The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 26

THE BROOKLYN TTATLY EATTLE. NEW YORK TUESDAY. rAPRTL: 26. 1910. 4i TWO FIRST NIGHTS IN BROOKLYN "HER SON" AND "SKY PIRATE wn-i mm i L' 1 1 rfS I i i I I il 1 A I 1 i7 r1 I If I NEW PLAY PRODUCED JT THE MAJESTIC f'Her Son," by Charles Bradley, Is a Strong Melo- drama.

WITH GOOD ACTING PARTS. 16.nd a Sympathetic Third Act Follow. ing Two Scenes Packed With Thrills. Brooklyn had a real, for true "first titght" last night with the first pcrfor-'dance of a play and the usual concomitants of flowers, people In evening clothes In the boxes, franctio applause by the friends of the actors and the management, and a speech from the author dragged upon the stage. All this pleasant, and for Brooklyn tanusual, excitement occurred at the Ma-festlo Theater.

The play Is "Her Son," ty Charles Bradley, and If first night hurrah counts for anything it made an em-gihatio success. Moreover, the play has a Xhird act strong and sympathetic enough ko appeal to any audience, whether jtrlendly or not, and that act gives It an Excellent chance for continued usefulness, If only the first two acts can be made '9 seem a little more coherent and prob-Vble than they did under the nervous train of a first night. Heaven knows the first two acts do not lack strength. They have story enough for three plays and they have so much action that there is hardly room for language enough -to make the action clear. Unfortunately a large share of the language is profane in an effort to duplicate the success of "The Easiest Way," apparently.

Most of the profanity could ie spared and the play would be better if it were less complicated, although the Btory is so closely knit together that excision of any of its strands would be a aeat and delicate job of surgery. There is a lady Raffles in "society," of course who maintains her social splendors by forging notes and getting her rich friends to cash them and by stealing old paintings and Jewels from European churches and bringing them to thiB country, in conjunction with a foreign "count," who poses as her secretary. "Her Son," Leslie, is the honest and sympathetic hero who thinks "Mamma" is a saint. There are two feminine titled Sherlock Holmeses on the trail of the Count and the stolen picture, One of them takes service as Sirs. Osborne's maid.

There is an "Easiest Way" girl, supposed to be respectable, who has become engaged to Leslie, She 1b really the mistress of the man who poses as her "Uncle" and who has arranged the marriage to get rid of fcer, Then the Uncle proposes to marry the mother, of whose criminal side be Is as ignorant as she of his. In Europe, Leslie has fallen In love with the titled ''Lady Emma," who is now in service aB JiiB mother's maid as a detective on the trail of the gems' and picture, for no reason that la made clear. The son has a friend who shoots himself "off stage" because the mother's forged notes have Wrecked his bank. Could Owen Davis or Theodore Kremer Jive more? But there are some vivid 'VceneB among the crowded luridlties of (he first two acts ami, as said, there Is strong and human tMrd act in which the tangle is cut. The honest son finds cut about his "Easiest Way" girl and he compels her paramour to marry her, not the point of a pistol, but by an appeal to his sense of justice.

That outcome Was greeted with spontaneous applause last night and It has theatrical value of high order. The "count" is neatly handcuffed by a French detective, under the guidance of the two titled and petticoated amateurs, and the scene where the banker Shoots himself at the other end of the telephone has a novel thrill. Finally the mother dies under fear of exposure and the detective maid burns the "papers" Just In time to prevent the son from learning how bad she was and to leave the road clear for her own marriage to Leslie. There are half a dozen strong acting parts, a good deal overdone last night In a nervous desire to get everything "over," but which, with more deliberation and a more distinct enunciation, ought to prove effective. Joseph Kaufman" as the son might moderate his transports with benefit to his "big" scene.

Louise Randolph as the "mother" avoided over-acting in a Leslie Carter part and nan some nae moments. Beatrice Irwin. aB the bad lot who reforms, had also some genuine and fine momenta. Katherine Emmet as the lady'B maid, Hall McAllister as the Count and Riley Katcn as me uia "Uncle" were good all the way tnrougn while E. F.

Bostwlck played vividly scene added after the programmes were printed, so that there was no way of identifying him. There is too much good stuff In "Her Hon tor me sioreaouse, whether it succeeds in its present crowded shape or not. ABORNS GIVE DOUBLE BILL "Cavellaria Rusticana" and "I Pag- liacci" at the Grand Opera House Drew a Large Audience. Springer's Grand Opera House was filled to the last seat In the top gallery last night by en audience that enjoyed, as was shown by frequent applause, the dou ble bill, "Cavallarla Rusticana" and "I Pagllacci," by the Aborn Grand Opera Company. It was proof that the Maa-eagnl and Leoncavallo operas exercise a powerful epell over people, the music throwing charm over the two sad stories.

