next morning that journal and the "Leeds Mercury" contained the expose* of Gladstone's intentions which created such a profound sensation. For the last six years one of the most conspicuous figures in the big ring on all English racecourses has been a little fat redwhiskered man, eminently respectable in appearance, but really a, most deplorable scoundrel. His name ii Edwin Murray, and he was one of tho four men (Benson and the two Kurrs being other three) who

promoted the world-famous Goncourt turf frauds in 1577. On emerging from gaol in ISSO, Murray gained a precarious but fairly safe livelihood as a "decoy " in one of the smartest three-card trick gangs. It was his part of the show to be the eminently respectable traveller who is too cautious to risk a whole sovereign himself, but has no objection to go half a one if " you, sir " (to the selected victim), "will join me.' In other rolo3 too he formed a desirable accomplice, besiies achieving a coup now and again •• welshing." Twelve months aco the two Kurrs obtained their tickets-of-leave, and once more took up with turf pursuits. They were, however, unlucky enough almost at once to mistake a member of the Jockey Club for a "Juggins," and to offer to "put him on a certainty " for the next race, Archer (of course) having given them the "straight tip." Lord Londonderry (for 'twas he) humoured the unfortunate pair to the top of their bent for half-an-hour, and then selecting a quiet moment when the ring was at its fullest, signed to a detective and had them publicly expelled. After this they were done for as turf-sharpers, and very coon fled to Switzerland. In October, Murray follotved them to Geneva, and there the precious trio evolved the elaborate watch fraud which has just been exposed in all the papers. They would certainly have reaped a splendid harvest but for the astuteness of Scotland Yard, which advertised a full description of the fraud on the very morning that the conspirators' first batch of 200,000 circulars were delivered in London. "Faust," at the Lyceum, is more of a "spectacle" than a play. Irving is, of course, an admirable Mephistopheles, though the part offers few opportunities for really tragic acting. Ellen Terry's Marguerite people differ about, and Mrs Stirling ■eems out of place as Martha. Conway's Faust none of the critics have a good word for. The mounting and scenery (which cost £1*2,000) will draw all London. Nothing approximately equal to the "Revel 3 of Walpurgis Night at the summit of the Brocken " has ever before been attempted on the stage. Here is a brief description :—"lt: — "It is the summit of the Brocken, with rugged rocks rising to the nght, and a gloomy forest stretching below. It 13 night, The ground is covered with snow. The storm fiend is let loose ; the infernal whirlwinds sweep and rush by in full tempest, carrying on their wings witche3onbroomstickSjbats,aftVighted owls, and foul things of night. The air is full of groans and whining choruses from imps invisible. The thunder peals as though the crack of doom was come. All is silent for a moment, when the red of Mephistopheles cloak shows itself from the summit of the rocks. To him clings the affrighted Faust, and winding his way up to the topmost summit, Satan, now indeed a veritable King of Hell, call 3 forth his fiends. S:morou3 metal blowing martial sounde. At which the universal host sent up A shout tbat tore hell's conclave, and beyond Frightened the reign ot chao3 and old night. Troops of howling devils come crowding from every corner, moaning, wailing, shrieking one fearful chant, waving grizzly locks and bony fingers— goblins, sprites, and elves— hell's crew let loose. Down sits Mephistopheles encircled by the hairy arms of grinning ape?, whose every touch brings fire which flashes and crackles in the grey light. "Hold," he cries, when the awful dance is stopped, and the vision of Margaret walking along the edge of a fearful precipice is shown to the trembling doctor, wno cries to her in vain. Again, amid blasts of thunder and streaks of lightning, the devil once more dummona up his host. Black clouds change to a lagoon of boiling molten fire. The whole brocken lights up with a red glow, a fiery shower descends on the crew, and all is over. The story is told about this scene to the effect that during the rehearsals some of the danseuses engaged failed to quite catch the spirit of the demon revel. The balletmaster assisting, SignorCoppi of La Scale. in arranging details, was scandalised. "Ladies, ladies," he cried, " Pray remember you 'aint dancing on 'Ampshire 'Eatn, but in 'Ell." After the curtain fell on the first performance, Turny, in the course of a short speech, said "he should be well repaid for all the trouble expended on this dramatic version of 'FauEt' if only it led the people to studying Goethe'a great original more frequently." Commenting on this observation Mr Labrouchere says he's afraid too many folks are likea gorgeously-arrayed lordling whom he overheard saying as the audience trooped out of the Lyceum, " Wills hasn't done bis work badly, considering how difficult it must be to make a good play out of a libretto." Sims and Pettit, in collaboration, have proved far more successful than either Sims or Pettit per sc. Their melodrama, "The Harbour Lights," produced at the Adelphi Theatre last week, is one of the most delightful plays of the kind I have seen for a long time. The main thread of the story — that of an honest young sailor wrongfully Buspected of murder— is of course old as the everlasting hills, but it is so originally treated one really forgets its antiquity. Terris as the hero Lieutenant Kingsley, R.W., makes a big hit. He iccn a sailor before he became an actor, still spends much leisure time on the sea, and only last summer received the Humane Society medal for saving a lad's life in Folkestone Harbour— consequently it comes easy to kirn to portray a breezy genial, lion-hearted naval lieutenant. Miss Millward makes a lovable heroine of the "Black-eyed Susan," or the sensation scene in which Kingsley descends a cliff precipice to rescue a senseless woman who bids fair to be drowned by the rapidly rising tide will delight realists. The Bcenery of "HarbourLights"mindeedexcellentthroughout, setfadingintosetasin "The Last Chance" and "In the Ranks." The Australian right of the new play have, I understand, been purchased by Rignold and Allison. Ada Ward, who left for Australia by the John Elder on the 26th met., had an unpleasant experience in the law courts prior to sailing. Her husband's unfortunate "Thirst for Gold" season (a fortnight) at the Olympic resulted (you may remember) in an action against the lespee, Mrs Conover, who, when she found the rent was not forthcoming, ejected Messrs Ward and Willis. The latter subsequently tendered the coin, but it was refused, and Messrs W. and W. averring that their venture had been deliberately ruined, sued for damages. The case came on a few days before Christmas, and excited considerable attention, some of the incidents proving rather amusing. Mrs Conover's defence was that the defendants were ejected because they had broken an agreement to pay the rent in advance. On this point Mr Ward, in his evidence*, said that when the rent was tendered Mrs Conover slammed the door in his face, and told him to go to . Upon this the following edifying passage occurred: — "Counsel: Did you go? — Witness : No (laughter). — Mr Justice Day : He went to law instead (more laughter), —Mr Kemp : Much the same thing (Court thrown into convulsions). It will be noticed that Judge Counsel by thus unbending for a moment have established an important and possible precedent. By declaration of the High Court of Justice it i« now laid down that going to law and to — — ia one and the same thing.