ifvV/ 7^ LIBRARY OF THE University of California. Class g ^ ^ ^ ^4t^ ^.^ ^\ THE COVENT GARDEN " To clap or hiss all have an equal claim, " The cobler's and his lordship's right the same j " AW ]om for ttmr subsistence ; all expect '< Free leave to praise their worth, their faults correct." Churchill's apoloot. The hurly-burl/s done !" SHAKESPXAHe's MACBETH. EMBELLISHED WITH FOUR VIEWS. LONDON : PRINTED FOR J. J. STOCKDALE^ 41, PALL-MALL. 1810. Galubin and Marchant^ Printers^ Ingram-Court, London. to THE RIGHT HONOURABLE George^ Earl of Dartmouthy K. G. LORD CHAMBERLAIN of his MAJESTY'S HOUSEHOLD, Sfc. Sfc. Sfc, THE FOLLOWING HISTORY OV THE MOST JlXTJtAOIlDINARY SERIES OF OCCURRENCES THAT EVER TOOK PLACE IN A BRITISH THEATHEy Is respectfully dedicated, AND VERY HUMBLE SEEVANT, JOHN JOS. STOCKDALE. No. 41, PalLMal Ajml29, 1810. CONTENTS, Preface 17, Destruction OF THE OLD THEATRE 33 Account of the rise of covent garden new THEATRE. Ceremony of laying the foundation-stone 45 Explanation of the sculptured bas-relief on the front of the theatre • • 50 Succinct HISTORY OF THE contest 63 Journal OF THE NIGHTLY occurrences 14/ Account of the proceedings at the Public Office, Bow-street, against persons taken into custody, at Covent Garden Theatre, on charges of riot, &c. 306 APPENDIX. No. 1. Advertisement of the proprietors, previously to open- ing the new theatre 3/5 No. 2. Covent Garden Theatre, from Mr. Redhead Torke's Political Review, Sept. l6 377 6 CONTENTS. No. 3. The necessity of lowering, instead of advancing, the prices, at Covent Garden Theatre, from the same • • • • 385 No. 4. Theatrical amusement, by an Old Scene-Shifter, from the same 389 No. 5. Address, intended to he spoken by Mr. K«mble, on the opening of the New Theatre, Sept. 18, 1809 • • • • ^9^ No. 6. Speech of Mr. Leigh, to the audience, Sept. 19 • • 397 No. 7- Speech of the same gentleman, Sept. 20 399 No. 8. Mr. Kemble's address to the audience of Covent Gar- den Theatre, subsequently to his interrogatory of " What do you want?" Wednesday night, Sept. 20 •• 403 No. 9. A parody on the four last lines of the Covent Garden address, from the Times, Sept. 21, IS09 405 No. 10, To, the Editor of the, Morning.Chronicle, Sept. 21, by A Frequenter of the Theatre 405 No. 11. Advertisement of the proprietors, on Thursday, the 21st of September 407 No. 12. Query of the Morning Chronicle, same date • • • • ib. No. 13. To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, Sept. 21, I8O9, by John Doe 408 No. 14. To Mr. Redhead Yorke, September 21, I8O9, by An Old Scene-Shifter 411 No. 15. From the Morning Chronicle, Sept. 22, by R. . . 420 No. 16. Song and Chorus, by Messrs. Harris and Kemble, at the New Theatre, from the same, by Histrirnicus • • 422 No. 17. Mr. O'Reilly's Speech to the Audience of Cpveot Garden Theatre, Sept. 22, I8O9 .....•/•,••,• ••^•f^%*,f.* 423 No. 18, To the Editor of the Times, September 22, I8O9, by No Party Man 425 CONTENTS. 7 No. 19. A song, founded upon Mr. Kemble's opening ad- ' dress, from the same, Sept. 23, I8O9 427 No 20. Occasional address, intended to be spoken at the New Theatre, Govent Garden, by Mr. Kemble, on Madame Gatalani's first appearance, from the Morning Post, Sept. 22 429 No. 21. The house that Jack built, from the General Even- ing Post, Sept. SIS, by Bow-wow 43 1 No. 22. To the Editor of the Times, Sept. 23, by S. B. E.- . 432 No. 23. From the Morning Chronicle, Sept. 25, by Histrio- nicus • • 435 No. 24. From thfe same ib. No. 25» New Theatre Royal, Covent Garden 436 No. 26. Affidavit made before the Lord Mayor, by the trea- surer of Covent Garden Theatre, preparatory to the submitting of their accounts to the gentlemen who un- dertook to examine them • ib. No. 27. Impromptu on the two statues in front of Covent Garden Theatre, from the Morning Chronicle, Sept. 27, by I. 437 No. 28. The Bona Roba's lamentation, upon seeing some of the richer sisterhood in the private boxes, from the Morning Chronicle, Se|Dt. 29 438 No. 29. The New Chevy Chase, from the same, Sept. 30 • • ib. No. 30. Imitations of two odes of Horace, from the Monthly Mirror for September, by J. 442 No. 31. Imitation of book 2, ode 1, of Horace, from the same, by H. • 444 No. 32. The O P Garland, from the Morning Post • 446 t CONTENTS. No. 33. Covent Garden Theatre, form the Morning Chron- icle, Oct. 2 . • . . ♦ 449 No. 34. Proprietor's advertisement of Oct. 2, I8O9 ib. No. 35. Estimate of the expenses of a theatre, from the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 3 451 No. 36. Interesting objections to the accuracy of the report made by the Covent Garden committee, from the Morn- ing Chronicle, Oct. 3 453 No. 3"^. Statement of the accounts of Covent Garden Theatre, for the last six years, most respectfully offered to the public 455 No. 38. Proprietors advertisement, appended to the fore- going statement, Oct. 4, I8O9 456 No. 39. Treatment of Mr. Pope, from the Morning Chron- icle, October 4 • ••• 458 No. 40. Epigram, from the same, Oct. 4, by Blaze ib. No. 41. Don John and the bank clerks, from the Times, Oct. 5 459 No. 42. Proprietors advertisement. Covent Garden Thea- tre, Oct. 6, I8O9 ib. No. 43. Plan for a New Theatre Royal, by subscription, from the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 7 46*0 No. 44. To the Editor of The Times, Oct 11, I8O9, by John Tackle 468 No. 45. Theatricals, from the Examiner, Oct. S. by Pan- gloss • 469 No. 4>6. Veteres aviae ; or, the phoenix, an ode for mana- gers, from the Times, Oct. 9 472 No. 47. To the Editor of the Times, Oct. 10, I8O9, by CONTENTS. 9 P. G. Patmorejun. 474 No. 48. The rival managers, from the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 12 477 No. 49. To the Editor of the Times, Oct. 7, I8O9, by A Friend to the New Prices • 478 No. 50. Humourous Hand-bill circulated through the House on Wednesday, Oct. 1 1, I8O9 481 No. 51. Song, circulated on the same evening 483 No. 52. To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, by Fair Justice, Oct. 11 484 No. 53. To the Editor of the Constitutional Review, by A. F. Oct. 11. 485 No. 54. Two Letters to the Editor of the Times, by a Con- stant Reader, Oct. 1 1 and 12 496 and 502 No. 55 Projectors' Advertisement, from the Morning Chro- nicle, Oct. 12. 508 No. 56. To the Editor of the Times, by James Powell, Oct. 10, I8O9 508 No. 57' On the misplacing one of the Ornaments in Covent Garden Theatre, from the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 14 510 No. 58. Song. A New History of the Stage to an Old Tune, from the same • • 511 No. 59' Letter to the Managers of Covent Garden Theatre, from the same, Oct. 15, ISO9 513 No. 60. To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, by Blest, Oct. 15, I8O9 514 No. 61. To the Editor of the Times, by Samuel Frampton Stallard ^^.}^^ 515 No. 62. To the same, by an Auditor, Oct 15, I8O9. ..... 517 10 CONTXNTS. No. 63, To the same, by Berkley Craven, Ott 15 • • • • • • 518 No. 64t, Handbill circulated in the Theajtreon the mght-6f ^^'' the l6th October -...,**** ^ ,**..**...*.*.. 520 No. 65. To the Editor of the Times, by Candidus, Oct. l6 J»S4 No. 66, To the same, by a Layman of the Church of Chfist as established according to the laws of this realm ••• • -* 52B No. 67. To the Editor of thd Morning Chronicle, by J. Brandon, Oct. 17 • 53!^ No. 68. To the same, by Investigator, Oct. l8'-»«*».... 534 No. 69, Parody on " God save the king,'' circulated in th6 theatre on the night of Oct. 18* * • • • • ...... -....* 5S6 No. 70. To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, by Jam^ Powell, Oct. 18, I8O9 • 6S7 No. 71. To the Editor of the Times, by Pax, Oct. 18. •• . 539 No. 72. To the same, by J. Loraine, Oct. 19. 540 No. 73. To the Editor of the Times, Oct. 19, by A Friend to Order 54/ No. 74". To the Conductor of the Times, Oct. 20, 1809, hy A Friend to the Old Prices 549 No. 75. Hand-bill circulated through Covent Garden The- atre, on the Night of Octdber 20 551 No. 76. To the Editor of the Times, Oct. 20, I8O9, by Publicola * • • • 554 No. 77' New Grand Imperial incombustible Theatre, from the British Press, Oct. 20, l)y Gregory Grill 555 No. 78. From the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 21, I8O9, by Moderator 559 No. 79* To the Editor of the Constitutional Review, by J.K 564 CONTENTS. 11 No. 80. To the Editor of the Times, Oct. 21, 1809 • • • • 569 No, 81. A new song, to the tune of Derry Down, from the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 21 •• 571 No. 82. Theatrical amusements, from Redhead Yorke, 21st and 28th of October, by An Old Scene Shifter .... 572 No. 83. To the Editor of the Times, Oct. 21, by An . Enemy to Hired Ruflfians * • ^MftM ^^^ No. 84. To the Editor of the Times, Oct. 22, 1809, by T.Bish ib. No. 85. Pillage and Honestus — ^a dramatic extract, from the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 22 582 No. 86. The professional opinions of the Covent Garden Theatre committee, from the Examiner, October 22 583 No. 87. Soliloquy of the Moor of Covent Garden, from the Examiner, Oct. 22 ib. No. 88. Auacreon in Bow-Street, from the Examiner • - • • 584 No. 89. Projectors Advertisement, Oct. 23 585 No. 90. To the Editor of the Times, Oct. 23, By the Wearer of the Watch Ribbon 587 No. 91. To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 23, I8O9, by Moderator • 588 No. 92. To the Editor of the Times, Oct. 24, by IV. D. . • 592 >{a., 9.3.. Advertisement from the proprietors of Covent Gar- den Theatre, Oct. 25 595 No. 94 To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 25^ by Moderator 597 No;, 9,5. To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 27, I8O9, by Moderator 605 No. 96. To the Lord Clximberlain, from the Sunday Adver- tiser, Oct. 29, by The Town 6O8 12 CONTENTS. No. 97. To the Editor of the Times, Oct. 30, by William Dwyer 6ll No. 98. Mode proposed to raise a sum for the erection of a third winter theatre in the metropolis, from the Times, Oct. 30 6l2 No. 99. Theatrical Intelligence Extraordinary, from the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 30 6l4 No. 100. O. P. and M. T. offered to the notice of J. K. from the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 31, 1809, by H. G. .... 6l5 No. 101. To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, by Mo- derator • 6l6 No. 102. Advertisement, Nov. 2, 1809, by Henry Fry, Solicitor 624 No. 103. To the Editor of the Times, Nov. 2, 1809,byW.T. 625 No. 104. For the Morning Herald, Nov. 3, 1809, by R. F. 628 No. 105. To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, Nov. 4, 1809, by Moderator 629 No. 106. Covent Garden Theatre, from Redhead Yorke, Nov. 4, by a Lover of Justice 636 No. 107. Holy Insurrection in Covent Garden Theatre, from Redhead Yorke, Nov. 4 637 No. 108. To the Right Hon. the Earl of Dartmouth, from the Times, Nov. 7, 1809, by an English Gentleman . • 657 Nov. 109. King John in a Cocked Hat, or Heigh Ho says Kemble — a parody on the famous Grimaldian song, called " the Frog in the Opera Hat," from the Morn- ing Chronicle, Nov. 7, I8O9 66S No. 110. New Theatre, from the same, Nov. 8 665 No. 111. To the Editor of the Times, Nov. 9, by Mercator 667 CONTENTS. 13 No. 112. Rolla's Address from the Tragedy of Pizarro paro- died, from the Statesman, Nov. 9 669 No. 113. Irregular Lines upon Irregular Proceedings, from the Morning Chronicle, Nov. 10, by Signor Secca Cog- lioni. Plebeian 671 No. 114. To the Editor of the Times, Nov. 12, by Michael Thomson • • • • ♦ • • • • • • • ...... 673 No. 115. To the Editor of the Times, Nov. 14, by John J^iller 676 No. 116. To the. Editor of the Times, Nov. 14, by An Englishman 679 No. 117. Ship-News Extraordinary, from the Morning Chronicle, Nov. 14, 1 8O9 682 No. 118. Inventory of Theatrical Property, from the Morn- ing Chronicle, Nov. 16, byO. P. 684 No. 119- On a late Exhibition in the Pit of Covent Garden Theatre, from the Public Ledger, Nov. 16, by O. P. Q. in a Corner 688 No. 120. To the Editor of the Constitutional Review, Nov. 23, by J. K. ib. No. 121. John Kemble, in the Character of Coriolanus, addressing the Plebeians, from the Morning Chronicle 69 1 No. 122. To Mr. Fry, Solicitor to the proposed Subscription Theatre, from the Times, Nov. 23, by the Man in the Iron Mask 693 ^0. 123. Dryden's Ode to Music imitated, &c. or, the Co- vent Garden Row, from the Morning Post, Nov. 25, by J.. 694 No. 124. Copies of the Affidavits on which the Motion for a Conspiracy against Mr. Clifford and others, was founded 698 14 CONTETNS. No. 125. Elegiac Verses on the Decease of Old Prices, from the British Press, Nov. 27, by Hodge Podge. 703 No. 126. On the nightly Uproar at Covent Garden, from the Public Ledger, Nov. 25, by H. 705 No. 127. Private Boxes, from the same, by J. •... 706 No. 128. Covent Garden Theatre, Dec. 7, by Wm. Cobbett 707 No. 129. Gray's Bard— (A Parody), from the Morning Post, Dec. 8, by Falkland 710 No. 130. Covent Garden Theatre versus Shakspeare, from the Morning Chronicle, by Wigsby •••...• • ••. 715 No. 131. Tho Progress of Civilization. — On the Conduct of a certain Barrister, in the Pit of Covent Garden Thea- tre, on Friday Night, from the Britbh Press, Dec. 13, byN.P. ib. ■No. 132. Playgoing Wigs. — To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, Dec. 14, by Kate Caxon 716 No. 133. The new-built Playhouse, O ! from the Morning Chronicle 717 No. 134-. The O P Victory, from the Morning Chronicle, Dec. 16, byC.B. ..* 718 No. 135. Trial of Mr. Clifford, by No Votary 719 No. 136. Mr. Clifford's Action against Brandon, from Cob- bett, Dec. 16 736 No. 137. Covent Garden Theatre, from Cobbett, Dec. 16.. 754 No. 138. Death of OP, from the General Evening Post, Dec. 19 •» 770 No. 139. O P. — ^The Grand Reconciliation Dinner, a Dra- matic Vision, from the Morning Herald, Jan. 4, by Marmaduke Muzzy . . . , 773 No. 140. Description of the Grand Theatrical Medal • • • • 782 CONTENTS. 15 No. 141. Amount of Subscriptions . . . • • •••••• 783 No. 142. A List (which is supposed to be correct) of the Proprietors and Tenants of the Private Boxes. • • 796 No. 143. The projected third Theatre, from the Morning Post, March 26, IHQ, from a Correspondent ?*f ?f • 797 Scraps ••..•* 799 Finale 805 Postscript • V«V» • •••••• •••'• * • • • • SH 9ym<^iici ': ..IIP-: iT hv(U h.ly'-. .\^i .^■^. DIRECTIONS FOR THE BINDER. LIST OF PLATES. 1 Exterior View of the Theatre (page 50) Frontispiece. $ Grand Stair-case (page 55). 5 Saloon to the Private Boxes (page 56). 4 Interior View of the Theatre (page 57) Frontispiece to VoL 2, when the work is divided. When it is desired to bind the Work in 2 Vols, the Binder will begin the Second Volume with signature a a. ERRATA. Page 49, line l6,/or Copeland read Copland. Page 66, line 4 from the bottom, /or western read eastern. Mq tn THE PREFACE to THE COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL, 1 HE influence of the stage upon tlie morals, the manners, and the public principles, of a people, has been a point so often insisted upon, and so universally allowed, that it would be needless to descant upon it here, or to detain the reader's attention from the interesting nar- rative, upon which he is about to enter, by idle details of long-established principles and truths. The bulk, however, which the following vo- lume has assumed, and the importance which thus becomes attached to a matter, which may have appeared to some, from the ephemeral mode adopted of communicating the circum- stances attending it, merely a temporary and 9 18 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Pfcf. fortuitous concern, requires, from the editor, a few previous remarks, as well in vindication of himself as of the permanent and important in- terest which it is the object of the present pub- lication to give to the subject which it handles. Had the late histrionic war happened in the days of Holinshed, it would, indubitably, have afforded an accession to that magazine of black- letter information so eagerly ambitioned Jby the present taste, and, indeed, under every circum- stance of human appetite for research, so laudably promoted in the ranks of literature. Facts are, not unfrequently, now considered by the squeamish epicures of the present day as blunting that sharp interest which attaches to a well-told tale. In the pompous wordiness of the transatlantic tourist, Moore, (see his Poeti- cal Epistles,) they would not contumace the appetite's acidities^-; j^jj}; No, no, — The Muse too delicate bodied is for such commodities.'* The object of the editor has been to methodize and arrange such documents of public opinion as would convey, to the future reader, an idea of the judgement formed, in the nineteeth cen- tury, on dramatic right, and on the necessities of the stage. To compass this intention, he has sedulously Pref.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 19 consulted the progressive comments and narra- tives as they appeared in the leading newspapers of the metropolis, and has, he trusts, so far gratified the popular curiosity, that, from the date of the destruction of the late, to the com- pletion of the present. Theatre Royal Covent- Garden, those even who have not seen shall still be well acquainted with it. The struggle which has taken place between the proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre, on the one hand, and their masters, the public, on the other, is, perhaps, a subject of as lively and important interest and concern, both to the pre- sent and future generations, as ever occurred without the pale of legislative discussion ; and would certainly have come, as it may still do, under the consideration of parhament, if a truce, though an unsatisfactory one, had not taken place between the high-contending parties. We call the truce which has taken place unsatisfac- tory, because, after the stand the pubhc were compelled to make against the arrogant claims of tyranny and avarice, they were entitled to see the whole, instead of a part, of their object attained; but which cannot be said to be the case, while the higher visitors of the theatre are compelled to pay an advanced and unjust price of admission, and while the lower description of them are, in effect, shut out altogether from their station in the theatre. B 2 !20 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Prcf. This naturally leads us to consider the mode and the authority by which the existing arrange- ments were brought about. Of the many interesting features with which this transaction abounds ; of the many instances of hardihood and presumption which it records ; the proceedings of the self-elected junta at the Crown-and-Anchor, and the unauthorized re- cognition of its authority by the managers, are, perhaps, the most remarkable. This select committee, it is reasonable to sup- pose, was formed of persons whose circumstan- ces place them between the highest and lowesc seats in a theatre ; and it was, therefore, with true selfish arrogance, that, in their parley and treaty with the managers, they wisely overlooked altogether the frequenters of the boxes and upper gallery, who have a just and undoubted right to protest against the decision of an assembly in which they were unrepresented. By what right the managers could think they had authority to recognise, in this tavern-crew, that public, whom their writers had all along been denying was to be found within the walls of the theatre, we are unable to account for in any other man- ner than from the common observation of the near connection that generally exists between upstart arrogance and grovelling meanness ; and thus we have seen, in the present instance, the same persons one day threatening to play the Pref.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 21 fire-engines upon a British audience, the next day meanly cringing to a self-elected crew of political maniacs, and (all but self-) reform- ers.* All that these persons have effected has been to mar what the public themselves would have entirely accomplished. Whether the subject will be again agitated in Covent Garden Theatre will depend, in all pro- bability, upon the conduct of the managers, who, should their avarice tempt them to deviate from the fair and literal interpretation which can alone be put upon the cession of the private boxes, will have again a storm to contend with, which, it is to be hoped, will only be allayed by a proper, full, and decent, submission to the public, in the theatre. But another, and perhaps a third, theatre remains to be built, and it is to its erection and management that the subject of the present volume points with the strongest and most lively interest. In this theatre, every thing, but the theatre itself, must be old. The price of the boxes must remain as before ; and, above all, such an upper gallery must be built as will restore to the lower orders of society their antient, just, and indubitable right of at- tending theatrical representations at a price * The commiltee arc said to have consisted of the same per- sons who conducted Sir Francis Burdett's election for Westnain- ster ! ! ! 22 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Pfcf. suited to their finances, and the salutary relaxa- tion from laborious employment. When these objects shall have been accomphshed, in either of the theatres which remains to be built, the managers of Covent-Garden will feel them- selves obliged, however reluctantly, to give way, and yield those points upon which the gentlemen at the Crown-and-Anchor saw no occasion to insist. The most important feature in the following discussion, undoubtedly, is that of the private boxes. Laying out of the question all facility to improper conduct, which they were said to afford, it was a matter of the highest na- tional concern, w^hether an attempt to sepa- rate, for ever, the higher and middHng ranks of society, in the only place where they appear upon an equality, should be yielded to or re- sisted ; and that it has been effectually resisted "will form a lasting monument to the existence, the rectitude, and the firmness, of that old British spirit, w^hich so many persons are for ever telling us is wholly lost and extinguished. Were there no other reason for placing upon a permanent and imperishable record the fleeting circum- stances which led to such an important result, this alone would be sufficient. There is another and a more painful topic, which appears but too prominent in this work, but which it is equally necessary and im- Pref.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 23 portant to preserve : we mean the apparently unwise and unpopular use of the power opposed to the public voice upon this memorable occa- sion. We call this, most truly, a painful subject, partaking as we do, in common with our coun- trymen, in a reverential feeling and respect for every species of constituted authority, emanating from the glorious constitution under which it is our pride and happiness to live ; and being anxious more especially to see those parts of the government most pure, unimpeachable, and blameless, with which the bulk of the people have the most frequent and familiar intercourse. From whatever cause it arose, whether from an error in judgement, from an over anxiety to do right, or from some error inherent (or only /br a time inherent) in its establishment, we fear, how- ever, it cannot be denied, that the police com- pletely mistook its course upon this occasion, and has brought upon itself a degree of dis- credit and unpopularity, which must shake, to a certain degree, the confidence of the people in this part of the government. Unfortunately, too, on this occasion, its efforts, being misdi- rected, only tended to aggravate the mischief and the ferment it was its object to allay. Upon this branch of the subject it has always appeared to the editor, that there was a line for the police to pursue, which he should call the most ob- vious, were it not that it seems to have es- ^4 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [pFCf. caped the notice of any of those intrusted Math the exercise of this important machine. How far it might have been proper or advisable for the poHce to have abstained altogether from interfering in the matter ; or, in other words, whether a private knowledge is reconcila- ble with an official ignorance, it is not necessary to inquire; because the managers having rudely, indiscreetly, and unadvisedly, called in the magistrates, in the first instance, the latter, as we humbly conceive, had no other pro- per course to pursue than to consider the Theatre Royal Covent Garden, as a disorderly house, and to proceed against it as they would against any other house of that description, by holding its owners and keepers responsible to the law for the conduct of their visitors, in the same manner as a publican and his sureties are. But this, it will be said, brings us back to the old question of right; and we shall be told again that the managers had a right, upon this occasion, and the public none. As far, however, as the question of right affects this part of the case, it may be easily disposed of. The royal patent can no more be construed to sanction improper practices in its holders than could the license which was formerly given to public stews indemnify the owners of them from a like responsibility. And the analogy between these cases becomes still closer, and is , capable of the easiest demonstration, either by the Pref.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 25 magistrates themselves or any individual who will bring it to the test; — for we take upon our- selves fearlessly to affirm, that there is not a night on which this or any of our theatres are open, when the managers are not liable to an indictment for keeping a disorderly house, under its most usual acceptation, viz. a brothel ; and that of the most loathsome, mischievous, corrupt, and dis- gusting description. If this be so, what distinction can or ought to be made between diffisrent species of the same offisnce ? We should like to hear what either a judge or a jury would say to those who should produce a patent to sanction that species of evil to which we allude. In case then the contest in the theatre constituted what the law esteems to be a riot, the managers, and the managers alone, were responsible to the law for the consequences; more especially when it is considered that they nightly opened their doors with a full pre-knowledge that it would take place. The length to which the foregoing observations have extended leaves but little space wherein to discuss the broader question of right, which natu- rally presents itself to our notice. We have been told from very grave and high authority, that the managers were fully authorized to demand what- ever prices they pleased, and that the public had no right to insist upon their reduction; and this has been triumphantly confirmed by the assurance 26 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. - [Prcf. that our attendance at the theatre is optional, and that if we do not like the prices we may stay away. This would perhaps be not unsatisfactorily an- swered by alleging, that the drama is part of the long-established usage and custom of the country, and that national games and amusements have, in all ages, claimed the attention of governments ; and that it is reasonable to suppose that the law which regulates the price of the first necessary of life would not be mis-employed in securing to the people public amusements and relaxation from labour at a fixed and reasonable rate. Fortunately the question resolves itself into a more narrow compass, and leaves us obliged neither to insist upon the above ground, nor, by a comment upon the patent, to contend, as we might successfully do, that its very terms contradict the right it has been brought forward to estabhsh. With all due submission to those who so strenuously contend for the right of the managers to demand whatever prices of admission they think proper, we humbly conceive that such a right is totally irreconcile- able \^ ith the monopoly which their patent secures to them. The only ground upon which such monopoly can be defended, or ought for one mo^ ment to exist, is the means it gives to its posses- sors of catering for the public amusement at a cheaper rate than they could do if their trade were open and unlimited. The patent of a theatre is, both in its nature Pref.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 27 and terms, widely diiFerent from a patent for an invention ; and the moment it ceases to secure public as well as individual benefit it ought to be abrogated as a right, founded in wrong. That the advance of prices was not only unjust, but unnecessary we trust will appear from the next and last point to which we shall call the reader's attention. In the outset of this dispute, the managers rested their case upon the plea of necessity ; that the concern would be in a bankrupt state if their demands were not acceded to ; and this plea was attempted to be bolstered up, in a way which we shall presently have occasion to notice. Per- haps it might be thought iUiberal to oppose to this plea of poverty and bankruptcy the style of living, and the rank of society, in which these persons are, as individuals, to be found : we shall, therefore, take a wider and a fairer ground, and assert that, supposing their plea to be just, its cause has originated wholly with themselves, and that they had no more right to look to the public for indemnification than any other bank- rupt would have to live upon his creditors; and that their complaints against the public, on this score, are about as moral and well-founded as those of a man who should upbraid with her unchasteness a woman whose virtue he had pre- ■viously undermined. This, we think, will be ap- parent to those who consider, that the increased 28 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Prcf. expenses of our theatres have been almost entirely produced by the avarice of their managers, who, by enlarging them to an extent which has ren- dered them unfit forbearing, have thereby driven the legitimate drama from the stage, and, in its stead, have found themselves oblia'cd to sub- stitute a species of empty pageantry, buifoonery, and pantomime, which, while it has corrupted and vitiated the public taste, has alone drawn upon them that additional expense, which they have now the assurance to expect the pubHc to bear. Who called upon them to produce their Pi- zarros, their Blue- Beards, their Sleeping Beauties, and CindercUas ? Not the British public : — not those, or rather not the descendants of those, whose polished and correct taste had already consecrated, to after ages, the imperishable fame of Shakspeare, Otway, Dryden, Jonson, Van- burgh, and a long Hue of poets, unrivalled in the dramatic annals of any age or country. To this case the caveat emptor most strongly applies ; and if the managers, at last, found their error in these respects, they had nothing to do but to diminish their theatres and their expense, and to restore to the public the unembellished charms of its native and legitimate drama : above all, they need not have backed their plea of poverty with the engage- ment of a foreign singer, the pensioned hireling of Buonaparte, at a salary unheard of at an English Pref.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. S9 Theatre, and to the exclusion of native talents of the highest excellence. It is by no means clear, however, that, even under this mismanagement of their trust, the theatre was not sufficiently productive to afford ample remuneration to every one engaged in it.* At all events, no proof that it was not so can be found in the report of the respectable committee, who undertook gratuitously, but so unwisely, the office of investigating the accounts of the theatre. Over this part of the subject we would, willingly, draw a veil of everlasting oblivion, were it not for a hope that its remembrance will • With a wish rather to benefit the proprietors, by affording a new proof of the vast magnitude of the concern generally, than to gratify further public information and curiosity, the editor re- quested of the manager, that he would communicate to him a few facts respecting the salaries and number of persons employed in the theatre, such as those of the actors and servants, and the can- celled agreement with Catalani. His note laid for some time under consideration ; and he was much surprised to receive an answer, not from the gentleman to whom he had addressed it, but from the body corporate^ intimating that, upon due consider- ation on their. part, they were sorry the request could not be complied with. After the voluntary offer of an examination of their accounts, this is a circumstance carrying conviction in itself, that "Conscience doth make cowards of us all." The requested statement was never meant to be made matter of cal- culation of profits, but to shew how great a claim so grand a speculation had of proportionate reimbursement. The refused acquiescence has certainly removed every doubt as to the profits •.f the concern from the mind of the editor. so COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Pref. be a warning to British merchants, never again to hazard their own reputation, and that of their country, in its most important Hght, by be- coming the dupes of persons, who were so deeply interested in the object they had in view as to render them, it is to be feared, on this occasion, neither the friends of Plato nor of truth. To advert again to the execution of this work, it is divided into regular compartments of intelli- gence, to which a comprehensive appendix is an- nexed. In the latter are comprised the speeches, let- ters, andpoetical effusions of those who figured on the pregnant theme. Possibly it may be no slight gratification to the many who were drawn into publicity on this occasion, that their mention is carefully and impartially made. It was also the editor's intention to have given a critical essay on the present state of the stage, its principal writers, and performers ; but, having for- tunately called to mind that meritorious sketch of the drama, THE THESPIAD, which has accom- plished the task with a degree of poetic elegance, and just accumen, that has not been displayed on this subject since the days of Churchill, he ven- tures to recommend that poem to the lovers of the histrionic art, satisfied that it will fully answer their most sanguine expectations on this head, and be admitted a welcome substitute for any thing which his pen could have produced. For what reason he cannot apprehend, the edi- Pref.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 31 tor has received intimations, from several quarters, that it would be desirable that this work should be suppressed. If he were aware that the pubhcation would be productive of consequences injurious to the com- munity, he feels himself entitled to say, that he would, without hesitation, have cheerfully sacri- ficed his labours at such a patriotic shrine ; but, as he is sensible that these wishes can onlv have had birth in the conscious apprehensions of in- terested individuals, he has not thought himself justified in giving way, and has, therefore, ven- tured, without sparing either expense or labour, to present the public with a strict, impartial, and minute, history of their triumph and campaign. DESTRUCTION OLID THEATRE. " Quis cladem illius noctis, quis funera fando, " Explicet ? aut possit lacrymis aequare laboris ?'* Virgil. Antiqua ruit multois dominata per annos. Who can the carnage of. that night explain ? Or sing its toils in corresponding strain ? The antient building falls, which many a year Confest as equal to its proud compeer. THIS noble building, which was built in the year 1733, and enlarged, with considerable alter- ations, in 1792, was, on the morning of the 20th September, 1808, reduced, by a most tremendous conflagration, to a heap of shapeless ruins. The performance of the preceding night was Pizarro, a spectacle wherein all the creative powers of the machinists and decorators had been exhausted 34f COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Old at both the theatres. It is supposed, that the melancholy catastrophe occurred in consequence of the wadding from a gun (fired in course of the performance) having lodged in some part of the scenery, which the prying eye of the strictest investigator, could not possibly have provided for. The portrait of Cervantes was the afterpiece, and both performances were received with eclat by ^ crowded and elegant audience. During the re- presentation, which was over by eleven o'clock, nothing transpired indicative, in the least degree, of the mournful sequel. About twelve, Mr. Brandon paid his usual visit of circumspection to all parts of the hous€, and, conceiving that every thing was perfectly secure, retired shortly after to rest. The same unsuspected tranquillity prevailed at two o'clock in the morning, at which time the watchman sedulously ^' paid his sober round,'' SLud discovered nought whereon to ground alarm. About four, however, a poor frail sister of the Cyprian band perceived the flames bursting forth with concentrated impetuosity, and com- municating her terrific tale to the guardian of the night, the latter instantly called up Mr. Brandon. Now a dense volume of smoke, and, shortly after, wreathed columns of flame, were seen to issue from the ventilator, on the topmost part of the roof. Within the space of ten minutes, this portion of the building was, distincly, observed Theatre.] covent garden journal. 35 on fire in different parts ; and, in half an hour, the whole edifice presented to the view a fiery furnace, from which the flaming pillars rose, form- ing, in the most awful style of destructive ele- mental architecture, a truly worthy temple of the sun. Though it was then broad day, so intense and furious was the conflagration, that it was per- ceivable in many of the most distant environs of the metropolis. The alarm became universal. The engines of every fire-office in town, and of all the adjacent parishes, rattling through the streets, with busy din, awakened the inhabitants to the view of this scene, which rivalled, in ruddy splendour, the glory of the opening day. Thousands presented themselves before the theatre, eager to manifest their zeal in arresting the baleful progress of the raging element. In vain; — for, the houses, which so deeply surrounded the building on every side, prevented the ardour of exertion from being attended with success. The roof fell in about six o'clock ; and, so unex- ampled was the progress of the consuming in- vader, that, before eight, the whole interior of this splendid building, audience-part, stage, dif- ferent entrances, treasury, music-room, &c. were totally annihilated. Perhaps there is no recorded instance of so complete a destruction, of similar extent, in so C 2 36 COVEXT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Old short a space of time. Every composite material of the building was, however, fuel to the fire, and the large area served to ventilate it to that unsubdued pitch at which it had arrived. All hopes of rendering service in this quarter be- coming now unavailing, the firemen directed their efforts to prevent the increase of the cala- mity, as the houses which squared about the theatre were manifestly endangered. Owing to their height, it was found impracticable for the engines to play over them ; but, the leather pipes being conveyed up the stair-cases to the third floors, and their ends being thrown down and fastened to the engines below, an ingenious fa- cility of effective action was contrived. Nothing, however, could prevent the communication of the flames with the houses in Bow-Street, to which side the *" Malus Auster" had an un- friendly inclination. Several of them were con- nected with the theatre, by a respective appro- priation to different parts of the establishment. They, with some others, became victims to the manes of the mother-edifice. The fire raged with more violence at the eastern side of the upper part of Bow-Street, where the house. No. 9, belonging to ]\Ir. Paget; Nos. 10 and 11, at- tached to the theatre; No. 12, belonging to Mr, Hill ; No. 13, the Strugglers Coffee - House, wherein Mr. Donne lo«t almost his whole pro- perty ; No. 14, belonging to Mr, Johnson, the Theatre.] covent garden journal. 37 fruiterer; and No. 15, the house of Mr. IVrivinlay, a book-binder; were all completely destroyed, and scarcely '* left a wreck behind." The three latter houses, with the exception of Mr. Donne's part of the property, were insured in the Hope, for £q650. Some of the others were entirely uninsured, and some only partially so. Nos. 16 and 17, in the same street, were seriously da- maged. In Hart-Street, four houses opposite to the theatre attracted this firey magnet at the same instant, and were only, by the greatest activity on the part of the firemen, secured from farther damao:e than a severe scorching. The '' prox- imus ardet Ucalegon," and the *' tua res agitur," were promptly attended to with respect to Drury- Lane Theatre, which, it was apprehended, from the number of flakes carried thither by the wind, would share in the sacrifice to the god of fire, and receive the Salmonean punishment for a pri- ority, in imitative effects, to outshine the en- raged deity. A great number of people had mounted the roof of the Theatre of Drury-lane, in order to open the large cistern of water there in case of necessity. The windows of that building were also stopped with wet cloths, to prevent the entrance of the flames,— a precaution by no means unnecessary. All the people in the immediate vicinage kept their servants employed on their respective roofe 38 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Old to pick up the flakes of fire as they dropped on them. This has been the whole extent of injury sus- tained in the neighbourhood ; but as to ' the theatre itself, it was totally consumed ; and even the walls on the Hart-street side were not left standing. In that angle of the edifice, the Ship- tavern and part of Mr. Brandon's, the box-keeper's, office, are the only remains. The amount of the insurances did not exceed 60,000/. and the savings from the Shakespeare premises amounted to about 3500/. the entire being but one-fourth of the sum necessary to replace the great loss sustained. In addition to the usual scenic stock was a great quantity of beautiful new scenery for a nielo-drame which was to be shortly forthcoming. Of the original pieces of music of Handel, Arne, and many other celebrated composers, no copies had been taken ; and of many others, which had also been destroyed, only an outline had been given. Several capital dramatic productions, the property of the theatre, were for ever lost. The organ, left by Handel as a bequest to the theatre, which was valued at 1000 guineas, and never played but during the Oratorios, was likewise consumed. Mr. Ware, the leader of the band, lost a violin worth 300/. which for the first time in ten years he had left behind him. Mr. Mun- den's wardrobe, which cannot be replaced under 300/. shared the general fate; as did Miss Bolton's Theatre.] covent garden journal. 3.9 jewels, and other performers' property, in the ag- gregate amounting to a very considerable sum. We now come to the most painful part of the jiarration, — the dreadful havoc committed on hu- man life by the faUing of the burning roof. At an early stage of the fire, the great door under the piazza in Covent-garden was broken open by a party of firemen, and an engine belonging to the Phoenix fire-office, being introduced within the passage, was directed towards the galleries where the flames raged most fiercely : horrid to relate, the burning roof of that same passage, in which they were, fell in with a tremendous crash, bury- ing the unhappy and too daring firemen, with others who had rushed in along with them, under its ruins, A considerable time elapsed before the rubbish, which now obstructed the doors of this fatal pas- sage, could be removed. When eflfected, a scene of horror was presented to the view. The mati- gled bodies of dead and dying appeared through the rubbish, or were discovered in each advance to remove it. At twelve o'clock that day, eleven dead bodies had been carried into the church-yard of St. Paul's, Covent-garden. Some miserably mangled creatures, with broken limbs and dread- ful bruises, were conveyed to St. Bartholomew's, and some to the Middlesex, hospital. It would shock humanity to draw a fiiithful picture of the situation of those wretched persons 40 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Old who were dug out of the ruins alive ; they were, in general, so much burned as scarcely to be re- cognized by their nearest relatives ; and in many instances their flesh was Uterally peeled from the bones. The dead bodies taken from the same place were nearly shapeless trunks. The strictest examination, for the purposes of identity, was vain, in those who came to claim the " sine 7iomine corpus" The coroners for London, Middlesex, and Surrey, sat on 19 bodies destroyed at the fire ; viz. 12 at Covent-garden, 3 at St. Bartholomew's, 2 at the Middlesex- hospital, and 2 at St. Thomas's. Many persons were conveyed, in the most hope- less situation, to their own houses. The waste of human life, on this lamentable occasion, falls not short of thirty persons. From the evidence of William Addicote, one of the stage-carpenters of the theatre, and William Darley, one of the firemen belonging to the Eagle Insurance-Office, and one of the jury, an eye-wit- ness of the falling in of that cieling by which the unfortunate men were burnt to death, — it ap- peared that the firemen and others who perished had been employed in endeavouring to extinguish the flames at the room called the Apollo, which had fallen in upon them. The surmises with respect to barrels of gun-powder having exploded were proved to be unfounded, no more of that article being ever kept in the house than was suf- ficient for the consumption of a single night. Theatre.] covent garden journal. 41 On the next day, another victim was added to the list, by the fall of the wall in Hart-street; several others were bruised severely, though they had all been warned of their danger to no purpose. The names of the deceased sufferers, as well as could be collected, are : — Mr. T. Harris, jun. Mr. R. Davis Optician,of Hyde street,Blooms- bury, Serjeant of the. Blooms- bury Volunteers. A Gentleman lately from Wales to London on a visit. Musket William Ricklesworth George Kilby John Seyers James Stewart Samuel Stevens Richard Cadger T. Holmes James Hunt William Jones James Evans J. Crabb T. Mead T. James Richard Rushton Mr. Hewitt J. Beaumont Richard Bird James Philkins John Oakley Firemen belonging Phoenix-Office. to the A Printer. A Tailor. A Plumber. A Soldier, 1st Regt. of Guards. ^ Coachmaker in employ of Mr. i Hilditch, Long-Acre. Coalheaver, aged 20. A Smith. 4SI COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Old Another person, a private in the guards, was taken to the Military Hospital, where he died in tliree or four hours. These were the names as nearly as could be gathered. Several were still missing. Mr. Richards, clerk to Messrs. Shaw and Edwards, St. Paul's Church-yard, was so dreadfully scalded by the water falling from the burning materials, that he died about 12 o'clock the same day. The firemen and others were employed for §ome days in pulUng down the tottering ruins which threatened destruction to the passengers in Bow-street. On the following Saturday two more bodies were dug out of the ruins. The books of accounts, deeds, and the receipt of the preceding night, were fortunately preserved by the exertion of Mr. Hughes, the treasurer. Though a considerable number of engines were in constant and prompt attendance, yet, owing to the main pipe having been cut off with the intent of laying down a new one, more than an hour elapsed before some of them could be supplied. During this defect in the supply of water, the neighbours derived the most essential assistance from the pump of the Bedford Coffee-house and Hotel. The utmost effect was perceived from the playing of the engines for about an hour, when all hope was lost by the crash which announced the falling-in of the roof, and the consequent de« struction of the elegant interior. Theatre.] covent garpen journal. 43 The Bedford and Piazza Coffee-houses owed their preservation to a wall, some time since erected for the purpose of insulating the theatre from the back of these premises. Among the other losses sustained, the Beef-Steak Club, which held their meetings at the top of the theatre, and has existed for many years, lost all their stock of old wines, valued at 1500/. beside their sideboard, and other implements. Pieces of scenery and other decorations were carried through the air to immense distances. A fragment of carved wood, all on fire, fell near St. Clement's church, in the Strand. The figure of Apollo, on the dome of Drury-lane Theatre, was a strikingly-illuminated object, as the fiery shower fell around it. Great praise is due to the volunteer corps and the detachments of horse and foot guards who attended. Several miscreants, taking advantage of the confusion, attempted to plunder, but were held in custody. The whole property destroyed amounted to considerably more thaa 100,000/. and, at the ut- most, was covered by insurance to the amount of 75,000/. The dark prospect of the proprietors may yet be cheered by light, but *' when shall it shine on the night of the grave ?" A subscription was opened for the relief of the sufferers. The King's Theatre was very liberally offered to Mr. Harris by Mr. Taylor; and the Covent- garden 44 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [01(1 Theatre. Company played there till the commencement of the Opera-season. The plan of a new theatre on the scite of the old one, to be completely insulated, was ordered and accepted by the proprietors. ■>)ii; ACCOUNT OF THE RISE COVENT GARDEN NEW THEATRE. CEREMONY OF LAYING THE FOUNDATION-STONE. ON Saturday, the 31st of December, 1808, the foundation-stone of this superb theatre was laid by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, as Grand Master of the Masonic Order. The Duke of Sussex, Earl of Moira, with several other distinguished noblemen, graced the pro- cession of the brotherhood, which, by its at- tendance, conferred no inconsiderable interest on the spectacle. The proprietors having sedu- lously attended to every necessary pre-arrange- ment, the whole was well conducted, and the ceremony passed off with great eclat. The oc- casion had attracted a great concourse of spec- 46 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [NcW tators ; the neighbouring streets and houses were completely thronged, and upwards of a thousand persons were admitted, by tickets, within the inclosed area, where they were accommodated, in a temporary covered building, opposite to the foundation-stone. A distinct building was provided for the Free Masons, and a marquee was erected for their august Grand Master. The surrounding scaf- folds were manned by several hundreds of the workmen employed. The exterior was guarded by detachments of the military, and the gre- nadier-company of the first regiment of guards was stationed within the ground, at the Prince's entrance. The whole scene was exhilarated by the music of different military bands. The foundation-stone is situate at the north east angle of the building ; it is of oblong form, and weighs upwards of three tons. It hung sus- pended over a basement-stone. At half-past twelve o'clock, the masonic brotherhood pro- ceeded from Free-Masons Tavern, in Great Queen-Street, and arrived, shortly after, in the area of the intended building, adorned with the various ensigns and bearings of that order. The Chevalier Ruspini was the sword-bearer, and the whole was preceded by a military band playing masonic airs. At one o'clock, his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales arrived on the site, and was received by Theatre.] covent garden journal. 47 Earl Moira and other superior members of the order. A discharge of artillerj', and loud accla- mations, welcomed his approach, while the uni- ting bands struck up " God save the King." The path, from the entrance to the marquee, was covered with green cloth. The royal mason ap- peared in excellent health, and was brilliantly decorated with the insignia of the order. Having arrived at the marquee, he was presented, by the architect, Mr. Robert Smirke, the second son of the celebrated painter, with a plan of the build- ing. His Royal Highness then advanced, and, in the basement- stone^ deposited a brass box, containing two medals, one of bronze, on which was a portrait of his Royal Highness, and on the reverse, the following inscription, *' Georgius Princeps Walliarum, Theatri, Regiis, Instaurandi, Auspiciis, In Hostis Benedictinis Londini, .'v^s Fundamenta, Sua Manu Locavit, MDCCCVIII." The other medal was deeply engraved, in copper; on one side is inscribed. *' Under the Auspices of His most Sacred Majesty, Geo. IH. 48 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [NeW King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, The foundation- Stone of the Theatre, Co vent Garden, Avas laid by his Royal Highness George Prince of Wales, MDCCCVIII." And, on the other side — *' Robert Smirke, Architect." Here were deposited also gold, silver, and copper coins, of the latest coinage. Free-masons, after this, spread mortar over the lower stone; and, a silver trowel being presented by the deputy Grand Master, Earl Moira, to his Royal High- ness, the Prince, as Grand Master, finished spreading it, and the stone was slowly let down. The Prince next having, in the accustomed forms, used the plumb, the level, and the square, finished the laying of the stone by three strokes of a mallet. He now poured over it the antient of- ferings of corn, wine, and oil, from three dif- ferent silver vases ; and, having returned the plan into the hands of the architect, graciously de- sired that the edifice might be completed con- formably thereto. His Royal Highness then, ad- dressing Messrs. Harris and Kemble, expressed his wishes for the success and prosperity of the undertaking. The ceremony being con- Theatre.] covent garden journal. 49 eluded, the Grand Master withdrew, after having" impressed every one present with the highest ad- miration of his graceftd and dignified demeanor throughout. _ soon had formed within the ground, A various mould, and, from the boiling cells, By strange conveyance, filled each hollow nook : Anon, out of the earth, a fabric huge Rose, like an exhalation. Built like a temple, where pilasters round Were set, and doric pillars overlaid With golden architrave, nor did there want Cornice or frieze, with boss ysculptures grav'n. MiLTOK. Upon the plan of the ingenious Mr. Smirke, and under the superintendance of Mr. Alexander Copeland, this immense pile towered to the air, and was completed in all its parts, agreeably to the promise of the proprietors, on the 18th of Sept. The classic genius of the architect, as car- ried into almost instantaneous effect by the builder, equalled, in the eyes of many, the executive power of Aladdin's lamp. To those, whose round of variable residence estranged them for a few months from the capital, the appearance of this national ornament seemed as the visionary struc- ture of some eastern enchanter. Investigation, however, evinced its solidity, and the wishes of the tasteful many, opposed to the frantic impre- cations of the methodistical few, breathed, from the heart, for its duration. D 50 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [NcW The theatre stands upon an area of about 220 feet in length and 170 in breadth ; and is insu- lated on the west by Prince's Place, a new street- way, 40 feet wide ; on the south by an avenue, of irregular width, named Bedford-Ave- nue ; and on the north and east by Hart and Bow Streets* The principal front is next to Bow-Street, in the centre of which is a portico of four columns, of the Greek Doric order. These columns are of Portland stone, and larger than those of any modern European building, being each 5 feet 6 inches in diameter. It is said that Mr. Smirk has taken, for his model, a charming specimen from the ruins of Athens : the grand Temple of Minerva situated in the AcropoHs. The orna- ments on the tympanum and frieze, and at the corners of the pediment, are omitted, as is also the interior row of columns, the street not allow^ ing room for a sufficient projection of the por- tico. The lower part of the whole building is of stone; and the upper parts of cement, coloured so as to imitate stone. EXPLANATION OF THE SCULPTURED BAS-RE- LIEF ON THE FRONT OF THE THEATRE. THIS beautiful specimen of the fine arts is di- vided, by the intervention of the portico, into Theatre.] covent garden journal. 51 two compartments ; that on the north side re- presenting the antient, and the other on the south the modern drama. Antient Drama. — In the centre of the piece sit three Greek Poets, two of whom, looking to- wards the portico, represent the old and new comedy ; Aristophanes is the representative figure of the former, and Menander, (the nearest to the spectator) of the latter. Before these, Thalia presents herself with the crook and comic mask, as the object of their imitation : She is followed ^y Polyhymnia playing on the greater, and Eu- terpe on the lesser, lyre ; Clio with the long pipes, and Terpsichore the muse of action or pantomime. These are succeeded by three nymphs, crowned with the leaves of the fir-pine, and in succinct tunics, representing the hours or seasons, govern- ing and attending the winged horse Pegasus. The third sitting figure, in the centre of the piece, looking from the portico, is iEschylus, the father of Tragedy ; he holds a scroll open on liis knee, and looks fixedly on Minerva, repre- senting wisdom, seated opposite to him. The Goddess is distinguished by her helmet and shield. Between iEschylus and Minerva, Bac- chus stands leaning on his fawn, because the Greeks represented Tragedies in honor of Bac- chus. Behind Minerva stands Melpomene, the Muse of Tragedy, holding a sword and mask : then follow two Furies, with snakes and torches, D 2 02 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL [NeW pursuing Orestes, .who stretches out his hands to supphcate Apollo for protection. Apollo is re- presented in the quadriga, or four-horsed chariot of the sun. These last figures relate to part of iEschylus's Tragedy of Orestes. Modern Drama. — In the centre, looking from the portico, Shakspeare is seated, the comic and tragic masks, with the lyre, are about his seat ; his right hand is raised, expressive of calling up the following characters in the Tem^ pest : First, Caliban laden with wood ; next Ferdi- nand sheathing his sword ; then Miranda entreat- ing Prospero in behalf of her lover : they are led on by Ariel above, playing on a lyre. This part of the composition is terminated by Hecate, the triformed goddess, in her car, drawn by oxen, descending. She is attended by Lady Macbeth, with the daggers in her hands, followed by Mac- beth, turning with horror from the body of Dun- can behind him. In the centre, looking towards the portico, is Milton seated, contemplating Urania, according to his own description in the Paradise Lojst. Urania is seated facing him above ; and at his feet is Sampson Agonistes chained. The remaining figures represent the masque of of Comus ; the two brothers drive out three bacchanals, with their staggering leader Comus. The enchanted lady is seated in the chair, and Theatre.] covent garden journal, 53 the series is ended by two tigers, representing the transformation of Comus's devotees. The designs of both are classical, and the execution is mas- terly. The sculptured frieze, on each side of the por- tico, is from the design of Flax man. and executed, in stone, by him and Rossi. The statues of Mel- pomene and Thalia, as tragedy and comedy, 7 feet high each, are placed in niches at each ex- tremity of the front ; the former is executed by Rossi, and the latter by Flaxman. Tragedy, on the south wing, is a fine figure, holding the tragic mask and dapger. Comedy, on the northern wing, holds the shepherd's crook, or pedum, on her right shoulder, and the comic mask in her left hand; The body of the building rises considerably higher than the fronts next the east and west. The great centre roof (about 100 feet span,) is so constructed as to discharge whatever water or snows might fall, through a series of arches, into reservoirs upon the side roofs. The entrances are as follow : To THE Boxes. — In front, through the great portico in Bow-Street; and, on the western side, from the Piazza in Covent-Garden. To THE Annual Boxes. — One in Bow-Street, north side of the portico, and the other in Prince's Place. To the Pit. — One entrance in Bow-Street, 54 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [NcW north of the portico, and the other from Bedford- Avenue. To THE Galleries. — The entrance is from Bed ford- Avenue. In the construction of the interior, the security of the audience is consulted, in every part, as far as is practicable and consistent with the nature and uses of such a building. The basement, or cellar, story, is chiefly arched, and all the prin- cij)al stair-cases are of stone. The dressing-rooms for the male and female performers are each separated from the rest of the building by party-walls, and the communi- cation is through iron doors. The stage is sepa- rated from the audience in every part, except where it is connected with the pit and proscenium. It surpasses the old one considerably in space, and is finished in a style which reflects the high- est credit upon Mr. Saul. By means of slides it can be opened, at any part, to admit of sinking the scenes or for the traps. About 10 feet below this is another stage, where the machinery, for the working of the traps and wings, is placed. Under both these stages is a cellar, sufficiently deep to allow a scene, the entire height of the stage, to be sunk down. Above are two com- modious tiers of flies, where the machinery for raising the drop scenes and borders is situated ; and so complete and simple is all this machinery, hat a scene, the whole extent of the stage, will, •/ ■; &:r_^i^T) ^tatr r A.^r. ot c\o-vi^r\^T &aki:)1^ Tbeatk^ TuhjJ/arehjSiobvJ.J.StocJrdak4lJ'aHJta/i. Jftflejc.Slra'Ui Theatre.] covent garden journal. 55 at the magic touch of harlequin's bat, disappear in a moment, either by sinking, rising, or going off at the side. The entrance-doors are cliiefly made to slide into the walls. Fire-pipes, constantly charged with water, are placed into all the corridores, and in different parts of the stage. Amain pipe, from the New River, surrounds the whole build- ing, with boxes and fire-cocks at intervals. The principal entrance to the boxes, from Bow- Street, is about 40 feet square, and entirely cased with stone. The stairs, ascending to the boxes, are 17 feet wide. On each side of these is a range of Ionic pillars, Porphyry, each 17 feet high. The walls of the staircase-entrance are painted in imitation of light-veined Italian mar- ble ; and the whole entrance is lighted by antique lamps, suspended by each column. The anti- room is decorated with pilasters, corresponding with the columns on the staircase. In the centre is a statue of Shakespeare, by Rossi, placed under an arch. It is quite a new design, and the face more resembles the Felton than the Cliandos likeness : the figure standing in a graceful atti^ tude, folding his drapery round him. The Allegro and Pensieroso are painted in bas- relief, over the door-way leading to the corri- dores and windows opposite. The west entrance to the boxes from the Piazza leads by a double 66 CO VENT GAiiDEN JOURNAL. [NcW flight of stone steps to the west conidore. All the corridores are in direct lines, and are each 8 feet high, paved with stone, and communicating with the great saloon at the south end. The corridores in Drury-Lane Theatre were only 5 feet 6 wide. Four smaller stair-cases lead to the upper cir- cles of boxes. The great saloon is 60 feet long and 20 wide, and is furnished with sofas on each side, within the recess of arches. Over each recess are paint- ings, from scenes in the plays of Shakespeare, in bas-relief. The saloon is ornamented beside with eight elegant statues, from the antique. The prevailing colour of the walls is green and white, with gold. There are four circles of boxes, as in the old theatre ; their height is the same, and the general form a semicircle, 50 feet in diameter, having the sides prolonged towards the stage. There are no boxes upon the stage. The Pros- cenium is decorated by two pilasters, in imitation of Sienna marble, on each side; the capitals gold antique, supporting an arch, 42 feet in diameten This arch supports a solid wall of brick-work, carried up through the roof. The sotTil is enriched with sunk pannels and flow'ers, gilt. The king s arms, supporters couch- ant, are placed above the arch. The drapery is of scarlet cloth, painted, hanging within the .M.OO^ OF COIOSKT CMSBF.K THEATRE Tu6^3jfJfaJ-ch jSjv by JJStvc/rUa/e 4iJ'^^-Va/L m-^ Theatre J covent garden journal. 57 arch, and enriched with gold wreaths.* The fronts of the boxes are white, having a Greek ornament, continued through their whole length, with gold upon a light pink ground. The styles are deeply enriched with stars, and the mouldings richly gilt. The architrave is of a warm cream- colour, supported by slender fluted and gilt co- lumns : from the top of each runs a gilt iron bracket, suspending a superb gold and glass chandelier. The stage-doors are white and gold, and, over each, is suspended a magnificent lustre. The sides of the pit, below the boxes, are painted in imitation of yellow stained marble. In the centre of the gold wreaths, over the arch of the proscenium, is the motto of the stage, " Veluti in Speculum," written in gold letters. A range of arches supports the cieling, which is formed into a circle, and painted in concentric com- partments. The first and second circles of the boxes are appropriated to the public. In each box are three rows of seats, covered with light blue cloth.-f * The drop-scene is peculiarly grand. It represents a temple, dedicated to Shakespeare; in the back of which is seen his statue, from Westminster Abbey, supported by Tragedy and Comedy : and between pillars, on each side, are statues of iEs- chylus, Plautus, Lope Da Vega, Ben Jonson, Moliere, &c. t The backs of the boxes are pink-coloured, and the doors solid mahogany. 58 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [NCVV The third is a circle of boxes, separated entirely from the rest, and let annually. The principal entrance to these is, by a semi-circular stone stair- case, from Prince's place. They are each sepa- rated from the corridore by a small an ti- room, about 6 feet wide ; the object of which was to remove the spectators from the noise of the cor- ridore. These anti-rooms, scarcely large enough to contain three small chairs, their only furniture, have been the subject of great misrepresentation. To this circle is a saloon, provided for the use of the renters, nearly of the same size with that attached to the lower circles, and filled up with sofas, extending, on each side, between pedestals, on which statues are placed. The walls of this room are cream-coloured, with gold. It also contains niches with busts, and paintings in bas- relief, from the three great poets. Homer, Virgil, and Milton. At each end are columns and pi- lasters, of green Syrian marble. The whole of these boxes are to be thrown open to the public, at the end of the present season, with the excep- tion of three on each side next the stage. The lower gallery occupies the centre part of the south circle. The seats of the upper gallery are iu the arches which support the cieling, not one of which is provided in such a manner as that the spectator may not have a complete view of the stage. The comparative admeasurements Theatre.] covent garden journal. 59 of the several parts of this house with the old theatre and that of Drury-Lane have been pub- lished by the proprietors, as follow : The boxes are calcidated to hold as many speC' tators in the present as in the old theatre, but- one hundred and forty more persons are provided M'ith seats in the lower circles. Six feet six inches is the average depth allowed to the three rows in each box. Six feet three was allowed in the old theatre, and six feet in Drury-lane. In the old theatre, twenty seats were contained in the pit, their whole declivity three feet. In the new theatre, there are also twenty seats, but their declivity is four feet nine inches. In the two-shilling gallery, a person seated in the back row of the old theatre was 88 feet from the stage-door, in the present theatre, he is distant only 86, and in Drury-Lane he was 100. In the upper gallery of the old theatre, the last row was 93 fome display of the meaner and grosser passions. On one night Mrs. C. Kemble escaped, narrowly, being struck by an apple, thrown by some un-^ known ruffian. On another she was taunted for her family-appearance, as adding another being to the objects of public resentment. Mr. Liston, on another occasion, received a blow from a can- F 2 .84 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HistOry. die thrown at him: these were the only circum- stances of personal insult offered to the per- formers, and no one will attempt to reconcile them with the actions of the O. P. party, by whom they were strongly reprobated. Suggestions were made, with a view to destroy the clamour, that revolutionary politics had iden- tified themselves with the opponents of the ma- nager. A faction ever on the watch to do mis- chief had indeed, when the violence began to subside, forced itself upon the O. P.s, but, to their credit, it must be added, was by the most repu- table portion of them indignantly rejected. Loyal subjects certainly were apprehensive of the consequences which might result from confusion so long prevalent, and now systematizing itself within the metropolis of the empire ; but their fears were happily groundless. By degrees the house %vas cleared of its Jewish disturbers, and through no operation of circum- stance was this effect produced more than by the sagacious interposition of the Jewish High Priest, Dr. S. Hirschell. He struck a great number of the offending tribe off the charity-list, for six months, and menaced excommunication to future trans- gressors, Mr. Kemble certainly was by no means concerned in the introduction of those vagrants; but, as he was now the butt of every proprietary indiscretion, he bore the unmerited imputation of this. History.] covent garden journal. 85 In the progress of commotion, another sooth- ing appeal proceeded from the concern. It went on in the general plea of impossible retrench- ments, questioning in what quarter, or what de- partment, they could be made. Letters of the opposite tendency followed this interrogatory ap- peal. In some of them, the spirit of anti- dramatic party appeared more tinctured with methodism than with good sense. Of this de- scription were the letter signed — *' a Layman of the Church of England," immoderate in assertion that the principle of dramatic exhibitions was unfavourable to morality. It is indeed a known and lamentable fact, that the grosseur of our comedy has excited even the surprize of a neigh- bouring nation, perhaps more depraved than this, but certainly preserving more decorum in depravation. The proprietors ask, *' In what items retrench- ments might possibly be made ?" The fair answer is — in each and every one — " Retrench the improvi- dent and corrupt remuneration of productions which are destructive of public taste, — reduce the finances of a mimic to a proper level in the con- struction of society, — rescind all species of spec- tacle,* so absorbent of expenditure and militant against nature ; thus shall you render your con- * A ludicrous satire on the absurd melo-drames of the present day will be found at page 17, of "The Comet, — a mock newspaper/' S6 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HistOry. cern wealthy in its returns of your labour, and worthy of the public frequentation creative of those returns." One defensive argument, upheld by the support- ers of the late advanced price, is, that the ad- mission-charges to the French theatres which, in Paris, are so numerous, considerably exceed the proportion of ours. — True; but the French government make the drama a source of reve- nue, and there are no independent licences given for arbitrary purposes. Now the British theatre contributes in no manner to recruit the national finance, by a tax on its representatives, and consequently cannot put in a plea of parity to the right assumed by the Gallican stage. Nei- ther have we heard that Talma, the greatest of their performers, has established a mine of wealth, from the result of his public labours ; but it is known that, to uphold his finances, he receives from the government a pension for his merits. The following reference to the scale of remunera- tion, 100 years ago, will not fail in suggesting the propriety of proportionate application to that bestowed on actors of the present day. The statement appeared as an advertisement, *' con- cerning poor actors, who, under pretence of hard ysage from the patentees, are about to desert their service." It was as follows : *^ Some persons having industriously spread about, amongst the quality and others, what History.] covent garden journal. 87 small allowances the chief actors have had this last winter, from the patentees of Drury-Lane Playhouse, as if they had received no more than so many poor palatines, it was thought necessary to print the following account : ** The whole company began to act on the 12th of October, 1708, and left off on the 26th of the said month, by reason of Prince George's illness and death ; and began again the 14th of December following, and left off, upon the Lord Chamberlain's order, the 4th of June last, 1709; so acted, during that time, in all 135 days, which is 22 weeks and three days, accounting six act- ing days to a week. In that time Mr. Wilkes, by salary, for acting and taking care of rehearsals, received - - . - - i68 6 S By his benefit play 90 14 9 Total 259 1 5 To Mr. Betterton, by salary for acting, £4i. a week for himself, and £l z. week for his wife, al- though she does not act, paid 112 10 By a benefit play at common prices, besides what he got by high prices, and guineas paid 76 4 5 Total 188 14 5 To Mr. Eastcourt, at .£5 aweek salary, paid 112 10 By a benefit play - 51 8 6 Total 163 18 6 88 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HistOry. £ s. d. To Mr. CiBBER, at £5 a week salary ----111 10 By a benefit play --- 51 10 Total 162 10 10 To Mr. Mills, at <£4 a week for himself, and <£ I a week for his wife, for little or nothing - - - 112 10 By a benefit play paid to him, (not including therein what she got by a benefit play) 58 14 Total - - - - 170 11 4 To Mrs. Oldfield, at ^4 a week salary, for 14 weeks and one day; she leaving off acting pre- sently after her benefit, viz. on the 17th of March, last, 1708, though the benefit was intended for her whole nine months acting, and she refused to assist others in their benefits, she was paid — -_-- 56 13 4 In January she required, and was paid, ten guineas to wear on the stage, in some plays, during the whole season, a mantle petticoat that was given her for the stage, and this she left off three months be- fore she should, yet she hath not returned any part of the ten guineas .- 10 15 And she hath for wearing, in some plays, a suit of boy's clothes on the stage 210 7 By a benefit play, paid ----------- 62 7 8 132 ^ 7 Certainties, in all - - - r 1077 3 I History.] covent garden journal. 89 £ s. (I. Besides whkh certain sums above-mentioned, the same actors get by their benefit plays, as follows : Note. — Mr.BETTERTON having had <£764s. 5d. as above-mentioned, for two-thirds of the profits by a benefit play, reckoning his tickets for the boxes at 5s. a piece, the pit at 3s. the first gallery at 2s. and the upper gallery at Is. But the boxes, pit, and stage, were laid together on his day, and no person admitted but by his tickets, the lowest at half-a-guinea a ticket; nay, he had much more, for one lady gave him ten guineas, some two gui- neas, and most one guinea, supposing he would not act any more, and he delivered out tickets for more persons than the boxes, pit, and stage, could hold: it is thought he cleared c£450, at least, over and above the £76 4s. 5d. 450 'Tis thought that Mr. Eastcourt cleared ^200 besides the said £51 8s. 6d. 200 That Mr. Wilkes cleared, by guineas, about , £40 besides the said £90 14s. 9d. 40 That Mr. Gibber got, by guineas, about £50 besides the said £51 Os. lOd. 50 That Mr. Mills got, by guineas, about £20 besides the said £58 Is. 4d. 20 That Mrs. Oldfield got, by guineas, £l20 be- sides the said £62 7s. 8d. 120 In all - - - - 880 So that all these six comedians, who are the un- satisfied people, have, between the 12th of October and the 4th of June last, cleared in all the follow- ing sums : §0 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [History. £ s. d. Acted 100 times, Mr. Wilkes, certain - - - - 259 1 5 And more by computation 40 Both 299 1 5 Acted 16 times, Mr. Betterton, certain - - 188 14 5 And more by computation 450 Both 638 14 5 Acted 52 dmes, Mr. Eastcourt, certain - - 163 18 6 And more by computation * 200 Both 363 18 G Acted 71 times, Mr. Cibber, certain - - - - i62 10 10 And more by computation 50 Both 212 10 10 Acted times, Mr. Mills, certain - - - 170 11 4 And more by computation 20 Both 1^1 11 4 Acted 39 times, Mrs. Oldfield, certain - - 132 6 7 And more hy computation 120 252 6 7 In all - ^ - - 1957 3 1 History.] covent garden journal. Ql The above document bears the signature of Zachary Baggs, the treasurer and receiver of the said theatre. In that time the treasury of a theatre was more frugally conducted than it is now. Six prime comedians are stated to have been paid for the season, including benefits and all, as a matter of exorbitant receipt on their part, the sum of £\957 : 3 : I \ \ What would be said of one actress receiving more than treble that sum, exclusive of a benefit ? And yet is so wide a disproportion proved to exist in the merit of actors, the charge of admission, or the fre- quentation of the drama, to support the warrant- ability of the lavish salaries at present known to be paid ? As much difference is there in merit be- tween a Blanchard and a Betterton as between Farley and Farquhar; and yet both those, com- parative inferiors, are remunerated for buffoonery and hair-brained pantomime, excessively beyond the manufacturer of the mirror, and him who " held it up to nature." In 1660, when the proprietors of the Cockpit Theatre, in Drury-lane, imposed exactions of ad- vanced price from the public, it appears, that a complaint against them was noticed by Sir Her- bert Herbert, the then Master of the Revels. He directed them, in the king's name and autho- rity, to refrain froni such exactions, and to abide by the accustomed prices. Now, this historical 92 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Historj. precedent is not surely in favour of innovation, ad libitum, under the sanction of a patent. About the middle of October, it was signified, from the proprietors, and appeared in the pubUc prints, that persons, either bailed or committed for the charges, alleged against them, of theatrical riot, should be prosecuted with the most rigorous severity. A bar of lawyers, mostly on the crown side, led by Mr. Attorney General, was appointed for the conduct of the prosecution. This pro» ceeding intimidated a great number of the insur- gent forces from taking the field as usual. In consequence of their apprehensions, the O. P.s gave some interval of half-disturbed tranquillity to the sock and buskin. The green room might haply now become as arbitrary in its measures as the star chamber, were it not for the appearance of another Hampden in the cause of disenthral- ment. Mr. Henry Clifford, a barrister of anti- regal eminence, pitted himself against the above- mentioned lawyers, and advocated the cause of OPism. From the moment that such a sanction acceded to the popular side, the influx of oppo- sition rose to flood tide, and the clamour was more violent than before. The hero was led captive, but his professional terrorism burst through the cearments of oflicial infallibility, and the succeeding evening announced his victory amid the applauding party, who delighted in the echoes of his name. History.] covent garden journal. 9^ On Thursday, the 26th of October, the com- mencement of the Westminster Sessions, the following Grand Jury, remarkable for their near residences to Covent Garden, was sworn in. James Sutton, Henrietta-street, Covent Garden Thomas Wilkinson, Charles-street, ditto, (1) Henry Robins, Covent Garden, (2) J. T. Barber, Southampton-street, ditto, (3) Thomas Field, Henrietta-street, ditto, Richard Mortimer, Charles-street, ditto, (4) John Howell, King-street, ditto, (5) William Buer, Chandos-street, ditto, (6) James Wood, ditto, ditto, (7) Edward Marter, Covent Garden, (8) Thomas Attwood, Henrietta-street, ditto, (9) William Bingley, Tavistock-street, ditto, (10) Robert Joy, Covent Garden, Benjamin Lepard, James-street, ditto, George Erck, Henrietta-street, ditto, Robert Bentley, Bedford-street, ditto, William Keene, James-street, ditto, John George Halentz, Southampton-street, ditto John Hummel, King-street, ditto, Thomas Kennerly, Bedford-court, ditto, G. S. Griffenhoffe, Covent Garden, James Mason, Maiden-lane, ditto, John Bowley, Bridge-street, ditto, Gentleman. ditto. ditto. ditto. Wine Merchant. Gentleman. ditto. ditto. ditto. ditto. ditto. ditto. Vintnei. Stationer. Gentleman. Laceman. Tailor. ditto. Hosier. Mercer. Laceman. Carpenter. Auctioneer. (1) Formerly a Haberdasher, but retired from business. (2) Auctioneer. (3) Miniature Painter and Agent. (4) Draughtsman. (5) Man's Mercer and Tailor. (6) Butcher. (7) Whalebone Manufacturer. (8) Lottery Office Keeper. (9) Woollen Draper. (10) Linen Draper. These certainly may be gentlemen, and so may equally be all the otben who are designated by their respective trades. J4 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [History. The usual proclamation having been read, Mr. Mainwaring, the Chairman of the Sessions, ad-^ dressed the jury to the following purport. " Gentlemen of the Grand Jury. ** Before you proceed to the discharge of that du- ty for which you have been summoned here, and are now sworn to execute, I think it is proper to make some observations to you upon a subject which, from its continuance, and the mischief which has taken place, has become of considerable import- ance to the community at large, as well as to some individuals who are more particularly inte- rested, and to which your attention may be called, during the present sessions, as the Grand Jury for the City and Liberties of Westminster. Gentlemen, it is a matter of public notoriety, that, ever since the opening of the New Theatre of Covent Garden, for the reception of the public, great disturbance, disorder, and breaches of the peace, have taken place ; that it *has been de- clared, by a large body of persons, assembled there for the express purpose, that, unless the proprietors, or those who have the management of the theatre, would admit the audience at the prices which were taken previously to the de- struction of the late play-house by fire, they will not permit theatrical representations . to be performed and exhibited, or, at least, will not suffer them to be heard, for insisting on the History.] covent garden journal* 9$ old prices : that the most violent outrages have been committed, and a large body of the au« dience have been kept every night in a state of constant alarm and terror, by reason of demands, which, as it is said, are claimed as matters of right. " Gentlemen, upon what ground such claim of right is founded, I know not ; it is said, in- 4eed, that every one, at a play-house, has a right to express his approbation or disapproba- tion ; be it so : certainly, custom has given a sort af sanction to such a practice, and the audience has been in the habit of expressing its approba- tion or dislike to whatever is brought before it, by clapping of hands, or hissing, or some evident marks of applause or disapprobation, and this custom is always submitted to, and, perhaps, it is found to be the best or easiest way of ex- pressing its sentiments upon such an occasion, as it prevents more of discussion and amplification which might otherwise take place. *' Gentlemen, this usage can, in no way, be applied to the claim now made, namely, admis* sion to the theatre, at a particular price. As to the audience determining what the prices of ad- mission to the different parts of the theatre shall be, and compelling the proprietors, who have, risked their fortunes, and embarked in a hazard- ous undertaking, even supposing the house were unanimous, which I understand is by no means die case, it is a demand neither founded in law. 96 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HistOry. in equity, nor in justice : no act of parliament, no case, no dictum, fixing the prices can be found to sanction such a demand. *' Gentlemen, the law I take it is most clear, that they have no such right. The audience of a public theatre cannot be considered as a court of justice recognized by the law of the country : it has no legal means of enforcing its decrees, or compelling obedience to its orders. If it might settle the price of admission, what is there it might not do ? Might it not settle, for example, the salaries of the performers, the expense of the dresses, the manner of lighting the house, and so on through the whole management of the theatre? and who is to say that what the au- dience of one evening declares right would not be rescinded and undone by that of the next ? But, gentlemen, if there were such a right existing in the audience, a supposition in my opinion ex- tremely absurd, if it did exist, it could not be maintained by riot and a breach of the peace ; for, even just and lawful rights cannot be es- tabhshed by unlawful proceedings. By the law of this country, no man can be a witness in his own cause ; no man, in his own case, can take the execution of the laws into his own hands, ex- cept in the single instance of self-defence. If he have a right to estabhsh, or an injury to com- plain of, it must be done by means of legal pro- ceedings, and not by the use of that dangerous History.] covent garden journal. 97 engine, a riotous mob, for any purpose what- ever. " Gentlemen, this question of right, (if it be a question,) as to the price of admission to a the- atre, is not one for discussion in this court. We are not competent to decide upon it in this place, and, therefore, gentlemen, I cannot help caution- ing you not to entangle yourselves and your judgment in the dispute respecting the price of admission. If it be thought unreasonably high ; if it be considered that too much money has been laid out upon the building, and that the internal decorations are too costly, or whatever be the matter in dispute, it cannot be investi- gated by you in this court. " But, gentlemen, if indictments be laid be- fore you, charging particular persons with riotous proceedings, and with unlawfully assembling to dis- turb the peace and good order of the theatre, or with the commission of any unlawful acts, to the in- jury of the proprietors of the theatre, or of any other persons, these are matters for your serious consi- deration, and are properlj^ cognizable before you in your capacity of jurors. Your's, therefore, is a straight forward line, merely to examine wit- nesses on the indictments laid before you, and to determine whether the charges be sufficiently proved to call upon your return of the bills as true, in order that the accused party may be put upon his trial. G 98 C6VENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Historjr* " Gentlemen, in common conversation, we all pretty well know how the terms, " riot," " unlaw- fully assembling," and other legal terms, are un- derstood. But, as it is important, at this time, that you should have clear and distinct ideas of what constitutes this offence, I think it my duty to state the law upon the subject ; and I chuse, in so doing, to adopt the language of a learned writer, who well understood the criminal law of this country, and who is often quoted in this, as well as in other, courts. I mean Mr. Serjeant Hawkins, in his Treatise on the Pleas of the Crown, under the head of Riot. *' He says, a riot is a tumultuous disturbance of the peace, by three persons, or more, assembling together, of their own authority, with intent mu- tually to assist one another, and afterwards actu- ally executing the same in a violent and turbulent manner, to the terror of the people ; whether the act intended were of itself lawful or unlawful. He says, too, wherever three persons, or more, use force and violence in the execution of any design whatever, wherein the law does not allow the use of such force, all w^ho are concerned therein are rioters, and it is not only lawful but also commendable to assemble a competent num- ber of people, in order, with force, to suppress them. He says, if a man, seeing others actu- ally engaged in a riot, joins himself to and assists- them, he is as much a rioter as if he had first as- History.] covent garden journal. 99 sembled with them for the same purpose. It is further laid down by him, that, if there are three or more persons joined in doing an act which is not in itself unlawful, such as removing a nui- sance, which may be lawfully done in a peace- able manner, yet if it is unnecessarily done in a violent and tumultuous manner, to the alarm of his majesty's subjects, it is, in the consideration of the law, a riot ; so careful is the law to prevent disturbance and breach of the public peace. " This is clear and intelligible to every capacity, and is recognized and confirmed by a variety of authorities and cases on the subject. '* Gentlemen, as to an unlawful assembly, that is, where three or more persons get together to do an unlawful act, this assembling is an unlaw- ful proceeding, and is punishable by fine and impri- sonment, even though they separate without doing the act intended ; and this mode of assem- bhng together, for such purpose, is as much un- lawful in a public theatre, as to the persons con- cerned in it, as it would be in any other place. The unlawful design creates the oflTence, and, therefore, the place is immaterial ** Gentlemen, I am without information of what proceedings are to take place in this court, in consequence of the tranactions which have occur- red. Some persons have been committed, and, I understand, many more have been bound, uu- G 2 100 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [History. der recognizance, to answer for the offences charged against them. " I have stated to you, gentlemen, what I con- ceive to be the law upon these extraordinary transactions, which have of late created so much dread and alarm. I can only say, if indictments should be laid before you, they will require your most serious consideration, which I doubt not you will give. You will do it, because it is a duty incumbent upon you, and upon us all, to endeavour at the preservation of peace and good order, and you will do it according to the solemn oath which you have just now taken. " Gentlemen, I will not detain you longer, you will now be pleased to retire and dehberate upon the cases which will be brought before you." The reader shall be left to deduce his own ob- servations on this oration, and 'make his applica- tion accordingly. On the 27th, (the following day,) the court was unusually thronged, by persons anxious to learn the fate of those bills laid before the Grand Jury. A gentleman of the latter addressed the court, and begged to know if it were competent for them to find a true bill against one and not return against another defendant included in the same indictment. Mr. Alley said, he had so framed the indictments, that the jury might judge the case of each defendant separately. The History.] covent garden journal. 101 chairman concurred in this opinion, and the inquirer returned to communicate it to his fellow jurors. The Grand Jury, being all impannelled de ^vici- neto, that is from the neighbourhood of the place laid in the hills, were certainly more apt to inter- mi^ their prejudices and partialities in the trial of RIGHT. Though the old law was in favour of such a practice, yet, by the 24th Geo. II. c. 1 8, it is only required, that the Jury come de corpora comitatus, from the body of the country at LARGE. Of the forty-one bills of indictment preferred, thp following is the statement of their disposal. Mary Austin and a man, (the only prisoners in custody,) were not indicted. The several per- sons against whom bills were found postponed their trials till the next sessions. FOUND. NOT FOUND. Against George Baker. Against John Black. M. Bryant. W. Blackburn. John Brown. Birnie. r- Clack. Burslera, Turville. Coats. Clumms. Corry, ' Dwyer. — ^ Crisp. Charles Gurney, < Cheeks. W. Hillhouse. Samuel Dudfield. W. H. Jones. — Desmardyre, J. Johnson. Eyre. W.Lloyd. J. Gooday. 102 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HistOiy FOUND. NOT FOUND. Against Alexander Ross. Against Hooper. — Scott. — — — Kenyon. S. F, St^Uard. Pocock. > Curville, J. Rose. T. Waugh. James Ransom. J.Ray* . ^Recs. ■ Savage. • • Soane. Sellon Smith. W. Smith. . VinolL James Wells. The name of William Redgrove was returned by the Grand Jury, as not appearing when called. It is to be observed, that many captures were con- sidered by the proprietors sufficient for the grounding of indictments. Pending their pro- ceedings, the theatre was in some measure di- rected by the faction ; but another alteration soon took place in tlie system of opposition ; — after Mr. Clifford's accession, new spirits were diffused, and clamour again became predomi* nant at the half price. It was now the fashion of each night to mob the offending newspapers, by groaning opposite the printing-offices, and to cheer the espousing prints which continued faith- ful to their advocacy. This street display of op- position was, however, extended to very impro- per length ; and Mr. Kemble's dwelling-house was History.] covent garden journal. 103 assailed in the most indecorous and riotous man- ner. Even supposing that he were the trespasser throughout, yet it was an evident endangerment of the public peace to carry the question, or pu- nishment of the trespass, into a scene v^^here the atrocious propensities of ignorant and malicious persons would have an open scope. Some of the offenders were apprehended, and no doubt can attach to this question of committing such pseudo supporters of public right. A reward of one hundred pounds was offered by the magistracy for the apprehension of the principals. It is, however, unquestionable, that the offending party was not that which clamoured within the walls of the theatre. The nights on which Mr. Kemble's house was attacked were those of Saturday the 4th, and Monday the 6th, of November. Little damage was, however, done, — a few panes of glass only being broken, and the doors and win- dows covered with mud. Mr. Mainwaring's charge to the Grand Jury of the Westminster sessions procured his name by no means an honourable mention among the placardists, About the middle of November, an address, stated to be one intended to be delivered by the manager, appeared in the Times newspaper. More credit will attach to its authenticity, when, upon comparison, it will be found to tally ex- !^ctly with the ultimate concessions of the pro- 104 COVENt GARDEN JOURNAL. [History. prietors. Why it was not delivered at the time spoken of can only be accounted for by suppo^ sing that Mr. Attorney-General may, by this promised remuneration of the oppositions, in- duce the misguided proprietors to hold out with greater obstinacy. By that gentleman's advice, the system of prosecution, it is understood, was altered, and the offenders vv^ere all to be tried under a general indictment, for conspiracy. The following is the copy of the intended ad- dress alluded to : '* Ladies and Gentlemen, " I am authorised, by the proprietors and managers of this theatre, to address you in the language of submission, and to propose such concihatory terms as they trust will secure the return of your favours, and tend to obliterate all past animosities. *' 1st. — Upon the subject of your displeasure, the managers have no hesitation in confessing how sorry they are that any part of their conduct should seem to have deserved it ; and if, in the moment of executing what they deemed it their duty to enforce, some improper examples have been pitched upon, and some cases of severity have been exercised to the injury of the indivi- dual, they repent of such precipitancy, and im- plore your pardon and forgiveness for it. More- over they are willing, on the ground of atone- History.] covent garpen journal. 105 ment, to remove all further prosecutions in the business. " Sndly. — On the subject of annual private boxes, the managers are ready to admit the prin- ciple of giving up private advantage to pubUc benefit; and, since it coincides with your will, in this particular instance, they will endeavour to conform to it as soon as possible ; but, the engagements being made for the season, they hope you will permit their ratification till the close of it; after which period the number of private boxes shall be confined, as formerly, to the upper tiers within the extent of the orchestra. *' 3dly. — Upon the subject of the prices of ad- mission, the managers, anxious to remove the impression that an unfair advantage has been taken of an opportunit}^ when no rival theatre is in existence, will give way to the pressure of the moment ; but, confident that the intention of the public does not go to the extent of a wish to dcr stroy their legal claims and rights, they beg leave to wave only the exercise of them for the present, limiting their obedience to a more plausible op- portunity when another new theatre is opened for competition. In the mean time, with the pro- foundest respect, they presume to solicit the re- turning favours of a generous and forgiving public, under whose patronage they will endeavour to carry on the concern at old prices." It is very possible that such was the intended 106 GOVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [History. language of the proprietors ; but they never once thought of the effects created by the idea of competition, till their own merited disfavour with the pubhc became a stimulus to the adventuring part of society. In the very beginning of the theatrical troubles, a plan for a subscription theatre was submitted to the public, and the best proof of its projects being plausible, was that scarcely a month elapsed from its being first set on foot when the books were closed, and the ne- cessary subscriptions advertised as full. The propri- etors feared not an early rival in old Drury, broken in finance, and, perhaps, willingly remaining une^ mulous, through a hope that the Co vent- Garden system would take root. But, when a vigorous establishment menaced them with rivalry, and appeared even Herculean in the cradle, the proud soi disant National Theatre covered its lofty hopes. Mr. Kemble, it was reported, had given orders to his solicitor to dispose of his share in the con- cern, to the best advantage ; nay, his retiremen,t altogether from the stage was spoken of . Another rumour prevailed, that, in consequence of a con- versation, held on the subject between the Secrer tary of State and the Lord Chamberlain, the ma- nagers received a notification from the latter noble Lord, to the effect of requiring the close of the theatre, or a compUance with the public dcr niands. Little credence was, however, given to, cither report. History.] covent garden journal. 