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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (March 12, 1893)
18 HOW THE BRITISH ( MM IT Restrictions Under Which Electric Lighting Companies Are Operated ' * PERFECTION OF MUNICIPAL CONTROL Ziutructlre I'aprrnn Ilrltluli Klertrlo I. Inft l.oglntntlon lijr Victor Uoionrmler A liavleur of Knnctmtnti on tlio Huliject. The Columbia Law Times presents a valuable paper under the caption "British Electric Lighting Legislation" by Mr Victor Itosowntcr , ns follows : The present widespread agitation for municipal activity in various lines of public ecrvlcc , such as water works , gas works , nnil electric lighting , lias raised sovcr.il points of legal Interpretation which have not received deserved attention. In our system of munici pal government , under expressly delegated authority , it has been hold that a general grant of power to provide for lighting the streets docs not necessarily carry with it the power to Incur Indebtedness or levy taxa tion for the purjioso of erecting an electric lighting plant ( Spauldlng vs Pealxxly , 153 Mass. , I2'J ) . This doctrine then requires a s ] > ccal ! legislative act to enablu n city to vcn- turo upon such tin undertaking. Such IcgU- latlon has recently made Its appcaranco In several of our commonwealths ( Massachus etts , Nebraska , Pennsylvania. Washington ) , but only after private ror | > oratlons Imvo pre empted the Hold In advance of the munici palities. In Great Hritnln , on the other hand , the legislation preceded the Introduc tion of the electric lighting Itself. A survey of the British enactments governing the sub- led may prove of Interest to American legis lators. Long iKjforo the practical application of electricity to the put-K | > so 'of illumination , Great Britain had recognised the true char acter of u number of the monopolies of serv ice , and had restricted and regulated the pursuit of these Industries. The line of legislation had been to give local authorities the right , on complying with certain con ditions , to supply their own service. The monopolistic character of electric lighting was seen at the tlmo of Its Introduction , and immediately legislation was decided u | > on In order to prevent possible abuses. The re sults of this eourso of notion have teen variously interpreted , as favorable or un favorable , by the different classe" affected. The most noticeable cITect was to delav the progress of that industry In Great B.Maln , inasmuch as the conditions prescribed pre vented an amount of speculative experiment which otherwise might have been expected. On the other hand , the tolectrle lighting in dustry is now making rapid strides in Great Britain after the expenses of costly experi ments liavo been paid by other countries. The statutes relating to this subject are known as the electric lighting acts , 1882 and 1883 , They comprise two parts the main enactment passed in 188" and a supplementary uct , which became a law in 1888 , amending and adding to the provisions of the first. The purpose of the legislation is expressed In the title of the act of IbS'Jt "To facilitate nnd .regulate the supply of electricity for lighting and other purposes in Great Britain and Ireland. " It is intended to provide for the authorization of individuals , corpora tions and municipalities to undertake electric lighting , and also to regulate the mechanical s'do of the business , such as the laying of lines and the construction of the plant. The Board of Trade is designated as the agency through which the provisions of the act arc to bo carried out , and its members are granted con-idcrablu administrative- freedom and a wide discretion in performing the functions assigned to them. Power to supply electricity for public or private purposes within any area may bo con ferred by the Board of Trade upon any local authority , company or person liiitwo ways- cither by granting a license or by issuing a provisional order. Licenses are subject to specified provisions. The consent of every local authority having jurisdiction in the area , or any part of the area , to which it Is sought to furnish elec tricity , is required to the application , and the local authority is empowered to give such consent under whatever conditions may incut the approval of the Board of Trade. The license is valid for a period of seven years , but may ho renewed from time to time for a like period upon consent of the same body as agreed to Us ilrst grant. The initial Issue of ttio 1100113013 hedged about witli conservative restrictions. Notice of every application must bo adver tised in sueli manner as the board may direct. The license must not be granted until after the expiration of three months from the date of first publication , nor until oppor tunity has been given nil parties Interested to make representations or objections to the board with reference to the application. The consent of the local authority , furthermore , must bo by resolution passed at a special meeting of such authority , held after one month's previous notice of the time and pur pose of the meeting. Yet a license may au thorize a local authority to supply electricity in an area not included in its own district ; and the conditions underwhlch the supply of electricity is to bo compulsory or permissive are to bo stated in the regulations attached to the license. Provisional orders differ from licenses mainly In the fact that the consents required for the latter are dispensed with and also that they , before being valid , need to bo con firmed by act of Parliament. It is the usage of the Board of Trade to grant authority to supply