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KING JOHN AT OXFORD.

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stage. Voice, gesture, and even mannerisms were there, toned down, of course, to suit the academic atmosphere, but manifest to all who know and love the great original. My hearty congratulations to the actor, whoever he was, on a most carefully studied and dignified rendering of his difficult part. Mr. ALAN MACKINNON, who grouped and arranged the whole of the play, was vigorous and spirited as Faulconbridge. He delivered his insults with immense force and go. The letter "r" is not an easy one for him to pronounce, but he struggled manfully with this obstacle, and after a time I got perfectly accustomed to the bold tones in which he ordered Austria to hang a calf-skin chround those chrechreant limbs." King Philip's legs were, perhaps, too much inclined to independence, and never quite seemed to have made up their minds where they would settle down, but when once they were fixed the King was every inch a King. Little Miss MABEL HOARE made us all weep copiously as Arthur. I have kept Hubert to the last, in order to emphasise my opinion that Mr. CLARK, of New College, who acted this tender-hearted Chamberlain, carried off the chief honours of not have been easy to match Mr. CLARK'S impersonation. Lady RADNOR'S band was delightful, in light-blue and pink bows.

THE Oxford University Dramatic Society have acted another Shakspearian play with conspicuous success. To say that the O. U. D. S. have acted a play of SHAKSPEARE is to say nothing, seeing that they are compelled, under fear of the most dreadful punishments known to the University Calendar, to confine their histrionic efforts to the drama as SHAKSPEARE wrote it, with an occasional excursion into the dramatic verse of BROWNING. A great many, however, of the most influential members of the Hebdomadal Council are said to view any such departure from SHAKSPEARE with alarm, as calculated to impair the discipline and sap the morality of the tender nurselings confided to their charge, and it is doubtful if the experiment will be repeated. Long live the legitimate drama. say I, and so say all of us. But, after all, it may be questioned whether those who can listen unharmed to the broad, and, if I may say so, "illegitimate" humour of Faulconbridge in King John would take much damage from SHERIDAN, or LYTTON, or TOM TAYLOR, or even-though I make this particular suggestion with bated breath-the performance. For consistent and restrained force, it would from the performance of such burlesques as the A. D. C. at Cambridge from time to time offers to its patrons.

All this is, however, by the way. We must take the O. U. D. S. as we find it, and I must confess I found it in a very strong and flourishing condition during the performance of King John. The audience is not an easy one to act to. Not that it errs on the side of over-criticism. Rather it is too painfully friendly and familiar with the actors. Here is a stray example culled from the Stalls:

Enter King PHILIP, the DAUPHIN, and attendant Knights. Undergraduate in the Stalls (to his Neighbour). Halloa! There's old Johnnie in chain armour and a helmet. Did you ever see such a rum 'un? Let's make him laugh.

[They do, and the unfortunate Knight infects his fellow Knights at a moment when a specially stern demeanour is required. Or again, as here:The DAUPHIN places his arm round the waist of the Lady BLANCH, and conducts her to the back of the stage. Voice in the Dress Circle. Look out for the Proctor!

[General laughter. But in spite of these and similar exuberances, the play went well from first to last, and the enthusiasm of the audience was unbounded. It was stated on the programme that Mr. HENRY IRVING had lent the chain-mail and the tapestries. I have come to the conclusion that he lent himself as well, and then went and pretended he was his own son. At any rate, while Mr. HENRY IRVING (stated to be of New College) was declaiming as King John, I could have sworn that the impersonator of Shylock and Macbeth was walking the

The fight in the Second Act was tremendous. Never have I seen such dreadful blows delivered with such immense vigour on any other stage. A very polite French Knight who had taken part in the combat accorded me the honour of an interview afterwards. I congratulated him, and suggested that so realistic a battle must have been long and carefully rehearsed. "Rehearsals!" he laughed; "not a bit of it. We just lace into one another's heads as hard as we can lick." For the benefit of Mr. D'OYLY CARTE and other fighting managers I have given these admirable words as they were spoken. I had almost forgotten the ladies. There were three, Miss FFYTCHE, Mrs. CHARLES SIM, and Miss Dowson, and they were all goodespecially Mrs. SIM as Constance.