107 A subscription had, for some time, been opened, to enable the persons labouring under theatrical prosecutions to meet the respective suits against them. The different signatures to each item of sub- scription afford a strong specimen of the varied rancour which possessed the minds of the O. P. party. Great interest was excited by the ap- proach of the Michaelmas term, at which period Mr. Clifford intended to bring to issue an action which he had entered against Mr. Brandon, the box-keeper of the theatre, for false imprisonment. Tremblingly alive to an affair which would be ge- nerally decisive of their cause, the OPists awaited the event, but without any relaxation of effort to force a conclusion through their clamour in the theatre. The managerial bravos again ap- peared, and again cases of aggrievement were stated to be the result of their agency. Among the leaders of this respectable corps of terrorism, were Hewitson, of Battcrsea, and White, of Park- Street,* Westminster, the former author of the *' Blind Boy," and the latter in the employment of the theatre. The wife even of the first-named terrorist distinguished herself by the espousal of the proprietor's side, and threw in a facer or two in the face of common decency and sexual de- corum. To the credit of the general female company present, this lady was the only one guilty of no- 108 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL, [History. torious poissarderie. No exertions were made by the proprietors to restrain the attendance of any who would bawl for them ; but every possible means were used to cramp the opposition- ists. It will hereafter be read with astonish^ ment, that, in an enlightened age and nation, as Mr. Kemble has allowed it to be, discretionary action should be disallowed in persons qualified by discretionary age and situation ; for, not long after the opening of the campaign, an application was made by the proprietors to the directors of two great national concerns, requesting that they would prevent their clerks from going to the theatre. The reason given was, that these gen- tlemen added strength to the opposition of new prices. In one instance, that of the bank, the request was undignifiedly acceded to; but, in that of the treasury, with becoming know- ledge of mankind, it was rejected, upon the prin- ciple of non-interference with the concerns of their clerks out of doors. Similar apphcations were also made to private persons, and a young man, of the name of Dwyer, brother to a book- seller of that name, on Holborn-Hill, was, in consequence of such an application,^ dismissed from the service of Messrs. Cadell and Davies^ booksellers, in the Strand. Mr. Justice Grose, in the Court of King's Bench, on the 1 3th of November, seemed to op- pose the popular sentiment, regarding the oppor History.] covent garden journal, 109 sition, in a charge which he delivered to the Middlesex Grand Jury. This, however it might operate on the numbers, by no means affected the energies of the party. Mr. Clifford's suit against Brandon underwent some preliminary agitation in the Common Pleas, on the 15th of the same month. Mr. Serjeant Sheppard moved the court for a rule to shew cause why the action brought by the plaintiff against his client, the defendant, should not be set aside on the three following grounds of pleading. Firstly, That the theatre was duly licenced and authorized to represent comedies, tragedies, &c. and the managers to demand such prices as they should deem most expedient for the admission of an audience to different parts of their house. Secondly, that the plaintiff, accompanied by three other persons, on the night stated, did, illegally, commit a trespass in the said theatre, for the purpose of obliging the managers to re- duce their prices ; for that, during the exhibition of the farce, the said persons did create a disturb- ance and riot, to the interruption of the perform- ers, and the great annoyance of the peaceable persons there assembled to enjoy the amusements of the evening ; and that the defendant, being a principal servant of the house, did, as he con- ceived to be his duty, give the plaintiff in charge to a constable, in order to restore and preserve no COVENT GAitDEN JOURNAL. [History~ the peace of the house, and prevent the further progress of riot. Thirdly, that the plaintiff did, on the same evening, instigate many Other persons, by his ex- ample, to make disturbance and riot, and to in- terrupt the performers on the stage. Sir James Mansfield readily granted the rule, as the usual mode of proceeding adopted in such cases. His lordship remarked upon what he understood to be the opinion of some learned council ; " that it was lawful to pull the theatre to pieces, and even knock the performers on the head," merely with the view of expressing how essentially his lordship differed from such doc- trine. He observed, that, if, instead of holding them to bail, the managers had brought actions against such as would be able to pay damages, the result would be very different from what was commonly supposed. On the night of this day, a severe contest took place, at the theatre, between the police and the malcontents, in which a respectable man, of the name of Cowlan, received considerable inju- ry, but not to the extent so injudiciously report- ed. A statement appeared, from some persons who had, on the same night, adjourned from the theatre to the Temple Coffee-House, in which it was declared, that this assault, on the above indi- vidual, was prepensely meditated, as they con- History.] covent garden journal. Lll ceived from malicious expressions dropped on this occasion. It is now generally believed that this was not the case, and that the gen- tleman was only an unfortunate victim of the war-chance, which it is surprising was not at- tended with danger, nay fatality, to many more. It was certainly malicious to diffuse a report of murder, which might probably entail the effects of retributive execution, both by mobile and ad- ministrative law. On this principle, Mr. Win- holt, who, for some time, held a chieftaincy among the O Pists, received a smart reprimand from the magistrate, for his indiscretionary men- tion of an unauthenticated fact. Mr. Attorney General, on the 20th of Novem- ber, moved the Court of King's Bench for a rule to shew cause why criminal procedures should not be instituted against Messrs. Clifford, Winholt, Scott, Savage, and Ridley, for a conspiracy against the property of the proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre, by attempts to compel the re- duction of admission prices thereto. His motion was grounded on several affidavits, stating the attendance of the parties at the theatre, and the means they used for the before-mentioned purpose; as also the recognition of Mr. Clifford, by the audience, in quality of leader, and the address by which Mr. Clifford admitted that title. The Attorney General dwelt, rather sharply, on the 112 COVKNT GARDEN JOURNAL. [History, conduct of this gentleman in lending the vigour of professional sanction to such proceedings. On the 28th, the Court of King's Bench was crowded to excess, by an expectant multitude, but the above rule being made absolute, through policy, the cause remained over till the ensuing term. In adopting this step, the managerial bar avoided furnishing their opponents with the sys- tem of defence necessary to be pursued. The day preceding this, eleven bills of indictment were examined, in the Crown-Office, and eight returned as true. Notwithstanding such left-handed divinations, the spirit of OPism still stalked abroad, and the Bow-street bailing-system was every night increased. A theatrical medal was struck to com- memorate the era, and worn by several. Mr. Harris, senior, who returned from Bath much about this period, though considerably improved in health, seemed to suffer proportionate diminu- tion of policy and good sense, when he declared that he would risk his entire fortune sooner than concede the points of contest. Personal vio- lence to those who thwarted the dictatorial de- signs of the proprietors was again resorted to. Numerous cases of outrage, on persons of this description were every night complained of, at the pubhc office, in Bow-street, and some respectable men became a coat minus^ in their History.] covent garben journal. 1 13 wardrobe, through the ferocious tearing system of those lozv engendered battles. Those acts were still rendered more glaring, by the after conduct of the apprehending parties, who, in some instances, coolly replied, to the refutation of their charges, *' that if it was not that gentleman it was some other.'' But, when the aggrieved and innocently-insulted party applied for redress against those jesters with their feelings and li- berty, the magistrates admitted the joke and refused the cognizance. If any thing could lead to the intemperate acts alluded to, rather un- justly by a certain law-lord, it would be this apparent stagnation in the stream of justice. If it may be allowed to speak comparatively of what is sacred and profane, the situation of the unfortunate O P ist resembled that of the ex- pectant cripple, disabled by infirmity from par- ticipating in the benefits of the troubled pool: there is this difference, angels did not trouble both. Such was now become the rage for O P ism, that every retail shop in the town made use of the symbolic initials, as a magnet to the custom of passers by. It was, for some time, rumoured that Mr. Mash, the Lord Chamberlain's secreta- ry, had given notice of his lordship's positive or- ders to close the theatre, if the proprietors should not comply with the public mandate. Mr. Mash, however, soon contradicted this unwarranted 114 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [History. report; and, indeed, throughout, it was sup- posed, by the best informed on the subject, that no interference was even so much as spoken of by the proper controler of this department. The bills of indictment, on the 27th of No- vember, brought before the Crown-Office, West- minster, were disposed of in the following man- ner. Those against the under-mentioned persons were found. David Foster, 66, Basinghall-street, Merchant. Owen Jones, 424, Strand, Shopman to Messrs. Donnage anil Larkin, Hatters. John Pain, 12, Devereux-court, no profession. John Ford, 5, White- Hart-court, Castle-street, Leiceister-square, Shoe Maker. John Hobson, 2, America-square, Ship Owner. George Hindle, 28, Chancery-lane, Auctioneer. Thomas Jones, 5, Bowling-lane, Haberdasher. Those preferred against the following persons were not found. James Pitman, alias James Johnson, Leadenhall-market, Fish- monger. John Tyler, 49, Crutched Friers, Fish Salesman. John Brown, 21, Great Poland-street, and Croydon^ Surrey, Gentleman. William ToUey, George-street, Richmond, Saddler. This, however, was all fist-fighting on the side History.] covent garden journal. 115 of the managerists, whose opponents awaited the coup-de-main promised by the honest counsellor^ in the event of his cause proving successful. To such a crisis bad the affair now arrived, that the O P ists resolved to call forth all their energies, in a manner which should stamp con- firmation upon their previous actions. Rattles and catcalls were thought insignificant weapons for the contest, and it was formally announced, that a decisive conflict, a la fourchette, should seal the destiny of the anti-tumbril party. " In vino Veritas" is the old adage, and to this the O P ists determined to adhere. Throughout the entire progress of the dispute the (all-but- self) reformers adopted precisely the same modes of action as the purifiers of parliament. Committees, dinners, speeches, subscriptions, were the order of the day. The feast was, howe- ver, protracted till the trial of Clifford's action should be determined ; but the journal of night- ly skirmishes, and the Bow-street proceedings, will furnish a pretty ample ground of proof, that the spirit of O P ism was not wholly evaporated, in consequence of temporary afflictions. At length, the important 5th of December arrived, a day solemn in the annals of free agen- cy, in dramatic disenchainment. To the hissers it was indeed a day, ** Lined albd notandus." JH 2 116 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [History. The trial of the honest counsellor's action, against Brandon, came on before Sir James Mans- field, and a special jury, in the court of Common Pleas. The plaintiff, Mr. Clifford, was under- stood to say, that, if there were an impartial man to be found in the Court of King's Bench, he should stand by its decision in preference, but, in failure, he resorted to this tribunal. The Jury was composed of the following gentlemen. Stephen Pitt, Esq. William. Best. William Day, Esq. Thomas Ryans. Thomas Rogers, Esq. John Leyanson. Edward Jennings, Esq. George Reader. George Scott, Esq. Richard Norton. Mark Cooke. Thomas Greenway. Not only the Court, but Westminster Hall was excessively crowded, at a very early hour in the morning. It is not necessary to say, of what interest the attending crowd was composed. Mr. Clifford himself was absent, being em- ployed in the conduct of a case, in the Court of King's Bench. His counsel were Serjeants Best and Runnington and Messrs. Warren and Run- nington; his solicitors, Messrs. Clarksons, of Essex-street. The counsel for the defendant were Serjeants Shepherd and Laws, with Mr. Gurney ; his solicitor, Mr. Humphreys, of Bar- nard's Inn. During the first hour, the time of the court History.] covent garden journal. 117 was occupied by the reading of the different pleadings on both sides. The several counts of the plaintiff's plea stated, in the usual dilated phraseology of forensic men, the assault com- mitted, on the 31st of October, by defendant, on the body of the plaintiff, and the illegal and forcible detainer and imprisonment of his person, in the Bow-street office, for a considerable space of time. This plea stated the matter in several distinct counts of separate assaults, the plaintiff stating, that defendant, " on the same day, &c. again beat and ill-treated him, and other wrongs, &c." The defendant commenced by a plea of abne- gation and the general issue. In the next place, he rebutted the distinction of plaintiff's counts, making out different assaults, there being but one, as also with regard to similar pleading made in the matter of imprisonment, &c. The defendant, justified by the statement of privileges attached to the theatre, namely, repre- sentation of various stage-pieces and considera- tions of admission in money from those visiting the said theatre. In further justification, he al- ledged the riotous and illegal means used by piaintiff. with divers others, on the day stated in the plea, for the purpose of compelling the proprietors to reduce their terms of admission in certain parts of said theatre. That, during a performance therein, on the night of the day |18 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [History. aforesaid, the plaintiff, with divers others, having annoyed the peace of the said theatre, defendant felt himself bound, by the duty of his service, to give the said plaintiff into the custody of Samuel Taunton, a constable ; and that, in consequence, plaintiff was brought before James Read, Esq. at the public office, Bow-street, being the most convenient, and that the said plaintiff was, neces- sarily, there detained during the period of hia examination. The plaintiff's replication answered the first part of defendant's plea in the same general man- ner. To the other justificatory parts, plaintiff replied, that defendant ought not, by reason of such allegations, to derive benefit therefrom ; that the person described by defendant as a peace-officer was not such ; and that the different trespasses, mentioned in the introductory plea, were com- mitted in manner and form as by plaintiff there- in stated ; wherefore plaintiff prayed judgment and inquiry, &c. Mr. Runnington opened the pleadings to the jury. The plaintiff laid his damages at one hun- dred pounds. Mr. Serjeant Best addressed the court in behalf of Mr. Chfford. If this question were fairly met on the other side it would be one, in his opinion, of great importance. Of the issue he had no doubt, aud the only question to bo History.] covent garden journal. 119 considered was, the quantum of damages which his client should receive. The learned counsel here entered into a warm panegyric on the plain- tiff. The defendant was in the employ of the Covent- Garden managers, and, perhaps, it would be better to make the cause one of trial between his client and those managers ; in point of fact they were the real defendants. The learned counsel did not mean to contend, far from it, that conduct, however illegal on the part of those persons, should be resisted by riot. If the de- fendant's pleading were strictly proved, he could not object to their finding against his client. He was, however, confident they could not be proved. If, in fact, the jury should find for the ma- nagers, in the case of a riot which they had themselves occasioned, the administration of jus- tice would stand in a very unsatisfactory situ- ation. From this dilemma they would, however, be relieved by proofs of more uproar and riot proceeding from the stage than from the audi- tory. His client had received considerable in- sult and indignity, and his dismissal by the ma- gistrate, in the first instance, . decided the case of wrongful imprisonment. In the cases of no riot at all existing, or, if any, that the plaintiff had no share therein, then it would lie with the jury to consider the damages, upon the principle of considering by what motives the managers were 120 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Histofy* actuated. That their capture of Mr. Clifford proceeded from personal malice he should show, and therefore he lamented that his client, through delicacy, had been so moderate in the sum which he laid. Even should that be given, he doubted not but it would be expended in supporting the injured rights of the pubhc. The learned counsel here expatiated upon the circumstances of the old and new Covent- Garden Theatre, and made some acrimonious remarks upon the address of the proprietors to the public. He did not mean to confine the term of the public to the private box-renters, but to the great popular mass. He had himself attended the two- shilling gallery, on one of these nights of pre- tended riot, and, though of nervous habit, he felt no cause of alarm. He denied that the ac- , commodation of persons in this part of the house was consulted : for the purposes of seeing, the assistance of a telescope was, in fact, necessary. This was caused by the construction of the private boxes. His learned friends on the other side might call him as a witness on the subject if they pleased. The obtrusion of their address on the public could be considered in no other view than that of giving that liberty of opinion to the public, which should either incline them to favour or to disap- prove their conduct. Under every other circum- stance it would be mockery and insult. It was ia History.] covent garden journal. 121 consequence of this appeal that the public as- sembled in the theatre to render that decision which was there rejected, and which they can- didly expressed. The private boxes alone, he in- sisted, would render, in their revenue, the pro- prietors independent of advance in other parts of the house : but the learned counsel disapproved of tbeir erection in toto. They would not be appropriated, as was said, to the wives of noble personages, but to those whose tenure was more flitting and more frail. The circumstance of the king's box being open to those who should chuse to pay for admission, on nights not honoured by the royal presence, was a circumstance of all others most strongly demonstrative, that there was no such exclusive right of seats as that attempted to be set up. This conduct was an obvious breach of patent, (and the learned counsel doubted if they were able to shew any) ; it was a wrong, and that wrong was the cause of disturbance. He would not justify this effect; but when the spirit of resistance to innovation ceased to exist in the bosoms of Englishmen, adieu to the pre- servation of their liberties. The noise which took place at the theatre was not, however, to be considered riot. In order to carry that meaning, it should be attended either with immediate or threatened violence. Not a chandeher was broken ; and if the managers could prove such damage, or any done to their. 122 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HlStory. property, he would allow them to call it a riot. From the long prevalence of this noise, his client, after having dined, on the day mentioned in the pleadings, with Mr. Bosville, was induced, by Mr. Hipkins, to go to the theatre, for the pur- pose of seeing what passed. They did go to the pit, and though there was a noise, yet it was harmless, and uncreative of alarm. There were a number of OP hats and Mr. Clifford wore those letters in his hat. The learned serjeant might possibly have hissed, but, considering his situ- ation in life, he should not have worn that in- signia. Mr, Clifford, however, held no conver- sation with any but the gentleman who accom- panied him. That gentleman would prove, that Mr. C. was as quiet and peaceable as any man in the house. What was sworn in other places, the learned serjeant could shew to be gross and abo- minable perjury. The letters which Mr. Clifford wore could not alone constitute him a rioter; if they did, the wearing of election-ribbons was to be construed into riot. If the ensign were a badge to distinguish, on a precedented plan of mis- chief, then indeed the case of riot might be made real. The jury would be told, by respectable evi- dence, that no concerted plan was formed by the plaintiff before he got to the theatre; afterwards it could not be, for he conversed with no person about him, save the person who fixed the letters History.] covent garden journal. 123 O P into his hat ; and that conversation would be proved to be an interference in favour of the public peace. The learned serjeant insisted that his client was not apprehended, even if he were so rioting, flagrante dilicto, which was the time, by law, al- lowed for apprehension in that case. He was taken without a warrant, which could not legally be done, and by a private person, contrary to law. Neither Mr. Brandon nor Taunton were constables. A private person, during a riot, may seize the offending party, but after it is over, his authority, by interference, is at an end. Mr. Clifford had left the theatre, and passed the pit avenue, when he was apprehended, without a warrant, therefore his apprehension was illegal ; and if he had made resistance, the apprehending party would have to answer for the blood which might be spilt. The play was over, and Mr. C. departing quietly, being actually out of the house, when Brandon cried out, *^ That is Clifford, take him." Taunton replied, '* He has been doing nothing, I have watched him ; he has been very peaceable all night." Brandon rejoined, " Never mind, — that's Clifford, take him, d n your eyes." Thus it was, because he was Mr. Clifford, that he must be taken. He could not conjecture on what grounds his client should be singled out. Under all the disagreeable circumstances of a professional man's appearance there, Mr. Clifford 124 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HistOiy. was dragged to the Bow-Street office, for an out- rage against the law. Mr. Brandon had other quarry in view, and did not immediately come into the office. Mr. Read's conduct, on this oc- casion, rendered him perfectly a witness for Mr. CHfTord. Mr. Brandon, having arrived, makes a flippant charge of riot. He is desired to swear to it by Mr. Cliiford, who warned him of the c6nsequences. Mr. Brandon, when he took the book, would not make further charge than that plaintiff wore the letters O P which he did not at all deny. Mr. Read asked whether there was any thing else, and being informed there was not, said, " I discharge Mr. Clifford." If then it is pretended that plaintiff was a rioter, Mr. Brandon himself should disprove it. The learned serjeant again denied that the theatre was opened under a legal patent. After a conclusive, personative, and warm ap- peal to the gentlemanly feelings of the jury, which he was happy to see was special, th€ learned counsel terminated an able and eloquent harangue. Robert Lee Hipkins, Esq. was sworn, and underwent a tedious direct and cross examina- tion. The general terms of his testimony proved the putting of the O P into Mr. Cliffiord's hat, by some person unknown to him, the peaceable demeanour of Mr. Clifford, and his being ap- prehended after quitting the house. Many un- History.] covent garden journal. 125 necessary questions burthened the latter point of evidence, and it was clear that the place meant by Mr. Hipkins, as out of the theatre, was the steps ascending to the money-bar, previous to entering the internal avenue to the pit. He described it as a chevauj: de frize, by which term he designated the bar where the constables stand, to prevent confusion in entrance. If they were descending those steps, as witness said, they were exactly out of the theatre. This gen- tleman did not perceive any thing going forward on that night hke violence. It came out that Mr. Clifford's hat was taken off by a stranger, and tlie letters O P put therein. Being asked whether there was harm in wearing them, Mr. C. replied there was not. Upon Mr. C's entrance, way was made for him, till he seated himself in the centre of the pit. This witness went, in company with Mr. Clif- ford, to the theatre, at the request of the latter. Upon interrogation as to that point, he said, that, though the pit was full when they entered, yet that the people there made respectful way for them, till they came to the centre, and greeted Mr. Clifford by the title of the honest coun- sellor. Christopher Elwin was next sworn, and the general but of his testimony went to confirm the peaceable demeanour of the plaintiff while in the theatre. The place where he was arrested. 125 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HistOry. witness said, was the centre door of the pit en- trance, between the king's and the prince's side on the lobby, surrounding the pit. The other evidence adduced for the plaintiff were Mr. Bone, bookseller, Mr. T. Fisher, at- torney's clerk, (who stated that Mr. Clifford ad- vised a person against the springing of a rattle,) Joseph Jolly, William Harris, and William Phil- pot. Their examination afforded nothing ma- terial in addition to former testimony. Mr. Serjeant Shepherd addressed the jury on behalf of the defendant. Mr. Brandon, he said, was a servant of the managers, and, as such, felt bound in duty to the conduct which was now matter of crimination against him. The learned Serjeant wished strongly to impress the necessity of legal explanation coming from the presiding judge, and not varying according to the different opinions of gentlemen, at different periods, sum- moned to the jury-box. He trusted that those gentlemen, whom he now had the honour to ad- dress, would not suffer any preconceived opinion of their own to defeat the construction of the law. The speech of his learned friend, he was sorry to say, was directed to prejudices which had for weeks degraded and disgraced the characters of some persons, who, in other respects, may be honourable members of society. He felt sorry that, in what fell from his learned brother, on the History.] covent garden journal. 127 subject of Covent Garden Theatre, he should have mentioned extortion and tyranny in such a manner as may leave dangerous impressions on those who thronged the court, and may induce them to suppose, that they should be the self- consti- tuted judges of such conduct ; and that, having 50 presumed, they had a right to the execution of their own sentence, by any depredations they should think proper to commit. God forbid that such a precedent should rule the general practice in the country, and that the law should be strip* ped of its wise and provident ministration. He lamented much that a person of Mr. Clif- ford's great endowments should be a participator in such disgraceful instigations to riot and tu- mult. Much more lamentable it was, however, that the misguided persons should be led to suppose their acts to be legal, as having the countenance of the plaintiff, considered both as a man of talents and as a lawyer. It was no other power than Mr. Clifford's own free will which subjected him to the notice of Mr. Brandon; and surely, in this instance, Mr. Brandon acted consistently, as that person, of all others, was the fittest object of apprehension, who suffered himself to be the index of the party. The question of trial turned on no point but that of right to the disturbance of persons em- barking their property in such a concern as the theatre was ; — in fact, if the persons claiming a 128 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HistOry. right to correct what was termed extortion on the part of the managers wished to reduce the price of admission from seven shilHngs to sixpence, they had as much right to do so as they would have in reducing it to six shil- lings. When a right becomes vested by law, no matter whether the decision upon that right be founded in justice or otherwise. With regard to the private boxes, the present was neither the time nor the mode of trying that question. If it were so, from the division of opinion, in the pubHc mind, on that subject, equal assertions of right to support or oppose them would be made. Those self-created bodies would turn the question out of the decision by law ; for that, by riot and personal conflict, trial by battle, without any of its ceremonies, would be again revived in this country. If the ma- nagers were acting wrong, the law was open for repressing them. Their patent may be repealed by a scire facias proceeding, if the abuse com- plained of were alleged against them, and it were proved to be an infringement of the public. (Sir James Mansfield said the question in a case of scire facias to be tried, would, in such an in- stance, be whether they abused the patent or complied with its express or implied conditions. Mr. Arkwright's patent, for example, wds one case, and there were many others of modera times.) History.] covent garden journal. ^ 129 Mr. Serjeant Shepherd, in continuation, denied the right of individuals begging the question of abuse, and so taking the redress of it into their own hands. The theatre was public, and if the patent, so much doubted, were desired to be seen, those of the side opposite had access to it, at the patent-enrolment office, in Chancery-lane, they may even have an official copy of it for any purposes they please. This being the state of the case, the question was, whether a riot took place in the said theatre, and whether the plaintiff did not promote it by his conduct. With regard to intentions, the learned serjeant said, that, if a person acted so as that necessary consequences must ensue, it was to be presumed he had the intention of doing what the act de- noted. After going into the whole of the evidence, he insisted that, notwithstanding the ignorant supposition of some, in regard to legitimate ex- pression of disapproval, &c. there was a riot in the theatre for the purposes before spoken of. Though Mr. Clifford's mouth might have been sealed up, yet it was well known that a silent leader would do as much mischief as an active one. Mr. C. wore the letters O. P. and were it common sense to suppose that, by so doing, he did not mean to demand the restoration of what formed the ground of the tumult ? The ensign in the hat was an important thing. X 130 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HistOry. In the time of Lord George Gordon's riot, in 1780, the blue cockade ^yas the ensign, and con- victed numbers, who merely stood by, without the commission of, or aid in, any actual violence. But, as the honest counseller had given advice in one point about the springing of a rattle, why not give it in another ? The remaining question was, whether Mr. Brandon had a right to take up the plaintiff. With all their anxiety for that circumstance, it would appear that Mr. Clifford was, at any rate, within the walls of the theatre at the time of his arrest. He would put a case of supposition, that riot of a worse kind occurred, and it were thought neces- sary to take the rioters, and prevent them from escaping; and that, for this purpose, the pit-door were closed. Would any one say, that, because one of the rioters had got beyond it, he was not guilty and liable to be taken ? In such an action as the present, it was not to be considered what was the opinion of the justice before whom the person had been brought. Mr- Read thought there was no foundation for the charge, but he, (the learned serjeant) if he had seen the circumstances, should have said the same thing as Mr. Brandon had alleged. The learned Serjeant could not help saying, that the worthy magistrate had acted wrong in refusing the charge. The person (Taunton) to whose custody the History.] covent garden journal. 131 plaintiff had been committed, attended as a peace officer, as was proved. The cause was of great importance to the public justice of the country, and the learned counsel hoped that the verdict would set straight the heads which, on this subject, had been turned awry. After some interchange of various opinions, between Mr. Serjeant Best and Sir James Mans- field, the latter made a general summary of the evidence, which he directed to the jury. In his lordship's entire address, there was little difference from that of the counsel for the defendant. It was a complete advocacy of the managerial in- terests, directly upon the same grounds. In the points respecting the legality of the defendant's acts, his lordship was of the same opinion with the learned serjeant who preceded him. His lordship, in case of a return for the plaintiff, re- quested the jury to say whether it were on the ground of Mr. Clifford not being concerned in the riot, or of his not being apprehended till he were out of the theatre, &c. After the jury retired, Sir James Mansfield de- sired to impress on those who might think them- selves qualified to act in the manner, hitherto, evi- dent, that, notwithstanding the delusion they might lie under from Mr. Serjeant Best's observa- tions, they would be subjected lo very severe pu- nishment. I2 132 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HistOiy. Mr. Serjeant Best explained himself, and wished that the managers had acted so as that a jury might decide upon the whole of their conduct. The jury retuned with a verdict for the plaintiff, damages five pounds. (Here there was a loud acclamation from the people assembled in the court.) The foreman of the jury replied to his lord- ship's former query, and said, that being unani- mous on the subject of Mr. CHlFord's illegal ap- prehension, they did not decisively discerti the other point of his implication in the riot. The learned judge felt hurt at the matter being left as equivocal as ever, and apprehended that the dangerous delusion already gone forth, might, in consequence of this sort of decision, still con- tinue. Mr. Kemble, who attended in Westminster- Hall, but could not possibly obtain admittance to the court, by reason of the crowd, met with salutations of no very agreeable nature. It may fairly be presumed, that such a triumph did not fail to invigorate the opposition. OP DINNER. On Tuesday, 14th December, a very nume- rous party of persons, styling themselves ** Ene- mies to managerial insolence and oppression,*' dined together at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, History.] covent garden journal. 133 Mr. Clifford, the barrister, took the chair; and, immediately after dinner, gave "The King," which was drank with the utmost applause. Mr. CHfford then informed the company that, in consequence of the situation to which they had the kindness to elect him, he had received a jnessage from Mr. Kemble which terminated in an interview. Mr. Kemble had, in words and manner, expressed his disposition to conciliate, as far as he should be authorized (plaudits). As Mr. K. had signified his desire of being permitted to attend that meeting, in order to deliver his sentiments therein, it might be more proper to post- pone the particulars of the conversation which took place at that interview. Mr. Kemble was now waiting in the house ; and, provided he received assurances of their forbearing from in- civilities, he (Mr. Clifford) should be happy to introduce him. The applause of the auditory manifested their wish to comply with this suggestion. Though it had been partially agreed upon to receive Mr. Kemble with silence, yet, upon his entrance, he was greeted with considerable ap- plause. A short time after he had seated himself, at the right hand of Mr. Clifford, a number of strangers entered the orchestra of the room, but were soon compelled to retire. The Chairman now rose again to submit the circumstances of the interview he had already 134 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HlStOry. mentioned. He stated that Mr. Kemble appeared then very ready to comply with the pubHc wish, as far as laid within his power. Before the pre- sent meeting, there was some difficulty in coming to an understanding; but, when Mr. K. learned that the dinner was set on foot for the purpose of considering the points in dispute, he unshed to be present, as he recognized in that company a body of men from whom he hoped to obtain a precise knowledge of the terms to be agreed upon between the managers and the public (applause). In the course of the conversation which Mr. Clifford had held with Mr. Kemble he gave it as his opinion, that the prices were a mere secour dary question; and that the great points on which the public felt sore were — the appearance of Magistrates with the Riot- Act, and the violent prevention of expressing their opinion, by the introduction of police-officers and hirehngs (ap- plause). To this Mr. Kemble had answered, that as to the first point it was the act of the magis- trates themselves, and that he heard nothing of it till the next day. Upon this species of interfer- ence he was ready to make every reparation in his power. The other topics, upon which their conversation turned, were the private boxes and the new prices. Mr. Clifford had observed, with respect to the former, that the public entertained an opinion of these being, in time, converted to purposes militant History.] covent garden journal. 135 against the morality of the country. Mr. Kemble had asked him whether the pubUc would be satis- fied if the private tier of boxes were done away, so far as reducing them to the number in the Old Theatre. Mr. C. had said that, for his own part, he was contented with such an arrangement, and was ready to submit it to the meeting. [Here a considerable tumult arose, with the cries of **No, no ; let the private boxes be as they were before Mr. Kemble came to the Theatre.] Mr. CHiFord, in continuation, said, that, though out of doors he had been styled the leader of mobs, he never presumed upon his influencing the public either on this or on any other question. He considered it as his duty to state to the meeting, over which he had the honour to preside, the sub- stance of those propositions which had been made. As to the prices, he was well assured, it was not their wish that the managers should suffer an injury (cries of no, no). It had been said of John Bull, " that though often wrong- headed he was never wrong-hearted." He hoped this character would be manifested by an accom- modation of differences, mutually advantageous to the pubhc and to the proprietors. Conceiving, as he should, any incivility offered to Mr. Kemble a want of kindness to himself, he hoped when that gentleman should address them, he would be heard with attention. A person, whose name was not understood, but ]36 CO VENT GARpEN JOURNAL. [History. who it is since said is Mr. Fildes, of Lamb's-Con- duit-street, stood up and said, that the pubHc would never be satisfied with any thing short of a public apology from the managers, and the dis- missal of Brandon: observations which seemed pretty generally assented to. The Chairman, having spoken with Mr. Kem- ble, announced, to the meeting, that there was no objection to the apology ; but that, without con- sulting the remaining proprietors, the other pro- position could not be sanctioned by Mr. Kemble. After some confusion, it was agreed that the Subscription-Committee should draw up such pro- positions as should appear necessary to be pre- sented, on the part of the public, by Mr. Kemble, to the proprietors. The committee having retired for this purpose, an excellent song was sung, and the following toasts were drank: — ** The hberty of the subject." **The antient and indisputable right of the pit." '' The stage." Upon the return of the committee, the chair- man rose to state the propositions, which were — 1st. The private boxes shall be reduced to the same situation as they were in 1802 (loud ap- plause and unanimous assent). £nd. With regard to prices, that of the pit should return to what it was, 3^. 6d, but that of the boxes should be continued at 7s, History.] covent garden journal. 137 [Very few hands appeared for the affirmative, and when the negative was put a sort of O P dance took place, which rather emphatically an- swered the question.] 3rd. An apology must be made to the public, and Mr. Brandon must be dismissed (loudly ac- claimed). 4th. That all actions at law, and prosecutions, shall be at an end on both sides (received with applauses). Mr. Kemble then rose and said it should be his task to lay, immediately, before the propri- etors those propositions acceded to by the meet- ing. From the bottom of his heart, he declared, he wished for a definitive reconciliation between the public and the proprietors of the theatre. (applause). Having now ascertained the senti- ments of the company he should withdraw, in order that there might be time to prepare for publication, in the papers of the ensuing day, such propositions, from the proprietors, as he trusted would restore the harmony he so much desired. This short address was well received, and, his health having been drank, Mr. Kemble returned thanks and retired. The " stirrup cup " being proposed for the chairman's health ; — Mr. Clifford was immediately *' on his hobby y"* and having modestly reviewed the state of his 158 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Historj. nerves declared them inadequate to the return of his grateful feeling upon this occasion, however strong they might be where tyranny, in any shape, were to require their exertion. The learn- ed gentleman retorted the attacks made upon him out of doors, particularly, by Mr. Jacks, in the Common Council. The mention of his name was incidental to the introduction of contracts ; upon which topic Mr. C. seemed pleased to have the Vantage ground of Mr. Jacks, as to purity of politics. He concluded by returning thanks to the company for the honour they had conferred upon him. . On the next day, Dec. 13, the following APOLOGY, from the proprietors, appeared, at the end of all their play-bills, and in the newspaper advertisements, together with a declaration of the change in the pit price of admission. " At the end of the present season, that part of the front boxes which is now occupied by annual boxes will be restored to the use of the public, as it was in the old theatre. The propri- etors beg leave to say how sincerely they lament and how sorry they are for any irregularities that may have taken place during the late un- happy disputes ; and, that no trace or recollection of past differences may be left, they will imme- diately give directions for stopping all legal pro- ceedings, on their parts, to which the late circum- cumstances compelled them, reluctantly, to have History.] covent garden journal. 139 recourse. The proprietors most respectfully rely on the protection of a liberal and enhghtened public, and humbly hope their attention may now be employed solely in the producing of such en- tertainments as may be worthy of a British au- dience," Mr. Kemble made his appearance, in character, on this night, for the second time since the open- ing of the theatre. He formally announced the retirement of Mr. Brandon from his office of box- keeper, and apologized for the introduction of improper persons during the late contest, with a promise to prevent its recurrence in future. The 15th December witnessed the definitive TREATY OF PEACE. We cannot help thinking that Mr. Brandon has been unfairly used. He was merely the agent of the proprietors, on whom alone the public dis- pleasure should be visited. As the proprietors have been forgiven the deputy ought not to be excluded from the benefit of the amnesty. We could cite other cases of recorded riot in a theatre, (as it is the fashion to term every opposition to dramatic nabobs,) but we shall content ourselves with the following. It forms a striking similarity between the magisterial department of 1749 and 1809. 140 COVEN T GARDEN JOURNAL. [HistOrj. Account of the contest, in 1749, at the Haymarket theatre, upon the attempted introduction of French actors, at a period when the English ones were actually in want of bread, the former acting too as per ad'certisement, by authority, in a time when the ^ame theatre and that of Goodman's Fields had been shut up on the national perform- ers. From Victor's History of the Stage. People went early to the theatre, as a crowded house. was certain. I was there, in the centre of the pit, where I soon perceived that we were vi- sited by two Westminster justices, Deveil and Manning. The leaders, who had the conduct of the opposition, were known to be there, one of whom called aloud for the song in praise of En- glish roast beef, which was accordingly sung in the gallery, by a person prepared for that pur- pose, and the whole house, besides joining in the chorus, saluted the close with three huzzas. This Justice Deveil was pleased to say was a riot, upon which disputes commenced directly, which were carried on with some degree of decency on both sides. The justice first informed us, that he was come there as a magistrate to maintain' the king's authority ; that Colonel Pulteney, with History.] covent garden journal. 141 a full company of the guards, was without, to support him in the execution of his office, and that it was the king's command the play should be acted, and that the obstructing it was oppo- sing the king's authority ; and if that were done he must read the proclamation, after which, all offenders would be secured by the guards in waiting directly. To all these most arbitrary threatenlngs, and the abuse of his majesty's name, the reply was in the following effect : That the audience had a legal right to shew their dislike to any play, or actors ; that the judi- cature of the pit had been acknowledged and acquiesced to time immemorial ; and, as the present set of actors were to take their fate from the public, they were free to receive them as they pleased. By this time, the hour of six drew near. The French and Spanish ambassadors, with their ladies, the late Lord and Lady Gage, and Sir Thomas Robinson, a commissioner of the excise, all appeared in the stage-box together. At that instant the curtain drew up, and disco- vered the actors standing between two files of grenadiers, with their bayonets fixed, and resting upon their firelocks. At this, the whole pit rose and unanimously turned to the justices, who sat in the middle of it, to demand the rea- son of such arbitrary proceedings. The justices either knew nothing of the soldiers being placed there, or else thought it safest to declare so. At 142 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [HistOrj^ that declaration, they demanded of Justice De- veil (who had owned himself the commanding officer in the affair) to order them off the stage, he did so immediately, and they disappeared. Then began the serenade ; not only catcalls, but all the various portable instruments that could , make a disagreeable noise were brought upon this occasion, and were continually tuning in all parts of the house ; an attempt at speaking was ridi- culous ; the actors retired ; and they opened with a grand dance of twelve men and twelve women ; , but even that was prepared for, and they were directly saluted with a bushel or two of peas, which made their capering unsafe. After this, they attempted to open the comedy ; but, had the actor a voice of thunder, it would have been lost in the confused strains from a thousand various instruments. Here, at the waving of Deveil's hat, all were silent, and (standing up on his seat) he made a proposal to the house, to this effect: That, if they persisted in the opposition, he must read the proclamation ; that, if they would permit the play to go on, and be acted through that night, he would promise, on his honour, to lay their dislikes and resentments before the king, and he doubted not but a speedy end would be put to their acting. The answer to this proposal was very short and very expressive. " No treaties; No treaties. " At this, the justice called for candles, to read the pro- History.] covent garden journal. 145 clamation, and ordered the guards to be in readi- ness; but a gentleman seized Mr. Deveil's hand, stretched out for the candle, and begged of him to consider of what he was going to do, for his own sake, for our's, for the king s ; that he saw the unanimous resolution of the house, and that the appearance of soldiers in the pit would throw us all into a tumult, and must end with the hves of many. This earnest remonstrance made the justice turn pale and passive. At this pause, the actors made a second attempt to go on, and the uproar revived, which continuing some time, the Ambassadors and their ladies left the box, which occasioned an universal huzza from the whole house; and, after calling for some time for the curtain, down it fell." " The glorious independent spirit of a British audience was perhaps never exerted to better pur* pose nor in a better cause than the above; may that august tribunal, authors and actors, ever re- main the same! Jealous of its prerogative and impatient of contempt, may it continue to raise merit and diffidence from the ignoble situations too frequently allotted them by envy, prejudice, or ignorance." It would be unfair to conclude this sketch of the general proceedings without mention of an honourable sort of tyranny attempted to be prac' tised by the proprietors on a fellow-sufferer, in that conflagration which proved fatal to so many. M4 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [History. Among the persons damaged by the destruction of the houses in Bow-Street, situate where the front of the present theatre stands, was a man named Donne, an Hibernian by birth, by humour, and by feehng ; he kept a pubhc room, for the purposes of entertainment, in one of those houses. His tenure was by lease, and the term was unex- pired. Through some oversight in the proprie- tors, his claim was never dreamt of till he apphed, soon after the laying of the foundation, for a re- munerative sum of money. He was refused, and defied to the process of the law. In conse- quence of this he sued for and obtained an ejectment against the proprietors. The walls of the theatre had now risen pretty high, and it was thought, by those gentlemen, high time to look into the nature of Mr. Donne's claim. This in- dustrious man applied himself sedulously to work, and soon cleared a passage through the wooden paling to that part where his premises laid. Hi- ther he had arranged vast quantities of good brown stout, which he sold, in his former capa- city, to the numerous visitors attracted by the novel occurrence and the rarity of its humour. At length the managers submitted to the claim- ants original demand, viz. ^700. which he refused; the Sybilliue method of bargain was resorted to by the proprietors, and met in as Sybilline a way by the eccentric humorist with whom they had to deal. Offer succeeded offer, and was succes- History.] covent garden journal. 145 sively rejected, till at last the proprietors were forced to pay down Five Thousand Pounds by way of compensation. Does this sum form any part of their alleged outstanding debts ? Or shall it be charged under the head of purchasing the copy-right of " The Auctioneer," a comedy? We have thus brought to a conclusion the comprehensive view of a dramatic contest, un- equalled in the history of the stage. May it furnish a profitable lesson. THE COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. *' Nulla recordanti lux est ingrata gravisq : Nulla fait cujus non meminisse velit." Mart, No days remembrance shall O. P» regret, Nor wish one hour at Bow-Street to forget. Anon. FIRST NIGHT, September 18. AT four o'clock, every avenue to the house was besieged by numerous crowds, manifesting the most eager impatience for the opening of the doors. In front of the Bow-Street arcade, the blockading party determined on a coup-de-main, and actually stormed and carried, by escalade, the iron railing which separated them from an ap- proximation to the land of promise. Great coa* k2 14S COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoumaL fusion ensued, in consequence of confining the admission of the countless pit-visitors to one en- trance, that of Bedford -avenue ; the other, north of Bow-Street portico, being injudiciously closed. Providentially, however, no material injury was sufitained by any individual; and even among the first who gained the area of the pit was a female, the only one in that part of the house, who, for the night, relieved the eye from the ^oom of inabculiuc array, by tlie contrast of her gossamer drapery. The interior of the house was brilliantly lighted up, and served, most impressively, to display the beauteous order of the edifice raised by the crea- tive powers of the architect from a late dismal chaos. The groups of admiring spectators, as they entered, instinctively burst into the warmest expressions of applause, and, for some time, no sentiment obtruded but that of self-complacency and the satisfaction arising from novel enjoy- ment. Before six, the house was overflowingly full ; and yet at least three times the number of those admitted remained in the entrances and lobbies, making vain endeavours to obtain farther entrance. In the boxes, some of the fine maho- gany folding doors were broken, and a few lamps in the passages shared the same fate. His Royal Highness the Duke of York was noticed by the external mob, as he alighted from liis carriage, which was private, and his ears were Journal.] covent garden journal, 149 grated by the exclamations of '* Dukey," " My Darling," &c. Many personages of distinction, exclusively male, honoured the theatre with their presence. Soon as the wandering eye was sated with observation, and the charms of immediate no- velty were dissipated, it was easy to perceive *' the brooding of the storm." It would have been a wise and pohtic arrangement to keep the audience, from the time of entrance, in good hu- mour at least, by the soothing strains of the or- chestra. Much indignation was evinced at the non-compliance of Apollo's sons with the stre- nuous demands of the auditory for their favourite anthem of " God Save the King." After a most ungracious delay, and unassisted by the vocal band, the fiddles were put in requisition, but their sounds were lost in the loud and repeated calls of ** Song." At length the curtain drew up, and exhibited the whole *' corps-de-voix," with whose exertions the audience combined their own, and gave the grandest effect to this sublime and loyal air. ** Rule Britannia" succeeded, under the advantage of the same full chorus. The drop- scene, which was much admired, was the sole partition between tranquillity and tumult. Its removal was tremblingly anticipated, and ap- prehension was fearfully reaHzed when it drew up. Mr. Kemble now made his appearance in the costume of Macbeth, and, amid voUies of hissings 150 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoumaL hooting, groans, and catcalls, seemed as though he meant to speak a * steril and pointless address, announced for the occasion. Whether he did so or not, it was impossible to discern. His atti- tudes were imploring, but in vain. Cries of '* No imposition," — '' No Catalani :" and, for the first time, the symbolic watch-word of " Old prices," resounded in alarming unison through the house,, and obliged him to desist. The play proceeded in pantomime ; not a word was heard, save now and then the deeply modu- lated tones of the bewitching Siddons. On her entrance she seemed disturbed by the clamour j but in the progressive stages of her action, she went through her part with wonderful composure* Kemble appeared greatly agitated, yet in no in- stance did his trouble interrupt him in carrying on the *' cunning of the scene:" Perhaps a finer dumb shew was never witnessed. In the scene where C. Kemble, as Macduff, triumphs over the fallen usurper, the audience took considerable de- light. Many cried out, ''Well done, kill him, Charley," and exulted in the ideal pangs of the dying Macbeth. The scenery was particularly fine, and the dresses superb. The regalia of Macbeth are said to have cost 500 guineas; and Mrs. Siddons's dress is reported to have been an accurate copy of — .. f Vide Appendix. Journal.] covent garden journal. 151 a bridal suit worn by the unfortunate Queen of Scots. The performances of the evening closed with the entertainment of the " Quaker," who was as dumb as though ** the shout did not move him." The whole Avas over before ten o'clock. After the curtain dropt, the audience kept their seats, in expectation of the managers coming for- ward. They were loudly called for, yet did not condescend to appear. However, two or three new actors presented themselves in the persons of respectable magistrates, with a dramatic en- tertainment, called the " Riot- Act." Nowith- standing a pressing recommendation, it was loudly and meritedly damned. No violence was committed, which could warrant this mode of proceeding. The only excess in which the spec- tators indulged was a noisy disapproval of, what they conceived to be, unjustifiable innovations on their prescriptive rights ; they continued cla- mourous even after midnight. There was a com- plete rivalry between the public and the mana- gers, in exhaustion of patience. When Mr, Kemble made his first appearance to speak the address, a paper was handed to him from the pit ; he glanced at it, and, as it is supposed, found it not to be friendly, for he blushed, and huddled it into his pocket. This was all that hap- pened in the paper way. The audience singled him out as the object of their peculiar disappro- bation, an^, in the entire second act, stood up lii COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. t<^ith their backs turned on him. Indeed, through the whole play, they kept a standing position on the benches, with their hats on. A candle was thrown at Mr. Liston, during the performance of the Quaker. When the magistrates appeared, the indignant tries of " No police in a theatre" induced those ill-advised men to make their congas, and retire. Constables attempted to clear the pit and galle- ries ; in the former they met with opposition, and evasion in the latter ; the tenants of the upper gallery dropping themselves quietly into the under. By degrees, the uproar subsided into the loyal effusion of *' God Save the King,*' when those who remained retired, and the house was cleared at half-past twelve. Upon the grand contest, the " Times" newspa- per has the following remarks : — *' It was a noble sight to see so much just indignation in the public mind, and we could not help thinking, as Mr. Kemble and Mrs. Siddons stood on the stage, car- rying each £500 in clothes upon their backs, that it was to feed this vanity, and to pay an Italian singer, that the public were screwed. They, how- ever, resented the imposition last night as became them ; and the only resource they now have is, as the proprietors of the theatre take no notice of them, that they take no notice of the proprietors of the theatre. Let the con»- pany play to empty benches ; let the public agree Journal.] covent gaeden journal. 15J to desert the theatre, and we shall see which can do without the other the longest. The proprie- tors must come down ; they are over-shooting their mark ; and they had better gracefully give up what, in the end, will be ignominiously wrested from them.'' Some persons were taken in custody to Bow- Street. From the noisome smell of the fresh paint, great inconvenience arose: the theatre has been opened too soon. The magistrates who went on the stage were troubled by " the rising of the lights." The unexpected blaze from the lamps, which rose suddenly, produced a most singular appearance in the attitudes of one of the quorum. SECOND NIGHT, September 19. Though the house was not so crowded as it had been last night, the vociferation was as general, as incessant, and as effectual towards the end in view, that of drowning the perform- ers' voices. Not a syllable was heard from the beginning to the end. The play was the <' Beggar's Opera;" and, amidst the unremitting nojse of catcalls, howling, whistling, and stamping of feet, not a word or note was heard. The performers were spared all e^^ertions, and they shortened both play and farce, 154 CGVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal, without the least observation on the part of the spectators, so as to conclude the whole before ten o'clock. The company, however, resumed their seats, after the fall of the curtain, and the clamour continued, with unabated violence, to a very late hour. The theatre was not full till half price. The company, as on the preceding evening, stood on the benches, with their hats on, and sat down un-* covered during the intervals. Papers were con^ tinually thrown on the stage, some of which were taken up by Messsrs Munden and Incledon, who, it is understood, received instructions from those in the pit, by way of dialogue, to deliver these papers to Mr. Kemble and Mr. Harris* Promises were made to obey those directions. Papers, with the words ** Old Prices," were ex-? hibited, as standards, and exalted by the au-^ dience. Nothing came of all this, however, an(i no Mr. Kemble appeared. A paper, with the words '^ Old Prices" in extremely large letters, was pinned to one of the front boxes, a l^dy furnishing the pins. Shouts of approbation fol- lowed this proceeding, but, no notice being taken of it by the managers, it was handed to the front of the pit, and, being there held up, a boy, be- longing to the orchestra, snatched it from the holder's hand and ran off. All this took place after the conclusion of the performances. Upoiji the last proceed,ing, the qry of " Qet upon thp; Journal.] covent garden journal. 165 stage" became general, and the managers had recourse to instruments of terror, letting loose a posse of Bow-street officers from the stage- doors, and, (incredible to relate,) setting open the se- veral trap-doors of the stage, so that any person laying siege thereto might be caught. This awed the public ; and, in a short time, the Bow- street officers quitted the stage, and took stations in the orchestra. A gentleman,* from the boxes, addressed the audience. The speech was well received ; tut nothing could overcome the .pertinacious contempt with which the managers treated the public voice. At about eleven o'clock, the constables were sent in to clear the theatre, and succeeded in securing arid carrying off seve- ral persons with placards, &c. Upon a closer examination, the extreme inconvenience resulting from cutting off one entire tier of boxes from the public will be found a most intolerable grievance, if the monopoly be preserved. It, in reahty, reduces the number of boxes into which families can go to two tiers, for the siips and pigeon-holes above the privileged tier are not boxes, though open to those, who, at the expense of seven shillings a piece, may chuse to piount aloft: and as to the nuisance of the • Mr. Leigh, vide Appendix. 15^ COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. basket, which is preserved, no decent person can frequent it. THIRD NIGHT, September 20. The expression of public discontent, already noticed upon Monday and Tuesday nights, was still louder and more general on this. It seemed to be the proceeding of a well-disciplined and a well-combined corps, acting under judicious and resolute leaders. Every one appeared to under- stand the justice of the cause for which he struggled, and the means by which was it to be attained. The rising of the curtain was the signal for commencing operations. Hissings, whistles, and catcalls, as usual, reinforced by trumpets and bugle horns, immediately proclaim- ed the war, and rendered the performance to- tally inaudible. The performers, however, did not appear to feel, in the least degree, discon" certed or offended, hut rather indeed relieved, as there was no necessity for speaking. They were occasionally assured, by persons among the audience, that there was no intention to offer them any offence; and this we were happy to hear, particularly with respect to the female per* formers, some of whom, upon their entree, eX" hibited signs of timidity. So little was the necessity of attending to Journal.] covent garden journal. 157 dialogue or ordinary forms felt, that both play and farce (Richard the Third, Poor Soldier.) terminated by half-past nine o'clock. Throughout the night, every box, on the first and second tier, presented placards of *' Old Prices." *' Opposition, persevere, and you must succeed." " John Bull against John Kemble." ** No foreigners to tax us, we have taxes enough already," &c. &c. Soon after the conclusion of the farce, Mr. Kem- ble, in consequence of reiterated calls for the ma- nager, made his appearance upon the stage, and, after some uproar, obtained a hearing. He said, that he came forward to assure the audience of the anxious solicitude, on the part of the proprietors, to accommodate themselves to the wishes of the public. This declaration was received with ap- plause; but, when he added the following sen- tence ; " Ladies and gentlemen, / wait to kno'W what you want,'" the loudest and most universal hissing ensued, mixed with exclamations of " What a ridiculous and insulting affectation." The house became inexpressibly indignant, and Mf. Kemble found it his convenience to retire. A gentleman, of the name of Leigh, then ad- dressed the audience, from the lower boxes. He is, by some, said to be a respectable mer- chant, by others, an attorney. His speech was saluted, at every sentence, by acclamations of applause, unalloyed by a single hiss, which cir- 158 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. cumstance furnishes a tolerable conclusive proof as to the general feeling of the audience. After some interval, Mr. Smyth, a barrister, by a few impressive observations, addressed to the audi- tory, succeded in obtaining an unanimous pro- mise, that, if Mr. Kemble were to come forward and be told the cause of their discontent, he should be favoured with a hearing. Mr. Smyth, in consequence, requested a person in the mana- gers box to communicate this to Mr. Kemble, who, accordingly, came forward, and again pre- mised a long address by intimating his desire of knowing the wishes of the audience. Mr. Leigh replied, that he should be made ac- quainted with them in three words " the old PRICES." After delivering a counter-statement to the observations of Mr. Leigh, on a former evening, and pleading in general the hazard, expense, and insecurity, of the concern, Mr. Kemble made his bow and retired, amid univer- sal execrations and hooting. After above an hour, spent in venting their dis- content, the audience gradually dispersed. Upon the two former evenings, the theatre might be said, by some, to present merely a contest between two parties ; but last night the audience were unani- mous, and not a voice was to be heard that was calculated to afford the slightest encouragement to the obnoxious views of the managers. Du- ring the last act of the play, a pigeon was let fly Journal.] covent garden journal. 159 from the pigeon-holes, to intimate that the public were pigeoned. FOURTH NIGHT, September 2U The only theatre to which a British audience can now resort was, this night, for the fourth time, a scene of uproar and confusion. The play and farce passed, like those which have preceded, amidst continued marks of displeasure from the spectators. All might as well have been panto- mime, for the voice of the actor was never heard, and he kept the stage, contending against one of the most decided and numerous audiences ever met within the walls of the theatre. It would be vain, therefore, to criticize either the play or the actor ; and it must be sufficient alone to state what could be heard. At an early period of the evening, the orders, disposed of by the proprietors, had filled the pit, and most of the boxes, with persons, as they supposed, friendly to the ad- vance of prices. Never was there seen such a motley groupe as that which concentrated itself in front of the pit, and contributed to the support of their employers, by outrages of no ordinary kind. The squalid appearance of some, who took their seats even in the boxes, beggars all description. Many of them appeared as if just t60 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. after cessation from their daily labour. The re- spectable part of the audience expressed loud indignation at the introduction of those terro- rists. Cries of " No hired mob" resounded ia every quarter. The uproar was considerably en* riched by the accompaniment of watchmen's rattles, horns, and whistles, with which the au- dience had previously provided themselves. The pageantry displayed by the spectators con- sisted in about twenty large placards, suspended from almost every pillar of the boxes. The princi- pal novelties of inscription upon them were : * ' Bri- tons be firm." " No theatrical taxation." *' Dick- ons for ever, no Catalani." " No imposition on the public." " Be silent, Mr. Kemble's head AiTCHES." '* No annual boxes, or Italian sing- ers." " Harris will, but Kemble won't." <* Kemble hear, John Bull's advice is. To save y«ur fame and sink your prices." ** Kemble, remember the Dublin tinman," &c. 8ce. The opera was " Love in a Village," but th^ performers politely repaid the former attentions of the public, by to attending them now and not interrupting them by a single word. The commencement of the farce seemed to be the iglgnal for a continuance of the tumult, and, on the appearance of Mrs. C. Kemble, it, if possible, iucreased. At the condusioft of the perform- Journal] covent garden journal. 161 ance, a host of orators presented themselves to the audience, from the galleries, the divisions of the boxes, and the benches of the pit. One, however, whose strength of lungs obtained for him a temporary superiority, addressed them as follows. ** Ladies and Gentlemen, ** I am glad to see that we are again as- sembled with the same spirit in which we parted, namely, to repress this most flagrant imposition. The proprietors have not assigned a single valid reason for the increase, if they had, no man would oppose them ; but it is perfectly ludicrous to hear Mr. Kemble talk of capital on the stage. Oh, gentlemen, he talks very differently of it in the treasury. But if, as he says, he has really expended so much capital on this theatre, will he not be repaid ten fold, by the profits he will derive from it hereafter, that is, provided he is moderate in his demands, provided he pesters us with no Italian squallers, provided he desists from his intolerable obstinacy. Poor Mr. Kemble pretends ignorance of capital, and yet no man knows it better ; he disdains money and yet no man loves it better. But I trust we shall shew him that we also can appreciate its value, and that a British audience never will submit to un- Avarrantable imposition." This speech was loudly cheered, during its 162 COVEN T GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. delivery, and, on its conclusion, the speaker was greeted with a loud chorus of catcalls, watch- men's rattles, French horns, &c. The uproar con- tinuing as vehement as ever, Mr. Kemble, at length, made his appearance, and, after an una- nimous salutation of hisses, groans, and every species of abuse, he declared, " that he was ex- tremely sorry, that the considerations which he had the honour to propose last night had not met their approbation. He begged, however, to re- mind them, and hoped they would liberally con- sider" — (Here the audience, peceiving that no acquiescence in their wishes was intended, burst into a renewed uproar, in the midst of which, bowifig respectfully to all parts of the house, Mr. Kemble was compelled to retire.) After order had been, in some degree, restored, the orator, who had addressed them just before, resumed. ^' Gentlemen, you have not gained all you wished, but you have gained much : in the first place, the' * fire-engines have been withdrawn ; next, a kind of apology has been made in the bills of the day, and, lastly, the Bow-street offi- cers are visibly diminished." * These had actually, though perhaps not designedly, been shewn to the audience, at the stage-doors; the pipes pointed out- wards, as if designed summarily to throw cold water on the flame i>f insurrection. Journal.] covent garden journal. i6S The mention of Bow-street instantly called up another speaker, who insisted on precedency. " Gentlemen, (said he,) you see you must finally conquer, be firm and you must be victorious. I need not ask you to be moderate, for I believe there never was an instance in which the public opinion was so unanimously expressed, and in the expression of which so little injury has been done. You are men of sense, and, therefore, though firm, you will not be outrageous. Mr. Kemble shall not lay the hands of the law on you, nay, that very law, with which he threatens us, declares that the mighty and magnanimous John Philip Kemble is neither more nor less than a vagrant. Such a declaration is consistent, and is the only check we can have upon such fellows. Gentlemen, you have been unanimous, I hope you will be harmonious.'' This last expression had scarcely escaped the speaker's lips, when the usual instruments were instantly put into requisition, and the evening concluded with a full chorus, all the audience striking up ** God save the King," and ** Rule Britannia," in concert with the rattles and French horns. The audience separated about eleven. An allusion being made by one speaker (who was so indistinct as not to be perfectly heard) to the case of the King, v. Leigh and others for a theatrical riot, tried before Lord Mansfield, the nth of May, 1775, it may not be irrelevant to l2 J64 covent garden journal. [Journal. subjoin a short extract of his lordship's opinion on that case. He says, in his charge, ** For, as I told you before, certainly every man who is in the playhouse has a right to express his appro- bation or disapprobation instantaneously, accord- ing as he likes either the acting or the piece ; it is a right due to the theatre, an unalterable right, and they must have it,'' FIFTH NIGHT, September 2^. Junius has observed, that the people of Eng- land are patient to a certain point, but that, when provoked beyond it, their resistance is not to be withstood. The managers of this theatre appear to be of a diiferent opinion. They seem resolved to carry provocation to the utmost ex- treme, apparently regardless of consequences. Indeed, notwithstanding the loud complaints of the people, and the riotous expression of anger into which they have been goaded by a demand, which at least appears to be an imposture, the managers did not, until this night, condescend to propose any thing in the shape of concession, explanation, or compromise ; the audience was more numerous, and, if possible, more clamorous than on any preceding night. In addition to the usual placards were the following: Journal] covent garden journal. \65 ** Let the first causes of disturbance be sent to Bow-street : these are the managers. " '* Let the managers play to empty benches and they will come to their senses. " " Support King George but resist King John. The former gives us, through his ministers, some statement of the causes which render in- creased taxation necessary, and the objects to which its produce is to be applied ; the latter deals only in the loose and general plea of neces- sity, and scorns to enter into explanation. " , Several other pungent and appropriate placards were exhibited, which, joined with the martial music of trumpets and bugle horns, and the fre- quently-repeated challenge of the great bellige- rent power, rendered it at length necessary, on the part of their opponents, to make an over- ture of negotiation : of this overture, the great leader himself of the proprietors forces became the bearer. Towards the close of the play, lo ! he came forward. Mr. Kerable appeared upon the stage, and still was the voice of the people to hear his lofty eloquence. He said, " That the proprietors, in order to restore the public tran- quillity, were ready and desirous to submit the inspection of the state of their affairs to a com- mittee of gentlemen, of unimpeachable impar- tiality and honour ; such, for instance, (if they l66 COVKNT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal, cduld be prevailed upon kindly to undertake the trouble of investigating their accounts,) as the Governor of the Bank of England, the Account- ant General of the Court of Chancery, Sir Fran- cis Baring, Mr. Angerstein, the Attorney General." At the mention of this latter name, there was an universal hiss, which rendered it impossible for Mr. Kemble to proceed further. He was, conse^ quently, obliged to retire, after explaining him- self to some persons in the stage-box, on the nature of the desire he had expressed. The placards now began to rustle, and the populares aurcE fanned them into favour. Among them we noticed A representation of Mr. Kemble, gibbited, and, underneath, this motto, '* A cure for all aitches, " '* The voice of the public, in this house, shall never be silenced by the obstinacy of managers.'* " The house that Jack built. " ** Britons live and let live. " (The only favour- able one yet exhibited in the managerial interests.) ^* Raising the Wind, the part of Jerry Diddler by John Kemble. " A caricature of Messrs. Kemble and Harris as Macbeth and Banquo. *' Macb. Thou canst no^ti s^y I did it. Ban. A lie, a bl— dy lie, upon my soul a damned lie.'" " Angels and ministers of grace defend us from new prices. " Journal] covent garden journal. 167 "NoKembles." '* Performers support us and we will support you.'* '* Old prices or empty benches." -' No compromise, come to the point. " *' Would there be a rise of prices if Old Drury were not burnt ? " " No Italian depravity or French duphcity, but native talent. " Several well-dressed females, in the boxes, evinced their support of the common cause, by supplying pins to fasten the placards on the cushions of the box-fronts. One of these papers was so long as to extend from the upper boxes to the pit. In the latter part of the house, a dance, instead of a song, made up the finale of the en- tertainment. The attrition of feet, on this occa- sion, completely destroyed the green cloth which covered the pit-benches. Before eleven, the theatre was completely emptied. SIXTH NIGHT, September 23. The uproar this evening, Saturday, was re- peated with as much vehemence as ever ; and the appearance of the theatre was positively changed by the numerous hangings with which the au- dience adorned it. On one of these was sus- 168 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. pended a list of the salaries and benefits of Ca- talani, the Kembles, and Mrs. Siddons, amount- ing to £9.5,575. The English are a calculating nation ; they un- derstand debtor and creditor accounts ; and no assertion about averages will satisfy them. The trumpeters of the second booth sent out the fol- lowing good parady : " John Bull, John Bull, John BuH, Be merry, bold, and resolute; Fear not 10 shew disapprobation, But freely keep your noisy station. For none of Kemble born can gull the British nation." A third quoted Latin : — " Vox populi suprema lex." A fourth was witty ; he sent out the emblem of a coffin and cross bones, with the following in- scription : Here lies the body of New Price, an ugly child, and base born ; who died of the Whooping Cough, on the 33d of September, 180ft aged Six days. On a stick, surmounted with laurel, was iu scribed : — Journal.] covent garden journal. I69 " Court of Justice, John Bull, V. John Kemble. Verdict for the Plaintiff." On another placard of painted cloth, well mounted and accoutred, was written : — '* Britons who have humbled a prince, will not be conquered by a manager." Another suspended the pamphlet, written in favour of the managers, which had been distributed through the house, labelled thus : *' To he burnt by the common hangman next Monday. " — Others were : — " Old Kemble begins to tremble." " Kemble awa,ke, arise, or be for ever fallen." " Old Prices, — we seek no change, and least of all such change as they can give us/*— Kemble hem 1" " Bring down Kemble's pride and prices." " Mountain and Dickons — no Cats nor Kittens/' " Lower your prices, and we will raise the wind/' (The farce was — " Raising the Wind/*) At the conclusion of the whole performances, which took place soon after nine o'clock, the stage was covered with papers, thrown there by the audience, from an anxious desire that every part of the house should share in the cry against imposition. About a quarter of an hour after the performance was over, was showered down from the boxes, a ream of printed hand-bills, of the largest type, inscribed — **The bank clerks have been forbidden THIS theatre, through J. P. Kemble." 17© COVENT GARDEN JOURXAL. [JoumaL Soon after, a gentleman who addressed the au- dience on a former occasion, attempted to deHver a very bad speech, in which he abused Mr. Kemble with very httle judgment, and was coughed and hissed down. In about another quarter of an hour, Mr. Kemble obeyed the pow- erful spell of the audience, and came on the stage. " Ladies and Gentlemen/' said he, *'herel am always ready to obey your commands." (Loud applause.) '* Ladies and Gentlemen, an impu^ tation this evening has been laid upon my cha- Tacter, which I cannot pass over in silence, lest it might be construed into acquiescence ; it is that I have treated the audience with contempt. I ap- peal to the last 25 years of my Hfe, as an actor, - and to many of those years as a manager, for an answer to this charge ; and, I trust, my conduct, during that long period, will plead my acquittal with all who now hear me. (Universal applause.) The proprietors, I sincerely assure you, are most anxiously inclined to do every thing, in their power to meet the pubhc inclination and to re- store the public peace. For this purpose they are wiUing, that a committee of the most respectable gentlemen may be appointed to inspect the state of the concern ; and, from the profits thence de- rived, to say whether the advance is necessary or otherwise." (Hisses and cries of ** No, no," du- ring which Mr. Kemble kept calling, " I intreat you to hear me," which was met by ** Hear him Journal] covent garden journal. 171 out," from the audience.) *' Ladies and Gen- tlemen, the proprietors thought they could not do a fairer thing by the public than to make them as well acquainted with their concerns as they are themselves. — (Applause.) *' Ladies and Gentlemen, as this seems to be the sense of the majority," (cries of *'No, no,") ''as this seems to be the sense of tlie majority." — (Hisses and cries of '' No, no.") '' Ladies and Gentlemen, let me add," — (a wag interrupted, ''No, you can't add,") " till this examination is over, the theatre shall be shut." A gentleman then spoke to Mr. Kemble from the side boxes, and presently the manager re-ad- dressed the audience : " Ladies and Gentlemen, a gentleman from the side boxes has very pro- perly suggested, that the accounts ought to be printed for the public ; they shall be so." The uproar now became a mixture of applause and disapprobation, in which the latter predomi- nated. Mr. Kemble continued. " As to Madame Ca- talani, Mr. Harris, when he entered into an agreement with that lady, (hisses,) had been ac- tuated solely by a wish to evince his gratitude to the public ; to promote their amusement ; and to fulfill their wishes by the acquisition of talents which every body must acknowledge to be the most splendid and pre-eminent." (Hisses and ap- 173 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Jouriial. plause.) ** Finding, however, that this was not congenial to the public mind/' Mr. Kemble would have said, " her engagement is rehnquished," but the tumult cut that sentence short. Mr. Kemble retired. The spectators hurled up their hats, and *' though they had lost the best half of the affair, went away, and said how much was done." The Governor of the Bank, the Sohcitor-Ge- neral, and several other gentlemen, having agreed to assist in inspecting the books of Covent Gar- den Theatre, the managers, by advertisement in all the papers, signified that the house would re- main closed till their decision was given and made known. SEVENTH NIGHT, October 4. The public have not been satisfied with the de- cision of Mr. Kemble's committee. Upon the re-opening of the theatre on this, Wednesday, evening, their discontent was most loudly ex- pressed. After the dumb shew of play and farce bad terminated, at the usual early hour, the audience raised an outcry for Kemble, accompanied by the noise of catcalls, trumpets, rattles, dust- bells, and every other hostile instrument, so actively employed previously to the late armistice. The Journal.] covent garden journal. 173 temporary cessation of hostilities seems to have afforded, to the popular combatants, an oppor- tunity of refreshing themselves, as they have re- turned to the scene of action with recruited vi- gour. After considerable uproar, Mr. Kemble came forward, and there was a general cry of *^ Hear him," mixed with exclamations of, " you shan't hoax us," &c. When silence was ob- tained, Mr. Kemble spoke to the following ef- fect : " Ladies and Gentlemen, the proprietors, for the satisfaction of the public, have laid an unre- served state of their affairs before a committee of honourable gentlemen." (What ? Sylvester an honourable gentleman ?" exclaimed a thousand voices.) ."The report of that committee. La- dies and Gentlemen, is now before you, accom- panied by the documents ?" (A general cry of, " Where are the documents ?") " From this re- port it must be evident, that the ruin of the pro- prietors would be inevitable, unless they were to adhere to the new prices of admission." (Shouts of disapprobation, — **No, no, it is an impos- ture." *' I throw myself upon the candour of the most enlightened metropohs in the world ; and I must think it impossible that you would call upon us to incur a loss of three quarters per cent upon our capital." 174 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. Here the shout of ** imposition," '* imposition," became so loud and general, and continued so long, that Mr. Kemble retired, with, however, a mixture of applauses and hisses. After the retirement of Mr. Kemble, the au- dience were addressed by Mr. O'Reilly: — This gentleman observed, that " if the report alluded to by Mr. Kemble were to be attended to, the new prices were really too little, and the proprietors should ask more. From this report it would seem, that poor Mr. Kemble and his partners were engaged in a bad speculation. He wondered therefore that they did not express a willingness to give it up. If so, he rather thought they would find many bidders even upon the old prices. But, no doubt, their perseverance, under such disadvantages, proceeded entirely from a desire to serve the public, whom Mr. Kemble was as sincerely anxious to please as any other actor. To be serious, however, he did not give any of the corps much credit for sincerity, and he con- ceived that more noise was made about them than they deserved. They appeared to him to be over- talked of, over- thought of, and consider- ably over- paid. It was intolerable, to his mind, that while gallant officers of liberal education and sentiment were fighting the battles of their coun* try for 5s. and 7^. a-day, 50/. and 70/. a-night should be given to a mimic (applause). He did not wish to degrade the stage below its proper Journal] covent garden journal. 175 level, but he thought it was raised too high in this country ; and he begged Englishmen to con- sider, that the freest nation of antiquity lost its freedom and independence by attending too much to theatricals. The recollection of this circum- stance should strike the public with peculiar force, particularly in the present crisis of the world. So much for politics and theatricals ; he now begged to say a word or two about morals. He intreated the audience to look at the private boxes ; the sort of company they held (several notorious women were quite conspicuous) and to consider the apartments annexed to them. He did not know that the patent of the managers intitled them to interfere with other places of accommoda- tion and amusement iit town (laughter and applause). With respect to Madame Catalani, he observed, that his calculation was correct; the managers had got rid of her as they desired. But it was remarkable that, even when the theatre was to be subject to her great salary, Mr. Kemble stated the prospective profits of the theatre at 5/. per cent. ; yet now, that her salary was done away, Mr. Kemble's committee calculated those profits only at 3f per cent. This contrast he left it to the pubUc to consider." The above gentleman was succeeded by Mr. Savage, who enforced the observations particu- larly on morality, in a very impressive strain of eloquence. 176 eOVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. The company did not disperse until eleven o'clock ; the performance was over at nine ; and numbers were heard to promise that " they would meet again at Philippi." The termination of the contest can now be hardly calculated. It may at all events be ad- visable, in the managers, to make the experiment of publishing the items and documents which they have alleged to be laid before their com- mittee. The contrast, which this night's assemblage in the pit formed to the respectable and judicious body of opponents on the former evenings, af- forded matter of painful observation to the real friends of unmixed dramatic rights. Subjoined to a placard, which contained the annunciation of an already-practised drama, called " Who's the Dupe," the intelligent and well-judging few read, with emotions of violent displeasure, the following attempt to depreciate, in national esteem, a great national festival : — ^' And, on the 25th instant will be brought forward a new Farce, entitled the Jubilee ! I " EIGHTH NIGHT, October 8. The audience were, if possible, more vocally clamourous on this than on any other of the even- ings since the re-opening of the theatre. Several Journal.] covent garden journal. 177 dirty, squalid, wretches were seated in the pit, no doubt by the managers, to excite their impartial criticism on xht performances of John Bull, There were nearly 200 of these ragamuffins in the pit, while the boxes of the theatre, at least, contain- ed 400 of the people. In the private boxes only six persons were discernible. A few persons from the lower gallery were ta- ken out of the house to Bow-street ; but no in- stance of riot had occurred, which could war- rant the detention of any. Some persons at- tempted to raise the cry of Jacobinism against the whole mass of theatrical opposition, without considering that, for the most part, it is the rich and better sort of people who are engaged in re- sisting the exaction complained of. The poor can have no concern in the business. It is for them, in the present unfortunate times, to con- sider rather the advanced prices of provisions and necessaries than of admission to a theatre. Upon this system, perhaps, those who venture to expose the schemes of Quack Doctors, or frau- dulent projectors, may be fairly denominated Ja- cobins. The inaudible performances terminated at the same early hour as usual ; and the house was cleared soon after. Some hard knocks were given and received. It is said that, on this and the last night, the greater part of the corps pu- gilistique were present to assist the managers. M 178 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. They were mostly of the tribe of Israel. No novel placards made their appearance. NINTH NIGHT, October 9th. The disposition of the people to resist the ob- ject of the managers apparently increases in pro- portion to the resolution of the managers to persevere. This evening the tumult was much louder and more general than has been witnessed on former nights. The boxes and pit presented, throughout, one continued scene of uproar; and it must be said that the malcontents had more the appearance of gentlemen than those who were most forward to oppose them. Their adversaries indeed had that complexion which belongs to their character. They formed a crowd of the lowest order of Jews ; — of those whose study and profession is pugilism. These were the militant friends of the managers. If they are to be trusted, they had indeed an order for their exertion not only on this but on Friday night. Several noto- rious pugilists were this evening noticed, chal- lenging, nay courting, quarrels with individuals, whose only trespass was a hiss or expression of disapproval at the obnoxious rise of prices. It is rather surprising that none of these fighting- rioters was taken notice of by the officers of the police, by those whose duty it is to pixserve the Journal.] covent garden journal. 179 peacCy while those persons who ventured to oppose the ruffian crew were grasped at eagerly, and violently dragged out of the theatre. In every part of the house the clamour of in- dignation was loud and continued; of course not a word of the performances was audible. The Bow-street officers were much more active than on any former evening. Several persons of respectability were taken before the magistrates, from the house. Among the placards were the following : — " No Monopoly." — " Let us know how you dis- pose of 307,000/."—*' If your claim be just, the people are too just to resist it." — *' Concealment justifies suspicion." — " Fair accounts and fair prices." — " Old prices and better times." — *' In an English theatre every one should see and be seen; — no private boxes." — **The public will never be satisfied with the partial report of the elected few." — And among others was highly observable this celebrated couplet : — " The drama's laws the drama's patrons give ; For they who live to please must please to live/' The latter was printed, in very large letters, on several sheets of paper joined together. It sprang from the pit, and, being handed up to the boxes, was there " by a mousing owl hawked at" and torn. The remnant however was saved; and the tearer was quickly dragged out of the box, at the M 2 180 COVENT-GABLDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. expense of having the flap of his coat torn off. This flap was thrown from the box as a " sop to the many-headed monster of the pit ;" who barked loud applause thereat. Presently there were '* three Richards in the field;" for the pit pub- lished two more copies of the great distich, which met a more gentle destiny. Victory was decidedly on the side of the O P ists. The entertainments were John Bull and the Poor Soldier ; but not a syllable of either of them was audible. They met the same fate as all the other pieces, since the opening of the house. Gesticulation being the order of the stage, it was thought necessary to give a specimen of it like- wise in the pit. The night's entertainment in that quarter was marked throughout by a series of pugilistic exhibitions. Some notorious cha- racters in that Hue avowed themselves the cham- pions of the proprietors. Several severe conflicts took place. In one of these, two young men were forced back, by the extraordinary pressure, on to the spikes of the orchestra. One of them, the son of Mr. Lorimer, a silk-dyer, in the Strand, a fine young man, nineteen years of age, received two severe wounds in the back part of his thighs, and was, with difficulty, removed, from the thea- tre, to his father's house, in a very agonizing con^ dition. The other person was wounded, by one of the spikes, in the back. The whole concluded at half- past ten o'clock Journal] covent garden journal. 181 with a fight in the boxes. The two Tripolin^ envoys were present, but retired soon after the conclusion of the play. TENTH NIGHT, October 10. This night presented a continuation of thje same vocal and instrumental performances as usual on the part of the audience, with the excep- tion that it was less varied. The wrath of the proprietors against horns, bills, rattles, &c. which had been exhibited in the forbidding forms of Bow-street officers, by whom some of the posses- sors of those instruments were taken into custody, had tended to diminish their number. The vocal part of the performance, consisting of whistling, groaning, hissing, &c. with the ac- companiment of a few catcalls, was as loud as ever, particularly after half price. In the early part of the evening, a few words of the opera (The tVoodman) were now and then heard ; but, subsequently to the half-price coming in, all was, as usual, dumb shew on the stage. The activity of the police succeeded in prevent- ing placards from beings affixed to the boxes ; nor was one isxhibited, for some time, in any part of the house. Towards and after the close of the farce, however, two or three made their appear- ance in the pit, where they were, for a short tinje, 182 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. held up to public view. One of them, alluding to the admission of a number of IsraeHtish pugi- lists, had on it — ** And lo ! it came to pass, that John Bull was sorely vexed, and smote the Israelites." Printed hand-bills, in allusion to the same subject, were circulated among the audience ; the person who distributed them had been taken into custody and carried to Bow-street. Another placard was inscribed — *' Lads in the pit, Do not submit," And another contained this distich— " The Times and Post are bought and sold, To K EMBLEMS pride and Kemble's gold." A large key was exhibited on paper, with an inscription — *' Removed from Chandos-street." This was accompanied with several exclamations against the private boxes. The performance, on the stage, lasted till al- most ten o'clock. The farce was The Village Lawyer, of which about three words were heard. Some pugilistic contests took place in the pit; and there was a general exclamation of " Turn out the lighting Jews." No one came forward on the part of the proprietors : soon after ten the Journal.] cov£NT garden journal. 183 audience began to disperse, and the theatre was cleared in the course of an hour. The house was by no means full during the whole evening ; before half-price there were not 150 persons in the pit, and, at the dropping of the curtain, there was good room for many more/ Absence is the best opposition. ELEVENTH NIGHT, October 11. The rioters did not, this night, commence ope- rations until the admission at half-price. The audience, previously thereto, enjoyed the pleasing novelty of hearing the three first acts distinctly, but, on the beginning of the fourth, a violent hissing, unaccompanied however by any catcalls or rattles, arose. The noise completely drowned all articulation during the remainder of the per- formance. The boxes exhibited no placards. In the pit were the following, affixed to long poles. , *' John Bull be firm, defy the ruffian throng ; Thy'rattle's safe, — they cannot touch thy tongue." ** Oppose Shy lock and the whole tribe of Israel." ** Fair play and fair prices." ** Who support the managers ? Profligate Jews, hire4 ruffians," l$i CO VENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. During the farce, and at its conclusion, a gen- tleman in the boxes, evidently intoxicated, ad- dressed the audience rather incoherently. He vouched, however, for the appearance of " onehun^ dred and seventy-three" Jews in the pit the even- ing before last : and another gentleman asserted that box-orders were to be bought at five shillings, and pit at two shillings, of Jews, under the por- tico of the theatre. A third, from the pit, spoke as to there having been 300 Jews in the front rows last night, and said that he heard them encourage each other — '' Clap away, we are well paid for it." Another gentleman directed the attehtion of the pit to Harry Lee and Mendoza, whom he pointed out. Several long and ingenious placards v/ete cir- culated, in the form of hand-bills, through the house. The pantomimic performances of the stage finished about ten o'clock ; but great part of the audience remained for some time afterwards, cracking their jokes, and exclaiming, as they had done all night, *' Turn out the Jews." One He- brew hittite in the pit gave a sort of general challenge, and placed his fists in train for combat; a ring was formed, but no fight took place, and the audience soon afterwards dispersed. In the early part of the evening, a person was taken into custody for making use of a whistle. Amongst other ingenious devices, handkerchiefs Jbiirhal] coVent garden journal. 1S5 have been printed with the inscription of " Old Prices," and fans have been made bearing the same inscription; thus combining a placard with an article of convenience, which cannot be taken fVom the owner without the commission of rob- bery. A professional gentleman, who has been several years engaged in writing a theatrical history, ex- hibited in the pit a new tragedy handkerchief, with *'01d Prices" inscribed on it; and threaten- the prize-fighters with a charge of theft, if they ihterfered with his repeated exhibition of it for the purpose of blowing his nose. The Duke of York was in one of the private boxes. TWELFTH NIGHT, October 12. Thfe serio-comic opera of *^ John Bull in a Rage** was repeated this night by a great number of po- pular performers. The opera of " Love in a Village" went on rather quietly for some time, but, towards its conclusion, was compelled^to yield the palm to the more audible sounds of the rival performance in the body of the theatre. ** Animal Magnetism" succeeded ; but was found not to possess suffi- cient attraction for the purpose of diverting the public attention from its own favourite piece: it therefore sank into complete pantomime. Prior to the conclusion of *< Love in a Village," an in- 186 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. terlude took place in the pit, where a battle royal was exhibited. The consequent decorations of the figurantes were black-eyes, &c. This was the leading cause of two contests in the lobby, in which victory crowned the champions of the ^^ Old Prices." The power of the human voice, when strenuously exerted, was this night demonstrated ; no instru- ments were used : the noise however was equal to, if not greater than, that of the preceding even- ing. It gradually increased to the conclusion of the after-piece, when it burst climactically into a loud greeting of the performers on the fall of the curtain. Soon after the termination of the farce, the audience were addressed from the boxes by a Mr. Ross, a gentleman of respectability in the city. " He earnestly exhorted the opponents of imposi- tion to confine themselves to the legitimate mode of expressing their disapprobation in a theatre, and they must succeed through perseverance. He requested the people to reflect, th^t those who were betrayed into any illegal act contributed, by its commission, to the benefit of the managers. The urgency of their agents in creating such pro- ceedings, and the alacrity with which those agents seized upon the victims of their own irritation, were manifest proofs of his assertion. He dwelt upon the altered tone of some of the public prints, which he had no doubt had been tampered Journal.] covent garden journal. 187 with. One paper, in particular, he said, (the Morning Post) was as glaring in its inconsistency as it was feeble in its efforts at palliation of that inconsistency. He concluded with adverting to Mr. Bish's statement, published in the Morning Chronicle. Coming, as that statement did, from a gentleman as respectable as any of the mana- gers' committee, it was entitled to peculiar atten- tion. Every observation from this gentleman was loudly applauded. Another orator, whose name was not known, but who said he was a clerk in Friday-street, spoke from the pit, and strongly urged the gross impropriety of sending hired ruffians into the house to overawe and insult the audience. He also was much applauded. Repeated exclama- tions now came from the audience of " Turn out the Jews ;" and a ruffianly Hebrew, who was in the pit on the preceding night, and then gave a general challenge, now again grossly insulted the whole audience. This insolence was immedi- ately resented, and a scuffle ensued, in which the Jew alluded to was turned into the lobby; he en- deavoured to regain his former situation, but was knocked down, and he then made a precipitate retreat, together with some of his companions. A cry soon resounded from the pit, signifying that the Jews were turned out, and three loud huzzas were given immediately by the audience, followed by ** God save the King, " in universal chorus. 188 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal* *' Good night " was then the word for separation, and the audience, the greater part of whom had remained throughout, left the theatre clear at about a quarter past eleven. The placards were but few ; one was affixed to the upper boxes with this inscription. '* A long pull, a strong pull, and a pull alto- gether. " It received repeated cheers. Amongst the others, were; '* Bish for ever, Mendoza never. " *^ The public voice will not be silenced by foul means. " A gross outrage was committed on a gentleman who used a han kerchief with the following in- scription. " Your prices reduce. Your annuals surrender, The public will then Support you for ever. '* A police officer attempted to take away the handkerchief, but, on the gentleman assuring him, that, if he did, he would prosecute him for the robbery, the former thought proper to desist: the handkerchief was, however, to^-n in the struggle. Journal] coVent garden journal. 