electricity only by means of provi sional orders ; yet the supplementary act of 1882 has taken away largely the distinction in regard to the consents requiroJ. The lan guage of the last mentioned statute is ex plicit and emphatic , especially in respect to thu grant of provisional orders to any company or local authority to supply electricity in an area where the local authority having Jurisdiction has refused Its consent. The law reads : "Not withstanding anything in the electric lightIng - Ing act , 181)2 ) , no provisional order authoris ing the supply of electricity by any under takers within the district of any local authority shall bo granted by the Board of . , Trade except with the consent of such local authority , unless the Board of Trade in any case In which the consent of such local authority Is refused , are of the opinion that , having regard to nil thu circumstances of the case. , such consent ought to bo dispensed with , and in such case they shall make a special report stating the grounds upon which they have dispensed with such con sent. The grant of authority to any under takers to supply electricity within any area , whether granted by lircnso or by means of a provisional order , shall not In any way hin der or restrict the granting of a license or provisional order to the local authority , or to any other company or person within the area. " The puVjwso of this clause is mani festly to preserve , as far as possible , the spirit of local self-government ; but it has another beneficial result. While for economy and ofllcicncy It Is highly dcblrablo that local authorities , already the possessors of gas undertakings , should also have the power to establish electric lighting plants , they should not be allowed to play "dog In the manger , " and In order to con tinue the profits of ono enterprise prevent progress in the line of the more recent in vention. Thus a remedy is provided for arbi trary use of unrestricted power to grantor withhold the supply of electricity. In other respects , provisional orders are subject to the same provisions which apply to licenses ; also the further condition of requiring con firmation by Parliament. Defrayal of any expenses Incurred by a local authority under the act , including any expenses Incurred in the obtaining by them or in opHsltlon | to the obtaining by any other body , of any license , order or special act , Is to bo provided for by the local rates. A local authority empowered to supply electricity Is also authorized to borrow money from tlmo to time on conditions provided by law , and in certain cases thu sums may bo raised by the Issue of corporation stock. Accounts must bo open toinspection and an annual state- meut rendered to the Hoard of Trade. Uixm the Hoard of Trade , also , the duty is imposed to subject the undertakers to regulations upon the following subjects , to be Inserted In the order or license : The limits within which the supply of electricity is compulsory or permissive ; the securing a regular and ef ficient supply ; the safety of the publin in person anil property ; limitation of prices , niul any other matters deemed desirable. Minute i csirictions are provided by statute on breaking up streets , railways and tram- Ava.vs , provisions for protection of canals , and a prohibition from prescribing the use of uny 8i > cclul form of lamp or burner. A num ber of clause * uro ulxo devoted to the protec tion of the lolcgroph wires under control of the postmaster general. Penalties nro pro vided against Injury of oloctrlo lighting works j stealing or wanton waste of elec tricity Is declared punishable as simple iar ccny. Overhead wires have been absolutely prohibited. Those who supply electricity act In a public capacity , and are , in t certain sense , publlo corporations , It is on this ac count that the law of 18S2 enacts that where a supply of electricity Is provided In any area every person or company within that part of the area shall , on application , bo entitled to a supply on the same terms on which any other .icrson or corporation is en titled under similar circumstances to ft cor- rcsixnidlng supply. Discrimination as to charges , as well as to persons , Is positively forbidden , The undertakers are not to show Any undue preference to any local authority , company or person , nor , in case payment of the charges Is refused , is the electricity to bo cut off longer than such charges remain unpaid. Whcro undertakers other than the local authority having Jurisdiction In any area have obtained power to supply electricity , provision has been made to retain to the local authority thu right to purchase the plant at the end of n definite period'of time. By the act of 1882 , this period was stated to bo twenty-olio years , with the right to pur- chuso recurring at the expiration of every seven years thereafter , unless some shorter l > erlod U specified in the application for the provisional order. The period thus stipu lated was said to bo too short for the "prudent investor , " and was the principal cause of the supplementary act which re pealed this section in favor of an arrange ment more liberal to the private corporations. Not only is the first period extended materially , but also the tlmo for the recur rence of the option of purchase. The act of 1883 provides that any local authority whoso jurisdiction extends to the area supplied with electricity by any undertakers may , by notice In writing , require such under takers to sell their undertaking at "tho then value of all lands , buildings , works , ma terials and plant suitable to and used by them for the purpose of their undertaking , " within six months after the expiration of a period of forty-two years from the date of passing the act confirming the .provisional orderand within six months after the expira tion of every subsequent period of ten years , unless some shorter period is specified in that behalf in the provisional order. The terms of purchase are further set forth in order to prevent any misunder standing between the parties. A writer In the I < ondon Tirc.es says , In referring to this : 'If a local authority not having the pluck to un dertake an electric-lighting order itself , has the meekness to face a virtual monopoly for forty-two years , the privilege of the company or promoters will then cease , and their plant , materials and work can bo purchased on terms. Yet is Is , perhaps , too soon to assert the reasonableness of the terms with abso lute confidence. " The difficulty arises in in terpreting the term , "tho then value. " Ac cording to the statute , the value of such lands , etc. , Is to bo their fair market value at the time of purchase , due regard being had to the nature and then condition of the buildings , works , materials and plant , to their state of repair , to the circumstances that they arc in a position ready for immedi ate working , to their suitability to the pur pose of the undertaking , and where n part only of the undertaking is purchased , to any loss occasioned by severance. Hut no addi tion Is to bo made "in respect of compulsory purchase or of good will , or of any profit which may or might have been , or bo made from the undertaking , or of any similar considerations. " Sir Thomas Parrer , in giv ing evidence on this subject in 1883 , stated It us his opinion that the words meant that the plant was not to bo treated as old copper , but ns wires and dynamos serviceable for the undertaking. A similar clause in the tram ways act , l&TO. has been interpreted to sig nify the purchase of the works ns a part of "a going concern , " but this , too , is an am biguous element of value. While Parliament no doubt intended to give the capitalist a period of forty-two years secure for his in vestment and to nssuro him n reasonable price for his undertaking If purchased by the local authority at the end of that period , it is evident that , since in forty-two years the plant may bo altogether unsuitable to Its purpose , having regard to the advance In electrical matters In that time , the statute has not made the attainment of its purpose entirely certain. The local authority , by ob taining the provisional order itself , can a void all such inconveniences , to say the least ; and if it could transfer its powers under such order , upon such terms as it could make , it could sucuro electric lighting Oven If the state of its finances or the disposition of its citizens prevented it from operating the plant directly. This Is what u recent decision of the Board of Trade has enabled local authorities to do , and to this result the present largo number of applications for provisional orders is ascribed. The electric lighting net , 1882 , while allowing any local authority which has ob tained a license or order for the supply of electricity to contract for the maintenance and execution of any works needed for the purpose of such supply , prohibited the local authority from transferring by contract or assignment , to any other company or person , any legal powers given them or any legal liabilities imposed upon them "without the consent of the Board of Trade. " The act as first drafted was absolutely pro hibitive , but the words quoted above were added in the House of Lords. This placed all discretion in the Board of Trade. Though individual orders had previously included the power of transfer , the board excluded such a clause from their model order constructed in Ib'.K ) . This aroused the various muni cipalities to their interests , and upon representation to the board the model onlcr was chanced. Accordingly , the electric lighting orders now allow the undertakers to transfer , with the approval of the Board of Trade , their powers , duties and liabilities upon specified terms and for a definite period. Notice of the deed of transfer must , how ever , bo advertised. The clause appears to be limited to powers , duties and liabilities , and not to extend to any lands or works , and thus gives the transfer the character of a lease. Any differences arising under the opera tion of thu act arc to bo adjusted by arbitra tion ; the arbitrators to bo nominated by the Board of Trade on application of either party. The decisions thus reached nro final , and the expenses of arbitration must bo berne and paid as the nrblt'-ator directs. The ultimate authority of Parliament is maintained by re quiring the Board of Trade to report annu ally to both houses of Parliament its pro ceedings , and the applications made under the operation of the act. From this sketch it is seen that British legislation upon the subject of municipal electric lighting is most comprehensive. Until very recently its action has been mainly restrictive ; its influence is to bo ex pected in a more marked degree during the next few years. The latest reports indicate an activity in municipal lighting circles at least equaling that observed in this country. Advertising Htnrtvil It , .HrritMiule It 1'up- ulnr. Dr. T. P. Hutibcll , who Is engaged in the drug business at Wolcott , Vt. , says : "Ad vertising started the sale on Chamberlain's Cough Remedy here , but it now sells on Its merits , and all who use It speak highly of It. " When troubled with a cough or cola , give It n trial anJ you will bo more than pleased with the