And so farewell, for the present, to the O. U. D. S. and to Oxford.
I may mention, by the way, that hospitality is as extensive and
port wine as abundant as ever in the neighbourhood of the High.
Experto crede.
Yours to a turn,
A VAGRANT.

A South-African Sentiment.
(See Papers passim.)

THE Colossus of Rhodes as a marvel they toss us;
To which we retort, our RHODES is a Colossus!

A READY-MADE MILITARY CHAPLAIN.-"The Rev. the Dean of Battle." Evidently of the Church militant.

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THE PINK OF COURTESY, AND A TRUE BLUE. LAST week a Cambridge Graduate, a Layman, not a Reverend Don, kindly coached the Oxford Eight. The great Duke of WELLINGTON, courteously instructing the French Army how to defeat the English, would be an historical parallel. It is to be hoped that this sublime example of unselfish devotion to aquatic sport will be followed in other walks of life. We may expect to learn from the daily papers how,

On Monday a Cabinet Council was held at Downing Street. Lord SALISBURY presided, and Mr. W. H. SMITH being indisposed, Mr. W. E. GLADSTONE (at a moment's notice) kindly consented to take his place.

On Tuesday General CAPRIVI went on leave, his place as confidential adviser to the Emperor of GERMANY being supplied during his absence by Prince Von BISMARCK.

The Czar of RUSSIA, wishing to take a short holiday in Denmark, has arranged that his place shall be supplied by Prince ALEXANDER, once of Battenberg, and late of Bulgaria. Before his return to St. Petersburg His Majesty is likely to spend some time as the guest of several leading Nihilists.

On Wednesday President CARNOT paid a long visit to General BOULANGER, with a view to submitting to that eminent statesman a scheme for the reorganisation of the French Army.

On Thursday the King of ITALY, having arranged to accompany Signor CRISPI in a yachting cruise to South America, the POPE took up his residence at the Quirinal, and presided at a National Council. Later in the day his Holiness reviewed the Roman garrison.

On Friday Mr. O'BRIEN gave a numerously attended "at home" in his new prison. Amongst those present were Mr. GLADSTONE, Lord SALISBURY, Mr. PARNELL, Mr. McCARTHY, and Mr. TIM HEALY. It is understood that the result of this amicable meeting will be found in a spirit of reciprocity exhibited in the anti-Parnellites writing Mr. PARNELL'S manifestoes for the Parnellites, and vice versa.

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EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARY OF TOBY, M.P.

INCONVENIENCE OF MODERN MALE ATTIRE. First Stranger. "HERE-HI! I WANT A KNIFE AND FORK, PLEASE!" Second Stranger. "CON-FOUND YOU-SO DO I!"

House of Commons, Monday, February 9.- The ATTORNEYGENERAL, with copy of Orders in his hand, casts reproachfal, almost angry, glance on the harmless HowORTH; that great diplomatist just dropped in from Arlington Street; been to see the MARKISS, and give him latest instructions as to conduct of public affairs, more especially with respect to Behring Sea, the Northampton Election, the Newfoundland Fisheries difficulty, and Assisted Education. A little fatigued with his exertions; doesn't observe WEBSTER'S woful regard.

"If it hadn't been for him," ATTORNEY-GENERAL mutters, still glaring on elect of Salford, "shouldn't have to be down here now, answering these sort of questions."

No doubt HowORTH was, though undesignedly, originator of the business. Saw in incident of Hartlepool election an opening for minimising effect. Wrapped purpose up in form of question addressed to ATTORNEY-GENERAL. Question in subtly diplomatic form insinuated against FURNESS charge of breach of Corrupt Practice Act. ATTORNEY-GENERAL, knowing that HOWORTH is the man who pulls the strings of statecraft, not only in Salford and London, but in Berlin and St. Petersburg, did not venture to decline to answer; gravely played up to his lead. Opposition laughed and cheered; saw their opening, and have since diligently filled it. Scarcely day passed since that questions on hypothetical cases, addressed to ATTORNEY-GENERAL, have not ap- Caustic Causton. peared on Orders. As they are moulded on HOWORTH'S, which he answered fully, even genially, difficult to refuse reply. But there must be a limit to this kind of thing;

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reached to-day when caustic CAUSTON comes forward with request for gratuitous opinion on case submitted, involving difficult question of eligibility of Catholics for seat on Woolsack. SUMMERS, for three weeks, goaded into activity: puts down another on same who, depressed by Irish domestic difficulty, hasn't put a question Opposition yell with derisive cheers. subject. Mr. ATTORNEY respectfully declines to answer either.