Bertha Shalek, who la always popular as 6antuzza in "Cavelleria." through her clear and vibrant tones and her devotion to the character, received full meed of applause, i'mberto Sacchetti was a pol-iBhcd end altogether very satisfactory Turridu, acquitting himself so well with his good method and good voice that hl lack of dramatic force at times wa3 easily overlooked. Charles H. Bowers acted and sang the role of Alno in apparently a nervous way, at first, but he conveyed throughout the opera the feeling of the character with efficiency. Louise Kelley as Lola and Ellen James as Mama Lucia helped to a very good presentation of the opera. Lois Ewell, as Nedda, brought a light heart, a happy manner and smooth voice delivery to that role in "I Pagllacci." Her capacity for sentiment was tasted and found not wanting in her solo, wherein she remembers early days when she was a young and innocent girl.

Great applause greeted her efforts. Applause in abundance, too, wont to Eugcnio Rattain, who had the role of Cnnlo in his solo on discovering the unfaithfulness of his wife. So dramatic was he that the audi-ence was stirred deeply end demanded an encore, which waH given. The tenor, however, who had previously forced li i 3 tones, did not come off quito so well in his encore, as the audience discovered. Achillo Albert! was very satisfactory as Tonlo, making quiet and effectivo use of his opportunities as the eiown.

Fred Chapman as Silvio sang well, as did Alfred Sapplo as Ileppo. Mr. Nicosia conducted with skill, as usual. Next week, "Martha." TELLER LODGE EVENT. Teller Lodge No.

22, Order of the Shepherds of Bethlehem, will hold a progressive euchite and dance on Tuesday evening. May 8, in the Johnston Build-ln. I SCULPTOR LITTLE I a j. i A. ll SVIIW I 1 lV4 IVVH VWIIM Gallery in Manhattan, Be a Campbell Panel.

VEZIN SHOWS VcKSATILI In a Collection of Many Oil Paintings and Thumb-Box Sketches. Art displays In Brooklyn and In Manhattan continue well Into the season when In former years they have begun perceptibly to flal away In public interest. The Independents have a steady attendance, and the Brooklyn and Metropolitan Museums, owing perhaps to the mild spring, favorable for stirring out of doors, receive and entertain throngs of picture lovers. The dealers, too, maintain Interest. At Montross' Galleries Is a special exhibition that Is reminiscent, of a prolific- season.

At the Salmagundi, Charles Vezin showB' his versatility in oil paintings and, in the way of sculpture, besides the women's special exhibit in Manhattan, there are three sculptorshow-lng clover work at the MadlBon Art (Gallery. Harry Roseland, a Brooklymlte, extends until April 28, his exhibition ot paintings. Illustrating negro life In the South, at tho Clark Galleries, Manhattan. In Brooklyn, the Emll parlsen exhibit oNf, oil paintings continues at the Pratt In stitute Art Gallery, until April 30, whllei there Is an unusual exhibition of oll" paintings owned by the estate of a late art dealer at the Lafayette Square Art Gallery, until sale to-morrow evening. The Arlington Art Galleries change ex hlbltions weekly.

E. A. R. At the Madison Art Gallery Frances Grimes, a capable assistant of the late Augustus St. Gaudens.

shows two bas-reliefs in bronze, portraits, one being a beautiful presentation of the musician, Arthur Whiting, at a piano; one bas relief portrait in plaster and two heads in plaster that show great skill in this, one of the most difflault branches of the plastic art, if not the most difficult, owing to necessity for foreshortening. James Earle Fraser besides a case of medal lions, portraits, (including the Payne Whitney children on horseback), a study for the John Hay monument, and a bas-relief portrait of a son of C. O. Brewster, has a poetic conception in the round that is tormed "Grief," and is eloquent In the attitude of a nude woman, bent over as she sits, her long hair concealing her face, and the whole attitude expressive of utter abandon. Ability to express varied human nature, and nature other than human, is seen in Harry Thrasher's "Pan," on a column like a Sllenus In an old-world Italian garden, beside a portrait of Iron Tail, Sioux chief, and beside that a bas-relief portrait of Miss Philips, refined and exact, as are all of Mr.

Thrasher's works. HU "Portrait of Mrs. Eliza Thrasher" 1b full of character. Blendon Campbell shows a long panel, colorful and decorative te the last degree, and the drawing and poses of tho women's figures evince his Ann -1111 r.l,nn. a an shore and the color scheme in pale blue and green, with rose tints here and there.

Is most attractive. Extraordinary activity In production and a good deal of restless versatility' ih manner are seen in a large collection of 'iXches, thumb-box sketches, mem- ory sketchings, studies and pictures In oil by Charles Vezin at the Salmagundi Club. It would seem as though Mr. Vezin had been everywhere in this vicinity and found pictures and sketches worthy of study. From Brooklyn Heights he painted a number of delightful sketches with warm grays In tone, and from the North River side he got a view Including the Singer building, sky scraperB and water, with a nocturne effect that entitles the picture to its name of "The Veil." Among these ten pictures is a colorful "The Last ftt the Palisades," that was sent for exhibition In Oregon.

Vezin has love for nature is "The Silver Lining," That Mr. soen in solid and satisfying, a scene near Eton's Neck, L. an old picture, but always compelling for restlessness; "Summer," just as satisfying, but with shadows of the large trees lacking light in their depths, and "Mid-Summer." Five or six of these paintings have been shown at the Academy, and some of them have been sold. In the 38 sketches there is scarcely one that does not prove that Mr. Vezin knows exactly where to select his point of view.