result. It is also a certain euro for croup In children. CO cent bottles for sale by druggists.o Floriculture In the United StutcK. At the annual mooting in Washington hibt August there wore ' . ' ,000 members in attoiulnnco. Forty million dollars Is in vested in the business in thu union , and the sales lust year uro entitimted at over $20,000,000. When it is rememborcd that the Horlst's business is chiolly uon- tined to cut llowors and plants f or decora tive purposes , nays Median's Monthly , thu liiimotisityof the business is astound ing. In many cases ttio demand is from more fashion , and does not represent real lloral love , but much of it is from real lovo. Thu 1'amity rhydclun. Patient As wo have known each other so lot ) ! , ' , doctor , I do not intend to insult you by paying your bill. Hut I have loft yqu u Imndsomo legacy in my will. " Physician Vorv kind of you , I am sure. Allow mo to look at that pro scription again : there Is u slight altera tion I should like to make in it. " In the United States and Cauada six out of every ten men who have reached the ago of BO are unmarried. " ECHOES FROM THE ANTE ROOM Discussing the Thrco Degrees of Ancient Draft Masonry. SCOTTISH RITE MASONRY IS UNIVERSAL Hut It Ilanr * to ( Irnnd Lodge * of I'rco nnd Accrpteil MiMons U'ooilmen of tltn \Vorld drawing Note * of .tinny Societies. Rev. Thomas B. Long , chairman of the committee on foreign correspondence for the grand lodge of Indiana , In reply to the asser tion of Brother Jackson of Delaware , that "nothing is ancient except the three sym bolic degrees , and anything that Is not ancient is no good , " answers ns follows : Taking his own position that .symbolic Masonry N nn Institution perfect and com plete In Itself , nnd can have no "body" but Its own organization of the three degrees , It must follow tlmt as long as the Order of Knighthood < ir lu principles are not brought Into thu ritual or ceremonies of the lodge the brother who nilmlrcs them and .supports and practices them In thulr separate organlratlonstls not Making any "Innovations In thu body of .Masonry. " And this applies with equal force to Ciiultular and Cryptic Masonry. It Is quite too late In this IIKU of the Masonic world to lunoru or closu the eye upon the fact that there exists a grand system of freemasonry u great part of which Is not the "body" the master U en joined not to permit Innovations In. In vari ous parts ot this great system symbolism , religion , history and philosophy nru thu sub jects of study more elaborate than In the lodge , though nothing that Is taught In Symbolic. Masonry Is denied or abrogated. In tnn .seeond of tficbo extracts lie denies the unt luulty of Chapter Masonry , but asiurts tlmt of all three degrees of the lodgo. Hu will scarcely deny that originally thuro was but one degree , and , ns there are throe now , ( hero must have been some Innovation In the body of .Masonry at some time. Hut assuming that his position on this point would bo that the Injunction referred to l.s applicable only to Masonry slncu Its division Into tlireo degrees and Its organization Into that form , then ho can go hut little. If any distance , back of thu "Revival" In 1717 for his claim that It Is this orgnnl/.atlon of tlireo degrees that constitutes Ancient Craft Masonry. U will hardly ho denied by him that the Itoyal Arch degree was In these eaily times a part of the third degree , at least to I ho extent that Its pilnclplcs and teachings became a portion of thu useful knowledge , Imparted to thu master , for this Is the consensus of opinion of all Masonic scholars. If this , then. Is trne.lt must have been a part of Ancient Craft .Masonry , and Its subsequent elimination from thu thlid degree Is wholly Inadequate to destroy Its antiquity. It Is nn existing faet , also , that Its formation Into a separate degree appears less that twunty-flvo years after the period of the "Ite- vlval. Pages upon pages could bo written to prove Its ancient character , If the degree of Master Mason Is ancient Itself. Thu universality of 'Symbolic ' Masonry Is , perhaps , equaled , if not surpassed , liy the uni versality of Scottish Kite Masonry , which has made successful lodgment In every Important country In the world : and It.s universality Is also that of Symbolic Masonry , bccauso In most of the nations of thu world It Is dominant and Kin such. In lawful possession of thu three degrees of the lodge. Wherever , however - over , thi'io Is a grand lodguof 1'ree and Ac cepted Masons legitimate Scottish Kite Ma sonry abandons all claims to these degrees and acknowledges thu Jurisdiction of such grand lodge over them. Thu Scottish Kilo l.s a component part of the great system referred to , and as such promulgates and perpetuates thu threu degrees of Ancient Craft Masonry where they are not under thu control of grand lodges , thus propagating and preserving them In portions of thu earth where they would otherwise bn lost or never ho Introduced. Vet the degrees and orders of thu Scottish Kite would doubtless also bu classed as "not legltl- iiuitu" by Ilrothur Jackson. There uro enough frivolous degrees whosu existence can be de precated , and which have no place In Masonic history , to bo so designated , without calling those of time-honored organizations "sldu du- . " The Interests of Symbolic Masonry o not require It. Knights of 1'ytlilns. Tuesday evening of this week the members of Lillian temple , Pythian Sisters , of South Omaha , will entertain their friends in royal style. A program of literary and musical numbers has been prepared , and it includes some of the best talent in the Magic City. Following the