18.9 THIRTEENTH NIGHT, October 13. " Speed the Plough," and Speed the Row, were jointly performed this night. In the early part of the evening the former had its advantage; but afterwards the latter took its turn. The comedy was followed by the pantomime of Rosina ; the dance in the first act of which was accompanied by a dance in the pit, where, if they did not dis- play much grace, they at least succeeded in kicking up a dust. A similar ceremony accom- panied the final dropping of the curtain. The noise, which commenced in the fourth act of the comedy and continued till the conclusion of the performances on the stage, was much greater than on the preceding night. The cheers given to the placards were more universal than on any former occasion. Ladies in the boxes were seen waving their hankerchiefs, and, even in the pri- vate boxes, rank and fashion sided with the public. Among the placards were the following: ** John Kemble through the Jews has gained applause, And Infidels insult our laws, But we will follow the holy band, And shew that Christians shall command.** " No Morning Post Nor hireling host 190 COVEXT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoumaL Shall e'er John Bull dismay, His cause is just Succeed he must, Old prices or no play." " Be determined and you will be victorious. " " The new prices shall have the fate of Cata- lani. '* '* The Covent Garden Synagogue, Mendoza the Grand Rabbi. " "The Morning Post has, to the public cause, proved a traitor. '* " Old prices, old morality, no private boxes. " " A fair account and we'll submit. Imposture shall not gull the pit, If Kemble shews his claim is jiist, Our will's to pay, but he shan't say must." " Shall Britons be subdued by the wandering tribe of Jerusalem. " " BisH, the detector of fraud, v. Mendoza, the leader of hired pugilists. " Placards of " Old Prices, " were visible through- out the house, in boxes, pit, and gallery. A printed copy of the letter, which appeared in the Morning Chronicle, relative to the distribu- tion of orders among the Jews, was circulated through the house. Some ineffectual efforts were made to disturb a gentleman who addressed the audience from the pit, not with any degree of Journal.] covent garden journal. 191 novelty, but yet in very temperate and forcible terms. The pith of his speech consisted in stren- uously recommending the people to permit the ipanagers to send in their orders, as. they had for some time back done, on the opening of the house, and that the opponents of the present exaction ought not to come in till half price, by which means the managers would soon be brought to their senses. The cry of " Vive la Republic" was distinct- ively observed to proceed from a Jew, whose object, no doubt, was mischievous, and suggested to him ; it met the fate it merited, being univer- sally scouted by the cry of *' No Politics. " Lord Yarmouth and the Hon. Berkeley Craven were understood to be in the pit, and there was a loud demand for a speech from Lord Yarmouth, but his lordship declined the exhibition, and re- tired soon after the curtain had dropped, not without encountering some jokes which were past upon him, by the wags of the pit and front boxes. Mr. Craven, upon hearing his name called out, said he was there and did not come in with an order; he also retired at the same time with Lord Yarmouth. The Israelites, who attended the pit for several nights, seem, at length, ashamed of their occupa- tion, or their employers have, at least, discovered the mischievous folly of their conduct. There were not many of them in the house this night. 153 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. The police were, as usual, on the alert; but, from the increased spirit of the audience, it would be supposed, that, for one person taken into custody, two more came to the theatre to enlist under the banners of *' Old Prices. " The audience dispersed, very quietly, about eleven o'clock. FOURTEENTH NIGHT, October 14. The aspect of the uproar becomes now more serious than could possibly be anticipated by those, who, at first, in the prospect of its speedy termination, enjoyed their laugh at the effusions of popular wit and placard eloquence. There was but little variety in the entertainment. The pla- card-bearers, printed handkerchiefs, and cuffing matches, were as numerous as ever. Several per- sons appeared in the boxes with the letters O P (old prices) most conspicuously gilt on their waistcoats. The following inscriptions were successively handed about the pit in great tri* umph. ^^ Patriot's motto, Conquer or die. " " Zeal in a just cause Merits applause. " ** Kemble must stoop to conquer. Journal.] covent garden journal. 193 Two large figures fighting, with the motto " Christian, V. Jew. " " Himself in £500 and two sureties in ^250 each, for hissing. " *' England expects that every man will do his duty.'* *' On Monday next, his Majesty's servants will act the play called ' Kemble's Trial, ' to which will be added the farce of ' John Bull diddled. '" A large profile of Kemble; ''What do you want ? " answer boldly John Bull, "Old Prices. " *' No innovation, no distinctions, no painted sepulchres in the private boxes. " And from the box pigeon holes : ** This pile, inscribed to Shakespeare and the nation, Demands from all a liberal approbation. " There were several set-to's in the pit; and a severe contest took place between some gentle- men in the front boxes and the oppositionists in the pit; victory decided in favour of the former, who had rather the 'vantage ground ; but, dis- graceful to manhood, two ladies, occupying front rows in the boxes, were struck with sticks, per- haps not intentionally, from the pit. One of them was severely wounded and obliged to be carried out of the house. Towards the close of the night, a young mid- shipman addressed the audience, from the two N 1<^4 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoumaL shilling gallery, in the following terms : " Ladies and gentlemen, we are Britons and must be in- sulted no longer, we have borne it too long al- ready: Jack Kemble must strike to our Jack, I mean the union jack ; it is now hoisted, and if you're true blue you'll stick to it while there is a single shred of it together (loud applause.) We are Britons, I say, we have a patriotic king, but still we must fight in defence of our own proper rights and privileges, while we have a drop of blood to spill for them. (Cries of bravo.) Gen- tlemen, there's no use in talking, one word's as good as twenty, and so I say you're bl dflaH if you suffer black Jack to knock you down with one hand, while he picks you're pockets with the other. He must give up and that's the end of it. " This oration was rapturously cheered, and, on the orator retiring, the pit struck up " Rule Britannia, " " Britons strike home, " and a variety of other tunes, and then separated, vowing ven- geance on Monday night. This is but an imperfect outline: to impress the conception of a reader, the waving of the multitude must be seen, and the outrageous dis- cord heard. There was a dance, as usual for some nights back, in the pit. The house was perfectly clear a short time after eleven o'clock. Journal.] covent garden journal. 195 FIFTEENTH NIGHT, October 16. This night exhibited the grandest row yet pre- sented to the public; even so early as the second act of Richard the Third, John Bull began to roar, and, by the fourth act, it was all dickey with the actors ; they were superseded by a more nu- merous set of performers, among the audience, who irresistibly asserted their superior claims to be heard. *' Bravo Cooke" was frequently re- peated, as if to distinguish him individually ; but Cooke, like all the rest, was doomed to fret his hour upon the stage unheard. A roar, that almost shook the house, burst forth when Charles Kem- ble appeared in the character of Richmond, and continued during his presence to the end of the tragedy. The farce of the Farmer followed, but not a single syllable of it was heard. Never was a more unanimous determination evinced on the part of any audience. Loud huzzas from all parts of the house, upon the exhibition of a placard, bore testimony to the general sentiment. A placard was thrown up from the pit to one of the boxes in the first tier, and taken under the protection of a gentleman, who placed it in front of the box, to which, by the assistance of a lady in the front row, it was pinned. The police im- N 2 1^6 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. mediately flew to the box and endeavoured to take the gentleman into custody, but they were compelled to retreat. They returned reinforced, and were again defeated. A third time they charged with increased numbers, but the gentle- man stepped down on the area of one of the lus- tres, thence into one of the lower boxes, and made his escape. Loud huzzas from the pit cheered these repeated victories, and were reite- rated from the boxes. Among the placards were the following, peculiarly expressive of the una- bated spirit and observation of the audience. " Kemble remember how Wolsey was proud Of his patent right and very high station, But how lowly was Wolsey when the King and the crowd Bore him down to the language of humiliation." It would be unreasonable, however, to apply the pertinacity of the proprietors to Mr. Kemble alone, and, consequently, the consummation of the passage alluded to them in one of his own favourite characters, cannot be devoutly/ wished for. The others were : " Mendoza to fight And Brandon to swear : John Bull's in the right, And he don't care." " Genius of Britain support our cause. Free Ui from Kemble and Jewish laws.'' Journal] covent garden journal. 197 " England expects the Lord Chamberlain ta do his duty." " No seven-shilling gods." " Old Prices " was not only circulated in pla- cards, but O P appeared on the waistcoats of a vast number of gentlemen ; nay, cockades of the same initials were worn by several. Numerous cries for *' the items " resounded through the house. After the conclusion of the performance, on the stage, a performer in the pit claimed notice, and his claim was attended to. He addressed the audience quite in the phraseology of a seaman, and appeared to belong to that profession. He observed, that, when ashore, he wished to bring his Poll to the play, and, d — n his eyes, it was too bad to be done out of a tester, which would do for a glass of grog. Poll and he were up to a thing or two, and could not be hoaxed by the humbugging report of the committee, of which folks talked so much. He knew it was aliy^^^e, and he could not stand it. But the imposters could not succeed, if the whole crew would act together, and he hoped his messmates aloft would support him in his resolution to resist the New Prices every night during their continuance. If they persevered, he had no doubt but the men of play must yield to the men of war, and that the imposing managers must soon strike their flag. — A very whimsical handbill was circulated 1&8 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. through the house. Amongst other placards was the following : " King John of old, by sturdy barons aw'd, Our British rights in Magna Charta sign'd ; To stage crowned John, in insolence and fraud, Shall our dramatic rights be now resign'd ? From British favour has thy pseudo king His fartie, his wealth, his impudence, derived j By British spirit let this empty thing Of all his borrow'd feathers be deprived." '* King John out-lives our liking." The house was cleared about a quarter past eleven o'clock. SIXTEENTH NIGHT, October 17. Though the audience was not nearly so nume^ rous as on the preceeding night, yet the tumult was as great. The pit hardly exhibited one hundred spectators till half-price, when it imr mediately filled, and the clamour commenced. In the progress of the play, several pointed allu- sions to the actual state of the theatre were in- stantly applied by the audience : among others, where Goldfinch asks Old Dornton what the world says of him ; — the answer, ** Very strange things ; it says, you have fallen into the hands of Jews and Sxvindkrs^'' was hailed with loud ap- Journal.] cqvent garden journal. 199 plause. Again, when Goldfinch wishes to borrow money from Sulki/^ Sulky asks him, " What se- curity will you give me, Goldfinch?" " I will give you 50 per cent, interest." The pit instantly exclaimed, ** Aye, 6 per cent, legal interest, without a committee." In the third act, where the tradesmen are bringing in the bills to young Dornton, one of them inquires " shall we let the old one look into our charges ?" The other an- swers, " Oh, no ! I do not like that :" this was also loudly applauded. The play concluded amid the wildest scene of uproar and confusion yet witnessed. After the fall of the curtain, the pittites alternately amused themselves with a song and a dance, and occa- sionally handed about the following placards with great acclamations ;— *' What has broached this tumult — but thy pride, O Kemble ?" " Then may we pipe for justice." — Titus An* dronicus. ** This house to let, inquire of Mrs. Noodle." " A new song will be sung by Mr. Bull to- morrow night, called * Go Kemble I can't endure you.'" "Public-Office, Bow-Stiieet. — On th^ 25th day of Term, will be exhibited, the suppres- sion of imposition; — Chief Magistrate — John Pull." There were innumerable other placards, but SOO COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. none a whit better than the above. There was less fighting and peace-breaking than usual. One of the placards was snatched and torn by a little boy in one of the boxes, who was afterwards taken out of the theatre crying. A new placard made its appearance, rather late in the evening, as follows: — " Orders last week. General Post-Office - - - 1000 Bank clerks (not trusted) - 600 Longman and Co. - - - 1700 Mendoza and Co. - - - 3000 Thieftakers 600 4000 shirts washed for genteel people. Lost, last week, 1500/." Besides the following — " New Prices the Road to Ruin" (this was the play). A caricature head was exhibited in the pit with OP on it in large letters. O P hats and O P bonnets were again sported, and loudly cheered. ** Old Prices" were repeatedly placarded. The naval officer, whose observations have been given in yesterday's report, again offered himself to the attention of the audience at the close of the performance. He was dressed in the uniform of a master's mate. As soon as he had mounted one of the seats of the pit, there was a general cry of "silence I hear him." He spoke to the following effect: — Journal.] covent garden journal. 201 '* Ladies and Gentlemen -.—From the attention with which you honoured me last night, I am en- couraged again to address you. The lying Post set sail this morning with a parcel of false dis- patches, which I have had the honour to have chiefly levelled at me. But I never mind that ; I will still continue to sail with you, and I have no doubt but the success of our voyage will gratify the wishes of our country, and sink the enemy to the bottom. That staunch vessel, " Old Prices," must return triumphant. Some of our comrades have been seized by pirates, and carried into Bow-street port ; but never mind that ; for d — n me if I don't think the port-admiral will be yet overhauled for his doings, and brought to a court-martial {applause). We are shortly to have a jubilee in honour of our beloved Sovereign (here an interruption took place by the cries of * Kemble and young Harris are in the private- boxes,' accompanied by a general hiss, and * Turn them out, turn them out'). Do not, my lads, let the jubilee be damped by the triumph of theatrical tyranny {applause). I am informed that Captain Jack is determined not to strike his proud vessel, while he has two planks left But let us go on my boys, and we shall sink him and his planks together. What are English- men, struggling against injustice, to be bullied by hired ruffians, to be beaten down by the very dregs and refuse of the twelve tribes ? No, let us 202 COVERT GARDJEN JOURNAL. [JoumaL persevere in our opposition, by all lawful means, and we must be victorious : let each of us stand to our quarters and act according to law, and we cannot fail. Now I beg you to join me in claanting the popular song of " God save the King." Let us sing to the praise of him who will not fail to take care of our pubhc liberties while we take care of our private rights." (loud plaudits, ) After being strenuously cheered, there was a cry of " Protect him," and immediately a stout band of a hundred pit-men escorted him in the midst of them, out of the house. God save the King was then sung by the audience with hats off and standing; Rule Britannia followed, and the audience quietly dispersed a little before eleven. The performances were entirely over at nine o'clock. SEVENTEENTH NIGHT, October 18. The uproar commenced, as usual, at half-price, and rendered the remainder of the performance completely pantomimical. Not a word of the two last acts of the play, nor of the entire farce, could be heard ; and the curtain fell, as on the former evening, during the loudest confusion. Placards were displayed by the pit, but their inscriptions were so long and their exhibition so Journal.] covekt garden journal, 203 short, that they were read by few except those immediately around them. One intimated " that there were furnished apartments to let on the third tier of the house;" and another said of John Bull ** that soon who's who he'd let them know," Many of them were snatched at by fa- vourites of the managers, and became bones of the most severe contention. The scuffles they oc- casioned were, as viewed from the upper boxes, truly martial. Every movement excited a con- cussion which was felt by the whole pit. The opposition were always riotous ; but the friends of the managers are very ill-advised thus to dare their antagonists to action. The attempt to pull down the placards is much more likely to con- tinue the ferment than if they were suffered to remain up. God save the King is the never fail- ing resource of the audience to recruit their spirits, but they sing it wretchedly out of tune. A man of taste in the pit discovered this, and, when the performance concluded, took advantage of a stillness, (with much labour procured for a pit-orator, whose heart failed him at last,) and pitched the song in its proper key, when he was immediately joined by the whole house standing, and the first verse was really well executed. This done, the audience treated themselves with many rounds of applause, and, in the gaiety of their hearts, ventured upon "Rule Britannia;" but they had tasked themselves too highly an4 204 CONENT GARDEN JOURNAL [Joumal. pitched the song too low. They meant well, however, and applauded themselves accordingly. There was no other orator but the abortive one in the pit. The following are the only new placards that could be well observed. '* The Drama's laws" no longer are respected It's " patrons'' are abused, insulted, and neglected ; But— Englishmen have laws they will not lose Tho' trampled on by thieftakers and Jews." " The Public Voice." ** Townsend's gang shall not frighten us,'* &c. Watch ribbands are an additional article on which " Old Prices" begin to be sported in gold letters, on a dark blue ground. Amongst other ingenious devices a number of toothpick catcalls have been made, serving the mouth for a double purpose. A whimsical parody on God save tho King was put in circulation. The house was cleared soon after ten. EIGHTEENTH NIGHT, October 19. The " Merchant of Venice" was the play this flight, but whether Cooke, in Shylock, was the " Jew that Shakspeare drew," or any other Jew, it was impossible to ascertain ; the Ferformers who played the characters, — hissers, groaners^ &c. Journal.] covent garden journal. 205 being determined that themselves alone should be heard, particularly in the two last acts. *' JVho wins T' followed, which was clearly in favour of the performers before the curtain, who decidedly won the night, not a word of the farce being heard. The same system and the same etiquette, in the conduct of the row, were observed, as on the for- mer evenings. Mr. C, Kemble's appearance as Bassanio was the prompter's bell that summoned the exertions of that extraordinary vocal overture exhibited t>tis season in the front of the house. The zeal of his opponents, to do them justice, was served up hissing hot. The concert was led by a hound in the two shilling gallery who opened in the true tan yard style, and was ably seconded by a female of the same .genus, who gave tongua from the same quarter. The din of discord was principally confined to the pit and two shilling gallery. The applause from the boxes both above and below, which were much crowded, was very general. The display of placards, mottos, epigrams, and other signals for revolt was trifling and few^ compared with the former evenings, as was the number of them > — the scarcity of wit and spirit was still more remarkable. Only two leaders ventured to appear in the pit, with cards in their hats, bearing the printed letters OP; the cabalistical characters of '* Old Prices." 206 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal Among the few placards exhibited, was one, representing on it a gibbet proper, a rope pend- ant, and a figure at the end with these words printed, " Kemble's deserts for extortion." An- other exhibited the words " This theatre to be let, Kemble and Co. retiring from business." On another appeared the emblem of a large key, and announced, *' Convenient apartments ; removed from the Key,* in Chandos- street. On another was printed " Cooke merits our pity, but Kemble our contempt." The placards seemed to meet no interruption, and soon disappeared from the mere want of opposition. It is supposed that the subsidizing aid of the boxing Jews has been withdrawn. The only pugilistic contest that occured this night was between a hisser and a clapper in the front boxes. A single round decided in favour of the clapper. When the play ended, the storm of yells and hisses was revived, with more violence than before, until an Orpheus, in the upper side boxes, drew forth his walking stick, in the shape of a German flute, and played, in admirable style, * A notorious brothel, which shared the fate of old Covent Garden Theatre about two years since, being destroyed by fire through the inadvertence of a bona roba. Like the new theatre it rose from its ruins with increased elegance, and it may be presumed that, having so far kept pace in destiny, it will imitate the temple of Apollo, by raising the prices of admisdor{. Journal.] covent garden journal. 207 the plaintive Irish air of Coolun, It was heard with mute attention, and, like oil cast on the troubled waves, seemed to soothe the multitude into quiet. Indeed, they appeared like persons bitten by a tarantula, for music alone seemed to have any effect upon them, and the most boister- ous part of the noise they made was by singing, in full chorus, the loyal air of God save the King. It was not a little ludicrous to observe the emulation between the performers on and the per- formers off the stage, and the mutual indiflference with which each treated the other. After the final dropping of the curtain, a gen- tleman, in one of the side boxes, rose to propose three cheers for their fair advocates. This was received with extraordinary applause, and put in practice 5wr le champ. An orator in the gallery next proposed the same honour to Mrs. Clark, but it was overruled by an ,or^tor from the pit, who observed that such a proceeding might be construed into an approbation of the private boxes. Immediately arose a shout of *' No Keys," " No ***** houses," which continued some time. Aft^r this the pit gradually thinned, and the house was completely cleared by half past ten o'clock. I 208 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal NINETEENTH NIGHT, October 20. This night gave little earnest of a termination to that unexampled contest which has been ex- hibited since the opening of the new theatre^ The opposition is become perfectly systematic ; for the first three acts, the house is generally thin and quiet, but, immediately, on the commence- ment of half-price, the confusion begins. This evening, during each of the songs in the opera, (the Duenna,) the pit united in a grand chorus of ** God save the King,*' in which, of course, the voices of Incledon, Bellamy, and Mrs. Dickons, were completely lost. The following placards appeared in the pit : " No hired Jew, Or prices new." A striking likeness of Mr. Kemble in acute pain, superscribed '* Pity my aitches.'' ** If Captain Bull continues his nightly cruize, he will regain his old prices^ and capture the pri- vate-tier" DIALOGUE. Mr. Kemble. — " Well now, Mr. Bull, after all we have done won't you pay the new prices ?" Answer.— Mr, Bpll.— ''If IdoI'll be damned/' Journal] covent garden journal. 209 " No wonder John Kemble Don't chuse to be civil ; Set a beggar on horseback He'll ride to the Devil." " No catching by charity on the 25th." The pit was the scene of several conflicts, and there was always room enough to form a ring for their performance. They mostly ended in smoke. That the rings however might not be formed for nothing, several persons amused them- selves by running, as fast as they could, down the pit-benches, from one end to the other, falling in- to the arms of those on the opposite side. The benches exhibited a very rude appearance, being wholly despoiled of the baize which covered them. The noise was, as usual, mostly vocal. Once or twice indeed the sound of a horn, or perhaps the imitation of it, issued from the gal- lery, and was hailed by applauding welcomes. After the fall of the curtain, at the close of the performance, a person stood up in the pit to ad- dress the audience. Having obtained silence, he began : ** Ladies and gentlemen, I intreat your profound silence.*' — He *^ could no more," and sat down. The house was cleared soon after ten o'clock. A very humourous hand-bill was distri- buted through the house. ^10 tovENT GAiibEN JoutiiiAL. [Journal, TWENTIETH NIGHT, October 21. This night (Saturday) has closed upon the confusion of another week's performance ; and if ^ pre-judgment could he forrried, From the cbn- fusibn of the evening, there is as little prospect is ever of its final termination. The first three acts of Othello were hot consi- derably marred by interruptions, except a few passages of Cassio, in the drunken s'ceh^, whef6 Mh C Kemble laid claim to the approbation of the major pa^t of the audience. This provoked IFrom the Anti-Kemble party a violent hiss. At iialf price the usual tumult commenced, and left little rcom for critical observation on the drama for the ^est of tlie evening. The pit never pre- sented so outrageous a scene ; and, perhaps, since the beginhiiVg of the contest, so many ac- tual breaclies of the peace have not occurred as on this occasion, every five minutes exhibiting a boxing-match. If any unfortunate pugilist lost ^ hat, it WRS a signal fot ail the rest to attack and ttirn hitii but, jiist as turkey-cocks assMl any hapless cbmpa-hio'h, whose head is disfigured. The combatants were too much engaged to ex- hibit many placards ; the following, however, were visible : ** Oh 1 John Kemble I hadst thou but served the Journal.] covent garden journae. 211 public with half the zeal thou'st tried to fill thy purse, John Bull would never thus have used thee !" *' A grand jubilee will be held here, for the victory over new prices. Boxes 6s. Pit 3s. 6d." " Nought, my lads, shall make us tremble, No — not the hired host of Kerable." " The unexpired term of the lease of this house to be let." After the entertainment, an orator offered to address the pit, if they would promise to protect him. They were, however, too busy in binding up their wounds, many having been received in the conflict, to give him any assistance to that ef- fect. He accordingly retired, exclaiming loudly against their ingratitude and want of spirit. " And now their mightiest quell'd the battle swerv'd, " With many an inroad gor'd ; deformed rout " Enter'd, and foul disorder ;" Milton. The combatants on both sides, from mutual exhaustion, drew the battle ; and, after they had sung odd ends of "God Save the King" and "Rule Britannia," the house was perfectly cleared about eleven. o 2 212 COVENT GAHDEKT JOURNAL. [Joumal. TWENTY-FIRST NIGHT, October 23. At the usual time the uproar re- commenced, and continued, with unabated violence, to the conclusion of the performance. The two first acts of the opera were, however, heard with very little disturbance, as being previous to half- price admission. At its introduction, and on the commencement of the third act, a placard, of ** Old Prices or no Play," was hoisted in the pit, and from that instant tumult reigned triumphant. The whole pit, according to established usage, danced and sang, and even seemed more deter- mined upon the attainment of their object than they have for some time been. The following placards were conspicuous : *' And John Bull said unto John Kemble, * thou art the man." ** Lads in the pit, D'ye think 'tis fit. That our King's Jubilee Should be King John's .^" *' Be Britons on the 25th, And rally on the 26th." " No mock charity on the 25 th." *' Only six and three-eighths per cent. A lie, — a gross lie." Journal.] covent garden journal. 213 "The proprietors have some snug private rooms to let, for the night." This was carried about the pit, and finally beaten to atoms with sticks. A gibbet was then dis- played, with a figure suspended, and the inscrip- tion of " A Cure for my Aitches." Shortly after its exhibition, a person in the boxes exclaimed : " Kemble for ever." — ** New Prices for ever." " You are all cowards in the pit ; instead of pull- ing off your hats to make a noise, you should keep your thick heads warm." This bold orator proved to be a stock- broker, and was instantly assailed by the mal-contents of both pit and boxes, with all the opprobrious epithets possible to be bestowed. Some exclaimed, ** Put him in the Stocks, he is a Jew"—'' Throw him into the pit." — " How much per cent, do you get ?" — " Make him waddle out like a lame duck as he is." And many others of a violent description, which he bore with the greatest composure, and firmly maintained his seat. The managers, being determined that the au- dience should not be the sole manufacturers of pantomime, got up that of Oscar and Malvina, with great splendour, hoping to dazzle the oppo- sition dumb. The latter were, however, blind to every thing, except the one object they kept strenuously in view. In one part, where a mysterious pedlar's box is shut by one of the actors from the sight of 214 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal, another, a wag cried out, in evident double allu- sion, *' No Private Boxes." Oscar and Malvina is full of gladiatorial, so was the pit of pugilistic, combats. The latter were all sham, and, per- haps, as innocent as the former; but the con- cussions were so truly awful in the pit as to give no mean idea of the shock of two opposing armies in the field. As the whole pit were standing up, some persons in the back rows were frequently pushed with violence on their front rank men, these fell upon those before them, and so on to the front of the pit, the push gaining force in proportion to the declivity. " So when the child whom nurse from danger guards, " Sends Jack for mustard with a pack of cards, " Kings, queens, and knaves, throw one another down, " Till the whole pack is scattered and o'erthrown.*' Fielding*}) Tom Jones. At the conclusion of the pantomime, the shout was sufficient to rend the curtain as it fell, and the pit sported an assortment of groans and cheers; the former for Mr. Kemble, the private boxes, &c. and the latter for Old Prices, their noble selves, &c. After this they sat down every one, and rested their feet but not their legs ; when each went his own way, bawling " Old Prices,'* even till they got outside the doors, and braving the police. The house was wrapped in silence and darkness shortly after eleven- Many of the Journal.] covent garden jouRNAt. 215 leading oppositionists wore the letters O P, sur- mounted by a crown, cast in silver, and more iu pewter, in their hats. The only variation to the usual vocal howl is occasioned by the regular beat of a march, in quick step, upon the seats of the pit. TWENTY SECOND NIGHT, October 24. The proprietors were, on this occasion, pre- sented with a melancholy omen, as to the proba- ble consequences of the long-pending- contest between them and their audiences. On the rising of the curtain, the house appeared almost deserted, and, at half price, the pit was not half filled. The few who appeared were unanimous, and loud in their disapprobation, which, as usual, rose to an (extraordinary pitch upon the ap- pearance of Mr. C. Kemble. Very few placards appeared, as, in consequence of the deserted state of the pit, the officers had roaming room enough to endanger the security of the exhibiters. Se- veral scuffles took place in the course of the even- ing, and were, alternately, varied by a dance or a song. The thinness of the pit, this night, may be accounted for, from the report of the awful concussions which shake this part of the house during the nightly broils. The difficulty of up- holding the uproar was apparent, but proceeded 216 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoUinal. more from weakness of number than from weak- ness of lungs. The pit did their best, and seemed to think *< The fewer men, the greater share of honour." During the representation of Oscar and Mal- vina, which was this night repeated, they sup- ported their spirits by singing their two usual fa- vourite airs, with the addition of ** Hearts of Oak." They dwelt upon the following passages with pecuhar vigour : ♦ " For Britons never will be Slaves." " Steady boys, steady, We always are ready, To fight and to conquer again and again." The house was cleared soon after the conclu- sion of the pantomime ; the pit only staying to indulge in their usual application of cheers and groans, and their accustomed round of choruses, once more. TWENTY THIRD NIGHT, October 25. JUBILEE. It is lamentable to record the continuance of confusion on a night of such universal enjoyment and hilarity. The charitable purpose to which the profits of this evening's entertainments were Journal.] covent garden journal, 217 allotted might have been expected to produce a different effect on a British audience. It was not however the case, all was uproar. ** Ab ovo usque ad malum." Macklin's comedy of the '' Man of the World," with all its popularity and attractions, from the unrivalled performance of Cooke, could not command attention nor drown one prejudice in the vortex of another. The first-price audience, contrary to the usual practice for some time, though not crowded, be- gan to exhibit marks of disapprobation. " Rule Britannia" and '* God Save the King*' were, for the first time, rather appropriately chaunted by audience and actors together. During the night, Mr. C. Kemble never opened his mouth without receiving manifest signs of an illiberal personal attack, for his crime of consanguinity. On one of these occasions of uproar, the police-officers rushed into the centre of the oppositionists in the pit, and carried off two young men to the public- office, Bow-Street. This mode of preserving the peace seemed to increase the opposition. From that moment the tumult became tempestuous, and nothing could allay it ; hisses, shouts, groans, and catcalls, completely drowned the actor's voice, who strutted and fretted his hour, and then was heard no more. S18 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Journaf. Some placards were hoisted in the pit, the only ones, of any novelty, which we observed wer^ the following : " The Road to Ruin." ** King George for ever, The managers never." An after-piece, calculated to meet this happy anniversary, and called the Jubilee, was repre- sented, but clamour rendered it inaudible, and completely superseded the duty of the critic's pen^ The last scene in this little piece was particularly splendid, representing a sea-port town, and a ship of war, most brilliantly illuminated ; th0 vessel fired a royal salute, and immediately a pro?- cession of soldiers and sailors, bearing inscrip- tions, which designated all the victories and im- portant acquisitions of the present reign, ad* vanced to the front of the stage, singing, *' God Save the King'' and "Rule Britannia." A dance followed, in which, as well as in the song, the pitites zealously and emulously joined. The new theatre in^^ this evening lighted up with much taste and simphcity. All the windows in front of that fine edifice were ornamented witl;i a double row of lamps, which, lining the sides of the windows throughout, had a most pleasing and brilliant effect. The viiew from Bow-Street was fine, and corresponded well with the mag« nificent simphcity of the building. Journal.] covent garden journal. 219 TWENTY-FOURTH NIGHT, October 26. At length the tumult at this theatre seems to have subsided, and the public think that the most effectual method of attaining their object is to desert the house altogether. Even at half- price the pit did not appear half full, and, except a few partial hisses now and then, the principal noise was directed against the orders in the boxes. A placard was displayed but quickly taken down, and the whole play was heard throughout. Not so the new entertainment of the Jubilee, during the performance of which there was so much noise and scuffle as to enable a person to form as little judgment on its merits as on the preceding evening. As a spectacle it is an insult to the taste of the town ; in the last scene two processional cars, bearing emblematical figures of the four quarters of the globe, were actually drawn round the stage by lamplighters, scene-shifters, &c. in their own costume ! Amongst the allegorical figures of the British constitution, painted on boards, ap- peared that of Liberality; when, immedi- ately, an exclamation was heard of " Oflf Li- berality, take it from the stage, put it last in the procession." A large paper was erected in the course of the 220 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. evening with a skull and cross bones, and under- neath these words, " Resurgam, Boxes 6s. Pit 3s. Gd." Another caricature was introduced of a person sitting in a magisterial chair, with a label from bis hps, containing this inscription, ** What not applaud ? — Commit him." And under the figure, " Read this !'' " The good old king for ever, huzza ! and old prices. "" The pantomime of Oscar and Malvina went off with little or no interruption ; the enemy, in the pit, being so weak as to be incapable of making an uproar. A groggy seaman, from the boxes, made a speech, in which he said that he came there to be merry and wise, but that his dislike to the Bow- street officers inclined him vastly to a row. Like the other nautical orators, his ad- dress was occasionally interlarded with sea- phraseology ; and he succeeded in slipping his cables from along- side the constable. Upon the whole the spirit of the opposition is become faint, and the number of its advocates evidently di- minished. ^Journal] covent garden journal. 2^1 TWENTY-FIFTH NIGHT, October 27. Tliis night the house was better attended. The pit was more than half full at whole price and whoUy full at half price. The musical entertainment of the Jubilee, for the first time, met a hearing, the manager^ having judiciously placed it first in the bill of fare. It acts better unheard ; and, as it is a mere slight vehicle for music and naval loyalty, should not have run beyond the evening which gave it birth. The performance, both of this and the Beaux Stratagem which followed, was heard without in- terruption till the half-price came in, and then the oppositionists could make very httle stand. The last two acts of the comedy were however much disturbed, and, during that period, there was one case of concussion in the pit. The pan- tomime of the former nights met with less in- terruption, the oppositionists quitting a field where their numbers were so few. Not a placard was exhibited. TWENTY-SIXTH NIGHT, October 28. On this evening were represented the Jubilee, the comedy of the School of Reform, and thf 22t COVENT OARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumalc farce of Raising the Wind. The popular tumult within these walls having, in a measure, com- pletely subsided, some critical cognizance of what passes may not be unacceptable. The pre- lude, which it has been thought proper to call the Jubilee, bears no more analogy to the illus- trious anniversary, of which it assumes the title, than it does to the festivities of harvest-home* Several Covent-garden shepherds and shepherd* esses walked on and then walked off, each singing a ditty, expressive of their being love- sick, though the letter of the argument could not be understood; but, if a judgment may be formed of the lyric effusions by a comparison with the nature of the colloquy, the result must be highly unfavourable to the author. Yet there is a glimmering of propriety visible in his for- bearing habits ; he will not publish the words of his songs, which is a clear demonstration, that, though he may not possess the brilliant faculty of wit, he is not wholly untinctured with discre- tion. " Oh ! Discretion thou art a jewel, Much thou dost for mercy's sake ; For, when the critics would be cruel, Thou hold'st the Tictim from the stake." Mr. Liston personates a drunken boatswain; %ud indulges in a variety of nautical jokes that Journ^.] covENt garDeI^ jotjRirAL. ii$ may be comprehended any where but on the fore- castle. This ghost of a trifle terminates with a sort of small illumination that looks more like a Lillipu- tian port, on a rejoicing night, than a British havea in splendour. The opposition to the new prices seems entirely worn out. The discontented appear to have lost all their former courage and perseverance, quite on a sudden. The entertainments were not, in any manner, disturbed till half past nine, to which period the admission of half-price was pro- longed. After that, the malcontents gave signs of the hving spark tiot being entirely extinguished; but their efforts were neither strong nor con- tinued. When the curtain fell, at the end of the play, some dozen voices in the pit clubbed for a shout. Though the house was very full, this has been the most quiet evening since the opening of the theatre. TWENTY-SEVENTH NIGHT, October 30, The long-promised appearance of Mrs. Clarke from Manchester, in the character of Euphrasia, in Murphy*s heavy play of the Grecian Daugh- ter, took place this night. The lady was ushered In by the following prologue from Mr. Cooke, £24 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [J|5>Urnal. most injudiciously alluding to what it was pleased to call the late " hostile rage." " Though hostile rage so long within these walls Has rais'd a tempest that each heart appals, A female candidate comes forth to night, Who knows your kindness equals all your might. Hence on that kindness she e'en now relies. While the winds roar, and while the billows rise; For, whatsoe'er may Britons rouse and vex, With pride they still protect the gentle sex. But, though our novice ventures free from dread Lest the storm burst on her defenceless head. Yet, when her arduous enterprize she views, The danger awes her and her power subdues ; For fear that critics, a terrific train, Her efforts should reject as rash and vain. Success indeed those efforts oft have found, And hope has cheer'd her on provincial ground ; But here, 'tis said, that judgment holds her seat, And sages more profound and rigid meet ; — Well — still she dares to urge her humble plea, Since mercy softens every stern decree." The obnoxious words of this prologue were instantly caught by the pit, and it was through- out interrupted by expressions of disapproba- tion. Mrs. Clarke possesses a good face, and a ma- jestic figure ; but her attitudes are generally false. Her voice is good for as much as there is of it ; but she is obliged to exert it rather painfully in order to be heard in so large a theatre* It is Jiournal.] covent garden journal. 225 iiifficult to shew much tragic genius in a play- possessing so little, but we fear that Mrs. Clarke has not much theatrical talent, and painful con- viction must pronounce her elocution to be posi- tively bad. The play was dressed in that perfect Grecian costume so famiharised to the pubhc by the figures of Flaxman and Hope. The scene representing Eudocia's tomb was of the strictest and chastest Grecian architecture. Its design is attributed to the ingenious archi- tect of the theatre. The house was crowded at whole price, it be- ing Monday night ; at half-price the opposition rallied ; and, between their screams and their ad- versaries' applause, the last two acts of the play were completely inaudible. The tumult was prin- cipally directed against Mr. C. Kemble, whosedeath as Dionysius occasioned great exultation. The farce was more distinctly heard than the last two acts of the play, but there was yet some opposition and more applause. The audience left the theatre immediately after the performance was over. TWENTY-EIGHTH NIGHT, October 31. This night the last new operatic drama of the Exile and the Portrait of Cervantes were per- 226 COYENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. formed to a very crowded audience. The dress boxes exhibited a display of beauty and fashion, and every thing went on tolerably well till the commencement of the fourth act of the play, when the opposition began to rally, and howls and hisses became the order of the night. In the course of these proceedings a Mr. Ridly was taken into custody and carried before the Bow- street magistrates, charged with blowing a child's trumpet, and with having the letters O P in his hat: he was bailed by two of his friends. During the lifth act six or seven hats were exhibited in the pit with the O P cypher in front. They were, in a cluster, nearly in the centre part of the pit, and in the midst of the groupe was a barrister who wore the cabalistic initials M'ith as much dignity as he would his wig and gown. Between the acts he was generally noticed by more than half the pit, who rose with hat in hand and gave three distinct cheers of ** Clifford for ever." As the evening advanced the noise increased, and Liston*s fun, Munden's drollery, and Jones's flippancy, were exerted in vain. The opposition- ists literally began to C7^ow at their success. At the conclusion of the performances they gave three cheers and straightway dispersed. Journal.] covent garden journal. 227 TWENTY-NINTH NIGHT, November 1. The comedy of Every Man in his Humour, sus- tained by the whole comic strength of the com- pany, afforded a rich treat to the admirers of the drama. The three first acts were heard with the greatest attention; but a partial discontent, in the pit, at half-price, in some degree interrupted the remainder. The noise gradually increased towards the commencement of the pantomime, in consequence of the applause of a great num- ber who seemed not to consider that the contri- bution of their cheers only swelled the uproar which they wished to drown. The beautiful overture to Oscar and Malvina was however au- dible. Several placards, to which the tumult was en- tirely confined, were handed about the pit ; the following are specimens. " O P.— Clifford for ever." " Death or victory." '* Rally and conquer." " The Devil is black And so is Jack." The O P hats were very numerous ; upwards of a hundred appeared in the pit and several in p 2 328 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoumaL the boxes. Small metal ornaments with O P sur- mounted by a crown were also worn. Some hats sported the inscription of " Old Prices '* at full length. The tumult acquired strength as the evening advanced and the malcontents quitted the the- atre with the insignia of their party remaining in their hats. THIRTIETH NIGHT, November 2. The uproar still increases. This night it began as usual with the entrance of half-price. The pit was, till that period, very thinly attended, but it soon filled, and on no former occasion has it displayed a more unanimous opposition than on this. Almost every other hat, in this part of the house, was inscribed with the symbol of opposi- tion, and several old placards made their re- ap- pearance. One announces as follows : " A new edition of placards with considerable improvements is in preparation, and will speedily be produced." Several small rings were formed in the pit for the display of mock fights, and, towards the end, a very large one was cleared for the amuse- ment 6f running up and down the benches. The boxes also were more noisy than usual^ and a Journal.] covent garden journal. 229 placard was, for some time, held, even there, at the end of a gentleman's stick. At the conclusion of the performances, not a word of which was intelligible from the moment the half-pricites entered, three cheers were given for Mr. Clifford, and three groans for Mr. Kem*- ble. After this a person suggested that the O Ps should depart in procession, two and two, an idea which was instantly caught at, and the array was marshalled accordingly. In this manner they proceeded, huzzaing and calling out "Old Prices," through Bow-street to the Strand, where they gave three loud cheers at the Morning Chronicle office, three loud groans at that of the Morning Post. It was now proposed to go to the office of the Statesman, in Fleet-street, whither a great part of the procession actually went, acquiring strength as they proceeded, and loudly cheered the above named paper. THIRTY-FIRST NIGHT, November 3. The aspect of the uproar varied very little from that of the last night. From half-price no more was heard ; and the pit took to their usual amuse- ment of leaving a long space in the middle of it for perambulation. It is surprising to see how expertly they hop from one bench to another, like a canary bird, on its perches, in a cage. The 230 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. house was of about that degree of fulness to allow the formation of this vacuum. Many placards were hoisted, but none pos- sessed the novelty which had been last night promised. The following was more remarkable for the conspicuousness of the letters in which it was written than for any thing else. The paper was some yards in length. '* Since potent hisses prove the public mind, Which has of late been of the hissing kind, Let those hiss now who never hissed before, And these who've always hiss'd now hiss the more.'' The following were likewise noticeable, " No Morning Post." '' Arise ! arise ! or be for ever fallen." *' Loyalty and Old Prices." Between the play and the pantomime the pit struck up *' God save the King" with more vi- gour than ever, and sang it so well that the whole house, boxes, and all, stood up to a man. Now a penny rattle was heard, now a two- penny, and now a watchman's ; and the degrees of noise with which these were each hailed in their turn was in the direct ratio of the noise made by the respective instruments. The intro- ducer of the watchman's rattle was hawked at by the pohce ; a furious scuffle took place, but the opposition proved victors, The rattle was Journal] covent garden journal. 231 passed about from hand to hand to evade the police, as the slipper is shoved about in the Christmas gambol to evade the hunter of it; each giving the rattle a spring. This instrument encouraged the appearance of a horn, which was blown amidst loud acclamations of delight. The performance concluded but not the tu^ mult. The O Ps, as they now style themselves, remained in the pit a considerable time after the curtain dropped, groaning for the newspapers which were inimical to their objects, and cheering those which are favourable to them. They also gave a groan for the neutrality of the galleries, and hooted the tenants of the private boxes till they were obliged to retire. This done, the pro- position was made, as before, that the O Ps should leave the house in procession, which they did, quitting the theatre at the Piazza-door, and, crossing Covent-garden into Southampton-street, groaning for all the newspapers in the vicinage which met their displeasure, and huzzaing for those they approved. Not thinking it worth their while to proceed into Fleet-street, the mob dis- persed at Somerset-House, THIRTY-SECOND NIGHT, November 4. This night the spirit of disorder again waved the banner of defiance, and the uproar was gene- 232 covENT GAROJEN jauRNAt. [Joumal. ral during the whole of the performance. The house was but thinly attended till half price, when the pit filled and presented an extensive display of the letters O P. Many who wore those ornaments took care to have them of the best quality. The cypher was sported, by seve- ral, embroidered in gold, on blue silk ribbons ; others were formed in white silk, with spangles, and the additional words " No private boxes. " The pitites appeared in the greatest good hu- mour. At one time, they all joined in expressing a sort of mock indignation against a man, who appeared in the garb of a venerable Jewish rabbi. This dress, which was of course assumed, added variety to the confusion. He wore a large black beard, and slouched hat, and suffered himself to be pushed about the pit, by his companions, with- out betraying the slightest symptoms of dis- pleasure. While he was the object of attack, many exclaimed, " a Jew ! a Jew ! turn him out. " The sham Israelite kept up the deception until he was quite exhausted, when his many roaring fol- lowers allowed him to sit down and recover his wind. The row was also kept up by a very ath- letic man, who, after a long contest, was taken out by the constables, and conveyed to Bow- street. He returned, however, in about twenty minutes, and never was an unexpected reinforce- ment received with greater rapture by an army on the verge of a defeat. Jbarnal.] covent garden journal, 233 Having resumed his station, in the middle of the pit, he obtained silence and made a speech. He informed his auditors, that he had been taken out of the theatre, in the most violent manner, by Wood, the waterman, and other persons in favour of the managers, who conveyed him to Bow-street, where he had been released by the magistrate, on his promise to appear again at the office. He concluded by saying, that on Mon- day he should attend the magistrate and support! his rights as an Englishman. After three cheers were given for certain pa- pers, the orator took his seat. After this oration, the pitites entertained themselves with a dance, which shook the house almost to its foundation, A person, at the same time, took his station close to the orchestra and brandished his rattle over the heads of the musicians, with one hand, while the other was employed in waving his hat. At the other extremity of the orchestra, in the pit, a person exhibited the representation of a large key with two figures dangling to it. This was pre- sented to the stage. The rear ranks of the hos- tile phalanx were also distinguished by placards elevated as standards. Shouts of triumph rent the dome when they appeared. Some bore the common allusions, but others were inscribed with expressions at once indecent and disgusting, Among the moderate sort were the following. 234 COVENT GARDEN JOURIfAL^ [JoumaL " Dartmouth compels Black Jack to restore Old prices or shut up the theatre. " " Boxes private Don't connive at." ** Shall the public strike their flag to a player and monopoly?" In consequence of the insults offered to the ladies in the private boxes, many of them quitted the theatre upon the first volley of abuse, others remained, under a hope that the scurrihty would subside, but, no pause in favour of modesty having occurred, every woman of delicacy left the house. After the fall of the curtain, the O Ps salHed out in procession as usual down Bow-street. Having set up a most dreadful howl at the door of the public office, in that street, they proceeded to those papers in the Strand which are now in the habit of receiving their nightly salutations. After this, they repaired to Mr. Kemble's dwel- ling house, in Great Russell-street, calling at the Recorder's, in their way through Chancery-lane, and giving him a groan en passant. In their route to Mr. Kemble's, they were desired by their leaders not to stay longer rn Russell-street than ten minutes. This injunction was closely at- tended to by what may be denominated the theatrical part of the mob: but a considerable Bumber of striplings, who had joined them in the Journal.] covent garden journal. 235 streets, remained about three quarters of an hour longer, shouting and groaning, and occasionally knocking at the door; and one or two of the more mischievous broke a few panes in the win- dows of the basement and ground stories. The relics of the mob were dispersed about a quarter past eleven, by the constable of the night, and the watchmen, aided by a few persons, who seemed to volunteer upon the occasion; among these was orator Gibbons. THIRTY-THIRD NIGHT, November 6. This being Monday evening the uproar was greater than ever. The house was choked full at half price, and pit, boxes, and galleries, all joined in the noise. The placards were very nu- merous. Great applause was excited by one of an heraldic nature, which quartered keys, rattles, and trumpets, and was bemottoed " Loyalty and our rights. " " Terms of peace. Old Prices, — no Private Boxes, — and Brandon discharged. " This latter seemed to meet the sense of the whole house. Every species of pit-uproar and confusion was witnessed, and the boxes held pla- cards which the galleries applauded. At the con- clusion of the performance, which was not im- mediately perceived by the audience, on account i56 cavENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoumaL of their numerous other engagements, cheers of all sorts were given; "golden opinions were showered down upon all sorts of people," and those were relieved by an intermixture of groans. The pit cheered the boxes, the galleries, and lastly themselves. The private boxes, whose obnoxious- ness seems nightly to grow on the town, were de* prived of their inhabitants, either by gross excla- jnations, or by pointing at them, from the pit, the '^ slow unmoving" sticks of those who came $a armed. After groans and cheers were exhausted within the walls, the pitites left the theatre, and, in 3tronger force than ever, paraded out of the piazza, whence they took their usual newspaper- office route, performing at each shrine their cus- tomary tribute of adoration or execration. They afterwards made the same debouchement as on last night, but were anticipated, at Mr. Kemble's dwelling, by a great party of constables, who surrounded and took into custody some of the most active concerned in the operations of the body. THIRTY-FOURTH NIGHT, November 7. The house was not so full as on last night ; but the uproar began with the fii^t rising of the cur- lain. A noisy party statio^ied themselves ia the Journal.] covent garden journal. 237 centre of the pit, and, during the first act, ef- fectually prevented every word of the opera from being heard, by their ironical calls for " Silence," and their loud laughter at the performance. They continued, for the first act, to brave the police, but, at the second, they were deprived of their ringleader, by the interposition of the officers. That portion of the opera was heard in conse- quence ; but, at its close, the noisy oppositionist returned triumphant, just in time to meet his congenial spirits, the half pricites; and, from that moment forward, all was discord. The tumult here arrived at its acme ; and the rage of opposition became so great, that two hats were thrown from the pit into the orchestra. A clog was thrown upon the stage, and a penny piece, from some obscure part of the house, struck Mr. Fawcett on the breast. The placards were very numerous, and were patronized by the boxes. They, in general, breathed a spirit of moderation, and more than one conveyed sentiments to the following effect : *' Be silent without, Be noisy within, And then without doubt, lohn Bull, you must win." At the conclusion of the performance, the audience were thrice addressed, but none of the 238 COVENT GARDEI^ JOURNAL. [Joumal speeches shewed any great judgment or educa- tion. The first orator from the boxes read an ac- count of the Bov/-Street proceedings, from an evening paper of yesterday, and talked of Magna Charta and British hberty. The second from the pit was very vociferous, and seemed accustomed to the applause of his little senate at some de- bating clubs : he quoted Shakespeare's " Cloud- capt towers," and came off with a world of ap- plause. The third, from the same part of the house, merely advised the O Ps to evade the police, by taking the insignia from their hats as they quitted the theatre, and then to go quietly home. They were wise enough to take this ad- vice, and there was consequently but little street- parade. THIRTY-FIFTH NIGHT, November 8. The disturbance was this night repeated, ac- cording to prescription ; and the performance was utterly lost in the customary din of horns, rattles, groaning, barking, and other O P amuse- ments. The house was thin at the commencement of* Inkle and Yarico, and, as the O P s had not ac- quired strength, Mrs. Dickons was heard, with great pleasure, by the lovers of harmony, in the Journal] covent garden journal. 239 duet, " O Simple Maid/* Mrs. Liston, in Wowski, excited much laughter, and, in short, the opera altogether would perhaps have afforded a rich treat, if the oppositionists had suffered it td have been heard. At half price the pit filled, and the murmurs, which had previously produced interruption, in- creased to peals of thunder, as loud as yet has been witnessed. The O P s commenced opera- tions by clearing the centre of the pit, and, when sufficient room had been thus obtained, they practised feats of agility. One man actually made a standing leap over six seats. When tired of this display, they exhibited several single- stick matches, in the gladiatorial style. An old Roman would have fancied himself in the midst of a circus for these exhibitions. A new dance was also performed by the extra corps de ballet, to the tune of O P, a violent stamp with the right foot, was accompanied by the exclamation O, while the left beat the benches to the sound of P. During this heavy fandango, the house absolutely shook. "God Save the King" was sung, and the se- veral groans and hisses repeatedly served up to those papers which attracted their indignation. There were no speeches, at least none that was not silenced by the more grateful uproar. Among the placards, which were principally ®4iO GOVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. levelled at the private boxes, the only novel ones were — *' Virtuous Ladies will not feel hurt at our en* 4leavours to censure the indecent Private Boxes.'* " Victory or Death." " J. K. shall see That the O P Ever will be From New Price free." Mr. Winholt, who has taken a conspicuous part in the row, appeared in the boxes, and ani- mated the O P s by waving his hat and singing " God Save the King." THIRTY-SIXTH NIGHT, November 9. Uproar as usual. This night Mrs. Clarke made her appearance as Juliet, but she is not expected to become quite a star in the firmament of Mel- pomene. The voice of opposition was raised in full cry, and their rattles, horns, and whistles, were in loud requisition. Very few O P s were sported in the pit till after half price. Two were exhibited in the gallery at an early hour, but attracted no notice. Journal.] covent garden journal. 241 Several old placards were occasionally hoisted. The following one was new : " Sons of Britain ne'er give o'er, Have the prices as before ; Your opinions shew each night ; Fear not Read you're in the right." Another placard, which was also new, ap- peared to give much pleasure to the cognoscenti of the pit. It was divided into several compart- ments, with "God Save the King" at the head. In one compartment was a large gilt O P, with a large bell to the right ; in another a bull, couchant, with a gilt collar, in which were also the letters O P, and, on the left, a large watchman's rattle, with two lines below : " Our rights aijd independence." A gentleman made his escape from the boxes to the pit, in order to elude the pursuit of the of- ficers, one of whom was prevented from following him by two or three gentlemen in the box, and, during the rude encounter, two ladies nearly fainted away. As soon as a counseller, who has distinguished himself in the pit as well as at the bar, appeared, a placard was hoisted of, " CUf- ford for ever." A lady in the front of one of the upper boxes sported the letter O P on a white fan, which elicited three cheers from the pit Q 242 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. The pitites have now a knack of reiterating O P in unison, the shock of which will be un- derstood by those persons who have heard the boys of Christ's Hospital, when supping in pubhc, pronounce the " Amen" to their prayer. After the usual loyal anthem had been sung, and the accustomed duty of reciprocal compli- ment paid by the different parts of the house to each other, the audience quietly separated with- out any speechification. The private boxes are now almost deserted by men, and entirely by females. THIRTY.SEVENTH NIGHT, November 10. There is no ebb observed in the tide of popular indignation. The pit was as uproarious as ever, and a few good placards made their appearance : such as " New prices down to hell. And say old prices sent ye thither." " John Kemble may finesse and cheat. But can't his prices save, For John Bull holds the king of trumps, Which always beats a knave." " John Kemble in his drowning need, Relies upon a fragile Read." Journal] covent garden journal. 243 The pit danced to the music of their O P, forming a long vacancy, up and down which they footed it in couples. The noise was kept up to the last, and the evening's entertainment con- cluded with hooting out the inhabitants of the private boxes. THIRTY-EIGHTH NIGHT, November IL Though the house was rather thinly attended this evening, yet the performance of Love in a Village was frequently interrupted ; and, when the half-price folks obtained admission, the row was renewed in the loudest style. Several h^ish boi/s, from St. Giles's, attended in their long great coats, with shilalahs, in expectation of a glorious fray. The O Ps were numerous, and several females were distinguished by wearing the initials about their dresses. Two men, dressed like grooms, attracted much observation by sitting in the first tier of boxes, with O P in their hats. Several sparrows were let loose from the gallery, with small placards fastened round their legs. After making a circuit of the house, they settled on the stage, and were taken by the carpenters of the theatre. The contents of the billets of which they were the bearers were not generally known, q2 244 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. but were carried to the manager's room for in- spection. Placards were general, and the following were, the most remarkable : " Terms of peace. Managers. — What do ye want ? Answer. Old prices. An apology for insults offered to the public by hired ruffians and fighting Jews. Abolish the private boxes. Relinquish the prosecutions, and trust to public liberahty. Sine qua non. John Bull." *' Statement of victories gained by the advo- cates of the public cause over King Kemble. The hired Jews defeated ; Kemble driven from the stage ; Private boxes held up to the odium they deserve; Finale, — John Bull triumphant." A caricature was also exhibited, of a bull, tos- sing the manager. Mr. C , the barrister, ap- peared in the pit among the O Ps, from whom he received several tributes of applause. Horns, rattles, and catcalls, were heard the whole even- ing, but there were no scuffles with the police. Journal.] covent garden journal. 245 The performances, before the curtain, con- tained all the variety of martial dances, sham fights, bench- capers, and loyal songs. Those of the stage were over at half- past ten o'clock. THIRTY-NINTH NIGHT, November 13. The fav^ourite tragedy of Richard III. and the afterpiece of the Quaker, found themselves in very noisy company on this night. Till half- price, however, the attempts to disturb the per- formances were very feeble. In the early part of the evening, a person appeared in the pit with a red night-cap, which occasioned considerable mirth, but he was soon removed to Bow-Street office. A naval officer, in one of the boxes, at- tracted some notice, by calling out occasionally, ** Turn out the blackguards : O P for black- guards, but N P for gentlemen." He was after- wards silenced by the entrance of half-price, when the house overflowed in every part. Then came the tug of war, with all the usual accompani- ments of bells, rattles, and horns, and a conti- nual succession of varied uproar and noise. A figure was exhibited in the stocks, on an elevated standard, with a large key by his side, and a motto at the top — 246 COVENT GARDEN JOUHNAL. [Joumal " To guilty minds a terrible example." Shakespeare, And underneath — ** For keeping a house of ill fame.*' This seemed to give much pleasure to the O P amateurs. The following also made their appear- ance : " No Blind-Boy Hewetson !'* *' No false-swearing informer," &c. " The rascals, by demolishing my panes, have increased my aitches,'' During the farce, Mr. Liston being singled out by hooting, if possible, somewhat more deaf* ening than that bestowed upon the rest of the performers, he at length stepped forward, and made as if he wished to address the audience. " Silence" was so long and loudly called for, at this overture, that it was thought it never would be obtained. At length Mr. Liston did con- trive to speak, as follows, interrupted only by shouts of ** Hear him," from those who feared they would be debarred that pleasure : *^ Ladies and Gentlemen, I cannot but perceive, from your conduct this evening, that I have unhappily fallen under your displeasure; but I trust that, Journal.] covent garden journal. 247 with your kind hearing, I shall be able to remove every unfavourable impression which misrepre- sentation has occasioned. About three weeks ago there appeared a letter, in an evening paper, stating that I had averred, in a public coffee-room, " that the managers would have gained their point, had it not been for the blackguard citizens,'' This letter appeared on a Saturday, and my answer was printed, in the same paper, on the Monday following, wherein I denied the charge, and here I trusted the busi- ness would end ; but, to my surprize, I found that the same charge was repeated in a morning paper of Saturday last. I have now only to de- clare, most unequivocally, upon the honour of a man, that I never in my life uttered such words as those imputed to me." This speech was followed by huzzas, and Mr. Liston was again received into accustomed favour. In the middle of the second tier of boxes, several gentlemen, assisted by some ladies near them, employed themselves in pinning the placards along the front, which afforded much satisfaction to the applauding groundlings. At the conclusion of the performance, the usual scenes were acted, interspersed with the usual songs, and the pitites quitted the theatre with O P and N P B (no private boxes) in their hats, and the same initials in their mouths. The major part of the company, in the boxes, 248 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Jouriial. remained in the theatre until the whole of the ceremony was over. FORTIETH NIGHT, November 14. The house was rather quiet until half price, when a determined body of the O P advocates entered the pit, and commenced their usual se- renade of howling, groans, &c. aided by the cus- tomary discordant instrumental sounds. A person of mean appearance thrust himself, in a most in-, decent manner, into one of the dress boxes, where he greatly annoyed two ladies of respectable ap- pearance, by his vulgar expressions and filthy dress. He was requested, by several gentlemen in the box, to conduct himself properly, but he answered with a volly of abuse. In consequence of his determined effrontery, a general cry pre- vailed of "Turn him out." This ungracious task was undertaken by a spirited young man ; a great scuffle and disturbance was the consequence, but the obnoxious person was driven to the adjoining box, and finally into the passage. The O P symbols, on the present occasion, were extremely numerous. Many were gilt, and surmounted by a large crown. Others were of plated metal, and some again were printed in a striking manner. The friends of the row appear to have improved in their ideas of distinction. Journal,] covent garden journal. 249 In addition to the hatrinitials, new theatrical medals were worn on the breast, suspended from the neck by a garter- blue ribband. This orna- ment cuts a very brilliant figure, and was worn by several ladies. One man in the boxes dis- played a caricature in his hat, namely, a figure of John Bull, with a rattle in his hand, exclaim- ing '' Old Prices." At his feet laid a man, whom John Bull was in the act of kicking. The pit was not more than two thirds filled and the vacant seats enabled the oppositionists to practice a new danqe, which they named' the rattle- snake minuet. This novel movement was per- formed by two persons, each holding a watch- man's rattle. The first was followed by the se- cond man, at the distance of about six or eight yards ; and, by running over the pit, springing their rattles at intervals, they kept up a conti- nual noise, which was invigorated by the clamour- ous approbation of their companions. The O P dance was not forgptten, and, in short, the voices of the performers were completely drowned. In the farce of the Portrait of Cervantes, the appearance of Liston in a shroud, which was ^eant to create involuntary bursts of laughter, was totally disregarded. The placards were nu- merous : among tjiem were — " Be firm in the cause, Injustice not fearing; You have public applause In spite of Maimcaring." ^50 COVEN T GARDEN JOURNAL. [JouniaL ** John Bull can't be imposed upon, Threats won't make him dissemble. His voice has silenced many a don, ' So will it Johnny Kemble." '' Rally and conquer." After the dropping of the curtain, the pitites rested from their labours, and, having sung their usual airs, quitted the theatre and dispersed. FORTY-FIRST NIGHT, November 15. The row commenced in the third act of ** Speed the Plough," and, at half price, increased to the usual pitch. After much pushing and busthng, the pitites opened their ball with the O P dance. Wrestling, and broad-sword play with sticks, were practised in the highest style. During the scene of confusion, a party of constables sallied, with the intent of securing a few of the gladia- tors and dancers, consequently tlie conflict was severe, but the O Ps soon cleared the field. Mr. James Cowlam, a respectable linen-draper, of Queen-Street, Cheapside, received a serious in- jury on this occasion. It was said that, being opposed to one of the constables in this contest, he received a blow from the staff of the latter, which laid him senseless. He was soon after Journal.] covent garden journal. 251 taken out of the theatre, to the shop of Mr. Cole, Surgeon, Russell-Street, Covent-Garden, where he recovered his senses. It appeared that he had received severe bruises, but the greatest injury which he sustained was occasioned by the tramp- ling of the contending parties. He was conveyed to the house of a friend at Charing-Cross, in a hackney coach. Mr. Winholt made his appcaracce in the boxes, and pointed out a person in the pit as the man who had robbed him of his hat and assaulted him on a former night. The object of his re- marks was not, however, taken into custody, A more determined spirit than the pit expressed on this occasion has been seldom witnessed. A lady, who had made herself conspicuous on former occasions, by tearing the placards, again presented herself in the boxes. She was instantly recognized, and became the object of numberless free epithets. Instead of withdrawing, or taking no notice of the clamour, she, very improperly, made use of many significant gestures of con- tempt ; and, the incensed O Ps at length render- ing her situation untenable, she was compelled to leave the box. The after-piece was Mr. Hewetson's Blind Boy, which it need not be said caused some accession to the noise and disapprobation. When the cur- tain dropped, a person rose in the pit, and stated to his companions, who remained seated, that a ^52 GGVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoumaL Mr. Cowlam had been nearly killed that evening, and, as it was not expected that he would live till the morning, the speaker requested that those gentlemen, who had witnessed the scuffle, would meet at the Temple Coffee- House, to make a fair representation of the circumstance. After this,, and a brace of loyal songs, the O P s dispersedo FORTY-SECOND NIGHT, November ]6, The famous stock-play of Romeo and Juliet was again brought forward on this night, to the great delight of all true lovers residing within the bills of mortahty. When the curtain drew up, hnd the love-sick bosom heaved with expectant pleasure, the demon of discord sounded his conch from the pit, where his myrmidons instantly took the cue, and rose, thick as potatoe-stalks in a Munster field, in the semblance of rattles, horn- blowers, and loud imitations of cats, dogs, and donkies. Terrified and shocked at this rude eruption on his domain, Cupid precipitately yielded the throne which he had occupied in the hearts of the young, to be usurped by palpitation atid tetror; and, mounting bouyant on his purple wings, clung to the cornice over the stage, and sheltered himself under the protection of the Bri- tish lion. After surveying the tumult, which waved below, and wiping a few tears which dis- Journal] covent garden journal. 253 tilled from his immortal eyes, he sang the follow- ing invocation to his divine mother, in Paphos ; CUPIDS INVOCATION. Ah! mother, if you pass your blissful hours, In Paphian dales or amaranthine bowers, V^here new-born transports ratify your powers : Tell me shall violence my bow-string sever ? Chorus from the pit : — " O P for ever I" Led by the witcheries of Shakespeare's muse, I've roam'd from Cyprus but to meet abuse, By Jove, dear lady, this is dismal news. How shall I melt their ruthless bosoms ices ? Chorus from the pit : — " Give us old prices.*' Shall I, to whom both gods and men have bow'd, The fair, the brave, the pious, and the proud. Be thus embarrass'd by a paltry crowd ? How shall I make the sturdy varlets tremble ? Chorus from the pit :-— " Call out John Kemble." My brain is moider'd by these local ills, Here madness executes what folly wills ; Send me a draught from the Blandusian rills : My throat is parch'd with dust, and I am dying. Chorus from the pit *. — " A fair statement and no lying.*' ^54 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoumaL 5. Mamma, these tumults make me foam and fret, If you let hatred mesh me in her net, By the mass we both shall be in the Gazette ! How shall I fight this maudlin minx and pose her. Chorus from the pit :— " Three groans for Mendoza." 6. At the Lyceum as I took a view, There's the Idalian Queen, I cried ; *tis true, Twas Mrs. Powell, but I thought 'twas you! In these mistakes I may weund Horn for Braham. Chorus from the pit : — (Herald.) — " Zounds, they are dragging him to Justice Graham." For the first three acts of the play, the performers had not only a patient hearing, but received their due meed of praise in the usual style of theatrical approbation. The O P s, how- ever, entered in force at half-price, and noise and uproar gained the ascendancy, till all be- came a scene of confusion. During a partial and temporary interval, a Baronet, in one of the dress boxes, conceiving a person in the second box to be a police-officer, insisted on his going out, addressing the audi- ence, at the same time, on the supposed insult, and the impropriety of such company mixing in the boxes. He received three cheers from the pit, and the man soon after retired, though he Journal.] covent garden journal. 256 denied the charge of being an officer or of taking any part whatever in the business. The musical farce that succeeded the play was dumb shew and pantomime all. On one or two occasions, where the fine voice of Incledon was faintly distinguished amid the roaring discord, the tumultuaries rallied with new vigour, and, at the risk of hoarseness, carried every thing before them. After the pitites, accompanied by some O Ps in the boxes, had sung a few verses of " God save the King," the gallery struck up the ode of " Rule Britannia." The dance, the race, and mock fight, made ample amends for the deficit of bell and rattle. Towards the end of the farce a police-officer was discovered nearly in the middle of the pit; soon as the alarm was given, every effiDrt was directed to that quarter, till the O Ps succeeded in pushing him ialmost to the door, where bran- dishing his baton, he made a long and desperate stand. He was several times driven down a few of the steps, but always rallied till nearly shut out. A reinforcement at last came to his assistance, but several gentlemen in the dress boxes above the pit-entrance door applied their sticks so ef- fectually that the officers were all compelled to sound a retreat Three general cheers of triumph from the pit followed, in which many from the dress boxes, and from all parts of the house, concurred. 256 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [joumaL After the dropping of the curtain the attention of the oppositionists was directed to a box on the third tier, where Mr. Hewetson was. A cry of '* Turn him out," instantly prevailed through the house. Two gentlemen in the box instantly withdrew, and were shortly after followed by Mr. Hewetson. The usual severe language was directed against the private boxes, from which the few ladies present were compelled to retire. Among the placards were the following : " Private boxes, For young cats and old foxes." ^After the police-officer was put out the follow- ing one gave considerable pleasure to the triumph- ant corps. " Do we but face the ru|Eian ^ang to nigbt, Let O Ps be beaten, if they cannot fight. A spike was several times displayed on the top of a stick with this label, *' Thou shalt do no murder." He was an orator who made this emblematical display, and, in a speech ill heard, he was under- stood to say that the spike had been taken from one of their assailants on the preceding night. Journal.] covent garden journal. 257 These placards also attracted notice. ** An attempt at murder — One thousand pounds reward." " Indemnity for the past and security for the future." " King John's a beggar when the play is done, All will end well if but the end be won." " O Ps strain every nerve, your savage foes repel, And drive them headlong to their native hell." " Mr. Cowlam has nearly fallen a victim to your savage opponents ! Britons ! Britons 1 are ye men and will ye brook this ?" A printed hand-bill was circulated, calling on any respectable person acquainted with tlie cir- cumstances of the assault committed on Mr. Cowlam to communicate the same to Mr. West, attorney, of Clement's Inn. After going through the concluding ceremonies of O Pism, the audience began to retire. Com- paratively few hats were decked with the insignia. A military one displayed in front, in large cha- racters, ** Conquer or die." 258 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal FORTY-THIRD NIGHT, November 17. The comic opera of the Woodman was, this night, represeutecL Mr. Munden personated the Essex magistrate with much humour and effect; for, by diminishing his ardour for excessive co- micahty, he was truly natural. The Woodman met a proper representative in Mr. Bellamy, v^ho was correct both in the song parts and in the dialogue. Of Mr. Emery's Bob (the miller) too much cannot be said ; the silent expression of his chagrin when Emily repels his passion was a perfect thing of the kind. Mr. Incledon was in good voice and went through his character with undiminished credit. The substitution of Mr. Treby for Blanchard, in the part of Matthew Medley, was by no means favourable to the force of the opera. Mrs. Dickons and Mrs. Liston were spirited and skilful in the execution of their songs. The disturbance at half-price commencing, puts it out of the power of the critic to be cor- rect in the general draught of the performance. At that period of this night the greatest disorder prevailed, though the pit, at its best time, was not full. During the first act of the farce a few placards Journal] covent garden journal. 259 were exhibited, but for too short a time to be transcribed, and during the whole of the second, to the emptying of the theatre, no writing was to be seen. The only novel feature in the uproar was the attempt of a female, wild and vulgar in her ap- pearance, to address the audience. She at two different times rose on the benches and convened a crowd of persons, willing to be her auditors; but, from the attention to the noise in other quarters, she failed in being heard. Being en- couraged by the applause of those around her, she had divested herself of her bonnet and shawl, which, again replacing, she left the house. Having a little business of their own to settle the pitites remained some time after the dropping of the curtain, and betook themselves first to their cheers and groans and next quietly home. FORTY-FOURTH NIGHT, NovemberlS. The house was very thinly attended till half price, and to that time was rather quiet. At this period of witchery the pit and the uproar were both very full. The first placard was very large ; and, being held towards the front of the fit, where the friends of the proprietors were seated, was snatched at and destroyed before it could possibly be read. The man who snatched it was rS 260 CO VENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoUfliaL immediately seized and thrust out of the pit, while the remnant of the placard was displayed in triumph. The next was as large as the first, and was the large caricature which was brought out when seven-shilling pieces were first iutroduced*, and at the bottom " dedicated to the visitors of the private boxes." This had the instantaneous effect of scaring all the women from this part, and many from the dress public boxes, It is la- mentable that such gross indecency was received by the men with the greatest applause. A small placard was sent out to apologize for its parent, upon the plea that modest women could not be offended by it, as none such visited the theatre now. A scroll was also hoisted to the following effect : ** Kemble; ** Hast thou words, or wit, or impudence, " That yet can serve your suit ; if that thou hast, " Now use them ; if not, ever after hold your peace." On the reverse of this was a figure of Mr, Kemble, exclaiming " What do you want?" at the same time that a bull, with O P round his neck, was tossing him in the air. This animal \<^s also represented as kicking a police-officer in the rear. * The figure of a naked woman on a sofa. Journal] covent garden journal. 26l About the middle of the farce twenty or thirty ill-looking men >rere seen skulking along the edges of the pit, making observations and whisper- ing among themselves. They were eyed with sus- picion by the O Ps in this part, and soon thought it more prudent to retire to the two-shilling gal- lery, where there were several emblematic hats. They left the pit amid a general hiss, but the devoted O Ps of the gallery shortly afterwards fell victims to their rapacious incursion. No un- usual circumstances attended the conclusion of the performance. FORTY-FIFTH NIGHT, November 20. Being Monday the pit was quite full and as noisy as ever. There were not three women in the entire part of the house. A few old placards were sported, such as " Terms of peace. — Old prices, — No private boxes, and Brandon discharged.*' "Convenient apartments to let in the third tier," &c. Every tongue seemed animated in the cause of clamour, and instrumental music seconded the vocal. In the pantomime of Don Juan, the white ghost was called Black Jack^ lucus a non lucendo ; and the pit was up in arms at every scene. At 262 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Jouriial. the conclusion of the performance a person, in the pit, stood up to read some paper, the contents of which could not be collected. He ended how- ever with ** God save the King," in which all the audience joined, and they soon afterwards sepa- rated very quietly. FORTY-SIXTH NIGHT, November 21. This night the empire of tumult seemed to be on the decline. The play was heard through the fourth act, and even the fifth was pretty audible. There was considerable noise during the pantomime, but it was merely vocal. Two ox. three O P hats ap» peared, and Mr. Winholt was discernible in one of the boxes with an O P medal on his breast, but not a placard was to be seen. The pit, at half-price, was tolerably filled, and seemed to put forth all its strength ; it is however evidently palsied by the publicity of the proceed- ings in the Court of King's Bench. At the con- clusion of the performance, three hisses were given for " excessive bail," with three cheers fo^ the kipg, and the audience departed in peace. FORTY-SEVENTH NIGHT, November 22. . The uproar has coijipletely rallied. It begari as Journal] covent garden journal. 263 early as the first act, but was readily quelled by the interference of the police. After this the opera was heard very quietly till the half-price came in, when the tumult was as vehement as was ever remembered, though unassisted by instrumental noises. Between the opera and farce a person in the pit made " a bit of a speech," the recording of which was prevented by the noise in the house. The police-officers entered with the design of taking this speechifier into custody, but it was understood that they had laid hands on the wrong person. A few hats mounted the party initials and a few placards crept out, at the beginning of the cla- mour, but neither were held long to view. One of the placards ran as follows. ** A Caution. Persons with colds are requested not to cough or sneeze aloud ; they will otherwise be taken to Bow-street." The pit was by no means full at any time. They transacted all their business of groaning and shouting between the two acts of the farce; so that they had little to do, at the conclusion of the performance, but to quit the theatre. %64! COYENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal FORTY-EIGHTH NIGHT, November 23. The performances of this night were heard with more attention than since the last relapse. The Comedy of Every Man in his Humour was audi- ble throughout. The presence of the party for old prices was solely evinced, at intervals, by a solitary hiss, which it now ^eems is considered the only legal method of expressing disapproba- tipn \—snee:^ing and coughing were therefore stu- diously avoided, even where nature required the exertion ; lest, suspicion attaching to the deed, a short trip to Bow-street might be the conse- quence. The pit at half-price was extremely crowded ; but the majority of the audience was far from being respectable. Two placards were hoisted and immediately torn dowp by the friends of the managers ; so weak were the O P troops that this occurrence was passed by without crying *' ha- Tock,'' and *^ let slip the dogs of war." The after- piece of Don Juan received un- usual attention, and passed pff witbeut much itii^ terruption. Journal.] cpvejjtt garden journal. ^6f FORTY-NINTH NIGHT, November 24. The uproar still subsides. It is like the abate- ment of water in a flooded current. The play was heard, and the pantomime was laughed at. The few interruptions given to the performance consisted but of hisses, and those rather trifling. The house upon the whole scarcely retains a fea- ture of its late aspect. " Grim-visag*d war hath smooth'd hi§ wrinkled front/' And not an iota of tumult is left to be re- icorded. FIFTIETH NIGHT, November 25. The opera of the English Fleet attracted, this evening, a tolerably numerous audience. It being the 50th night of the row the O Ps were deter- mined to celebrate their jubilee by a grand mus- ter of forces. No disturbance was given to the performance, however, till the commencement of the third act. When Messrs, Incledon and Bel- lamy were singing the duet of " All's well," a person in the gallery joined in the chorus, which produced a general laugh. 266 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. When Munden began the song of " British sailors have a knack," the O Ps commenced their operations, and in an instant, every female, seated about the middle of the pit, made a precipitate retreat towards the orchestra. From this moment not a word of the opera was audible. The O Ps, upon the whole, were not so numerous as might have been expected, and they seemed to cast an anxious *' lingering look behind," to the aid of the galleries, from which they received very little support. The police-officers then stepped for- ward to seize the most active in the opposition, and, after a severe scuffle, dragged two of them to Bow-street. Acclamations of applause were pretty general throughout the house, but it arose, prin- cipally, from many of the O Ps supposing that the peace-officers had been defeated. Two placards were, for a few minutes, handed about in the pit, among the friends of old prices, but with very little effect, as they soon fell into the hands of the -enemy. The instant the two gentle- men were dragged from the pit, the insignia of opposition vanished from the hats of those who previously mounted them, no doubt, from intimi- dation occasioned by the misfortunes of their friends. Journal] covent garden journal. 267 FIFTY-FIRST NIGHT, November 27. Before half-price the theatre was crowded. The uproar began during the fifth act of the tra- gedy, occasioned, as was thought, by the ap- pearance of Mr. Winholt, in one of the lower boxes, in a night- cap, and wearing a medal at his breast. Noisy cries of ridicule at the tra- gedy, and ironical calls of silence now filled the pit. Between the play and the pantomime, placards were exhibited. The O P dance, to the united vociferation of O P was performed with the fullest energy. The placards were not held up very long, and one or two of them were knocked to pieces with the sticks of the managerists, to the c€^rtain occasionment of a scuffle. Of the two largest of these papers, one was too indecent and the other too libellous to transcribe. Those pf a less exceptionable nature ran as follows. ^' Victory or Death, Th^ first 50 nights or jubilee of the O Ps, Three more this season." '' The dead alive, O P the giant refreshed." *' Jlesurgam." &c, ^c, q€S covent garden journal. [Journal. During the performance of the pantomime of Don Juan, just at that passage where the pede- stal of Don Guzman's statue shews the follow- ing inscription in letters of blood : ** Don Juan, by thee Don Guzman bleeds, Heaven will avenge Thy bloody deeds :" Up rose a placard from the hands of a whole posse of men with O P in their hats, it was thus inscribed, " What are Don Juan's bloody deeds Compared with Don John's bloody deeds ?" This placard, seemingly long preconcerted, met with considerable applause. It was well printed in very large characters. The originators of this ensign maintained their ground and their emblems unmolested through- out. The pit appeared in fact too full for the inser- tion of the police-officers. In the course of the evening the O Ps sang God save the King, and, at the final fall of the curtain, expressed their continued dissatisfaction by three hearty groans. After this the theatre was speedily cleared. ,:yii Journal.] covent garden journal. 36.9 FIFTY-SECGND NIGHT, November S8. The tumult of this evening was comparatively slack ; Saturdays and Mondays only seeming to be the strong nights of the O P party. The pantomime was, with difficulty, disturbed, and not a single placard gave zest to tlie evening's entertainment. The pit was by no means full, and no O P hats made their appearance. What com- pany there was, in that part of the house, how- ever, stood upon the benches, occasionally getting up a scuffle, and once vociferating O P in uni- son. At the conclusion three groans were eked out for one thing and three cheers for another. This was the finale, and the theatre was soon left empty and undisturbed. FIFTY-THIRD NIGHT, November 29- Uproar entered with the half-price folks, and interrupted the last act of the opera, the Exile, so as to mar its entire effect. The house was ra- ther thinly attended, but the few, who were in the pit, came to the theatre for any other purpose but that of hearing the performance. They ma- nifested their nonchalance by strutting about on 270 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal, the benches. No O P hats appeared this even- ing and few placards. There were, however, several medals sported, and, on one occasion, an O P pocket-handkerchief was produced. A few stragglers were taken into durance vile by the police. The finale of the Exile was finely contrasted with the dance and chorus of the opposition. The success of Lord CoUingwood obtained three general cheers for his lordship ; and, after a few of their old exhibitions in the Stentorian way, the audience quietly dispersed. FIFTY-FOURTH NIGHT, November 30. Moderately full attendance of persons rather moderately disposed. The entire play experienced not a single interruption. During the after-piece, which was a pantomime, the audience were as mute as the performers themselves. Of the O P humours, through their various branches, the best mode of description this evening would be by negatives. The company departed as quietly as they entered the house. FIFTY-FIFTH NIGHT, December 1. It should seem as though the hurly-burly were Journal] covent garden journal. 271 arrived at an end, and the battle was finally won hy the proprietors and lost by the public. The noise this evening, in the theatre, did not exceed that hissing which usually salutes the in- trusion of an unpopular piece. FIFTY-SIXTH NIGHT, December 3. The half-price folks of this (Saturday) evening made some noise; but the dread of remaining in the watch-house till Monday morning (as the magistrates sit no longer than till nine o'clock) visibly operated upon the spirits of the O P party. The after-piece was yet sensibly injured by the interpolations of rival authors in the pit, and the hydra of Covent-Garden cannot be said to have lost its hundred heads. FIFTY-SEVENTH NIGHT, December 4. The performance was undisturbed till the fourth act of the tragedy. At that period the pit was completely filled, and a batch of standers- up, at the back of the pit, wanted nothing but an off-leader to begin their operations. During the fifth act there sprouted up, on the opposite quarter, in the same part of the house, a corres- pondent party of the patriots^ whose noisy ridi- #■ <27^ COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. cule and burlesque commenced the opposition of the evening. A shout accompanied the fall of the curtain on the tragedy, and then the fan- dango was, by snatches, indulged in. A few mock fights were exhibited. At the. commence- ment of the pantomime the whole pit were standing, but they more frequently attended to and laughed at the performance of the stage than played any part of their own. There were no groans nor huzzas, which forms an exception to the usual routine. The audience soon dis- persed in good humour. FIFTY-EIGHTH NIGHT, December 5. The theatre was excessively empty at whole price; but, before the entrance of half-price, the uproar commenced by the pit-men standing on the benches, and communicating, from an evening paper, the event of that morning. (Clif^ ford's trial.) In the opera, the harmony of song was often borne down by the discord of the O P chorus; but, upon the appearance of the half-price auxi- liaries, the tumult was at its height, which was proclaimed by three loud cheers. O P hand- kerchiefs were waved. Laurel was stuck up in hats. Cries of *^ Clifford has gained his cause** Journal.] covent garden journal. Q7S were set up, and the following placards were hoisted : '* A British jury forever." *' Chorus of O P's— Tune, Hearts of Oak." Steady boys steady, We always are ready To turn out hired ruffians again and again." '^ Shall Britons relinquish the contest after such a long and repeated resistance? and shall insolence, pride, and avarice, come off victorious? Oh ! let it not be said." Upon the introduction of peace-officers, a skirmish ensued between them and the pitites. From the groans, with which the scuffle con- cluded, it was thought some persons had been taken out. The O Ps were, however, far from being intimidated. From their attitudes the whole night, as they stood up, onew ould ima- gine that the pit was of Shakspeare's days, when there were no seats therein. The vocal and in- strumental noises were rather peaceful. The private boxes met with their share of furious hooting. Several men in the pit tied their hand- kerchiefs round their heads as night-caps, from an imitation of Mr. Winholt, who appears every night in that costume. All its pristine vigour distinguished the insurrectionary dance. The tenants of the orchestra were, several times, 274 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. disconcerted by the violent rushes made from the top of the pit towards them. The partition actually shook beneath the pressure. The theatrical republicans gave what may be called their carmagnol and ^a ira as usual. Some person, deeply intoxicated, afforded them amuse- ment by his attempts at utterance, from the boxes; it may be literally said of him, " Vox faucibus hcesity" when the audience got tired of him they quietly dispersed. FIFTY-NINTH NIGHT, December 6. The comedy of the Man of the World was brought forward for representation this evening. Mr. Cook supported the character of Sir Perti- nax Mac Sycophant with his usual style of excel- lence ; but, when the half-price commenced, the noise and confusion was so great, that it was im- possible any longer to attend to the performance. The historical spectacle of Oscar and Malvina followed amidst a clamour and uproar surpassing any thing we recollect to have heard, on any pre- vious night, since the dispute began. The house was thinly attended at whole-price, but the spirit of discord prevailed in the most for- cible manner. The galleries took a very active part, soon after the curtain rose, and several large printed bills were thrown from the upper Journal] covent garden journal. 