Furthermore, while he loves color for Its own sake, it is nevertheless subjected to his wilU his brush never runs away with him; Ideas as well as perception are at the beck of his hand. For sureness and swiftness, an example Is "Wedding Gifts," roses and still life, done at a "sitting," a brilliant bit of work, full of dash in effect as well as In intention. Another "simple" subject is "Our Block," but the apparent commonplace is lifted Into poetry by a kind of alchemy. Other notable sketches are "Summer Sky," "Moonrise at Sunset," "Interior," a specialty wllh most painters, but only an Incident In Mr. Vezin's exhibition; "Rhododendrons" and "Near Skyrle." More than 30 thumb-box sketches lend lightness and charm to the exhibition.

The Harry Roseland exhibition of colored life In the South has attracted a good many Southerners to the Clark gallery. Many expressions of appreciation of the accuracy of Mr. Roseland's Inter-pretatlon of the everyday life of the Southern negro have been heard in the galleries. The artist does not, although he Is a Northerner, being a Brooklynlte, in fact, for many year3, exaggerate or twist away from the truth In his depicting the life of the negro. This Is seen by his presenting so seldom the life of Individuals; very many of the works, as though they were Illustrations, reveal the negro in family surroundings or in community life.

In thnt way he presents to us In art the typical negro. When he pictures an individual It shows the negro In a well-recognized occupation or habit, such as "By the Mark Twain," a negro on deck of a Mississippi boat, standing by mast and turning to give directions to his superior in the pilot house, or, In "A Snuff Dipper," "An Old Slave," and "A Cotton Picker. He preserves old traditions In "The Old Ox Cart," whore a negro and his wife, drawn by a yoke of oxen In an old cart, stop for a chat with a young woman, who might bo a daughter of a cotton planter. is a real touch of the simple life in "Fishing In the Mississippi," a negro girl comfortnbly whiling away the time, smoking a corn-cob pipe, while waiting for a "bite." There are pictures of white people, too, one a stirring scene on a Long Island coast, "Child of the Dunes," her hair afloat In the breeze, standing a luminous atmosphere. Two lail scapes on Long Islnnd are also worthy i note.

The International exhibition of paint, Ings will bo opened this yenr on May 2 i nt the Cnrneglo Institute, Pittsburg, and John W. Beatty. director of the institute p.iys that, In his belief, the ntandard of the cnllection is higher than that of tha ti'Mtiv, iiiut. IIIU I exhibited last yenr, If not high- I hut of any recent annum exhl- jaented In tho world. This, I i the opinion exnressed by a collection er than thn billon prcaen says, was number of tho members of the Interna tlonnl Jury of Award, In discussing thfl average quality of the works accepted Chllde Hastuim will have nearly twoscore4 pictures.

S.irolla will exhibit his por-1 trait of Taft, the noted "Ten American' Painters" will he represented, as J. J. Shannon, Henri Sldanier, of the Jury, Htnnhnnn A TTnrhAQ T) A Rle Guthrie and Alexander Hnrrlson. i The picture by Chllde Hnnsam. en titled "The Chinese Merchants," which attracted much attention during the exhi bition of the "Ten American Painters" et the Montross Gallery, has been acquired by Charles L.

Freer for tho National Gallery ot Art, Waablpgton, D. C. collection.) "THE SKY PIRATES" FLY AT PAYTON'S The Annual Musical Comedy Produced at the Lee Ave-nue Theater. NOT ART, BUT IT IS FUN. Minna Phillips, Louis Leon Hall and Other Favorites Sing.

The Corse Payton Stock Company, at the Lee Avenue Theater, got off its annual musical melange In fine style last night. It is by Ren Shields and Stanley Murphy, music by Frank L. Callahan, IB entitled "The Sky Pirates," and is about the funniest thing that ever hit the Payton pike. Crowded houses will be the rule this What there is of the plot has to do with two "unknowns," who steal an airship, after accidentally poisoning a woman, and escape to Orient Point, L. where the scenes of their adventures are laid.

They pose as the Wright brothers, then work a medicine flimflam, discover the elixir of love and work all kinds of mischief and make a lot of fun doing it. Joe Girard and Billy Mortimer, old time favorites, were the chief funmakers as the "Two Unknowns." Their comedy is new and bright and the songs they Bing are catchy and witty. Miss Minna Phillips, the much beloved leading woman, shone as a dainty, dimpled prima donna. She scored all kinds of triumphs and had everything her own way. The audience demanded several encores after she sang "The Poor Little Bluejay" in a most delightful way.

Louis Leon Hall, who for several seasons has been the popular leading man. be gan his last week with the Payton troupe with a breezy performance as the village doctor. And when he sang "Good- Dy, uia pais, in the second act, his many admirers didn't realize how true it was, although they applauded him to the echo. Claude Payton made a treat hit with his catchy way of singing "Come On, ana flay a Kag," a coon song which fell to bis lot as the doctor's nni Ethel Milton, as Dolly Daniels, was Just piun aim pretty as sne could be and sang and danced like a Broadway ite. MiBs Grace Fox was amusing as the giiucipai 01 tne gins seminary, and Lee Sterrett as the star government sleuth was a scream.