rendition of the program will be n calico ball , and it will certainly bo en joyable. The Uniform Rank is now established in every state nnd territory and each of the British provinces on this continent. Ono of the provisions with regard to the now ritual is that a candidate must pass a successful examination In his knowledge of the worlc of ono rank before ho can bo nd- vanced.to another. This serves to keep the boys up on rank work and everything is to be gained by it. Supreme Chancellor Blackwell has de cided that any member of tbo order can be come a member of the Pythian Sisters with out conflicting with his obligation. A largo number of the knights will now avail them selves of the opportunity .to become members of the sisterhood. Grand Chancellor Dorn of Ohio has re ceived protests from all lodges in that state working In foreign languages against the supreme premo lodge ruling that all lodges should use no other ritual than these printed in the English language. At the mooting last month of the grand lodge of Maryland , the report of the grand keeper of record nnd seals showed that In the Jurisdiction are ninety-nine lodges , with a membership of 7,033. The lodgt ) appropri ated $70,000 to erect a now hall on the site of the present Ono. The style of architecture will bo Gothic , and the building will have all modern conveniences. Woodmen of th < ! World. The camp recently instituted at Columbus is enjoying an era of prosperity. Sovereign Deputy Worthy Master Noble has ilnlshcd the work of recruiting members for the camp. Among the membership is to be found some of the leading citizens of the place and the entire membership Is enthusi astic and takes a deep interest in the worlc. With such favorable circumstances a bright future is certainly before the camp , and the doubling of the membership is expected to bo recorded soon. The attempt to rejuvenate the South Omaha camp has been abandoned for the present. It started with a largo member ship and the outlook was bright , but some thing went wrong and the members lost in terest in camp work and the inevitable result followed. One of these days in the near future the right man will take hold of the matter and wako up these Magio City dere licts and there will bo a camp established in the burg of pork that will be a hummer. The members of Alpha camp of this city are reaching out for the 1,000 mark , and they will bo successful in a short tlmo , New applications are pouring in and cand ? dates are Initiated at each meeting. At each meeting the camp's hall Is crowded with members and the beauty of It is that the mem bers seem never to tire of being present and take a deep Interest in the work. It is such a spirit that builds up strong organizations , and Alpha camp Is very fortunate in having its membership made up with that kind of material. Ancient Order of United Workmen. From all parts of the state from the ofll- cors of the local lodges come reports of the most encouraging nature. The state oftlcers of the order are well pleased with the out look , which is very bright. Applications for now charters nro frequent and now lodges uro springing into existence in ovary direc tion. The growth of the order in Nebraska is not spasmodic , but steady and healthful , the same as has characterized it since it wasIlrst established in Nebraska. The membership of this jurisdiction now reaches nearly 8,000 and It Is climbing steadily up. The latest addition is a now lodge at Amherst - horst , which was ushered into existence recently and under the most auspicious cir cumstances , and it gives promise of u long and useful life. A masquerade ball was recently given by the members of Unchurch lodge. Degree of Honor , of South Omaha and it was a very successful affair , socially and Unanclally , Uoyul Ieugue. Omaha council No. 05 of the Royal League completed the installation of officers for the current year at Its last regular meeting , Mr. D. Cameron , superintendent of the Cud- ahy Packing company , succeeded himself us chief otllcer of the council. The secretary read eighteen applications for membership , after which Mr. William Cox , the orator of the council , read in that style peculiar to himself and much to the In terest of these present , the humorous selec tion , "How Ruby Played the Piano. " "While members are aware of the insurance features MONDAY'S BUDGET OF GET-THERE BARGAINS Black Silks. Black Silks. A fine lot just received in all qualities. Guaranteed to give satisfaction. We will make good any reasonable claim within six months of purchase if they do not AT wear. These are the most reliable silks made. THESE ARE EXTRA VALUE : Black Surah ' . 75c Black Gros Grain $1.00 Black Taffeta. 65c ' Peau de Sole $1.25 Ladies' muslin Alma Royal. . . , $1.50 drawers , trimmed Armure $1.50 500 assorted after with fancy tucks , Faille Francaise $1,25 dinner coffees , all torchon lace. Cam \OOdifferent styles of new shapes , styles and bric drawers with fine China Silks at decorations , actually embroidery and lace worth from 500 to $1.35 $1.OO trimmings , worth 750 , butte . each ; we close the lot to make you well acquainted They are worth $1.25. Monday at 390 each. with our underwear depart lUiAUTITL'L CHINA ment on second floor , Monday , 3c. he Samson of Bargains Dinner Plates Ladies' Robes,1 FRENCH 100 dozen of them , Night , in all the newjspring Yoke of fine insertion lace , ORGANDIES colorings and dc- * hemstitching , tucking1 , neck corations ; these arc and sleeves edged with em goods that you have never broidery , v-shaped , with lace1 bought under $4 ; Monday you and solid tucking , etc. This take your choice for $1.90 a line has never sold less than dozen. 