Mr. ATTORNEY a man of equable temper, but this too much for him. Must find object of attack somewhere. Waited till HOWORTH had said adieu to five ladies whom he had been showing round the House. "Look here, HowORTH," said Mr. ATTORNEY, his amiable visage clouded with unwonted wrath, you content yourself with looking after the MARKISS, and keeping him straight, but don't you come round me any more with your confoundedly clever questions."

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66

Business done.-Tithe Bill still on Report stage.

Tuesday-Met JOHN MORLEY in corridor just now walking along with long stride and troubled countenance. "What's the matter?" I asked. "Is the French Revolution still troubling you, or are you in fresh difficulties On Compromise ?"

"No, dear TOBY," he said; "like MARTHA, I am troubled with none of these things. The fact is, I am pining for opportunity to give battle to BALFOUR in the matter of his Government of Ireland. You remember I tabled notice of a Motion on the matter as soon as the House met in November. Then I was so anxious, so absorbed in the subject, that I forgot all about it till Brer Fox and Brer RABBIT appeared on the scene, and bid against each other for precedence. Thereupon I pulled my Resolution out of pigeon-hole; reminded OLD MORALITY of my prior claim; had it admitted, and day fixed. Should have come on last Monday, you know. Tithes Bill in hand all last week: everybody tired of it; agree there's really nothing in it; Opposition smouldering out; then suddenly, my Motion having been put down for Monday, interest in Tithes Bill swells; becomes absorbing. Couldn't possibly finish last Thursday; everyone so urgent to continue debate that House was Counted Out on Friday; yesterday was appropriated for further debate on

Report stage; Thursday next is taken for Third Reading, and I'm put off till Monday."

"And who arranged all this ?" I asked, with unfeigned sympathy. "Well, it was our fellows, you know, with assistance of Irish Members. We are all so anxious to have it out with Prince ARTHUR that we made it impossible for debate on his iniquities to come on this week. TIM HEALY suddenly developed personal interest in Tithes Bill. Put down several new Clauses. So succeeded in perhaps indefinitely deferring debate on my Resolution. You know little, TOBY, of the thirst for battle. It's more exhausting than the conflict itself. You'll excuse me, I'll take another turn; to walk off the restless excitement is the only hope left for me."

Walking it off.

to excessive moisture. Bill, but very touching.

And crossing his hands behind him, honest JOHN was off again, down the corridor, his red necktie gleaming in the further recesses like the lurid light of

battle.

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Tithes Bill through

WALTER MCLAREN, whilst declaring himself strongly in favour of
Bill, wanted to throw it out because it didn't provide opportunity
for women to marry their deceased husband's brother.
"MCLAREN," snarled SARK, "is one of those typical Radicals who
have no toleration. He's the sort of man who would bite off his
nose to spite his face. Quiet, gentle, almost feminine, in his
manner, he would think nothing of boiling you and me in molten
lead if we didn't cross our t's exactly at the height he is accustomed
to do, or dotted our i's at an angle which did not conform with his
views. Scratch a Radical, TOBY my boy, and you'll find the
Tyrant."
I'll take care to do no such thing.

Business done.-Deceased Wife's Sister Bill read Second Time by 202 Votes against 155.