Oh, yes! They had a crowd of men and women th. and they called it a chorus. But, on the wonderful scenic effects. CHARLES SCHOFIELD SCORES. In "The White Horse Tavern" at the Crescent, as the German i Lamp Maker.

But for the excellence of the Crescent stock company it is questionable whether "At the White Horse Tavern," this week, would be such a success. The play itself 1b structurally weak, but its characterization and incidents Hr. fllnnvr 11.... Fleming made a charming hostess, while Alison ouiaia himself as head waiter In the Whito u. although it cannot be denied that he was iu ii si eater mings.

rne bright particular star of the production was Charles T. Schofield. who. as William Gleseke, the mouuiiiciureer, traveling under protest, found a role eminently suited to his talents. Mr.

Schofield has a quaint, sim-P way of talking and acting that materially emphasizes the irresistible humor interjected by Sydney Rosenfeld Into an already bright dialogue. As a consequence the audience enjoyed a hearty augh for over two hours, never noticing the inconsistency that a German lamp do able to read a vi iai. nuwever, ana notwithstanding the fact that the same stage uiu ocivica ior an tnree acts the play passed oft smoothly and was thoroughly enjoyed by all who had the courage to brave the storm and attend. THE GREENPOINT. Homer Lind, the baritone, appeared at the Greenpoint last night in a musical playlet by Gustave Weinberg called "The Opera Singer," and met with great success.

Both musically and dramatically the piece Is delightful. It is full of ton. derness end pathos, interpolated with some good comedy. Mr. Lind's singing and the violin playing of his principal support, whose name is not mentioned were heartily applauded.

John B. Hy-mer and company presented "The Devil and Tom Walker," a fantastic musical comedy wlith good effect. Mr Hymer's playing of the part of Tom Walker, an old darky who has descended into the re. glons below, was a refreshing bit of act-ing, his dialect being of the best. Pat Rooney and Marlon Bent offered their musical and dancing melange, "At the Newsstand," and met with popular favor.

Jimmie Cook has picked up a new partner who is first class in his line and the team of Cook and Lorenz made much merriment. Coolt has been before the public a great many years and has lost none of his ability as a fun maker. Others on the uniformly good bill were the Bessie Valdare troupe of bicycle riders, George Austin Moore, Douglas and the Musgrove Sisters, Jetter and Rogers, and the vitagraph. "AS A HAN SOWS." At the Gotham this week, the popular stock company which holds forth at that house is doing Henry Hamilton's romantic drama, "As a Man Sows," in a prologue and three acts. Despite the storm there was a good audience last night, and the cast worked as smoothly as If it had been appearing in the same play for weeks.

Mr. Forbes, the loading man, gave a clever characterization of Hal Wheatcroft, a strong, manly chap, who loves honor above all else. His work showed careful study. Miss Mary Stock- hiuo was seen to advantage in ths double role of Helmer Wyngato and Mrs. Hneaicroit, and her playing was rewarded with frequent applause.

All the other actora are excellently cast. Frank Fielder as Bradford Brock and Norman Wendell as Sir Stephen Wyngate, were very satisfactory. Others who seemed to plensc were Thomas Williams. Fred Loomis, George Smith, Georso Bovnton, Evelyn Watson, Julia Varney, Grace Shanley and Jimmie Jimmison. The play is finely stngerl and well worth seeing.

Between the acts the exhibition of moving pictures and illustrated songs filled the time pleasontly. NETHEESOLE IN "CARMEN" The second and last week of Miss Olga Ncthersole's engagement at the Acai-cmy of Music, which will he devoted to several of her successes, brought forth this talented acress' "Carmen" last night, a role peculiarly fitted to her temperament and one of markeddrawing power in her repertoire. The audience was fairly largo and very enthusiastic, and curtain calls were numerous. The play, in four acts and flvo scenes, Is adapted from Prosper Merimee's story by Henry Hamilton, and there Is not a lax moment. Miss Ncthersole was ably supported by Harrison Hunter as Don Jose and Miss Charlotte Tittell as Dolores.

During the week, "The Writing on the Wall" and 'Camllle" will also be given. PHhMttility: Kyrle Bellew and KYRLE BELLEW CHARMS At the Montauk in a Graceful Comedy by Sutro. A fine Company, Including Mrs. Whiffen, Messrs. Jennings and Stallard.

"The Builder of Bridges" by Alfred Sutro, with Kyrle Bellew as the star, was presented at the Montauk last night. This play is one of the products we are led to expect from Mr. Sutro. The story, in which is involved the mala complication, is most conventional having done duty from time immemorial and on about every stage in the known wiorld. It is that of a sister seeking at her own sacrifice to save an erring brother from the 'consequences of his wrong doing and her self becoming involved In a complication which nearly ruins her own life and that of the hero of the play.

The first act Is so frankly expositlonal as to be bald and boresome, but we do get bright lines, even witty ones, and some excellent characterization from Mrs. Whiffen, who plays the part of Mrs. Dabney. In the developing second act opportunity is afforded for the production of a most excellent character bit by DeWitt C. Jenkins, as Sir Henry Killick, and another by Ernest Stalllard as Peter Holland, manager of the Kllllck bridge business.

