Life — April 27, 1905 — page 16: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE END OF THE BATTLE OF ROCKY FORD AT THE HIPPODROME. IW TI tt one of the features provided in extravagant plenty is the f very best of its kind. As yet the possibilities of the tank as a scenic and dramatic feature have not been fully developed, but the same brains which have been so successful in every- thing clse connected with this great enterprise may be trusted to make the most of that valuable accessory. There are two gratifying facts about the Hippodrome. It is a thoroughly American enterprise, conceived, financed and executed by Americans. The excellence of what hi been done here is good proof of the statement made in this column last week—that the right sort of American intelli- yence and energy used in the business of public amuse- AS producers of spectacle, Messrs. Thompsonand Dundy ments, the theatre being especially meant, could secure Two Very Complete Exhibitions. the Hippodrome have the late Col, Nero of Rome, better results and the substantial rewards which now go to Italy ye A hey are ce nly bound to be more persons who are aliens in their methods of dealing with the popular with New Yorkers and visitors to New York than jmportant interests they have seized. ‘The other fact is the the Roman gentleman ever was with his fellow-citizens delightful holiday spirit which seems to animate every one he Hippodrome itself is a show-house whose equal in connected with the entertainment, from performers and point of size, stage conveniences, and comfort for the employees to the audience itself. Courtesy and good audience, has never been devoted to exhibitions like those feeling are present everywhere, and the whole atmosphere here. Every one of its almost six thousand seats of the place is free from the air of oppression and depression nd the interior plan and decorations are encountered in a good many play-houses which the public mposing and in excellent taste. The stage, with its great grudgingly patronizes. where should the spirit of joy- tank and scenic possibilities, is a veritable wonder. Com- — ousness be more in evidence than where we flock for our pared with this, the London Hippodrome and the enclosed entertainment, and it is in full swing at the Hippodrome. circuses of Paris sink into insignificance. The tank, which nich ente ments as that given in the new place of is out of sight under the stage and comes into view amusement may not appeal to the highest faculties of the pparently by magic, is large enough to be impressive and intellect, but they serve admirably in the matter of diversion deep hh to allow of horses swimming about in it with- from care and enmut. out touching bottom, All in all, the building and opening . of the Hippodrome is an event in the history of New York HAT a degrading spectacle is that fur. amusements. nished by the testimony in the case ‘The entertainment includes almost every form of stage p' of David Belasco against Klaw & sentment there is, from the enacting of a spectacular drama % Erlanger. Perjury has been rampant and to acrobatic feats, wonderfully trained animals, comic has stalked in open court, brazen and opera, and one of the most tastefully arranged and well- unashamed. The methods of the Theat- executed ballets seen fora long time. More than this,every _rical Trust bave received a public and recorded exposure comicbooks.com