9>75 gallery, which exhibited the event of the late trial between Mr. Clifford and Brandon. These were destroyed in the pit. A gentleman in the lower boxes made himself conspicuous by crying, " off! off!" and a violent disturbance took place near the spot, occasioned by the appearance of Mr. W— — , a gentleman related to one of the pro- prietors. The pitites did not fail to brand him with the name of informer, and other epithets of a similar description. The noise which, at the commencement of the play, was nearly sufficient to confuse all the performance, increased to a loud pitch, and, at half-price, was as great as at any time since the theatre opened. Horns and a watchman's rattle again greeted the actors ; the galleries also joined in the concert with whistles and a trumpet. Symbols of opposition appeared in every part of the theatre. The boxes, pit, and galleries, were unanimous, and it was evident that the dis- turbance had assumed a more violent aspect, in consequence of the late verdict. Two persons in the pit wore white night-caps, and one of then> exhibited a large O P cut out of pasteboard. The O he put round his neck, and held up the P in the most comic manner. His appearance was lu- dicrous in the extreme. The other knight of the white cap entertained himself by cracking a whip, and blowing a whistle in the handle. White pocket-handkerchiefs with O P were exposed in s2 276 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. every direction. A herald, who had been very busy in blowing his horn, when tired, was induc- ed to throw his instrument at the performers on the stage. The horn struck Bologna, who was playing the part of Oscar; Farley, who was stand- ing by, immediately took it up, and, looking at the audience with some expression, bowed, and made a dumb appeal to their liberality. The per- formance w^as suspended by this accident, and a considerable time elapsed before the pantomime could go on : the .pit was soon after in perpetual motion. The officers had made their way into the centre, and a great scuffle ensued to turn them out, during which sticks were used, and many severe blows given. The O P party was triumphant, and the scene became dreadful. Many placards were elevated during the night; the most striking was the following : *' OPs of Westminster be firm as the OPs of the city, and you will triumph over the ruffians and vagabonds.'* The O P dance and the sham fight were then renewed, with all the effect produced on a former occasion. " God save the King" and '' Rule Britannia were sung by nearly all the persons in the pit. The shouts which succeeded shook the theatre. After cheers for Clifford and O P, and the usual groans for the obnoxious party, they marched out, singing O P, and dispersed. Journal] covent garden journal, ^^"^ SIXTIETH NIGHT, December 7. The disturbance was renewed with equal vio- lence this evening. At the commencement of the Woodman, the play announced for this ev^ening's representation, about forty persons occupied the pit ; the opposi- tion was not however sufficient entirely to inter- rupt the performance, until half-price, when the pit immediately filled, and the discordant concert of horns, rattles, whittles, sticks, and trumpets, commenced, with their wonted harmony^ to enter- tain the audience. . The white night-caps again made their appear- ance; they were cheered on their entrance, and they apparently enjoyed the honour confered on them with as much satisfaction as the Grecian victors at the Olympic games. The O P ball was then opened, Vestris or Des- hayes might have acquired some information in the new art of dancing. The attitudes of the O P performers were distinguished by agility ; and the corps de ballet of the Opera never gained more applause from the nobility than did the pitites from the mobility in the galleries. Sham fights were exhibited in the usual style, and several real fights laid some of the combatants prostrate. A person in the first tier of boxes, on the ^7S COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. king's side, was taken oiit of the theatre, by the officers, for exclaiming " three cheers for Clif- ford!" When the curtain dropped, after the pantomime of Don Juan, the oppositionists sat down and sang '* God save the King," and *^ Rule Britannia." They then gave three cheers for Clifford, three cheers for Sergeant Best, and three for O P. The concomitant groans for Brandon and Co. succeeded. Several placards were exhibited during the evening, amongst the most prominent was : *' The foreman of Clifford's jury, Stephen Pitt, and may he ever be a favourite with the pitites." They then marched off, singing O P, and dis- persed. SIXTY-FIRST NIGHT, December 8. The Merchant of Venice and Tom Thumb the Great were represented this evening, and experi- enced a reception, similar to that of former enter- tainments. The boxes and galleries, which were filled early, manifested, at first, but little opposi- tion, but the pit, which even at half-price was not filled, exhibited the usual clamour. Every possible effort was made to prevent the actors from being heard. A young lawyer, Mr. Arthur Shakespear, in a barrister's wig, w as seized by the constables and Journal] covent garden journal. 279 held to bail: and another young man, named Cartwright, a bricklayer, was also taken for being active in the confusion. The latter made consi- derable resistance, though twenty constables actu- ally were employed for the purpose of seizing him; it is true he received no small assistance from the confraternity. Several placards, written in ex- tremely small characters, were held up during the night. Towards the conclusion of the farce a piece of stick was maliciously thrown at Munden, which narrowly missed his face. The usual canzonets, &c. were sung and danced, and the house was completely empty by eleven o'clock. SIXTY-SECOND NIGHT, T)ecember 9. The Exile was reproduced, and followed by the Portrait of Cervantes. At the accustomed period tumult usurped upon tranquillity. A horn was repeatedly blown with great science, and always served to sound *' Rally " to the flagging exertions of the OP s. Among the placards which issued forth were, " The boxkeeper in the wrong box," '^ B. C. Y, Be courageous Kemble must Yield." A blue silk standard was likewise hoisted in great 280 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. style, with the following inscription in gold letters: *' In a public theatre the public voice is the best law." A small placard, after having been handed about the pit, was thrown on the stage while Munden was performing, and several voices called upon him to take it up; he passed it however unnoticed. Another, intended for the same destination, fell into the orchestra and was immediately suppressed in progress by one of the Apollonian tribe. Towards the beginning of the farce, his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester entered the ma- nager's box, on the right of the stage, which being noticed by several O P s in the pit, they made a rush to the part and hailed his appearance with loud acclaim. His Highness looked towards the audience and bowed, which being more generally observed, the whole house joined in their ap- plauses till they almost shook **its concave." — After having been favoured with a sonorous chaunt of " God save the King," and a vigorous specimen of the modern school in dancing, his Highness again bowed and withdrew. Another gentleman, who was not known, attended his Highness. After his departure the noisy warfare was carried on with usual unabatement. A person with a tremendous false nose, exceeding those described by Slaukenbergius, and a monstrous counsellor's wig, created much risibility. He also occasionally mounted a white night-cap, and seemed to engage Journal.] covent garden journal. 5281 in earnest conversation Avith another man who wore a red silk handkerchief round his head. Towards the end of the farce a desperate fray took place, which was caused by the fruitless at- tempts of the police to seize the masked figure. A gentleman had his head very much cut by one of the constables, and another was forced out by the posse, but was afterwards set at liberty, not being the person intended to be seized. Two very tall and singular looking figures, in female attire, aided the noise considerably, and, being near the door of the pit, escaped during the scuffle. They afterwards returned, and, though generally sup- posed to be men, escaped the animadversions of the patrol^, except in so far as regarded their opinion, that ^' it would be better for the ladies to mind other affairs." After the fall of the curtain the tvvin Momusses exhibited their fantastic insig- nia with the addition of O P handkerchiefs worn round the shoulders as appropriate drapery. The O P s marched out from the theatre en corps to the tune of their favourite air, well whistled ; they were greeted by numerous specta- tors outside, assembled through curiosity. SIXTY-THIRD NIGHT, December 12. The stage still continues blockaded. Very little military parade, comparatively with former nights, 282 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoumaL was perceivable. Some old placards, like Mar- mion's pennon, " now fell, now rose ;" and few of the O P hat-bands were sported. The entrance to the pit has, for some time since, been infested with a gang of the light-fingered corps, who, under the pretence of the confused rushes, made hitherto in the police- battles, profited by their dexterity in the several lounges smd passes. One of them was this night detected in trespassing on a gentleman's silk pocket-handkerchief. Some of the Cyprian graces in the lobbies wore O P cestuses — quite a new article. From the entrance of the economists, the players very sensibly economized their voices. It is now the habit with the O P s to condense themselves into small parties, and sit in different parts, for the purpose propagandi jftdem, Mr. Winholt is yet constant in his attendance. After the fall of the curtain, a few cheers, groans, and songs, were given, without the possi- bility of distinguishing which was the soprano or bass, in either of the three exertions made by the human voice divine. About eleven o'clock, the protestants separated without much tumult, — with the seeming intent, however, of compelling the cellar to be opened as usual, or driving the managers to the necessity of putting the key under the door,^ •^See— "Tale of a Tub." Journal.] covent garden journal. 283 SIXTY-FOURTH NIGHT, December 12. During the comedy of John Bull, the highest decorum prevailed in the house, till second-price, except a joke from the upper part of the house, occasioned by the scene where Shuffleton presents the baronet with a pinch of snuif. A voice called out from the gallery, "Take care you dpn't sneeze." This caused a general laugh, as it alluded to late apprehensions of persons upon grounds of disturbance, by sneezing and coughing. When Job Thornberry asserts that he would stay in the baronet's house till the roof fell upon him, or some- body would come to him, the expression was in- stantly paraphrased by the O P s, who exclaimed, from the pit, "We'll stay here till the roof falls, for O P." Howling, shrieking, groaning, cat- calls, cock-crowing, and barking, were resorted to with great success during the farce. There were several mock attempts to turn out individu- als. A sham boxing-match, in one instance, big with portentous mischief, terminated in a mutual horse-laugh from the combatants, to the no small amazement of the company. No police-officers appeared. The only placard which was noticeable con- tained the inscription — " May the freedom of the people ever be under the protection of a jury." 284 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. The private boxes were considerably annoyed in the usual way, by pointing, hissing, and hoot- ing. Few of them contained any company. A few O P hats were distinguishable ; one with the full letters of '*01d Prices" cut out in paper. One of the sham martyrs to the turning-out system had previously half stripped himself, conformably to the ragged costume of appearance at the office in such cases. SIXTY-FIFTH NIGHT, December 13. The play, Every Man in his Humour, met with little interruption, and Cooke, as Kitely, received his merited share of applause, though a few up- roarious chieftains of the pit attempted to divert the attention of the audience by wearing O P handkerchiefs over their hats. A man, dressed in a coachman's coat and Welch wig, suffered himself to be pushed about the seats of the pit for the amusement of his partizans. The cries of *'Off, Off" and "Old Prices,*' were re-established with the same dull though furious monotony as on the first nights of this unprecedented contest. The disturbance became quite sufficient to destroy the effect of the music in Oscar and Malvina. Considering the bad muster of the pitites, their exertions were indeed very powerful. A person, who was making loud calls for the managers, was Journal.] covent garden journal. 285 soon managed by the constables ; but, on pro- mise of behaving more peaceably, was not taken out. The house was left by its noisy frequenters in the usual style of general enfilade, SIXTY-SIXTH NIGHT, December 14. This night marked an epoch, if it did not put a period to the uproar of this theatre. The house was very thinly attended; and the per- formance was pretty quietly heard till the half- price came in: they brought uproar with them ; and very soon several O Ps arrived from their dinner at the 'Crown and Anchor, and commu- nicated to the house the capitulation which Mr. Kemble had there offered. The audience did not choose to receive this intelligence from the mouth of any one but Mr. Kemble, and hence- forth the play was completely silenced, by a steady clamour for "■ Mr. Kemble! Mr. Kemble!" The overture to *' Tom Thumb" began; but the pit would hear nothing but Mr. Kemble, and actually compelled the musicians to break off. The curtain then drew up; but the actors could do nothing but walk through their parts. Mr. Munden had respect enough for the public to go up to the front row of the pit, and receive the wishes of the house, that Mr. Kemble should 286 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. appear. These he promised the pit to commu- nicate to that gentleman the moment he left the stage : and, as soon as he had done so, and just after the players had sung — " Ob, this is a day of jubilee cajollery." in stepped Mr. Kemble, and walked to the front of the stage. He was received with loud huzzas; and, when he was about to speak, with such noisy calls of " silence," that it was utterly im- possible to obtain what was desired, for many minutes. At length the preceptors of this silence condescended to practice what theypreach- •cd, and silence ensued. Mr. Kemble then addressed the house to the follo\\ ing effect : — *' Ladies and Gentlemen, I beg to apologize for appearing before you in a dress so little consonant to the very great respect which I entertain for you (applause). (Mr. Kemble appeared in boots and a great coat.) The circumstance could appear only from my total ignorance that I should, to night, have the honour of appearing before you (applause). I have this day had the honour of attending the gentlemen, who have been dining at the Crown and Anchor, and I have there had the honour of proposing what I shall now propose here ; that, the prices of admission to the boxes shall remain Journal.] covent garden journal, 287 at seven shillings, and that the old prices of ad- mission shall be taken for the pit." [This pro- position was received with a mixture of hisses and huzzas.] And Mr. Kemble proceeded to propose the restoration, to the public, of those private boxes, which they formerly possessed, and the stoppage of legal prosecutions, (in the very words of the advertisement, at the bottom, of this day's play-bills.) These terms of capi- tulation were received with huzzas by the pit, but did not seem to be relished by the boxes. The pit wanted nothing more than the discharge of Mr. Brandon, to which they repeatedly sum- moned Mr. Kemble's attention, without effect. That gentleman had scarcely left the stage, when he re-entered it, for the purpose, as it was sup- posed, of announcing that Mr. Brandon was discharged; but it was only to give out ** The Wheel of Fortune" for the following night. The pit was not to be cheated of their stipulation, as to Mr. Brandon, and again they had recourse to that uproar which gained them something. Mr. Munden, happening to be on the stage, was again made their mediator and ambassador; and a placard, inscribed, " Brandon discharged, ■' was handed to him, which he said he should, *' feel it his boundcn duty to deliver to Mr. Kemble." The audience sat down, uncovered, to hear Mr. Munden say this; a mark of respect, which they had previously paid to Mr. Kemble; and 288 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. when he had said it, they rose and gave *' three cheers for Mr. Munden." When Mr. Munden again appeared, he told them that he had sought Mr. Kemble, hut could not find him, and presently ushered to their notice Mr. Brandon himself. Astutus astw non capitU7\ Rage was up in arms at this imprudent appearance ; and although Mr. Brandon made " courteous action" and *' motioned his lips," not a word he said was heard. The pit made signs to him to depart, by waving their hands and sticks, till at last three or four canes and a hand- bell were thrown at him with great indigna- tion. Mr. Brandon thought it prudent to retire from these hostilities, and Mr. Henry Harris stepped forth to address the house: he was re- ceived with great tumult, and all that could be heard from him was, '' Mr. Brandon is a servant of my father." After he retired, the farce was huddled up, and the curtain dropped in up- roars worse than ever. The audience remained some time in the house, talking over the adventures of the night; the boxes considered themselves as no gainers at all by the treaty, and the pit changed their O P into a B D (Brandon discharged) dance. Journal.] covent garden journal. 289 SIXTY-SEVENTH NIGHT, Dec. 15. The comedy of the Wheel of Fortune was this night represented. Never was a theatre crowd- ed to such an excess. Upwards of two hun- dred persons, in different parts of the house, were excluded from the possibility of obtaining seats. Expectation reigned universal among this crowd- ed assemblage, as Mr. Kemble was to re-appear before the public, and to resume the exercise of his powerful talents. Previously to the commencement of the come- dy, several orators addressed the audience, but the most prominent among them was a gentle- man in the pit. The tenor of his argument ran upon the ne- cessity of dismissing Mr. Brandon from his official situation, and of exacting an apology from Mr. Kemble, for the presumed violation of public rights, which had occurred during this contest ; ** Content with these grants, " continued he, " we will sit down tranquilly with the olive branch in our mouths. " Upon the appearance of the musicians in the orchestra, the audience vociferously called for " God save the King. " The band complied, and nearly the whole house joined in that loyal effusion, which they executed with more just- S90 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal, ness, feeling, and expression, than on any pre- ceding night. Upon the drawing up of the' curtain, and the entree of Mr. Kemble, general applause prevailed for some time : however, after this ceased, symptoms of displeasure being mani- fested, Mr. Kemble stepped forward, and, finding the main cause of it to be the continuation of Brandon in his place, he assured them that gen- tleman HAD RESIGNED. This declaration was received with loud huzzas. At the beginning of the second act, as the tumult had not entirely subsided, Mr. Kemble again made his appearance, in his private charac- ter, and apologized to the audience for the violence and irregularities that had occurred, giving theni a solemn assurance^ that it should be his, and the other proprietors', first duty to counteract such in* fractions within the walls in future. He was rapturously applauded and the comedy proceed- ed uninterrupted, except by the novel circum- stance of greeting to each of the performers upon their appearance. In consequence of the audience complaining, that, by the pressure, they were grievously in- commoded by some iron spikes in the back part of the pit, Mr. Kemble assured them, that they should be removed. He had then the pleasure of beholding placards wave in the air, with the fol- lowing grateful inscription. ' "We are satisfied. '* Journal.] covent garden journal. 291 He bowed and went through his part with the greatest spirit and effect, and respectfully retired amid thunders of acclamation. " O ! semper instabile vulgus. " " O quantum mutatus ab illo, " who some time before was a vagabond and treated with the utmost contempt 1 ! Previously to the '' Blind Boy, " Mr. Winholt attempted to address the pitites, from the lower boxes, but they would not attend to him. Many of them exclaimed, " Mr. Kemble has behaved with candour and we are contented. " A few, who were anxious for the revival of a row, ex- claimed *' Hear Winholt. " He was, however, soon obliged to sit down. Some disapprobation was expressed during the representation of the ** Blind Boy, " and many vociferated, ** No Hew- etson ; No Blind Boy. " But the disturbers ex- pended all their breath in vain, and the house was cleared without the usual scene of noise and confusion. Thus have we brought the log-book of insur- rection to its latest date. If there be readers T 2 ^9^ COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. who sicken at repetitions, in the noctuary of these proceedings, all that we can say is, that things can only be expressed by correspondent words, and when there is a continuance of similar action there must, of necessity, be a continuance of the phraseology appropriate to its delineation. We now come to the celebration of that great conci- liatory event which has just been described, i OP Reconciliation Thinner to the Managers of Co'vent'Garden Theatre^ January 4, 1810. This day the theatrical reconciliation was cele- brated at the Crown and Anchor Tavern, where a very numerous assembly, amounting to between three and four hundred persons, dined together, to commemorate an event, which must at the same time contribute to the harmony of the pub- lic, and to the emolument of the managers, Mr. Clifford took the chair at five o'clock ; on the right of the Chairman were Messrs. Kemble and Harris, jun. The dinner, and the wines which followed, deserved considerable praise, and we believe gave general satisfaction. Indeed, after the storms which have lately been witnessed in Covent-Garden Theatre, it was pleasing to see so Journal.] covent garden jourjval. 293 many who had been involved in them, one way or other, met together to celebrate a lasting and cordial reconciliation ; while every one seemed anxious to bury in oblivion those heats and ani- mosities which were so violent during their con- tinuance, and which seemed to threaten such dis- agreeable consequences :— There could not be a more decided proof that even those who took a distinguished part in the late theatrical distur- bances, so far from being obdurate or vindictive, were ready to meet half way the offers of con- ciliation, and to bury all the past in perpetual ob- livion. After the cloth was drawn, the first toast was *Hhe King," which was drank with applause. ^ The next was '* the voice of the people." Mr. Clifford. — ** Gentlemen, we are all so much interested in the present toast, that I hope you will drink it with three times three." This address was followed by great applause, and the toast was drank with enthusiasm. A song — ** Pat. Murphy the piper," by Mr. Jones. Toast — ^' The stage," with three : — great ap- plause. Next toast. — ** The ancient and unalienable judicature of the pit," drank with three times three, and continued applause. A glee — ** Glo- rious Apollo," by three gentlemen, the most pro- minent words of which were — *' Unity and Joy," 294! COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal, and which, as heing symbolical of the meeting, were rapturously applauded. Mr. Clifford. — *' Gentlemen, I beg your se- rious attention to the toast I am about to propose, and I am sure you will drink it with as much pleasure as I now propose it, for certainly no toast can be more appropriate to our present meet- ing, nor worded with more propriety than it is — Gentlemen, " May this happy reconciliation be of equal advantage to the public in amusement, and to the proprietors in emolument." — Drank with three times three, and with loud and con- tinued applause. Mr. Kemble then rose, amidst general plaudits from all parts of the room, and addressed the company as follows; — '' Gentlemen, Mr. Harris and myself concur most cordially in the toast now given, and we beg to have the honour of most respectfully drinking your healths." — (Ap- plause.) A song — " There was a lady,'* by Mr. Jones. Toast — " The immortal memory of Shake- speare," drank with enthusiasm. A Mr. Green then favoured the company with a political song of considerable humour, on the late Parisian farce of ** Napoleon's divorce of Josephine." This parody on Napoleon's speech to his senate, and his wish to obtain a more pro- lific consort than his late one, was conducted Journal] covent garden journal. 295 with considerable humour, and produced corres* ponding laughter. Mr. Miller then rose — " Gentlemen, I am about to propose a toast, which lam confident you will drink with as much pleasure as that with which I now propose it, — ^* Our worthy chair- man, Mr. Clifford." Drank with three times three, and universal and continued applause. Mr. Clifford then rose, amidst loud and reiter* ated plaudits, and addressed the company as follows ; — ^' Gentlemen, — I return you most sincerely my thanks for the honour you have done me, in placing me in my present situation, and for the kind and flattering manner in which you have done me the honour to drink my health. I con* sider it as very unfortunate for me, that it is per* haps necessary for the chairman of such a meet- ing as the present to say something more than merely return you thanks for the honour you have done me, and to add something on the sub- ject that has called us together. I consider this as rather unfortunate, as no man wishes more than I do to bury in oblivion all that has happened ; and I should be extremely unhappy if any thing fell from me, on the present occasion, that could even be tortured into any thing like a severe re* collection of what has passed, by any one that hears me. (Applause.) But there is one thing collateral to those unpleasant animosities v/hich 296 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. I cannot help mentioning, though I hope these differences themselves will henceforward be con- signed to oblivion. Gentlemen, you all know it was my lot to be plaintiff in an action arising out of these unpleasant circumstances. All I know of the proceedings in that action is derived from the newspaper reports of it, which you your- selves may have also seen. From these reports, I understand, it was publicly said, that I went to the theatre as the leader of an infuriated mob, combined to destroy all private property, to con- vulse society at large, even to overthrow the con- stitution, and to subvert the monarchy. (No ! No ! you did not, cried a number of voices.) Such, however, Gentlemen, was the purport of what you must have all seen stated in the news- papers. Now. I recollect full well, and you must recollect also, that, when Mr. Wardle brought forward his most important investigation in the House of Commons, Mr. Canning introduced a true, but a dangerous, expression, ** that infamy much attach somewhere." Now, gentlemen, I must appeal to you, if the calamity of my being the leader of a dangerous and infuriated mob can attach to me? — (No! No!) — On the contrary, I believe I have the voice even of the theatre itself, of you, of the public, from the Orkneys to the Land's End, that no such calumny does attach to me. (Applause.) Why then. Gentle- men, if it does not attach to me, it must attach Journal.] covent garden journal. 2.97 somewhere; and let it attach somewhere, not like a bright and brilliant star, but like a dim and baleful halo, round the head of him who dared to utter such a calumny. I have only one thing more to say, and that shall be on the sub- ject of popular applause. On the occasion of a late trial, I was surprised to hear the Attorney- General charge the counsel for the plaintiff (Mr. Wardle) with a wish to catch at popularity ; while the counsel denied it, and assigned for his reason, that the breath of popular applause was too often bestowed without a reason, and with- drawn without a fault, that it was an honour as easily gained as withdrawn ; but, gentlemen, I do. not know one instance of such thoughtless fickleness. The truth is, the observation is a sophism founded on this, that the enemies of the people wish it to be believed, that popularity is merely an attachment to the individual, and not to the cause in which he is engaged. (Applause.) Give me, if you can, an instance in which any man continued steadily labouring in support of the great cause of the rights and liberties of the people, and the public applause was withheld from him. But when the people find that their interests are merely used as a kind of stalking- horse, to conceal the real object ; that they are merely treated as a ladder to mount the summit of ambition, which is kicked from under them as soon as the object is reached, then are the just 2.98 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoumaK clamour and disappointment of the people as great and as loudly expressed as the applause by which their former favourite was raised. Was it fit, then, to talk of the fickleness of popular ap- plause ? The change was not in the people, but in the man himself, and such a person, who com- plained of the fickleness of the people, reminds me of the landsman, who, on his first going to sea, thinks that the land is removing from him, while he is at rest, when the fact was exactly the reverse ; and, in the same way, the man who de- serts the people, and goes over to the treasury, is alone in motion, while you are steady ; he is the apostate, while you remain fixed to your principles. (Applause.) True popularity is ijot that which merely arises from the subject of thp day, but from a tried, constant, and steady ad- herence to the rights of the people, at all times and on all occasions. Right or wrong, this is my idea of popularity, and, as I have been charged with courting it by undue means, I have thought this not an improper opportunity for giving you my opinion on the subject. Not being quite well at present, I feel myself almost ex- hausted even by the little that I have said, and I shall therefore detain you no longer. The part which I have had in the business of this recon-^ ciliation will always be a source of peculiar gra« tification to me. I heard that there were greai disturbances at the theatre, I went to it, and, at Journal] covent garden journal. 299 last, was drawn into the heats which these dis- turbances gave rise to ; but it will ever be a source of consolation to me that I have not fo- mented, that I have not forwarded, them, that I have not widened the breach ; but that, on the contrary, I have had a share in restoring that harmony and peace between the proprietors and the public, which we are met to commemo- rate this evening. I now return you my sincere thanks for the honour you have done me, and have the honour of drinking all your good healths." Mr. Clifford's speech was received with loud and reiterated bursts of applause. A gentleman then rose, whose name we learned was a Mr. Bonnar, of the Post-office, and begged leave to congratulate the company on the accom- phshnient of the great and original object of their meeting. It gave him great pleasure to reflect on the happy results of their last meeting, and he was no less pleased on the subsequent adver* tisement, that so many individuals, of a liberal mind, should have crowded together for the pur- pose of celebrating the happy reconciliation that^ had been effected. He trusted that so much li- berality having been shewn on the part of the public, they would have no hesitation to com- plete the work they had begun, and to shew effectually that liberality, of which they had given so favourable a specimen. He was about to speak in favour of an individual connected 300 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. with the theatre, and he feared that, if strict justice were required, his cause would failof suc- cess : but, when he appealed to the liberaHty of the company present, he trusted that what he had to offer, would not be heard without due at- tention. In making the proposition, he acted merely as an O P. He was to all intents and pur- poses an independent man ; he had no connection with the theatre, nor with any man belonging to it, and could have no motive distinct from those of a public nature for calling their attention to the subject. He invited investigation, and that investigation related to an individual that had not been included in the general amnesty lately agreed to. (Great noise, and in several quarters, Bravo !) If they were ever to distinguish between persons employed and their employers, now was the proper time. He would appeal to the candour of the gentleman who now so honourably filled the chair: in his legal suit for damages and redress, that gentleman had resorted immediately to the principals, and had obtained redress. Upon what principle of equity or justice then could they, after having made peace with the principals, continue to prosecute their resentment towards those who had been only acting servants on the part of them with whom they had agreed tp a reconcihation. (Great and continued noise and uproar.) The chairman then rose, and, after obtaining a Journal.] covent garden journal. 301 partial silence, stated that it was his wish, and for the honour and decorum of the meeting, that every man should be heard who had any thing to offer relative to the object of their present meeting. The gentleman addressing them had not as yet been very exphcit; but if they would allow him twenty minutes longer, he might then perhaps get through his exordium, and inform them what he meant to propose. He begged that, injustice, they would listen to the gentleman, and, if possible, learn what he intended to sub- mit to them. Mr. Bonnar, in continuation, observed, that he should come to the point in a much shorter time than that mentioned by the honourable chairman. His exordium would be very short. He had only to say, that they did not act here individually, they were representatives of John Bull ; and from the attachment he had to that personage, he was anxious they should do nothing derogatory to his feelings or honour. The case to which he wished to allude, was that of Mr. Brandon. (Loud hisses, and cries of hear ! hear ! and bravo !) He was aware that it might be said, that this objection to Mr. Brandon was not for his having discharged his duty as a person in the employ of Covent-Garden Theatre, but to the manner in which he had discharged that duty. (Loud cries, it was so ! the manner! the manner!) He requested gentlemen to consider, 302 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Joumal. that Mr. Brandon's situation had been a very try- ing one, in which the passions were called into play, and they all knew how far the best of men might go in such circumstances. (No Brandon ! No Brandon ! and cries of hear ! hear ! hear !) The uproar continued for some time. Mr. Clifford again rose, and having restored order, stated that he had wished to hear the gen- tleman, in order to avoid every appearance of partiality; but the meeting being now in posses- sion of what was meant, as the object of this Speech, he would observe, that the present was a meeting of harmony and good humour, intended to celebrate the happy reconciliation between the theatre and the pubHc, that had taken place. The meeting was, therefore, meant to be every way social and pleasant, and that very point to which the gentleman had alluded had been de- bated among those gentlemen who had been among the foremost to call this meeting, and who, considering the diversity of opinion that might and did subsist with respect to it in the public mind, had determined to waive any propo- sition, in the present circumstances, on the subject. They foresaw that it would lead to discussions that ought, at this time, to be avoided. They had entered into a treaty with the principals, and he should be sorry to see the harmony that was now evidently restored in- terrupted by any ;*uch discussions. If what he Journal.] covent garden journal. 303 had stated accorded with the sentiments of the meeting, he should proceed to the great business of the day, which was to promote hilarity, by calling for a song. Mr. Bonnar here attempted to explain and pro- ceed, but was wholly overpowered by loud and reiterated cries of disapprobation. The chairman then proposed the following toast : " May a brow- beating judge ever be op- posed by an enlightened and impartial jury," which was drank with three times three, amid the most rapturous applause. The duet of "All's Well" was then sung, in fine style, by Mr. Jones and Mr. Hill, and warmly applauded. The chairman next proposed the following toast : " The bill of rights, and condign punish- ment to those magistrates who infringe on the rights of the subject, by requiring excessive bail." It here appeared that the considerable noise and confusion that had taken place in a certain part of the room was owing to some attempt that had been made to turn out a Mr. Gibbons, •who, during the riots, had distinguished himself by some informations at Bow-street. Gibbons was obliged to withdraw to the lower end of the room. The chairman observed, that all the toasts that had been handed to him had now been 304 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [JoUllial. drank. They had been of a general nature, and he believed that it was the wisest plan that could have been adopted on such an occasion. Before he left the room, however, he should beg leave to propose one or two of a more personal nature, to which he was sure they would have no ob- jection, and, at the same time, begged leave to apologize for withdrawing at an hour that might be deemed early, on account of a partial indis- position he had laboured under for some days. He then gave the health of Mr. Kemble and Mr. Harris, which was drank with the greatest enthusiasm, and amid loud applause. Mr. Kemble observed, that though he had already had the honour of thanking them on a similar occasion, it was with renewed pleasure and satisfaction he now returned them his warm- est thanks, and begged leave to drink their good healths. (Applause.) Mr. Harris returned his most sincere thanks for the honour they had done him, and expressed his heartfelt satisfaction at being present at a meet- ing, by which every difference was happily ob- literated that had unfortunately subsisted between the public and the theatre of Covent Garden. (Loud applause.) Mr. Hill was then called on for a song, which was much applauded. Mr. Clifford now with- drew, followed by Mr. Kemble, Mr. Harris, and a great majority of the company. ^ Journal] covent garden journal, 305 Mr. Scott was afterwards called to the chair, and a very social party formed, when the song and glee were renewed in great spirit, and convi- viality protracted till a late hour. Mr. Clifford left the room about nine o'clock. ACCOUN'T OF THE PROCEEDINGS AT THE PUBLIC-OFFICE, BOJV-STREET, Against Persons taken into Custody, At COVENT-GARDEN THEATRE, On Charges of RIOT, S^c, BOW-STREET, September 19, I8O9. A number of young men were brought before the sitting magistrate, charged with aiding and abetting the riot at Covent-Garden Theatre last night. The most serious charge was against a young man who is a clerk in the office of the commander- in-chief, it being alleged that he was discovered kicking one of the box-doors off the hinges. The prisoner pleaded inebriation and the inducement of general example, which led him to mix in the police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 307 clamour. He acknowledged his error and ex- pressed regret at it, but was ordered to find bail, which he did accordingly. The other charges were for making a noise, at- tempting to extinguish the candles, and other such misdemeanors. The prisoners had been all night in custody; and, upon procuring bail for their appearance at the sessions, were discharged. September ^3. Charles Zagnani, an apprentice to a gold- smith, and John Gooday, shopman to a linen- draper in Cheapside, were this day brought be- fore J. Nares, Esq. charged with behaving in a riotous and disorderly manner, at the new theatre, on the preceding night. The complaint against Zagnani was that he, and several others, remained in the one-shilling gal- lery of Covent-Garden Theatre a considerable time after the performance was over, making a great noise, and that Zagnani took alighted candle from one of the sconces suspended from the gal- lery. The prisoner Gooday, it appeared, also continued in the theatre after the conclusion of the performance, standing up in front of one of the lower boxes, and making a great noise with a watchman's rattle ; that he then went into the pit, where he held up a banner, with the follow- ing inscription upon it : — uSI 308 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [^^^^^6. " No Italian depravity or French duplicity — native talent and the old prices." The magistrate thought their conduct highly censurable, and ordered them both to find bail . October 9. This night a gentleman, named Scott, was brought from the theatre before Mr. Read, the sitting magistrate, charged with disturbing the performance, &c. Mr. Brandon, the box-keeper, stated his having made particular remarks on the behaviour of the prisoner, this and the two preceding nights. By fixing placards in front of the boxes, he consider- ably added to the riotous agitation of the audi- ence. Upon the corroboration of this statement, by another witness, Mr. Scott was ordered to find bail, which he did, himself in four hundred pounds and two sureties in two hundred pounds each. He was also charged with an assault upon two gentle- men in the same box with him, and obliged to procure similar bail as to the above. A young gentleman, named Patmore, was charged by Solomon Hinds, a Jew, with an as- sault. The prosecutor stated, that, being in the pit, and observing a gentleman distributing a quantity of printed papers, he snatched a parcel of them from him ; but, being immediately beset Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 309 by numbers, was driven into the pit-passage, where Mr. Patmcwe, the prisoner, was, and struck him on the hand with a stick. This statement Mr. Patmore positively denied, and said that he had only that instant come in at half-price. Solomon Hinds being positive as to having re- ceived the blow from Mr. Patmore, he was ordered to find bail, upon procuring which he was dis- charged. October 10. A poor-looking creature of the name of An- drews was this evening brought, in custody of the officers, before Mr. Read, charged with dis- tributing the following inflamatory hand-bill, in the avenues of the theatre. MENDOZA AND KEMBLE. " It is a notorious fact that the managers of Covent Garden Theatre have, both yesterday and to day, furnished Daniel Mendoza, the fighting Jew, with a prodigious number of pit-ordet^s, for Covent Garden Theatre, which he has distributed to Dutch Sam, and such other of the pugilistic tribe as would attend and engage to assault every person who had the courage to express their dis- approbation of the managers' attempt to ram down the new prices. This shameful abuse in the ma- 510 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC. nagers shall be proved to the satisfaction of the Lord Chamberlain,— Oct. 10, I8O9. " Mr. Brandon attended at this charge, and de- nied the contents of the above bill to be true. He stated on his oath, that to his knowledge, no such orders were issued by Mr. Kemble ; and that, if such orders had been issued, for the above pur- pose, he must of necessity h^ve known it. Andrews, in his defence, said the hand-bills were given to him by a gentleman near the Royal Exchange, with a shilling for his trouble, to dis- tribute them near the theatre; that, observing the name of a respectable printer to them, he consi^ dered he was not doing wrong in circulating them ; that he got his bread by distributing bills, having, for the last fifteen months, been engaged by Mr. Bish, who he made no doubt would give him a character. The magistrate inquired if he would give up the name of the gentleman who employed him. An- drews affirmed that it was unknown to him; and, in default of being able to find bail, he was com- mitted. IJe is a singular-looking object, being without a nose. Mr. Uj-ackburn, of the Borough, wascharged with coming into the boxes at half-price, and ringing a dustman's bell — He was ordered to fiad bail. Mr. Hewetson, the author of the Blind Boy, charged Messrs. Herbejit andMossiNEAy with Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 311 assaulting him at the theatre. They gave a counter-charge against him for assaulting them. The affray between the parties happened by Mr. Hewetson going out, during the beginning of the opera, and on his return Messrs. Herbert and Mossineau M^ere, with the crowd, waiting to go in at half-price. A dispute arose about Mr. Hewetson passing them. The two gentlemen were ordered to find the rioters' bail, but bail was accepted for Mr. Hewetson in twenty pounds himself, and his surety (Mr, Bra7idon) twenty pounds ! ! ! A Clerk in the Navy-Office was also charged with riotous behaviour in the theatre, and ordered to find bail, which he accordingly did, and was discharged. October 12. This evening Mr. Read attended soon after ten o'clock. A gentleman, who said his name was Des.aiard, was brought from the theatre, in cus- tody of an officer, charged with making distur- bances in the boxes. William Hewetson, of Battersea, Surrey, Esq. said that, after the conclusion of the opera, the prisoner, who was in the front of one of the boxes, in the lower circle, got up, and, standing upon the cushion of the front box, addressed those in the pit in nearly the following words: — ^* Gentlemen, this is the thirteenth night that you have met here 312 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL, [PolicC. with the most decided opposition to the new prices. Gentlemen, I neither fear Mr. Kemble nor Bow-Street — " (here the bell rang and the curtain drew up.) The effect of his speaking caused the people in the pit to cheer him, and cry out — '* Bravo, go on," which, with others ex- pressing disapprobation of his conduct, certainly created a tumult in the house for the time he was speaking. This statement was confirmed by Baron Peiltzar, of the Nine Elms, Vauxhall, and Mr. Brandon. He was ordered to find bail. Alexander Cheeke, coal-merchant, of Hack- ney, was charged by Peter Fisher, of Castle- Street, Leicester- Square, with hanging a paper over the front of a box on the fourth circle, with the assistance of another person ; and that then, .standing up and waving his hat to the people in the pit, he said — '' Now my boys, a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether," which was im- mediately followed^by shouting from the pit and from other parts of the house, produced, as he supposed, by Mr. Cheeke speaking. This was confirmed by Mr. James Osborn, of Aldersgate- Street, and Mr. Bennet. Ordered to find bail. Thomas Waugh was charged with assaulting Richard Wood in the pit : the latter stated that the prisoner struck him with a stick on his head and on his hand ; there was a great noise and con- fusion in the pit at the time, and he observed him strike several other people. Ordered to find bail \ \ Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 313 William Burslem was charged by Towns- hend, the officer, who said that, during the per- formance, he heard a whistle blown ; and, going into the passage between the basket-boxes and the front, he saw Mr. Burslem standing in one of the basket-boxes, and, after some time, saw him put the whistle to his mouth and whistle very loud. ^Townshend went round into the box and stood next the prisoner, who whistled twice more, but not so loud. He then laid hold of him, and, with the assistance of a party of the patrole, who were in attendance, took him out of the boxes, the audience being much annoyed by the noise he had made. Ordered to find bail. Charles Pocock, of Cheapside, was charged with a similar offence by Mr. Gibbons, of Mary- lebone Park, v/ho stated that he observed Mr. Pocock, in the first circle of the boxes, blowing a whistle, which disturbed him and the rest of the audience very much. There was a great noise and disturbance in the house at the time, which Mr. Pocock encouraged by calling out encore^ and kicking the seats with great violence. Ordered to find bail. James Silverthorne, Kensington-Gravel- Pits, belonging to the Post-Office,was charged by Thomas Hunt, one of the patrole, with blowing a whistle in the one-shilling gallery, second seat from the front; he, in consequence, got down 314 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC, from the back and seized him, when the prisoner . dropped the whistle. Ordered to find bail. Samuel Stallard, of Smithfield, stock-broker, was brought, in the custody of Smith, one of the patrole, charged with blowing a horn. George White, jun. of Park-street, Westmin- ster, said he heard a horn blowing in one of the dress boxes by the prisoner ; he had no doubt of his identity ; he blew it very bad. He got hold of the horn and endeavoured to wrest it from him, but received a violent blow upon his arm, which obliged him to let it go. The door of the box wa» soon after opened, and he gave charge of the pri- soner to the patrole. Mr. Gibbons said he observed the prisoner, in one of the dress boxes : his conduct was extremely violent ; indeed he encouraged the disturbance in the pit, by leaning over the front of the box, and exciting the audience in the pit to go on, Mr. Gibbons remonstrated with him upon the impro- priety of his conduct, as there was no disturbance in other parts of the house at the time. The pri- soner replied, that the managers were a set of blackguards, for he had purchased, of one of their hired ruffians in the street, for five shillings, an order, signed by Mr. Harris, to admit two to the boxes : and that this business would end in blood, for the managers had hired a gang of Jews, and all the ruffians in London. Several gentlemea proved his blowing a horn. Mr. Graham ordered him to find bail, himself Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 315 in fivQ hundred pounds, and two sureties in two hundred and fifty pounds each. All the others entered into recognizances, them- selves in one hundred pounds, and two sureties in fifty pounds each. Mr. Humphries is retained by the managers to conduct the prosecution. October 13. Mr. Morris Thomas, a gentleman of respec- tability, residing in Elm-Court, Temple, was brought up, on a charge of disturbing the peace and quiet of the theatre, by hooting, hissing, and kicking against the partition which separates the dress-boxes from the basket, during the perform- ances, Mr. Thomas submitted to the consideration of the magistrates the injustice and arbitrary in- terposition of the poUce-officers, to prevent the exercise of the fair opinion of the audience, re- specting the performances in the theatre, as a conduct which was completely subversive of the rights of Englishmen, in a British theatre. He did not deny that he had kicked and hooted at the performance; on the contrary, he avowed that he did so, from a principle of unbiassed judgment. As, however, the charge was brought forward, he must insist on meeting it in the open 316 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC. day. He had been dragged, ignominiously, out of the theatre, in a manner so rudely, that the most outrageous conduct, on his part, would not have warranted. Bail, to any amount, he was ready to put in, and he trusted the magistrates would not compromise the affair. Mr. Graham said, that, in his capacity of magistrate, he was merely ministerial, and, there- fore, it was not in his province to enter into a consideration of the justice or injustice of the conduct of the proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre ; all that he had to do was to determine upon the charge presented before him. From every attention he could give it, he saw no ground for charging him with any unlawful expression of his sentiments in the theatre, and therefore intimated to him that he was now discharged. The son of Mr. Soame, the architect, in Lincohi's-Inn Fields, was ordered to give sureties, himself in fifty pounds, to answer a charge of riot and disturbance, by hissing and hooting during the performances. Thomas High man, a footman in livery, was dismissed upon a charge of exhibiting, from the two-shilling gallery, two placards, on which were inscribed, " Covent Garden Synagogue, " and '* Jews and Gentiles;" the evidence was not sufficient to identify the prisoner with the fact. A young man, named Rjcharp Vinall, a Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 317 clerk in a public office, was ordered to find bail for riotous conduct, and for exhibiting placards in the pit. October 14. Messrs. Thomas and William Smith, of the Chapter House, St. Paul's Church Yard, were charged, by Mr. Bennet, of Carey-street, who said he was in the pit, and, during the perform- ance, he observed both the prisoners, in company together, in the lower dress boxes, where one of them held up a placard, upon a stick, which immediately produced a general huzza from diffe- rent parts of the house, particularly from the boxes and pit ; he observed some writing upon the placard, but what the words were he could not tell: he endeavoured to snatch the placard, but could not obtain it, when he who held it up struck him with his stick : witness then went into the boxes and had this person secured. The other prisoner, William Smith, assisted in holding up the placard, and afterwards held up a placard himself, with the words *^ No new prices" written on it, which produced huzzaing and great noise, and tumult in the pit. Mr. Hewetson, of Battersea, said, he was in one of the lower boxes, and, after half price, the two gentleman charged, in company with others. 318 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC^ came into the box where he was. They soon began to make a great noise, by calling out, " Off, off; no Jews. " While the witness was en- deavouring to tear down a placard, which was held up in the pit, they abused him very much. Mr. Thomas Smith ^nd another gentleman then held up a large placard, and Mr. William Smith held up a small one, on which were the words, " No new prices ; " the effect produced by this was great shouting, noise, and tumult, from the pit and boxes at the same time, which continued long, and which was so great as to cause ladies to leave the boxes. Henry FuUion, an officer in the East-India Company's service ; Charles Heak, of March- mont-street, Brunswick-square; Francis Austin, of Holborn-court, Gray's Inn ; and Francis Pike, of King-street, Covent Garden; were questioned, and all, with the exception of the first named Mr. Fullion, agreed in asserting, that Mr, Thomas Smith did not hold up any placard. Mr. Read ordered both the prisoners to find bail, themselves in one hundred pounds, and two sureties in fifty pounds each, which they did, by the arrival of some friends, and were discharged. FORGED ORDERS. John Dale and Joseph Fletcher, clerks to Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 319 Messrs. Allen and Wilson, of Bond-street, tai- lors, were charged with offering a forged order, at the pit-door, to admit two, written as follows : Admit two, pit; J. Brandon: Saturday, Oct. 14, I8O9. It was immediately discovered, by the door* keeper, not to be the hand writing of either of the Messrs. Brandon, and he gave the prisoner into the custody of Smith, the conductor of the pa- trole. Mr. James and Mr. John Brandon attended, and proved that the order was not written by either of them. The prisoners solemnly declared they did not know it was a forgery, but that it was given them as a genuine order. This was confirmed by Mr. Newcomb, an attorney, of Vine-street, Piccadilly, who stated, that he had every reason to believe that the order was written by a lad of the name of Charles Hine, who had done it out of a frolick; and he believed the order was written in his office, that afternoon, but without his knowledge ; in fact, the lad had told him that he wrote the order as a trick upon "rtie prisoners. Mr. Newcomb proposed, that he and one of their masters would be answerable for the prisoners appearance, on Monday, when the lad should be brought forward : this was agreed to by Mr. Brandon, and they were liberated. 320 COVENT- GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC. October 16. This day, the two young men, above-named, charged with forging pit-orders, were in attend- ance. Henry Hine, from whom the lads said they obtained the order, appeared, and acknow- ledged that he had written the order merely for the purpose of quizzing those lads. He declared he never saw Mr. Brandon's hand-writing, nor had he the slightest intention of defrauding the theatre ; he had no expectation whatever that the order would pass, or that any worse consequence would follow than the disappointment of the young men. Mr. Read observed, that many injurious reports had gone forth, of orders having been issued by Mr. Brandon for sinister purposes, which rumours probably originated in forgeries of this nature ; some step therefore became necessary to check such abuses. The young man solemnly declared his total ig- norance of any such practice, further than the order he had foolishly written in a mere joke. The magistrate answered, that, even so, he ex- posed himself to be prosecuted for a misdemeanor, and he therefore held him to bail, by two sureties, in one hundred pounds each. Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 321 October I7. Mary Austin was charged with making dis- turbances in the one-shilling gallery by springing a rattle. Robert Fry, one of the patroles, said that he was in the one-shilling gallery, and observed the prisoner making a great noise by hallooing, shout- ing, and springing a small rattle. Prisoner said a young man of the name of Smith, in South- ampton-street, lent her the rattle. Fry's state- ment was confirmed by Robert French, a car- penter belonging to the theatre. — Ordered to find bail. Francis Hall was brought up, in custody of Anthony, who said that the prisoner was at the door of the office when a man was brouo:ht there in custody; and, upon his being refused admittance, insisted upon coming in, saying it was a public office. He made a great noise, and excited a number of persons, gathered round the office in consequence of the disturbance at the theatre, to hoot, shout, and cause a great tu- mult. — Ordered to find bail. Francis Tricker, of Worship-street, Shore- ditch, was charged by Mr. James Brandon witji making a disturbance in the theatre. Mr. B. stated, that, at the beginning of the fourth act X S22 COVENT GAHDEN JOURNAL. [PollCC. of Richard III. and while there was a great noise of whistles and catcalls in the two-shilling gallery, he went up, with Joseph Townshend, the patrole, to the back of the said gallery, and saw the prisoner blowing a whistle or catcall for above a quarter of an hour. Joseph Townshend confirmed this statement. — Ordered to find bail. Same Night. The orator who, in naval uniform, addressed the pit at Covent Garden Theatre, was this night, a little before twelve o'clock, brought up for examination. The persons who accompanied him from the theatre having left him at the Cecil- street Cofi'ee-house, in the Strand, John Smith, one of the patroles who followed among the crowd, apprehended him as soon as his friends had de- serted him. After considerable difficulty on the part of Mr. Read and Mr. Graham to make him tell his name, he said it was Samuel Dudfield, assistant to Messrs. Kirk & Co, druggists, and that he lodged at Mrs. Bar- ber's, Bunhill-row. From what cause this young man has assumed the dress, manners, and lan- guage, of a naval officer is a mystery yet to be explained. Mr. William Folkard, of Great Queen-street, Lincoln's-Inn Fields, ironmonger, said, that, this Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 323 evening, he observed the prisoner in the pit, making a great noise and disturbance during the whole of the performance; that, at the con- clusion, he stood up on one of the benches in the pit, and, after calling silence, he addressed the audience. He commenced with noticing his having obtained a former hearing, spoke at con- siderable length respecting the advance in the price of admission, and concluded with hoping that the approaching jubilee might not be tar- nished by theatrical tyranny, and desired the au- dience to give three cheers to his majesty, for protecting their great rights, while they protected their lesser ones. The audience cheered accord- ingly, and then they agreed, particularly those in the pit, to take care of him, which they ac- tually did,- by carrying him out of the theatre in triumph. Thomas Carpenter, of New-street, Covent Garden, saw the prisoner in the pit after the performance, standing up and haranguing the audience; and, addressing himself particularly to the galleries, requested them to join with those on the quarter-deck, meaning the pit, and they would make the admiral of the new prices strike, or knock under. He concluded by saying that he would head them in the Piazza, exhorting at the same time to persevere in the cause they had begun. x2 324 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PoHce. James Osborne, of Aldersgate-street, said he saw the prisoner in the same circumstances de- scribed by the foregoing deponent, and that, among other expressions, on Monday night, he said ^' D n my eyes, my lads, if we can get within our grapphng irons fairweather Jack, we will bring him to book." In his speech this even- ing, among other things, he said, " Persevere, my lads, and you will be successful;" and finish- ed in the manner deposed to by the former witness. At his concluding there was a general \. huzza and cry of ''Take care of him." The noise and tumult, after his address, were similar to that after half-price, and so loud that not a word could be heard of the performance. Ordered to find bail, himself in 200/. and two sureties in 100/. each; in default of which the pri- soner was committed. October 18. A brewers derk, named James Caulfield, living in the service of Mr. Lyons, of the Nep- tune brewery. Bell-walk, Shad well, was brought lip on a charge of rioting at Covent Garden Theatre. The prisoner was taken out of the boxes by Nichols, the officer, who detected him in ad- dressing the audience in the pit, and exhibiting Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 525 his watch, to which was attached a large purple ribbon, by way of watch- string, inscribed on which were the words *' Old Prices" in gold letters. For half an hour he continued his speeches at intervals, and, at the close of the performance, be wished the audience a good night in a loud voice, which produced a universal shout of *' Take care of him," " Protect him ;" and he withdrew, accompanied by several persons from the boxes. Shortly afterwards he again entered the boxes, at the opposite side of the house, and chanced to come within one or two of that wherein Nichols was, who immediately took him into cus- tody. This statement was corroborated by two other witnesses. The prisoner did not deny that he had ex^ hibited his watch-chain, which was given him he said by his sweetheart; but declared that his conduct was otherwise pacific and orderly during the whole evening. October I9. The only theatrical case presented this even- ing for the consideration of the magistrates was that of a journeyman currier, named Richard Draper, who was charged by Mr. Brand ott with annoying the audience, from the one-shil- 326 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC. ling gallery, by the vociferous chaunt of God save the King, during the performance on the stage. Mr. Brandon stated, that his remonstrance with the prisoner had no effect ; that he received abusive answers from him, and that he repeated his advice to no purpose, as the prisoner, in de- fiance thereof, continued making a considerable noise. Upon the entrance of half-price, and the first ebullition of disapprobation from the people in the pit, the prisoner in the most triumphant manner exclaimed, " Now the bl — dy row be- gins." And, having wetted his throat with some porter, which he had in a bottle, he set up a hideous howl in concert with the pitites. Under these circumstances Mr. Brandon charged him in custody of an ofhcer. He attempted to escape by removing two or three seats lower in the gal- lery, but was immediately seized and conducted Qut of the house. The above statement was corroborated by two other persons present who witnessed the conduct of the prisoner. For want of bail he was fully committed to Toth ill -fields prison. He was in a state of in- toxication. Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 3^7 October 24. Mr. John Jackson, .some years since well known as a celebrated prize-fighter, was brought in the custody of Donaldson before Mr. Read, charged with violently assaulting Mr. James Sa- vage, of Walsingham-place, on the Surrey side of Blackfriers Bridge. Mr. Savage stated, that, on the evening of the 18th of September, the time when Covent Garden Theatre opened, he went to the boxes of that theatre. When the performance had concluded, he was in the front row of one of the front boxes, and the pressure was so great that he and others, who were in the front rows, were obliged to stand on the cushions some time. A person came behind him, pulled him by his coat, and told him he was in- juring his property, in standing upon the cushions; he replied that, if he were injuring his property, he was wiUing to make it good, as it was impossible to stand any where else, the crowd was so extremely great. In a few minutes after that, he was seized by the collar, by a man whom he did not know, and turned out of the theatre. At the time he was turned out of the theatre, he saw Macmanus; the officer. In two days after, he saw Macmanus again, and inquired of him whether he knew who it was that turned him out of the theatre, when he replied it was Jackson the prize-fighter. 328 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC. A few days since he saw Macmanus again, when he repeated the same description of the man, and said that it was Jackson. Mr. Read asked Mr. Savage, whether Mr. Jackson, who stood by his side, was the person who turned him out of the theatre ? To which he rephed, to the great astonishment of every one present, that he did not know. Mr. Jackson, in his defence, said, that, on the 18th of September he dined with General Gwynne, Colonel M'Donel, Captains Barclay and Han- bury, and others, at the Piazza Coffee-house. After diiiner they went to Covent Garden Theatre. He did not recollect seeing Macmanus in the course of the night. He and the other g-entle- nien left the theatre soon after the performance was over and returned to the Piazza Coffee-house, at half-past eleven o'clock, to supper, which he could prove by the above gentlemen, the waiters of the house, and others, and that he was at liome in Grosvenor-street, Pimlico, at the time "w hera M r. Savage ^^^ ^][^e . was turiji^d out, of . the theatre. iBfh'r».ftR?.^)trinlm ^/atufi! Isin-^ .Some of the gentlemen who were in company \\'\x]\ Mr. Jackson at the theatre attended to prove his statement. Mr. Read said, if Macmanus would repeat what Mr. Savage had said^ he should have another warrant. cumstances, he could not possibly think that the hat was taken with a felonious intent, and there- fore could not receive the charge of felony. Mr. Winholt, however, could have his remedy, for, if he persisted in his charge of felony, he could indict the person. To satisfy Mr. W. he was furr Tiished with the name and description of the man, who proved to be a journeyman ironmonger ; the man was consequently discharged. November 11. The time of the magistrates was more occupied T 358 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC, on this than on any other evening, respecting the squabbles at Covent Garden Theatre. Mr. Abraham Hart Braham, of Villiers-street, Strand, charged Mr. Michael Thomson, of the same street, with assisting, on this evening, in making a disturbance at the theatre. This was most positively contradicted by several re- spectable witnesses who were seated near tht parties. Mr. Thomson now preferred his charge against Mr. Braham, for a violent assault, and knocking him down. He said that he was in the pit, standing on a seat with other persons, and, du- ring the performance, after some conversation that took place relative to the conduct of Mr. Braham, a scuffle ensued, the prisoner struck the prosecutor violently on the breast with his fist, and knocked him down. The only oiFence he had given him was being pushed against him by other persons, which he could not possibly avoid. This statement was confirmed by Mr. George Purse, a silversmith of the Strand. Mr. Braham was ordered to find bail, which he procured. Mr. Lewis Vanderdace the younger was brought in the custody of Mr. Bell, high-con- stable for the Holborn divison, who said that he saw the prisoner on the third seat of the pit, while a great noise and disturbance were making Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 339 there, and heard him exclaim, as if speaking to some persons in the boxes, " Now is your time, O Ps, to sing out for the Old Prices ;" that he also produced a paper with O P on it, and had one in his hat inscribed "OP and QifFord for ever;" after which he blew a horn, similar to those used by guards of coaches, upon which he (Mr. Bell) knocked the horn out of his hand, the prisoner having persisted in blowing it after he had advised him to the contrary. Mr. Vanderdace acknowledged blowing the horn, but said it did not belong to him, and it had only just been put into his hand, by a per- son sitting near him, when Mr. Bell knocked it out of it ; he acknowledged having O P in his hat and hand, but denied speaking to any person or persons in the boxes. Mr. Read asked the prisoner who and what he was ? Prisoner demanded whether that was ne- cessary to be told? Upon the magistrate's in- forming him that it was, he said his father was a notary public, and resided in Wellclose-square. The magistrate replied that he did not doubt the account which he had given of himself, but that he must find bail, which at that moment not being able to procure, he was ordered into custody. About twelve o'clock, however, he was provided with recognizances. A person came to the office and stated that he had been extremely ill treated in the pit of the Y 2 340 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Police. theatre. He said he went in at half-price, but had no sooner got to the side of the pit than he ivas pushed a^inst by a person whom he since understood to be Mr. White, jun. of Park-street, Westminster. Mr. White immediately gave him a violent blow on the head, which knocked him down, he got up and remonstrated with Mr. W. who again struck him ; that having recovered himself he gave Mr. White in charge to an offi- cer, from whom he made his escape, but he did liot mean to insinuate any blame against the officer, as there was a general scene of confusion at the time. A short time after he seized White himself, and was bringing him to the office, and had got him into the passage of the pit on his Way, when he was attacked by a person, saying, as Mr. White was not in the custody of a consta-^ ble, he had no right to go with him. This per- son then attacked the deponent, and rescued White. The person guilty of this assault and tescue was Captain Hewetson, of Battersea. The magistrate informed him that all be could do in the business was to grant warrants for the assaults against Mr. White and Mr. Hewetson, which was accordingly done. A Mr. Jones, a haberdasher, from the city, was ordered to find bail, himself in one hundred pounds, and two sureties in fifty pounds each, to answer the charge of assault made against him 1by Mr. Bennet, who, seeing the defendant hold* Police] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 341 ing up a placard in one of the boxes, snatched it from him, and received a blow at the same time from the defendant. Mr. Graham observed, that it was rather doubtful whether Bennet had not committed the first assault, by snatching away the placard, Mr. Jones was discharged after finding th^ bail required. November 14. A man of the name of ToUey, stating himself to be a saddler at Richmond, was charged with sounding a whistle, at Covent Garden Theatre, in the second act of the opera of the Exile, and exiting tumult thereby. The fact was clearly proved against the defendant, by two persons, and the officer who apprehended him produced several other whistles which he had taken from him in the shape of whip-handles. He was or- dered to find bail, himself in one hundred pounds, and two sureties in fifty pounds each. John Brown, a clerk, was held in the same bail, for exciting tumult in the pit, during the said second act, by walking about on the benches, with the insignia O P on his hat. 342 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC. November 13. Richard Stevenson, No. 3, Red-Lion Court, Bell Alley, Royal Exchange, was charged, by Mr. Brandon, with creating a riot in the pit of Covent- Garden Theatre. Mr. Brandon deposed, that he saw the prisoner, from one of the side- boxes, running up and down the pit with a red night-cap on, and a glaring O P in gold letters, on a ground of purple silk, in the front of the cap, which caused a great riot. Several persons were about him, one of whom took out a paper with a great number of O P s on it ; after separating them he distributed them. The witness pointed the defendant out to the officer, who took him into custody ; and, since he had been in the office, he acknowledged having been sent into the pit by a Mr.Turner, a salesman, of Leadenhall-Market, who gave him four shil- lings to pay for his admittance, on condition that he wore the cap and the O P ; and that there was another man who wore a white cap in the pit, also paid by him. The officer corroborated Mr. Brandon's evidence. The defendant said, he was born and bred a poulterer, and was as good a workman as any in the city. Three gentlemen called on him on Sa- turday last, and asked him if he would go to the Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 343 theatre on this night, and wear his red cap. He told them he would if they would pay for his ad- mission. This they agreed to. Their names were Turner, Davis, and Morris ; they were salesmen in Leadenhall- Market : they gave him four shil- lings, and he had no idea of doing any harm by having the O P in his cap : and as to that, he could prove that he had not worn any thing for years but a red cap. He was ordered to find bail. ■ Lecon was charged with making a dis- turbance in the pit by blowing a whistle. He stated his residence to be at No. 13, Windmill- Street, Haymarket, and that he was in the service of the Marquis de Charmilly, No. 12, Charles- Street, a foreigner. He acknowledged that he had blown the whistle, but only between the acts, and not during the performance. He was dressed as a groom. Ordered to find bail. William George Nunes* was brought up on a similar charge, and was dressed in similar attire to that of the last prisoner. He gave the following account of himself : " I am a gentleman, • Though his conduct on this occasion appears eccentric, he is a young man of considerable talents and ingenuity, with the pen and the pencil. He lately made an exquisite fac-simile of Christie's well-known and highly-valued " Disquisition upon Etruscan Vases, displaying their probable Connection with the Shews at Eleusis, and the Chinese Feast of Lanterns, with Expla- nations of a few of the principal Allegories depicted upon them," for Mr. Drummond, S44 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Police. and reside at No. 14, Berkeley-Square ; I am not servant to any person but myself : I did blow a whistle, but it was between the acts, and so faintly as to give no disturbance to any person." Mr. Read. — Have you given a true account of yourself? — I have; I am well known ; I am par- ticularly intimate with the Duchess of Manchester. Mr. Read. — Are you not a clerk in Cox and Greenwood's office ? — I am. Mr. Read. — After this do you insist you are in- timate with the Duchess of Manchester? — I do. Mr. Read.— Is not your mother a servant to the Duchess? — She is. Mr. Read. — You must find bail. Defendant. — I should wish to know who charges me? Mr. Hartman stepped forward and said, he was the person ; that he resided in Portman-Square, and that he also was acquainted with the Duchess of Manchester. Mr. Crace, jun. of Long-Acre, ornamental- painter, charged Mr. Miller, a clerk at the office of Messrs. Tilson and Smith, Minories, with send- ing him a challenge to fight a duel ; and also charged Messrs. Henderson and Haddock with carrying it. Mr. Crace stated, that, on Saturday evening last, he went to Covent-Garden Theatre, in - company with his father and mother; he had been ac- quainted with Mr. Miller between two and three Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 345 years : he came into the box which he occupied, and mounted an O P on his hat, which caused a riot and frightened Mrs. Grace. The witness spoke to him of his impropriety of conduct, and, after some little altercation, he put the O P in his pocket. His mother and father, as soon as the play was over, left the box. On their retiring, the defendant accosted the witness in exceeding ill language, which brought on unpleasant retorts. On Sunday he received a note from Mr. Miller, by the hands of Mr. Henderson, purporting that he, the witness, should appoint a friend to meet the bearer, and settle a proper place to give Miller satisfaction, or otherwise to make an apology. To this note he, the witness, did not reply. Yes- terday evening he received another note by the hands of Mr. Haddock, stating, that, if the wit- ness did not give the satisfaction formerly required by Miller, or make him an apology, he would post him at the theatre this night as a coward. The witness, by advice of his father, applied at the office, in the morning, for a warrant against the three defendants. Mr. Miller, in his defence, attempted to enter into the cause of the original quarrel. The sitting magistrate, Mr. Read, observed that the original dispute had nothing to do with the present charge. It was proved to his satisfac- tion that a challenge to fight a duel had been sent, which was a breach of the peace. He therefore 346 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC. should order the defendants to procure recogni- zances for their appearance at the next quarter- sessions,— which they accordingly did. November 14. A Gentleman was brought to the office, charged by Captain Hewetson, the author of the Blind Boy, with an assault. It appeared that the gen- tleman, who was acquainted with the complainant, was sitting in the front row of a box with Mrs. Hewetson, and, on his taking a prominent part in favour of the O P s, she desired him to leave the seat. Captain Hewetson soon after came into the box, and, after some communication with Mrs. Hewetson, he stood up, and said they were all blackguards and scoundrels. He was immediately knocked down by the gentleman, but, on recover- ing, he returned the blow, and a contest ensued which ended in an appeal to the magistrate on the part of Captain Hewetson. The defendant maintained, that the offence jus- tified the manner in which it was resented by him. It however appeared, that the epithets, scoundrels and blackguards, were not intended to apply par- ticularly to defendant, but to all the gentlemen in the box. He was held to bail. It appeared, in the course of the examination, that Mrs. Hewetson is a constant frequenter of the theatre, and very zealous on the part of the pror prietors. As her object in visiting it could not Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 347 certainly be to hear the play, it was suggested that she might, with more propriety, stay at home. November 15. A gentleman, named Wright, was charged, by one of the special constables, with having sprung a rattle in the pit, and excited considerable dis- turbance, by his riotous and disorderly conduct. Witness stated, that the prisoner was the first per- son who commenced rattling, and that he ran with great violence from the top of the pit down towards the orchestra; near which, after a most obstinate resistance on the part of his adherents, he was secured, and, with some difficulty, con- veyed out of the house. Mr. Wright denied that he had commenced the use of rattles, but confessed that he took the rat- tle from the hand of a gentleman who stood next him, and immediately sprang it. He also denied making any resistance, or behaving in any manner unbecoming the character of a gentleman,on being taken into custody. Mr. Graham ordered him to find bail, which he did in a few minutes, and was discharged. The attention of the magistrate was next at- tracted by a gentleman, of the name of Powell, who informed Mr. Graham, that a very particu- lar friend ofhis^ (Mr. PowelFs) a Mr. Cowlam, 348 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PoIicC. linen-draper, of Queen-Street, Cheapside, was murdered in the pit, and carried out, by Perry the waterman, to an apothecary's shop in the neighbourhood; that a person whom he saw assist- ing in the murder was now in the office, and was the same who charged Mr. Wright. Mr. Graham cautioned Mr. Powell how he an- nounced a man to be murdered; he ought to make himself acquainted with every fact before he sent forth such a charge to the world. The magistrate then directed Lavender, one of the officers, to go to the apothecary's, and bring him an account of the state of the man who was reported to be dead. Lavender returned in about ten minutes, and reported that the apothecary said he could not find any outward bruises or wounds, but that he might have received an inward hurt; that he seem- ed very faint, and on this, the apothecary mixed some strong hartshorn and water, which he re- fused to take, or to be bled. He requested that a hackney-coach might be sent for to carry him home ; this being accordingly done, Mr. Cowlam got into the coach and ordered it to be driven to Queen-Street, Cheapside. Mr.Winholt then entered the office, and inform- ed the magistrate, that he had not been able to find Mr. White, who had assaulted him on a former night; that the person who had stolen his hat was then in the pit, and he learned that his name was Smith ; he had four gentlemen to prove he was Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 349 the person. He also thought it his duty to men- tion, that he had been informed of a gentleman being killed in the pit, and that Smith was among the persons who caused his death. Mr. Graham then addressed him nearly as follows : — " You are the last person who ought to com- plain of ill-usage ; you, who, I am informed, go nightly to the theatre, with a badge on your breast, to incite riot; you, who would wish to be thought the patron and protector of rioters, have no right to complain of the issue of that disturbance, to which you were one of the principal instigators ! If, unfortunately, a man had lost his life in this riot, my conscience would direct me to grant a warrant against you, before any other person, for your daring, obstinate, conduct." Mr. Winholt's solicitor, who was present, ob- served, " That a man sitting in a box could never be answerable for a riot in the pit, let the conse- quences of that riot be what they would." Mr, Graham said, that his opinion was ex- tremely different ; for, if a man, sitting in a box, by his appearance and conduct, excited a riot in the pit, he was equally liable as the man who per- petrated a crime for which the person in the box laid the ground-work. Mr.Winholt left the office, saying that he would every night attend the boxes, and wear O P on his breast. John Est en was charged, by Mr. Brandon, 350 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC, with standing upon the seats of the pit, dancing, playing at single- stick, and springing a rattle, during the performance of the after-piece. He was certain of the defendant's person from his clothes, he being dressed in a volunteer's uniform. Mr. Gibbons and Mr. Gray corroborated this statement. Mr. Read thus interrogated the defendant : — • " What are you ?" — " A journeyman grocer and tea-dealer out of place." — " Where do you reside?" — ** I lodge at Joseph Wright's, grocer and tea- dealer. No. Q76, WhitechapeL" — " What corps do you belong to ?"^ — *' None." — " Whose uniform is that you have on ?" — " My landlord's." Mr. Read — *' He is committed." November 16, Mr. Rickman, of Surrey-street, Strand, charged Charles Isard, Esq. of 28, Southampton- street, Pentonville, with assaulting him in box No. 10, of the dress circle, in Covent Garden Theatre, by seizing him by the collar, and shaking him. The complainant said that the box wherein he was was completely filled. A gentleman, who called himself an officer in the army, first at- tempted to force his way into it ; but the com- plainant had nothing to say against him, as he had given him his address. Mr. Isard then pre- Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 351 sented himself, and would force his way into the box. Witness told him there was not room, and remonstrated with him on the impropriety of his conduct in wishing to inconvenience others ; on which Mr. Isard assaulted him, as he before stated. Mr. Isard, in his defence, said that the box- keeper opened the door, and told him there was room for him in that box. He attempted to get in, but Mr. Rickmann prevented him, although a friend of that gentleman advised him to be accommodating, without effect. He then placed his elbow in the side of the defendant, on which he, Mr. Isard, did seize him by the collar. , Mr. Read observed, that the assault was proved ; but, taking every circumstance into consideration, he would be perfectly satisfied with Mr. Isard's own recognizance for his appear- ance, which was immediately complied with. Capt. O'Hara, of the 47th regiment, said he was the person alluded to by Mr. Rickmann, and he assured the magistrate that, on his oath, Mr. R. was the aggressor, and had called his name put as in defiance. A person charged Abraham Abrahams with picking his pocket of a silk handkerchief, in the pit of the theatre, last night. He prevaricated so much, that Mr. Read discharged the person ac- cused, and recommended him to bring an action for false imprisonmeivt. $6^ CO VENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PoHcC. November 17. Charles Rowlls, Esq. of Kingston, Surrey, was brought before Mr. Graham, from the pit of Govent- Garden Theatre, charged with violently assaulting Nicholas Donnelly, a journeyman ironmonger, of Lascelles Place, St. Giles's, who stated that he was standing on the third or fourth seat at the back, when a placard was thrown from the boxes, for which there was a general scram- ble. He however succeeded in getting it, and tore it to pieces, when the man before him was pushed down, and he was pushed upon him. On his getting up, Mr. Rowlls gave him a violent blow on the head with his stick. This was con^ firmed by a man who was in his company. Mr. Rowlls, in the most solemn manner, denied the charge, but acknowledged he struck the com- plainant, after he had first received a violent blow from him with his stick. This was also confirmed by a gentleman standing near him, who said, the complainant put himself in an attitude for fight- ing. Mr. Graham, however, observed, that it was possible for Mr. Rowlls to have given the first blow without any person seeing it ; he therefore ordered him to find bail. Mr. Rowlls sent for Mr. HoUoway, the solicitor, in Chan eery- Lane, and the master of the hotel where he lives. Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 353 William Wynne, clerk to Sir James Brans- comb, was charged with assaulting a man, named Powell, who said he was a shopmate with Don- nelly, the witness in the last case. Powell pro- duced a stick, with which he said he had been struck : this stick the prisoner most solemnly pro- tested he had never seen before, and positively as- serted his innocence of the charge alleged against him. He was however ordered to find bail. Mr. Graham asked the witness, Powell, by what means he had obtained admission into the house, but he declined giving any answer. He also re- fused to inform the magistrate how many of his shopmates had been in the theatre during the evening. Henry Ayr, an apprentice to a silversmith, in the neighbourhood of Finsbury - square, was charged, by Mr. Brandon, with riotous and dis- orderly conduct in the second tier of boxes, and, by his gestures, exciting tumult and disturbance in the pit. A placard was thrown from the pit to him, which he exhibited for some time, and then flung it towards the private boxes. He confessed the principal part of the charge, and was ordered to find bail. Mr. Plastow, hatter, of 59, Leadenhall-street, was charged, by John White, with assaulting a man named Smith, who has been particularly 354! COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Police* conspicuous for several nights past in opposing the O P s of the pit. Smith, however, not coming forward, the defendant was discharged. Mr. Plastow, who had been struck and lost his hat, then wished to prefer a charge against his accuser, for dragging him from the theatre with- out a cause ; but Mr. Graham refused to receive it, telling him that he had his remedy by an in- dictment. At a late hour this evening, Henry Aaron, of Christopher-street, Finsbury-square, was brought from the theatre in custody, and charged, by Mr. Brandon, with making a noise and disturbance, and exhibiting a placard, from the box in which he was, with the name of Kemble on it, which tended to increase the riot. Another person gave evidence against the prisoner to the same eiFect, who being ordered to find bail, in default thereof was committed to prison. George Webb, a young man, in naval uni- form, stating himself to bean assistant-surgeon on board one of his majesty's ships, at Chatham, was a so charged by Mr. Brandon, and other wit- nesses ; with joining the riot in the pit, &c. ex- hibiting a paper in his hat, with the words "Death or Victory " on it : he was ordered to find recog- nizances ; upon procuring which he was libe- rated. Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 355 November 18. Soon after ten o'clock this night, Mr. Brandon came to the office and stated, before Mr. Gra- ham, that the disturbance in the theatre, during that evening, had been as great, in the two-shil- ling gallery, as it was in the pit ; the audience there had danced the O P dance as well as in the pit, but the noise had been principally made by four young men, whom he had caused to be taken out of the gallery, by Perry and a party of the patrole : however, on the patrole bringing them into the office, there only proved to be three. They said their names were Thomas Co- mar, Joseph Hobson, and Henry Smith. James Brandon, upon his oath, deposed, that he saw the three prisoners, from the private boxes, on the second and third rows of the two-shilling gallery, with another young man who is not taken, making a great noise and disturbance, and the insignia of O P in the hats of T. Comar and H. Smith ; and O P and N P B, meaning no pri- vate boxes, in the hat of Joseph Hobson : that there was a great noise and tumult in the house during the first act of the afterpiece : that one of the prisoners, but which he could not point out, attempted to make a speech, and that 856 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC* all three made a great noise and vociferation, to the extreme annoyance of the audience. Mr. Saville Herbert, of Doctors' Commons, said that he particularly observed, from the box where he sate, the violent conduct of the prison- ers, which induced him to go to the two-shilling gallery. W hen they were apprehended by Perry, the patrole, and Mr. Brandon, he took the in- signia of O P and N P B from the hat of Hob- son : he concurred with the former witness as to the annoyance occasioned by their active vi- olence. The prisoners all declared that the insignia of O P and N P B were not their own, but were given to them by a man who distributed them through the gallery. One of them said he kept the O P a long time in his hand, till he was ri- diculed by those around him for not putting it in his hat, which induced him to do it. They were all apprentices ; one to a musician, one to a Man- chester warehouseman, and the other to a gla- zier. Hobson and Smith found bail s but Comar was committed for want of it. November 20. Some of the officers, in attendance at the pit- entrance, appeared before Messrs. Graham and Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 357 Read, and stated that several persons were act- ing in a riotous and disorderly manner, in the avenues to that part of the theatre, by sparring and sham-fighting, and loud vociferations. Mr. Read directed that such persons as were in the act of sparring, and similar disorderly con* duct, should be brought before him. In a few minutes Lavender, and some other of the patrole, returned with three young men, in custody ; WilHam Nunn, a brass-cutter, Daniel Spriggs, apprentice to his father, a tailor, in Cecil-street, Strand, and George Oakley, appren- tice to a person named Waude, a cooper, in Tipper's Road. They were charged with exciting rioi and confusion, and, by their disorderly con- duct, preventing free ingress and egress to and from the theatre ; added to which, one of them wore the letters O P, in red characters, in his hat. They were ordered to find bail. John Ford, who stated himself to be a shoe- maker, in White-hart-court, Castle-street, Lei- cester-square, was next brought forward, and charged, by Mr. Brandon, with being one of the most riotous characters that had appeared in the theatre since its opening. Mr. Brandon deposed, that he had watched the prisoner from the com- mencement of the fourth act, and perceived him particularly conspicuous in every possible device to create tumult ; at one time he was running 358 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC. from the top to the bottom of the pit, hooting and roaring, then assisting in elevating placards, and finally addressing the females in the private and dress boxes in the most indecent language. The prisoner said, in his defence, that he had been driven about by the fluctuation of the crowd, but denied that there was any impropriety in his demeanour. There were, however, several persons in the office, who substantiated the charge against him, and he was ordered to find bail : in default whereof he was committed. Kovember 21. Mr. John Robson, of No. 2, America-square, ship-owner, was brought to the office, soon after eight o'clock, by some of the patrole who were in attendance at Covent Garden Theatre. He ex- hibited the most tattered appearance, his coat being torn from the skirts to the collar behind, and one of the lappets nearly torn off in front. On his entrance he was placed at the felon's bar, where he remained till Mr. Brandon made his appearance. Mr. Brandon stated that the performance of the evening proceeded in the most tranquil man- ner, till the commencement of half-price, when disorder and confusion were excited by the pri- soner, who, upon entering the pit, began an ar- tificial fit of sneezing and coughing ; which, like Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 359 the application of a lighted match to gunpowder, was productive of an instantaneous and general explosion ; and riot and tumult became universal. Some of the prisoner's friends intimating to him, that his conduct was conspicuous, and drew the attention of some of the peace-officers, he moved into the centre of the pit, where he renewed his incitement to riot, and annoyed the peaceable part of the audience by his violent and unman- nerly behaviour : and, whilst thus exerting him- self, the officers rushed forward and took him into custody. This charge \vas corroborated by Mr. Davis, surveyor, of Bloomsbury- square. Mr. Robson, in his defence, said that his coughing and sneezing were purely natural, and originated in the cloud of dust that was thrown up by the violent motion of the people in the pit; he said he felt no concern for his situation, as, however obnoxious his conduct might have been, it was dictated by a desire to support a righteous cause. Upon being ordered to find bail, he did ISO immediately, and was discharged. He then said that he wished to make a charg« of assault against Lyons, one of the officers who took him into custody, for poking his stick in the face of his bi other, without any reasonable ox just cause. On Lyons being called on for an explanation, he said the person alluded to had come before 350 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC. him, while conveying his prisoner to the office, and he merely held out his staiF to keep him off. Mr. Read said the officer acted only in con- formity with his duty, and refused to receive the complaint. November 22. A man was brought to the office before Mr. Graham, the sitting magistrate, charged with having taken Mr. Winholt's hat from him a few evenings since, at the pit of Covent Garden Theatre. It appeared that the prisoner pawned the hat, and converted the money to his own use. The pawnbroker appeared, and identified the person. He was therefore convicted in the penalty of 40^. and 1/. 4^. 6d. the value of the hat, w^hich the prisoner paid. Mr. Winholt re- ceived the value of his hat and half the penalty. Mr. David Forster, of No. 66, Basinghall- street, was brought before the magistrate, at seven o'clock, and charged by two persons, John Goddard and George Farmer, with riotous con- duct, in the pit, towards the close of the first act of the performance. • Mr. Forster, behaving improperly before the sitting magistrate, was reprimanded, in the strongest manner, for his conduct, and ordered to find bail. Two gentlemen, his friends, Mr, Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. S6l Robson and Mr. Bryan, became his sureties, and he was of course discharged. The next persons brought forward were Mr. James Johnson, grocer, of Gracechurch-street, and Mr. John Tyler, fish-salesman, of Billings- gate. They were charged by Mr. J. Brandon, with repeatedly crying '^Silence'' in the back boxes, with intent to create riot and interrupt the performance : this charge was further sup- ported by two other persons, attendants of the theatre. Mr. Johnson declared that his cries of silence originated solely from a wish to stop the tumult that existed, so as to enable him to distinguish the voices of the performers. Mr. Tyler swore, by G — d, that the charge exhibited against him was erroneous. Both gentlemen M-ere ordered to find bail. Mr. Graham then fined Mr. Tyler two shillings^ for profanely swearing an oath in his presence, which, with three shillings costs, he immediately paid. ' Owen Jones was ordered to find bail for as- saulting Clarke and Jackson, Bow-street- officers, while in the discharge of their duty in the pit: he stated himself to be clerk to Messrs. Larkin and Co. hatters, 424, Strand. Mr. David Forster was brought a second time in custody from the pit, and charged, by Mr. 362 COVENT GARDEJsr JOURNAL. [PollCe* Egerton, cutler, of Blooms bury-square, with haranguing the people in the pit and promoting riot and disturbance by his general conduct, G. Kent corroborated this statement, and Mr» Forster was again ordered to find bail. Goddard, the witness against Mr. Forster, in the first charge, then applied for a warrant to apprehend a person named Bryan, one of Mr. Forster's bail, for an assault. He stated that, ou his return to the pit, Mr. Bryan pointed him out as an informer, and they tore the skirts of his coat nearly off, which he exhibited in a very ragged state, as a proof of his assertion. Mr. Graham granted the warrant ; and, at the conclusion of the performances, Mr. Bryan was brought from the theatre by some of the officers, attended by an immense crowd of the OPs, who made a tremendous noise at the front of the office, in proof of their displeasure. Mr. Bryan was ordered to find bail. Two gentlemen offisred to swear that the charge was false; but, as the informant swore positively to the correctness of his statement, their evidence was not received. Several persons were brought in from the door of the office, for disorderly conduct in the street; some were discharged with a reprimand, and one was ordered to find bail for attempting to strike an officer. Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. S63 November 9,5, The charges from the theatre, and those that arose out of them, of assaults, at the office, far exceeded those of all other evenings since the theatre opened. The office, for a considerable' time, was a scene of general confusion; and Messrs. Graham and Nares were occupied in the investigations, from eight o'clock till near one on the following morning. Edward Wright, apprentice to a cutler in James-street, Covent-Garden, was charged by Mr. Brandon and Richard Limerick, one of the patrole, with being one of the disturbers in the pit, during the third act of the " Enghsh Fleet," and with having an O P in his hat at the time of his seizure. The prisoner denied taking any part in the dis- turbance, and said that, having gone to the pit, at half-price, he found it nearly full ; that, from the persons standing on the benches before him, and pressing forward to the front, he thought he had a right to do the same as he had paid his money. Mr. Graham, however, was of opinion, that, as he had only paid for half-price admission, he had no right to trespass on the convenience of those who had paid the first rate : the magistrate therefore ordered him to find bail. 364 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PollCC. Mr. Percival, linen-draper, of Oxford-street, was next charged by William Nicholls, of the patrole, with running about on the pit benches, in a disorderly manner, and thereby exciting riot and confusion during the performance. Mr. P. denied that the promotion of riot was his object, and declared that his movements pro- ceeded from a wish to avoid the confusion pre- valent in different parts of the pit. Ordered to find bail. The attention of the magistrates was now di- rected towards a gentleman, apparently inebri- ated, without his hat, and having his clothes nearly torn off his back. He was in the custody of several officers, who shewed, by their pertur- bation, that they had been in some severe skir- mish. When the gentleman was brought forward, he stated himself to be Capt. John Fitzgerald, of the 103d regiment, now in the West Indies, whence he had arrived on Friday last. He com- plained of having been robbed of a valuable watch, his hat, cane, and gloves, when taken into custody by the officers, and that he had been used in a most brutal manner, as his ap- pearance would testify. Mr. Brandon having stated his orders to the patrole, to go into the box where the Captain had been, Charles Humphreys, one of the mssionaries, said that he brought out the Cap- police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 365 tain, having observed him calling out O P, and making great noise and disturbance. While the examination was in process, such a noise prevailed at one time, that every syllable was inaudible, insomuch as to suspend it, till the patrole forced forward from the crowd a young man, of genteel appearance, whom they insisted to be the principal disturber of the officer. He dared them to lay hold of him, and swore an oath, in the presence of the magistrate. He said his name was Baker, and that he was a barrister, in Garden-court, Temple. He was fined five shillings, as a gentleman, for swearing, as before stated, and three shillings costs, which he im- mediately paid. The costs, however, will be re- turned, as the conviction was upon view. It then became a question how Mr. Baker entered the office, and how he came to make a noise. He said it was caused by his being forcibly dragged into the office, by men who had seized him for that purpose. These proved to be some of the patrole, one of whom, James Wheeler, charged Mr. B. with an assault on him, for en- deavouring, with others, to prevent him from entering the office. Mr. Baker denied the charge, and said that, passing by the office, and perceiv- ing business going forward, he thought. he had a right to go in, for the purpose of hearing it. Upon bis attempting to do so, the complainant gave him a violent push, upon which he ac- $66 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PoKcC* knowledged that he seized him by the collar. Ordered to find bail for the assault The examination of Captain Fitzgerald being' resumed, James Osborne, of Aldersgate-street, builder, stated a series of disorderly conduct, on the past of the prisoner, in the dress-boxes; that he desired the O Ps to persevere, and turn out the constables, swearing, by J s, if he were among them, he would put out a dozen of them; he also vociferated *^ Old Prices and no pieces. ■' On his being warned to desist, or he would be taken into custody, he swore he would crack a dozen skulls before he would allow any one to apprehend him. His conduct, at length, being noticed, the officers proceeded in a body to make their capture, when a severe contest took place between them and the O Ps, with the captain at their head. The exertions of the latter, how- ever, proved vain, for their leader was over- powered and hurried to Bow-street. On the charge being read, Captain Fitzgerald said, as his defence, that he had never before been at the theatre, and that his actions pro- ceeded from momentary impulse, aided by his having drank a little wine. He thought he had as much right as others to join in the general voice, which he heard through the house, but did not recollect in what terms he expressed his sentiments. He described the attack made on him in a most humourous manner; saying that Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. $6? he was seized by the legs and wings, when several persons pulled him, as he thought, with the design of making an equal division of his members. They dragged him, as he said, as if they were taking a horse's head to a bonfire, not a human being to a tribunal of justice. He requested the magistrate to take measures towards the resto- ration of the property taken from him. Mr. Graham, having directed diligent inquiries, agreeably to the captain's request, ordered him to find bail. He declared, that, as he was a perfect stranger in town, he could not procure it, and must, therefore, go where the magistrate should think proper to direct him. Two respectable merchants present, Mr. Clancey and Mr. Culli- more, voluntarily made tender of their bail, which was accepted, and the captain liberated. November 2&. Richard Curtis, clerk to the Comptroller of the Excise, was brought to the office, in custody, from the pit of the theatre, charged, by Mr, Brandon, with unnatural sneezing, coughing, and howling, by his conduct inducing several others to follow his example. The prisoner asserted, that his sole design was to applaud Mr. Munden's performance. He 368 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC* was ordered to find bail, and, in default, carried out of the office in charge of an officer. Mr. Townsend and Mr. Cahusac, of the Strand, offisred themselves, and were accepted, as bail for Mr. Curtis, who was brought back by the police, together with a young man, named Hadfield Sherry, who represented himself as a solicitor, residing at 12, Hatton Garden. This person was charged with an attempt to rescue Mr. Curtis, but, having solemnly denied the charge, was permitted to enter his own recogni- zance, in fifty pounds, to answer at the ensuing Westminster Sessions. Edward Newton, clerk to the house of Mr. Wyburne, Craig's Court, Charing- Cross, v/as or- dered to find bail, for disorderly conduct in the pit. November 30. Mr. John Morris, clerk in the Warrant- Office, Somerset-Place, was charged, by Thomas Carpenter, with an assault, and also with having danced the O P fandango, to the interruption of the performance. James Osborne, of Aldersgate-street, confirmed the charge, and the prisoner was ordered to find bail. Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL, 269 December 1. The magistrates have determined not to sit longer than nine o'clock. In consequence of this, the only person charged from the theatre, this evening, beyond that hour, was forced not fain to spend his time in the watch-house of St. Paul's, Covent-Garden. His name was John Thomas, of Argyll-street, and he was accused of promoting riot, by placing a placard and the letters O P on each side of his hat. He was also charged with having brandished a stick over his head, as in defiance of the peace-officers, by whom, how- ever, he was speedily secured, and delivered over to the constable of the night, till he should be examined, as to the charges against him, on the following morning. December 6. Richard Coke, of Clifton, whom we under- stood to belong to the Excise, was charged with riotous conduct, in the boxes of the Covent Gar- den Theatre, this evening. The evidence against the defendant was, that, during the first three acts of the play, he excited disturbance, by calling out, "Off! Off! Scotchmen good! Enghshmen a a 570 CO VENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PoUcC- bad ! " &c. &c. This testimony was corrobo- rated by two witnesses, and the defendant was ordered to find bail. He inquired at the office if any gentleman would bail him, as he was a perfect stranger, and had only been a few days at Hud- son's hotel, from Clifton, where his family dwelt. Another charge was exhibited against the pri- soner for swearing four oaths. It was proved, in evidence, that the oaths had been taken, and the defendant was convicted in five shillings for each oath. The defendant, not being able, at the mo- ment, either to find bail or to pay the fine, was sent to the Brown Bear. December 7. A gentleman, named M'Gill, resident at Hampstead, was charged with having disturbed the performance, at the theatre, by hissing, hoot- ing, &c. The magistrate directed him to find the usual heavy bail, which he did accordingly. December 9- William Champion was charged, by Mr. Brandon, with running about the pit, soon after the second act of the play, jumping upon the seats thereof, and causing great noise and dis- Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 371 turbance. — Ordered to find bail, which he did accordingly. Soon after this, it being nearly ten o'clock, Mr. Graham was on the point of leaving the office, when a number of persons entered it, and the magistrate, being informed it was another charge from the theatre, he took his seat on the bench again. It turned out to be an accusation against John Lord, one of thip patrole, on the part of Mr. Thomas Lee, of Poland-street, Ox- ford-road, coachmaker, who charged him with having laid his head open with a stick. The magistrate listened to Lord, however, first, who stated, that, finding it necessary, from the great disturbance which prevailed in the theatre, to accompany Taunton, and others of the patrole, for the purpose of seizing the disturbers, he was stopped by the prisoner, who seized hold of his staff with both hands, and attempted to wrest it from him. In so doing Lord was pulled through the pit towards the orchestra, near which the prisoner received assistance from others, whom he told that Lord had struck him. In this con- flict, separated as he was from the rest of the pat- role, he received considerable injury. His statement was confirmed by Smith, another of the patrole. Mr. Lee then addressed the magistrate, and Hiade his charge against Lord ; he was obliged A a 2 57S COrENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PoliCe, to wipe the back part of his head continually, on account of the blood which issued from the wound. He stated, that, for the first time, this evening, he went to the pit, with a friend recently arrived from Lisbon ; they were at the back part of it, when he observed a number of persons rush- ing in, whom he at first supposed to be those who usually entered at half-price. This furious entree was, however, made by Lord, the defendant, atid others belonging to the office. Though there was considerable tumult in the pit, neither he nor his companion joined in it. In their en- deavours to enter, the prisoner and his comrades made a violent rush by him, and, without pre- viously having spoken a word by way of caution, the prisoner struck him a violent blow upon the back of his head, which cut it opeti ; upon this he seized the staif with a determination to defend himself as an Englishman against future aggres- sion; he had himself served the office of constable, and was acquainted with its duties. The pri- soner, he was well persuaded, was no constable, and he was determined to make an example of him, by prosecuting him to the utmost extent of the law. Mr. Graham ordered them both to bail on their respective charges, taking their own recognizance in twenty pounds each. Police.] COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 373 December 14. At eleven o'clock this night, after the per- formances had closed at the theatre, a great noise was kept up in the avenues leading to it, by way of rejoicing at the victory obtained by the O Ps. Mr. Graham sent Lock to ascertain the cause of the disturbance. He returned and reported that there were from forty to fifty gentlemen dancing in the pit-avenue of Covent Garden Theatre, with two fifers playing to them. Mr. Graham desired him to take assistance and bring the musician before him. Lock accordingly went for that purpose, ^it}i his own party of the patrole ; he rushed in among them, and seized one of the fifers by the collar. He and his prisoner were immediately i^urrouncjed and actually taken off their legs to the iron gate in Bow- street, where a woman kept close by Lock, continually hitting that hand which held the fifer's collar. After having got into the street, all three fell down in the mud together ; a violent scuffle ensued be- tween Lock and the lifer, together with those who assisted the latter. The coats of the patrole and the unfortunate Orpheus were torn to rags, as was also the gown of this zealous Eurydice. Lock, however, having got up, kept his hold, 374 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PolicC. and was only prevented from incarcerating the fifer by an additional band of O Ps, who came up and made him gladly desist from such a proceed- ing. He returned to the office, and reported that the most he could do was to extricate him- self from the fury of the populace. The editor observes, as will also, most probably, the reader, that the Police Account is not perfect. He twice applied to the first magistrate of the police office, for the purpose of obtaining access to the books of the office: — this request was, however, refused, as being contrary to estabhshed rules. The editor, therefore, compiled the best account which the diurnal newspapers afforded him; and, whatever its imperfections may be, it is far superior to any other which is extant. OJ mr /[rpO • WOli ,/i J! AFFEMBIX ■£:;o'>fT. No. 1. — Advertisement of the Proprietors, previ- ously to opening the New Theatre, " The proprietors, having completed the new theatre within the time originally promised, beg leave respectfully to state to the public the abso- lute necessity that compels them to make the fol- lowing advance on the prices of admission— boxes 7s. half-price 3s. 6d. — pit 4s. half-price as usual. The lower and upper galleries will remain at the old prices. " On the late calamitous destruction of their pro- perty, the proprietors, encouraged by the remem- brance of former patronage, instantly and cheer- ■.^^^J- 576 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, fully applied themselves to the erection of a new theatre, solicitous only, that, without enlarging the audience-part of the edifice, it might afford the public improved accommodation and security, and, at the same time, present an additional orna- ment to the metropolis of the British empire. This, their most anxious wish, they flatter themselves they have solidly effected, not only within the short space of ten months, from the laying of the foundations, but under the enormously expensive disadvantage ofcircumstances singularly unfavour- able to building. When it is known, that no less a sum than ^150,000 has been expended in order to render this theatre worthy of British spectators, and of the gepius of their native poets ; when, in this undertaking, the inevitable accumulation of at least a six-fold rentage is positively stated to be incurred; and when, in addition to these pressing incumbrances, the increased, and rapidly increas- ing, prices of every article indispensable to drama- tic representations come to be considered, the proprietors persuade themselves that, in their pro- posed regulation, they shall be honoured with the concurrence of an enlightened and liberal public," <^'i ^ ' ;ainU Appendix.] GOVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. 377 No. %.-^Covent Garden Theatre. (Mr. Redhead Yorke, September l6.) If it be allowable to divest ourselves of more solemn reflections, at this hour of eventful interest, and to direct our attention to matters of internal economy, the opening of a new theatre would be a circumstance which would claim a preference over all others ; as the influence of the stage over pur manners, thoughts, and actions, is much greater than most persons suppose. The new theatre in Covent Garden opens on Monday next, and consequently we cannot well dispense with the consideration of a subject which is so interesting to our famiHes, as well as to the national hterature. Some time ago, when it was announced that the proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre had en- gaged the foreign songstress, Catalani, to act upon the British stage, I pointed out what steps might be proper for the people to adopt in order to abate {o nuisance, and preserve the national theatre from defilement and disgrace. A report was soon after propagated, that the proprietors, ashamed of their own baseness, and convinced of the public indig- nation at their design, had prudently broken off the engagement, by giving the Italian, or her prench husband, a good round sum, provided she 378 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. would not act. Under the belief of the truth of this report, I was silent. The reader will there- fore guess my astonishment, when I discovered that the Italian is not only hired at the rate oifour thousand pounds a year^ to give us our mother tongue through the medium of her foreign brogue, but that the proprietors, in mockery of our dis- gust, and with an impudence peculiar to the wretches who riot on the good nature and simpli- city of the English people, have dared to advertise in all the papers a most infamous lie, stating, that they have expended one hundred and fifty thou- sand pounds upon their theatre, in order to render it worthy of British spectators, and of the genius of theirnative poets ! ! This insolent imposture they endeavoured to cram downthe throats of the pub- lic, when they know that their engagement with that unfeeling Jewess, Angelica Catalani, is of it- self calculated to banish the genius of our native poets from the stage ; and the introduction of their detestable trash, of which, under the names of opera and melo-drame, the public are forced to be spectators, is also, I suppose, in their judgments, another test of their taste for our native poets. It is my intention to offer, first, some remarks upon the advertisement of these proprietors, and next, upon the necessity of destroying theatrical monopoly, as a preliminary to a thorough refor- mation of the stage. Their advertisement runs thus : " On the late calamitous destruction of their Appendix.] covent garden journal. 379 property, the proprietors, encouraged by the re- membrance of former patronage, instantly and cheerfully applied themselves to the erection of a new theatre, solicitous only, that, without enlarg- ing the audience part of the edifice, it might afford the public improved accommodation and security, and at the same time present an additional orna- ment to the metropolis of the British empire. This, their most anxious wish, they flatter themselves they have sohdly effected, not only w^ithin the short space of ten months, from the laying of the foundations, but under the enormously expensive disadvantages singularly unfavourable to building. When it is known, that no less a sum than one hundred and fifty thousand pounds has been ex- pended, in order to render this theatre worthy of British spectators, and of the genius of their native poets ; when, in this undertaking, the inevitable accumulation of, at least, a six-fold rentage is po- sitively stated to be incurred ; and when, in addi- tion to these pressing incumbrances, the increased, and rapidly increasing, prices of every article in- dispensable to dramatic representations, come to be considered, the proprietors persuade themselves that, in their proposed regulation, they shall be honoured with the concurrence of an elightened and Hberal public." This proposed regulation, most enlightened and liberal public ! is no less than the modest price of seven shillings for a seat in the boxes, and of four S80 covENT GARDEN j^ouRNAL. [Appendix. shillings for a seat in the pit. The lower and upper galleries remain at the old prices, evidently, ad captandum vulgum, that is to say, to conciliate the gods. One is inclined to think, that the pro- prietors got this stroke of cunning from that finished pick-pocket, Vallebreque, the husband of Catalani, for it does not savour of English sterling. But, be that as it may, I trust the gods will resent this unmanly attempt to swindle the rest of the public through their acquiescence ; and that they will not fail, when King John represents Macbeth, to exhibit The Tempest themselves. Many of the assertions in this advertisement stand in need of proof; — for instance, it is ex- tremely problematical whether the destruction of the late theatre were calamitous or not ! and I doubt the sincerity of the proprietors themselves when they consider that event as calamitous, which they have thus dexterously availed them^ selves of to increase their emoluments. As far as the public are concerned, I do not conceive th§ late fire was at all calamitous, because I think it would be far better for the national taste and manners, that we should have no theatre at all than such a sink of corruption, effeminacy, exe- crable fooleries, and sing-song lullabies, as was the late Covent Garden Theatre. The proprietors pique themselves on their gra- titude, and declare that they erected instantly and cheerfully a new theatre, " by the remerp- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 381 brance of former patronage." This is not true. That they went to work instantly and cheerfully too, no one can doubt who has any knowledge of their profits. They entered into no new specula- tion; they trod upon sure and safe ground; they were conscious that they enjoyed a monopoly; they had no rival ; they had nothing to appre- hend^from competition. *' The remembrance of former patronage" ought therefore to have pre- vented them from growing greedy ; at all events it should have deterred them from shewing their grinding and unblushing cupidity. As to the theatre being an additional ornament to the me- tropolis of the British empire, I shall be better qualified to judge of that pretension when I see it ; but it is to be observed, that if the proprietors take credit to themselves on this account, they ought not to make us pay the piper for it. It was their interest to render the theatre attractive, in the same manner as a pastry-cook is emulous of having a smart shop, or an old procuress a handsome house to draw customers. And now I mention an old procuress, the proprietors will excuse me when I say, that I find a very great affinity between the modern *' ornament to the metropolis of the British empire," and a brothel For the ornamental works of both are designed to catch fish ; and, the greater the shew, the higher the price each customer is made to pay. There are also several other coincidences of character 382 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix- between the two houses which I shall not at present enumerate. It is laughable enough to see them boast of the expedition with which the new theatre has been completed. Was it not their interest to have the theatre in a state fit to be opened at the usual time ? If the building had been deferred, their profits of the season would have been forfeited* Nor is it decent or justifiable in them, while re- commending themselves to the pubHc, on account of the celerity with which, *' within the short space of ten months from the laying of the foun- dations," they have raised the edifice, to lay on an additional tax upon the frequenters of their theatre, in order, as they afterwards avow, to enrich themselves for having done what it was their interest to do. Then comes the plumper, namely, about the one hundred and fifty thousand pounds being ex- pended, in order to render the theatre worthy of British spectators. I have no doubt whatever that this sum has been expended upon the theatre; but all this money is not a dormant capital which went out of the pockets of the proprietors. No such thing. A correspondent, whom I personally know to be well acquainted with the secrets of this theatre, proves, in another part of this sheet, satisfactorily and unanswerably, that the proprie- tors are gainers to a vast amount by the late conflagration ; and that instead of canting about Appendix.] covent garden journal. 383 the calamitous destruction of their property, they ought to consider the fire as a God-send. For, what with the rottenness of the old building, the extent of the insurance, and the uninterrupted monopoly in the hands of the patentee, he has proved that they have gained nearly ^^SOjOOO by the fire, besides the benefits that they will derive from plucking the boxers and pitites, and the private boxes which they have farmed out to the vain and silly. Let it be remembered, that the proprietors are to give four thousand pounds a-year to the thief and slave Vallebreque, the French dragoon. Thus, by a gradual and unperceived decline, we are gliding down to ruin. We laugh, we sing, we feast, we play ; we adopt every vanity, and catch at every lure thrown out to us by the nation which is planning our destruction ; and while fate is hanging over us, we are sightless, and thence secure. Were we but as innocent as bhnd, we should, in our fondness for these foreigners, completely resemble the lamb described by the poet: " The lamb thy riot dooms to bleed to-day, " Had he thy reason, would he skip and play ? " Pleas'd to the last, he crops the flow'ry food, " And licks the hand j ust raised to shed his blood !" I have neither time nor further inclination to expatiate upon the numberless absurdities which 884 CO VENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppCndix. the newspapers represent to have been committed by these remembrancers ** of former patronage." Suffice it for my purpose to observe, that my ab- sence from the metropolis will prevent me from being present at the opening of this ** ornament to tire metropolis of the British empire." Had my good stars allowed my attendance, I should have been at my post in the one shilling gallery^ ivith my club in my hand, to see justice done to my poor insulted countrymen^ What I have to say upon the abuse of the English stage shall appear in my next number. In the mean time I desire it to be observed, that the above article is written upon the spur of the occasion, on account of the advertisement which has appeared in all the papers, signifying that the proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre mtend to open their catch-penny the day after to-morrow ; and under the hope that every unbought Englishman will do his duty^ in defiance of the Wood-thirsty hirelings from the East-India Company's warehouses, and other quarters, which the cowardly, mean, base, and anti-national proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre have collected together to suppress the public opinion. I am for a rebellion ; and, let me tell King John, that if he will not give us the English spirit of Garrick, we will give him and his Frenchified crew, the spirit of Marat. The spirit of Garrick was this, bless his English soul ! Appendix.] covent garden journal. 385 " The stage but echoes back the public voice ; " The drama's laws the drama's patrons give, " For we, that live to please, must please to live, " Then prompt no more the follies you decry, " As tyrants doom their tools of guilt to die;— " 'Tis your's this night to bid the reign commence, " Of rescued nature and reviving sense ; " To chase the charms of sound, the pomp of show, " For useful mirth, and salutary woe ; " Bid scenic virtue form the rising age, " And truth diffuse her radiance from the stage."* Can John Kemble, the usurper of the British stage, the accomplice in the crime of exiling from our national theatre the native poets of Great Britain, — can he dare to approach a British pubhc with such patriotic sentiments as the above, which Garrick charmed from the stage. Oh! King John! John Kemble! Kemble John, Oh! No. 3. — The Necessity of lowering, instead of advancing, the Prices at Covent Garden Theatre. (Same Paper.) Sir, It is highly necessary that the proprietors of the above theatre, after muzzling * Prologue spoken by Garrick at the opening of Drury-lane theatre in 1747, by Dr. Johnson. Times are altered since 47. Bb t 586 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. and clapping a straight waistcoat upon poor John Bull, do conduct him to St. Luke's with all possi- ble despatch; for, should they suffer him to be at liberty until they take out a writ " De Lunatica Inquirendo" against him, I will not answer for the consequences. There is very little doubt of his madness: as a proof, has he not made a worthy magistrate of one of the first cities in the world read a very severe vote of censure on himself in open council? — That being an absolute fact, I think the next thing he will perform, unless he is properly secured, will be to make a certain majes- tic manager go down upon his marrow-bones, and, in the names of the proprietors, " beg leave respectfully to state to the public the absolute necessity that compels them to make the following * deductions ' on the prices of admission :" First Price, Boxes, 65. Half Price, 3*. Pit, 3*. 6d. As usual. If you are resolved, most supreme Mr. Manager, to try your abilities once more, by endeavouring to procure an advance on the prices of admission^ I wonder you did not open the " new theatre " with a new comedy or opera. Why, surely, Mr. Manager, some of your woe-begone authors could easily have written one " within the short space of ten months from the laying of the foundations ;" and, if the intention of raising the prices had been Appendix.] covent garden journal. 387 named to them, how easily could the question have been manufactured into a comedy ! Novelty and stage-effect, you know, now-a-days, are every thing; and it would have been the best and po- litest way to have asked the question. Now, as you are well acquainted that a good title is every thing, and as a double title, at this time, is all the rage, what do you think, Mr. Manager, of ^' The Seven Shilling Piece ; or, How do you like it ?'' — then, by way of procuring an answer from the public, you might have had performed the petit farce of '' Yes or No,'' This would have been stage-effect, and would have procured you im- mortal fame 1 Indeed, the novelty of the thing would have gained your point ; but, " that it should come to this" — to open with ** Macbeth T Oh, Heaven ! why 'tis absolutely Gothic, and you may depend on it, that John Bull, unless muzzled, will conclude with ''The Devil to pay J' Alas, sir, it is high time these theatrical caterers for the public, as well as their masters, should be taught how to behave themselves ; and when we see them imposing, and that in a most gross man- ner, on that *' enlightened and liberal public," both in the capacity of managers and proprietors, it is really and absolutely necessary to shew that public, that they are most grossly imposed upon by the present advance on the prices of admission. B b 2 ■ 388 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. In the first place, the proprietors w ere to receive from the different tire-offices, I believe, at least o£'70,000 By 28 private boxes, which, at least, will net them £5600 a year ; but if sold at twelve years' purchase, at 10 per cent, are 56,000 One hundred shares, at c£500 each, are 50,000 176,000 Deduct what the new theatre, &c. as stated, cost 150,000 Balance in hand c£26,000 Making, in the whole, a sum not only sufficient to cover the expenses of building, &c. but leaving a surplus of c£26,000in hand, the interest of which will handsomely pay and treat another set of 300 labourers from the East India Company's ware- houses, to be distributed throughout the house, in order to force the advance upon the town, and over-awe that " enlightened and liberal public " they pretend so much to court. Notwithstanding I have ventured to she\v, that the proprietors have actually put into their pock- ets the sum of ^26,000 by this job, I will endea- vour to point out to that generous public they ap- peal to, that they have got almost an entire theatre, by the ** late calamitous destruction of their pro- perty," into the bargain. In the first place, I shall ask Emperor Harris and King John, whether it was not in contemplation, a short period before the fire happenecj, to pull down and rebuild the Appendix.] covent garden journal. 389 old theatre ? And, secondly, I ask them, whether the late theatre was not greatly damaged by mak- ing private boxes, and various other alterations? For my own part, I believe it was so much so, that it was becoming highly dangerous to permit an audience to visit it. Whether it was so or not, they, perhaps, may know best; but, if it was their intention to rebuild it, they have, by the fire, saved the expense of pulling it down ; they have gained more private boxes ; and lastly, they have got 70,000/. by the fire-offices. Thus, sir, they have gained sufficient to enable them to reduce, rather than to advance, the prices of admission, Hamlet's Ghost of the Old Theatre. No. 4. — Theatrical Amusements, (Same Paper.) Sir, As a general system of reform is the order of the day, I think it becomes highly necessary for the legislature to make some investi- gation into the state of our public theatres, and endeavour to reform those abuses, so often and so justly complained of. Whether it is that the stock of dramatic subjects, or of dramatic genius, is ex- hausted, I know not ; but it appears very clear to 3.90 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. an impartial observer, that the morning of wit, as well as its noon, are gone and past, and tlie twi^ light already begins to grow dim and feeble. Night, alas! is too rapidly advancing; the sun of literature has long set, and night must come. Such, sir, is the progress ofnature and of genius! We appear already to have forgotten that Con- greve had wit, Farquhar sprightliness, Jonson, Steele, and many others, humour, and Otway genius and sublimity ! There are in arts as in king- doms, various stages which lead to refinement, and that refinement to dullness and ruin ! Thus it is, that the theatres now teem with literary monsters, equally absurd and disgusting ; and each ensuing season gives birth to a variety of nonsense, mimi- cry, and buffoonery. We daily see plays manu- factured without plot, character, or sentiment. Though of Httle or no merit, (dull and uninterest- ing,) they are patronized, and the manager, after discovering that nothing is wanted but stage- effect to make them go down, is induced to bring them out. A dance, procession, solemn dirge, or prayers, are introduced ; their merits are blazoned about by the understrappers of the green-room ; for a week or so, the daily newspapers boast of the splendid decorations, enchanting scenery, and de- lightful songs and music, of the forthcoming piece; and the public, thus wrought up to the very tip- toe of expectation and anxiety, are cajoled and gulled to see one of the most wretched dramatic Appendix.] covent garden journal, 391 productions ever penned. But that is all nothing, sir, — it is a melo-dhama, and, as this is a fine- sounding name and a new thing, poor John Bull is perfectly satisfied, I have made several inqui- ries, among professed critics, what a meio-drama is, hut have never been sufficiently satisfied by the answers I have received; for my own part, I image it to be a non-descript — in plain English, it is neither more or less than a tragi-comedy, frit- tered down in the middle to a species of farcical- opera, and concluded by all the sable and melan- choly symptoms of a deep tragedy. This kind of writing has gained ground upon us, and will gain ground apace, unless nipped in its bud. In fact, our comedy is dwindled down to a mere methodist sermon, replete with rigid morality, divinity, and prayer ; and our theatres are nearly on a par with a methodist meeting-house, where rant, whining, bombast, and ridiculous speeches, keep the hear- ers from faUing into gentle slumber! — Hear this, thou emperor of theatrical managers, and then boast how many methodistical bigots thou hast taught to wine ; go boast, ye crew of fanatics, that ye converted a play house, and learnt most of its authors to speak of the " divine breathings of the spirit*' in their comedies ! The stage, which, of late, has ever been consi- dered to give a just and natural representation of good plays, has degenerated very much within these few years ; and men of taste reflect now, not 392 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppCudix, of what is, but of what has been. It is very plain, that theatrical managers adopt only one system of judging of the merits of dramatic composition ; with them, patronage and stage-effect are every thing; and I am sorry to observe that most of the performers, who ape these profound critics, (in hopes, no doubt, thereby to recommend them- selves,) pay more attention to tricks and grimace for applause than any thing else. Alas I the time, I fear, is over ; the glory and honour of dramatic literary fame and pride are fled ; and no man of real talents thinks it worth his while to write, however great his patronage may be ! In- deed, the extravagant and unmerited applauses these melO'dramas have bestowed on them is a drawback to men of real talents and genius. It is a well-known fact, that the greatest ex- citement to excellence is emulation and encourage- ment; but how can it be expected that men of better abilities will come forward, when they are aware it is impossible to excite greater plaudits from an audience than the melo-dramatists have done before them ! Dry den candidly declared that he stood in this predicament, and said that he thought his plays, though confessedly indiffe- rent, good enough for John Bull, who had often praised much worse. In fact, there is very Httle difference between the good and the bad writer ; their profit and applause is the same, but the ac- cess to the stage is more in favour of the bad Appendix.] covent garden journal. 393 writer. The good one has to combat the mono- poly made by the other side, whose chief depen- dence rests entirely on their being able to exclude all good writers from the stage, in order to reap the benefit ; and the proprietors themselves are quite indifferent to any apphcation that may be made, as they pay no more for a good than a bad piece ; and, unless an author is not strongly pa- tronized, and recommended by some great per- sonage, his case is indeed desperate and without remedy. It is thus the management of a theatre has become so refined, that, in spile o^ the toxmi, as it was emphatically ca,lled in the days of Addison, they will play a damned piece into repute, and get more by it than a good one. Thus the great Catalani is to be forced on the public by that emperor of all theatrical conjurors John Kemble, who not hiniself contented with having given us his barbarous dogmatic and pedantic pronuncia- tions of our mother-tongue, is resolv^ed and deter- mined that it shall be once more tortured by the outlandish squalling of an Italian opera-singer. But a new performer is every thing ; and, though the play and farce* be intolerable, John Bull is satisfied with seeing a new performer, 'and the more so if a foreigner. Whether she stands like a goose on one leg for a quarter of an hour, like the famous Hernel, who some years ago captivated 394 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. and delighted all the people of fashion in this country, by standing in that posture with her arms outstretched, or in hearing the death-notes of that enchanting syren Madame Catalan!, it is the same to John Bull, because he has no way of helping himself; and, notwithstanding he does not wish to sing d la Catalan^ Emperor John is well aware that a scoundrel or two have no right to complain. And hence it is, that the good people of this town have forced on them perform- ers and performances that have vitiated their taste. We have had a Katerfelto, a young Roscius, a Carlo, and now are about to have a Catalani ; and, in course of a short period, we are likely to have all the Opera performers in this country on the English boards. Indeed, I have often won- dered myself, that this majestic manager, not knowing, or pretending to know, the taste of John Bull for novelty, and the eagerness and avidity with which he follows it, has not bar- gained long before now with Pidcock to introduce real wild beastices into his new theatre, by way of novelty. If really and truly Emperor John wishes to introduce any thing foreign on the boards of a British theatre, let him apply to the legislature; and, if something foreign must be introduced, let us take example from our neigh- bours, make all theatres national property, and by that means enable the pation to reap the benefit Appendix.] covent garden journal. 39S of it. In my next, I will point out the utility and absolute necessity of adopting such a plan; and shall conclude this with an anecdote of a country manager. ** A poor Scotch schoolmaster, not over rich, had a daughter who was extremely ugly. Nobody thought this young woman would be married ; she wanted both beauty and fortune. Now, it happened, the country manager, hearing of this schoolmaster's daughter, called on her father and asked for his daughter in marriao^e. The Scotchman asked him if he had seen his daughter, * for she's hump-backed.' - Very well,' says the manager, ' that will do for me.' ' Aye,' returned the other, ' but my daughter's as brown as a berry.* * So much the better,' replied the manager. ' But she's bandy-legg'd,' said the Scotchman. ' I hke her the better for that,' re- plied the manager. * But she wants an eye, and stammers very much,' exclaimed the Scotchman. * My dear fellow,' returned the manager, em- bracing him, ^ your description delights me ; I have been long looking for a Cahban for our company, and she'll make an excellent one.' " Yours, &c. An Old Scene-Shifter. $96 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 5. — Address, intended to be spoken by Mr, Kemble on the Opening of the New Theatre^ September 18, I8O9. " In early Greece, and in a barbarous age, A wretched tumbril was the actor's stage : The muse, with cheek reclin'd in pensive shame, Blush'd for her wand'rers from the path to fame, ^schylus sprang ; — and storm'd, as he arose. His country's passions, like his country's foes. Rough from the battle, trained to vanquish men, E'en as his sword he wielded, so his pen. He smote the heart, the trembling sense oppress'd. And "gave no quarter to the human breast. Yet stage-improvement mark'd the soldier's sway, And ting'd with taste the captives to his lay. Then, first (the cart of Thespis overthrown) Form'd by rude planks, a theatre was known ; Cop'd by the heavens, it overspread the lawn, And light on scenic dress appear'd to dawn, But, all divine, when Sophocles appear'd, Twas then the drama's majesty was rear'd. Builders and decorators came ; — their boast Was who could grace the lofty poet most : — ^ The lofty poet lack'd not brains to know That dramatists require the drama's show. Nature's perfection springs from various parts; And ** nature's mirror" needs the sister-arts. Hence grew the splendour of the scene ; — and hence The hand-maids that embellish eloquence ; — Dance, music, painting, pageantry, parade, — All that give zest, or yield illusive aid. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 397 Home caught the sparks from Greece ; improved the plan ; At last the flame thro' modern Europe ran. Our scene now decks, in an illumined age, The bards who first gave vigour to our stage : Thus Shakespeare's fire burns brighter than before, And may the stage that boasts him — burn no more ! For this our fabric — banish we to-night Figures worn threadbare, metaphors grown trite. No Phoenix from her ashes shall arise,— Stale to our thoughts, as sparrows to our eyes ; — No naked truism be cloak'd anew, To tell, that fire, which cheers, consumes us too. No ; — let a Briton now to Britons speak ; His cause is strong, although his language weak. We feel, with glory, all to Britain due. And British artists raised this pile for you : While, zealous as our patrons, here we stand To guard the staple genius of our land, Solid our building, heavy our expense ; We rest our claim on your munificence : — What ardour plans, a nation's taste to raise, A nation's liberality repays. No. 6, — Speech of Mr. Leigh to the Audience. September J 9. " Gentlemen, If the proprietors can, upon any reasonable grounds, justify the measure of raising the prices of admission, the public, I am persuaded, will be satisfied, and acquiesce in the demand; but, gentlemen, the public will never 39S covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, consent to submit, upon the vague and general plea of '^ necessity.'' Let the necessity be fairly- proved, and we will be satisfied. Let it be proved that certain obnoxious engagements have nothing to do with the rise of prices ; and let it be con- sidered, when we look around, what extensive means of reimbursement have been had recourse to. Until ample justification is afforded, let me exhort you to continue a justifiable opposition to the present attempt. I mean that peaceable but firm species of resistance which you now display : and, if this satisfaction be not afforded, your op- position must in the end prevail. When I exhort you to a peaceable resistance, such as you now manifest, and which is the only kind of resistance you can justifiably make, let me, at the same time, intreat you to persevere, unavved by hirelings, or by Bow-Street officers. Pursue, with peace and order, these means of redress, and the managers cannot much longer persist in opposing the sense of the public. Gentifmen, I have only farther to observe, that the advance of prices is not for the purpose of bettering the condition of the perform- ers, but for that of aggrandizing a few individu- als; and that the family of one of the managers alone receives from the fund of the theatre a sum more than the amount of the salaries of any other twelve performers." Appendix.] covent garden journal., 399 No. 7. — Speech of the same Gentleman. September 20. " Gentlemen, I took the liberty of addressing you last night, because I felt a common interest with you upon this occasion ; and, from the at- tention with which you honoured me, I am en- couraged to address you again to-night Last night, as well as this night, you acted as became a British audience, and as you are entitled to do. Peaceably, but firmly, you exercise the right of marking your opinion of those who breathe upon your favour. In the way, admitted from time im- memorial in a British theatre, you manifested your feelings, and you acted legally. It was, therefore, with surprise that I witnessed the conduct of those who are employed to thwart your wishes. I saw, last night, a set of Bow-Street officers insult- ing every man who evinced any disapprobation of the imposture attempted to be practised on you. In the pit I saw the officers seconded, in their rude- ness and violence, by a number of persons who are notoriously hired, and are in the regular em- ployment of the proprietors of the theatre. One inan indeed, in particular, I noticed, who is, I am assured, a foreman in a particular department of the works, and who, with his coat off, was striking 400 COVENT-GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppClldix. at every one in his way, challenging every man to fight hi r, who dared to oppose the manager's will. In this conduct, I lamented to perceive, that he was encouraged and supported by those constables who were professedly called in to keep the peace, but who only distinguished themselves by protecting and exciting every rioter in favour of the managers, and treating with violence every one who differed from them. Several gentlemen were, in fact, dragged to Bow-Street, and some, I am told, detained in custody for the night. Let us hope, however, that, among those gentlemen, one at least will be found of sufficient spirit to make those officers account for such outrageous conduct; — to try the question at law with them. — I have no doubt that they have acted illegally ; — but, however that question may be decided, the public must ever consider it as an aggravation of the misconduct of the managers to attempt the es- tablishment of their imposture by such means, to force a submission to it. I know of several of their expedients for this unworthy purpose. I can state facts, which I can prove. Upon the first night the theatre opened, orders were sent to printing- offices, and to trades-people who have many peo- ple in their employ, requesting that such orders should be disposed of '' for the benefit of the mana- gers." But it will amuse you to hear, that many of those orders were used against them. This was a trick of war; and not unfair. It was " biting I Appendix.] covent gardex journal. 401 THE BITER." Last night and to-night also, the use of orders has been glaring. Indeed money has been refused, where orders have been admitted. I, myself, was refused admittance at one of the doors last night, being told that there was no i-oom, though there was plenty, and while, at the same time, paper-orders were received. Probably this refusal was the consequence of my observa- tions last night ; but the object of the refusal did not answer. I am here still, and shall be here again to-morrow night too, if the managers pro- voke the continuance of opposition. (Loud ap^ plause.) The causes assigned to justify the impo- sition we complain of are insufficient, while the real causes are utterly inadmissible, and the ma- nagers know it, therefore they do not venture to state them. You are told, that this theatre has been long a losing concern. What ! do you not know that John Kemble paid ^25,000 for a share of this concern; and do you believe that John Kemble does not know the value of money? (A loud laugh,) I wish that some manager would come forward, who does know, or who would not pretend to be ignorant of what we want. (A laugh,) If such an one did appear, I would di- rect his eye to the placards about the house, if he were so deaf as not to have heard our cries since the opening of the theatre ; and if he were to say, that the advance complained of were rendered ne- cessary by the money borrowed to build this 402 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. theatre, I would tell him that, which I can prove, gentlemen, the rent of the private boxes alone (upon the appendages^ to which I shall not no# observe) is more than sufficient to pay the interest on the whole of the loan raised, and also the salary of Madame Catalani. Having mentioned this performer, I hope I may be allowed to express the general discontent at such an exorbitant grant to a foreigner, while native talent is overlooked. But if the day should ever arrive when that stage is to be contaminated by Italian depravity,f and French duplicity, I trust this audience will feel and act as it ought." (Continued plaudits,) Mr. Leigh, after requesting a clap for the performers, in order to show that no offence Avas intended to them, (a request which was universally and promptly comphed with,)concluded, by exhorting the audience to conduct itself as it had hitherto done, promising that, on such conditions, he would attend, from night to night, till the public Cause should be crowned with triumph." * A retired anti-room to each private box, and the sofas with Tvhich each is said to be furnished, are the appendages alluded to, but, in the account of the rise of ttie present edifice, this opinion will be found tohaVebeen erroi^eous. — Editor. t jNIr. Leigh is unacquainted ivith the raoral virtues and re- st raimd beneficence of this amiable woman. Previously to her union with " Trench duplicity" he who would question these qualities in Catalani would be despised as i, miserable detractor from her well-known merits.— Editor.' Appendix.] covent garden journal. 403 Na 8. — Mr, Kemble's Address to the Audience of Covent Garden Theatre^ subsequently to his In^ terrogatory of ^^IVhat do you want T' fVednes^ day Night, Sept, 20. " ^^ Ladies and Gentlemen, I feel most gratefully impressed by the attention with which you now honour me. The proposed advance to the price of admission, to the boxes and the pit is, if I am not mistaken, the cause of your objections.— (** What affecta- tion ! you know it is," exclaimed several voices.) — You have been told, that the former prices were quite sufficient, were amply abundant, to remune- rate our expenses, to reward our exertions ; but I beg you to reflect, that the price of admission to the pit was 3s. so far back as the reign of Queeu Anne. (Hisses, and some applauses.) The gal- leries were at the same rate then as they are now, and in these we do not propose any advance. For a century back there has been no increase in those rates of admission, although every article we had to purchase, was advancing in price, and ahhough^ I can assure you, that, for the last ten years, tha proprietors of this theatre have not divided 6 per cent, upon their capital. L beg you, ladies and gentlemen, to take this circumstance into your consideration, ad to combine with it the known c g2 404 coVENT GARDEN JouRifAL. [Appendix. precariousness of this description of property— the expense to which we are daily exposed — the hazardous speculations in which we are obliged to engage, and the certain loss to which we are sub- jected, by the ruin of a single play. (Hisses and applauses.) It was said by a gentleman, I under- stand, last night, that no part of the proposed advance would ever go into the pockets of the performers, and that if it did you would not be so disposed to complain. I can assure that gen- tleman, that he is mistaken in his view of the sub- ject ; for, in point of fact^ the performers are, and will be, materially b enefited by this. advance, and they are ready to come forward in a body to testify it. Tix benefit jj}em. indeed — to encourage t alent, by securing it an adeq uate rewa r d — to pro mote the interest of our profession — to provid e suitable per- formers and performance s for your entStamment, was the principal m o tiv^whic K' suggested the pro- pijety of this small advance. When you, ladies and gentlemen, reflect on those points, with your accustomed candour ; when you consider the im- mense expense, no less than 150,000/. which has been laid out in providing for you the finest theatre in Europe — when you take into account the still further expense which must be incurred, in purchasing a suitable wardrobe and scenery, together with the numberless articles necessary to a theatre, which have all, of late years, been en- Appendix.] covent garden journal, 405 hanced in price, I can have no hesitation in trust- ing to your liberality and justice, and to the liber- ality and justice of the country, for a decision in our favour. No. 9. — Parody on the four last Lines of the Covent Garden Address, (The Times) 21 Sept. 1809. Heavy our building, but not so th'expense, We rest our hopes upon your want of sense ; What av'rice spends, new mines of wealth to raise, A generous people's folly soon repays. No. 10.-— 2b the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, Sir, Your remarks, respecting the rise of the price of admission to Covent Garden Theatre, are so pertinent and just, that I am emboldened to send you my ideas on the subject, requesting you to apply them as you please, if you think them worthy your notice. When government gives an exclusive privilege, as for example to the West-India and London Docks, and to several other chartered companies (which are nearly the same as exclusive patents) there is generally a clause restricting the pro- 406 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. prietors from dividing more than 10 per cent, and that the surplus (if any) shall be applied towards the further improvement of the concern. This has of late, I believe, been the constant practice, and has been considered a wholesome and proper regulation. Now, I do observe, the proprietors of the theatre have attempted to say- that the profits of that concern have not yielded 10 per cent. ; but I rather think they have far exceeded that amount ; and I will now shew that the intended increase of admission would alone be sufficient to build such a theatre as the present one. They say that they have expended, in building it, c£ 150,000. This sum they can at any time raise by subscription, at 5 per cent, for 85 years, with the additional bonus of a free admis- sion for the like term, which said admission is known to be worth about £6 per annum. This, supposing the shares to be c£500 each, will,^ with the said admission, cost c£31 per annum; and this, multiplied by 300 shares, makes ^9300 per annum to pay for the loan of ^150,000, and for 85 years only. Now the increased price of ad- mission is. Say for 800 in the pit at 6d. is - £9,0 For 600 in the boxes at Is. is - - 30 50 And for SOO nights - 200 Per annum - £10,000 Appendix.] covent garden journal. 407 This is £700 per annum more than enough for the whole of the building of a theatre. I say nothing about the great increase of rent from the private boxes, which is enormous ; and, therefore, I think the public ought to be put in possession of these facts, quoted, without prejudice or par* tiality, by A Frequenter of the Theatre. 21st Sept. No. 11. — Advertisement of the Proprietors, on Thwsday, the 9i\st of September. It having been stated, in some of the public prints, that the profits of the late theatre were more than sufficient, the proprietors think it their duty to state, that the average profits of the last ten years have not been six per cent. The pro- prietors cannot doubt that a liberal public will feel the justice of the present advance, — particu- larly when the very precarious nature of their property and their heavy additional expenses are considered. No. 12. — Query of " The Morning Chronicle^'' same date. The Managers of Covent GardeYi Theatre assert, that the average profits have not exceeded six 40S covENT GARDEN JOURNAL, [Appendix. per cent, on the capital employed, for the last ten years. It would be candid in them to state the whole truth. Did they separate the actual ex- penses from the annuities^ and other payments for incumbrances^ paid at different times, on the esta- blishment. No. 13. — To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle. Sir, The magistrates and constables having taken upon themselves to interpose their authority in support of the rise on the prices of admission to Covent Garden Theatre, I have been induced to inquire whether such interposition is legal, and the following is the result of my search. Dr. Burn, in his book entitled the '* Justice of the Peace and Parish Officer," vol. 4. p. 9^. title, Riot, — defines a riot to be : — '* When three per- sons or more shall assemble themselves together mth an intent mutually to assist one another against any who shall oppose them in the execu- tion of an enterprize of a private nature, with force or *oiole7ice against the peace, or to the manifest terror of the people, whether the act intended were of itself lawful or unlawful." — And, in describing what acts " are against the peace, or to the terror of the people," he says, " it seems clearly agreed, in every riot, that there must be some such cir- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 409 cumstances either of actual force or violence, or of an apparent tendency thereto, as are naturally apt to strike terror into the people, — as the shew of armour, threatening speeches, or turbulent gestures ; for every such offence must be laid to be done to the terror of the people ; and hence it clearly follows, that assemblies at wakes, or other festivals or meetings, for exercise of common sports or diversions; as bull-baiting, wrestling, and such like, are not riotous." — By the common law, the sheriff, constable, and other peace-officers, may and ought to do all thai in them lies towards the suppressing of a riot, and may command all other persons to assist therein. — 1 Hawk. 159. By the 34 Ed. III. c. 1. and also by 13 Hen. IV. c. 7. § 1. justices of the peace have power to restrain rioters by imprisonment and punishment. The riot, within the contemplation of these acts, accords with the definition given by Burn, for the precedent of the justice's record of a riot states, that they found the rioters *' in a warhke mani>er arrayed, to wit, with clubs, swords, and guns, unlawfully, riotously, and routously assembled." The next act on this subject is 1st Geo. I. st. 2. c. 5. commonly called the Riot- Act, which enacts, that every justice, sheriff, under-sheriff, and mayor, shall, on notice or knowledge of any riotous, unlawful, and tumultuous assembly of persons, to the number of twelve or more, toge- ther with such help as he shall command, resort 410 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. to the place, and thereupon, amongst the rioters, or as near to them as he can safely come, with a loud voice command, or cause to be commanded, silence to be, while proclamation is making, and after that, shall openly, and with a loud voice, make, or cause to be made, proclamation, in these words, or to the like effect : *' Our Sovereign Lord the King chargeth and commandeth all persons, being assembled, imme- diately to disperse themselves, and peaceably to depart to their habitations, or to their lawful business, upon the pains contained in the act made in the first year of King George, for pre- venting tumults and riotous assemblies. — God save the King." " And if any twelve or more of them shall continue together by the space of one hour after proclamation made, they shall be guilty of felony, without benefit of clergy." From the above extracts, it is clear, that so long as the audience refrain from all acts of violence and threats, and confine themselves to hissing, and other peaceable demonstrations of disappro- bation, (which I earnestly entreat them to do as the only safe and sure means of success,) the magistrates and constables cannot interfere either for a not or breach of the peace; but, if they should be rash enough to interfere, I advise the persons whose liberty may be thereby affected, to submit peaceably to what may be required of Appendix.] covENT garden journal. 411 them, taking care to have witnesses to prove the facts, and then bring an action for false impri- sonment ; and I think, under such circumstances, a jury would give ample damages. I again recommend moderation, but firmness and perseverance. John Doe. Temple, Sept. 21, I8O9. No. U,—To Mr. Redhead Yorke. Sir, It is impossible for me fully to express the indignation and sorrow I feel at the conduct of the proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre, who, not contented with the patronage and hberality of a generous public, which , they have so often boasted of and experienced for a number of years ; not satisfied with the many in- dulgences and flattering panegyrics bestowed upon them by their friends and patrons ; not thankful for the continual repeated favours they have received; they are now endeavouring, in return for these many acts of kindness, to fly in the face of their w-orthy benefactors. The inju- rious monopoly, and daring impudence of these would-be men of genius and taste, call loudly, as I before observed, for the interference of the legis- lature. That the new theatre costs the enormous 412 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. sum of one hundred and fifty thousand pounds, is, absurd, ridiculous, and false; and if the proprietors have expended that sum, they are, as the public well know, gainers by it. But let them shew to that " liberal and enlightened public" they so much talk about, how, where, and in what manner, one hundred and fifty thousand pounds have been expended, and, at the same time, add the amount of the respective tradesmen's bills employed in building and finishing this graceful and elegant theatre. After that is done, let them state to the public the amount of the new shares taken into the concern; next, the number of additional private boxes they have made ; and, lastl}', let us know the actual sum received from the fire-offices. Let them do this, and prove to the world that their loss has not been a gain, Alas ! Sir, I fear, were the real facts to come before the public, it would appear upon the face of a clear and correct statement, that, instead of raisings they ought to lower the prices of admission. Have we not had many theatres fall by the same destructive cala- mity as the late Covent Garden Theatre did ? and yet the public have not been imposed upon by those enlightened and sensible proprietors. Have not the Circus, Astley's Amphitheatre, the Bir- mingham Theatre, and others, been consumed with much greater loss to the proprietors than the late Covent- garden proprietors have expe- rienced? for, had not a fire taken place, their Appendix.] covent garden journal. 413 theatre must have been pulled down and re-built, it being in a complete state of decay and ruin ; whereas, the others have been in an excellent state of repair, and of course of more value than an old rotten theatre. The proprietors of these theatres, however, with that good sense and decorum worthy of the pa- tronage of a discerning and candid public, did not raise their prices of admission, notwithstanding their heavy losses ; but very properly came for- ward, in a conspicuous and manly manner, to p§rform at the old prices of admission, fully sensible that a generous public would repay their losses by its patronage. Not so is the behaviour of the sordid, ava- ricious proprietors of Covent-garden ; having no theatrical competitors in the kingdom to divide the public attention, they insult, and endeavour to overawe their best benefactors ; and, amidst a phalanx of melo-dramatists, justices of the peace, Bow-street officers, and understrappers, strive to raise their consequence and reputation above the most arbitrary tyrants upon earth. Grown con- ceited, haughty, insolent, and vain, by pubhe patronage, and public encomiums, the petulant, proud, arrogant, and whining manager, without considering the voice of the pubhc, has dared to laugh at the remonstrances of the town, and won- dered at their impudence ! Let King John enjoy his reputation as a comedian, if he be worthy of 414 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL, [Appendix. it ; but, if the public are to receive insults from the manager of a public theatre, to their remon- strances against theatrical monopoly, it is high time for that public to hold his conduct in univer- sal contempt, and to consign it to infamy. dfTo conclude this subject, already worn out by daily discussions, I shall quote the following de- scription of a manager from the celebrated author of Roderick Random.* *' It is not for the qua- lities of his heart that this little parasite is invited to the tables of dukes and lords, who hire extra* ordinary cooks for his entertainment. His avarice they see not, his ingratitude they feel not; his hypocrisy accommodates itself to their hu- mours, and is of consequence pleasing ; but he is chiefly courted for his buffoonery, and will be admitted into the choicest parties of quality for his talent of mimicking Punch and his wife Joan ; when a poet of the most exquisite genius is not able to attract the least regard.'* That national theatres will prove national bene- fits, I have no doubt. In my last I pointed out how much our theatres were on the decline; and what will after ages say, when they are informed that the talents of an author no w-a-days is frit- tered down to the writing a character for an Italian opera-singer. But, this is one of your melo-dramatic gentry writers ; and it is quite - * * Vol. ii. p. 260. Appendix.] covent aARDEN journal. 415 indifferent to them, Sir, as long as they are paid for it, whether they introduce a dog, or a Frenchu fied opera-singer, upon the British stage. The late uproar at the new Covent Garden Theatre will, I fear^ b|€ nothing compared to that which will take place on the appearance of Madame Catalani, The secretary of state, sir, would not only perform a public act of justice, by sending her at once out of the country, but get the thanks of the nation also. Indeed, I am well convinced, that such is the dislike the town have to this foreigner, and her gang of adventurers, that the minister, by such an act, would, in the first place, prevent all rioting and confusion, and, in the next place, gain great and deserved popularity by it. Good God ! sir, what will the rising generation say, on hear- ing, that an Itahan opera-singer gained, in this country yearly, a sum almost equal to the salaries of our twelve judges ; a sum, sufficient to pay all the performers of a theatre handsomely ; and, not- withstanding this excessive generosity, on the part of the public, she had the ingratitude to re- fuse performing for a charity, and the brazen effrontery to insist on singing at the new theatre, although she is well aware the public voice and sentiments are decidedly against her appearing on the boards. What we are to think of such con- duct, I know not. The one has our pity, the other our hatred and contempt. And while we continue to point out our grievances to the legis- 416 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, lature, I hope, and sincerely trust, this evil will be done away with, for the benefit of national in- dependence and liberty. Amusement, sir, is the great object of our the- atres. If we are but amused j that is supposed to be sufficient ; and indeed we may perceive that proprietors and managers imagine they have per- formed their parts by introducing new performers and new melo-dramatic-mummery on the stage. It is thus we have had forced upon us a young Roscius, a Carlo, and a wretched species of bas- tard comedy. The dramatic masters had but one opinion formerly ; alas, how widely different is the opinion of authors of the present day. The ancient rule was, that, as tragedy displayed the overwhelming misfortunes of the great, so should comedy depicture their frailties and follies, as well as those of the lower orders of society. These were the definitions given by Aristotle of the drama ; and even Boileau, one of our best modern critics, asserts, that comedy will not admit of tragic distress. Until these latter years, comedy and tragedy were always kept separate ; but now they are promiscuously jumbled together, and, as Voltaire humourously observes, we see nothing but " a tradesman's tragedy " performed now-a- days. Our theatres, it is true, have their fashions and fancies; and this is the only reason I can assign, why they applaud the laughing senti- timental tragi-comedy of the present day, as Appendix.] covent gardekt journal. 417 well as put up with this new species of mummery^ called melo-dramatic writing. These compositions have, perhaps on account of their novelty, great success ; but have they not vitiated the taste of the town? And does it not also prove what I said in my former letter, that our dramatic genius and subjects are departing from the stage? In- deed, our comic performances have nothing to re- commend them but a song or two ; and our per- formers, with the advantage of fine clothes, can always play their parts to admiration, by the mere help of a loud laugh, a grin, leer, and vacant stare. It is a fact, that true comedy, real tragedy, or a humorous farce, would amuse us more ; but where are we to find them ? The melo-drama will, in spite of opposition, carry every thing before it ; and the reason is plainly and simply this : —The melo-drama of the present day is, of all dramatic composition, the most easily written ; it requires neither genius, taste, sense, wit, humour, senti- ment, character, nor abilities. If you can but write, you are sufficiently qualified for manufac- turing a melo-drama. This argument will beat down a thousand objections, and the vitiated taste of the town, for want of better geniuses, is con- tented to be pleased with the disgusting and un- bearable nonsense of these melo-dramatists. -Omnia fatis In pejus ruere, ac retro sublapsa referri. Virgil, Dd 418 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix* This, sir, is the sad and wretched situation of the Enghsh, stage; and, although the exertions of Colonel Greville and Mr. Arnold are to be praised, yet I fear the attempt to render the theatre once 'more the seat of the muses and of genius is des- perate, and will be of little or no avail, unless pa- tronized by the legislature. It was with no small degree of pleasure I read anaccpunt of the before- mentioned gentlemen having determined to intro- duce nothing J 07xign on their theatre, and were I to advise them, I would also make it a constant rule never to have acted on their theatre such wretched sing-song stuff as the melo-dramas of the present day. Great credit and applause are also due to the merchants in the city, who, it is re- ported, are about to erect a theatre, if they can obtain a licence, in Bouverie-Street, Fleet-Street. To check the ambition of theatrical managers, to stop the rapacious and all-greedy devouring jaws of monopoly and of avarice, and to redress the wrongs and insults of a liberal and generous pub- lic, are worthy the character of British merchants. But still it is necessary that the legislature should take upon themselves the establishment of national theatres, and there is little doubt but that they will, in a short period, prove national benefits. And now, sir, I have very little more to add : if there be, among your numerous and highly re- spectable readers, any real lovers and well-vs^ishers of our native drama; if there be any friends to Appendix.] covent garden journal. 419 dramatic genius and talents still in being, who are willing to promote the welfare and independence of the British stage ; the present unjust and arbi- tary conduct of the proprietors of Covent-Garden Theatre demands their attention. Being myself fully sensible of the utility and advantages to be derived from national theatres, I have thus, unpatronized and unknown, volunta- rily come forward. And I now state, without the smallest hesitation, that to such of your read- ers who possess sufficient interest with the govern- ment, and inclination for building a national theatre, I am ready to submit a plan, pointing out not only a method of raising a fund (without in- jury to the public, and without any subscriptions,) which shall enable government to build one or more theatres within a twelvemonth; but also shall enable the government to put down the lot- tery-tax by the annual accumulation of that fund, together with the profits of the theatres. Any letter, addressed for me at your office, will be duly attended to. I am, sir, your's, &c. An Old Scene Shifter. Sept. 21, 1809. Dd 2 420 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 15. — '^Morning Chronicle'' Sept, 22. Mr. Editor, I cannot easily imagine a more favourable opportunity for an elegant and classical poem than the opening of a National Theatre; particularly under the melancholy cir- cumstances that occasioned the rebuilding of Covent-Garden Theatre ; but no such impression appears to have been made on the bard who fa- voured the public with an Occasional Address : on the contrary, he seems to spurn at the idea of al- luding to the destructive conflagration, except in the elegant and unrivalled couplet — ** Thus Shakespeare's fire burns brighter than of yore, " And may the stage that boasts him buim no more!" What a climax ! Again, sir, what think you of this anti-metaphorical composer ? He loathes the introduction of a Phoenix because 'tis " Stale to our thoughts as sparrows to our eyes." I cannot pass over the elegant exordium, Avhich seems to aim at some degree of classic refinement. We are, in a succession of Heliconian lines, in- troduced, first to the Grecian iEschylus, who Appendix.] covent garden journal. 421 " Rough from the battle, train'd to vanquish men, ** £'en as his sword he wielded, so his pen." Then Thespis's cart ; and in one period, we find Sophocles — ** Builders and decorators came, their boast " Was who could grace the lofty poet most" Now, Mr. Kemble has acquired some credit for a classic taste, — with what justice, I shall not here dispute ; but that this deeply-read player should, as manager of the theatre, sanction and recite a composition so disgraceful to the taste of the age, does not well accord with what the poet makes him utter — , ** Here we stand " To guard the staple genius of the land." Non deficit alter : — but I shall not intrude farther than to pity the ignorant presumption of the author, and the injudicious taste of his patron, — for— / " Sure 'tis the very error of the moon ; " She comes more near the earth than she was wont, <* And m^kes men mad.*' R. 422 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 16. — Song and Chorus, by Messrs, Harris and Kemble, at the New Theatre. (From the same Paper.) John Bull, don't huff, You've had enough Of Shakespeare's stuff; — You must learn of th' Italian! ; Nor reason, nor rhyme. You shall have next time, But the squalls sublime Of the great Cat Cat Catalani ! CHORUS. \ John Bull, 'tis not fit You should come to the pit, To bawl for wit, And such like vulgar blarney ; We'll have in those walls. No more cat-calls, , But the tuneful squalls Of the great Cat Cat Catalani ! John Bull, take advice, And don't be so nice. About the new price, Which shall never (at least, as we hope) end ; But come here, and doat On the tuneful throat, Which, a one pound note pops out, everi/ time it is opened. Chorus,— .« John Bull," &c. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 423 Then cease your " good-lacks \" About tax-upon-tax, Nor ever ax, what we ax. But crowd in with the jovial throng : Come, come, to the play, And be merry and gay, 'Tis by far the best way, — Like us, pay your debts with a song. Chorus.—** John Bull," &c. Then stop your bull's mouth, For in truth, and good sooth, 'Tis so vastly uncouth. We will stop it at once with our gag : — Keep off, or perhaps You may sink in our traps, Or Bow-Street's fierce chaps In the round-house invite you " to brag.'* Chorus.—" John Bull," &c. HISTRIONICUS. No. 17. — Mr. O'Reilly's Speech to the Audience of Covent Garden Theatre, Sept, 22, I8O9. " Ladies and Gentlemen, I beg your attention to what I shall offer, for a few moments. You abuse the managers of this theatre, and justly, because they impose upon you; — but why confound, in that abuse, a person who has no share in that imposi- tion.^ The managers both injure and insult you, 424 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. and, therefore, your resentment against them is reasonable ; but why transfer any part of that re- sentment to one who has not, who cannot have, any disposition to injure or insult you ? Some artful people avail themselves of your honest in- dignation against the managers, to promote their own interests, and gratify their prejudices, by ex- citing you to abuse an unoffending individual. How can you be so imposed upon ? How can you be so inconsiderate ? How can you be so unmanly as to abuse a woman f What has Catalani done to offend you? (Applause and hisses.) The ma- nagers engaged her upon the calculation that she would attract an increased audience, and increase their profit. Now, if they fail in their calculation why direct your anger against her, on account of their loss, which is no injury to you ; and, if they gain by her, would you not rather wish the gain, or a fair share of it, to go into the pocket of her, who never offended you, than of those who are offending you every night ? But then you are excited against this woman, because she is a fo- reigner. What ! is it consistent with the liberality of Englishmen to outrage the feelings of a woman, and prevent her merits from meeting their reward, because she was born in another country ? Away with such an unw^orthy and barbarous sentiment! With disgust, I behold the placards of "No Ca- talani ;" but with disgust, combined with amaze- ment, I see those of ** Dickons— iio Catalani!*' Appendix.] covent garden journal. 425 Good God ! What a contrast ! Let me appeal to your common sense. This Catalani, whom I nevet saw or heard but on the stage, is capable of afford- ing the most exquisite pleasure to all who pro- fess a taste for vocal powers. She stands confess* fcdly uiirivalled. It then you are ambitious of the pleasure of hearing her, is it not more for the in'- terest of you, the people, to have her here, where you can hear her for one or two shillings, than at the Opera-house, where you cannot enter without paying five shillings or half-a-guinea, which many cannot afford ? Then will you, to gratify other's prejudices, deny yourselves pleasure? I have heard it whispered, that a great many insidious manoeuvres are going forward against this woman, and therefore only am I interested for her. I have even been told, that it is not improbable the ma- nagers would have no objection to an apology for rescinding their agreement with her. It may be calculated, that, as Madame Catalani has been de- tached from the Opera-house, as a serious dissen- tion has been created between her and Mr. Taylor, she may be safely got rid of by this theatre, — that there is now not the least danger of her being able to procure an engagement elsewhere, which can produce any of that counter-attraction to this theatre, to guard against which was probably a main cause of her original engagement here. This calculation I state as merely possible; — but will you second it ? Will you promote the un- 425 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, worthy speculations of selfishness ? Will you gra- tify the base feelings of envy ? Will you ally your- selves with the enemies of an unoffending stranger, of a meritorious woman ? Can you stoop to any thing so ungallant, so illiberal, so unmanly ? — Again I tell you, that I know nothing of this woman, but as a pubhc-singer ; but I cannot, without pain, witness the attack made upon her. I, therefore, declare my resolution to attend here, upon the first night of her appearance, and to use my utmost endeavours to resist that foul conspiracy, which appears to have been formed against her. In such an undertaking, I can have no doubt of being seconded by every man, who is, in the slightest degree, animated by irish feeling." — • (Applause, with laughter,) ^ No. 18. — To the Editor of the Times, September 22, 1809. Sir, I have hitherto been one of that class who have considered theatrical property, zvell managed, as extremely lucrative ; conse- quently, I thought the present increase of prices a gross imposition on the public ; but, since the proprietors have solemnly declared, that ** their average profits, for the last ten years, have not been six per cent.'' I confess my opinion ha3 Appendix.] covent garden journal. 427 been greatly shaken, although I cannot say I am convinced yet that I was wrong. Therefore what I would propose, Mr. Editor, is this : that a committee of respectable and disinterested per- sons should be appointed, to examine into the accuracy of the proprietors statement; and I am convinced, that, if it be found true, great as the increase is, amounting on the boxes to nearly seventeen per cent, and on the pit to better than fourteen per cent, an enlightened public will cheerfully submit to it ; and, on the con- trary, they will shew their contempt for any expedient, by gross fraud, intended to support an imposition, by abstaining from the theatre altogether; and thereby convince them, that Macbeth is only the tinsel sovereign, and that the public is the real dictator of a theatre. Should this meet your ideas on the subject, you will oblige a constant reader by an early inser- tion. I aqi an admirer of talent but NO PARTY MAN, No. 19. — A Song, founded upon Mr, Kemble's dpening address, (from the same paper,) Sep- tember 23, I8O9. Tune, *' When I was a servant in Rosemary-lane. " In Greece, we are told, that their barbarous actors At first on ^ tumbrel perform'd their characters; 428 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. While the muse, luckless damsel, beheld it with shame, Vex'd to see her sons seeking such bye-roads to fame. Fol de rol, &c. Then ^schylus rose, sir, and made a great pother, With his sword in one hand and pen in the other ; And while, from the former, his enemies shrunk, With the latter he scribbled his friends in a funk. Fol de rol, 6cc. Yet this militant poet so mended the age. That the tumbrel and cart soon gave place to the stage ; Which, rear'd of rude planks, overspread the bare ground Like a huge kitchen table i' the midst of a pound. Fol de rol, &c. But not, till old Sophocles raised up his head, Had the muse of the Drama a bouse or a shed ; For then first the builders a play-house erected. And poor devils of Greeks from the ^wedtber protected. Fol de rol, ^c. The wise-acre poets then first did discover That Punch would beat Poetry all the world over; And therefore resolved, that their players should be Dress'd spruce as a carrot and laced cap-a-pie. Fol de rol, &c. Then scenes were invented and painted with skill, And every art courted the play-house to fill : Till, at length, these same arts were so powerful grown, That they up with their fists a.i\d they knocked nature down* Fol de rol, &c, In England, old Shakespeare, that foolish art-hater, Succeeded in giving new life to poor nature ; Appendix.] covent garden journal. 429 But our age of taste her authority spurn'd, Till, enraged at neglect, she our theatre burnM. Fol de ro), &c. But we'll have revenge, and out of pure spite, We'll tip her a piece of her fav' rites to-night ; And to shew her our power, if she does not know it, ril warrant we'll murder both her and the poet. Fol de jol, &c. To complete the dame's downfall, if there should be any Strength wanting in us, we've engaged Catalani, Whose notes so piano, o'er the old beldame's grave-o. Shall sound through our house till our house echo bravo. Fol de rol, &c. But now that John Bull to John Bull might speak plain, Our house is extensive, and small is our gain ; Then is there among you one Briton not willing To see nature murdered and pay the odd shilling. Fol de rol, &c. No. 20. — Occasional address^ intended to be spoken at the New Theatre, Covent Garden, by Mr. Kembky on Madame Catalani' s first appearance, [From the Morning Post, September 22.] In antient times, in days of good Queen Bess, Than now, the playhouse prices were much less; " The Muse, with cheek reclined" and pensive frowo, Blush'd to see boxes fiU'd for half a crown. 430 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. Actresses sprang at length— (observe, till then^ The female parts were all performed by men) ; Admissions were advanced, and soon the town Were, larger sums, acciistom'd to put down ; Again the Managers John Bull oppress'd. And, without new advances, could not rest. Improvement rapidly thus gaining ground, A something novel every day was found ; To raise the taste of a degen'rate age, Asses and dogs now trod the British stage ; While streams of real water found their way, To bid the town expect still more to pay. " But, all divine, when" I! — at length " appeared; Twas then the drama's majesty was rear'd" On Covent Garden's boards: — 'twas then you heard Of "a — cheSf" and saw me the public ^^ heard;* Twas then you saw your hisses scorn'd, and knew What 'twas to be each night defied anew ; Insolence genuine springs from nature's parts, But Managers must court the Jiner arts. Hence sprang new innovations, and from hence That taste which immolates, for sound, good sense ; " Dance, music, painting, pageantry, parade,'' And all that could the cause of nonsense aid. Harris from Taylor " caught the spark;" the plan Has turn'd the brain of that advent'rous man. Our scene no longer, as in former years, Shall call forth smiles or tributary tears By British acting : — Oh no ! give way all (Save when I play) — \_Asid€.'\ — to Catalani's squalj; And when 1 die, Shakespeare, that scribbling elf, Shall rest for ever on the prompter's shelf. For an Italian, banish we to-night Each British sentiment as weak or trite; Let no contempt for an outlandish strain, Stale and worn out, be heard,— 'twill all be vain. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 431 " No naked truism be cloakM anew To tell" — ^you'll ever give " the devil his due !'* No : — for this actor we applause bespeak, Her voice is strong, although her cause is weak. We know what should please best, what is your due, And this fine actress we've engaged for you To pay ; " while zealous as yourselves we stand To guard the staple genius of our land.*" Firm our engagement, heavy our expense, We rest our hopes upon your lack of sense ; What we bring forward, be it what it may, Th'expense jour extra shillings will defray : So, if we should fall short, you'll sure be willing, Another year, to add another shilling. No. 21. — The House that Jack built. (From the General Evening Post, Sept. 23.) This is the House that Jack built. These are the boxes, let to the Great, that visit the House that Jack built. These are the Pigeon-holes over the Boxes, let to the Great, that visit the House that Jac^ built. This is the Cat engaged to squall, to the Poor, in the Pigeon- holes, over the Boxes, let to the Great, that visit the House that Jack built. This is John Bull with a Bugle-horn, that hiss'd the Cat engaged to squall, to the Pour, in the Pigeon-holes, over the Boxes, let to the Great, that visit the House that Jack built. * This may appear somewhat inconsistent. Probably by *' staple genius of our land," we are merely to understand Messrs. John and Charles Kemble, and Mrs. Siddons. But in- consistency is of Qo consequence in an address. 432 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppcndlX. This is the Thief-taker shaven and shorn, that took up John Bull with his Bugle-horn, who hiss'd the Cat engaged to squall, to the Foor^ in the Pigeon-holes^ over the Boies, let to the Great, that visit the House that Jack built. This is the Manager j full oi scorn, who rai&ed the price to the People forlorn ! and directed the Thief -taker, shaven and shorH) to take up John Bull with his Bugle-horn, who hiss'd the Cat engaged to squall, to the Boor, in the Pigeon-holes, over the Boxes, let to the Great, who visit the House that Jack built. Bow-Wow. No. 22.— To the Editor of the Times, Sept, 23. " Mr. Editor, At length the proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre have been compelled to accede to the wishes of the pubHc ; and let it never be forgotten that they were compelled. It forms a most important feature in their case, that they did not meet the decided sentiments of the public 'till engines, trap-doors, thief- takers, and orders, had all failed. They had to fear, too, that when the members of the late or present adminis- tration (which shall I say ?) had amicably settled the affairs of the continent, and restored peace to Europe, by shooting at each other,* — they had to fear, I say, that Government would then, in the * A duel was fought, this month, between Lord Viscount Castlereagh, and the Right Hon. George Canning; both Cabinet Ministers. — Editor* Appendix.] covent garden journal. 433 same spirit of harmony, restore peace to the me- tropolis, either by the obvious mode of compelling the proprietors to shut the theatre or lower their prices, or by the more statesman-like means of calling out, I believe the phrase is, the managers. But, sir, to the point. It is right that the proprietors should distinctly understand the pub- lic expectation, that the committee will be com- posed of independent men of acknowledged worth. They should be men not encumbered with the trappings of office. Lawyers, of all others, will be the most unfit; for, either they must be paid, and the investigation will become a mere job, or they must attend gratuitously, in which case the business will not be attended to. It is idle to expect that men will suspend the exercise of a lucrative profession, to attend to the concerns of the public, in a case like this, where no emolument is to be expected. The same ob- servations apply, still more forcibly, to public accountants, and officers in the Bank. It may be said, indeed, that it is not material of whom the committee is composed, as they will only have to make out a debtor and creditor account of the receipts and disbursements of the theatre. But, it must not be lost sight of that the proprietors are dragged into this measure; that they and their servants will not only come before the com- mittee as unwilling witnesses, but as persons deeply interested in suppressing documents, and £ 9 434 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppCndlX, having ample means to do so. It will therefore require an intelligent, patient, active, and incor- ruptible, committee, to dive into the secret recesses of these men's hearts, and elicit truth from com- plicated and contradictory accounts. It will be proper, too, that the persons examined should be, previouly, examined before a magistrate ; for, although an oath so taken would be coram non judicej and therefore an indictment for perjury would not lie upon it, yet it would be binding in foro conscientice. In truth, the investigation must be conducted, strictly, as between adverse parties, or it would be better not to enter into it. If a mere e.v-parte statement is to be produced, the public will not be satisfied. Of course, in considering the income of the theatre, with refer- ence to the propriety in the rise of prices, the question will be, not merely what the receipts have hitherto been, but what, in future, they will be, in the present improved form of the theatre. The committee must bear in mind, that the public expect the priv^ate boxes to be thrown open, unless the receipts will, in that case, be diminished below what it is right the proprietors should receive. When the committee shall have made their report, it will be proper to allow a reasonable time for the public to consider it ; and not to open the house immediately. Let but a fair statement of the necessity of the advanced prices be pro- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 435 duced, and the public will one and all cheerfully submit to them. Speaking for myself, I declare, that, as I have been decided in my opposition, so will I be strenuous in my support. On the other hand, the proprietors will do well to remember, that, if any duplicity shall appear in their statements, the lion whom they have roused is still on the watch, pacified for the present, but not subdued. S, B.E. No. 23. — Morning Chronicle, Sept, 25. " John Bull has gained one point, — that's flat, " For Kemble has tihipt out the Cat; " Shut up his house, and gone to bed, " With fewer aitches in his head." HISTRIONICUS. No. 24. — Same Paper, It is said that the expenses of the old house amounted to ^54,000, and that their largest receipt for any one season, which was the winter in which " John Bull" came out, amounted only toi;6i,ooa E e 2 435 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 25. — New Theatre Royal^ Covent Garden. Monday, Sept 25, 1809. The public are most respectfully informed, by the proprietors, that the above theatre will be closed, till the committee of gentlemen, to whose investigation their books and accounts are to be submitted, have examined and made up their opinion upon them. No. 25. — Affidavit made before the Lord-Mayor^ by the Treasurer of Covent Garden Theatre, preparatory to the submitting of their Accounts to the Gentlemen who undertook to examine them. London, to wit. — Richard Hughes, of Mill- bank, in the county of Middlesex, Esq. treasurer to Co vent Garden Theatre, and John Tull, of Maiden-lane, Covent-garden, in the said county of Middlesex, gentleman, deputy-treasurer to Covent Garden Theatre aforesaid, severally make oath and say, that they have been respectively treasurer and deputy- treasurer to the said theatre for upwards of thirteen years last past, and that they have, respectively, carefully examined and compared all the books of account, kept for the Appendix.] covent garden journal. 437 said theatre, for six years last past, under the superintendance of these deponents, that is to say, commencing at Midsummer, 1803, and ending at Midsummer, 1809, both inclusive, which said accounts comprise and contain all the money- transactions of the said theatre, and that the several paper writings, or extracts, from the afore- mentioned accounts hereunto annexed, and which paper writings, or extracts, are marked respec- tively (A) and (B), and respectively signed by both these deponents, are, and each of them is, a true, faithful, and perfect, extract from the said before-mentioned accounts, in every particular, matter, and thing. Richard Hughes. John Tull. (Copy) Sworn in the Council-Chamber at Guildhall, London, by both the de- ^ C. FLOWER, Mayor. ponents, Sept. 26, 1809, before me, r at^ de-V C. me,3 No. 27. — Impromptu on the Two Statues in Front of Convent Garden Theatre. (Morning Chronicle, September 27.) With steady mien, unalter'd eye, The muses mount the pile; Melpomene disdains to cry, Thalia scorns to smile. 43S covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, Pieria's stream, when moderns quaff, The cause they'll plainly shew ; Their comedy provokes no laugh. Their tragedy no woe. I No. 28. — The Bona Roba's lamentation, upon seeing some of the richer sisterhood in the private boxes, (Morning Chronicle, September 29.) Kerable's equivocal morality Shall be confined to folks of quality : Alas ! the beaux no longer need us, These private boxes supersede us. No. 29. — The Nexo Chevy Chase. (Morning Chronicle, September 30.) God prosper long our noble king, Our cash and comforts all ; In Covent Garden while I sing The row that did befall. To chase the Cat with howl and horn, John Bull went to the play. And, though she laughed him to scorn, I trow he won the day. The Kembles, Harris, Son, and Co. Did vow to God, God willing, That, for Grimalkin and their shovr, They'd touch the other shilling. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 439 For they a theatre had made, This famous Cat to squall in, With ANNUAL BOXES, for the trade, No doubt, of caterwalling. John's native drama to undo. With foreign airs and vices, And so they e'en impos'd their new And banish'd Am" old prices." Their bowmen bold, from Bow-street brought, All chosen men of might, Resol/d to stuff down Johnny's throat Their prices, wrong or right. But John, whose skull with brains is cramm'd, Their schemes did soon unriddle, " And, if I have, may I be damn'd, (Quoth he,) your Cat and Fjddle ! " What, think you me to tax and gull,' For building this here house ? Or, thinks a Cat to catch John Bull Just as she'd catch a mouse ? " Your modesty, upon my soul. Much with the ton increases, That fain would cram each pigeon-hole With seven'shilUng pieces ! " No, no, it will not do, black Jack, It shall not do, by jingo, * Old plays and prices* we'll have back, And no outlandish lingo ! " 440 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. The orchestra struck up in vain, Macbeth and wife were hiss'd, And " Bimam Wood to Dunsinane,** Unnotic'd pass'd, I wist. For " banners on the outside wall" The tyrant had no use. Their scrolls within so thick did fall, Though ne*er ajlag of truce. On Monday first the row begun, Or call it what you may, Tis certain they kept up the fun Until the Saturday. The actors ran through every scent As fast as they could go, As it a pantomime had been, Or eke a puppet-shew. And, though the people, who were there, Most loud did roar and rage, Their backsides all, with special care, « Were turned upon the stage. O Christ ! it was a grief to see, For word you could not hear, (Except the speech of Mr. Leigh,) A tragedy so quetr ! To catgut, catcall did reply, With bell and bugle brazen, And all the gods, who sat on high. Helped out the diapason I Appendix.] covent garden journal. 441 Yet bids Jack Kemble, on the bent, A Don of thorough blood ; With a — ches though his head was rent^ Firm as a mule he stood. " Shew me/' said he, " lohat *fis ym xvantf ^^What want you heref^ he cried; " We neither want your Cat or cant/' Our Englishmen replied. " Our notes for her's you shan't command, And for her pipe, perdie, We trust we haye, within the land, Five hundred good as she. " With that, there came a glorious roar. Of rattles, and of row-sticks. As such there never did before Confound the Catacomticks. Then looked our manager, I trow, Like one in doleful dumps ; His pride was humbled to a bow, Almost upon his stumps. As thus he said, " at length I yield. You've got what you have wish'd. You've won, John Bull, you've won the field, And so /Ac Ca T w dished, " God save the king, and bless the land, Our liberties and laws, And thus may Britons ever stand United in their cause ! ! 442 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 30. — Imitations of Two Odes of Horace, (Monthly Mirror for September.) Book 3.— Ode 9- An Italian Duet, " Donee gratus eram tibi/' &c. TAYL0R. Angelic dame ! when leagued with me, Your tweedle dum, and tweedle dee Charm'd each besotted ninny ; I thought not of the sons of France, Nor join'd with Vestris in the danc« XiE Claire or Angiolini. CATALANI. Whilst I possessed the golden fleece. Nor you, like him of antient Greece, StufF'd your dull ears with cotton ; All other Syrens on the shelf, Ev*n stately Billing ton herself. Was, in my fame, forgotten. TAYLOR. In vain, my whiten'd boards to grace, Her skipping, pantomimic, race, Indulgent Gallia proffers; Alas! (dear Catalani fled) My benches blusve. No. 32.— 7%e O P Garland. "SaidaSrailetoaTear." (From the Morning Post.) Said a P to an O. Where d'ye intend to go ? Said the O, Tve not fix'd upon whither s- Oh! then said the P, Let you and I agree To kick up a row, both together. But where shall it be. Said the O to the P? Said the P, why at Covent Garden f For, dear Mr. O ! I beg you to know, I do not care where, a brass farthing. Oh, then said O,^ E'en let it be soy That's the place I expect to see fun in ; D — n the play, that is stuff ; We shall have fun enough, If we counteract the manager's cunning. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 447 For, good Mr. O, Young Hamlet, long ago, Of the cunning of the scene would be talking; Now we'll let them all see, (U and I chums OP) That the best scenes are jumping and stalking. To these let us add, My round-about lad, A dance, which we'll call the O P ; And we'll have ev'ry night, A clever sham-fight. Which will end all with frolic and glee. And if Justice Gr ' m> Says we've been to blame. And threatens that he will enjail us ; We will say, that's a jest, For we know the law Best, And have ready oiir cronies to bail us. And then the next night, We'll redouble our spite. And roar out — come forth Mr. K , You shall know what ue wantf For you shall not us daunt. You, and all qff the curtain, shall tremble. As to Mr. W— h— t. He is but a dolt, For he says, he'll bring pistols and pop'em, But we care not a fig, For that bouncing prig. Nor shall grieve if the justices shop him* 448 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, ' So now gentle O, Home to bed let us go, And dream of what we've been doing; For what is't to us, If the players make a fuss. And declare we shall bring *em to ruin I You know, little O, Our spelling-books show. That the frogs, when by such as us pelted, Said, " What's sport to you, " Makes us sadly rue, "That you cannot to pity be melted. And as to those folks, Who like dramatic jokes. And to hear play'rs as well as to see'em ; And also sit quiet, Without any riot. Why they may go to the Lojceum, While we'll groan, and we'll jump, And we'll rattle, and thump, And like true French philosophers, callouSj We, who are the public. Will become a republic,* And soon after be fit for the gallows. And when at that tree. We will chaunt merrily. And stick to it like hungry leeches ; Then, with hearts hard as stones, We will give our last groans, Instead of our last dying speeches. * " Mark, Jew — a learned judge." Appendix.] covent garden journal. 