Indeed the scenes in which Messrs. Bellew, Jennings and Stal. lard and Miss Hanson figure In this sec ond act are delightful, delightfully ex. ecutcd and far very far from being con-ventlonal and in which there are the most engaging human touches. In originality, in fine characterization, and, in sheer excellence of art work upon the part of the author and player, the second act far exceeds the third, which is of greater dramatic value.

It Is the same excellence of character work ot Messrs. Jennings and Stallard and of the artistry ot Mr. Bellew that saves the last act from utter inanity, the conclusion having been foreshadowed so early in the play as to amount to a defect in con. structlon. Mr.

Bellew is an accomplished actor. Indeed he is an artist who has so completely mastered the technique of his art that there is no evidence of Its employment and, with the result of reaching a realism that the professed followers of the new school rarely or never attain. In his career Mr. Bellew may have been called on to do greater things than he is In this play, yet there was a most satisfying joy in his grace, In his naturalism, achieved through legitimate methods, and a great charm in the beautiful reading of his lines, which floated over the footlights without the loss of a single value In modulation or emphasis. There is commendation for Miss Gladys Hanson, who quite evidently Is gifted with a power which is dramatic and in her own possession and control, and which, last night, she used with skill.

She has a musical voice, a fine presence and a personality that is winning. The combination argues well for her future and If she will take some lessons In the matter of reading from the great artist who heads the company she will have a career. The bill as a whole made a delightful entertainment and one very far above the average. The production In the way of scenery is to be praised. "CHARLEY'S AUNT" AT BIJOU.

It was a case of one laugh after another last night in "Charley's which is being presented by Corse Pay ton's Stork Company, this week, at the Bijou. Despite the heavy downpour rain, a large audience was In attendance and that the performance was en-Joyed was evidenced in the incessant shrieks of laughter which shook the rafters of the building. To make the farce even more effective, Mr. Payton secured George Storrs Fisher, the popular comedian of his Lee Avenue Company, to play his favorite role of Fan- court Babberly, who masquerades as the aunt. Mr.

Fisher, who starred in the part last season, lived up to his reputa tion and won a laugh every minute. Other members of tho company abetted him In hU designs, especially Miss Edna May Spooner, who was an excellent Kitty Ver- dln. in lovo with one of the students, Miss Mabel Griffth as her chum, Miss Edith Bowers an the real aunt from Brazil, "where the nuts grow," and Miss Katherine Francis In an ingenue role. In addition, the men were all good. Frank H.

Le Rue and Daniel J. Hamilton as college chums, and A. J. Byron as Stephen Spet tlgue especially bringing out the fun in the play. Willsrd Dashiell, J.

Morton Stock and J. Hall Owen were also seen to advantage in congenial roles. A return to serious drama will bo made next week, "Tho KrctitZT Sonata" being scheduled. "CASTE" REVIVAL AT EMPIRE. Tom Robertson's play caste was presented at the Empire Theater, Manhattan, last night.

Though fifty years old, this play has perennial charm, a fact which was clearly brought out by competent actors. There Is no star part. Marie Tempest as Polly Eccles led, and Elsie FcrKiisoti appeared as Esther Eccles. Graham Brown, who last appeared In "Israel," played Oerridge most amuse. Ingly and without any vulgarity.

Mr. Huntley as Enelrs furnished a richly characterization and Edwin Ardea as George D'Alroy presented the character of a foppish Englishman. The other characters were sustained by Julian Royce, Edward Franklin and Maude Milton. Too those who saw It, and the audi, ence was large, the play was a revelation of good acting. MME.

NEUVILLE'S RECITAL. Mine. Roslna Neuvllle, anaetress who starred for years In "The Boy Tramp" and who Is now teaching in Brooklyn, will give a recital at hnr studio, 206 Putnam avenue. Mine. Neuvillo has been fifty-five years on the American stage and has secured a number of notable social and literary patrons for her recitals.

OP! J1, IN THE WORLD OF ART American Modern rVlasters Have Pictures at the Montross Galleries in Manhattan. STEICKEN PUZZLES CRITICS With His Nocturne With Greens and Blues and His Mysterious Women. American Water Color Society Forty-third annual exhibition, 215 West Fifty-seventh street, Manhattan, April 20 to May 28. Arlington Art Galleries, 1249 Fulton street, near Bedford avenue Exhibition of fine water color paintings by Georges Clairin, Jules Lessare, Georges Gassles, CharleB Oliver de Penne, G. A.

Lockhart, L. Wolden Hawkins and H. Anthony Dyer. Brooklyn Institute ot Arts and Sciences Open daily from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M.; Thursday evening from 7:30 to 9:30.

Admission on Monday and Tuesday, 25 cents. Clark Gallery, 566 Fifth avenue, Manhattan Harry Roseland's pictures of life In the South, to April 28, at noon. Durand-Ruel Gallery, 5 West Thirty-sixth street Modern French masters. Folsom Galleries, 396 Fifth avenue, Manhattan. Independent Artists, 29-31 West Thirty-fifth street, Manhattan Public exhibitions until April 27, Sundays included.