32 inches wide , regular 23c goods. Buy thorn dozen Vienna $1,25 and $1.50 ; our introduction early is our ndvico ; not more tlmn 112 yards to a cus 50 china tea tion saleprice , 68c. tomer. cups and saucers ; just as ' thin , just as pretty , just as Ladies' Skirts Monday1 and all good as Haviland ; there the week make of very fine muslin , with we are as many as too different the following grand ruffle of tucked and ferent decorations to inducements for to you choose from hemstitched cambric ; , and half also , with embroid visit our that number of dif- ery ruffle ; theyjire CLOAK AND SUIT shapes ; $5 worth § 1.35 and is the ruling price $1.50 ; price for" rooms on third floor. the world over ; this line to introduce Monday they . FOR REEFER. FRONT JACKET with pleated troduce our FORff \ back and very largo sleeves , all wool , in go at , per I 1 1 I navy , black , brown , tan , at new depart oV/U1 Special Price $5.00. dozen. ment on Ono lot of INDIA SILK WAISTS worth $0.00 ouch , for Monday's spoclul induce- ONLY $3.00 ad floor . , m niont sale , $3.00 each. % > > CHILDREN'S ALL WOOL REEFERS in navy , ' * & ff FOR $2.50 black and tan , si/es from 4 to 12 years. Special prlco for . Monday $2.50. AND being hi the load of all fraternal societies , It is earnestly requested they attend the reRU- lar meetings and enjoy the social benefits which are becoming so prominent. Council meets In TUB BEP. building Friday , March 17. THK All tastes theatrical are to bo tickled la Omaha this week. , A notable week. The attractions run from pantomime to Shakespearian tragedy , with legiti mate drama and high class com edy between , from "Eight Bells" and "Su- porba" to "Julius Caesar , " "L'Abslntheur" and "Captain Lettarblair. " And , what Is particularly gratifying , the very best ex ponents of their art In these varying lines are to urcsent the attractions. Special men tion Is deserved of the fact that at the Farnain "Julius Cii-sar" will bo put on with all of the late Lawrence Barrett's magnifi cent scenery and appointments , while the "popular" ' prices of the house will not bo raised ; this Manager Burgess insisted on In his negotiations with Mr. Hanford's manager , and the fact should be appreciated. The now edition of "Superba" will bo presented at the Boyd at the normal prices also. Ono of the steadily and largely prospering theatrical enterprises of the current season isEight Bells , " a capital nautical and pantomimio comedy , which comes to the Farnam Street theater for four nights com mencing with today's matinee ; also a special rnajlneo on Wednesday at popular prices. The Brothers Byrne are clover , and considered by many at the present time as the representative pantomimic acrobatic comedians of the country. There Is a little bit of everything in "Eight Bells. " The Now York Sun's critic characterized It "a genuine stage wonder. " In the second act a largo ship is wrecked , and rolls over and over whllo three of its passengers scramble for dear life , which not only de lights the audience , but is a sure cure for the blues. Bright music and rol licking fuu abound throughout the play and the theater always resounds with merri ment. This laughing success Is in three acts , and ample opportunity Is given the Brothers Byrne and their company to dis play their peculiar talents , Prominent In the company are Willa'rd I ee , C. F. Herbert , Holcno Byrne , Daisy Sttinwood , Flora Peabody - body , Victoria Northuand Esther Ward. The action of the plaj llutroduccs the cele brated Quaker City quartet , L. C. Moetler , the world-famous Imitator of birds and beasts and a host of .specialties. The re volving ship of the sqcpti'i ' act has been con sidered ono of the greatest wonders known in stage art. > 1 A company of fortyjijeoplo and two cars of scenery are used in "Eight Bells. " The scenes are laid In England on the English channel , andlun the coast of France. Charles Fitzgerald , \vhp , Is tn'lovo with Hose O'Connor , wounds a man In a 'duel and haste to leave the country. "Whllo on board a ves sel ho meets Daniel ftfcGuzzIo and the two change names , from .which many complica tions arise. The ship encounters a storm , nnd whllo she is pitching and tossing there is an interesting scene , which llnally term inates the act by a wreck , the ship com pletely revolving , Throughout , the production hero will bo complete in perfection of detail , and the cast will be the same as In largo cities. That truly great spectacular attraction , Hanlon Brothers' "Superba , " c-omes to the Boyd's this ovenlntr , and will stay for three nights. This amusing pantomime has under gone many changes since Uiappoaranco hero last season. Pantomime of the Hanlon typo Is a sort of a trip to fairy land , and enables the youthful spectator to gaze on all the wonderful hapnenlngs that the story books have Implanted in his imagination. Older folks nro attracted by these unique produc tions in no less n aegree : ns Mr. William Nye would say , "U Is a holiday for their think tanks. " As a spectacle It is a glittering display of haudsumo scenery , beautiful costumes and young and pretty women. As a pantomlm0 "Superba" has not been equaled since th ° days of the famous Kavcl family. There are two harlequins in the cast , live young and pretty Italian girls ns serpentine dancers , the Fillppi family , grotesque dancers , and thoSchrodo brothers , acrobats ; Miss Ada Mclroso , a clever little soubrotteaud dancer ; Maude Midgeloy , > Alma Strong and others. Ono hundred people are employed in the production. "Superba" is a powerful magnet to the children , both "growing-ups1' and "grown-ups. " Manager Burgess has arranged for a grand revival of Shikespeare's "Julius Ciesar" at the Farnam Street theater for three nights , commencing Thursday , March 1(5 ( , This will bo given by Mr. Charles Hanford nnd his company , together with the original scenery and properties used by Messrs , Booth and Barrett when they toured the country to gether. When death dissolved the partner ship between Booth and Barrett , Mr. Han- ford purchased the scenery and all the ac- cou torments of the play. The scenery is magnificent trom an artistic point of view , and historically correct in every detail. Mr. Hunford is known in Omaha as the original Mare Ant ony with Booth and Barrett , when they played hero in 1SS3. His work at that time was said to bo on a pur with that of Booth and Barrett , and the papers wcro unanimous in their praise of his perform ance. Lovers of high class drama have a treat In store for them in the engagement of It. D. MacLcan and Marie Prescott at Boyd's theater on Wednes lay nnd Thursday next , with inatineo on Thursday. The play is "L'Abslnthour , " the work of Miss Prescott and has been most enthusiastically'received wherever It has been presented. Mr. MacLean's Oaston iJeauvals , a fine young gentleman whoso life and amoitions are ruined by absinthe , is said to bo a masterly piece of work. Miss Prcscott's Pauline do Charmlllcs is , the exchanges say , a charming performance. The play Is new and gives phases of life that are entirely novel to Amer ican theater goers. E. II. Sothcrn , brightest nnd cleverest of latter day light comedians , comes to the Boyd Friday evening in what ho himself is said to consider his best part nnd play "Cap tain Lettarblair. " Its success has been phenomenal. The company Is the same as played at the New York Lyceum. The com edy is the work of nn American school ma'am that is , she was Instructor of Greek and Latin in the New York Normal college till the royalties on her clever play oniblcd her to resign and devote herself wholly to dra matic and other literary work and that in- spirine fact should prove nn additional at traction. "Tho Fugitive"vili have Its Initial performance - formanco In this city at the Bijou , the right to play it having been secured by Mr. Day from the author , Tom Craven , the English playwright , well known ns the writer of "Tho Stowaway. " Mr. Craven declares "Tho Fugitive" is the better play of the two , and ho should know. It will bo elaborately staged , among the many now scenic effects being the wreck of the steamship Melbourne. The drama , while telling a tale of love , de ception , remorse , revenge and retribution , has no lack of bright comedy and thrilling situations. The specialty olio-also abounds with good things and alone is worth the price of admission , Among the people nro the BarclltTo brothers , a very funny and clover musical team ; Kitty Smith , character change dancer , and James W. Thompson , one of our best character Impersonators. Tho" featturo of this portion of the program will be the .wonderful female trapeze artists , the Edgorton sisters , who are said to stand un equalled among wrial performers , Every lady visitor will bo presented with two very handsome silver metal teaspoons as a souv enir at-each performance during the week. George Kcnnan's postponed illustrated lozturo on "Siberian Exllo Life" will be given on Thursday evening , April 0. The city of Chicago spends 10,000,000 an nually on its schools. ABOUT PLAYS AND PLAYERS. CJossIp of Stngo nuil Cirrcu Iloom Irom All Ovcr'thn Theatrical World. Lillian Russell has revived Giro lie Girofla lu New York. Joel Chandler Harris has written a com edy of the south with an Undo Homus In it. James O'Neill presents "Fontcnello to a Chicago audience for the first time tonight. "A Scarred Veteran" is the tltlo of the now Hoyt farce , which is to travesty the state militia. R. E. Graham may star next season in a farcical comedy called "Tho Stockbroker , " by Scott Marble. John Webster , the husband of Nellie McIIcnry , has retired from the stage and will hereafter manage "A Night at the Cir cus. " Bcrnhardt seems to love South America , either for Its climates or its coin presum ably the latter , as she Intends to maUo a tour there In June. The latest thing in theater parties is an exclusive gathering of matrons , who before proceeding to the theater enjoy a good din ner together without the aid of men. The 500th performance of "A Trip to Chinatown" was given at the Madison Square theater , Now York , Friday evening last , when souvenirs were presented. McICeo Hankln , since ho inherited a for tune from his father , Is quoted ns saying that ho will never appear on the stage again except for charity. Those who know Rankiu best do not agree with him in this. Frederick Pauldlng nnd Miss Maida Craigen are arranging to make a tour as Joint stars next season. Their repertory will bo "Tho Itomanco of a Poor Young Man , " "llomeo and Juliet , " "Tho So.i of Ice , " and "The Lady of Lyons. " But few theatrical combinations have been forced to succumb on the road , notwith standing the strain of Lent nnd the weather , but , strange to say , one of these was Henry E. Dixoy's company , which disbanded at Syracuse , N. Y. , last week. So eminent an authority as Joseph Jeffer son has been heard from lately on that form of theatrical entertainment popularly known as "farce comedy , " Mr. Jefferson thinks it has a perfect right to exist , which , by the way , was generally believed before. W. M. 