449 No. 33. — Convent Garden Theatre, Morning Chro- niclCy Oct. 2. The committee for inspecting the accounts of Old Co vent Garden Theatre employed the whole of Saturday in examining the proper vouchers for the additional incumbrances on the new theatre. We understand that their sitting was adjourned to this morning. Their first meeting took place on Friday morning, not (as was generally reported) on Thursday. No. 34. — Proprietors' Advertisement of OctO' her 2, I8O9. New Theatre Royal Covent Garden, Oct. 2, I8O9. The committee for examining the affairs of Covent Garden Theatre, consisting of the follow- ing gentlemen, — Alderman Sir C. Price, Bart. M. P. Sir T. Plumer, Knt. his Majesty's Solicitor- Gene- ral ; John Sylvester, Esq. Recorder of the City of London; John Whitmore, Esq. Governor of the Bank of England ; and John Julius Angerstein, Esq. — have authorised the proprietors to publish the following report in their names : We do hereby certify that, after a full and attentive examination of the subject, which we tf 4S0 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [iiippendi?.. have been desired to investigate by the proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre, for the satisfaction of the pubhc, in respect to the rate of profit received hy them from the late theatre, and Hkely to be received from the ne\\^, the following is the result of our inquiry. The rate of profit actually received, upon an average of the last six years, commencing in 1803, (the period of the present copartnership in the theatre,) upon the capital embarked therein, we have ascertained to have amounted to 6| percent, per annum, charging the concern with only the sum actually paid for insurance on such part of the capital as was insured ; but, if the whole of the capital had been insured, the profit would have been reduced to very little more than ^ve per cent. ; and, for want of this full insurance, the proprietors, being in part their own insurers, sus- tained a loss by the late fire, for which no com- pensation has been made, to the amount of more than the whole of their profits for the above period of six years. The rate of profiit likely to be received in future from the new theatre, depending in part upon the amount of bills not yet delivered, and of estimates not fully ascertained, and on the future receipts of the house, which are subject to various contin- gencies, cannot be ascertained with the same de- gree of certainty ; but, upon the best considera- tion which we have been able to give this subject, Appendix.] covent garden journal. 451 after having recourse to every source of informa- tion, oral and written, we are fully satisfied that the future profits of the new theatre, at the pro- posed advance in the prices of admission, will amount to only 3 J per cent, per annum upon the capital expended in the theatre, if the same be insured ; and that, upon the same supposition of insurance, at the former prices of admission the proprietors will, in our judgment, annually sustain a loss of nearly | per cent, per annum on their capital. Charles Price. Thomas Plumer. John Sylvester. John Whitmore. John Julius Angerstein. The account of the receipts and expenditure of the last six years will be published to-morrow; and the pubhc are respectfully informed that the theatre will be re-opened on Wednesday (Oct. 4) with the comic opera of '* The Beggar's Opera," and the farce of " Is He a Prince ?" No. 35. — Estimate of the Ex'penses of a Theatre. (Morning Chronicle, Oct. 3.) Supposing the public were to be accommodated by having a new one built, under a licence, on Ff2 452 covENT GARDEN JO URN AX. [Appendix. the plan of Covent Garden Theatre, the cost of building, scenery, decorations, wardrobe, &c. being 150,000/. : Three hundred subscribers, at 500/. each, to receive $1. per cent, and a free admission ticket : — in- terest £ 7,50d Expenses of the house for 200 performances, at 200/. each, (the estimate of Covent Garden Theatre, in 1800, was l60/.) 40,000 Total <£■ 47,500 Ways and Means. New Covent Garden, at the old prices, is supposed to hold 650/. ; to calculate on an average receipt of only 400/. there being but 300 free tickets, this, for 200 nights, will produce 80,000 Excess £32,500 Allow for insurance, and other extra expenses, 12,500/. there will be still an excess of 20,000/. If three persons were each to deposit 50,000/. and have the whole property, they would receive, by this calculation, — their interest at 5 per cent. • • 7j500 Profits from the house 20,000 Value of 300 free admissions, only estimated at 40/. per night 8,000 Which is above 23 1 per cent ....«£ 35,500 Appendix.] covent garden journal. 453 No. 36. — Interesting Objections to the Accuracy of the Report made by the Covent Garden Committee, (Morning Chronicle, Oct. 3.) It is extremely painful to be obliged, in justice to the public, and in the faithful discharge of our duty, to question the accuracy of a report made by gentlemen of character, upon the view of accounts submitted to them. But volunteers in any service are not apt to be scrupulous. They were novices in theatrical affairs, as may be gathered from the result of their examination. Various objections occur to the account rendered. 1. The last season ought not to be taken into the average. The company was driven from place to place ; they had no regular season ; and yet the deficiency of that year is brought in to diminish the aggregate receipt, and the average is taken from six years. Take away the last year from both sides, and divide the remainder by five, the product will be 10,212/. 15^. per annum, in- stead of 8345/. 6s. ^d. or, 7/, 17^, percent, profit, instead of 61. 7s. 6d, S. In estimating the profits on the capital em- ployed, the sum of 130,000/. is to be deducted ; because, upon that sum, they have no right to ask for profit, since they did not advance it. There is a sum of 3500/, per annum to be paid, indeed, 454 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, for 85 years ; and this an annual charge on the house. Now if that charge stands in the account, and they also calculate profit on the 75,000/. it is a gross error, for they are both to take interest and profit on it. 3. Why did not the committee require, and lay before the public, the receipts and expenses of the six years preceding Mr. Kemble's purchase, in order to ascertain upon what data he was induced to give 22,000/. for a sixth share, which brought the supposed capital to 132,000/.? Did he lay out his money at 6f per cent. ? 4. Suppose that the plant of a brewery, or any other great business, were consumed by fire, by which a capital, beyond the sum insured, of 100,000/. was destroyed, and that it required an- other 100,000/. to re- build the plant, would they be entitled to charge a profit on their commodity^ so as to get interest or profit on a capital of 200,000/.? Perhaps, yes, if they had a monopoly; because there would be no other shop for beer; and this is the whole question as we said at first. The proprietors introduce articles that have no- thing to do with the matter ; build a theatre which they own they do not expect to fill ; for, if they did, they might diminish instead of raising the price ; and then, because there are only a limited number of play-going people, (which experience enables them to ascertain,) they claim a right to raise the price upon that limited number, because there is no other booth in " the fair. *' Appettdix.J covENT garden journal. 4^5 No. 37. The proprietors have the honour of presenting to the public the report of the gentlemen, who kindly undertook the investigation of the accounts of the theatre ; and cannot but feel assured that a liberal and enlightened people will now be convinc- ed, that the alteration in the prices arises solely from the impossibility of their continuing the public amusements on the former terms of ad- mission. Statement of the accounts of Covent Garden Theatre, for the last six years, most respectfully offered to the public. £ s, d. 1803— 4. Received 6l,682 13 10 1804— 5; Ditto 70,727 9 10 1805— 6. Ditto 56,065 18 5 1806— 7. Ditto 68,126 7 5 1807— 8. Ditto 63,038 14 7 1808—9. Ditto 46,342 13 365,983 17 1 Deduct the payments in six years 307,912 58,071 17 1 Deduct out-standing debts 8,000 Profit divide by six 50,071 17 1 Average of each year 8,345 6 2 4l^ covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix* X803— 4. Paid 58,926 18 7 1804— 5. Ditto 81,057 11 6 1805— 6. Ditto 47,975 2 2 1806— 7. Ditto 68,391 6 4 1807— 8. Ditto 62,406 8 3 1808—9. Ditto 47,334 11 2 366,091 18 Deduct what was drawn out by the pro- prietors 58,179 18 Paid in six years (as above) 307,912 (Errors excepted.) RICHARD HUGHES, Treasurer. JOHN TULL, Deputy-Treasurer. Sworn before me, the 26th September, I8O9. C. FLOWER, Mayor. No. 38. — The Proprietors' Advertisement, appended to the foregoing Statement, The gentlemen, who, for the public satisfac- tion, kindly formed a committee for examining the accounts of Covent Garden Theatre, have most faithfully discharged the office, to which they were invited by the proprietors, and spared neither time nor pains, in order to draw justly the conclusions which are contained in their report. They were occupied, in the task they had generously imposed on themselves, for three whole days, from morn- ing till evenings on Monday, the last day of their Appendix.] covent garden journal. 457 meeting, they did not rise till near eleven at night : they examined such witnesses, belonging to both theatres, as were most likely to give them proper information: they searched minutely into the books of the treasury, in which all the receipts and disbursements were entered at the time, for six years back, and scrupulously confronted them with the banker's books, and all the original vouchers: they had recourse to Mr. Smirke, on points of expense relative to the building, and ex- amined Mr. Copland, besides between twenty and thirty artificers, employed in the erection of the theatre, touching their several bills : they omitted no investigation relative to the scenery, wardrobe, music, and every material article of ex- pense : they asked, and received from the different offices, the rate of insurance for the theatres : they formed the most careful calculations of the num- ber of persons likely, in future, to resort to the theatre, grounded on an exact knowledge of the number admitted nightly, in each of the six years, into the boxes, pit, and galleries, at whole and half-price, or by free admissions. These compli- cated numerical calculations they checked and compared, in every way that could help to render them accurate ; and, in every doubtful point, they have always given the turn in favour of the pub- lic : they found large heads of future unavoidable expenditure much under-rated, as the scenery, ward- robe, machinery of all kinds, music, &c. and were 458 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. convinced that the capital, necessary for the pro- per conduct of the business, must very heavily ex- ceed what it has been hitherto calculated at. October 4, 1809. No. 39. — Treatment of Mr, Pope, (Morning Chronicle, October 4) The manner in which Mr. Pope has been treated, by the managers of Covent Garden Thea- tre does not justify their pretensions to liberality. Three different times has Mr. Harris, in the mo- ment of his necessity y drawn this artist from his profession as a painter, to sustain a very arduous situation in the theatre ; and yet, after being on its boards for twenty-four years, he has been dis- missed, without giving him a moment's warning ! Not because they had in the theatre another, equally capable of performing his line of duty, but because they found an itinerant, that would undertake it at half-price; and this, too, when they s|re attempting tq raise the prices on the public. No. ^Q.-^Epigram, (Morning Chronicle, October 4.) Kcmble, ne'er mind the noisy crew, At all their efforts smile ; Nor when I've fix'd the prices new. Forget the price of oil ! Jrbitratkm-Comer, BLAZB. Appendix.] covent garden joubnal. 459 No. 41. —Don John and the Bank Clerki, (From the Times, Oct. 5.) Don John Philip Kemble, a man of high rank, Was mightily griev'd, by a Clerk of the Bank Who dared, from the boxes, to give his opinion Upon his new-fangFd dramatic dominion. As Johnny receiv'd this affront from a clerk, He thought he would match the troublesome spark ; So he sought for magnanimous, mighty protectors, And laid down his case before the directors ! As boys are complained of to birch-bearing masters, When they fall unluckily into disasters. Then an order was fram*d, the don's bosom to ease, That the clerks may go to the play, if they please^ — But must not presume, the performance to greet. To clap with their hands, or to stamp with their feet ; To spring their loud rattles, the folks' ears to split, To blow bugle horns in the midst of the pit. Or to raise up their scurrilous labels on poles All figur'd with gibbets, and coflfins, and scrolls : Lest they should receive, poor things I for their pains, A few little rubs to bother their brains. So, thus, gentle reader, the business is righted, The Clerks are all muzzled, and John ils delighted. No. ^%— Proprietors' Advertisement. — Covent Garden Theatre. The average annual profit on the property of Covent Garden Theatre, as stated in the printed 460 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. report of the committee, having been misrepre- sented, it becomes necessary, for the satisfaction of the public, to declare that, after deducting the legal interest of five per cent, on their capital, no more than If per cent remain to the proprietors for their profits, October 6, 1809. No. 43. — Plan for a New Theatre Royal, by subscription, (Morning Chronicle, October 7.) , A capital of ^150,000 to be subscribed in 150 shares, of £ 1000 each, to be paid by instal- ments, of which only the sum of £ 100,000 would be wanted, in the first instance, to build and furnish the theatre : the remaining ^50,000 to be called for if necessary. The subscribers to receive 5 per cent, on the amount of the stock actually subscribed, after the first season of performances, together with a personal ticket of admission, not transferable, except to a nominee, for the whole season. Application to be made to parliament for a patent, to build and maintain, within the City of Westminster, a theatre, for the representation of English dramas, music, dancing, and other scenic exhibitions, and that this application be founded Appendix.] covent garden journal. 461 on a petition, setting forth the advantages that would accrue to the pubhc, from such an es- tablishment being intrusted to a Joint-Stock Com-- pany, instead of its being in the hands of one or a few proprietors, viz. : That no incumbrances would at any time be laid on the property. That no boxes would be assigned, let, mort- gaged, sold, or made private. That no money would be raised by the issue o^ free tickets, by the grant of annuities or rent charges, by tontine, or otherwise ; but that, bond fide, the receipts of each year should be kept free and unburthened to answer the expense of each year, before even the lawful interest of five per cent, on the amount of the capital, usually ad- vanced, should be payable to the subscribers. And that the petitioners would humbly pro- pose, both for the security of the public and their own permanent interest, that a clause or clauses to this effect should be introduced into the bill That, for the farther security of the public, and as a means of for ever protecting them against the advance of prices, the profits, above five per cent, if any, should be divided into three equal parts, and to be appropriated as follows : 1. One third thereof to constitute a fund to be set apart, and applied, from time to time, to the repair, alteration, or embellishment, of the 46Q eovENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. theatre, or to answer extraordinary disburse- ments, or to come in aid of occasional calami- ties, 50 that there be no pretence for any farther 4Eall on the proprietors, or for any increased de- mand of prices from the public. 2. One third of the said surplus to create a fund for the encouragement of the drama, by giving annual premiums for new plays, by es- tablishing a school in the theatre for the histri- onic art, and for its accessaries, music, dancing, decoration, &c. ; and to provide a retreat to meritorious writers and artists, who, by a service of twenty years in the theatre, might entitle themselves thereto. 3. The other third to go to the proprietors as profit on the capital advanced. A board of directors to be appointed, without salary, to superintend the accounts, and who should have the power of appointing a manager, at a liberal remuneration, and for a term certain. Such manager, when appointed, to have the sole uncontrolled direction of all the concerns of the theatre ; save, only, that the board should annually stipulate the sum for the expense of the season, beyond which the manager should not go, and for the faithful appropriation of which, he should give sureties. That no freedoms of any kind, or orders, even to authors or performers, should be granted, as they serve only to influence or even overpower Appendix.] covent garden journal. 46$ the judgment of the public, as to the merit of plays or actors ; and also because they occasion cabals, by introducing partisans for insidious purposes, or are used as decoys to give a false appearance to the theatre. That, in erecting the theatre, and the dis- tribution of its parts, the utmost regard should be paid to the accommodation of all classes of the community, on the well-understood principle that it is only by a courteous attention, on the part of the great, to the comfort and rights of the lower orders, that the latter repay the con- descension, by respect for the privileges of those above them. The theatre should be insulated therefore on three sides, but not on the fourth ; because, on pne side there should be an inclosed way to and from the theatre, for foot-passengers, so as to be put of the reach of carriages, as at the theatre, flue Fedeau, at Paris. The theatre to be encased in a double wall, and the lobbies, between the two, arched on each floor, as a security against fire, and to be of solid masonry. The hall, or audience part of the house, to be pf a completely circular form, and of a size that shall secure to the spectator and auditor the full advantage of sight and hearing, without forcing either the performers or the company to overstrain their organs. 464 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. The audience to be kept free from all an- noyance, and that, for this purpose, there shall not be the nuisance called a basket, which is the constant rendezvous of tumult and profligacy. No private boxes to be allowed, and of course no boudoirs ; but the space allotted to the basket to be one entire anti-room to the dress boxes, which might be taken for the night, and which would remove the riotous company to a distance from the attentive audience. The same arrange- ment might be made on every floor under the gallery ; and yet, by the circular form, with ca- pacious galleries, the theatre might contain a receipt of ^550 per night, which is quite suf- ficient. It is the artifice of making room for a greater number that has rendered our theatres so uncomfortable, and, at the same time, so unfit for the real and impressive delineation of the pas- sions. It is to this that we owe all the ups and downs of intricate staircases, that we are never sure of our footing, and that we never know when we are upon level ground. The vestibule, saloons, staircases, and lobbies, to be large and elegantly decorated, for here the eye wants entertainment. In the interior of the house there should prevail the utmost simplicity, because no splendour of ornament should divert our attention from the stage. With respect to situation, all the regular thea- tres of a metropolis should be near one another, Appendix.] covent garden journal. 465 and near its centre. It is in vain to talk of city theatres, in the present day, or of theatres at a distance from one another. In winter, when a party shall have come perhaps three or four miles to Covent Garden or Drury Lane, (for we trust the latter will be rebuilt,) and should find them both filled, it would be tantalizing to tell them that there was another theatre in the out- skirts. These are only proper for summer when all the world is abroad. A situation must be found near the other two and there are several well adapted. There is to be a new bridge across the Thames, near Somerset House, together with a street to run into Charles-street, Covent Garden. An humble application might be made to his Ma- jesty for the grant of a part of the vacant space in the Savoy, at a suitable ground rent, so that the new theatre might form a square, on the west side of the street, leading from the Strand to the bridge, and be a noble elevation, open to the Thames, on one side of the new bridge, as Somer- set House will be on the other. The space is vacant, large, and capable of easy as w^ell as of grand approaches. It will, we have no doubt, be a desirable object to his Majesty to give his most gracious countenance to an establishment so much wanted ; and which, by affording an elegant, moral, and enlightening entertainment, Gg 466 COVEN T GARDEN jouHN^AL. [Appendix. to his people, may preserve them from a vicious recourse to gin and methodism. It has also been thought, that it would be a great improvement to the metropolis, if the crowded quarter of St. Giles's could be opened so as to ventilate the town. It occupies an im- mense space, forming a square between Great and Little Queen Street, Holborn, and Drury- Lane. It divides, and almost cuts off, the new world from the old. The houses are very insig- nificant, and yet the situation is highly adapted for building. A theatre in the centre, with streets radiating to every point, would at once be near the other theatres, be easy of approach, and be a splendid object in the very centre of the town. There are various other scites, such as the narrow courts and alleys opposite Somerset House, or the courts behind Exeter Change, (which is itself a nuisance,) that ought to be opened ; or the King s Mews, as it has been in the contemplation of the crown to remove the stables to Hyde Park : and many others, beside, that will occur to every reader. Finally, though application is to be made to parliament for a patent, as a security to the subscribers, there should be a clause in the act, that his Majesty's Lord Chamberlain should have the same authori- ty that is vested in him under the royal patents granted to the other theatres, viz. ; to suspend them, in case of their encroaching on the rights Appendix.] covent garden journal. 467 of the public, or of performers, or of manifest abuse, or of suffering them to become dormant, because a patent of this kind ought to be carried strictly into execution. This is the outline ; but it is in vain to talk of the scheme, if not honoured with the sanction of intelligent, responsible, and liberal, men. We suggest shares of ^1000 rather than of ^£500, because it is a material thing not to have a numerous proprietary. One hundred and fifty personal admissions will be no tax on the pro- perty, in the hands of persons who can afford to sink ^1000 each for a share, whereas, 300 per- sonal admissions would be a sensible drawback on the receipts of the theatre, which is to be kept within proper limits, as many of them would be annually advertised for sale. It has been said, that £ 100,000 is not sufficient to build and furnish a splendid theatre in these times. Upon this, we beg leave to say, that we do not speak without reference to higher autho- rity than our own. A theatre is, comparatively speaking, a shelly and does not require the interior and expensive finishing of a mansion. If a grant could be obtained of a part of the Savoy , or of the MewSy so as to render unnecessary the pur- chase of houses to be demolished, <£ 100,000 would be found ample for the purpose, but we advise a sum in reserve of «£ 50,000 in case of necessity. Gg2 4^8 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 44. — To the Editor of the Times. Sir, As you have shewn a laudable desire to assist those poor Philistines, who have had the misfortune to fall into the hands of the Israelites, I hope you will insert the following statement. On Tuesday evening, the 10th instant, I entered the pit of Covent Garden Theatre at half- price, without any inclination for disturbance; and which, if intended, I should have been divert- ed from, by perceiving the description of people who were present. Not many minutes had passed, when a lad, in the front of the pit, who had been making some trifling opposition to the perform- ance, was seized by the descendants of Abraham, dragged, and beaten in a most wanton and cruel manner. I moved forward, and was endeavouring to expostulate with the Jew who held the lad on the seat, when the whole party, about six or seven, (all Jews,) immediately left him, and succeeded in dragging me out, with the utmost violence. One of the rascals struck me, while on the ground, a blow^ on the head with a stick, the effects of which 1 now feel. . Morse Braham, or Moses Abraham, who was the head of the gang, has charged me with a violent assault, by striking him, &c. &c. but I am not without hopes, not only to foil this Appendix.] covent garden journal. 4^)9 fellow, but to punish him for his brutality: if some young men in the pit, who were witnesses to what actually passed, and particularly the youth who was first seized, will do me the favour to call on me, or send me their address, I shall feel much obliged. I am. Sir, &c. John Tackle. 25, Villier's Street, Strand. 11th Oct. 1809. No. 45. — Theatricals. (From the Examiner, October 8.) Mr. Examining Editor, I observe, with infinite surprise, the prevalence of gloomy speculation on the decay of public spirit, and of the extreme apathy with which events are regarded, of the greatest importance in their nature and consequences. Convinced of the mischievous tendency of such dire prognosti- cations, I am anxious, through your medium, to satisfy the world of the extreme carelessness and want of observation in the authors of such remarks; and to prove, by a few recent instances, that we retain all that philosophic spirit and calm good sense, by which, as a people, we have al- ways been distinguished : in short, sir, that we are spirited in the proper place, and resigned in the proper season. 470 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. First, as to the public spirit— You attend Co- vent Garden Theatre, Mr. Examiner, and must observe the laudable and determined opposition to large receipt and overgrown emolument there- in displayed. Even the profuse expenditure and unreasonable efforts of the managers to engage superior talent, is canvassed with a feeling of prudence and economy, perfectly character is ticV The nicety of our discrimination is here mani- fest, because no people can exhibit greater pa- tience at similar extravagance on less important occasions. With what stoical serenity do we contemplate the expense of diverting continents and peninsulas ! and with what equanimity do we regard the sage managers, and brilliant per- formers, who have produced and enacted in these memorable interkides ! No, sir ! we wisely re- serve our personalities for individuals like the Kembles. llie success of a family who have no pretensions but considerable natural capacity, much study, and prudent application, ought, I say ought, to excite dissatisfaction in a strictly commercial country. Why, sir, they have amassed fortunes equal to many button and buckle makers! The mushroom mechanic is a natural production of the land; but to encou- rage mental fungi would be an evident departure from that shopkeeping system, by which we are so exalted in the opinion of sensible foreigners and ourselves. It must be confessed, Mr. Exam- iner, there is an insolent pertinacity in talent, Appendix.] covent garden journal. 471 not at all congenial with the reigning taste for solid mediocrity. That fellow Kemble, for in- stance, assumes more than his Majesty's ministers, and does not, like them, exhibit that oily com- placent kind of dulness which feels itself at home among the dust under the feet of its patrons. We are certainly the most generous people on earth ; we only require the partakers of our bounty to crawl on their bellies all the days of their life, to repay insult with submission, and enmity with abasement. In remunerating actors, too, we should establish the wise prin- ciple of a maximum^ to distinguish them from the aforesaid ministers who, for their extreme pliancy and exquisite sympathy on the subject of Catholic idolatry, and the formidable old gen- tleman at Rome, should be unsparingly rewarded with sinecures, pensions, and reversions, alto- gether befitting their high and honourable cha- racters. In a word, Mr. Examiner, were I to enumerate all the instances of profound and accurate re- gard and disregard, inverse and direct, of the existing public, I should far exceed your limits; I shall therefore conclude, by briefly informing you, that I am an optimist, and opine that every thing is going on in the best possible manner for a national consummation of all things, and, in accordance with the sentiment, subscribe myself Your constant reader, Oct 6, 1809. Panglos, 472 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. Njp. 46. — Veteres Avice ; or, The Phxnix. AN ODE FOR MANAGERS. (Times, Oct. 9.) . ' ■ i • . ';■'■!*■ Twas said, of old time, In blest Araby^s clime, The Phoenix, about to expire, Cover'd up to the breast. In her ruinous nest, Awaits a new birth from the lire. Then renewed all so pretty. To Phoebus' gay city, Dooni'd by fate her first journey to run ; She hies her away. Nor halts night or day, 'Till she pops on the shrine of the sijn, : Her voyage effected. On her ashes collected. From Olympus she summons the flame; Submiss to her nod. Hastes the fiery god. And she posts lighter back than she came. Our managers thus, Though with rather more fuss. Proud, so bright an example to follow ; When fate seem'd to lour, Invok'd a new power. And knelt at th^ shrine of Apollo. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 473 ** In the prospect of death, Receive our last breath, And grant us to flourish once more; Though Christians and Jews, Thy orgies refuse, *Yet Incas and priests shall adore. Our house is thy home, tOn the top of the dome. Thy image coUossaFs survey'd ; By that we invoke. Oh, parry the stroke, Which fain would thy temple invade." The godhead was mov'd, For the people he lov*d. Who still 10 hi§ worship were true; " I grant your petition. Fulfill the condition. And your credit I sw^ear to renew. " Run the cash ne'er so low, Your house shall o'erflow ;" Thus, when all was distress and vexation, By wonderful trick, ■ii / ! - They were sav'd from Old Nick, And replacM on a solid foundation. noj! * It is said, that the funds of the late Drury Lane Theatre were considerably benefited by the " getting up" of Pizarro. t A beautiful colossal statue of Apollo was placed on the top pf the dome of Drury Lane Theatre. 474 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. ^ [Appendix. To the theatre soon, Implor'd the same boon, And enfeebled by age and decay, In mouldering dusV ^ Disdaining to rust, ' *ln flames melted sudden away. A new Phoenix straight, From the ashes of fate, To dazzle eur wondering eyes, More firm and tenacious, ,jj More grand and capacious, ( * Exalts its proud head to the skies. Great patron of physic. Who cur'st gout and pthysic, * If thus potent, thy healing devices, " With the manager's cries, Hear the audience likewise, And reduce the exorbitant prices. No. 47. — To the Edit 07^ of the Times, Sir, 13 Ijilt&h; I believe mdst thinking men will agree in pronmincing that cause to be bad which requires unworthy means for its support. How this applies to the managers of Covent Garden Theatre the public have been enabled to judge, , ,.; ■ >'Ai ioihiwitiiii iiii\} * The old Covent Garden Theatre tras'birflt to the ground on the night ofthe20th of September, I8O9, after the representation of Pizarro. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 475 from the facts which have been stated, (and which no one has attempted to deny,) relative to the means resorted to by those managers, since the opening of their theatre. If you think the follow- ing statement will add any strength to the con- clusions, which must be drawn from the facts so stated, you will, perhaps, insert it. I went, last evening, to the theatre, at half- price. As I entered the avenue, leading down the side of the pit, I observed a dreadful scene of con- fusion, between a party of Jews, who were col- lected in the avenue, and a number of the oppo- site party, who were standing on the benches, armed with sticks. A large vacant space was be- tween the contending parties, and just as I entered the avenue, a Jew, known by the name of Dutch Saniy mounted one of the benches, in the vacant space^ and several voices exclaimed : — '^ Here's Dutch Sam, he" II stand to you.'' A scuffle ensued, and, thinking it prudent to retreat from the field of battle, in which I did not intend taking an active part, I immediately, with several others, quitted the avenue, and got outside the centre doors, leading into the pit. I then heard a cry of "That's him!" and was instantly seized by the collar, and surrounded by about a dozen Jews. — Situated thus, I, of course, did not either expos- tulate or resist, and was dragged to the Bow-Street office. The space of time, from paying my mo- ney at the door, to finding myself in the office, 476 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. was not much more than three minutes. The charge against me being made, judge of my sur- prise at hearing the following: — Solomon Hinds, a jew, after stating something of his having (as he said), for the peace and quietness of the house, seized a parcel of printed bills, which a person was handing about the pit, and, after relating the scuffle which ensued in consequence, declared that he, with several others, was driven into the pit passage, and that, on coming there, I was stand- ing with a stick in my hand, with which I imme- diately struck him a violent blow; and he shewed the wound it had produced. This he swore to. Another, (Dutch Sam,) who came to the office with him, was then asked, what he knew of the affair. He swore that he saw me give the blow, which caused the wound before mentioned. I had nothing to say to their statements, but to deny them, and was ordered to find bail, to appear at the next sessions for Westminster, to answer the charge of assault. Some gentlemen in the office, whom I never saw before, but who knew me by name, were so polite as to offer themselves as bail, or I must have been committed, until I could have procured it. I abstain from making any observa- tions on the above statement, but sign my name to it, as containing, on my part, nothing but the literal truth. P. G. PATMORE, Jun. 36, Ludgate-Hill, 10 Oct. 180^. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 477 No. 48. — The Rival Managers. (From the Morning Chronicle, Oct. 12.) At Covent Garden every night, Two managers this town delight ; Their names are— I will not dissemble — Poor John Bull, and rich John Kemble. One in the boxes and the pit Displays his vigorous native wit; And one, upon the distant stage, Struts, frets, and fumes, away his rage. One entertains the ear alone. With many a hiss and many a groan ; And one impairs the aitching sight, With pantomime's full glare of light. One deals in uproar and confusion, And one in scenical illusion. One boasts his bugle-horns and trumpets, And one his snug retreats for strumpets. One, through the house, roars out his raillery, And one appeals to favoured gallery ; Not rais'd in price, but rais'd more high. As gods should still be near the sky. And last, the one his placards boasts, And one his Jews, and Bow-Street hosts. Betwixt the mummery, sight and sound, Of these two managers profound, The genuine drama seems quite ended, The senses altogether blended. Often their partizans unite. To show their taste, or urge their right ; For mark ! when springs the watchman's rattle, Commences pugilistic battle. 478 coVENT (GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, See, see, the well-aim'd blows go round 1 See bloody noses meet the ground I And eyes as black as any coal, Around the pit indignant roll. These great and notable transactions, These dramas of the rival factions, How long the part, thus oddly cast — How long will the confusion last ? Unless High Price chagrined retires, Or pale Monopoly expires. No. 49.— 7b the Editor of the Times. Sir, As a reader of your paper, I have observed, with satisfaction, your candid rea- soning on the subject of the existing difference between the pubhc and the managers of Covent Garden Theatre. I am, therefore, induced to hope, that you will give publicity to the import of this communication. Yesterday, for the first time, I went to the the- atre, and selected the pit, as the most appropriate situation to view its splendour and magnificence. I entered with an intention of supporting the ma- nagers, animated with a feeling, that no gratifica- tion could be derived from the best performance, under a consciousness, that the performers were playing to disadvantage. Being admitted as the doors opened, I obtained a seat in the centre of the pit, and was surprised to find four or five pre-* Appendix.] covent garden journal. 479 ceding benches, covered with Jews of the lowest description ; some of whom, I recognized to be those who, under the denomination of crimps, are in daily attendance in the avenues about the East India House ; and others, boys who attend the Bank and Exchange with oranges. This motley group excited my surprise ; but not anticipating their object, I seated myself without a thought of danger. The house was quiet, until the music had played the anthem of '*God save the King;" after which, a noise of bugles, cat-calls, bells, and rattles, commenced, from a group of persons seated a few rows behind me. The duty of the Jews then developed itself, and I discovered, from their agitation, that they were arranging a grand plan of attack. Being thus unfortunately and inadver- tently placed between two fires, without the means of retiring, I felt my situation alarming, and en- deavoured, without success, to quiet them. At length, by a signal from a box over the stage door, about twenty of them, supported in the rear by several notorious bruisers, made a dreadful rush, prostrating and trampling upon the peaceablepos- sessors of those four intervening seats, among which were several delicate and interesting females, and converting the whole pit into a scene of des- truction, riot, and confusion ; they were however, discomfited, and driven back to their seats, with- out daring to renew the contest— continuing, how- 480 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. ever, to excite and increase the noise and tumult, by opprobrious and insulting language. With such partizans, who could support the managers? I, therefore, with a crowd of others, in disgust, remained passive, leaving them to the support of their brutal and unchristian colleagues. I have ever been a friend to the drama, and should lament if its labours were not amply re- warded; that reward, however, mainly and justly depends on the conduct of the managers towards the public, whose countenance they deserve for ever to lose, if they attempt coercive measures, involving the ruin and destruction of their friends. I feel it, therefore, a duty I owe to the public and myself to call upon the proprietors to avow or disavow the fact of the Jews having been their hirelings, instructed to support their interest by violence. If no notice is taken of this letter, the fact must necessarily be admitted, and the public will then be able to appreciate the value, which the managers set upon the lives and welfare of their friends A Friend to the New Prices. Oct. 7, 1809. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 481 No. 50. — Humourous Hand-bill circulated through Jhe House on Wednesday y Oct. 11, 1809. NEW THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN. This present Wednesday, Oct. 11, 1809, will be presented, by an entire new company of performers, and not acted these sixty years, a tragi-comedy, called HOCKLEY IN THE HOLE; Principal characters by Messrs. Mendoza, Bel- cher, Gregson, Cribb, Will. Perry, Harry Lee, Dutch Sam, Solly, Richmond, and Pittone. To conclude with a grand chorus of hired ruffians, fighting Israelites, and Bow-street officers. Pre- ceding the play, Mr. K — e will recite the cele- brated popular address called *' Set a Beggar on Horseback and he will ride to the Devil." And at the end of the third act he will sing a new comic song, written and composed expressly for the occasion, entitled, " 1 cring'd and I bow'd till my fortune I made, " Then I bullied my masters and knocked up the trade.*' Hh 482 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppCndlX* To which will be added, for the third time, a new melo-drama, called THE BEAR GARDEN, OR JOHN BULL BULLIED; Performers as before. — The undermentioned prices having been received with the most un- bounded and reiterated applause, will be repeated every evening until further notice. — For the bet- ter accommodation of the public, and to give greater spirit to the performance, the stage will in future be removed into the centre of the pit. Boxes, Is. Pit, 4^. Gallery, 2^. Second Gallery, 1^. To THE Public — Mr. K — e, ever grate- ful to the kind, indulgent, Hberal, and " most enlightened public in the world," for the numerous favours himself and family have been in the habit of receiving for these last 25 years, and, anxious ONLY FOR their AMUSEMENT, bcgS IcaVC HUM- BLY to state that he has engaged the above company of capital performers, at a very consi- derable expense; and he trusts that also, con- sidering the high price of paper, whole reams of which he is obliged nightly to expend in orders, for the support of the theatre, that those who can pay the small advance of 1*. on the admittance to the boxes, and of ^d. to the pit, will not object to it, Fivant Rex et Regina. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 483 No. 5i. — The following Song was also circulated on the same Evening. K. H. AND CO. Ill September Jack open'd his mighty fine house, Which he built on presumption the public to chouse; He it national call'd, — yet his very first prank Was t' engage an Italian to take the first rank. Derry Down. He next, in his national booth, you all know, De-nationaliz'd the very best row ; Nay, he bullied, and swore to his master, John Bull, If you pop your nose there, Sir, that nose we shall pull. Derry Down* This Jack such an insolent servant's become. That public opinion he treats as a hum ; Your displeasure and groans he regards as mere trash, And he spits in your face as he pockets your cash. Derry Down. He raises his price, while he sinks his respect, But his prices and boxes alike we'll reject ; He and his three partners by this time should know. We're determin'd to conquer Jack, H — s, and Co. Derry Down. They send in their ruffians, who saucily sit With their doxies in front seats of boxes and pit ; With orders to stifle the sense of the town. And convince us of error by knocking us down. Derry Down* H h 2 484 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. But LEGALLY let US persist, and thesc clves Will feel all the mischief recoil on themselves. " Persevere" is our motto, — we'll prove to these drones: Now give Jack and his ruffians three resolute groans. Derry Down. No. 5^. — To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle. Sir, As a lover of impartial justice, I should be glad to know why the magistrates of Bow-street demand bail to the amount of 800/. that is, 400/. the offender and 400/. his sureties, of such persons as are accused of opposing the proprietors' demands, and accepting, from the author of the ** Blind Boy " (accused of riotous conduct in support of the managers) 40/. i. e. himself 20/. and Mr. Brandon (the oath-taking box-keeper) 20/. ? I am. Sir, Lincoln's Inn, Oct. 1 1. FAIR JUSTICE. P. S. By the way, Mr. Brandon swears, to his knowledge, neither Mr. Kemble nor Mr. Harris knew of the transaction : will he say (or swear) that he and Mr. H. Hairris were likewise unin- formed } Appendix.] covent garden journal. 485 No. 53. — To the Editor of the Constitutional Reviezv. Sir, Whilst the endeavours of the people merely tended, in a constitutional manner, to the reduction of the enhanced prices of ad- mission at this theatre, the subject perhaps seemed too inconsiderable to claim your attention ; but, when riot and disorder usurp the place of that dignified yet persevering resistance, which the people should invariably oppose to every imposi- tion attempted to be practised upon them, the subject becomes worthy the notice of the politi- cian, as involving in it the peace, and consequently the happiness, of the people. Although at all times the firm and decided advocate of the rights and hberties of my countrymen, yet I shall enter upon the discussion of this affair with a mind en- tirely divested of partiality or of prejudice. If the theatre have not a compensation, proportionate to the amount of the capital vested in the concern, or to the risque incurred, it is certainly but just that they should be allowed to advance the prices of admission ; and if the people, in any case, make use of unwarrantable or illegal means to obtain a reduction of these advanced prices, they stand aipenable to the laws, and should be punished ac- 466 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. cordingly. But if, on the contrary, the proprietors, in this instance, have taken advantage of their's being almost the only theatre to which the people have it now in their power to resort for amuse- ment, if they have acted thus ungenerously to their patrons, there is no name in the vocabulary of abuse strong enough to brand this conduct with opprobrium, no legal means within the ability of the people too powerful to resist such an unwar- rantable imposition. But this contention has now arrived at a crisis which calls imperiously for the mild, yet imme- diate and decisive, interference of the government. There can be no effect without the pre-existence of a cause adequate to its production; and the case* now under our consideration is not surely an exception to this general rule. But to destroy the effect you must remove that which has pro- duced it; as the first and principal care of the physician is to remove the proximate cause of a disease, without which he is aware that a cure would be impracticable. Here, undoubtedly, I am supposing the advance in price not to be founded in justice. But, if such advance be essen- tially requisite to the obtaining a fair profit on the vested capital, I should acknowledge that the present opposition of the people is unjust, unge- nerous. In either cases, however, the govern- ment should interfere. First, if there exist, to the proprietors, an absolute necessity of raising the Appendix.] covent garden journal. 487 prices, because it is a well-known axiom that any attempt of the people to attain an unattainable object is ever productive of the most dreadful consequences ; and, secondly, if the proprietors attempt to practise an unwarrantable imposition upon the public ; for it is incumbent on govern- ment to assert the rights of the people, if they be not in possession of the legal means of doing so themselves. Thus, whether the people or the proprietors be in fault, the government of the country should effectually interfere. I have in- tended these observations merely as preliminary to my entering more minutely into the considera- tion of the subject; prior to which, however, it may be necessary to give a concise and correct statement of the leading particulars of the origin and continuance of the dispute in question, so as to preclude the possibility of a subsequent mistake or misconception in your readers. When the proprietors first announced to the pubUc their intention of opening the theatre, they announced also the addition intended to be made to the prices of admission ; nor did they seem to consider it as a boon they were begging of the people, but issued it as a species of dictatorial mandate. They certainly accompanied it with a short address, mentioning that, in consequence of their having been obliged to expend 150,000/. upon the building of the new theatre and the pre- parations for getting up the entertainments of the season, they were under the necessity of thus 438 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. raising the prices of admission. This explanation, which was nothing but bare assertion without proof, could not, surely, be considered as satisfac- tory to the people, and of course the proposition met with their decided opposition the first night of representation. It has been said, in exculpa- tion of the proprietors, that this being private property^ they had a liberty of charging what prices of admission they chose, without consultt ing the good sense or convenience of any person ; and that, if the people considered the prices too high, they were at liberty to go or remain at home as they should think proper. But this line of argument is extremely puerile, and can be con- futed with ease ; because, first, theatres in a country under a monarchical form of government can never be considered as private property, but as a great national concern ; as a powerful politi- cal engine; as a wheel without which the remainder of the state- machinery would be in- complete : in fact, they form an absolutely con- stituent part of our political system. Thus it is absolutely incumbent on the chief of a monarchy to procure amusements ; and if, by patent, they grant an exclusive liberty to any man or set of men to establish such amusements, they should be careful at the same time to have the prices of ad- mission so regulated as to come within the general ability of the people ; and, in proportion as the system of government assimilates to despotism, or in the ratio of the burdens of the people, sq^ \u Appendix.] covent garden journal. 489 the same proportion, should this duty of gover- nors be particularly attended to. Besides, the people are not, or at least should not be, depend* ant upon the caprice of the proprietors of a theatre for their amusements, but the latter are really and abjectively the servants of the former ; and, like the servant of any tradesman or private per- son, they cannot raise their wages without first consulting their masters, and proving, to their satisfaction, the absolute necessity for the adoption of such a measure. Had Mr. Harris or Mr. Kem- ble considered their duty in this light (and this is its real and constitutional definition), they surely never would have come forward with bare asser- tions in support of the advance of prices, but would have laid before the public a clear and correct statement of their receipts and expenses, and have fully proved the inadequacy of their nett profits. But, at length, after the people had ex- hibited a marked disapprobation of their conduct, they came to a right sense of their duty, and proposed to submit their accounts to the arbitra- tion of five gentlemen of undoubted respectability, and also that these accounts should be subse- quently printed for the satisfaction of the public. This was fair, and precisely such conduct as their duty should at first have dictated. The accounts were submitted to those gentlemen, of whose ho- nour I cannot possibly entertain a doubt, and to whose simple award the public would have cheer- fully submitted. But, unhappily, that part of tlje 490 covENT GARDCJ^ JOURNAL [Appendix, account, which has been laid before the public, acts in direct contradiction to this award, for it proves the very contrary to the conclusion they have deduced. Now, either the arbitrators had other documents besides those from which they formed their judgment or they had not. If they had, why did not the proprietors submit them also to pubhc inspection? If they had not, I must say that they have deduced a conclusion against evi- .dence. This is not mere assertion, as I shall now adduce irrefutable arguments to prove it. The following statement has been laid before the public of the receipts and disbursements of the theatre, with the average nett profit, for the last six years ; which average profit the proprie- tors are willing to admit would be a fair calcula- tion of the future profit of the present theatre, were it precisely on the same scale as the former. Receipts. Disbursements. £. s, d. <£. s. d, 1803-4 61,682 13 10 Paid .58,926 18 7 1804-5 ...... ..70,727 9 10 Ditto 81,057 H 6 1805-6 ...... ..56,065 18 5 Ditto f . 47,975 2 2 I8O6-7 68,126 7 5 Ditto 68,391 6 4 J8O7-8 ,63,038 14 7 Ditto 62,406 8 3 1808-9 ...... ..46,342 13 Ditto 47,334 10 2 365,983 17 1 366,091 18 Deduct the pay- Deduct what was ments in 6 years 307,91 2 drawn out by the proprietors .f. 58, 179 18 © 58,071 17 1 Deduct outstand- Paid in 6 years. 307,9 12 ing debts...... 8000 . Profit divide by 6 50,071 17 1 Errors excepted. Average profit 8,345 6 2 Appendix.] covent garden journal. 491 Thus it is acknowledged that £8345 : 6 : 2 would be the nett profit of the present theatre, were it on the same scale as the former. But this thea- tre is not on the same scale as the former, but on a much greater ; inasmuch, as the private boxes yield much more than they would, were they open to the public. This is easily proved. A fair aver- age of the annual receipts of the house is £60,000; about one third of which is produced by the boxes. If then this £20,000, the produce of the boxes, be divided by 4, (the number of the tiers) the product will be £5,000 ; which is the real average value of each tier of boxes, if left open to the pub- lic. But the tier of private boxes is now let for the annual sum of£ll,300, which is £6, 300 more than they would bring, if the theatre were on the old plan. Add this to the £8,345 : 6 : 2 already mentioned, and the probable future profits of the present theatre, \yill appear to amount to £14,645 6 : 2. The entire sum, which they have expended upon the theatre is £150,000, of which £75,000 is their own capital ; the other £75,000 is raised- by way of annuity upon the theatre, for which the proprietors pay 5 per cent, per annum. Were this latter a sum of money which the proprietors had borrowed, and for which they had rendered themselves accountable, it should certainly be computed as capital, and the annual distribution pf profits should be made on the gross sum of 492 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. ^150,000. But this is not the case. The money has been raised by annuity, for which the annui- tants have only a lieu upon the property, while that property remains in existence, but for which the proprietors are not, by any means, responsible. Thus then, will this calculation stand ; £. s, d. Annual amount of the nett profits • • • • 14,645 6 2 Deduct five per cent on o6'75,000 to be paid to the annuitants* • • • 3,750 Remainsanelt profit of. ••• 10,895 6 2 which, being divided upon a gross capital of ^75,000, is 14| per cent. Thus then it appears, from the statement of the receipts and expenditure of the late theatre, which have been submitted to the public, that the proprietors would now receive a clear profit on their capital, in the new theatre, of 14^ per cent, were they merely to charge the old prices of admission; while it is allowed, on every side, that 10 per cent, on their vested capital would be a compensation fully commensurate to the risk. This is a clear and correct conclusion, from the data with which they themselves have furnished us. If the arbitrators have deduced their award from these documents, they must evidently have committed an egregious error ; if from others, why then are not these others also submitted to the public ? But, until the proprietors disprove those Appendix.] covent garden journal. 493 very documents which their own treasurer has proved upon oath, the public must consider, that, as the proprietors, at the old prices, would re- ceive a nett profit of I4>i per cent on their capital, an advance in those prices is unwarrantable; and, also, that the attempt at justification of this mea- sure is a blundering imposition upon their under- standings. Having now considered the conduct of the pro- prietors to the public, I shall next take a review of the conduct of the public to the proprietors. On the first nights of representation, they op- posed, and justly, the imposition practised upon them. In this stage of the business, government certainly should have interfered ; for they should have known, that an unorganized body of people, when set in motion for the attainment of an ob- ject, acquire an accumulated force, in proportion to the continuance of their unobstructed career; that, in the end, they rush to their purpose with a ra- pidity irresistible. Nor does the attainment of this object generally arrest their progress ; for the in- tended design, with which they at first offered resistance, often becomes, at this period, but a secondary consideration ; and, feeling their own powers, and each becoming confident of the as- sistance of the other, they at length think them- selves adequate to the accomplishment of higher objects, perhaps even to the subversion of the ex- isting government. This is a constituent princi- '494 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, pie, an absolute inherent peculiarity, of an unor- ganized mass of people, in the progressive endea- vours at the attainment of any object ; 'tis an axiom, the truth of which is evident to every per- son, who may have made politics his study. In fact, the physical strength of a nation lies, not in the governors, but in the governed ; and the latter have only to feel confident of this strength, to be in a condition to subvert the most firmly- established government. What would be the consequences, were this period, to which I have now alluded, unfortunat^jly arrived, and that the hordes of trai- tors, which infest our country, availed themselves of this opportunity of working upon the passions of the people? Certainly, the inevitable ruin of our liberties, the subversion of our constitution. This is evident ; these consequences can be fore- seen by the most puerile politician. Therefore, if goverment should (as it is evident) have interfered in the commencement of this contention, a fortiori should they now, when all order is subverted and confusion reigns paramount. But, at the same time that government repres- ses the disorders of both parties, they should not allow the people to remain the dupes of a crafty imposition. I say the disorders of both parties, for it is evident, that the horde of hired ruffians, on the part of the theatre, is the occasion of more riot and disorder than the people themselves. A very natural question here suggests itself. Why Appendix.] covent garden journal. 4.95 should Messrs. Harris and Kemble arrogate to themselves the right of executing the laws ? Are they magistrates ? Are their hired ruffians sworn constables? Is there not a sufficient number of police already established to maintain the peace of the city ? Either there is, or there is not. If there be, then why should the proprietors send in their myrmidons to do that, to which the magistracy of the city are fully competent ? If there be not, can Mr. Harris, or Mr. Kemble, or any other person, act as their substitutes ? Certainly not ; and it certainly appears strange, that the proprie- tors of a theatre, who are merely the servants of the public, should hire a horde of miscreants, to awe their very masters into silence. If Mr. Harris or Mr. Kemble had given the least cool considera- tion to this affair, I am confident their good sense, their duty, would have suggested a very different treatment of the public ; and I can attribute their present line of conduct to nothing, but, perhaps, foolishly following the rash advice of some hot- headed puppy, I shall now conclude with advising the pro- prietors of Covent Garden Theatre to be satisfied with the nett profit of 14|^ per cent, which they would obtain by the retention of the old prices, and not let their avarice again urge them beyond the bounds of propriety ; with cautioning the peo- ple against the danger of affording the circum- stance of their abuse of the liberties they possess. 4y6 covEN'f GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. as a pretext to their governors for a substraction of a part, or an abrogation of the whole of them ; and, lastly, with calling loudly upon the govern- ment of the country, to repress those riots and disorders, which are every night exhibited in our theatre, which reflect a disgrace upon the city, and are a libel upon the activity of our police; but whilst they effectually interfere for this purpose, I would caution them against sacrificing, for its at- tainment, an iota of the rights of their fellow- citizens. Oct. 11. A. F. No. 54. — Ze/^er 1. To the Editor of The Times. Mr. Editor, As theatrical entertainments form, in all countries, a curious and useful subject of spe- culation, since they mark the national feelings and character, I flatter myself, that you and your readers will allow me to make a few obser- vations on the newly-erected theatre ; the result of which will be to shew that the *' private boxes, " in that theatre, ought to be removed, and the " old prices" of admission restored. Appendix.] covent garden journai. 497 " The stage I choose, a subject fair and free, Tis yours, 'tis mine, 'tis public property. All common exhibitions open lie, For praise or censure to the common eye." Churchill. Among the Romans, in ancient times, the peo- ple viewed the entertainments standing : and A, W. 599y a decree of the senate was made, prohibiting any one to make seats for that pur- pose in the city, or within a mile thereof. At the same time a theatre, which was building, was, by the appointment of the censors, ordered to be pulled down, as a thing hurtful to good morals. Liv. Epist. xlviii. Valer. Max. ii. 4, 3. Afterwards, temporary theatres were oc- casionally erected. The most splendid was that of M. iEmiUus Scaurus, when aedile, which con- tained 80,000 persons, and was adorned with amazing magnificence, and at an incredible ex- pense. Plin. 36. 15. s. 24. Pompey first reared a theatre of hewn stone in his second consul- ship, which contained 40,000, but, that he might not incur the animadversions of the censors, he dedicated it, as a temple, to Venus. Tacit. 14, 19, &c. There were afterwards several theatres, and in particular that of Marcellus, and of Bal- bus, near that of Pompey, hence called Tria Theat7'(E, the Three Theatres. The pitch of luxury and debauchery to which li 498 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. these theatres had arrived, in the days of Horace and Ovid, is astonishing. The former tells us, that " perfumed waters " were scattered through the theatres, and the stage was covered with flowers. " Crocum floresque perambulet attae. " Epist. lib. 2. Epist. 1. v. 79- And Lucretius says the same thing. " Et cum scena croco cilici perfusa recens est." 2, 41^. Ovid avows, that the theatres were the most convenient places for assignations, and that the gallant had there an entire liberty: '* Sed tu praecipue curvis venare theatris, Hasc loca sunt voto fertiliora tuo, Illic invenies quod araes, quod ludere possis ; Quodque semel tangas, quodque tenere velis. " From this account, there were no doubt private boxes, and convenient apartments adjoining, to retire into ; and the whole presented a scene of vice and indecency ; for, he added : '* Ille locus casti damna pudoris habet. " De Arte Amor. lib. 1. : In the next ages it appears, that complete pro Appendix.] covent garden journal. 499 fligacy reigned in the theatres, arid that they were filled with women of very slight reputation, on which account, Juvenal writes, in his sixth satire, " Cuneis an habent spectacula tutis, Quod securus amis, quodque inde excerpere possis ? " Such were the effects of private boa:es. As for the actors, they, in early times, received a reasonable reward for performing their parts, and those who were most approved received crowns, &c. as at 6ther games. But, afterwards, when the theatre became more magnificent, and the morals of the people more dissolute, no price was thought too great for the performers, ^sop amassed a fortune equal to £ 160,000, and his living was so expensive, that we are told some of the birds, which appeared at his table, cost near ^50; and it is said, that his son, anxious to imitate his extravagance, melted precious stones to drink at his entertainments. " Filius ^sopi detractam ex aure Metells (Scilicet ut decius solidilm exsorberet) aceto Diluit invignum baccam. *' Horat. Sat. lib. 2, 3. v. 240. But in the age of M. Antoninus, a prince whose moral excellence and universal benevo- lence haye drawn upon him the eyes and admi- I i2 500 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. ration of posterity, the theatres and the actors were better managed. He was determined to restrain, if not entirely destroy, licentiousness, and, as the primary step towards that great object, he reformed the theatres, and ordained that players should receive from five to ten gold pieces, but not more. Capitolin. H. In suc- ceeding times, however, luxury and debauchery rose again, and every body, who is the least acquainted with history, knows that the Romans, once the proud masters of the world, fell a sacri- fice to their love of plays and other entertain- ments. That such a fate may never attend this great and glorious kingdom, every sincere lover of it must anxiously pray. But then, in order to prevent it, public morals must be attended to. Let us not run the same course which Rome has run before us; from virtuous industry to wealth, from wealth to luxury, and from luxury to a total degeneracy and loss of virtue. The theatre must be under proper regulations, and not the slightest opportunity afforded to indecency. Our theatres, like those of the Romans, were at first of very sorry structure, and the players we read of, in old poets, at Blackfriars, the Bull and Mouth, and Barbican, not much better than the strollers at a country fair. But iiow the tlieatre is fitted up in a style of magnificence, and very unfortunately affords those inducements and con- veniences to indecency and vice that Ovid speaks Appendix.] covent garden journal. 501 of. Then what may we not expect ? In a theatre, every one should be able to see what is passing in every part. A time there was when this could be done, and it may be proper to remark, that the word theatre imports that it should be always done. A theatre, theatrum, is taken from the Greek word ^iocoy.ai, — specto, — I see. I wish the proprietors had remembered this, and I should be happy if they attended, when they were planning their building, to the admirable saying of M. Livius Drusus. When that virtuous man was about to build a house, a celebrated architect applied to him, and offered to construct it so that no one should know what was passing within nor be able to look down upon it. ** No, " replied Drusus, with indignation, *' but if you have any skill, build my house in that manner, that every body may see what I am doing. " Paterc. lib. 2. c. 14. Fearing that these remarks will occupy more of your valuable columns than may be proper at one time, I beg to defer my observation on the prices of admission till to- morrow, and am, sir, Your obedient servant, A Constant Reader. 6helsea, Oct, II, 1809. 502 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. Letter 2. " Let none presume To wear an undeserved dignity. " Shaks. Mer. Ven. Act 2. Sc. 10. Mr. Editor, In my letter of yesterday I endeavoured to point out the impropriety of the private boxes, and to shew the fatal consequences that may be expected if they are not removed : I shall now offer my observations on the prices of admission. A statement has been laid before the public of the profits of the theatre for a few years past, and the proprietors declare, that their profits are not enough. But why, let me ask, are they not enough ? I believe the plain answer will be, not because the public pay an inadequate price for their admission to the theatre, but because some of the players are paid too much for their per- formances. If report be true, £50 and some- times £70 are paid to an individual for amusing the public for three or four hours ; and the daily prints have shewn, that thousands are amassed by one family in the course of a year, while, (as it was well observed by a gentleman the other evening,) *' gallant officers, of liberal education Appendix.] covent garden journal. 503 and sentiments, are fighting the battles of their country at five and seven shillings a day. " Pro- bitas laudatur et alget ! But, sir, this was not always the case, nor were theatres always such good property as they appear now to be. The truth is that, at this time of day, players are too well paid and too much thought of They want the restraining hand of another Antonine to bring them to their proper level. Formerly, there were only three learned professions, but now acting is called a professio?i, and we not only hear of the gentlemen of the long robe, but also of the gentlemen of the stage. Roscius certainly was a great actor, but I be- lieve that Cicero, with all his friendship for him, would never allow that the stage was a profession, or that the actors were to rank with the bar. Speaking of Roscius, he says, **He was an ex- cellent actor, that he alone seemed worthy to appear upon a stage; but he was a man of so much probity, that he alone should never have appeared there, '* In our own days, Churchill, no bad judge of these matters, felt highly indig- nant at the pride and haughtiness of players; and he justly observes what I may now appro^ priate. " Doth it not move our anger or our mirth, To see thieee things, the lowest sons of earthy Sb4i covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. Presume, with self-sufficient knowledge grac'd, To rule in letters and preside in taste ? The town's decisions they no more admit, Themselves alone the arbiters of wit ; And scorn the jurisdiction of that court, To which they owe their being and support. " Jpology, 256, &c. But that excellent critic was determined to confine them to their proper sphere, and to let the pubUc knovv^ their proper value. • ** Actors, a venal crew, receive support From public bounty, for the public sport; And where's the mighty difference, tell me where, Betwixt a merry andrcw and a play'r. " Apology y 194, &c. Sir, whatever reflections some might think fit to make, I must declare, that the business of plays and shews is a very important matter in re- lation to states. Though I do not wish to sink the stage below its merits, still I would watch, with unwearied eye, that it did not rise above its value. If any one would know what was the mode of life at Athens, at the aera of its down- fall, the historian will inform him, that the Athe- nians, '^ ]Vo?i ut olim in classum e^rercitusque, sed in dies festos apparatusque ludorum reditus publicos effundunt^ " &c. ; that is, '* The funds, designed for their forces by sea and land, were cpu-^ Appendix.] covent garden journal. 505 sumed in sports and festivals ; the money due to seamen and the soldiers distributed among idle citizens. A soft voluptuous life dispirited their hearts ; valour and the art of war were in oo esteem ; their great commanders neglected, and all their favours were conferred upon the most excellent actors. " Justin, lib. 2. cap. .9. It is a melancholy case, when a nation has arrived at this extravagant fondness for plays, and the love of ease and pleasure stifles that of glory and independence. The best way to pre- vent such a calamity will be to make less of players: to pay them less, and to praise them less. Let them not arrogate to themselves " to rule in letters and preside in taste, " and let us inform them, that, though they act the part of kings and queens, and converse with gods and goddesses, they must be awoke from their golden dream, if " Overweening of their little skill, When they have left the stage, they're actors still. " Churchill, whose words these are, would not suifer such conduct before, and it becomes our duty not to suffer it now. I remember an anec- dote of the pride and affectation of Garrick, related by Mr. Boswell, in his very entertaining life of Doctor Johnson. He says, " Nor could •Johnson patiently endure to hear, that such re-^ S06 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, spect as he thought due only to higher intel- lectual qualities should be bestowed on men of slighter though perhaps more amusing talents. I. told him that, one morning, when I went to breakfast with Garrick, who was very vain of his intimacy with Lord Camden, he accosted me thus ; ' Pray now did you, did you meet a little lawyer turning the corner, eh ? ' ' No, sir, ' said I, ♦ pray what do you mean by the question ? * ' Why, ' replied Garrick, with an affected indiffe- rence, yet as if standing on tiptoe, * Lord Cam- den has this moment left me, we have had a long walk together, — Johnson:' *' Well, sir; Garrick talked very properly; Lord Camden was a little lawyer to be associating so familiarly with a player. " Upon the whole, sir, I am clearly of opinion, that there is no sulBcient reason for raising the price of admission to the theatre. There are only a few places licenced by government for the public amusement, and the public expect to be admitted upon reasonable terms. Let not exor- bitant sums be paid to the players, and then the ** old prices" will be a very suihcient remunera- tion to the proprietors. Aware of the value of your paper, I would here close my letter, but I cannot do so without expressing one word of indignation at the conduct of those who have sent fighters into the theatre to stifle the public voice. This is setthng the dispute with a ven- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 507 geance ! But I would advise those who may have been concerned in this affair to cast about in their minds what may be the consequences. In all countries, and in all ages, the people have had a privilege to express their approbation and disapprobation at pubHc representations. It was so in the Greek, it was so in the Roman, theatres ; and Horace compares the noise which the people made on these occasions to the raging of the sea : " Nam quae pervincere voces Evaluere sonum referunt quem nostra theatra, (Garganum mugire putes nemus, aut mare Tuscum. " Epist. lib. 2. ep. 1. 200. Mr. Churchill says : «* To clap or hiss all have an equal claim, The cobler's and his lordship's right the same; All join for their subsistence; all expect Free leave to praise their worth, their faults correct. " Apology, ip5. J am, Mr. Editor, &c. &c. A Constant Reader. Chelsea, Oct. 12, 1809, 508 covENT GARDEN jouRNAt. [Appendix. No. 55. — Projectors' Advertisement, (Morning Chronicle, October 12.) NATIONAL SUBSCRIPTION THEATRE. Notice is hereby given, that application will be made, in the next session of parliament, for leave to bring in a bill for erecting a theatre in the me- tropolis, to be called The National Subscription Theatre. By order of a select committee of Subscribers, Henry Fry, Solicitor. Cruchley and Fry, 14, John Street, Bedford-Row. No. 56.— 7b the Editor of the Times, Sir, In your paper of this day, it is asserted, " that Mr. James Brandon* declared, on oath, that, to his knowledge, no orders for ad- mission to Covent Garden Theatre had been issued by Mr. Kemble to Daniel Mendoza and Dutch Sam ; and, Aat, if such orders had been issued^ be ^ See Bow-Street Proceedings, &c. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 509 must, of necessity, have known it." I, therefore, trouble you with the following facts : — a trades- man, with whom I am acquainted, came into a shop where I was, about 2 o'clock this day, and shewed two double orders for the pit. He said, they had been given to him by Daniel Mendoza, the prize-fighting Jew, who cut them from a sheet of paper, of which he had two, covered with these orders for the boxes and pit ; that Dutch Sam was present, and boasted of his exploits in break- ing the peace, and of the mischief he had done to many of his Majesty's subjects, at the theatre last night. Mendoza then offered to furnish any num- ber of orders to persons who would make a d — d row in favour of the managers. I requested one of these orders, which had been indorsed by Men- doza, in his presence, with the letter D on the back; he then wrote me an order to Mendoza for a few more. I read the note,* of which I inclose a *" Mr. Mendoza, Wednesday Noon, Oct. 11, I8O9. Having met a few friends, who wish to assist you in your laudable endeavours this evening, I shall feel obliged, if you "will send, by the bearer, a few orders for the pit and boxes. Those you gave me I have given away to some staunch fellows, who are determined to applaud, in spite of the rattle and horn* cattle. Year's, Mr. D. Mendoza, Royal-Oak, Whitecliapel-Road. 510 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. copy, to a messenger, and then dispatched him to Mendoza. He has just returned with one double order, and Mr. Mendoza's compliments to the gentleman, — " he was very sorry he had not taken more in the morning, for then he had offered him as many as he pleased ; his son was then gone to the theatre, and if the messenger would wait till he returned, he should have as many as he wished." I am, sir, &c. James Powell. 6, Grove-Place, Camden-Town, 10th Oct. 1809. No. 57. — On the misplacing one of the Ornaments in Covent Garden Theatre, (Morning Chronicle, Oct. 14.) Smirke and Kemble we see, In their fondness for show, Have painted a key* On the boxes below. To make all agree, With their scheme for snug love, They should place this same key On the boxes above. BOW-WOW. * The fronts {of the lower boxes are covered with the Greek device called a KEY. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 511 ANSWER TO THE FOREGOING. Kemble, you say, and Mr. Srairke, To shew their true design, Upon their upstairs shameful work, Should place the same kei/ line. You're wrong, Bow Wow, the wights have tried To spare no hints from sin ; Below, the key is shewn out-side-^ Above, 'tis shewn within. MEW-MEW. No, 5^.— Song. A New History of the Stage to an Old Tune. (Morning Chronicle, Oct 14,) When our illustrious Shakespeare wrote, and London was not half so large, Nineteen theatres strove t'attract our ancestors at moderate charge, Yet Shakespeare's fortune soon was made, and, if prudent, might have been old Ben's, While sixpenny pits induced other wits, to exercise their famous pens. Oh, moderation ! moderation ! commendable moderation ! Think on't then, that good Queen Bess, and twenty ladies of her court. For a single guinea could behold a whole night's histrionic sport, 512 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppCndiX, While Sir Francis Drake, Will. Sidney, Wat. Raleigh, and four other knights, For a seven-shilling-piece,in Shakespeare's boxes, might enjoy his noblest flights. Oh, moderation! &c. The critics, with rich mental feasts were treated then, we all must know ; Conceive the rapture, on first night, of Hamlet, Richard, Pros- pero ! And those sixpenny pits, and shilling boxes, the world must have a knowledge, sir, Enabled a player to build a booth — oh, no ! — but Dulwich Col- lege, sir. Oh, moderation, &c. Some prigs, more nice than wise, may shrug, and, with con- tracted phizzes, Protest, such booths as Shakespeare own'd would now be voted quizzes. The outside might be plain, *tis true, but rich the treat interior, When, at prices low, Ben. Will, and Co. delighted every hearer. Oh, moderation ! &c. ;But, in these modern times, alas ! as vile events inform us, The managers can only think of building piles enormous ; And, when they've wasted all their cash, exhausted all devices, To raise the wind, they damn the town, and box us for " New Prices/' Oh, alteration ! alteration ! most impudent alteration ! Had Kemble, forty years ago, when Garrick shone resplendent. An actor been, we'd ne'er havesem him principal, depend on't. Then Barry, Mossop, Ross, and Digges, the critics cheer'd with spirit ; But Kemble bounded into place, on th'extinction of such merit. Oh, alteration ! &c. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 513 At the theatre royal, Bow-street, the managers, to treat us, Have engaged the Bow-street magistrates, and their posse comiiatus. The classic Addison approved the gallery trunkmaker's thunder. But pedant Kerable swears he'll make the vox populiknock under. Oh, alteration ! &c. But if these Bow-street managers, and magistrates, and Hebrews, Persist to crush the public will, while riotously they bruize; Let's legally each night proceed to check acts so notorious. And, in the end, no doubt, we'll gain a victory most glorious ! Oh, alteration ! &c. No. 59' — Letter to the Managers of Covent Garden Theatre, ' (Morning Chronicle, 15th Oct. 1809.) Gentlemen, I observed, by this day's paper, that a person, named Andrews, whom I have for some time past employed, was taken up for distributing hand- bills last night, in the neigh- bourhood of Covent Garden, (given to him by an unknown person,) charging the managers with furnishing Mendoza, the fighting Jew, with or- ders, &c. &c. I, by no means, wish to defend Andrews, as I am an enemy to all anonymous at- tacks: but, as far as relates to Mendoza, I must Kk 514 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appeudix. remark, that I saw him myself, and can bring twenty respectable persons, who also saw him, to prove that Mendoza, for several days past, dis^ tributed a considerable number of orders'* for ad- mission to Covent Garden Theatre, to such per- sons as were more likely to break than keep the peace. I am, &c. &c. T. BisH, 4, CornhilL No. 60. — To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle. Sir, You will oblige the public by msertingthe following facts in your paper: — That the performers of Covent Garden Tlieatre do not (as Mr. Kemble has asserted) benefit by the rise on the prices of admission to the new theatre. That the performers did not benefit by the rise in 1797. That the lowest salary, sixty years ago, M^as twenty shiUings per week, and so it still remains. * The names of the persons who signed the orders mi^ be known^ if required. Appendix.] covent garden journal. .515 If these are not (as the hireling Post says) " damning facts," may I be Blest. 38, Upper John-Street, 15th Oct. 1809. ' P. S. — I do not mean to assert that none of the performers benefit by it ; but, I believe, none be- yond Mr. Kemble's own family. No. 6\.—To the Editor of the Times. Sir, The report of proceedings against me, at Bow-Street, which appeared in the news- papers of Friday last, has induced me to send you this letter. A friend of mine had agreed to give a ticket-porter five shillings for an order of ad- mission for two to the boxes of Covent Garden Theatre. The order was signed, H. Harris. This, my friend will verify on oath, if required, and l)ring forward the man he had itof ; and several respectable gentlemen, who saw the order. By this order I was admitted, with my friend. Here I, in common with many others in different parts of the house, expressed my disapprobation ; but carefully avoided every act which I considered possible to be construed into a breach of the peace. During the after-piece, five or six fellows seized me in the most savage manner, and, though I Kk 2 516 CO VENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendk. made not the least resistance, dragged me, with the greatest violence, to Bow-Street. After the evidence given, which, in most respects, was false, the magistrate (I believe, Mr. Read) told me I must tind bail. A gentleman, who happened to be in the office by accident, told the magis- trate, he knew me to be a respectable person, and he had no objection to be my bail. The magis- trate said, he must have bail from two persons, in JE25O each. This gentleman then offered to give bail himself in c^SOO, for my appearance at the quarter-sessions, which the magistrate refused. The gentleman then (of whose responsibility for the money the magistrate could have been satis- factorily informed, by one of his own officers) offi^red to be bail in ^1,000, for my appearance at the office in the morning. This was also refused. I was then ordered away, and taken to the Brown Bear public-house, in Bow-Street, and put into a room, crowded with thief-takers. Here, soon after, an order was brought from Mr. Graham, for my commitment to Tothill fields Bridewell. I was asked, whether I would walk or ride. On my saying, I would willingly walk, I was told that my hands must then be tried. I, therefore, went in a coach. Ou my arrival at the prison I was told I might have a bed for a shilling, which I preferred giving, to lying on a bare floor, which I must otherwise have done. I was then conducted, in compauy with two others, to a room, with iron Appendix.] covent garden journal. 517 bars to the windows, where I was locked up till about eight next morning. When I came down into the yard, the jailor informed me, I must pay five shillings for the indulgence of sitting in a room, or else be confined in a place among va- grants, without fire, table, chairs, or any other convenience. Happily, my means allowed me to choose the best. On Thursday (the same) morn- ing, my friends accompanied me to Bow-Street, where I was admitted to bail, being the first that was released from confinement. Whilst in the office, on Wednesday evening, a gentleman, who wished to see me, in case I wanted to send to my friends, was refused admittance, and rudely told to go away about his business. Samuel Frampton Stallabd. 76, West Smithfield. No. 6%—To the Editor of the Times. Sir, In answer to the several letters in your paper, signed by T. Bish and others, I beg leave to state, that I was in the pit during the performance on Tuesday and Wednesday last, at Covent Garden Theatre : I certainly saw on those nights (as I have seen before) many Jews among the audience, who, I pledge myself, Mr. Editor, not only were most peaceably inclined, SIS COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. but greatly enjoyed the novel entertainment of hearing the actor, till the half-price gentry rushed in, when such a scene of disgraceful confusion ensued, that I, with others, exclaimed, " Which is the Merchant, and which the Jew f " But I ask you, Mr. Editor, whether those disgraceful riots, were not more violent before the cry of " Mad Dog,*' was raised against the Jews ? The elegant new theatre was damaged to the amount of 1,000/. actors and actresses were pelted on the stage, and the audience of all ranks, were most indecently insulted. In short, M r. Editor, I am so wearied of this nightly uproar, that only restore order and tranquiUity in the play-house, and, for my part, I little care whether it be effected by a Jew or a Gentile. An Aui>itor, 15th Oct. I8O9. No. 63. — To the Editor of the Times. Sir, As I see my name mentioned in your paper, as well as several others, as having: been at Covent Garden, on Friday night, and what happened there (respecting myself) mis- stated in all ; 1 trust to your usual candour, to insert the fact as it was. I went into the pit, at the beginning of the farce, and remained till it was over. When the farce was concluded, a man in the boxes, dressed Appendix.] covent garden^ journai, 519 like a gentleman, vociferated " Turn out Berkley Craven," which he repeated about twenty times. As no other person seemed to have the same objec- tion to me that he had, I requested him to come and do it himself; on which (for an instant) he was quiet, but soon repeated the same cry, "Turn out Berkley Craven." I then went as near him as I could, and inquired the cause of his apparent enmity; he replied, "You have disgraced your- self:" I then gave him the he direct. "You lie," is (I must confess) by no means a polite phrase; but, when a man is somewhat stinted for time and a patient hearing, it certainly saves a world of trouble. A gentleman, standing behind me, (whom I did not know,) said there was a paragraph in your paper of Friday, insinuating that I had dragged a man to Bow- Street, the night before. I had not the pleasure of reading your Friday's paper; but assure you that I never called in legal inter- ference to stifle any man's free opinion, or ever was at the office in Bow Street, in the course of my life. If the proprietors of Covent Garden have been forced to call in legal aid, to protect their property, I am sorry both for the cause and the effect. To the tearing of placards (as mentioned in your paper of yesterday) I readily plead guilty ; I go to the theatre to hear the play, and surely, if one man has a right to erect a placard? to create 520 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. a disturbance, another man has a right to pull it down, to prevent the wished-for disturbance being created. My opinion, on this subject, cannot be of any consequence to the public ; but, as my name has been mentioned, in most of the Satur- day's papers, I avow that, (since Catalani has been with-drawn, and the accounts of the concern submitted to a most respectable committee,) I heartily wish the proprietors every possible success. I am, sir, with many apologies, for taking up so much of your time, your obedient, humble, servant, Berkley Craven. Newmarket, Sunday, 15th Oct. No. 64. — Hand-bill circulated in the Theatre on the Night of the l6th October, Last Night of Performance at the New Prices. NEW THEATRE, COVENT GARDEN. This evening will be presented, for the last time, an operatic farce, in one act, called IMPOSITION. Avarice, Mr. Kemble ! Pride, Mr. Kemble ! ! Affectation, Mr. Kemble ! ! ! Insolence, Mr. Kemble ! ! ! ! Iking hi§ last appearance before the public. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 521 Foolhardy, Mr. Harris. Noodle, Doodle, &c. The other Proprietors. Oath-Taker, Jemmy Box-Office. Informers. — Long Gibbons, Count Snip, of Castle-street, the Blind Boy, the Battersea Fields Baron, &c. kc. New Price, as Old Prices (with the song of " Many a true word is spoken in jest") Bully Raymond. Between the scenes,— Slight of hand and leger- demain tricks by the proprietors. After which, as an interlude, — Raising the Wind, otherwise Raising the Devil, or DiDDLER Diddled. Including the bilking scene between Diddler and Sam. Diddler, Mr. Kemble. " You havVt got such a thing as eighteen-pence about you, have you ?" Sam. John Bull. " Yes, and I mean to keep it about me, do you see." In the course of the interlude, Mr. Kemble will recite, as on a former equally suitable occasion, when it was received with unbounded approbation and applause by a highly gratified audience, his celebrated address of " WHAT DO YOU WANT.^" 522 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL, [Appcudix, Immediately following the interlude will be presented, for the benefit of the proprietors, the last scene in the farce of THE CONFEDERATES. Being a capital deception by the following inimitable performers hired for the occasion : — Le Chevalier ap-Rice, LeSieurThomaso Le Plume, Gallows Black Jack, of the Old Bailey, M. Witless, from Threadneedle-Street, and Mynheer Pharisee Ankerstill, the well-known public subscription actor. The former scenes of the Confederates are acted, in conjunction with the proprietors, in private, behind the curtain, far the benefit of the public. Afterwards will be performed, for the last time, the first act of a grand unfinished tragic ballet of action, called JOHN OX, Or the cruel attempt to despoil John BuH of his aoble parts. The whole being arranged under the manage^ ment of Mr. Jew Kemble. The representation will take place in the au- dience-part of the house, the following most numerous corps de ballet being distributed in th« boxes, pit, and galleries, for that purpose. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 5213 First Drover — Daniel Mendoza, at the head of 150 fighting Jews and hired bruisers, as con- Stables. Second Drover — Bill Soames, with his gang of housebreakers and pickpockets, as keepers of the peace. Third Drover — The Fighting Waterman, lead- ing a band of desperados and ruffians in the dresses of Bow -street officers. Grand Mob of Drovers — By all the thieves, bullies, and blackguards of the metropolis that can be prevailed on by the " managers orders" to perforin. Slaughtermen — Parson Ayres, Mr. Ede, Mr, M'Blarney, &c. &c. Head Slaughterman — Mr. Graman, burnt out from the Theatre Royal Drury-lane. The proprietors, after various and unsuccessful attempts, not having it in their power to conclude the above striking representation agreeable to their wishes, it will be withdrawn ; and, this night will be presented, the celebrated one-act piece (revived expressly for the occasion) of A LOKG PULL, A STRONG PULL, AND A PULL ALL TOGETHER; As introductory to an entirely new national drama, called, THE SEQUEL, or JOHN BULL VICTORIOUS. 524 covENT GARDEN'jouRNAL. [Appendix. In which the part of John Bull will be per- formed (after an absence of several years) by the pubHc. Boxes, 7s, Pit, 46*. Gallery, 2^. Upper Gallery, 1^. To-morrow evening the Old Prices will be taken as usual. No. 65.— To the Editor of the Times. " Fra si contrari \enti, in frale barca, Mi trovo in alto mar senza governo." Petrarca. Sir, You are so partial to the /* audi alteram partem," when any public measure is discussed, that I am induced to trouble you with the following observations on the contest now existing between the public and the proprie- tors of Covent Garden Theatre. I am ready to allow that the proprietors are deserving of praise and commendation for the erection of so costly a theatre. I ani ready to allow that the policy of the undertaking, rather for the advantage and utility of the public than for any private lucre or self-interested motives : and, what may still farther be advanced in favour of the undertaking, I am ready to concede, that when so large a capital as 150,000/. is embarkecj Appendix.] covent garden journal. 525 in so precarious and hazardous a concern, a pro- portionable interest or yearly profit should be expected ; for it cannot be denied that the con- tingencies of a playhouse are incalculable ; and whether the public will allow a Betty or a Cata- lani to appear on the stage, may frequently be the cause that many thousands of pounds may immediately be gained or lost to the concern. When discordant elements are to be contended with and overcome, there naturally arises an ex- pectation of profit adequate to the danger. But, whatever may have been the views of the proprie- tors, prior to the opening of the theatre, I do not think that their conduct has since been marked and regulated by that proper candour and deco- rum that otherwise might have diverted the in- dignation of the public. Some concessions have been made after a long pause, but in my estima- tion they are not of much value or importance. Madame Catalani has agreed to sing elsewhere ; and the committee, appointed to examine the affairs of Covent Garden Theatre, after, I have no doubt, a thoroughly sufficient investigation of the accounts submitted to them, have delivered as their opinion, • " that the future profit of the new theatre, at the proposed advance in the prices of admission, will amount to only 3j per cent, .per annum upon the capital expended on the theatre, if the same be insured." Now I am anxious to know of what ingredknts this capital of 150,000/. 526 CO VENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. is composed? If the public are to pay for the incumbrances of the theatre, — if an exhorbitant sum, expended for the purchase of the patent^ is to be accounted as part of this capital, I do not hesitate to declare it as my opinion, that it had been better if the late theatre had rested in its ashes, and not, phcenix-like, appeared again to the public for the purposes of imposition. A distinction should be made, I conceive, be- tween commodities, whether they are bought for public utility and amusement, or for private con- venience. As an individual, I may be inclined to pay more than the market-price for any article that is offered for sale; but I do not consider, by way of illustrating my meaning, if a person chose to expend an enormous sum, in the purchase of the tolls of a bridge or of a turnpike-gate, or of a market or canal, or any other convenience con- ducive to the ease and comfort of the public, that therefore the toll is to be raised for passing the bridge, or the impost increased at the turnpike- gate, or that my butcher's meat, or the freight of my coals is to cost a greater sum, or otherwise that I am to suffer for the imprudent speculations of other persons. I should Hke that the public amusements should be moderate and reasonable, and that ** Non cuivis homini contingit adire Corinthum,** should not be applicable to the private boxes. A Appendix.] covent garden journal. 527 monopoly too is prima facie evidence of the cause of the new prices, and this lately was the cause of the rise on Spanish wool : as that speculation failed, it may also happen that the proprietors will be obliged ultimately to lower their prices. Commerce, and its companions, riches and luxury, — war, and its inevitable companion, most oppressive taxation, must necessarily raise the price of every article for building or ornament, as well as for consumption ; but these are by no means sufficient data to allay the popular clamour. Let there be a fair statement of the component parts of the capital expressed to be laid out in the erection and completion of the theatre, let there be a cessation of that ungentlemanly and ilUberal attempt to subdue the popular ferment by means of force and violence, and by metamorphosing the seat of the critics into an arena for prize- fighters ; let the frank and unprejudiced letter of Mr. B — h be fully explained (inserted in your valuable paper of Thursday last), and the names of the persons who have authorized the hiring of these armed ruffians to be brought to light : and the vengeance and execration of the public for such foul and detestable work may be appeased, the past may be forgotten, and the new prices acceded to and admitted. Candidus. Inner Temple , Oct. 1& 5i28 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppCndiiC- No. 66. — To the Editor of the Times. Sir, Oct. 16, 1809. I read, with great eagerness, the letter of your correspondent, signed *^ A Constant Reader," in hopes that its reference to the ancients would have given us a warning, not to be lulled into the fatal cfelusion, into the vain hope of seeing the theatre what it never was, what it never will be, a school of morals. The most enlightened and virtuous amongst the heathen world would not suffer the theatre under any form, and truly wise was this determination; they foresaw what has since come to pass, viz. the corruption of morals, and consequently the ruin of those nations. Those *' Polished nations whose short'Sighted poVicy gave protection to the stage, under the idea of " enlightening and me- liorating" the people. (Vide Morn. Chron. few days past.) The happy influence of Christianity is the only foundation whereon to build the me- horation of our nature, the stabiUty of all go- vernment, and consequently the peace and pros- ]>erity of nations. Christianity has rendered those who live up to its doctrines enlightened in the true meaning of the word, and let it not be said of us, *' that the light shined in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not;" '^ but Appendix.] coVENt garden journal. 529 let us walk as children of this light. " The stage has proved, and will ever prove, suhversive of all order, peace, and purity of morals, and, conse- quently, of Christianity itself; and, when our religion is gone, vain is the hope that the state and nation will survive. We need not go very far back to be convinced of this truth. Look to that country whose impious ruler is a scourge, in the hand of an avenging God, to punish those who despise his righteous laws ; see the effect pro- duced in that apostate land. At the time of the revolution, twenty-six theatres existed in Paris 5 and a late writer has observed, that one of these conclusions must be deduced from the fact; either that the corruption of the people cherished the theatres, or that the theatres produced the spirit of the times. In what manner they " en- lightened " the people, we know, alas ! too well. They plunged the nation into worse than heathen darkness ; darkness which I hope may never be " felt" in this our favoured land. The enlight- ened heathens may, however, now be our moni- tors. If they prohibited the stage, (under any form,) as tending to corrupt the morals of the people, shall a Christian nation uphold and en- courage such an entertainment ? Shall Chris- tians, who are commanded to purify their hearts, and are forbidden to indulge in the least impurity of thought ; Shall these, I ask, revel in liceii-^ tiousness and debauchery ? Shall these Associate, l1 SSO covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, or encourage, by their presence, the most disso- lute of both sexes ? Let those, who have cast off all fear of God, ** whose glory is in their shame, " who, " being past feeling, have given themselves up to lasciviousness, and to work all uncleanness with greediness, " let those frequent the theatre ; they act consistently ; but let no one who enters that sink of impurity assume the name of a Christian, nor dare to lift up the same heart that has been entertained with all manner of lewdness to that Being of infinite purity, " to whom all hearts are open, and from whom no secrets are hid. " Such inconsistency we find too common ; and I am persuaded that many, other- wise virtuous people, attend the theatre, because they are told it is an innocent recreation ; not from a conviction that it has been proved inno- cent, for I fear too many have not inquired into it at all. They are told, that it affords an ele- gant, moral, and enlightening, entertainment, and may preserve them from a vicious recourse to gin and methodism, (Vide Morning Chronicle, as above.) Let not a reflecting people be deceived by those who call evil good and good evil. Let us not be deterred by names; but let us evince our- selves true Christians in thought, word, and deed. Let it be remembered, that the church, in its purest times, in times free from superstition and enthusiasm, had such an abhorrence of the theatre, and such an opinion of the lives of the Appendix.] covent garden journal. 