Knoedler Gallery, 356 Fifth avenue, Manhattan. Lafayette Square Art Gallery, BrooklynExhibition until sale on April 27, paintings of estate of the late art dealer, John H. Meeker, etc. Macbeth GallerieB, 450 Flftn avenue, Manhattan Paintings by George B. Luks, to April 27.

Madison Art Galleries, 305 Madison avenue, Manhattan Sculpture exhibition of portraits and medallions by Frances Grimes, James Earle Fraser and Harry Thrasher, until May 4. Montross Galleries, 650 Fifth avenue, Manhattan Special exhibition of paintings to May 5. Metropolitan Museum of Art Open dally from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M., Saturday evening until 10; Sunday, after 1 P.M. Admission 26 cents on Monday and Friday.

Whistler exhibition until May 81. National Arts Club, 119 East Nineteenth street, Manhattan Paintings by Alfred East, president of the Royal Society of British Artists, to April 30. New York School of Applied Design for Women, Lexington avenue and Thirtieth street, Manhattan Exhibition of sculpture by women, until May 7, from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M. Pratt Institute Art Gallery, Brooklyn-Paintings by Emil Carlsen, to April 30.

Salmagundi Clnb, 14 West Twelfth street, Manhattan Sketches by Charles Vezin, to April 30. Admission by card. Timely Note and Comment. N. E.

Montross of 560 Fifth avenue, who means to keep bis galleries open to June 1, with special exhibitions, has one now In which are Included pictures by artists who exhibited at the recent showing of Ten American Artists, but they are not the same pictures, though they are fine examples. Always welcome is Gari Melchers' colorful and beautifully lighted and shaded "The Arbor," seen not long since in a special exhibition by him in Manhattan. It Is delightful realism and Mr. Melchers, who Is In Constantinople, working, iB gratefully remembered through its presence. A.

P. Ryder's mellow "The Horseman" holds a distinct place for richneBs of effect amid the subtle harmonies all about it on the walls. Mr. Hassam, this time, shows how subtle and charming ho can be when he tries. In his sole exhibit, "The North Shore Moonlight," a Bpread of white clouds over the firmament aiding wonderfully In distributing the rays of the moon over sky and sea.

D. W. Tryon, too, makes silence felt in his "Moonlight on the Water," though hU water line in the horizon strikes one as being a little hard In color. In his "Spring Morning" he plays with varied tints of green in the grass and trees like a juggler. Quite showy and decorativa and yet worked out with extreme delicacy of brush handling is Charles A.

Winter's figure of a young woman carrying a box covered with jewels streaming downward and entitled one admires the beauty of the arrangement, while vulgarly wondering why the woman has looped all of the treasures outside of the receptacle. Deep and rich in color Is Elliott Dangerfleld's "A Forest Oak." J. Alden Weir submits a dream of "June," a gentle slant of sward toward woods In the background, several figures, Judiciously introduced at the left that accentuate the season without being obtrusive. A pretty landscape by Robert Reld, entitled "Evening," Is distinguished by a keen observance of the time of day when all things take on an air of unreality. Horatio Walker In his "Sheep Shearing" endues the subject with deep, human Interest, as he always does, being colorful and strong In his message.

Arthur Wesley Dow In "Sea Fog," "Early Morning" and "April" shows a peculiar mingling of impressionism and Japanese reminiscence. There Is charm In these evanescent effectB, especially In "April," which Is painted with admirable breadth and refined color sense. Mr. Dow was formerly at Pratt Institute, where he had many followers and admirers. W.

L. Lathrop has four examples In which his faculty of reproducing the broad neutrals of nature In a subtly colorful way is appealing. "Early Spring, New Hope." tells of a late afternoon, while "Early Spring, PrlmroBO Valley," has an earlier afternoon effect. Drear his "March, Late Afternoon," a veritable nature study, while "Early Autumn" is more eloquent In refinement of a pasture land that the pasture Itself could be, except to the eye ot a closely observant artist. The note of singularity In the exhibition Is given by Eduard J.

Stelchen, especially In "Nocturne After the Storm, Three Women," a challenging picture In color, subject and meaning. Against a vivid green, sky blue clouds drlft.end In the foreground twonuns stand, while between them Is a nude woman, understood to be a captive, for she stands looking downward with resentful, sullen expression. The garments of the nuns seem to have absorbed the tint of the background and there flits over the form of the nude a sort of greenish light. Whatever may be the key to tho symbolism evidently Intended, the picture strangely compels attention and It is even fascinating. "The Lotus Screen," with a woman sitting in a chair, screen In the background, Is a frankly daring and successful exhibition of what an experimental artist can accomplish In making a picture reveal what color, as color, can bo made to do.

Kenyon Cox's "Plenty," a seated woman dispensing fruit from a lapful of such goodies to children, seems rather hard amid so many gently appealing works. It was painted for a decoration In Washington. CHURCH ENTERTAINMENT. Treasury of Church Is Greatly Increased As Result of Affair. The treasury of St.