Thursday. After long period of anxiety, House to-night reassured. passage through Committee of Tithes Bill, turned up again. GEDGE, who hasn't been seen since he disappeared after obstructing Curiously regarded by House; looked for signs of privation, but no falling off visible, whether in physical contour or volume of voice. Tithes Bill during his absence has gone through Committee and Report stage. Now awaiting Third Reading. GEDGE proposed to Business done. continue his speech interrupted by stroke of Midnight, when House Report stage. in Committee. Fixed himself obligingly behind GOSCHEN and HICKSWednesday. Marriage with Deceased BEACH, so that they should miss nothing of his counsel, and started Wife's Sister Bill on again. A hardy off. Instantly arose stormy cries for Division. GEDGE, wherever he annual, carefully cultured in Commons, has been, seems to have been well-fed, and kept generally in good and regularly nipped in Lords. The fettle. Cheerfully accepted challenge to vocal contest. Every time speeches to-day naturally did not present he commenced sentence the boisterous chorus, "'vide! 'vide! 'vide!" any features riotously novel. HALL of rang though House. Opposition, who didn't want Bill, started it; Oxford (not the University, but the Brew- Ministerialists, anxious to see Bill pass, took it up; a roaring, ery) seconded Motion for rejection of Bill. excited crowd; amid them GEDGE, grey-faced, imperturbable, with A beautiful speech, I thought, full of mouth wide open, shouting in the ear of the pleased CHANCELLOR of touching sentiments, delivered with much the EXCHEQUER. Business done.-Tithes Bill read Third Time by unction. His plea for the sanctity of 250 Votes against 161. sisterhood brought tears into eyes unused Didn't seem to have much to do with the

"Like evening bells," I said to the Member for Sark. "More like a barrel-organ," he responded, gruffly. "HALL has the oratorical manner of a street-preacher, and the emptiness of a tankard that a thirsty porter has held to his lips for sixty seconds. Like a skilfully-drawn glass of his own four-half, he's mostly froth: only, after all, there's something under the froth in the glass of

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Hirsute Hints for Lord Randolph; or, the Art of Political Make-up. 'HALL'S Hextra,' and there's nothing beneath the sound of HALL'S ambitious common-places."

SARK often says nasty things; seems in particularly disagreeable mood to-day. Even fell foul of the inoffensive Member for Crewe.

about Nelson's Pillar in Sackville Street,
Friday-The United Services come nobly to the front to-day, all
Dublin. However it may be at West-
minster, Irish Members can't abear
obstruction at home; brought in Bill
to remove Monument lower down street;
long debate; towards close Admiral
FIELD suddenly hove in sight; bore
down on enemy.

"As humble naval officer," he roared,
as through a speaking- trumpet, "I
protest against addressing our immortal
naval hero in the words of the Poet,
saying unto him, 'Friend, go down
lower.'

General FRASER, V.C., sitting next
to Admiral on Front Bench below the
Gangway; bosom swelled with generous
emulation; Navy attacked; duty of
Army to come to its assistance. General
doesn't often speak; appearances as
public orator chiefly confined to re-
sponding to patriotic toast at dinners.
This led him a little astray. Drawing
himself up to full height, setting hands
on hips, he began, in deep bass voice,
"In rising to respond to this toast-
Then, remembering where he was, he
executed strategic retreat, and addressed
himself to SPEAKER.

Spectacle of the two veterans defend-
ing memory of NELSON deeply touched "In rising to respond."
House. Nevertheless, Bill carried. Business done.-Counted Out at
Half-past Seven.

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IN MONTAGU WILLIAMS' Later Leaves there is a small error, but of importance to the historian of the English Stage, which can be corrected in the next edition :- Mr. KEELEY never played Bob Nettles, and there is no such character in TOM TAYLOR'S Our Clerks. Bob Nettles is one of the principal characters in To Parents and Guardians, and it was played by Mrs. KEELEY, her husband playing Waddilove. Middle-aged play-goers will remember both pieces; and in the latter, no one will forget ALFRED WIGAN as the French Tutor.

CIVIL SERVICE NOTE.-The Directors of the Covent Garden Opera Company present their compliments to the C. S. Examiners, and trust that they will reconsider their determination to exclude the Italian language from their list of subjects. The Directors will be happy to give every facility to students during the forthcoming Opera season. Box Office now open. Reduction on taking a quantity.

NOTICE.-Rejected Communications or Contributions, whether MS., Printed Matter, Drawings, or Pictures of any description, will

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