531 performers, that they did not permit them to partake of the Lord's supper until they repented and renounced such an unchristian profession. Be it remembered, too, that a venerable prelate, (Archbishop Tillotson,) has called the theatre, the ''Devil's Chapel:" we, therefore, who are of the same established church of this country, ought not, in censuring the stage, to fear the imputation of methodism. I hope, sir, that the clergy of our establishment will, on the ensuing day of thanksgiving, admonish their respective flocks, and declare to them their opinion of the con- sistency of theatrical entertainment with the pu- rity of our most holy religion. I give this hint with the utmost deference, assured that their aeal will equal the perseverance of those who espouse the cause of Ijlasphemy and profaneness. Your correspondent prays that the fate of those nations, which have been ruined, by this species of entertainment, may not be ours. Let us, then, take warning by them ; for, if we follow their ex- ample, our doom will be certain. The dreadful judgments of the almighty have, for some years past, been most strikingly abroad on the earth. To what is this owing? undoubtedly to the wick- edness of men, for " righteousness exalteth a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." Let us, then, fear to provoke the Lord of Hosts, His arm is yet visible in surrounding nations; and, unless we repent, what can we expect, but, l12 iSi^ covENtGAitDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. instead of the mercies with which we have been visited, his vengeance and fiiry will be poured out upon us, an ungrateful and rebellious people ? What tinie can be more appropriate for con- sidering our ways than now, that we feel sensible of divine providence, in lengthening the days of an universally revered and beloved monarch, and granting him to reign over us, during a term of years not often equalled ? May he of his mercy continue this blessing to us, and let us not, by our impieties, bring down the grey hairs of our sovereign with sorrow to the grave I Let us with dutiful loyalty give honours to our ancient king ; and let us, at the same time, remember, as a Christian people, (the only true patriots,) to give glory by our obedience to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. A Layman of the Church of Christ, as established according to the laws of this realm. No. 67. — To the Editor^ of the Morning Chronicle, Sir, The nature of my professional pursuits is such that, if I were disposed to reply to the numerous falsehoods, and repeated misre- presentations of the conduct I have pursued, in Appendix.] covent garden journal* 533 the scene of riot and confusion, that nightly takes place in our theatre, my time is too much engaged to admit of it ; but there are accusations in your paper of last week, of such serious import to my character, that render it impossible I should re- main silent any longer. I am accused of having taken a faxse oath, and Mr. Bish's letter is in- tended to prove it. Now, sir, it becomes neces- sary that I should first state the substance of the printed bills, that induced me to have their distri- dxutor taken up, and my subsequent deposition at Bow- Street. My deposition states this : " That as far as my knowledge goes, the matter therein contained is fjntrue;" and, as the printed bill is a notorious ■falsehood from beginning to end, I should be .wanting in that duty I owe to my employers, if I had not made an affidavit to that effect. I rest assured, the public will feel satisfied with this pub- lic explanation, and excuse me from troubling them with any more observations on the subject. J. Brandon, Theatre Royal, Covent Garden, i7th Oct. 634> covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 68. — To the Editor qf the Morning Chronicle, Sir, The proprietors have been re- peatedly called upon, without effect ^ to lay the particulars of their expenditure before the public; this naturally creates suspicion ; without, however, calling upon them to expose the whole of their theatrical management, I will just beg leave to ask two or three plain questions, to which, I think, the public have a right to expect plain an- swers. Does not Mr. Harris, sen. receive, after the rate of J^%000 per annum, out of the nightly produce of the theatre, or some other very con- siderable sum ? Does not his son receive jg 1,000, in the same manner ? Do not their names appear on the regular pay-list of the theatre ; and are not the proportions of those sums paid out of the nightly receipts, in the same manner as the sala- ries of actors, or any other expenditure on account of the house ? Should these questions be answered in the affirmative, it will, I think, be evident, that those sums were not carried to the account of profits, as they ought to have been, but are con- sidered as part of the expenses of the theatre : up- on what principle, I am at a loss to conjecture ; for, whatever pecuniary advantage the proprietors receive, either by way of nightly payments, or of Appendix.] cotent garden journal, 555 a general balance at the end of the season, or from both sources, it ought, certainly, to be termed profit, as arising from tLe concern^ It may, perhaps, be said, that these nightly deduc- tions are considered as remunerations to the pro- prietors for the trouble they take in managing the concern of the theatre. Although I have, myself, had a peep behind the curtain, and know some- thing of the mysteries of these matters; yet I will not take upon me to appreciate the labours of those gentlemen, but would still contend that, in what- ever shape the proprietors receive money from the theatre, it must be considered as profit, and ought to have been introduced as such, into the accounts lately submitted to the pubhc. As to the plea of compensation, for the trouble of proprietors, as general managers, it appears so absurd as scarcely to require an answer ; because, every man, who embarks in a speculation, ought to exert a reasonable degree of diligence in su- perintending it; ^nd I will ask, if the commis- sioners of the property- tax would suffer a trades- man, in estimating his income, to deduct from his profits any sum, by way of compensation to himself for copdupting the business, I am, sir, &C, Inykstigator. 1 8th Oct, 1809, 636 covENT GAEDEN joujina;.. [Appendix, No. 69,— Parody on *' God save the King,'' circu- lated in the Theatre on the Night of Oct. 18. NATIONAL AIR. Humhly submitted to the Placar ding-Committee. God save great Johnny Bull, Long live our noble Bull, God save John Bull. Send him victorious, Loud and uproarious, With lungs like Boreas. God save John Bull. O Johnny Bull be true, Oppose the prices new^ And make them fall ; Curse K 's politics. Frustrate his knavish tricks, On thee our hopes we fix. Confound them all. No pi-ivate boxes let Intriguing ladies get ; Thy right John Bull, From little pigeon-holes Defend us jolly souls ; And we will sing, by goles, God save John Bull. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 537 ^p, 70.— rf the question, will be waved for the present, and that of old or new prices mhU, bye and bye, be brought to a fair market for competition. Pax. Chamberlain's Court, 18th Oct. Ko. 72. — To the Editor of the Times. I want to kpow on what grounds the magistrate commits persons, \dio use the only modes of expressing disapprobation, which hg-vje been practised $ince the very first invention of fhe drama, by ribe Qreeks. If a person does damage to the scenery, by cutting, tearing, or breaking, or if he throws any thing at an actor, or strikes a neighbour bearer, there is evidently a Jbreacb of ithe peace, \ and a ground for commit- to-k Bj^t clapping, liisfing, or whistling, h^ve, ffom time immemorial, ibeen used in this, as wiell AppenclLt.] coVti^i GARDEi^f journal. 541 ais \h all other coiititries, as the modes of expres- ilttg approbation and disapprobation at dramatic performances. They have been uniformly ac- quiesced in by the o^vners of theatrical property themselves ; and, indeed, if these sigtis of appro- bation or disapprobation be not allowed, I ask both magistrate and manager h6\v is an audience to express either ? It may be said that these may become so violent and lasting as to amount to a riot. I should be glad to be shewn in what por- tiofi of the law of the land, or in what section olr Chapter of the statute-book, this is defined, or indeed where clapping, hissing, hooting, or catcalling, at a theatrical representation, is de- dared to be an offence, or symptom of riot, at all. Sir, I went to Covent-garden on Saturday night, atid I heard much noise ; butp I perceived not the feast appearance of riot, except what was once or tWic^ attempted to bfe lilade by the injudicious (to sty no worse of it) interference of persons sent in Ofi the part of the proprietors. The audience in the pit turned their back upon the actors, to shew their disapprobation of the conduct of the pro- prietors, but they did not prevent them from goitig on, nor did they put them iii either fear or danger. 1 call on the performers to say if they were not permitted to go through their parts as they pleased, or if they were molested in any other way than when the audiencfe does not approve of a piece. I saw them indulging in all the usual 542 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. gestures and motions at their ease. They might feel uncomfortable because they were not attended to, but I am sure that there was no attempt of any kind whatever made against them, that would necessarily have been made in the case of a riot. As neither actors nor audience have to com- plain of any riot which puts them in fear or danger, the ground of complaint must rest wholly with the proprietors. It will be said for them that their property is in danger, and that this noisy conduct, on the part of the audience, tends to diminish the fair profits which they have a right to expect. As to danger of their property, I saw none; and I do not believe they have themselves any fear of that sort. All attempts to injure it have been uniformly reprobated and re- pressed by the audience, and the diminution of profits, in this case, is merely an accident arising from the nature of their property, and springing from an act of their own. Every species of capi- tal, vested in any speculation, is liable to peculiar losses. That arising from hissing and damning is one of the peculiar losses to which theatrical capital is exposed ; and those who employ their capital this way ought, before they meddle, to lay their account with meeting with this species of loss, as well as an underwriter must with the losses arising from sunken rocks, privateers, equinoctial and Christmas gales. Suppose the proprietors were to be so unlucky as to have every new piece Appendix.] covent garden journal. 543 and actor they brought forth during a season damned or hissed off, their profits would be much diminished; but how could they find redress ? We may pity an unfortunate author who has his piece damned, for his profits are gone ; but are the audience to be charged with a breach of the peace, or with riot, because they hiss what they do not approve? Like the proprietors of the house he took the risk voluntarily on himself, and he must abide the consequence. The case thus stands: — Covent Garden Theatre possessing a monopoly, its proprietors have thought proper to raise the price of the article in which they deal. The public, who is the buyer, thinks this an unfair price, and shews its disap- probation by modes from time immemorial used for the purpose, and, indeed, the only modes that can express it. As for the placards, they can be considered in no other point of view, by any honest man, but merely as the means of convey- ing, more distinctly, the feelings of the displayers of them to a large body of men assembled toge- ther. But it will be urged, that those who are not pleased with the prices, fixed by the seller here, need not buy, but may stay away. And why should they? The public wish to enjoy dramatic entertainments; and, as the exhibition of them is confined by patent, they must either pay more than they think they should, or be deprived of a 544 coviiNT (JARDiiiff iotTRjfAL. [Appeiidk. favourite amusement. Were there a fair competi- tiott, the argument would have weight ; because every one would have his choice, and this very competition would keep the price fair. But, at present, the public have no choice.* They must bliy from the house possessing the monopoly or not at all. And, if the audience be not permitted to express their disapprobation of the present rise, I ask, what security they have, that the monopo- lizing house may not .raise the prices again next year. Indeed, as government grants an exclusive patent, it ought to go farther, and protect the public, by naming a regular price, beyond which the monopolists shall not dare to go. The wretched state of both tragedy and comedy among us has made some of our best critics think, that theatri- cal property sjiould be left entirely open, to secure the stimulus of competition. But the proprietors tell us, that they have sub- mitted their affairs to a committee, and that com- mittee has found that, without the new prices, they must be ruined. Sir, I believe, on my conscience, that the gentlemen of that committee have givea the result fairly and honourably, as appeared^ to them, from the data presented to them ; but I must be allowed to say, that no statement ever was more unsatisfactory. We have no statement of the capital really invested, and what it was made to consist of; nor have we any detail of the items of expenditure. We can, therefore, form no opi- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 545 nion whatever, how far what was stated to be ca- pital was really capital, or how far what was stated to be expenditure ought to be admitted as real expenditure. The amount of capital, (which we are left to calculate from the stated rate of interest) should have been given, and how it arose. The various items of expenditure should also have been laid before us. In order to have a fair investiga- tion, to the result of which the public would probably pay attention, the proprietors should choose one gentleman, and the public another, and these two should nominate a third, thoroughly conversant with accounts. The latter should ex- amine the accounts of the theatre, with the assis- tance, and under the eye of the former. A detail of the various items of capital, income, and ex- penditure, should be made out by the accountant, accompanied with any. remarks, which the proxy for the proprietors, as well as the proxy for the public, might find themselves called on to make. What prudence or delicacy should require not to be made known might be kept concealed. But, say the proprietors, are we not to be allowed to judge for ourselves, as to the propriety of making a rise, or is every other dealer to be permitted to raise liis price, to meet the rise of the prices of the various articles, while we are kept at the old price, amid every thing rising around us ? All that need be replied to this, is that, as the public, who is the buyer, does not choose to grant a rise at present, M m 546 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. they, as the sellers, would act wisely to soothe, not irritate ; and trust to a full exposition of their income and expenditure at the close of the sea- son. It is true that the prices of things have, in general, risen since the last rise in the prices of ad- mission ; but it may very justly be queried, whe- ther the increasing number of those who frequent the play-house, from prejudices against the drama giving way, and from the growing wealth of the various ranks in the metropolis, is not fully suffi- cient, at least, to meet the increase in the expen- diture of the house, arising from the higher price of the various articles. To insult and ill-treat the audience, who is the buyer, is not right orpohtic. They are the serv'ants 'of the public ; and, instead of bearding their master, they ought to throw them- selves on his generosity and justice. Their income depends on their audience, and, instead of bully- ing them, it will always be wiser to throw them- selves on their mercy. In the mean while, I conceive, sir, that the public are perfectly warranted in using the esta- blished modes of expressing disapprobation, to express their dis-satisfaction with the conduct of the proprietors of Coven t Garden Theatre. If they pay for admission, and confine themselves to hissing and whistling, the immemorial modes of expressing disapprobation, and do no harm to the house, nor strike any one, nor throw any thing at the actors, they appear to me to be guilty of i Appendix.] covent garden journal. 547 no riot or breach of the peace whatever. Nor shall I think so, till 1 am shewn, either from the law of the land or the statute book, that they are so. And, sir, though I detest rioting and fac- tious conduct as much as any magistrate in Lon- don can do, I must say, my blood boils in me, as a Briton, at the very idea of a young v7oman* being sent to prison for only springing a child's rattle in the one-shiUing gallery of Covent Garden play- house. I trust, also, that some person of spirit, if assailed by these breakers of the peace, will have the question immediately brought to a hearing. I am, sir, a sincere friend to the drama, and your humble servant, J. LORAINE. Whitehall, Oct. 19th. No. 73.— To the Editor of the Times. Sir, As many persons concerned in the riotous proceedings at Covent Garden Thea- tre seem to flatter themselves with the persuasion, that they are not acting contrary to laxo, and that they shall be able to show that the police magis- trates have exceeded their authority, in the com- mitments which daily take place, I humbly beg * Mary Austin. Vide Bow-Street Proceedings, M m 2 548 CQVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. to offer the following observations to their cot^- sideration, hoping, that (if I ^pi correct) a)l w\\q wish to avoid the punishment of the law, will, by a timely warning, abstain from subjecting them- selves to its power. I shall not enter the question, as to the justice of the a.dvapc^ jn prices. I have never turned my thoughts to the inquiry ; for iny opinion coincided with that of your porrespondent, ** a Layman,'' viz. that the theatre is the bane of the morals of tke people : I, therefpre, do not at- tempt to justify the proprietors, or to fight th^ir battles. I will, for the sake of argument, sup- pose that the advance is a gross imposition, and then put the following case : — Suppose a trades- man, anxious to make a rapid fortune, (which sometimes happens,) has it in his power to buy up a commodity, so that he is almost the exclusive dealer in that article : suppose too, that in conse- quence, without any regard to principle (and for no other reason than his love of wealth,) and the necessities of his fellow creatures, he raises the price : although we should not hesitate to pro- nounce such conduct to be unjust, have we a right to take the punish?nent into our own hands, by assembhng, in a tumultuous way, in his shop, or warehouse, in order to hinder those mho chose to sub- mit to the imposition, from making use of the coii\- modity, notwithstanding they had paid their mQ- ney ? And have we a right, in so doing, to injure his premises ? I ask, sir, whether the laws war- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 54.9 rant this, for I am no lawyer ? If they do>, thW I conceive, that, if my neighbour defrauds me, I may beconie my 6Vn judge, and cause him (if I have power sufficient) to make restitution. I re- peat that I am no friend to the managers of ANt" theatre ; for I have always observed, that when they are prosperous, that nation which supports them^ is in danger of faUing into neglect of religion, and consequently ihto ruin. A Friend to Order. 19th Oct. No. 74. — To the Conductor of the Ti77tes: Sif, I read, in your paper of yester- day, a letter, signed Samuel Frampton Stallard, West Smith field, and I wonder that it escaped y6\ir atiimadv^rsioll'. This gentleman complains very bitterly of hi's ill treatment, but he shews on' thie face of his letter that another gentleman, a friend of his, having purchased of a ticket- p6h^r an order, signed by Mr. Harris, jun. for five shillings, he and his friend go into the boxes with this order so purchased for five shillings ; arid th^n join in the clamour with those who com- plain that they had been forced to pay seven shillings a piece. The injustice and impropriety of Mr. Samuel Frampton Stallard are thus, by 550 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix.. his own statement, made most apparent. Per- haps it would be satisfactory, if Mr. S. F. S. would give us an account how the gentleman, his friend, happened, and where, to meet with the ticket-porter from whom he purchased the orders. There can be no difficulty in this, as the gentle- man, his friend, must be acquainted with the ticket-porter ; for, it cannot be supposed that orders were sent out by the theatre, to be sold in Smithfield-Market, or to be sold at all. It is not improbable that the managers would have given orders, on application by letter, sent through the medium of a ticket -porter, from persons pro- fessing to be supporters of the claim of additional prices ; but that a ticket-porter should have them to sell seems to me very mysterious ; and, as Mr. S. F. Stallard has brought himself before the public, I think myself, as one of that public, en- titled to have my doubt done away, particularly as Mr. Stallard and the other gentleman, his friend, fancied that, when they had got into the theatre, they had paid fourteen shillings for their admission, when the ticket-porter had received from them only half-a- crown a piece, and the proprietors of the theatre nothing. A Friend to the Old Prices. 20th Oct. 1809. Appendix.] covent garden journal 551 No. 15, — Hand-Bill circulated through Covent Garden Theatre^ on the Night of the 9S)th of October, By particular request, The new prices will be continued a night or two longer, New Theatre Covent Garden, This evening will be presented a medley of entertainments, called The Jugglers, or Half the Truth. Commencing with two excellent comic scenes of the interior of the^ public house in Strand-lane, and the pastry-cook's shop in Duke's place,f with the fighting Jews receiving orders. %* The striking effect of these scenes has been felt and acknowledged by several crowded and respectable audiences. During the performance (young Mendoza not being sufficiently trained to appear in public) Mr. Mendoza sen. will suddenly come forward and swear a great oath, '' that he will close our day- lights.*' * Where the fighting watermen are supposed to have got re- freshments. tL ' t See Mr. Bish's foregoing letter. 559i GOVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix Jemmy Box-office will also swear an oath on the occasion ; and, if the performances can be lengthened without farther intrusion on the un- paralleled patience of the public, the managers, and proprietors, and several new performers, will also swear together, to the great amazement of the audience. Messrs. Mendoza and Box-office will perform A pas de deux ; Then, crossing the stage and changing hands, in a manner never before presented in pubhc, they will dance a hornpipe, and Long Gibbons will dance upon the tight rope. Mr. Kemble, from the nature of his engage- ments, not being allowed to decline a part, a most dexterous feat will be attempted. Mr. Harris, with the rest of the proprietors, will suddenly endeavour to conceal themselves from the public, by jumping down Mr. Kemble's throat, to the unnecessary injury of the unhappy performer, un- less prevented by the timely interposition of an enlightened and liberal pubhc ; after which A Peep behind the Curtain, Weeping Billy, — Mr. Harris ; Jack Humble Pie, — Mr. Kemble; Affidavit man, — Jemmy Box-office; Jemmy Coventry, — Long Gibbons. Mr. Townsend having on so many nights kind^ ly condescended to act the part of a trap and a Appendt^.] coti^Nt g^arben JOtJRNAL. 5^5 Jtt'e//, will this night perform it for the last time at this theatre. Messrs. Harris, Kemble, and Brandon, muffled in sables, will chaunt, as a sublime dirge : " To think on one's follies is sometimes but right, And reflection is good, tRo' there's nothing got by't." Mr. Harris, having come to town expressly for the occasion, will afterwards step forward and sing, to mournful music : " There's nothing but money can cure mc, And rid me of all my pain." Mr. Kemble will then sing, accompanied by a general crash of instruments : " Tho' hurricanes rise, and rise every wind, I%ey'll ne'er make a tempest like that in my mind." Mt. Brandon will rush forward, and, dropping on his knees, will sing or say, accompanied by rough music : " Guardian angels now prbtect me." Mr. Townsend, running passionately on, in cha- racter, will sing a bravura : " Pho ! poi on this nwisense, I prithee give o'er," 554 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. And afterwards whisper aloud to the office, *' Damn my eyes, Read, by G — d its all up." To conclude with the new national drama of John Bull victorious. The part of John Bull will be repeated (after an absence of several years,) by the public. Boxes 7s. — Pit 4s. — Gal. 2s. — Upper Gal. Is. To morrow evening, by general desire, Empty Benches, with a House to be Sold. No. 76.— 7b the Editor of the Times, Sir, As my countrymen are about celebrating the commencement of the 50th year of our beloved monarch's reign, by emancipating unfortunate debtors and other beneficial acts, permit me, through the medium of your paper, to suggest to the public the laudable design of their entering into a subscription, for the support and relief of those persons, who, for expressing their opinions at a public theatre, are doomed to con- finement, and of assisting others who are held over to bail, to answer the hke charges, but whose circumstances prevent their obtaining that legal assistance, which a more independent condition can ensure. They will no doubt be considered, by Englishmen, as suffering in the general cause, and as meriting an adequate attention on their Appendix.] covent garden journal. 655 part. As I am not competent to arrange and conduct the plan, 1 beg leave to inclose a guinea, if you will apply the same to the object in ques- tion; should these hints induce any man of pub- lic spirit to set a subscription on foot. PUBLICOLA. Oct. 20, 1809. No. 77. — New Grand Imperial incombustible Theatre. (From the British Press, Oct. 20.) Whereas an advertisement has appeared, an- nouncing a New National Subscription Theatre (the prospectus whereof is promised in a few days) : it is deemed an attention due to the public to remind them, without meaning the shghtest disrespect to a Mr. Fry, the subscribing soHcitor to this supposed speculation, of the pal- pable delusion which must belong to the scheme; inasmuch as, when it first started, with the as- sertion that a great sum had already been sub- scribed at Lloyd's, it immediately appeared, that not a single merchant or banker had ever sub- scribed a single shilling, or even had heard one word upon the subject. We, who have now the honour to address the pubhc, proceed upon a principle of a very dif- 556 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. ferent character. We are ready to admit, that any attempt to defeat or counteract the endea- vours, said to be earnestly persevering in, to re-erect Old Drury, and to satisfy, in the most just and liberal manner practicable, the various and weighty claims of those who have embarked their property on the faith of the patent, would be felt and resented, by the public at large, as a base, unfeeling, and fraudulent, endeavour to take advantage of a temporary destruction, by the calamity of fire, of a great concern, every way entitled to the peculiar protection of the public patronage. The persons engaged, therefore, in the present speculation, namely, the erection of A New Grand Imperial and Incombustible Thea- tre, scorn to attempt to filch any countenance to their proposition from the present ferment, created by the resistance to the new prices £tt Covent Garden Theatre. They equally scorn to shrink from the admission that, if Old Drury can be rebuilt, and that the repoVt be also true, tliat, should there appear a real call for a third thea^ tre, the dormant patent belonging to the pro- prietors of Old Drury will be also brought into action to fulfil the public ^ish in that respect^ it would ill become then^, as gentlemen and ho- nest men, to persevere a moment longer in their plan. Should the event, however, turn out other- wise, we are prepared to enter the list of dbm- petition with Mr. Fiy; and are convinced, that j^ppendix.] GqvfiNT GARDEif journal. §§7 the discerning public will even now decree the palm of superior sincerity to us, when we frankly declare, which Mr. Fry and Co. have forborne to do, that this address is by the express order of an Ideal Committee, selected from the general body of non-existing subscribers. (Signed) Gregory Grill, First Clerk to Messsrs. Hum and Hoax, Solicitor^. No. 1809, Labour-in- vain Hill, Lower Thames-Street* N. p. Mr. Grill, having great doubts of the actual existence of such a person as Mr. Fry, Gppceives that he i$ acting in the fairest manner, ^y thus avowing his own name, and that of his respected employers. P. S. Such noblemen and gentlemen as are de- sirous of supporting the undertaking, by be- coming subscribers, will please to send their names to Messrs. Hum and Hoax, or to any bank- ing-house in London not receiving subscriptions for the plan of Mr. Fry : in suggesting which restriction, Mr. Grill is confident that he doefi not exclude a single banker in the metropolis. 558 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 78. — From the Morning Chronicle, Octo- ber 21, 1809. Sir, The scenes of riot and con- fusion nightly represented at the New Theatre, Covent Garden, are of a nature to excite the most serious apprehensions, as to effects, which, accord^ ing to the ordinary course of public commotion, may be produced by a continuance of such dis- order. The means hitherto adopted to allay the discontent manifested by the pubhc at the in- creased prices of admission have tended only to heighten popular displeasure, and each succeeding night evinces the remoteness of the probabihty that they will acquiesce in the demands of the manager. On the other hand, in the mind of the managers, nothing but the total destruction of the concern seems likely to produce the slightest impression in respect for the public sentiment. Under these circumstances the question arises, how is the controversy to be settled ? The matter appears to me hitherto, by many, to be misunder- stood, as if there were no othei parties to the dis- pute than the managers and the persons actually present at the theatre on the several nights of performance. I am, however, certain, that I an- ticipate a reflection that has occurred to many Appendix.] covent garden journal. 559 reasonable persons, who contemplate with disgust and alarm the repetition of those nocturnal orgies, when I observe that I conceive it to be the duty of the executive government to interfere with firm- ness, but at the same time with moderation, in order to terminate a contest which may ulti- mately be attended with consequences most fatal, and the extent of which it is impossible to foresee. With this impression, and after all that has oc- curred, I certainly am inclined to hold his Majesty's Principal Secretary of State FOR THE Home Department responsible for all that may ensue, if measures be not adopted, under the authority with which he is invested, for the maintenance of pubHc tranquillity. To the person holding that distinguished and important situation I shall look henceforward for a due dis- charge of his duty on this occasion ; and I trust it will manfully be performed, not by introducing within the theatre spies and thieftakers, to disturb the people of England in the exercise of privileges sanctioned by long usage, and even, to a certain extent, by the express recognition of law, but by- adopting a course suited to the circumstances of the case, and to the rights and obligations of all parties concerned. I am not, sir, to be told that the interference of government is a matter of delicacy, — that they have no authority to inter- meddle with a dispute about a private concern, nor with the property of individuals ; on the con- 560 COyilNT GAEDEN JOURNAL. [Appglldix. $rary, I m^i^tain that the present is not a case OF PRIVATE cqn,c^^?^, and th^t the theatre of Covent Gardep, separate from the walls of the building and its decprations, is not solely Tm|i ^^OPERTY OF INDIVIDUALS. It is a NATIONAL e;i5;tablishment, constituted by the crown, and instituted, not for the purposes of commercial traffic, with which indeed it is not to be compared, not for the reward of any new and ingenious dis- coveries, as in other cases, — not for the exclusive advantage of individual speculators, — but upon ^ise motives of municipal policy, and for the benefit of the puBLip. It is therefore maiuly the PROPERTY OF THE CROWN, as representing the nation. The patentees are only its depu- ties^ contractors with the crown for public pur- pps.es, the building and scenery are alone their own; tjieir right of representing plays can be revoked, it remains oply quan^ diu se bene gesserint, and they hold their patent upon a well-known principle, subject to a trust in which the public have an interest, and to a condition in favor ^f the public which they have a right to call UpOU the MINISTERS OF T»[?j: CROWN to scc cxc- |C\^te4 in their regard. In advancing this position, I am warranted by high legal authority, and by declarations with respect to this very theatre, delivered from the bench by a distinguished chancellor, the late I^ord Thurlpw. In the opera-disputes, his Iprd- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 661 ship observed that the patentees of covent GARDEN had been too wise to raise any question upon their patent, and that, if abused, it could NOT STAND ONE INSTANT. From the wholc case it may be inferred, as well as what was thus distinctly declared by his lordship, that an inabi- hty of patentees, from distress, to carry on the business of a theatre, or a loss of confidence on the part of the public, arising from mismanage- ment, would be a ground for rescinding a patent, it being granted principally for the benefit of THE PUBLIC I have not the case before me, but I am satisfied that I am correct in this statement. It is to be found in the first vol. of Mr. Vesey's Reports. The public, however, cannot proceed by any judicial application for their relief in the court of chancery, and therefore it must ever devolve upon the ministers of the crown to pro- tect, on all occasions, their rights. It certainly would not be inconsistent with the duty of the Attorney-General to institute, propria motu, the necessary proceedings, and bring, to a legal deter- mination, the question, whether the patentees have been at all warranted in exacting the present advance on the price of admission. The mere fact of an increased demand, so steadily opposed by the public, would, I conceive, be at any time sufficient for the interference of the Attorney- General, on the part of HIS Majesty ; and he must ever be of counsel for the public on N n 562 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. those occasions. He cannot be retained or con- Suited by the patentees, in opposition to th^ rights of the public, which are those of the CROWN. But, sir, if it shall have happened, that the PATENTEES of this or any other theatre, have attempted to impose upon the metropolis, to take It by surprise, — that they have withheld all fair information, previously to exacting an increased price of admission, — that they have neglected to adopt those means which an ordinary attention to the history of the theatre, and to the disposition of the British people, would have dictated, pre- viously to any innovation, in order to prepare their minds for an acquiescence in what was likely to encounter opposition, — if they shall have wan- tonly provoked the indignation which was mani- fested, — but especially if they shall have admitted gratuitously bodies of persons, forcibl}^ to over- awe an audience paying for their admission : and I never can adiiiit the doctrine, that, merely by payijig at the door of a theatre a party waves his right of e.vpressing disapprobation and Joining in the cry of the majority, against the conduct of manager, in cvacting such an increased price ; — if they shall have hired bruisers and ruffians xo force compliance ; — if they shall have occasion, by improper conduct of their agents, flagrant breaches of the peace (and the fact, that pugilistic con- tests have regularly been fought within the thea- tre raises no favourable presumption); — if, by Appendix.] covent garden journal. 563 ^uch conduct and an ill-judged obstinacy they shall have contributed to convert a theatre of rational entertainment, into a public gymnasium, or as I have heard it described, an arena of gla- diators, contrary to every principle on which they obtained the privilege of dramatic representation; — if such shall have been the conduct of the managers, will any lawyer pretend to say that the patent has not been abused ? Is the minister, charged with the general superintendance of the police, to adopt no measures upon such an occa- sion, and institute no inquiry ? Surely, sir, the reports afloat on this subject arc of a nature to require the Secretary of State for the Home Department to call, at least, for an expla- nation of these circumstances from the paten- tees, if not to send the matter, with his directions, before the Attorney-General. It must occur to every one that the question for the consider- ation of government is become not so much whe- ther the original demand of an advance were reasonable, as whether the patentees, from the mode in which they have attempted to carry into effect what might originally have been reasonable, have not lost all claim to support, and whether they may not have comported themselves in a manner which may require the visitation of the law, or the terror of it upon themselves, as they cail it down upon those by whose contribution alone they are able to maintain the existence of n n 2 664i covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix* their establishment, and for whose benefit it was originally founded. I shall forbear, until Monday, from trespassing further on your attention ; but, if compelled to return to the subject, I shall no- tice other points of law, which the patentees of the theatre have, as it appears to me, so injudi- ciously agitated. Requesting them to consider the /ri€92dlj/ advice of Lord Thurlotv, in preference to the bhnded suggestions of an imprudent obsti- nacy, I remain the friend of all parties concerned. Moderator. No. 79. — To the Editor of the Constitutional Review, Sir, The letter signed A. F. inserted in your paper of last Saturday, carries, on the face of it, so much of the semblance of truth, supported by calculation, that the reasonings would be, if the data were correct, conclusive ; yet I hope you will allow me to contradict most of the assertions, by some facts which I presume will be found in- controverible. Your correspondent begins by stating, that the proprietors of the theatre should, when they first announced the rise in the price of admission, have laid open to the pubhc a statement of their ac- counts, to shew that the proposed advance was Appendix.] covent garden journal. 565 necessary. Has not their subsequent conduct been such as to prove that this step would have been taken, if they had thought that the justice of their claim would have been disputed ? The proprietors considered, that a liberal public would at once accede to a proposition, which was render- ed necessary by the advanced prices of every ar- ticle connected with their concern, and the lums that had been expended in the building of the theatre. The report of the committee comes next under his consideration : he states, that the arguments adduced from his calculations are irrefutable. This I am ready to allow, but I hope I shall shake the whole by proving that the calculations are (not to say unfairly) erroneously given. As the present theatre will contain nearly the same number of persons as the last, the annual average profit therefore would, at the old prices for admis- sion, if there were no collateral circumstances to affect it, be fairly stated at ofS, 345 : 6 : 2; which, with the advantages given by A. F. to the new theatre, would most certainly leave the proprietors a profit equal to 14^ per cent, on their capital of £75,000. But that the fallacy of this statement may be more apparent, I beg to subjoin his, with a more correct one ; but I must premise, that I have no other means by which to form a calcula- tion, than those he states to have employed ; — the report of the committee, laid before the public by the proprietors. 566 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix Calculations of A, F. Annual profit 8,345 6 2 Paivate boxes ^ • • • 1 1,300 19,^45 6 2 £, s, d. Deduct the amount of annual dividends 3,750 t)itto loss by private boxes* • • • 5,000 8,750 O 10,895 6 2 being a profit of 14^ percent A more correct Statement, £. 5. d. Annual profit • • • « • . 8345 6 2 Private boxes • 4200 12,545 6 2 £. s. d. Deduct the amount of annual div. 3,750 Ditto loss by addit. private boxes 1,666 13 4 Do. 150 free admissions 2,362 10 Do. property-tax • • • • • 375 Do. for insurance • • • • 2,600 10,7543 4 1,79^1 2 10 which is about 2| per cent profit. It will be recollected, that the terms, on which the proprietors raised ,£75,000, tvere these; to give £5 per centum, to pay the income-tax there- on, and to grant ^ free admission for every £500 Appendix.] CO VENT garden journal, 567 advanced. The free admissions, 150 in number, I have stated at fifteen guineas each, a price at which many have been sold, but a sum by no means equal to the loss that the proprietors will sustain. In the old tlieatre there were twenty private boxes ; these appear to have escaped alto- gether the notice of your correspondent. I have therefore taken the present additional advantage on ten boxes, at 400 guineas per annum each, and made a suitable deduction, founded on his calcu- lation (which I think a fair one) for the sum lost by the exclusion of the public from that part of the house. The old theatre was insured for 06*46,000; I have therefore taken the difference, between that sum and the value of the present one, and calcu- lated the rate at 9>^ per centum ; but to this some- thing might be added for the difl^erence in the rate of insurance on the ^46,000 ; as, since the many recent accidents which have happened to theatres, the offices have raised the premiums on that pro- perty. Such are the data on which my calcula- tions are founded, and they are such as, I hope, will be thought equitable. I am well aware, that the account which I have submitted does not in- clude all the items of the additional expenses, nor could I add them without reference to the books of the theatre ; but still it goes very far to establish the report of the committee; and when the respect- abiUty, the talents, and daily habits, of the gentle- men who devoted three days to the examination 568 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix of the accounts, are considered, it is illiberal to doubt the opinion which they have given. To prove that a theatrical concern is not profit- able, let us for a moment divert our attention from theory to practice. If we look to the late theatre in Drury-Lane, we shall see that the expense of that house would admit of many more persons than the present one in Covent Garden, and there- fore the receipts must have been greater ; yet, we shall find the renters' dividend unpaid for several years past, and an exhausted treasury. The theatre, skilfully managed, is, no doubt, a powerful pohtical engine, for, while it amuses the public, it leads the minds to virtue ; but the ex- ercise of considerable talents in an actor (particu- larly in the higher department of the drama) is required to impress the precepts of the poet. How few men of talents then, would be found to em- brace the arduous profession of a player, with all the odium which illiberal minds attach to it, if a pros- pect were not held out of a suitable remuneration! A theatre, therefore, conducted on a narrow scale would be a loss to the public in entertainment and instruction. That the dissatisfaction which has arisen, with regard to the new prices, is from the efforts of a daily newspaper, cannot be denied. Long before the prices were publicly announced, the editor of the Times foresaw the necessity that would exist for the advance, but used every means to agitate Appendix.] covent garden journal. 669 the public mind against it. This conduct may be thought to have arisen from patriotism ; but had he explained to the public, why the advertisements from the Covent Garden managers did not appear in that paper for nearly two years, his opposition would have been attributed to its right cause — spleen. The fact is, that the insertion of the play- house advertisements is considered of equal advan- tage to the proprietors of the newspaper and the theatre. The editor of the Times is said to have demanded double the price paid to the other papers, but this was resisted for nearly two years. — The people should therefore have received with great caution the report of an enemy. The proprietors and managers have done their duty to the public, and it appears, their demand is rather for justice than liberality. ^ J.K. No. 80. —To the Editor of the Times. Sir, It having been stated, by Mr Kemblc, in one of his addresses to the house, that the price of admission to the pit, in Queen Anne's reign, was 3s. (implying, as it was understood, that it had not been less since that period,) and to the galleries 2s. and Is. always. I am induced to send you the following extract from Kirk- ^70 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. man's Life of Macklin, to prove that these were not the regular established prices of admission to those parts of the house until the year 1736; as also to shew, that the right the public then assumed to interfere on the subject of the pro* posed advance, was at that time recognized by the proprietors. **At this period, 1736, a new regulation took place at the theatre, with respect to the prices of ad- mission; the regular prices being, boxes, 4s. pit, 2s. 6d. first gallery, Is. 6d. and second gal- lery, ls> except upon the first run of a new play, or pantomime, when the boxes were 5s. pit, 3s. first gallery, 2s. and second gallery, Is. But Mr. Fleetwood thought fit to raise the prices for an old pantomime, which was revived without expense. This circumstance produced a violent opposition for several nights; and, at last, a deputation from the pit had an interview with the manager, in the green room, where it was agreed, that the advanced prices should be constantly taken at the doors, and that such persons as did not chuse to stay the entertainment should have the advanced part of their money returned. This was an advantageous agreement for the ma- nagers, because, when the audience had once paid their money and were seated, very few went out at the end of the play and demanded their money : the few who did at first soon grew tired ; and at last it settled in the quiet payment of the Appendix.] covent garden journal. 571 advanced prices. '* Kirkman's Life of Macklin, vol. 1. p. 206. Memorandum, — In the year 1767, Messrs. Harris, Rutherford, Powell, and Coleman, pur- chased the patent of Covent Garden Theatre for «£60,000 and became joint proprietors in four equal shares. It was afterwards agreed, by these parties, that Mr. Powell should be engaged as an actor, at jC400 per annum, and a clear benefit, for seven years ; but, if any other performer should be engaged at a higher salary, Mr. Powell should be advanced to equal it. This proves ^400 to be the largest annual salary given at this time to any performer. Oct. 21, 1809. No. 81> — Anew Song, to the Tune of Derry Down, (Morning Chronicle, Oct. 21.) Of fam'd Covent Garden, with freedom I sing, When John Bull and John Kemble have enter'd the ring ; A month now has pass'd, — still the battle doth rage, John Bull in the pit and Don John on the stage. Derry down, &c. A trio of new justice actors appear, Riot acts in their hands and jews in their rear ; But, Barney, the saddle is on the wrong horse, John Bull will not yield to dragooning and force. Derry down, '&c. 572 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. In old English law, his safety and trust is ; May we ne?er submit to such new-fangled justice; Let Don John and Company arm their patroles, But we'll never find pigeons for their pigeon-holes. Derry down, &c. Then success to John Bull, — and whatever betide, May his sons, when impos'd on, have law on their side ; And, whenever attacked, in a way that he scorns, May the Bull win the day tho' he's robb'd of his horns. Derry down, &c. No. 82. — Theatrical Amusements. (Redhead Yorke, 21st and 28th of October.) " Onward they rush, at fame*s imperious call : And less than greatest — would not be at all." Sir, The armistice between the pro- prietors of Covent Garden Theatre and John Bull being at an end, each party, after having mus- tered all their forces, have once more entered in- to the field. John Bull has again cried ** havock, and let slip the dogs of war :" and Emperor Har- ris and King John have not been backward in rallying their scattered and disordered troops. How the contest will terminate is at present dubious. " 'Tis strange, 'tis passing strange, 'tis pitiful, 'tis Appendix.] covent garden journal. 57S ■wondrous pitiful," that the proprietors should pubHsh, with all their boasted promises, so paltry, vague, unsatisfactory, aud complex a statement as they have done. What has the pubHc to do with the average prices for six years last past ? is not the theatre a new concern ? and if it is, had not the proprietors much better perform one or two seasons first, and then, if they found it did not answer their purpose, have stated their reasons to the public, and I doubt not but they would have been more satisfied with their increased price ; but to thus trifle and impose upon that public, who they boast their respect for, and to set at de- fiance the voice of a generous and liberal set of patrons, is an insult not easily to be borne with. It is impossible, from the statement they have made, to receive any information; the committee may be very intelligent and honourable men, but it would have done them more credit to have stated fully the expenditures and payments. In fact, their statement, to read it in plain English, is neither more nor less than this. " Gentlemen, we have looked over and attentively examined the rate of profit of the proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre, and it depending in part upon the amount of bills not yet delivered, and of esti- mates not full]/ ascertained, and on the future re- ceipts of the house, which are subject to various contingencies, cannot be ascertained with the same degree of certainty \ but, upon the best considera- 574 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. Hon we have been able to gwe to this subject, after having recourse to every source of information^ oral and written, we are fully satisfied that we know nothing about the matter in dispute." Un- less every item of the expenditures be laid before the public, I trust that they will testify their con- tempt and disUke to the imposition, by aban- doning THE PliOFRIETORS AND THEIR NEW THEATRE ALTOGETHER. For my own part, I shall never believe otherwise, until I see a fair, full, just, honest, and correct statement appear, '* errors excepted,'^ than that the proprietors reap so large and enormous a profit, that they are really ashamed to inform the public of the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. It is freedom, sir, and that alone, which in- spires men with elevated and noble minds ; it is freedom that raises our souls to the highest pitch of perfection, and inspires us with true genius and talents. Men, labouring under the disadvan- tages of restraint and want of patronage, cannot give full force to their imaginations ; their ideas are cramped, and are rendered of Uttle service. True genius cannot bear control ; it cannot put up with the overbearing effrontery of theatrical management; and thus it is that genius and ta- lents have been long banisiial the British stage. Oratory expired in Greece shortly after the Ro- mans and Macedonians conquered their common- wealth ; and since the unbounded ambition of Appendix.] covent garden journal. 575 theatrical managers has become so great, the English drama has dwindled into insignificancy and contempt. Theatres now have none but an- nuity authors to write for them, and the public, long inured to their wretched lanthorn pieces, be- hold with indifference, the nonsensical bombast and tricking mummery of the English stage. A man must possess few ideas who can sit a full piece ; — there are pauses in an opera which formerly gave exquisite pleasure to the hearers, but they are vanished. A song was then simple and plaintive, and the music sweet and tasteful. People then met to en- joy the music and the singing ; their organs of hearing were not fatigued with listening ; but, fioW how different is the case! The hearing is satiated by the outlandish squallings of a Bravura, and we are shewn no mercy by some favourite Polacca a la Braham. But that is not alone suffi- cient for our managing gentry ; a dance must be introduced, and then it is, that the catgut-scrap- ers in the orchestra, annoy us uncontrouled with the croakings of their different instruments. Alas! no mercy is shewn by these tweedle-dums and tweedle-dees. Smiles of joy deck their faces; mirth dances in their eyes ; and all is in sweet up- roar and confusion. Next comes the song, all is hushed in silence, each bosom pants with longing expectation, and every eye-string out-stretched to see the sweet enchanting warbler. Amidst in- 576 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, cessant bursts of applause and joy, lo ! Catalani, in pompous dress, appears ! and now, with out- stretched arms and smihng face, she opes her deep- toned voice — now sinks, then rises, stops, and in a gentle shake dies soft away. Again, with mel- lifluous swelling notes, she squalls aloud, and gains the applause and admiration of all the ton. So have I heard the wretched tortured slave, when on the rack, in pangs of agony sing out his death- like notes, and, in Bravura strains, lament his crimes. Theatrical monopoly is an evil hardly known to the public; it does not consist in writing only, but it also extends to composing, dancing, &c. That managers should patronize authorlings, actors, composers, and understrappers, is not to be won- dered at ; but, that they should give authors an- nuities to write for the theatre, to the exclusion of all others, or that they should permit composers to place, under their management^ pupils whose mas- ter receives half the salary for their services, or con- nive at the dancing or ballet masters sending their pupils, and receiving the like, to the detriment of other well-experienced performers, is only to be accounted for, by their being able to engage them at a lower salary than a regular performer can afford to perform at. Hence it is, that we have had so many children introduced on the stage, and placed in a situation of life highly dangerous to their morals, future happiness, and welfare. Appendix.] covent garpen journal. Sll With respect to the swarm of petty authors ever hanging on the manager's sleeve, I imagine them to be so m2iny puffer Sy whose melo-dramatic works the pomposo forces upon the public, in conse- quence of receiving fulsome panegyrics, and work- ing for less than the accustomed price by way of annuity. True genius, as I before stated, cannot bear controul ; and, although we have heard of a Lee being opposed, Murphy insulted, and Ken- rick defrauded, we have known BickerstafF, Becket, Griffin, Parker, and many others, sup- ported and caressed, for their passive obedience and servihty to the managers. It is not my intention to meddle with the inter- nal department of a theatre, neither do I, in what I am about to say, wish to speak of the judgment, candour, or ability, of any one, or to detract from the superior excellence of our modern dramatic authors, or managers ; but, it is well known, that without a "very great interest, no author, however great his genius, or whatever be his abilities, can ever get a piece performed. We have had men of talents ; men whose writings have been extolled and deservedly admired ; men who have written with grace, elegance, and taste ; whose pens have touched the finest and tenderest chords of the heart, and from whom every thing excellent and beautiful were to be expected, write for the stage, and have had their pieces returned. What is the reason of this ? Are we to have nothing but mum- o o 578 covKNT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. mery forced down our throats ? Are we never again to see original pieces performed, or are men of real genius and t2i\Q:DX^ outlawed from the English stage f The Italian opera has long bewitched our fa- culties ; their fascinating and agreeable nonsense and bombast have long ago vitiated our taste for real dramatic representations. For my own part, I am of the same opinion as my Lord Chancellor, with respect to Italian singers and performers ; I would not give five shillings to hear Madame Ca- talani squall for five minutes, until she was black in the face ; nor would I expend half that sum to see Deshayes, the modest active Desh ayes, dancing a pas seul, with all the grave formality of a me- thodist parson walking to a funeral. The first, sir, reminds me of the horrid yell of an Indian war-whoop, and the latter, the more diverting gri- maces and attitudes of a man enjoying all the ago- nizing torture of a severe Jit of the gout. Foreign- ers have so inveigled the great by flattery and abject servility, that nothing will go down but foreign mummery. What will after ages say of our nobility and gentry, when they are informed, that they could sit out an Italian opera, and enjoy it, without understanding a single sentence that was spoken ? Will they not think them a set of dunces, unworthy their titles or fortunes ? No- thing speaks more home to them, and proves that they do not understand what they go to hear and Appendix.] covent garden journal. 57.9 see, than thek* suffering such low buffoonery and sing-song trash to be performed. How far the old adage of "a fool and his money are soon part- ed," applies to them requires no Solomon to judge. In fact, sir, the Italian Frenchified operas have ruined the British drama, and will ultimately ruin the British constitution. We may fit out expedi- tion after expedition, we may drain the country of men and money, we may abandon our fellow- countrymen, and exalt these foreigners to the highest pinnacle of honour and respectability; and what will be our reward ? Treachery. — For my- self, I never hear of an expedition fitting out, but I imagine our enemies are already aware of its des- tination : indeed, sir, I never hear of any new opera-singer or dancer having arrived in this coun- try, but I consider them as spies^ and their inti- macy with the great gives them an opportunity of gaining a knowledge of our affairs, which may be of vast importance to the prosperity and welfare of old England. But let the head of the alien- ofiice look to it, ere it is too late ; and John Bull, I trust, will, in such *^ a glorious cause " as that of monopoly and imposition, carry all before him with fortitude, judgment, and patience; and I hope soon to hear that he has trod down Satan underhis feet, and made his enemies his footstool. I remain, sir, your humble servant. An Old I^cene Shifter. 2 580 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 83.— 7b the Editor of the Times, Sir, Fully agreeing with your corres- pondent Publicola^ as to the mode mentioned by him, for the celebration of the commencement of the 50th year of our venerated king's reign, and applauding the laudable design proposed, I beg to add my mite — (an inclosure of one pound.) The disgraceful conduct of the hired bravos, at the new theatre, calls for the marked disapprobation of the public in general, and I beg leave to say, that it is as much a right to disapprove as to ap- prove. An Enemy to Hired Ruffians. 21st Oct. No. 84. — To the Editor of the Times. Sir, It was not my intention to have written or said any thing farther concerning the dispute between the managers of Covent Gar- den Theatre and the public, nor should I have pubhshed the letter I did, had I not seen what I considered a gross insult to the public. I mean, a man of Mendoza's description, giving away free Appendix.] covent garden journal. 581 admissions to the theatre, to persons, as I before observed, " more likely to break than to keep the peace." In my letter, I neither mentioned Mr. Kemble, Mr. Harris, Mr. Brandon, nor any other person, so furnishing Mendoza with the orders. I stated what I saw, and what I can prove, by fifty respectable witnesses ; and, in addition to my former charge, I have to inform you, sir, that at the house of a Jew pastry-cook, in Duke's Place, Mendoza distributed, I may safely say, hundreds of free admissions to Covent Garden Theatre. The door of the pastry-cook's house was more crowded on the occasion than the doors of the theatre ; and, however ignorant the managers may pretend to be of such orders having been given, they must know, or ought to have known, that these orders, daily issued by Mendoza, were admitted at the theatre. I am, &c. T. BisH. 4, Cornhill, 22d Oct. I8O9. P. S. — I have received a number of anonymous letters, threats, &c. which meet the contempt they deserve. 03* The above letter was sent, in conse- . quence of Mendoza having made affidavit, deny- ing that he had distributed orders for Covent Gar- den Theatre by desire of any person connected with the theatre. 582 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 85. — Pillage and Honestus — a dramatic Ex- tract, (Morning Chronicle.) Pillage. Honestus. Pillage. Honestus. Pillage. Honestus. Pillage. Honestus. Oct. 22. O ! on me, Gods, bestow the pence, And give your fame to any fool you please! Your love of pence sufficiently you shew, By raising still your prices on the town. The town for their own sakes the prices pay, Which the additional expense demands. In former times, When better actors acted better plays, The town paid less. We have more actors now. Aye, many more, Pm certain, than you need; Make your additional expense apparent. Let it appear quite necessary too. And then perhaps they'll grumble not to pay. What is a manager whom the public rule ? The servant of the public, and no more j For, tho' indeed you see the actors paid. Yet from the people's pockets come the pence. They therefore should decidewhat they will pay for. [Exit Honestus, Pillage (solus), 1 wish I could have gain'd one honest man O'er to my side ; but since th' attempt is vain, Numbers must serve for worth ; — the vessel sails, With equal rapid fury and success, Borne by the foulest tide as clearest stream." Vide Fielding's Works, Edit. 1783. vol. 4. pp. 224, 225. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 583 No. 86. — The Professional Opinions of the Cogent Garden Theatre Committee. (Examiner, October 22.) The worthy Alderman at the head of the list is clearly for a - - New Price. Mr. Angerstein is of opinion that the whole question turns on the rate and amount of the - - _ Insurance. Mr. Whitmore thinks Mr. Kemble a very good - - - Governor. Sir John Plumer is of opinion that the proprietors require an able - Solicitor. And Mr. Sylvester is determined that the struggle shall not want a faithful - Recorder. No. 87. — Soliloquy of the Moor of Covent Garden, (Examiner, October 22.) I had been happy if th' united House, Pit, galleries, and boxes, — all had paid Their money cheerily ^ and riot we had none. Oh ! now for ever farewell ambition's hope ! Farewell applause \ and side-long glances From the boxes, thro' the sticks of fan, Or from behind the kerchief-veiled face. Farewell our golden hopes of swelling And Jong account at banker's. 584 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. Farewell ye wanton toys of feather'd cupid In th' anti-chambers of the private annuals ! Hark ! the loud twanging of the bugle-horn, Th' ear-piercing whistle, and terrific bell, The plaguy placard, drum, and deaf'ning rattle ; The voice Stentorian, and the serpent's hiss ! Sibilant,' — all, all awake me From dreams delusive of eternal triumph ! And ye, ye catcalls, of infernal sound. Whose barbarous sounds might even split the ears Of Belzebub himself, — cease your horrific din. No more the valiant DaUj with host of Israel, Flank'd and supported by the Bow-street tribe Of myrmidons, and bruisers squaring m the pit; — No more the phalanx dares to face the town. O'erwhelm'd by numbers and determin'd hate. No more the orders in the boxes now Support the managers, — but placards wave. And O P's shine from every box! — initials hateful : All, all, our efforts are in vain, and fate decides By the loud voice of the people, — irresistible^ That prices be reduced, and privacies Thrown open. — Farewell, — Othello's occupation's gone! No. 88. — Anacreon in Bow-Street, By the author of " My Pocket Book. " (Examiner.) As rapt I sweep the golden lyre, To love I cry, " my notes inspire, Appendix.] covent garden journal. 585 And let me sing of Rosa : '' But Thespian wars fill all my strain, Tom HARRis,^Mmor, hopeless swain! John Kemble and Mendoza. Then, if I to the stage belong, O ! let me sing the charms of song, Of BiLLiNGTON and Braham ! In vain, again my wishes fail, I sing of nought but heavi/ bail, Of TowNSEND and of Graham. The soul of harmony is dead. And vilest discord reigns instead, With rioting and battles. To shrieking owls are turn'd my doves, To O P men * the little loves : My lyre to horns and rattles. No. 89. — Projectors' Advertisement Subscription Theatre. The committee for conducting the affairs of this undertaking having come to a resolution to petition parlia- ment for leave to erect a new and additional * I find that Horace makes particular mention of the Ps, and the noise they made in Rome: ** Opes strepitumque Rom.'' Od. lib. 3. 29. My old friend, the late Mr. Opie, was a man of celebrity; but he never made half so much noise in the world as any one uf ^is numerous relations. 586 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. theatre in this metropolis, upon a capital of £220,000, state, thus publicly, that, if their ap- plication shall meet that success which they trust it will appear to merit, they are fully purposed to employ every means, \vhich the ability of their architect can suggest, for the completion of an edifice, in which every accommodation shall be studied that can recommend it to the real patrons of the national stage, as a playhouse specifically appropriated to the representation of such dra- matic compositions, and such only as may be calculated to afford that rational entertainment which neither violates morality nor disgraces genius, and which alone is worthy to be selected for a British audience, and sanctioned by the le- gislature of an enlightened nation. The promo- ters of this undertaking were not led to it by motives that have any reference to the present disturbed state of Covent Garden Theatre, or to the unhappy catastrophe that has befallen that of Drury-Lane. Such illiberal imputations they most earnestly deprecate. Their simple object is to establish and conduct (if so authorised and empowered) a new and additional theatre for acting plays, that shall not be unworthy to share the honour of embelHshing the capital, contri- buting to the encouragement of merit both in science and in art, and opening, to the immense population of this vast metropolis, one more, (and that only a third,) resource for their enjoy- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 587 ment of that rational and edifying recreation, which it has been the policy of all civilized states, in all ages, since the invention of the drama, to promote and patronise. The committee think it right to inform the public, that the sum of <£ 220,000 will be raised in shares of ^100 each, and that the terms pro- posed to the holders of one or more such shares may be seen on Monday, the 30th instant, at the banking-houses of Messrs. March, Sibbald, and Co. in Berner's Street, and Messrs. Ramsbottoms', Newman, and Co. Lombard-Street, where sub- scriptions will be received. By order of the committee. Henry Fry, Solicitor, 14, John-street, Bedford-row. Oct. 23, 1809. No. 90,—jro the Editor of the Times. Sir, I beg leave, through the medium of your paper, to request the favour of any impartial gentlemen, who was witness to my con- duct, in Covent Garden Theatre, on Wednesday night last, to send his name and address to A. B. No. 11, Bell- Wharf, Shadwell, which will be a particular obligation conferred on The Wearer of the Watch Ribbon. Oct. 23. 588 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, p. S. There is no person of the name of James Caulfield * in the employ of Mr. Lyons. No. 91. — 7b the Editor of the Morning Chronicle. Oct. 23, 1809- Sir, With extreme reluctance I am obliged to resume the subject which I discussed in my former letter. I had indeed flattered my- self that another week's experience, of so fixed a determination, on the part of the public, not to submit to the demand of increased prices, would convince the managers that it becomes even their interest to make a concession, at least during the present season, and that their patriotism would have induced them to contribute to restore the peace of the metropolis, nightly invaded, as it has been, during so long a period, by a sacri- fice, on their part, of emoluments so unlikely, under existing circumstances, ever to be obtained,. Expostulation with the managers, I fear, is vain ; and, if they have not been disturbed in their dreams of visionary enrichment by the outcry of the last nocturnal tumults, I cannot venture to * The name by which he was himself mentioned in the Bow- street report ; which see. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 589 hope, that the influence of reason and dispassion- ate argument will be found of more effect in dis- pelling the charm by which they seem entranced. I therefore must again address myself to the ministers of the crown, and more particularly to the PRINCIPAL SECRETARY OF THE HOME DE- PARTMENT, on whom I call to discharge his duty, on this occasion, in the protection of the public, and not only to preserve the peace of the metropolis, but the liberties of the subject. The noble Lord, at the head of the department, may be assured, that he will be held responsible, not only by the public, but also be called to ac- count in parliament, if any supineness be mani- fested from the turn which the thing has taken, to fall so peculiarly within the duty of his depart- ment, and any serious accident should unfortu- nately ensue. What has already occurred is a dis- grace to the country, and in no other state in Europe so long a continuance of such scenes as we have witnessed would have been tolerated. The weakest government would have interfered ; and I have already pointed out the course which the noble secretary may pursue. For his Lord- ship, personally, I entertain the most unfeigned respect, and 1 am disposed to attribute any appa- rent indifference to what has occurred more to embarrassment and perplexity in respect to the conduct to be adopted on this occasion. Others, however, may not be so charitable, and will not 590 covENT <3tARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. be wanting to impute forbearance to motives connected with the present predicament of the administration^ from which I am by no means inchned to think it has proceeded. The question has not yet been, I trust it never will be, asso- ciated with political opinions on party diffe- rences. Since I had the honour of addressing to you my former letter, I had an opportunity of referring to a case I therein mentioned ; it is entitled ex- parte O'Reily, 1 Ves. Jur. 112. and I find my impressions of its nature were most cor- rect. The words of Lord Thurlow are as fol- lows: "The old patents of the theatres, granted to KiUigrew and Davenant, at the time of Charles IL were, I am told, in fee; but, whether they were or not, the patentees have not pro- voked an inquiry into them, and I dare say they will have too much discretion to do so ; for, even if they were in fee, they could not stand half an hour if abused. I would not advise the crown to extinguish property to the amount of ^70,000 or £80,000 by granting a rival patent, unless there was misconduct, or unless the mise- rably entangled state of the property made It impossible for them to go on to the adtmntage of the public. The accommodation of the PUBLIC IS THE PRINCIPAL THING TO BE CON- SIDERED. Many considerations require that pub- lic establishments of this nature ought to be in the hands of the king. It principally relates to Appendix.] covent garden journal. 591 my office to see that the king be not deceived, nor his object disappointed. In the time of James I. as in that of Queen Elizabeth, masks and such diversions were under the immediate direction of the crown, executed partly by the Lord Cham- berlain, but more immediately by the master of the Revels. They acted as the king s servants ; and Charles II. still preserved the same idea, when he gave a patent to Killigrew and Dave- nant ; but, instead of leaving it to the manage- ment of the menial servants of the court, of which the Lord Chamberlain is certainly one, the king appointed other persons to execute it. " I have troubled you, sir, with this extract to convince your readers, that I hazard no assertion on light foundations. The conduct of the ma- nagers I propose to discuss in my next letter; and also to offer legal arguments in support of the following position : That, in a British theatre, the majority of audience, dissatisfied with the conduct of the managers, have a right to express their displeasure by any cries, or signs, or instru- ments, which they may chuse to adopt, so that they abstain from all actual violence against the performers or decorations of the theatre, and that such signs do not import an excitement to thecom mission of such violence, but be confined solely to the expression of such dissatisfaction. This is a question raised by the managers, not by the public. It concerns the legal rights of the 592 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppCndl^C. latter, has been made, unfortunately, to concern the personal liberties of individuals, and requires fair and impartial consideration. Moderator. No. 92. — To the Editor of the Times. Sir, As any subject connected with the words *' Covent Garden Theatre" is sure at this moment to meet with particular notice, I beg to request the attention of such of your readers, as are commissioners of tax- boards, to the following statement. Covent Garden Theatre, and the houses which formed the scite of the lobbies and new passages, were, previously to the late fire, rated to their rack rents ; the parochial assessors, therefore, in making the new assessment, rated the whole in the several sums at which they were formerly assessed : the aggregate of which amounted to upwards of 2000/. per annum. With this, however, the officer, who is called the king's tax district surveyor, (who I am not aware is sworn to the justice of his rate) is not satisfied ; and he has surcharged the theatre at the rate of eight thousand pounds per an- num. It is presumed this is done on the principle of a per centage on the sum laid out in .the new building 1 ! ! What, sir, is the high price Appendix.] covent garden journal. 593 of materials, and the extravagant demands of workmen, in all business done in the hurry this was, to form the ground for entailing the heavy tax now attempted to be fixed on the property ? If no theatre, nor other assessed property, had stood on the spot where the present buildings are erected, a pretext might have been made for this surcharge ; at the same time, it is most apparent, that, if the principle of taxation is to be regulated by the expenditure, in the mode now adopted, there is an end to all hope of the ornamental improvement of the metropolis, — to the erection of a new theatre, or the re-building of Drury Lane Theatre. I shall feel myself much indebted to any of your correspondents, if they would point out, through the medium of your paper, whether there is any law which justifies an assessment on any new building at a per-centage on its cost ; and, if so, at what rate ; or any such assessment on a build- ing like Covent Garden Theatre, which is nothing more than a restoration of what had been formerly assessed on its then and now rack rent. 24^^ Oct, W. D. No. ^^, — Advertisement from the Proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre, on theQdth October, For the Benefit of the Fund of the Society for the pp ^94) covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. Discharge and Relief of Persons imprisoned for Small Debts. NEW THEATRE ROYAL, COVENT GARDEN. This evening — " The Man of the World :" To which will be added a new musical farce, to be performed in honour of the day, called THE JUBILEE. The doors will be opened at half-past five, and the play begin at half-past six. Boxes, 7s, Second price. 3s. 6d. Pit, 4^. Second price, Qs. Gallery, 2s. Second price, Is, Upper Gallery, 1*. To-morrow, Laugh when you can, with Oscar and Malvina. The proprietors of the new Theatre Royal Covent Garden beg leave again most respectfully to address themselves to the pubhc, by whose judgment they are sensible they ought, in every thing within their power, to be guided. They presume to think that the present regulation of the prices of admission will, on due consideraton, be found to be supported by every argument of reason and justice ; and are happy to see that it meets with the approval of a very large majority Appendix.] covent garden journal. 595 of the community. The proprietors are not aim- ing at wealth and exorbitant gain ; they are merely labouring for a fair subsistence. It has been authoritatively and satisfactorily proved, after the fullest and most impartial investigation, that the adoption of the former prices would subject them to a certain loss of three-quarters per cent per annum upon their capital ; but some persons have said that this evil might be obviated by a system of stricter economy. If the proprie- tors, in the erection of the new theatre, have erred on the side of expense, it has been, first, from an honest desire to consult the accommodation and ensure the safety of all who resort to it ; and, secondly (as the public had a right to expect they should,) to collect such performers, and display such scenery, dresses, decorations, &c. as might best contribute to render the exhibitions of the drama worthy of a critical and enlighted people. Under what heads can a severer economy be introduced ? The actors and actresses cannot be expected to give their labours for a smaller com- pensation than they received in the old theatre, or than they can receive in Theatres out of Lon- don, — and the proprietors have not hitherto been able to undertake to afford them a greater ; nor does the prospect of such an advance form an item of their calculated future expenditure. In the scenery, dresses, decorations, lighting, &c. of which every article is daily increasing in price, p p 2 596 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. all reduction of expense is evidently impracticable. The undisguised truth is, that, even at the present prices, the necessity the proprietors are under of providing every thing new for almost every re- presentation will, with the closest economy for some years, reduce, if not totally absorb, their profits. The proprietors hope they shall not be thought intrusive for again appealing to the reason and justice of the frequenters of the theatre, to save all who are concerned in it from utter ruin. They trust that they shall not be disappointed in their confident reliance, upon this occasion, on the liberality, wisdom, and justice, of a great and generous nation ; and they are persuaded that, as unfortunately it is not at their choice to alter the present terms of admission, which are as moderate as they could make them, they shall be allowed by their uninterrupted exertions, to endeavour, as the only return they can offer for the patronage and favour they request, while they have the honour of evincing, by increasing efforts, their unabated zeal for the improvement of the amuse- ments of the public. *^* This advertisement was first inserted on tbe 24th. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 597 No. 94. — To the Editor of the Morning Ckro- nick, October Q5. Sir, By your paper of this morning, I observe with great satisfaction that another gentleman, animated, like myself, by a zealous at- tachment to the rights and liberties of the sub- ject, and anxious to promote the termination of a contest, protracted beyond any former example, and marked, on the part of the managers, by a conduct which cannot be too pointedly condemn- ed, has taken the field, clad in brilliant and con- spicuous armour, the champion of the public. He has treated the subject with such forcible elo- quence, and has evinced such a profound know-^ ledge of the law, as applicable to the late occur- rences, that I might forbear to intrude farther on your attention. However, as your regard for the public opinion induces you, with a hberahty which I trust the inhabitants of the metropolis will long bear in remembrance, to allot so con- siderable a portion of your paper to the discus- sion of a question in which all are so deeply inter- ested, I will endeavour to continue my own feeble exertions, in support of what has become the general cause of Englishmen. In the pre- ceding letters I flatter myself I have clearly ex- 598 COVEN T GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. plained, and illustrated also by authority, the principle on which the proprietors of Covent Gar- de» Theatre originally obtained and on which alone they can continue to enjoy their patent; namely, the accommodation of the public Whether there has been actual misconduct on the part of the managers, such as to occasion a for- feiture of the patent, is a question on which I do not mean to pronounce an opinion, hoping it is at present sub judke ; I have only stated what circumstances would, if established, amount to an abuse, and I have only called, and still call, for inquiry on the part of those by whom, in the dis- charge of their duty towards the crown and the public, it ought as I conceive to be instituted. I have no hesitation however in declaring that, if the patentees shall ever attempt to impose prices, which, upon due investigation, shall appear to be unreasonable, or if they shall venture to exclude any class of his majesty's subjects from the ac- customed places allotted for their accommodation, I conceive they will run great risk of learning from judicial authority that they have incurred a forfeiture of their privileges. I would conjure the managers, if an appeal to their judgment were not a waste of language, not to con over, as they ap- pear to do, the were words of their patent ; still less to publish particular passages, which, so far from tending to prop their fallen cause, only ex- pose, more ostensibly, the folly by which they seem Appendix.] covent garden journal. 599 to be actuated, and the narrow view in which they appear to contemplate their obHgations and their rights. The meanest clerk in a sohcitor's office could inform them, that the clause in their patent, authorising them to raise, on any occasion, the prices of admission, is controulable by the Court of Chancery ; that the exercise of the right must ever be regulated by reason ; that the insertion of such a power is perhaps more against them than a favourable circumstance, and that what relates to the liberty of peaceable represen- tation, without let or molestation, is only the usual language of every grant, conferring no right nor privilege in itself, but only an expression of that which is imphed by the grant itself I feel it however incumbent on me to state, that I consi- der the proprietor of a theatre in a new distribu- tion of an internal arrangement, and in enlarging its original capacity, authorised to allot a reason- able part of the building for the exclusive use of those who pay an adequate consideration for such private boxes, and therefore that any outcry on such a subject is both unreasonable and illegaL The public sustain no injury and have to complain of no grievance by such an arrangement, if the for- mer place allotted for promiscuous resort, be still retained without material abridgment ; on the con- trary they are benefited by the additional means that such private boxes afford of maintaining the splen- dour of the establishment, and of promoting the grandeur of theatrical exhibition. I am also satisfied 600 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, that an indictment may be supported by the per- sons renting such boxes against those who shall attempt, by insult or other molestation directed personally towards the lessees, to disturb them in the peaceable enjoyment of their interest in such property. To return to the subject of increased prices, I am convinced, impartial persons will agree with me in thinking that the conduct of the ma- nagers has been throughout most injudicious, There exists not perhaps a nation on the earth so considerate as the people of Great Britain, None, whom, by a system of fair and open con- duct, it is so easy not only to concihate but to lead, and to engage in the most strenuous sup- port of what they think is right, and ought in reason to be required. The experience of the last year affords proofs of beneficence and com- passion in the inhabitants of the metropolis, which ought not to have been forgotten ; and, after such splendid instances of generous hu- manity, so recently evinced, it appears to me, that they are entitled to expect, from the paten- tees, a conduct different from that to which they have been exposed. History does not afford one instance of grosser insult offered by managers of a theatre to a British public, or endured with more dignified patience. The firm, but peace- able, resistance which they have evinced, during a repetition of the most goading provocation, Appendix.] cqvent garden journal. 601 tends, in my opinion, to increase the respect due to the national character. It shows, when con- trasted with proceedings of former times, our progress in civilization, and certainly, from a remembrance of former excesses, ought to have produced a due impression on the minds of the managers. It is not, sir, my intention to investi- gate the propriety of an advance in the price of admission ; my objection is more to the manner of exacting it than to the increase itself It may or may not be reasonable, but, whilst I beg leave to ex- press my own doubts on the subject^ I must, on the part of the British pubhc, enter a protest against the conclusiveness of a report made ^X'parte upon a reference so long delayed, so RELUCTANTLY ADOPTED, and appealed to only as it were in dernier resort after the patentees had committed themselves towards the public, in a manner to render it of vital importance to obtain, at all events, and by whatever means, a colourable sanction for their proceedings. The accounts were made up principally by themselves, upon their own scale; and I cannot say that I have been particularly edified by the expressive zeal, which, on other occasions connected with the dispute, has been manifested by those in their employ. Why, sir, the reference was not thought of by the managers until after a week's experi- eijce of a fixed resolution, on the part of the me- tropolis, not to submit to what they were justified, i602 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. by the conduct adopted on the occasion, in con- sidering to be an imposition. It was not pro- posed until every species of intimation, and every attempt to stifle the complaints of the public had, failed in succeeding to drown the voice of disap- probation, at what appeared a manifest deception — and it seems to be ultimately adopted only through the apprehension, that the roof of the theatre would be rent by a convulsion, which the obdurate insolence of an arrogant and conceited pedant, by an ill-judged pride, and pompous af- fectation of mistaken firmness, had so tremend- ously excited ; a convulsion that, in description, may be compared to the dire commotion recorded by Homer, which made even Pluto tremble in the realms below — where " Ghosts coraplaiii'd of violated night." It will not, indeed it cannot, be forgotten, in what manner the SABLE divinity of the place, at length aroused by a shout which would have torn hell's concave, came forth ab penetralibus with visage grim, and with amazement, which can be assimilated only to that experienced by the dark sovereign of the drear abodes — when " Deep in the dismal regions of the dead, Th'infernal monarch rear'd his horrid head, licap'd from his throne, lest (John Bull's) arms should lay. His dark dominions open to the day." Appendix.] covent garden journal. 603 Are the public to be bound by the result of a reference thus obtained, and against which they so solemnly protested at the time ? Why, sir, upon the conflagration of the theatre, were not the cir- cumstances which it is now pretended, rendered the required advance necessary, for the maintenance of the establishment, not prudently communicated as they might have been, without injury to the credit of the proprietors ? Why was not the pub- lic mind judiciously prepared for the proposed advance, as it might have been, by a proper statement, at an earlier period ? Why was not the mode of reference to respectable individuals, re- sorted to in the first instance, and made use of with less publicity of circumstances, the basis of an appeal, which might have proved successful, to the generosity of the British public ? Why, es- pecially, was an engagement made with a very amiable and meritorious female it is true, but an engagement neither necessary, nor expected, nor desired, at an immoderate salary, and upon terms wholly inconsistent with that state of distress, to which we are called upon to give such implicit credit upon the mere assertion of a manager, and with- out an offer even of submitting the matter to any mode whatever of investigation ? Was such con- duct calculated to persuade the people, that the demand was reasonable, and to induce an acqui- escence in what was not solicited from motives of compassionate consideration ; not urged upon a 604 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. representation of facts, and under the sanction of indifferent persons — competent to have formed a judgment upon the merits of the case, but im- posed with the insolence of authority, exacted as the tribute of a despotic sovereign, and as the mandate of one whose sole will was to be the law ? If I have enlarged upon those circumstances, perhaps at an unreasonable length, it has been to avenge the honour of the country, in the face of Europe, and to vindicate the people of England from those insinuations, to which the language, adopted by other newspapers (obviously in the interests of the managers) might give rise — to the serious injury of the national character upon the Continent. The opposition manifested to the increase of prices has been excited only by the imprudence and the fault of the managers them* selves. The public, in asserting their rights, have shewn a scrupulous anxiety to abstain from perso- nal violence, and to confine their resistance within the strictest limits of the law, as received from their ancestors ; as sanctioned by long usage, and as recognized even by the language of judicial determinations. Moderator. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 605 No. 95. — To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle. Sir, Oct. 27, 1809. If any thing were wanting to produce a conviction of the absurdity, by which the conduct of the proprietors is marked, in every stage of their proceedings, the deficiency would be supplied by their last address. What are we to think of the intellects of those, not to speak of their capacity to carry on the bu- siness of the theatre, who, after such a manifesta- tion of the pubHe displeasure at the increased prices, testified, without intermission, by signs so unequivocal, could affect in the first instance, not to comprehend the wishes of the audience, and, after the continuation of incessant uproar, during one month, increasing the exhibition of each succeeding night, have the cool assurance, in spite of the pubHc voice thus unequivocally ex- pressed by the frequenters of the theatre, to de- clare that they are happy to see that the mea- sure, which they have sought to force upon the town, by means the most reprehensible, meets WITH THE approval OF A VERY LARGE MA- JORITY OF THE COMMUNITY !!! In the uamc of common sense, and of ordinary calculation, by what criterion have the proprietors been able to effect this important discovery ? By the receipts 606 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, of the theatre ? By the concourse of splendid equipages 'to the place? By the confluence of the community to support the oppressed proprie- tors? By plaudits, proceeding from people of known respectability and independence, silencing the cries of discontent, which the will of the ma- jority will always secure, by a principle of gravita- tion, peculiar to such assemblies? By the total absence of what is called rank and fashion, from the spot ? By the universal groans and hisses, of crouded houses, assembled for no other purpose than to mark the most decided disapprobation, and every night successful in the attempt, in spite of any assistance, which the proprietors may have been able to obtain from prisons, stews, or galleys; or from that more formidable body instituted for other purposes than to over-awe a British audi- ence, in the exercise of their lawful rights ? Can it, sir, be believed, that if a large majority of the • community approved the conduct of the proprie- tors, they would have allowed themselves to have been deprived, during a month, of a favourite amusement, and have permitted those scenes of confusion to be acted, which, if they have not witnessed, they have learnt from the daily reports of every newspaper? It is impossible ! and, to a person, who can have the folly to deceive himself in such an imagination, and risk the consequences of indignation, if not already at its highest pitch, likely to be increased by such a declaration, which Appendix.] covent garden journal. 607 can be considered only as an accumulation of in- sult on the public, one can only ssiy— Jam de tc actum est tempus abire tibi; — such a person may write grammar, but never sense — nor is he capable of presiding over an establishment, the first duty of which is the conciliation of public opinion. To fill the measure also of absurdity, the public is told, that the propriety of the increased demand, is proved AUTHORITATIVELY !!! Why, sir, what does this mean ? That the manager is to consti- tute a tribunal of his own without appeal, and that the public are bound by the ambulatory opinions of a few individuals, having no authority to pro- ceed on their part, no power to arbitrate in the business, and appointed under circumstances, which denoted their most decided disapprobation of the proceeding. I have sufficiently enlarged on this particular in the last letter I have been in- duced to trouble you with. These additional ob- servations on what appears to me the misconduct of the proprietors, and wishing to occupy that space which will, I trust, be better filled with a report of loyal demonstrations, amongst all des- criptions of his majesty's subjects, of attachment to the private virtues of the sovereign, waving all considerations of political differences. Moderator^ 608 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 96, — To the Lord Chamberlain. (Sunday Advertiser, Oct. 29.) My Lord, We have refrained from addressing your lordship, because we hoped that the authority, vested in your office, would have been exerted for the preservation of the public peace, and the maintenance of the public rights. The scenes which have of late been exhibited at a theatre calling itself royal, and thereby impli- cating, in a degree, the executive government of the country in its measures, are without a prece- dent in the annals of this or any other country. These scenes have been suffered to continue for upwards of five weeks, without the interference of any authority, save a summary mode of proceed- ing by the Bow-Street magistrates. You know, my lord, that the proprietors of this theatre act under a royal patent, which patent, by the bye, could never have been intended as a perpetuity, as the nature of every other patent in this coun- try, and even the charters of our great commer- cial bodies clearly evince; the patent of a theatre can never be considered as a grant in per- petuity, because the patentee in that case might set the very laws at defiance, and laugh at the authority of those who first granted it Appendix.] covent garden journal. 609 Misconduct in the management of the concern, improper representations, and invasion of the rights of the pubhc, for whose benefit the patent must have been first granted, or imposition in the demands of the proprietors, are all undoubted points upon which the pubHc have a right to refer to the fountain of justice, in which the patronage and controul of a theatre are vested. We call then, my lord, upon you, to refer the present case of unheard-of insult, and contempt of public feeling, to his Majesty in Council, for his royal interference in behalf of his people, and for the purpose of preventing disturbances which may eventually lead to consequences little considered by shallow politicians, — to close, upon your own undoubted authority, the theatre against which the public complaints are raised. Is the public voice no longer to be heard ? is it no longer a matter of importance to the government of the country ? Are the public rights no longer to be attended to, but to be open and exposed to the speculations and machinations of an actor, whom the patronage of the public has enriched to the extent of purchasing a quarter share in a patent, the patentees of which have always been enabled to Hve in the sumptuous affluence of noblemen ? The pubhc calls for no undue sacrifice ; it demands a detailed statement of the affairs of the theatre ; not such a summary as was dehvered to the coni- raittee appointed by the managers. It demands Qq 6l0 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. that only, my lord, which every man in the state is called upon, in these times, to afford, — a dis- closure of the actual state of his affairs. The ab- sence of this, with the wresting from the public the best situation in the theatre for the purpose of PRIVATE BOXES, a schemc of immense profit to themselves, and a departure from the terms of their patent, which is for a public theatre, form the ground and base upon which the public com- plaint against the managers is raised. The cause is radically bad, but the mode of prosecuting it is infinitely more so. The public, accustomed to express not only their disapprobation, where cause appeared for it in the conduct of a theatre, but to have their wishes obeyed by the great and admira- ble predecessors of the pretenders of the present school, has, on the late question, been unequivocal in the expression of its indignation ! What has been the result ? Individuals of that public have been selected, and, where unprotected by power- ful friends, dragged to prison and shut up with felons and convicts ! Public justice has been turned against the public, because it expressed its resolution to oppose imposition. The house is nightly filled with orders, — money is refused at the door (mark, my lord) of a patent theatre, in order to fill the house with persons hired to applaud, and to resist the public voice, and to inform against that portion of the audience who have spirit enough to resist imposition and t Appendix.] covent garden journal. 611 resent insult. That it is the public voice is ckar. What faction or party could keep alive such a sentiment as' has been expressed to that theatre for THIRTY nights? Would the dependents of government dare thus to brave public opinion ? Would ministers dare thus ? Would the king himself venture thus to resist it, or tax us without the authority of our representatives ? And shall stage-actors, my lord, and retired traders, who have realized fortunes sufficient to speculate in the profits of a theatre, dare to assume a power which the constituted authorities of the country would risk the salvation of the country by attempting ? No, my lord, depend upon it, it is not the fear of fines or imprisonment, nor the introduction of engines, or instruments of torture, nor open trap- doors upon the public stage, that will awe into submission, or degrade to the characters of en- slaved Parisians, those who have hitherto been a terror to corrupt or insolent managers, and are justly the arbiters of their conduct. The Town. No. 97.— To the Editor of the Times. Sir, To prevent any prejudice arising against me, from the report of the grand jury of Westminster, I beg leave, through the Q q 21 612 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix* medium of your paper, to state the following facts. During the present public contention with the managers of Covent Garden Theatre, I have not either been apprehended or held to bail by any police-officer, or any other person whatever, for any conduct I may have pursued there. I re- ceived no information from the managers of the theatre or their solicitor that any bill of indict- ment was preferred against me, and was entirely ignorant of any such measure having been adop- ted, until I perceived in the newspaper my name as one against whom a bill had been found. I trust, on investigation, I shall satisfactorily prove that I have much more cause to complain than to be complained of I remain, sir, &c. &c. William Dwyer.* 30th Oct. No. 98. — 3Iode proposed to raise a sum for the erection of a third fVinter Theatre in the Metro- polis. (The Times, October 30.) To accomplish this object it is proposed to ap- ply to parliament for a bill, giving the subscribers ♦ Bookseller, Holborn. — Editor. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 613 power to carry it into eiFect, by enabling them to raise a capital, not exceeding ^200,000, by trans- ferable shares of iJ 100 each. Proprietors to be divided into classes, entitling the original subscribers to advantages, according to the amount of their subscription, above their share in the dividend of profits. Each original subscriber of one share to have a free admission for two years ; two shares an ad- mission for five years ; three shares an admission for ten years ; five shares an admission for twenty- five years; ten shares an admission in perpetuity. The admissions to be transferable to a nominee for the whole term, or for any period not exceed- ing twice in one season. The number of subscribers in each class not to exceed one hundred. Profits to be annually divided among the share- holders, in proportion to their respective shares. The affairs of the company to be managed by a board of directors, with power to appoint a sub- director, secretary, solicitor, acting manager, and all other officers and servants of the theatre. The qualification of directors to consist in hold- ing ten shares. Directors to be chosen at annual meetings. Qualification of voting at annual meetings to consist in holding five or more shares. Two and a half per cent, on each share to be paid at the time of subscribing, for the purpose 6l4 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, of defraying the expenses of procuring an act of parliament, or such other legal authority as shall enable the proprietors to purchase land, tene- ments, and other property, on a proper site for the building ; and also to defray the expenses of making surveys, plans, estimates, &c. The re- mainder to be made by calls or instalments, of not more than ten per cent, at any one time. That the following gentlemen be of the com- mittee for conducting the affairs of this under- taking, viz : Rt. Hon. Thomas Smith, Lord Mayor elect Hon. M. Stewart, M. P. Richard Ramsbot- TOM, Esq. M. P. Richard Cumberland, Esq, William Marsh, Esq. Charles Hutton, L. L. D. John Curwood, Esq. James Tad-^ DY, Esq. John Newman, Esq. Charles Brook, Esq. John Wyatt, Esq. No. 99, — Theatrical Intelligence Ejntraordinar^. (Morning Chronicle, October, 30.) For the benefit of the proprietors, On Tuesday evening last was rehearsed, for the first time, before the governor of the Bank of England and a select party, the well knowii farce of *' Who's the Dupe," Appendix.] covent garden journal. 6l5 To which was added, as answerable to the above farce, " John Bull." When the performers are perfect in their parts, the whole is intended to be brought out at the Theatre Royal Covent Garden, with 72ew flats, convenient trap-doors, and other grand scenic de- corations. Previous to the farce, the two principal propri- etors will sing a catch, by way of prologue to the farce. %* The public are respectfully informed, that, as the proprietors, conscientiously , are determined not to receive more than six and a half per cent, on their capital, that nothing under full price will be taken. Vive la Folie, No. 100. — O. P. and M. T.— Offered to the no- tice of J, K, (Morning Chronicle, 31st Oct. 180.9.) Submit, stubborn Kemble, submit, do, T pray, Thy interest alone sure might tempt thee ; For know, if for ever 0. P. 's done away, Thy playhouse will always be M, T. H. G, 6l6 CO VENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 101. — To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, Sir, I do not consider it necessary to add to the observations contained in my forr mer letters, on the conduct of the managers, in exacting originally an increase of prices, without a due preparation of the public mind for the rcr ception of an innovation introduced under cir- cumstances likely to excite, if not to warrant, strong suspicion of unfairness, and of an incli- nation, on the part of the proprietors, to avail themselves of the catastrophe which had de- stroyed the rival house, under the idea that the public, in consiequence of having only one theatre to which they could resort, would be the more likely to comply with their demands. I shall also forbear from making any remarks on the policy of prosecution against the individuals apprehended by the agents of the managers at the theatre, against ihe greater number of whom it now appears no charge can be substant TiATED, the grand jury having repudiated, 1% should seem, a great majority of the bills PRESENTED ! ! I ' I leave others to expatiate upon the reflections to whi many instances, been misrepresented. They have certainly been placed in a situation of great difficulty, and 6l8 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. I think the public ought to be obliged to them for the attention which they have shewn, by dedicating the hours of repose to the discharge of their duties. Had they not attended, many persons arrested must have passed each night in confinement, who, by their assiduity, have been liberated, without soliciting the indulgence of those by whom they were seized. I now, sir, proceed, agreeably to my promise, to consider various points of law, which the controversy has raised, and which are of great public im- portance, as I consider them materially con- nected with the liberty of the British people. In the preceding letters, I have stated upon ju- dicial AUTHORITY what I couccivc to be the PRINCIPLE upon which the patent, vested in the present proprietors, was originally granted in 1660, and I have clearly shewn, that in contem- plation of law, as expounded by a very eminent CHANCELLOR, it is held suject to a trust for the benefit of the public. Whether, previously to the legislative regulations enacted for the go- vernment of the public shews, individuals had a right to open places for theatrical exhibition, or, in a more enlarged view of national hberty, the people of England have a right to call upon the crown to provide such entertainment, it is unne- cessary to examine upon the present occasion. The proprietors, in order to exclude the public from any right of interference with the manage- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 619 ment of the concern, have chosen, most inju- diciously, to stand upon their patent. It is upon this ground also that I am ready to maintain the contest, as it is sufficient for the purpose of my argument, that these patents were admitted to have proceeded from the bounty of the crown, and to shew, by judicial authority, that the bounty was conditional and not absolute ; as I have already established in my former let- ters. The proprietors, therefore, having preferred to p,bide by their patent, subject to all those rules of law and equity, from which no exemption can ever be claimed, or is likely ever to be obtained, must be held bound by the election which they Jiave made. At the same sime, I will readily grant an option to their advocates, and I should advise the proprietors to be more discriminate than they appear to have been in the selection of arrange- ments for the defence of their cause in the pub- lic prints. The proprietors will not, I think, set up the right of the pubHc against the crown, having, during a century, fatigued the crown with appli- cations against the pubHc, and, like greedy cour- tiers, fattened upon its indulgence. If, how- ever, they shall be disposed to set up the crown against the public, it will become necessary to in- Testigate the nature of the title under which 620 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, they claim ; and, without enlarging on the sub- ject, I will remind them that, in the last century, when they attempted, previously to the statute, to seize an actor in the Hay-Market and prose- cute him for vagrancy, their patent proved un- successful, and they were laughed out of West- minster-Hall amidst the shouts and execrations of an indignant multitude. I will also refer them to Gibber, a strenuous advocate of patent-right, who admits that, at the time of this controversy, " the common opinions abroad were that, if the profession of an actor was unlawful, it was not in the power of the crown to Jicence it; and if itwere not unlawful, it ought to be free and independent as other professions, and that a PATENT FOR THE EXERCISE OF IT WAS ONLY AN nONOURARY FAVOUR OF THE CROWN, TO GIVE IT A BETTER GRACE OF RECOMMEN- DATION TO THE PUBLIC." The samc author also admits that, upon the first formation of the company, " the court took cognizance of their private government, and that their particular dif- ferences, pretensions, or complaints, were^ gene- rally ended by the king's personal command or DECISION." And, upon the union of the patents in 1684, ** that it took place by the king's advice, which perhaps amounted to a command," These quotations, and indeed the whole of the book from which they are taken, deserve the serious (:Qnsideratiou of the proprietors. They tend to Appendix.] covent garden journal ^21 establish no such pretensions as those which have been advanced so imprudently on their behalf, and they show how impolitic has been their con- duct, in raising any question, with respect to the fundamental principles of the establishment. — Qudcunque tid data, the argument is against them; and if their patent may have been cured of any original deficiency, by certain legislative declara- tions, which seem to imply a right in the crown to confer patents of this nature ; if, in conse- quence of this mark of royal munificence and re- commendation, they have enjoyed exclusive ad- vantages, and have received peculiar privileges, the protection which they have obtained has pro- ceeded from an undertaking, on their part, to- wards the public, which they are bound to per- form, in proportion to the favour which they have experienced, in confirmation of a title so question- able in its original creation. Closing, therefore, my remarks on the conduct of the proprietors, I shall proceed to the consider- ation of the principle, which I asserted in a former letter, respecting the right of the public to ex- press their dissatisfaction in a theatre at the con- duct of a manager. To prevent, however, mis- conception or misrepresentation, I think it right to observe, that it is not my intention to enter at all upon the merits of the particular cases which wait the determination of a competent tribunal. The number of bills, found by a grand jury, bear 622 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppetldlX. a small proportion to that of presentments and commitments, and many instances may have oc- curred, in which an indictment may be success- fully maintained. I can conceive many such cases, in the confusion which has prevailed. Persons en- gaged in pugilistic contests within the theatre, real or pretended, destroying the furniture of the house, pelting performers, insulting persons by opprobrious names, because seated in particular parts of the house, and not offending the audience by indecorous behaviour on their part; exhibiting obscene placards, but especially pictures with gibbets and the portraits of individuals, even although proprietors, — from the tendency of such si^ns to provoke an indignant audience to acts of violence, if not to murder : such persons, and their abettors^ are certainly offenders in the eye of the law. Nor, notwithstanding my difference of opinion even with yourself, can I consider those, who have raised an outcry, to the extent which is said to have prevailed against the private BOXES, not to be exempt from its animadversion. I also conceive any person, who may have enticed others to the theatre, having no opinion of their own upon the subject, and merely to support them in opposition to the increased prices, not to be free from the danger of prosecution. Such cases as I have put are manifestly illegal ; and, however the parties concerned may, in some degree, be ex- ^ COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppCndi^trf sought merely to enlighten a grand jury, by leading their minds to a due discrimination, and I should have cautiously abstained from any declaration which might be thought to pre-judge any question which might be brought before me. Injudicial determination upon the particular facts, I certainly should never have attempted to lay down a gene- ral principle of law, as applicable to every case, when the decision must eventually be governed by a nice attention to any special circumstances J nor should I have delivered a speech, which some of the contending parties would have sought im- mediately to circulate triumphantly amongst all classes of society, as a judicial determination in their favour. The industrious tradesmen, clubs, and mechanics, of the metropolis, have as found- ed a claim to be assisted against imposition, in an attempt to abridge their amusements, by an increase of the usual prices, as the patentees of the theatre to the protection of their property against rioters and incediaries. 1 shall continue the subject in my next letter. Moderator. No. 102. — Advertisement Subscription Theatre. — The public is rc- spetfully informed that the subscription for peti- ^^ Appendix.] covent garden journal. 625 tioning parliament for leave to erect a theatre in the metropolis, is full. By order of the committee, Henry Fry, Solicitor, Nov. 2, I8O9. No. 103.— 7b the Editor of the Time^. Sir, I have hitherto been a silent observer of the riots, (if the just and unanimous resistance of an imposition by a free people, can with propriety be so called,) which commenced with the opening of the new Theatre Covent Garden, and have since continued, with little or no abatement, not caring to interfere, though my own private opinion had always been decidedly adverse to the managers. But, in reading in your paper this morning the transactions at Bow-street respecting Mr. Ridley and Mr. Clifford and his friends, who were all apprehended precisely for the same offence, the conduct of the magistrate appears to me so inconsistent, that I hope to be al- lowed, through the medium of your paper, to offer a few observations on the subject. Mr. Ridley, it appears, was ordered to find bail ; but Mr. Clifford and his friends were, without hesita- tion, discharged. What can be the reason of this distinction, I am utterly at a loss to divine. Here R r i-<' 6q6 covent garden journal. [Appendix. is the inconsistency I complain of, and which must be apparent to every person endowed with common sense. If the magistrate considered the behaviour of Mr. Ridley, in the theatre, last night, such as to justify him in requiring bail, then why did he discharge Mr. Clifford and his friends for the Same offence without it ? if, on the contrary, he required Mr. Ridley to give bail, merely from the circumstance of his expressing his determina- tion, at the office, to follow up the same resistance, I should be glad to be informed, if his conduct was not illegal last night, how he can be punish- ed for repeating it whenever he may think pro- per? or by what law, either statute or common, a person can be prosecuted for the frequent re- petition of a legal (or at all events not an illegal) transaction. As I am upon the subject, I beg to trespass a few moments longer on your time. I do not pro- fess to be a lawyer, only to know as much as every man ought to know of the laws of his coun- try ; in case of a breach of the peace, a magis- trate is empowered to call on the offenders to give security to keep it for the future, and, on failure, to commit them until they do so. I appre- hend the offenders may also be indicted for the breach, but then they cannot be confiiicd until a bill is found against them by a grand jury, when a bench, or judge's, warrant may be issued for their apprehension ; until a bill is found they are Appendix.] covent garden journal. 627 to be considered innocent. Suppose for instance, a per- son is charged with a breach of the peace, imme- diately after a session, and for want of bail is con- fined till next session, when an indictment is pre- ferred against him, but no bill is found ; the poor fellow would, in this case, suffer a long imprison- ment without having committed any offence. If such were law, it would indeed be a serious in- fringement on the liberty of an Englishman. If the disturbances at the theatre do (but I think they cannot) amount to such a breach of the peace as a magistrate may take cognizance of, then the magistrate ought to call upon the accused to give security to keep the peace (not to answer an indictment) ; and, if the managers think proper to resort to the expedient of an indictment, the magistrate has no right to call on the accused for bail at all. As I before observed they are suppos- ed to be innocent till a bill is found against them, and I have no doubt but every one of these per- sons, who have been thus called on for bail, but against whom no bill has been found, may main- tain actions for false imprisonment, not only against Mr. Read, but also against those persons who were officious enough to take them into cus- tody ; and I think they are great blockheads if they do not. W. T. Russell- square, Nov. 2, 1809. R r 2 628 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. No. 104. — For the Morning Herald, Mr Editor, As the following reasons, which were deemed sufficient to justify Mr. Thel- wall in advancing the price of admission to his lectures in 179^, may have some M^eight with those who are discontented with similar conduct in the managers of Covent Garden Theatre in 1 809, 1 beg leave to request their insertion. R. F. Mr. Thelwall states, in justification of the rise, that the former price of admission would scarcely pay the enormous rent of his premises, and the very heavy expenses he had incurred in fitting up his lecture-room, with others incident thereto. ** Casual observers" says he, ** first exaggerate the receipts, and then set down all for profit; and though, with the candid part of mankind, this al- teration will require no apology, I shall biiefly ex- plain the necessity of it, to obviate the cavils of those \vho seem to suppose that they have a right to dictate the price, at which others sliall dispose of their talents and exertions. The fact is, that those friends, who reflected upon what I had suf- fered and were conscious of the incumbrances which had been heaped upon me," (the nature of whicli Mr. T. explains,) " almost unanimously advised mc Appendix.] covent garden journv- ^29 to advance the price of admission to my lectures ; a circumstance which, if there were no other reason, would be justified on the single founda* tion of that enormous increase in the price of every article of comfort and necessity, which makes it the duty of every individual, (whether he labour with his head or his hands,) to demand a proportionate increase in the wages of his in- dustry." Vide Prospectus of a Course of Lec- tures, by John Thelwall, pubhshed, February 2, 1796, by Symonds, Paternoster-row. Who, that is not blindly prejudiced, can deny that these arguments, which in 179^ were es- teemed reasonable and sufficient, are not infinitely more applicable to the year 1809? Nov. 3, I8O9. No. 105. — To the Editor of the Morning Chronicle, Nov. 4, I8O9. Sir, In my last, I thought it incumbent on me to express my sentiments upon those points, on which it is competent to the managers of the Theatre Royal, Covent-Garden, to insist, in order to evince the impartiaHty by which I have been actuated throughout the controversy. I regret that it has arisen ; and, if I have taken 630 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. an active part on the occasion, it has proceeded from an anxious wish to contribute towards the settlement of a dispute, which, in the primary aspect of the thing, not only seemed to menace the establishment of the theatre with certain de- struction, but likely to produce consequences the most serious to the tranquillity of the metro- polis. The letters which I have addressed to you, and which, though frequently of a length perhaps unwarrantable, you have inserted with a liberality that distinguishes your paper as devoted to the cause of the people, whenever it shall appear that they have reasonable grounds of. complaint, have attracted in some degree the attention of the public. I am aware of the cir- cumstances, and it only increases the difficulty, which the writer experiences in continuing his correspondence. «Ne Peccet ad extremum redenduset ilia ducat. " That the frequenters of the pit, persons prin- cipally engaged in the laborious pursuits of com- mercial industry, or of official duties, men whose only relaxation consists in the amusements af- forded by the theatre, whose incomes are con- fined, who feel the pressure of the times, and whose limited means allow no other mode of converse with the world than by witnessing its Appendix.] covent garden journal. 631 transactions on the stage; that such a 'class of the community, accustomed to regulate their ex- penses by a nice scale of calculation, should feel a repugnance to acquiesce in the proposed aug- mentation is natural : that the habits of those persons must lead their minds to an accurate estimation of profit and loss, upon adventures of every description, is a reasonable presumption ; and that those who resort to the pit of the theatre form that part of the audience which may be said to be truly the most respectable, and who are induced to resort to such a place, not for the gratification of vicious propensity, not for the purposes of dissipation, but with the laud- able desire of receiving rational amusement, of retiring soberly to rest, and returning with increased spirits to their daily occupation at the dawn of the ensuing day; that such a descrip- tion of persons deserve the attention and respect and the support of the proprietors, is surely a proposition which it cannot be necessar}^ to argue at any length. But I am disgusted, more than I can express, when I see the sewants of the public, for such are the patentees of Covent Gar- den Theatre, (and even the ministers o^ the a^own are not ashamed to adopt that denomination,) attempting to cast discredit on those by whom the theatre is principally supported, and who prove, in general, the most moral, the most order- ly, the most polite, part of the audience, and 632 covENT 6ARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. this merely because their own good sense, which stands in need of no bank-directors, or of legal dignitaries, however entitled to confidence or respect, has convinced them, that a grievous im- position has been practised upon, and a grievous error committed by, the referees, in considering that to be capital embarked, in a perilous concern^ which, upon more accurate and less precipitate investigation, is found, it should seem to be, in fact profit, and to be the premium paid for an original share in the undertaking, in consequence of its flourishing state, or of collateral specula- tions, with which the public had no concern, and towards which they have already more than suffi- ciently contributed ! ! ! The pretence of a rea- sonable cause for the augmentation of the accus- tomed prices cannot stand one moment, and must be well known to the proprietors. Hence the cause of the conduct which they have adopt- ed, and which the good se^ise of the public has fully appreciated. In my last letter, I thought it not only con- sistent with my profession, but also incumbent on me to point out those cases in which the law would be transgressed, by riotous comportment in the theatre. With respect to the general principle, which regards the rights of the public to express their disapprobation of the conduct pursued by the proprietors, what I proposed to have addressed has beeo anticipated repeatedly Appendix.] covent garden journal. 633 by abler persons than myself. I therefore shall compress my observations, and I am sensible that they will appear more to be borrowed from those who have preceded me than to be novel in themselves, although they are the result of origi- nal reflection and perhaps I may be allowed to flatter myself with the imagination, that I was the first to open a view of the question, which may have been of service to the public, and might have benefited the proprietors themselves, had they condescended to honour the suggestions stated in my first letter with attention. To me, sir, there appears to have been com- mitted a fundamental error in this business ; hac-* timus error in hdc causd. Gentlemen have wished to reason from analogy where none existed, and in a case perfectly anomalous. They have endea- voured to compare the case to that of brewers, of innkeepers, of carriers, of victuallers, of manufac- turers, and of the whole class of traders, and other speculators. Yet nothing can be more dissimilar in principle ; and the application of the law, by which other concerns are undoubtedly aflrected,is, in the case of a theatre, impossible. The whole argument, on the part of the proprietors, has hitherto turned upon what is called a petitio principii thoughout ; — to use an English expres- sion they have only begged the question. The law, as it regards the theatre, is sui generis ; it depends solely upon custom and convention. 634 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. This case is one in which it may be truly said, " CONSUETUDO FAciT JUS." There are many instances of such legal institutions not expressed in any code, but fully established by general understanding and public agreement. The law of the hustings at elections is also a customary law, and perhaps the only case in point. Is there an instance of an indictmentybr hissing and hoot- ing a candidate for the suffrages of the public, when no personal violence has been attempted? Would the idea of such a prosecution be endured, or would a commitment of persons expressing their disapprobation of a candidate, by the loud- est possible clamour, as rioting, be attempted by any magistrate ? And yet do not all the garbled extracts from our law-writers, which have been so grossly perverted on the present occasion, and even the abstract doctrines of the law, apply to such a case. In the name of British freedom, are we to have Bow-Street officers, bom-bailiffs, and other catchpoles, presiding at elections, seizing the inhabitants of Westminster, and dragging them to the offices of the magistrates for wearing cockades, or surrounding, with the usual cries, the hustings of Covent Garden ? What, sir, are the limits of the doctrines to be advanced upon this subject, and to what do they not obviously and necessarily tend ? Sir, a principal reason why the law, applicable to other, concerns, cannot avail within a theatre, Appendix.] covent garden journal. 635 is this, that which would in any other case amount to a riot, and be tumultuous, is lawful within its walls. Clamour is allowed ; and the only question that can arise is whether it proceed from the MAJORITY OF THE AUDIENCE. If the majority be dissatisfied, they may lawfully express their disapprobation, provided they abstain from vion lence against the persons of others, or against the furniture of the house. The idea that, by payment of money, they abandon their right of expressing their displeasure, is the most extravagant absur- dity that can enter the mind of man. Why, sir, if we adopt this novel idea of contract, (or, as I am told, Mr. Kemble once expressed himself, of ^visiting the performers,) how can we be at liberty to hiss a play we may disapprove ? We may stay away, forsooth ! Is this, sir, language to be held to the people of England? Upon what principle, however, is the distinc- tion to be taken, that, having seen announced on the play-bills a performance that we dislike, and having gone into the house with a knowledge that * I am credibly informed, by a gentleman on whom 1 can rely, that, upon the revival, some years ago, of the Revenge, in which Mr. Kemble acted the part of Zanga, the audience in the pit, tired by the length of the monologues, became noisy ; on which Zanga cooly advanced, and addressed them in the follow- ing words : " Ladies and Gentlemen, — We are much flattered by' the honour of this visit, but we fear the object of it will be dis- appointed unless you favour us with some attention." 636 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppCIldiX. it is to be represented, we have not entered into a contract (or an assumpsit as it has been called) no doubt for the purpose of writing intelligibly to the frequenters of public- houses* to remain quiet during the whole of the representation, and to permit the miserable trash of a most wretched and starving poetaster, who may have given fklse or partial evidence to promote the in- terest of a proprietor, or to linger out the third night as the reward of meritorious services thus rendered against the public : — but I have already exceeded all reasonable limits. Moderator. No. 106. — Covent Garden Theatre. (From Redhead Yorke, 4th Nov.) Sir, Feeling already much indebted to you for many important facts relative to the new theatre, Covent Garden, it will not, I trust, appear irregular to request, of yourself, or of some of your numerous correspondents, who may be in the secret, an explanation of the apparently absurd statement now before the public, on the profits of that theatre. Far be it from me, to reflect on any * Vide Bell's Weekly Messenger. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 637 one of those gentlemen composing the committee, who, I am ready to believe, have decided with im- partiality, according to the documents laid before them. But I would ask you, sir, or any other person, whether you would embark a large capital in a concern, in which there is a great risk, to ob- tain only six 3-eights per cent, or, on doing away that risk by insurance, reduce the profits to three and a half per cent. ; when, in the funds, you could have nearly five per cent, without any hazard. The emperor of the a — ches may easily reimburse himself, by the salary he would grant, as one of the proprietors, to his invaluable self, in the double capacity of player and manager ; but how Mr. Harris or any other, concerned as proprietors only, can be content with such trifling remunera- tion for the great trouble and risk, incidental to a concern of such magnitude, is, I own, beyond my comprehension. Any light, therefore, you can throw on the subject, will greatly oblige A Lover of Justice. No. 107. — Holy Insurrection in Covent Garden Theatre, (From Redhead Yorke, 4th Nov.) There are two distinct periods in the struggles at this theatre, which must not be confounded 638 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. together — the first relates to the glorious and suc^ cessful effort to exclude the detestable Itahan slave, Angelica Catalani, from foraging upon a British stage ; the other to the undecided contest between the public and the managers, respecting the in- crease of prices of admission. I shall offer a few words upon each of these epochs. It had been announced, by the proprietors of the theatre, that the wife of the French spy, Val- lebreque, was engaged to amuse and enlighten a British auditory, with her pickpocket-notes of broken English. The efiVontery and rascality of this conduct formed a theme of pubhc animad- version long before the theatre had opened ; so that nothing remained, when it did open, but to carry into practical effect, the unanimous wishes of the country. Fortunately, the ungrateful con- duct of this avaricious foreign cormorant hap- pened to be detected, just when she was engaged to pollute the British stage by her presence. A benefit was to be given at the opera-house for the Middlesex-hospital, one of the most charitable in- stitutions in the metropolis ; and Catalani was so- licited to contribute her vocal powers in aid of the charity. The wretch refused her assistance, al- though great part of thedifhcultits with which the institution struggled, was occasioned by the very extensive relief given there to foreigners, for whom, exclusively, one of the wards of the charity is ap- propriated. This refusal roused the public indig- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 639 nation, who would not brook the idea, that a pen- sioner of Buonaparte, that a vagabond reptile, who had obtained an immense fortune through the li- berality of the British people, should turn her back upon public charity. Degenerate and base fools as we are, we have not yet learnt to pardon uncharitableness. Whole volumes might have been written to demonstrate the folly, the danger, and the wickedness of tolerating these foreign sycophants, and they would have produced no effect, except contempt for the writer. This was my case. Catalan! no sooner landed in England, than I opened a fire upon her; and why ? Because, as I then told the public, I saw in the French official paper, the Moniteur, the very day on which Satan spewed her upon our coast, that this woman had been honoured by a pension from Buonaparte, In vain I appealed to every sentiment of patriotism, to every motive of public obligation, to every ap- prehension of evils denounced, to the honour of the British name itself, against the admission of this foreigner. My efforts were fruitless, though exerted unremittingly, and strengthened by the support of several generous and patriotic volun- teers in the cause. The intervention, however, of this refusal to sing for a public charity, effected all the good that reason could not acconiphsh before: a storm was raised, which it was obvious to every one, except to the managing bravos of Covent Gar^ den Theatre, would ultimately compel this Italian 640 coVent garden journal. [Appendix. pickpocket, with her insolent and blackguard spouse^ member of the Legion of Honour, alias Chevalier d' Industrie, to get out of the kingdom with all convenient expedition. That detestable coxcomb, John Kemble, could not or would not, in his avarice, perceive the disposition of the peo- ple; and though, by engaging an Italian singer, he virtually acknowledged his incapacity to entertain a British audience, he, nevertheless, re- solved to force her, in defiance of public opinion, upon ** the national theatre." The fortunate con- currence of the refusal to sing for the benefit of the Middlesex hospital, brought about that revolu- tion, for which some of us had so zealously con- tended. Not that any change was ever expected to take place in that hermaphrodite race of feeble creatures, classed in natural history under the name of people of fashion ; as they are not of the genuine British growth, of course, no man of sense condescended to care about their sentiments. But a revolution in the minds of men, who are capable of acting as they think, was an important event; and the government, which had shamefully per- mitted the introduction of these foreigners, re- ceived, at length, a lesson from the people, which at once demonstrates the unexhausted stock of pubhc spirit in the country, and brands with re- proach, those who had neglected to set an example of it. Notwithstanding the illiberal refusal of Catalani to sing for the public charity, more than two thousand pounds were netted ; and the people Appendix.] covent garden journal. 641 had the satisfaction to draw a contrast between Mrs. Billington, Braham, and all the other Enghsh performers, who voluntarily offered their aid on the occasion, and that foreign woman, who thus requited, with disdain, the liberality of the public. This act brought matters to issue, and her subse- quent attempt to remove the unfavourable impres- sion, which was becoming general against her, only made her character and her race more hateful. When she found that her reputation was gone, and, as a necessary consequence, that her expected hoards would vanish also, she got up a little piece which sets in so full a light, the low, intriguing character of a rapacious and cunning Italian, that we must not pass it over. Oh ! that mine enemy would write a book ! was a wish of former times ; I am content when mine enemy writes such a let- ter as the following. " Sir, — As it is not my disposition to boast of the good I may have done, I leave my conduct, in this respect, to the judgment of those who, since my coming to England, have solicited my assis- tance, and to the governors of many charitable in- stitutions. With regard to the Middlesex hospi- tal, I feel that my behaviour has been irreproach- able; and, that the numerous reflections which have been made thereon, have originated from a misunderstanding. Dr. Poignand, in a very vague manner, asked me if I should be unwilling to sing for the benefit of the Middlesex hospital ; when s s 642 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. I informed him of the circumstances which pre- vented me from singing in public, and at the same time, requested him to let the directors know, that I wished my name to be put on the list of subscri- bers for 20 guineas (which was on the 7th instant,) to prove the sincere desire I had of contributing to the support of that excellent institution. When I perceived, that my performance would be more acceptable than a subscription, I requested the proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre, to allow me to sing for the benefit of certain charitable es- tablishments; and, as they, with the greatest wil- lingness, have consented, I shall have the heart- felt satisfaction of singing in a concert, on the 6th of July, at the Pantheon, the produce of which will be applied to the use of public charities. On this happy occasion, I shall sing four of my most celebrated Italian airs, and a national song. If Ihave deferred announciug this intention till now^ it was only that it might not interfere with the concert of the Middlesex hospital. A. Catalani." Now reader ! mark the time when this sly thing brought out her apology —not until the day after the death of Dr. Poignand, the physician of the Middlesea; hospital The moment she discovered that this gentleman could not detect her false- hoods, she took up her pen, and indites her im- pudent attempt at justification. It is to be ob- served, that Vallebreque, the husband of Catalani, Appendix.] covent garden journal. 643 declared, that he had, a fortnight before this epis- tle was written, sent twenty guineas to the go- vernors of the charity by the hand of Dr. Poig- nand, which sum they *^ would not receive.' This statement, the collector of the hospital de- clared to be false, he having seen Vallebreque's letter, tendering twenty guineas, but sending none, and of course none could be refused. Then he says, " Dr. Poignand ought to have paid the mo- ney, for my name is always good for that sum." Notwithstanding, it is a fact, that he offered at first, to give ten guineas only ; and, after an hour's altercation, he agreed to deposit the twenty, on condition, that his receipt should be ante-dated, on the 7th instead of the 20th of the month, which receipt he afterwards exhibited, and entrapped some of the daily papers to announce as a proof that the money was paid on the 7th ! But dead men, every Italian knows, tell no tales : therefore Catalani was at liberty to write what she pleased. With all her subtlety, however, she only made bad worse ; her epistle settled her character in the opinion of the people. Unluckily for her, but fortunately for the credit of the national taste, just at the time she was become the object of op- probrium, her contract with the proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre got wind ; and the cjy was loud and universal against this scandalous bar- gain, by which British performers were to be ex- cluded from the theatre, and the prices of admis- s s 2 644 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. slon were to be raised on account of the high wages which this woman was to receive. The voice of reproof was heard, without intermission, from the month of June, until Covent Garden Theatre opened. An opposition so general and continu- ed, and founded upon so many solid reasons, ought to have some influence upon any specula- tors, especially upon such as derive their emolu- ments from the public opinion. But the pro- prietors were either indifferent to public opinion, or affected to be so ; for it is impossible to sup- pose that the whole British press should be wrong, when the papers which do not agree upon other topics, were of one accord upon this. They were, therefore, the organs of the public senti- ment ; and there was surely plenty of time for the proprietors to re- consider their engagement, and to annul it when found to be displeasing to those on whose bounty they depended for their future success. Instead of this, they persevered ; they opened their theatre at augmented prices, in defi- fiance of the public opinion, loudly expressed for more than four months. It is clear, then, that they are the original aggressors, that they have provoked the commotions which nightly agitated the theatre, and that, instead of appearing as prosecutors against their masters, they ought to be indicted, tried, cast, and pilloried for a mi^ demeanour. Let us farther examine how this part of the case Appendix.] covent garden journal. 645 stands. The proprietors agreed to give the Ita- lian the enormous salary o^ four thousand pounds and a benefit^ for murdering our native tongue before our faces. In consequence of this contract, the proprietors, by way of a quid pro quo, levy a contribution upon the boxes and pit, that they may be reimbursed for the pleasure which they meant to afford us. We say, that we are much obliged to them for their good intentions, but that we are the best judges what will give us pleasure, and also what we ought to pay for the said pleasure. Accordingly, the clamour was be- yond description, every nighty until that hollow voice, emitted from the sepulchral stomach of John Kemble, murmured that Catalani's engage- ment, " being unacceptable to the public, was at an end." Fool ! was he so devoid of foresight as not to discover, months before the curtain drew up, that the contract behind the curtain was un- acceptable to the public ? The attempt to force this foreigner upon the people was a specimen of audacity for which alone, the proprietors ought to forfeit their monopoly. I hope that the counsel for the persons about to be tried will ply this argument well and home. Let them not forget to have the alien-act read in court, and let the se- cretary of state for the home department be sub- poenaed, in order that the jury may know upon whose authority Vallebreque and his car a sposa were admitted into this country. Next, let the 64i6 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. Moniteur, which announced the pension conferred upon her by Bonaparte, be read; I fear it cannot be offered in evidence, but it may be interwoven in an address to the patriotism of a jury. These will be important facts to dwell upon. But to return. The contract with Catalani having been an- nulled by the voice of the people, and that seraph's *' desire of singing at the new national theatre," (by which it is to be inferred that she very pro- perly considers the Italian opera as an anti-national one,) for which she was *' induced to forego every interested consideration,'' (pray ma'am explain your idea of disinter est edness^) '' to enjoy that satisfaction," being happily frustrated, it follows that the proprietors put, thereby, into their poc- kets, four thousand pounds, plus the receipts of the house for one night. It also foUoweth that, out of gratitude to that generous public which did them this favour, they ought instantly to have reduced the prices of admission. But, it may be said, that they were losers by the disappointment of their speculation, and that, if the Italian had been permitted to squall, their profits would have been greater. To this there is one plain answer — ask the proprietor of the opera-house what com- pany Catalani attracted at the latter period of her engagement there, and you will find that she ac- tually performed before thin houses. It is ridiculous therefore to suppose that the proprie- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 647 tors of Covent Garden could have been reimbur- sed for their foolish bargain ; consequently, they were gainers by their contract being made void, and the public had a right to demand that they too should participate in the common advantage, and that the additional price which the proprietors endeavoured to extort from them upon this ground, should be abated. However, when the public persisted in calling for the reduction, the proprietors then shifted their position, and stub- bornly rejected, not unmixt with insolence on the part of the managers, the popular wish, upon the plea of the expense they had incurred in building a theatre that was worthy of this great metropo- lis. Of the worthiness of the theatre, I shall treat anon ; at present, I confine myself to the plea. It is here necessary to remark that the first struggle between the public and the mana- gers related to the engagement of Catalani, which struggle does infinite credit to the patriotism and good sense of the people. Upon this point there was scarcely a difference of opinion. The present contest is confined solely to the increased prices of admission ; and the proprietors have not shewn themselves as deficient in dexterity in this res- pect as in their contract with the Italian. They contrived to get a select committee of respectable gentlemen to inspect their books ; and they also contrived to lay before this committee just so much of their affairs as was necessary to secure a conclusion in their behalf. In fact, it was im- 648 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. impossible for those gentlemen to come to any other conclusion, since they could determine only upon such vouchers as were submitted to them. But the whole truth was artfully suppressed, as the public easily perceived when the average number of years of estimate of profit and loss, included one whole year, during which the proprietors necessarily incurred a loss by hav- ing the performances at another theatre. These inquiries, however, are foreign from our present object, which is, to shew that the pro- prietors have been guilty of repeated breaches of the peace, and that they are the immediate causes of the insurrections which nightly disturb the re- presentations at the theatre. That the inside of the theatre is worthy of this great metropolis, I deny ; first, because I have seen much more elegant and convenient theatres abroad ; secondly, because it seems to have been constructed in order to exclude a great part of the audience from ^eeiw^ the performances; thirdly, because that cannot be a national theatre, in which a portion is set apart for the exclusive accommo- dation of a ftw families ; fourthly, because it is unworthy of a great metropolis, or any civilized nation that, in a public theatre 28 little brothels should be let at the rate of £ 5600 per annum, in open violation of morality and public decency. These are substantial reasons for disputing the worthiness of the theatre; and I will add another, namely, that no theatre can be worthy this na- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 649 tion which is a mere monopoly of insipid dullness, and where nothing is to be seen or heard, but tinsel in dress, shews, sing-song, and nonsense. We now come to the question, whether the manner in which the audience have expressed their disapprobation be such as to have justified the strong measures resorted to by the proprie- tors? It certainly is a singular case to behold those, who hterally are fed, and who live by the bounty and indulgence of the pubHc, dictate to their benefactors, and assume the airs of their superiors. One would almost think, from John Kemble's behaviour, that he fancies himself a gentleman. No drunken slave during a Roman Saturnalia ever presumed, notwithstanding the tolerated licentiousness of those times, to ap- proach his master with the pert impudence with which this fellow has made his appearance before us, his masters. That we should be affronted by this mimic, whose profession, in point of re- spectability, is far below that of a slave, is insuf- ferable. Yet, the indignities we experience, we have partly brought upon ourselves ; for, we have shewn how easy it is for any impostor to dupe us. To the disgrace of the taste and judgment of a British audience, a boy, whom by a perver- sion of language they called the Young Roscius, was allowed to realize an immense fortune, al- though there be not a school-boy who could not perform as well, and there are many who can 650 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. perform better than he did. Nay, the rage was carried to such an excess that, even the fair sex forgot the gentleness of their nature, and apphed very hard words against those who had the mis- fortune to differ from them, and who despised the pubhc folly» Being present myself, with some friends, one night when Master Betty was murdering Hamlet, and laughing, as every person did^ who was not infected by the popular frenzy, at the ridiculous farce, a lady in the next box whispered to a gentleman, sitting beside her, " those beasts don*t like him. " In the same man- ner, John Kemble has run a long and precious rig upon our stage. Although there be several players who far excel him in acting, the fellow has usurped the absolute dominion of the theatre, and with equal vanity and impudence, he has brought himself to believe that he is a good actor. If a pompous strut, an unmeaning glare of the eye, projected toward the boxes as if he were counting the seven shilling pieces instead, of attending to the action of the play ; if an intonation of the voice more ghostly and fright- ful than the monotony of a ventriloquist, or a groan from a charnel-house ; if a frequently false emphasis, an unharmonious cadence, and a coxcomical alteration of the text of the author, constitute the elements of a good actor, John Kemble deserves to be the undisputed King John of the vagabonds. But why should I Appendix.] covent garden journal. 651 make my reader's head H, with an enumeration of the histrionic excellencies of this buffoon of human nature? It is only for the sake of calling his attention to the cause of the insults we are receiving at his hands. Had the incomparable Garrick, had Betterton, or had that chaste, cor- rect, and harmonious, speaker, Brereton,* given themselves such airs, as this fellow has assumed, we might have overlooked them, in consideration of the delight and instruction we had received from their various powers. But, it is enough to drive one to madness, to see this lump of mono- tony, come forward and tell us, who have made his fortune, that we shall ruin him if we do not allow him to ruin us. I do not mean by this term, that our purses would be emptied by his exactions ; but that our taste and manners would be vitiated, by our being compelled to pay exor- bitantly for our presence at the representation of such execrable stuff as we have seen exhibited upon the stage, under the management of this caterwauler. Is it not an unparalleled instance of audacity, in a free country too, that the spec- tators of a play should be dragged, like felons, before the magistrate, merely for expressing, in any way, their disinclination to be choused, when those who drag them are the greatest dis- turbers of the public peace ? * Whom I must ever mention with aflfectionate regard. 652 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppCtldlX. I shall here mention a fact on which the public may rely. It is not true, as is generally suppos- *ed, that the police-officers, interfered, at first, in the theatre. The scoundrels who seized the per- sons first carried to Bow-street, were not police-offi- cers^ but a gang consisting of all the labourers in the service of the theatre : so that the public peace was violated, in the first instance, by the play- house people. And I would know, whether it be consistent with the preservation of the peace, that police-officers should be called in by one party, to maintain the peace, while the same party employ a swarm of boxing Jews and other ruffians to vio- late it, and to assault the persons of his Majesty's lieges? On the fourth night of the performances at Covent Garden, I went to the play. The holy in- surrection was then in the fullness of its patriotic glory. I hailed it as a new asra — as a revival of the golden age of the true British character. Ne- ver was music more sweet, nor concert more melo- dious to mine ear than the dulcet notes which I then heard. It was my hour of triumph, for I then gained the reward of all my labours against these foreign miscreants. The scene was also sub- lime ; yes, it was truly sublime, to behold an im- mense multitude roaring and rolling like the waves of the ocean, in tremendous harmony, and obser- vant of order in the midst of universal uproar. But one useful instrument was wanting to complete the sciBne, to warm the heart, and exhilarate the mind. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 653 For a purpose easy to be understood, it has been latterly bruited, that the jacobins are at the bottom of all this. Mercy upon us ! when will these rest- less imps be quiet ! if there be a clap of thunder, jacobins are the cause of it ; if it blow an hurricane, the jacobins lend their cheeks in puffing; if an earthquake shake the earth, jacobins are sure to be at work below ; if our fields be inundated, the ja- cobins have contributed to increase the waters ! I am sick of this lying nonsense. If jacobinism have shewn its cloven foot, I will tell you where you will find it — in the proprietors of Covent Gar- den Theatre. For the insolence and pertinacity of the vagabonds, have a tendency to level all dis- tinctions, and to destroy all subordination, by pla- cing servants in a condition to dictate to their masters. There is the jacobinism that is afoot. It is to be seen behind the curtain ; for never was loyalty more conspicuous than before it. I was present at the holy insurrection on Thursday night, for the express purpose of finding out jacobinism, because you must all remember the old proverb " set a, &c." If therefore there had been jacobin- ism, I must have smoked it, having a good scent. This is a base invention; but, as the vagabonds have raised it, I will, for one, endeavour to keep them to it. Now as the jacobins are at the bottom of this uproar, the theatre ought to be instantly shut up ; because it is highly dangerous to the pub- lic peace, that any receptacle of incendiaries, trai- 654 CONVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. tors, and malignants, should be tolerated. It is, therefore, the duty of the magistrate, in all cases wherein pubhc order is endangered, to suppress the beginning of mischief; and as no laws of phy- siognomy have been yet enacted, by which the door keepers can discriminate a jacobin from a good and loyal man, it follows that the surest method of conserving the peace will be to shut up the house. No patent, no exclusive monopoly, no li- cense, can countervail against the paramount ne- cessity of maintaining the altar, the throne, the laws, the constitution, the liberties, and indepen- dence of the country, every soul of which is now in jeopardy for the jacobins who infest Covent Garden Theatre. What ought to add to the ge- neral ague is the consideration that no persons of respectability attend to overawe, by their presence, this bloody, resolute, and revolutionizing faction. On Thursday night, I examined the list of the persons who had taken boxes, and found, with the exception of two ladies of title, one of whose hus- bands had been dubbed a knight the day before, that the friends of order, the altar, the throne, and the constitution, consisted only of surveyors of the theatre, bum-bailiffs with their doxies, lath- splitters and plasterers, bawds, bullies, and whores. There was one colonel in the list ; but not having N. P. in his hat, his loyalty was very equivocal. 1 do admit that the bum-bailiffs made a terrific ap- pearance, especially as the bravest among us, could Appendix.] covent garden journal. 655 not exactly tell, term approaching, with what ammunition their pockets were stored. But as this select band, the forlorn hope of rapacity, must ere long be otherwise employed, there seems to be but little chance that the state will be saved through their efforts. It is pretty evident that my motives in thus calling the attention of my readers, from politics to the theatre, are not built on the contemptible idea that such a fellow as John Kemble is deserv- ing of public notice, or that a company of vaga- bonds ought to occupy our minds for a moment ; but strictly speaking, the stage is the mirror of the times, and when I hear a set of fools or rascals pretend to say, that jacobinism is the cause of these tumults in the theatre, I must either deny that I possess any intellect, or I must admit that the audience have none. In my opinion the stage is an auxiliary of the state ; it should support re- ligion, morals, and law, and when it deviates from that principle, it ought to be suppressed. To as- sert, that the people have no right to declare their opinions in any way respecting a company of vaga- bonds, who live by their bounty, is an affront to human nature. I therefore declare my opinion, that the people have certainly a right to express their opinions ; but I also think, that the magis-. tracy of the country is disgraced by not taking up the proprietors of Covent Garden Theatre, as vio- lators of the public peace. 6S6 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix, The holy insurrection, of which I have been a witness, convinces me, and must convince every rational man, that the voice of the people is deci- dedly against them. I certainly should have no objection to pay the additional money, had the genius of our countiy been revived upon the the- atre; but considering the attempt to introduce an Italian slave, a pensioner of Bonaparte, on our stage, the vapid stupidity of the wretches who are employed to write for us, and the sepulchral besti- ality of John Kemble, I think it would be a dis- grace to my character as a Briton, not to assert that our liberties have not only been invaded by this vagabond, but that our honour as gentlemen has been affronted by him. Under these consider- ations, I ask for justice. Perhaps my readers may ask what is the sort of justice I require ? I will now tell them. I think the British audience cannot maintain their character, or the justice of their cause, without demanding that John Kemble shall be compelled to go down upon his bare knees, and ask pardon in the most humiliating terms, of that pubHc whom he has abused. It must be done up- on the theatre, else the altar, the throne, the laws, the constitution, and moral order, will be at an end. The salvation of the state depends upon re- bellion and execution. The apology should be as follows : — " Ladies and Gentlemen ! I-a, am-a, satisfied-a, that-a-I-a-am-a-totally-a-unfit-a-and unworthy-a-to- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 657 a-chouse-a-you-a-out-a-of-a^your-a-money-a. I-a -have-a- run-a- rig-a- sufficient-a- to-a- convince-a -you-a- that-a- you-a- are-a-a-a-set-a- of-a- noodles -a. No. 108. — 2b the Right Hon. the Earl of Dartmouth, (The Times, Nov. 7, I8O9.) My good Lord Chamberlain, It is not, my lord, from mere attachment to the style and simple manners of our forefathers that I thus designate your lord- ship, but from a conviction that your lordship's private character is of that estimable descrip- tion, which well deserves such an appellation; of this I believe myself to have some know- ledge. I remember well attending the same place of worship with your lordship, when we were boys together, and the serious principles which you then imbibed seem, at no period since, to have deserted you. We were afterwards mem- bers of the same university, and though then, as now, unknown to your lordship, I always felt considerable pleasure in beholding the pious boy become a virtuous man. The Earl, your father, did not content himself with inspiring you with religious principles, he taught you constitutional xJnes; he loved his country, and he loved the T t 658 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. English people: I mean that description of them which patricians do not always condescend to study the character of, and which, but too often, they rather tolerate than regard. Thus im- pressed, will your lordship forgive me for frank- ly avowing myself to partake of that surprize which so great a part of the public is known U feel, at the apparent apathy of your lordship, re- specting the recent transactions at Covent Gar- den Theatre. Your lordship's authority cannot be doubted ; the law declares your lordship to have " the oversight and government of artifi- cers, retained in the king's service, messengers, comedians, revels, music, &c. " Your high office does not merely give you a literary jurisdiction, it gives you a moral one ; and your lordship has as much right to shut up a theatre, when the conduct of its managers becomes reprehensible, as you have to prohibit the performance of a piece which you think calculated to undermine the morals or the loyalty of the people. Let us, then, dispassionately inquire, my lord, whether the conduct of the proprietors of Covent Gar- den Theatre has been such as to call for your lordship's interference. We will say little, my lord, upon the subject of the rise of the prices ; that question is lost and forgotten in the two greater considerations of the personal treatment which the audience has received, and the appro- priation of the principal part of the theatre to Appendix.] covent garden journal. 659 private boxes; the latter of course comprises two questions, namely, the right and the moral tendency of such allottments. I will, however, say a word, en passant^ as to the rise of prices, convinced, as I am, that there is no reasonable pretence for such a measure. I hap- pen, my lord, to be a renter of the late Drury- Lane Theatre, and, in that capacity, attended a general meeting, which was held not long before its destruction. At that meeting, one of our trustees, appointed to superintend the funds of that concern, under an order of chancery, en- tered into a most full and masterly exposition of the whole of its affairs. I understood this gen- tleman to be a person of great respectability, and an eminent banker ; one, in short, whose representations were worthy of the most implicit confidence. He analysed the incumbrances, the management, and the profits, of. that establish- ment; he calculated the incumbrances to be more than ^250,000; he had pointed out the misera- ble, prodigal, and I had almost said profligate, circumstances which attended the management ; he enumerated item per item the savings and liquidations which might be effected, under a system of ordinary prudence and principle, and shewed, to demonstration, that the capa«. ity of the concern was such as might be made without any increase of price, (a measure not even suggested,) to meet incumbrances to more than three times T t 2 S60 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppCndix. the amount of any which the proprietors of Covent Garden pretend to have to encounter. As for the report, to which some persons of cha- racter have descended to lend their names, they could not themselves, as men of sense, expect it to have any weight with a discerning public. Who, I ask, could be satisfied with a statement which carefully concealed the items of disburse- ment ? If the proprietors thought proper to give a singer seventy guineas per night, and an actress fifty, and to let the pith and marrow of the fund be previously exhausted in salaries, annual allowances, &c. &c. &c. is it surprising, that, on striking the balance, they should not appear to derive more than six per cent, upon their capital ? With regard to the private boxes, I submit to your lordship, that the patent does not recognize a right in the patentees to take from the public any part of their accommodation. It speaks only of nightly admission and nightly payments or prices for that purpose. Private boxes, that is such as are hired, are altogether an innova- tion in the theatres royal, and that of a compa- ratively recent date. My lord, the idea is not Enghsh. It is not consistent with that fair and honest equality, which our national temper and character have maintained, time out of mind, at our public places of amusement. There is something aristocratical and supercilious, to a degree of reasonable offence, in the idea of sepa- Appendix.] covent garden journal, 66l rate apartments, separate channels of communica- tion, and separate entrances, for the wealthy and the proud, as if there were pollution in one Englishman brushing close to another in the bustle of a theatre. Ought the great body of the audience to have this aiFront passed upon them, for the sake of bringing a few hundreds more into the pockets of the proprietors? I under- stand them to allege, in defence of this mea- sure, that it is only, by such means, that persons of a certain condition can enjoy the theatre, without being annoyed by its profligacy. Pro- fligacy ! my lord ; your lordship has travelled, as well as myself; and is it, to such a man as your lordship, who must have been informed of, and almost compelled to witness, the foul and scan- dalous intrigues carried on by means of private boxes in the theatres of Italy and France, that such an answer is to be given ? Private boxes were first introduced, I believe, in the former country, and for purposes which redden the cheek of an Englishman but to contemplate ! I wull not believe, but that your lordship, as a Christian and a faithful servant of the public, has strongly remonstrated against this most sus- picious, if not guilty, arrangement at the new theatre. I must change my whole order of think- ing, with respect to your lordship, before I can credit that you will be satisfied with such an attempt at justification. I insist, my lord, thai 669, covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. it is within your lordship's authority to compel an immediate alteration in this particular; and, with the frankness of an Englishman, trembhng for the moral character of his countrymen, I call upon your lordship to rescue them from oppro- brium. As to the personal treatment which the audience have received, at the hands of the pro- prietors, I forbear to enlarge upon that part of the subject. Who would have believed, my lord, who would have thought it possible, that indi- viduals, of the obscurest cast, and of a calling to which British society has assigned the lowest station, should have been allowed, with impunity, nightly to hire ruffians and prize-fighters to assault some of the most respectable inhabitants of the metropolis; to fasten upon their throats and drag them out of the theatre, or beat them to the earth for venturing to express their dis- approbation ? Your lordship, I am sure, must not only have beheld these facts with astonish- ment, but with agony ! I have no fears for your reputation, my lord. It cannot be, but that, when the representatives of the people shall be again assembled, and inquire, as they surely will do, into the unaccountably quiescent conduct of government, it will appear, that my good Lord Chamberlain has not been a tame spectator of so much insolence and outrage; but that, on the contrary, he interposed himself between the ruffian and his victim, till, finding, by his con- Appendix.] covent garden journal. 663 ceptions of it, his authority too Umited for any effectual interference, he stated his situation to His Majesty's ministers, and left the rest to their responsibihty. For the use; or rather the non-use of their authority, they will soon have to account. In the meantime I shall continue to cherish the idea that the Earl of Dartmouth neither has, nor can have acted unworthily. I have the honor to be, My Lord, Your lordship's humble servant, An English Gentleman. No. 109. — King John in a Cocked Hat, or Heigh Ho says Kemble. — A Parody on the famous Grimaldian Song, called " the Frog in the Opera Hat.'' (Mciruing Chronicle, Nov. 7, I8O9.) John Kemble he would an acting go, Heigho! says Kemble J He raised the price which he thought too low, Whether the public would let hjm or no ; With his roly-poly, gammon, and spinnage. And ho ! says manager Kemble, The mob at the door mad^ a mighty din, H^gho ! says Kemble j 664 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppClldix. They dash'd like devils thro* thick and thin, And over the benches came tumbling in, With their roly, &c. Twill do says manager Kemble. Soon as they pass'd Bill Shakspearc's hall, Heigho ! says Kemble ; They thought the lobbies were much too small, So they gave a loud roar and they gave a loud bawi, With roly, &c. Hollo ! says manager Kemble. ** Pray ivhat do you want f (in a sort of a huflf) Heigho ! says Kemble ; Says Mr. Jje'igh. — " Nonsensical stuff, Pho I none of your gammon, you know well enough. With your roly, &c. You do, great manager Kemble." He held by the tip his opera-hat, Heigho ! says Kemble ; " Indeed the concern's as poor as a rat;" Says Bull, " No dam'me, we won't stand that," With our roly, &c. 'Twon't do, great manager Kemble. He folded his arms, in a sad nonplus, Heigho! says Kemble; With Queen Anne's prices he made a fuss, Sa^'s Bull, " What the devil's Queen Anne to us," With roly, &c. 'T won't do, great manager Kemble. He swore to himself an oath, by Styx, Heigho! says Kemble; Appendix.] covent garden journal. 665 Kind ladies and gentlemen, none of your tricks, I love seven shillings much better than m, With my roly, &c. I do, says manager Kemble. Then roar'd the gallery, gentle souls, Heigho ! says Kerable ; No private boxes, no pigeon-holes, We'll dowse your glims,* in a crack, by goles, With roly, &c. Ko, don't, says manager Kemble. '•^ 'i • ■ ' Jfi'ji I can't those private boxes rob, Heigho ! says Kemble ; With Lord O'Straddlef I drink hob and nob, And Tm hand and glove with my Lord Thingumbob;;! K - »i . . \yijjj jjjs roly-poly, gammon, and spinnage, ' Goodnight! says manager Kemble. "^'^ No. no.— New Theatre. . . • > - [From the same, Nov. 8.] As Covent Garden Theatre must soon be ruined or shut up, Drury Lane is at end, and the old company of St. Stephen's have quarrelled so about their salaries and precedency, that the partnership is dissolved ; the public are respectfully informed, that a new- raised strolling company have, bi/ spe- cial command^ been induced again to open St Ste- i ,rvf Put out the lights, f L— d B-y-iu-e. ; D-e N— f. 666 covENT GAHDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. phen's for the ensuing season, trusting much to the liberality of a British audience, as all the first- rate performers are in disgrace. Those members of the society, who have noto- riously made the most of their former inferior situa- tions, will be carefully promoted ; the candle- snufFers, who have made the most of their candle- ends, will be placed in a line more suitable to the display of their talents; and the scene-shifters, who have been more successful in their deceptions upon the public, will meet with all due encouragement. Those gentlemen who have hitherto been always unsuccessful, will be now placed elsewhere, every man being fit for something. It is presumed that, as they have hitherto failed wherever they have been tried, their new situations must be those for which nature designed them. To complete the number of characters necessary for a great Natio- nal Theatre, a selection of young men has been made from those who have shown most spirit when brought before the public, in the late popular piece called the Royal Culprit, The company will commence the season with a new tragi-comic Farce, called the Jdministration, or the No Popery Rump. The part o^ Expedition will be given to a promising young nobleman; who, having twice failed in his attempts upon Cam- bridge, has been thought peculiarly adapted to the character. Old Conscience and Bigot are to remain, as the parts cannot be better filled. Ways Appendix.] covent garden journal. 67 and Means will be moved into the Treasury, the necessity of this change being obvious. The duel-scene between Intrigue and Prosy must, it is feared, be omitted. Great hopes are entertained of being enabled to procure the public favourite, J. Kemble, whose present concern is declining so fast, and who has shown himself so admirably qualified to take the principal part of Old Vigour, No. 1 1 1.— 7b the Editor of the Times. Sir, Desirous of judging, from our own observation, of the conduct of the managers of Covent Garden Theatre, and that of the op- positionists, I was of a party on Tuesday night, which went at an early hour (about a quarter of an hour before the overture to the Exile began) the better to view the sort of persons who gained admission. We found about a hundred in the pit. A phalanx was formed, two deep, in front next the orchestra, and scouting parties were stationed in the centre and back, composed of the very out- casts of society, aided by some respectable police- officers and pugiHsts. Taking our station near the centre, we found a party of four or five mis- 668 COVEN T GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. creants, one a sweeper of a tennis-court, a rascal of the vilest description ; another of the gang, in brown striped breeches, black stockings, and a black neckcloth, apparently a thief; two others, stout men, with unwashed and unbarbed faces, tatsmen, or hustlers, and a secondary officer of police^ formed this groupe. Upon addressing the black-neckcloth fellow with '* Are you 1 — g, or a thief! I beg you'll stand off." The fellow silently backed. Another set consisted of a stable-boy, in a fustian jacket and trowsers, covered with filth, two blackguards in loose drab coats, a negro, with an oil-skin hat and silver- band, and a fellow who seemed to be a waterman to hackney- coachmen, or a link-boy. Here also, at hand, were two police-officers, who, with some skulking scoundrels, serving as spies, presently surrounded us. In the boxes were a most motley groupe. The ladies seemed to have got up their duds for the occasion. The gemmen had on their best attire, with here and there a turned cravat. One fellow sported a scarlet uniform of some wollun- teer corpse^ and in an elegant manner quizzed the audience through a pair of old woman's tortoise- shell spectacles. His party was composed of two ladies, with delicate rubi/ arms, and a respectable looking barber, near St, Martin's Lane, who shaves at the new price— three half-pence. Mr. Lazarus too occupied, with two young ladies, a front row in the front boxes. Similar parties continued Appendix.] covent garden journal. 669 arriving until half-price, most of whom seemed to be tried men, when many of these scoundrels decamped ; the O P's being too strong for them. One fellow (a constant visitor, as I learned from some gentlemen who recognized him) was very boisterous in pushing about the *' Off, ofTs," as if by accident, till at last he was compelled to *' make himself scarce," as Mrs. Jordan says. In Garrick's days no such wretches would have been suffered in the pit as those who nightly infest the theatre before the curtain draws up. The managers injure their cause by such an insult to the public. If they must have paper-men^ to countenance their pertinacity, they ought at least to admit none but persons who can afford to maintain some decency of appearance. Mercator, Queenhithe, Nov, 9. No. 112. — Rolla's Address from the Tragedy of Pizarro parodied, (Statesman, Nov. 9.) " Yet never was the hour of peril near, when, to cheer you, words were so much needed." — Pizarro. Enter K as Rolla, My disgraceful associates ! partners of my spoil, my trouble, and my shame ! Can Johnny's words 670 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. give comfort to your drooping spirits and heavy hearts? No, — you have judged, as I have, the fouhiess of their wicked tongues, by which those bold intruders would delude you. Your stupid heads, have compared, as mine has, the motives which, in a cause like this, can animate their minds and ours. They, by a strange frenzy driven, bawl and call aloud for the Old Prices; we give them bloxvs, and threaten them with imprison-' mcnt to obtain the new. They laugh at threats they do not fear ; and defy all Bow Street runners whom they hate. We serve John Bull whom we treat with scorn ; and our money is the god whom we adore. Whene'er they move in anger they make a dreadful noise ; whene'er they pause in amity, we will despise their friendship. They boast they come to improve our estate, encourage our talents, and free us from d\\ foreign aid. Yes, they want to impress liberality on our minds ; but no ; we are the slaves o^ passion, avarice, and pride. They offer us their protection; we want no protection but those we have already.* They call on us tamely to submit to them, for the des- perate chance of something better, which they promise. Be our plain answer this: our price IS FIXED AGAINST THE PUBLIC VOICE; thc drama's laws our fathers gave' we'll break ; our faith and trust we'll put in Jews and gladiators ; for they no doubt will try our sinking fame to » Messrs. Gr-h-m, R—d, and Tow— d. Appendix.] covENT garden journal. 671 raise. Tell the rioters, and tell them too, we seek no change, and, least of all, such change as they would give us. No. W^,— 'Irregular Lines upon Irregular Pro- ceedings. POEM A HEROI-COMICUM. (From the Morning Chronicle, Nov. 10.) " Ridentem dicere verum, Quidvetat?" Recitatite. — Air, liumdi idity^ row, row, rov. Uproarious cits ! and Bond Street loungers, tremble ! The world is threatened with the loss of K — ble ! Sound the alarm ! your vocal noses blow ! And vent, like Bedlamites, your frantic woe ! AIR. The first of critics, — first of actors, — First of semicolon-factors, — Out of patience with the age, Sw^ears, alas ! he'll quit the stage ! Tasteless nation ! — tasteless nation ! On ourselves have we brought dowi Rumours of a resignation. Hung in terror o'er the town. We, forsooth, must needs be hankering After boxes, prices, grace ! Hence, within his bosom cank'ring Rose the spleen that marks his face. 672 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [AppClldiiC. Who shall now, of all his cronies, To their kind protection take All his varice kctiones! Made for variation's saket Who shall fix, with equal care, Points- — in doublets or in speeches ; Who adjust, with such an air. Slashed soliloquies — or breeches ? Little heeding things that merit Deep research and curious art ; Others do but take the spirit, And direct it to the heart. RECITATIVE. Hush'd be your sorrow, and your rage suspended. Complaint's superfluous, when th'occasion's ended : No longer let your dolorific quill The sable tears of sympathy distil ! Relenting John,* in pity to mankind, On second thoughts, may change his mighty mind ; Yes ! — may resume the task of punctuation. And bringing back stray'd commas to their station. Pray, gentle reader, ere I close the strain, Let this prognostication soothe your pain : — " As long as Britain shall maintain her ground, And twenty shillings make one sterling pound. So long (should fate permit them here to stay) Will Mr. K— le and the Sidd— ns play ! ! !" CHORUS ALLEGRISSIMAMENTE. Good people, pray don't be uneasy ; You are threatened the better to please ye, ♦ See the Bill and Advertisement of Tuesday, October 24. Appendix.] covent garden journal. 673 For the devil a step will they budge; You may think what you will of the matter, It's only a Jeu de Theatre, Their exit is nothing but Fudge ! Fudge! Fudge! (Da Capo.) Their retirement nothing but Fudge! Signor Secca CoGLiONi, Plebeian. No. 1 14.— ro the Editor of the Times, Sir, I was induced last night to visit Covent Garden Theatre, in consequence of an ad- dress inserted in your paper, as intended to be de- livered on the part of the proprietors, indicating, that they intended to make certain concessions to the public. Several friends had agreed to go with me, but were prevented from attending at the commencement of the play ; at which time, sup- posing the address would be spoken, I went alone. The appearance of the pit, on my entering, con- vinced me it could not be the intention of the proprietors to offer any conciliatory terms, at least on that evening. A set of men were placed there, evidently the very lees of society, disposed of in various parties, as convicts are previous to embark- ation, with an officer of police at their head, but, on this occasion, for a different purpose. The pit was not half full, and three-fourths of those who' u u 674 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. occupied it answered the above description. The first act was heard with tolerable silence; but, in the second, some disapprobation being shewn, these men made themselves conspicuous by stand- ing up, threatening to commence their feats of brutality; wliich they have done, in almost every instance, with impunity. This movement obliged those behind to stand up hkewise. A gentleman, standing by my side, pointed to a man on the seat directly before, and whose face fronted us, as being the very same, who, on the Thursday evening preceeding, had d— d his eyes, and said ** if he would come out, he would give him a d — d good MILLING." This the gentleman of course denied ; which offer was kindly repeated this even- ing. The persons around us exclaimed *' What rascality is practised by the managers, in employ- ing such miscreants 1" At this moment, a pressure impelled me beyond the person above described, who, before 1 reached him, raised his arm and gave me a violent blow on the breast, which knocked me down. Before I could recover, I was taken up by the skirt of my coat, and again thrown down. On recovering my legs, I ex- claimed " I will have you to Bow-Street for the assault." I was now surrounded by his party, and dragged by the neck-handkerchief into the pas- sage; during which time, 1 was struck on the head. On gaining the outside entrance, they would fain have left me, and entered the theatre Appendix.] covent garden journal. 675 again. I immediately seized the man who had thus ill-used me, and insisted he should go before the magistrate ; they, supposing it would intimi- date me, swore I should go ; and, with my shoes nearly off, and the loss of my hat, the gang es- corted me to the public office. On my arrival there, I despaired of obtaining justice, as the con- stables in waiting winked at each other, as if ac- quainted with the nature of my complaint, and treated me most shamefully, before I could obtain a hearing. By this time several gentlemen entered the office, (one of whom brought my hat,) who were witnesses of the whole of the transaction, and offered to give their evidence. The men several times endeavoured to shuffle off, but I still kept my hold. Great was my surprise, on appearing before the magistrate, to find them endeavouring to prefer the charge against Twe, and I know not what would have been the consequence, had not the above gentlemen arrived, most opportunely, to my aid. The man, from whom I received the blow, would positively have sworn I struck him first. The magistrate (whose name I do not know, never having been in the office before,) asked me why I was there. On my answering, he required my name and address, and the oath was administered. I then described the manner in which I had been treated, and a Mr. Purse cor- roborated my statement, which was considered sufficient to substantiate the assault. The man, u u 2 676 covENT GARDE5f :to^RNAL; [Appendix. upon being interrogated, said his name was Hart Braham, a Jew. When, faiHng to prcrve that I was the aggressor, he asserted I had been very noisy in the theatre, and wished to bring several of his associates to prove it. The magistrate, how- ever, observed, ** that has nothing to do with the accusation against you, which has been already proved, and you are ordered to find bail.'* From the kind assistance I received from the gentlemen about me, (all of whom were entire Strangers,) I consider it my duty to make this affair public, and return them my most grateful thanks ; and I am happy to congratulate the pub- lic, in this instance at least, of the hireling system having failed. Michael Thomson. 19, Villiers-Street, Adelphi, 12th Nov. No. 11 5. —7b the Editor of the Times. Sir, A statement, relative to the dispute between Mr. Alfred Grace and my self^ having appeared in a paper of this day, which is extremely erroneous, I take the liberty of requesting you to insert the following incontrovertible TRUTH, Appendix.] covent garden journal. 677 I went to the new theatre last Saturday evening at half-price; and, having entered the box No. 56, on the second tier, I observed, in the front seat of the adjoining box, (No. 35,) Lieutenant Drury, of the West London Militia, in company with Mrs. Drury and Mrs. A. Grace. Mrs. Grace's father and mother were not in the box. In a few mi- nutes Mr. Drury saw me, and said — " Here is room if you will come down;" upon which I was per- mitted to pass from the back part of the one box to the front seat of the other. I submit this would not have been suffered, if the company had not heard the invitation. I took my seat between Mr. and Mrs. Drury, and very soon placed the initials O P in my hat, at which Mrs. Grace expressed her displeasure, and / immediately/ removed them. Mr. Grace (rvho had not been previously/ in the box, nor, as I understood, expected) then came to the door, and called Mrs. Grace out; upon which, I intreated her to keep her seat and I would withdraw. She, however, quitted the box. In the latter part of the evening, Mr. Grace accosted me in the lobby, and said — '* Mr. Miller, you have acted hke a blackguard in taking my seat, and insulting Mrs. Grace." I answered, that I was invited to the seat by Mr. Drury, in whose name the places zvere taken in the box-list, and had therefore, nei- ther taken his seat, nor insulted Mrs. Grace, He replied, ** that is no matter, sir, you are a great blackguard ;" and withdrew. Sunday morning I 678 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix wrote the following billet to Mr. Grace ; — **Mr. Miller calls upon Mr. Grace to appoint a time and place, where himself and friend will meet Mr. Miller and friend, on the subject of the insult Mr. Miller received from Mr. Grace last evening at the theatre. Mr. Miller himself leaves this, and will call again in the course of an hour for Mr. Grace's reply. New Millman Street, Sunday Morning." I left this letter at Mr. Grace's house, in the presence of a friend, and called again, in the com- pany of Mr. Henderson. Mr. Grace came to the door, and said he should not retract a word, and declined giving any oilter answer to my letter. In the evening I wrote him the following: — " Sir, — After the numerous civilities which have been interchanged between us, it will be with great reluctance that I adopt such measures, in relation to the insult I received from you last night, as the occasion demands ; but unless you think proper to make me a suitable apology, or comply with my request of this morning, I feel it a duty I owe my own character, to make the affair public, w^hich I shall certainly do at the theatre to-morrow evening. lam, sir, &c. John Miller.' The second letter was taken and deHvered to IMr. Grace, by Mr. Henderson and Mr. Haddock, to which Mr. Grace declined giving any answer, until he had consulted his friends. Monday, about noon, a Bow-street officer called upon me, Appendix.] covent garden journal. 679 and produced a warrant against Mr. Henderson, Mr. Haddock, and myself: I engaged to appear before the magistrates at 7 o'clock in the evening, where I attended accordingly, and was ordered to find bail, myself in o£lOO and two sureties in £50 each, for sending Mr. Grace a challenge to fight a duel. Mr. Henderson and Mr. Haddock were both discharged on their own recognizances. I beg pardon for the intrusion I have made on your columns. And am, Sir, &.c. &c. John Miller. 34, New Millman- street, Nov. 14, 180y. No. 116. — To the Editor of the Times, Notandi ibi sunt mores. Horace Ars Poet. v. 156. Mr. Editor, As I am one of those persons who cannot be pleased with the advance of the prices of admission to the theatre, (conceiving that such advance has been made for the sole purpose of enriching a fexv of the performers), I have amused myself, for half an hour this morning, with reading Cicero's oration for the player Roscius, in order to see how he acjted towards the Romans for the many favours which 680 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. he received from them. I need not tell you, sir, that Rosciiis made the first figure on the Roman stage. Novv^, Cicero gives him this amiable cha- racter : ** He was generous, benevolent, and a contemner of money ; and, after he had raised an ample fortune from the stage, gave his pains to the public for many years, without any pay : " whence Cicero urges it as incredible, that he who, in ten years might have gained some thou- sand pounds, which he refused, should be tempt- ed to commit a fraud for the paltry sum of four hundred. See Pro Roscio, 8. Such, sir, was the famous Roscius, and such his gratitude towards the Roman people. Now let me ask, "Quid noster Roscius egit?" Per- haps the comparison may not be hked, but what is that to me ? Let the vain tyrant sit amidst his guards, His puny green-room wits and venal bards, Who meanly tremble at the puppet's frown, And ybr a playhouse freedom lose their oxvni In spite of new made laws and new made kings, The freeborn muse with liberal spirit sings. Bow down, yc slaves ! before these idols fall. Let genius stoop to them who've none at all. J\Ve/" will IJiatter^ cringe^ or bend the knee, To those, who, slaves to all, are slaves to me. Churchill. ^I must declare, sir, that I am truly astonished at the exhorbitant sums which have been paid to Appendix.] coyent garden journal. 681 players, opera-singers, opera-dancers, &c. but I hope and believe that the public now begin to see this subject in its proper light. That learned writer, Dr. Adam Smith, in his inestimable work, " The Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations," vol. 1. p. 157, draws the character of these people with his usual know- ledge and discernment, and he tells us, *' thaty when the public opinion begins to alter, xvith regard to such occupations, their pecuniary recompense will quickly diminish. More people will apply to them, and the competition will quickly reduce the price of their labours. Such talents, thougl^ far from being common, are by no, means so rare as imagined. Many people possess them in great perfection, who disdain to make this use of then), and mjany more are capable of acquiring them, if any thing could be m^At honourably hy them," Let us hope, then, that the time is now arrived, when the public opinion does begin to alter with regard to such occupations ; and let us hope that this alteration will deter gentlemen from quitting the noble profession of the law, and even the solemn duties of the church, (for such has been the case,) for the business of the stage; particu- larly when it is considered, however great a per- son's talents in this way, yet, *^ the exercise of them,ybr the sake of gain, is but a sort of public prostitution. " See Dr. Ad. Smith, ubi supra. I am $orry to perceive, sir, thdi fghters arc 682 covENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Appendix. still sent into the theatre ; and I find, that now they do not hesitate to knock down all before them. It is notorious that orders are issued, every morning to various persons, who, in the evening, are collected in a body and introduced into the theatre, with directions " not to ht "very nice*' with such as dare to express their disappro- bation of the conduct of the managers. I am far from being one who would encourage or assist the least disturbance in a theatre, or any other place ; but I cannot help thinking, that the con- duct of some persons, from the time of opening the theatre up to this moment, has been such as the public at large can never sanction or approve. Remember, sir, that Roscius did not treat the Romans with ingratitude and insult ; but, after he had raised an ample fortune from the stage, he gave his pains to the public for many years without my pay^ I am. Sir, &c. &c. An Englishman, Nov. 14, I8O9. No. 117. — Ship-News Extraordinary, (Morning Chronicle, Nov. 14, I8O9.) O P Month. Came in the Rattle-snake, Pla- card, Catcall, and Bugle, gun- boats, from a chase Appendix.] covent garden journal. 683 after the Imp€rieu.v, 50-gun ship, which, it will be remembered, captured, in the confusion of a fire, in one of our out-ports, some time since, the famous Old Priceian frigate. These vessels were attacked in the Pit Straits by some of the ene- my's men of war^ which, however, they heat off. In Dungeoness bay, they struck upon the Bran- don rocks, and all of them sprang leaks; they must have inevitably gone to the bottom, but for very expeditious bailing. Indeed, several smaller boats which accompanied - them, among which was the ** Mary Austin, " and which were not so well manned, parted company; but it is hoped the Subscription, 300-gun ship, which is sent out after them, will be the means of their recovery. The inhumanity of the port-admiral, Gramean- read, cannot be too strongly censured ; who, being himself on shore at Dungeoness bay, and seeing the distress of three smaller vessels, yet committed them to the fury of the elements. It being sus- pected that the above Pit Straits are infectious, from the noisome stench of the sharks who have lately infested those seas, all ships coming from thence are put under strict quarantine for one hundred, or even sometimes for five hundred, days, by the N P /f^rZ> d. Indkidually from the Mr. W. Anderson, Members. The chairman, Sam. • 1 1 jun. ••••....•... 1 W. T. a friend to A Wright, Esq. .... 1 A\Hn .......... 1 1 UlllO •••....... 1 Sir Wm. Rawlins .. 1 The mite of an op- Lewis Gilson 1 pressed actor .... 5 Peter Scholey 1 One of the public . . 3 ThomasKearsey.. •• 1 No hired ruffians or David Laing 1 builders of brothels 1 1 Godfrey Scholey.. .. 1 Mr. P. Butler, of James VVardle 1 Shorncliff 1 1 James Lay ton 1 No excessive bail • . 1 John Nichols ...... l W. S. M. 1 1 An enemy to unjusti- A Pitite, served out fiable i4»i| J r* '. iiJiVi i; 'Mjth fhUt^f SCRAPS. To the Israelites in the Pit. " Cease, cease, the public here to knock, sirs, The pit was never made for boxers." New Seats and new Prices. " Surely, the manager devoid of grace is. He pigeons both our pockets and our places. " " Mendoza, it is said, expressed the high sense of his displeasure, at serving up such a treat ta his Jewish brethren, on a night of their attend- ance, as the Flitch of Bacon. " '^ A new tragedy is talked of, called * The Ma- nager in Distress. ' It is said to be founded upon Mr. K 's application to a certain noble lord, and the threat of prosecution for keeping a disorder It/ house. " " Upon examining the orders issued to the Jews, they have been all found to be written on fool's-cap paper. 800 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [SciapS. " In consequence of the great requisition of the police at the theatre, robberies are reported to be very frequent on the roads in the vicinage of the metropoHs." Quotation from Hamlet, " Let the doors be shut upon them, that they may play th^ fool no where but in their own houses." *' In consequence of the general hoarseness in town, occasioned by a clamour for old prices, the confectioners, it is said, have determined, in the sale of their pectoral lozenges, to follow Mr. Kem- ble's plan, by charging an advance." " A man, interested for the managers, having attempted to wrest a horn out of the hand of an OP, the wag instantly exclaimed — ** Let my horn alone, you've got two of your own /" vjjoii *' Such M^as the fondness of our forefathers for dramatic entertainments, that there were no fewer than nineteen playhouses open in this metropolis, at different periods, previous to the y^ar l633, when Prynne published his *' Histrio Mastrix," which had the effect of suppressing them during the reign of hypocrisy and fanaticism. Six playhouses were allowed to be open at one time, during the reign of Charles IL viz. Scraps.] covENT garden journal, 801 One at Blackfriers, for the king's company^ The Globe, on the Bank-side. The Bull, in St. John's Street. One in SaHsbury-Court. The Fortune and the Cockpit in Drury- Lane." ** In Shakespeare's time, the prices of admission to the Globe theatre were — boxes Is. pit, 6d. and (as is mentioned in Beaumont and Fletcher's pro- logue to the Woman-Hater,) gallery 2d." " An officer of the guards, upon the temporary cessation of hostile acts, by the O Ps, wittily said — "EfFodiuntur opes irritamenta malorum.'* The pun lies upon the word in italics, which means *' riches '* in Latin. The translation is — The OPs, the occasion of all mischief, have been routed out." " Sir William Curtis, M. P. presented, in the present session of parliament, a petition from cer- tain persons of the city of London, for leave to raise the sum of ^200,000, to be expended in the erection of a third theatre. We understand that a counter-petition is in progress from the common council." " Dudfield, the druggist's shopman, was lately nonsuited for informality in the declaratory part 3e 802 GO VENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [ScrapS. of an action, which he brought against Mr. Read, for taking excessive bail. We understand that his expenses, on this occasion, cannot be less than one hundred and twen ty pounds /*! > . i . . . . . . : ** An advertisement has appeared in the Morn- ing Chronicle, of 1 0th March, 1810, desiring that those persons, who may have any claim upon the fund established for the benefit of persons consi- dered unjustly prosecuted by the managers, will bring them forward. Mr. Dudfield's case will, no doubt, come under the distinction of legal EXPENSES, set forth in this advertisement." ..:... .! :..' . ' i 'jiij v ■,:,-... iiwiji.cr^o'j ; "Mrv Brandon,' it has been said, sometime pre- vious to the final cessation of hostilities, declared, at the Welkin, in Broad-Court, Bow-Street, that he should not be much concerned if the theatre were torn to pieces, as his employers would cer- tainly come upon the county for the damages HI" -i'y.:, iiicrii fi«.ijil')(f r» Jnorni:{fTnq lo ^c>lr<'y^1^o^'^iCt . *' A wag being asked by his friend, in th^,tliea- tm, I why he did not wear an OP ?nedal,~-'' Oh ! j(replied the wit) I have long ceased to meddle in «ueh;aflfeirs." ..ci^yi^i^-u^ m ci no.ji.:.:.,''iujnijoo i: "" l'- iTf rtCrO " When the bonnet-wags first appeared in the pit of Covent Garden Theatre, a gentleman, who had seen si]i^h things during the revolution ia Scraps.] covENT garden journal. 803 France, observed, that he thought the person who wore it might more properly divide with the Mountain (i, e. gallery) party." *' From the late symptoms of opposition lo the manager of the opera, it is supposed that the fre- quenters of the drama are imitating those who op- pose the minister. Indeed it is not improbable but we shall soon hear of theatrical whigs and tories." " What a pity it is that the O Ps were deprived of Mr. F-ll-r's exertions on their side ! He, who could fearlessly attack the sp — r of one house, would feel little hesitation in assaulting the man — r of the other." ** The following is an extract from the reply of Mr. Whitbread to the ministerial party in parlia- ment, on the question of Lord Chatham's narra- tive: — 'An honourable and learned gentleman has been pleased to terni this side of the house the O P party ; I concede to the honourable member the truth and applicability of his designation. We truly are so; J or, as the O Ps had evidently the law on their side^ so have we the constitution." Some estimate may be formed of the numbers of the non-paper audience, during the late contest, from the produce of a free benefit, given, as has been already specified, on the night of the royal 3£ 2 804 cavENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Scraps. JUBILEE, to the society for the relief of prisoners for small debts : the amount was only £56 : 18 :6, and it seems not to have been paid into the funds of the society until the 7th Feb. 1810. It looks strange that the due appropriation should have been delayed above a quarter of a year ! Editor. " In gentlemens* chambers, sure every one knows, We've always a bag to receive dirty clothes; At the theatre now, should you dare put your chin in, The case is quite chang'd — 'tis a box for foul linen r Morning Chronicle. " While the public insist on their right to O P, And the managers stick to their text of N O, Thro' the one and the other, 'tis as clear as U C, In the place of a play, we must witness R O." Morning Chronicle. " Since nought can appease Johnny Bull but O P, And the promis'd suppression of every P B ; The playhouse, no doubt, will continue M T, For king John has proclaim'd, he'll be sooner D D." Morning Chroniclit FINALE. A DIALOGUE IN THE SHADES, SCENE— LETHE, A PUMP-ROOM. The ghosts of Garrick, Macklin, Foote, Dr. Johnson, Quin, and other eminent wits, sitting with glasses in their hands. — They all join in the following chorus. Let us yet suspend the drinking Of this stream, dissolving care ; Pleasure must arise from thinking What we are and what we were.. Garrick. — Heard the news, my light-bodied cousins, hey ! from the upper Jlies, hey ? Johnson. — What now, friend David? it should seem as though you received intelligence that your favourite Jubilee has been revived at Stratford. I am concerned that our friend Shakspeare is not present to receive the high- flown congratulations of your hilarity. Garrick. — Jubilee^ indeed ! why so it was 80b covi.NT GARDEN JOURNAL. [Finale. indeed, — hey ! Sam. Do you know Sam, that a monstrous cenotaph has been erected to the me- mory of our immortal bard, and the orgies have been extremely classical. Vale, vale, vale, which in good round English may be rendered — off ! off! off'! has been the constant accompaniment to the orchestra dirges this month back. Johnson. — Pray descend from your stilts; or I may be inclined to remark, in disparagement of your comprehensibility, what a wit said formerly in reconciling your powers to your size — " Gar- rick's six feet high." Do you really mean to tell me that a cenotaph has been erected on the occa- sion you mention. Yes, the radix of the word is Jt£^o?, vacuus, and Ta ill' POSTSCRIPT. The Publisher and Editor of the preceding compound begs to inform his Readers, that this Work was pubhshed in Weekly Numbers, with the following short address superadded at the top of each wrapper. "As the Editor's chief inducement for adopting this mode of publication is, in case he should have misrepresented any circumstance, that he may have an opportunity to correct it during the progress of the work, he especially sohcits the reader, who may discover an erroneous statement, to favour him with the means of making it correct." While the Work was going through the press, he also inserted advertisements in the newspapers, *^ that, wishing to give every opportunity for the correction of any error into which he may have fallen, in the Covent Garden Journal, he intends to delay the publication of the last number until the 28th of April, with a view to the insertion therein of any authentic information he may re- ceive on the subject." 816 COVENT GARDEN JOURNAL. [PostscHpt. The limited time having now elapsed without his receipt of a single communication, on the sub- ject of his advertisement, that was not compli- mentary to his execution of the task which he had undertaken, he conceives that he may fairly venture to presume, that he has succeeded in compiling a full, faithful, and satisfactory account of this singular and long-pending contest be- tween the Proprietors of Covent Garden Tlieatre and the Public Pall-Mall, April C8, 1810. ^ THE END. Galabin and iNlaicliant, Printers, Ingram-Court, Loudon. 14 DAY USE RETURN TO DESK FROM WHICH BORROWED LOAN DEPT. This book is due on the last date stamped below, or on the date to which renewed. Renewed books are subject to immediate recall. 'i. OCV56KK liV/»»**" ^ ci iournal GENERAL LIBRARY -U.C. BERKELEY Boomioia? ^^^m mt. 'MM 7 ^J m^ ^ -" m