Gnbrlel's R. C. Church at New Lots road and Linwood street will bo considerably Ineroased as the result of a vory fine entertainment and recoptlon given Inst night in Congress Hall, East Now York. One fenture of the entertainment was a delightful llttlo minstrel Bhow. Young men and women of the Holy Name Society, and the church choir took pnrt In it.

The Rev. Father Thomas J. Fitzgerald, the pastor of the church, and who Is one of the popular clergymen of East Now York, was much pleased with the great success attained Company in "The Builder of Bridges" "A FOOL THERE WAS" Robert (Milliard at the Broadway Theater. A Fine, Strong Drama, Admirably Acted By a Splendid Company i of Players. Porter Emerson Brown's powerful drama, "A Fool There Was," with Robert Hllllard in the star role of the fool, drew a big and appreciative audience to the Broadway Theater last evening.

The play, based on Rudyard Kipling's poem, is strong in every detail, brings out the full force of Mr. Kipling's meaning and, If possible, more. Beginning with the love story of a happy home, there is in tho six scenes a gradual unfolding of a drama of sordid passion that ends in disgusting groveling and death for the victim and a sense of horror on the part of the audience against the woman vampire who has caused bis downfall. Mr. Hllllard, In the earlier scenes of the play, Is just the plain, lovable "Bob" Hllllard whom Brooklynltes have admired for a generation as one of our best actors; but In the final scenes ot besotted degradation, where, as the fool victim of a woman, all that a sane man holds dear is lost to him, he shows a power that places him in the front rank.

It is comparatively easy to act the drunkard, but to portray adequately the condition and thoughts and actions, of a strong man of brains, who has fallen to the lowest depths through the wiles of a heartless woman, and who knows how and why he haB fallen, and realizes what he has lost, together with a last feeble attempt to regain bis shattered manhood. Is a task wherein most actors would fall in many details. Mr. Hllllard, however, carries bis revolting part through to the last second with a realism that makes one shudder and yet it is not overdone, not even one little bit. Mr.

Hllllard 1b supported by a splendid cast. Interest naturally centers, next to the star role of the fool, in Miss Edna Conroy, wb? plays the woman vampire so realistically as to gain the cordial hatred of the audience. She is beautiful, has a fine sense of her part, and is a powerful actress. Nanette Comstock plays the wife, and little "Boots" Wurster the child of the fool, both admirably. William Courtlelgh won hearty applause for his strong portrayal of the manly friend of the fool.

Others, In minor roles, who do excellent work are Dorothy Turner, S. K. Walker, George Clare, C. Russell Sage and Fred Nlchoils. The scenery is of the very artistic kind with which Frederic Thompson fits out all the plays that are under his management.

AMELIA BINGHAM. Heads the Bill at the Fulton, in "Big Moments From Great Plays." Miss Amelia Bingham and company presented her "Big Moments of Great Plays" at the Fulton, last evening, thus enabling vaudeville patrons a chance to see her in three entirely different charactersthe first Sans Gene" and "La Tosca," and, finally, Strange's laughable comedy, "A School for Husbands." Miss Bingham is so well known that it is hardly necessary to say that her's was the feature of the evening, and the sprightly comedy of "A School for Husbands," and its contrast to the heavy parts, in the former plays, evidenced her versatility. The scene from "La Tosca," where Bhe saves her lover from the gal lows. Is strongly given Sidney Drew was again seen here In a new sketch, A Mad With a Past," which bristles with fun and humorous situations. Mr.

Drew as Horace Drummond Is on his wedding trip, and his bride, Blanche (Mabel Mortimer), Is miffed be cause be tells her that she Is the first and that he has never bad any past. Miss Muriel Window was well received She is pretty and sang four songs in a voice of high range and sweetness. The Orpheus Comedy Four present a singing act that is good and was made laughable by somo outlandish costumes. The Le Pages have a sensational jumping act that Introduces unique and apparently dangerous exhibitions of skill end daring. The Moto-Olrl.

as presented by Frederick Mellvllle, for a while mystified those who had not seen her when she was here the last time. She Is still as mechanically perfect as ever. Farley and Clare have an expert dancing act, in which they introduce many new steps. Musicnl Thor, with banjo and xylophone selections, has a wide range of subjects which he Interprets to the delight of his hearers. Harry and Elsie Mayvllle give their Lilliputian novelty singing and dancing act, seen here previously.

OhOBt pic tures on the Fultonscopo concluded a pleasing bbill throughout. GAVE A MINSTREL SHOW. The enterprising Scoo Wa Association scored a hit last night when Its members presented a minstrel show at tho Park Circle Casino. It was In the nature of a benefit to Jack Lohrman, well known In the Windsor Terrace section. Solos were sung by Thomas Hlckey, William Murtha, Edward Doyle, William Llncke, William Radford.

An Interesting feature was the Introduction of Miss Kitty Carney, who sang several solos and received numerous encores. The end men were Jack Lohrman, Frank Maus, Al. Titerton and William Dyke. Richard Irwin was Interlocutor. In addition Johnny Casey, "the- Irish Politician," Broogan and McFarland, as "The Boys from Madden's," and Billy Llncke, helped to complete a bill as lengthy as It was excellent.