'Wilkinson , manager for Alexander Salvlnl , has secured the complete nilsc en scene of Emilo Blavet's now play , "Lo Flls de Porthos , " In which young tialvini will appear - . pear next season. The play is a continua- ! tlon of "Tho Three Guardsmen" nnd Is said to bo a Parisian success. Thomas W. ICeeno played Richard III. all week at the Union Square theater , Now York , and this week gives four other Shakes pearian plays f ntm his repertory and "Kicho- lieu. " The better class of Now Yorkers had not in many yearsjieforo nn opportunity of judging of Keoiio'fl work , but word hasn't yet reached Ouullia that Gotham Is con vinced that America , with Booth und Bar rett but memories , has still a great trage dian. dian.T. T. Henry French Intends to bring suit against Nat C. Goodwin for not playing "Walker , London , " J. M. Barrio's comedy , which Mr. French sold him last summor. Mr. French's payment was to bo in royalties , and ho received $1,000 on account. Ho now complains that Mr. Goodwin's failure to pro duce the play has prevented him from re ceiving a return for the money which he himself paid for it. Hu offered to give back the $1,000 and take the play again , but Mr. Goodwin refused. Oscar Wilde's brilliant "Lady Wlnder- moru's Fan" continues to delight Now Yorkersnnd now the ICcndals are negotiating with Manager Charles Froinati for the rights of playing the same author's lowest play , "A Woman of No Importance , " during tholr next season's tour of tills country. It Is to bo hoped that Omaha will have an opportu nity of Judging of both plays. It Is the hum- bio opinion of the compiler of this column that the author of "Tho Duchess of Padua" is fated to win the title of groatcst drama tist of uU time , but neither of these comedies is likely to bo the ono that reputation will bo based on. Stuart Uobson played in Boston last week , Rose and Charles Coghlan In Washington , Sol Smith Russell In Pittsburg , Clara Morris In Ohio towns , John Drew in Chicago , Nat C. Goodwin in Baltimore , Minna Gale- Haynes , E. II. Sothern and Marie Tempest in Philadelphia , Richard Manslluld in Brook lyn , Julia Marlowe in Boston , James O'Neill in Nashville , Tonn. ; Mile. Rhca In Balti more , DC inn an Thompson in Buffalo , Rosimi Vokcs in Toronto , Marie Walnrlght In liar * risburg , Pa. ; Frederick Wardo and Louis James In San Francisco , E. S. Willard In In dianapolis , Fanny Davenport in Milwaukee , Robert Downing In Pennsylvania towns , Efllo Ellsler In Indiana towns , Robert Man tel in Ohio towns and t'.to Bostonians in Salt Lake City. The ono now thing dramatic that saw the light during the week Just past was William Gill's new play for Miss Annlo Pixloy , produced at the Columbus theater. Harlem , N. Y. , last Friday. "Her Honor the Mayor" Is Its tltlo , and its story has stuff in it for a qulto breezy piece of work. The heroine is a Vassar - sar graduate , who , to wean her father from bad habits , goes to Free Soil , Arli There she practices law , makes money und a name , runs for mayor as a candidate of the Law and Order league , and Is elected to light the saloon nnd gambling powers. Of eourso there Is a villain , and also of eourso she falls In love at the proper tlmo , ami all ends hap pily , except for the villain. There are sev eral now songs for Miss Pixloy , nnd a mining camp band Is introduced. E. II. Sothern , who plays "Capt. Lettar blair" at the Boyd next Friday and Satur day , spent n portion of last summer on a farm In Now Jersey. His host nnd his rather "roily-poly" son of 10 were hiiyin ? ono day when Soihorn asked the old man if ho was going to exhibit anything at the county fair that year. "I guess not , " was thu answer. "I hud thought of rattening n shoat , but they've tuniod out too poor. " "Why not semi your boy Cyrus ! " queried Sothorn. "That's a good Idea , " chuckled the farmer. "Will ye go. Cy < " "I don't mlnd.'i answered the boy , "but It won't be no use dad , I won't git no prize. " "Why notlil asked his father.'Cos I can't show HO pedigree , " n idi3.'iji . tia bjy. Name it in Gath ; publisn it on the streets of Askolon. Nordica donned the crhiclinu thu other day , but she hasn't done it since , it is said. It was in Kansas City , and this Is how an imaginative newspaper man o' Kawvillo pictures the paralysis of the people ple assembled to hear the brilliant cantatrico when she appeared behind the footlights of the Auditorium : "When she came on , tlicro was a sensation. It began at the right hand corner of the house where the women who saw her In the wings were sitting. It ran across the pit as she came out , leaped to the balcony , swept the boxes und had burned Itself in the eyes of the women In thu top most gallery by thu tlmo the brave Nordlc.i had taken her place before the footlights. Then the men looked puzzled. Even they knew 'somo ono had blundered' or thought they know It. One hoarse masculine whis per filled the Auditorium like the ghost of a lost soul : -What is it ! ' nnd the answer came back in a chorus from a thousand femiuiuo lips , soft sibilant 'Crinoline.1" Choiprliii ) tit l' nu > ylvanli. 'Sowlc'kloy , 1'unii. : Wo had nn cpldomla of cholo'rlno , as our physicians called it , in this place lately and I madn a great hit with Chamberlain's Colic , Cholera and Dlarrliw.i remedy. I sold four do/en bottles of It in ono week and have since sold nearly a gross. This remedy did the work and was a big ml- vortlsonumt for mo. Several persons who had been troubled with dlarrhwa for two or three weeks were cured by a few doses of this medicine. P. P. KNAIT , Ph. G. CJTho Spanish peasant works orery day and dances half the night , and yet eaU only hi black broad , onion and watermelon. Th Smyrna porter oats only a llttlo fruit au some olives , yet ho walks off with hU load o UOO