Thomas Toy was musical director and Edward Doyle was stage' manager. A dance f-'lowed the how. at the Montauk Theater. "RED HEAD" SAYING FAREWELL Popular Irene Franklin Is Going to Be a Leading Lady. Appears for Last Time in Vaudeville at Head of Good Orpheum Bill.

Irene Franklin, the clever vaudeville entertainer who Is going to be a leading lady hereafter, according to reports, heads an excellent bill at the Orpheum this week and, as usual, makes those In the audience glad they came. Aided by Burt Green at the piano, the little singer repeats all of her song successes, and finds it hard to get away. The "Red Head" song continues to find favor, despite its age, and In her other numbers Miss Franklin Is as charming as ever. The bill this week contains other good things: Billy B. Van with Rose and Nellie Beaumont, In the laughable sketch, called "Props," enact the Monday morning rehearsal scenes in any vaudeville theater, the erstwhile Coney Island boy Injecting plenty ot humor and original antics.

William H. Thompson, supported by Lauretta Allen and Fred J. Webber, appear In a somewhat pathetic sketch, entitled "The Pride of the Regiment," Mr. Thompson playing the role of an English army veteran, who has won medals for bravery. He gives a fine bit of character acting.

The Arlington Four, as messenger boyB, present a good comedy singing and dancing act, while Hyman Meyer, "the man at the piano," seems to have little trouble In pleasclng the audience. La Titcomb, the singer on horseback, Is appearing for the first time this season. Her horse is a wonderfully educated animal and performs gracefully on a disk 3 yards in diameter. The Three McGradya offer a novel entertainment, and much fun Is provided by Miss Maude Rochez with her monkeys, in an act called "A Night In a Monkey Music Hall." Mae Melville and Robert Hlggins, eccentric character singing comedians, present an agreeable number, and the vitagraph concludes the bill with new motion pictures. BURLESQUE.

Wrestling, in conjunction with burlesque and vaudeville, make up the programme at the Star Theater this week. Mat experts who have gained fame here and abroad will be seen in contests at every performance. The Columbia company provides the rest of the bill. "Vacation Days" and "The Fakirs" are the titles of the two merry musical farces, by Edwin Hanford, that enlist the services of capable performers. Genie Pollard, Pearl Reld, May Bryant and May Butler are the principals of the feminine force, which works with dash and spirit, and Ben Ross, Frederick Russell and Frederick Nolan give a good account of themselves in the comedy lines and scenes allotted to them.

The vaudeville section embraces four specialties. Frank and May Butler appear In an attractive dancing specialty; the Jessie Keller troupe exhibit their skill and daring in trick bicycle feats; the Clipper Comedy Four present a comedy and singing sketch and May Bryant and company fur-nish an act called "The Devil on Art." The Dainty Duchess company made its first appearance of the season at the Gayety Theater, yesterday, and pleased the two good-sized audiences. Frederick J. Ireland, a clever light comedian, has the principal role In a two-act musical farce called "Rogue do la Mode," of which ho Is the author. The scenes are laid in Spain and in New York, and there Is a well connected Btory, with numerous comic situations, bright dialogue, colorful scenes and jingling songs and concerted pieces.

Alice Brophy, Emily Miles. Harry Woods, Fannie Thatcher, P. W. Miles, Eugene Jerge, Harvey Greene and Edith Hamilton are the chief assistants of Mr. Ireland.

The vaudeville olio is especially strong, the principal number being a comedy sketch by the three Keatons, of which trio "Buster" Keaton, a precocious youngster with a well-developed sense of humor and fine Imitative faculty, Is an Important member. Other acts are offered by Woods and Greene, Jerge and Hamilton, Ireland and company in a comedy entitled "My Friend From Ireland," and NelBon and Nelson. PORTRAITS AT KNOEDLER'S. At Knoedlef's, John Elliott has been showing portraits of Julia Ward Howe and of her brother, Ward, long known In New York and Washington an England, too. Mr.

Ward, as shown, has little of tho jauntlness for which he was noted, while the picture of Mrs. Howe, in morning gown of blue, and with white cap and fichu, and with her bright blue eyes and sereno loveliness of expression, Is a charming work. Illustrations In pastel by Mr. Elliott of "The Great Sei Horse," a collection of fairy tales, by Mrs. Lnrz Anderson, are shown, and, beside excellent drawing of the horses, there is a pretty play of fancy In the pictures.

J. Mortimer Llchtcnauer has, among his portrait collection in tho fame galleries, dramatic work In a portrait of Bertha Kallch. His brush does not run freely along the line or Imagination. Louis Kronberg of Boston has a number of pic-tures hero also that ploture life on the stage. He shows great skill In his flesh tones, and his sense of color In lively, which Is nRtural under the circumstances.

The late Richard MnnBfleld Is seen as the Baron Chevrlal in the familiar pose at the dinner table. "Mansfield as Cyrano de Bergerac" Is also a clever work. "Between tbo Acts," "La Coiffure," and "Loretta" are also strong examples. His sumptuous "Lotus" won for Kronberg the Longfellow traveling scholarship In 1894-J7..