Public Amusements.

Public Amusements .

QUEEN ' THEATRE . —To a crowded and critical house Herr Neville Moritz made his first appearance in this country last Saturday afternoon , in the character of Othello . Herr Moritz is a Hungarian , who comes to us with a great continental reputation as a tragedian . But , unlike Salvini , Rossi anel others , he essays the more difficult and ambitious task of acting the part in English .

Precedents are dangerous encroachments , and , therefore , any actor , whether he be foreign or native , who is bold enough to attempt the delineation of any of Shakespeare ' s characters subjects himself to a rigid criticism , where no mercy is shown , no excuses taken , ar . d no difficulties of circumstances allowed for . All must undergo a merciless pruning before the fiat of the public can be given that

the delineation may stand . The difficulty of the task , the Hungarian had set himself became only too apparent in his address to the Council . In telling his love story the peculiarities of his pronunciation sadly marred the pathos and exquisite charm of that beautiful tale of wooing , and , we must add , did but scant justice to the evident feelings of the actqr him self .

Again the greeting of Othello and Desdemona was much weakened by the same cause . " O my souls's joy I If after every tempest come such calms , May the winds blow till they have awakened death !" and again" If it were now to die ,

' Twere now to be most happy , " Are passages which , for their overwhelming love and pasr ' - * n , are nowhere surpassed ; but they were delivere d wi ho it that variation in tone and proper accent , which alone Ci . uld make the full power of the Words felt . That Herr Moritz fully appreciated the beauties and power of these passages was most apparent , but from want of that skill , which we

doubt much any foreigner obtaining , he was unable to grapple with the difficulties of thc language , and hence failed in making his audience feel what he felt himself . This want of light and shade and a due appreciation of the soft pathetic power and worth of each simple word constrains us to say that all the softest passages failed in producing their proper effect . In the brawling scene between

Cassio and Montano , Herr Moritz's energy and power began to shew . Exception has been taken to the want of dignity shewn by the actor in this scene , but , surely , if this be a fault , as suggested , it lies with the author and not the actor . Othello ' s own words , * " Now , by Heaven , my blood begins

my safer guides to rule , " should protect him from censure on that ground . I Ierr Moritz is still happier , however , in the scene where Iago breathes suspicion in his ear . The stiuggle between doubt and faith was most powerfully depicted , and his renderini - ' of the

passage" What sense had I of her stolen hours of lust ?" & c , gave thc house a taste of what was to come ; for gradually rising in power and intensity , he fairly electrified his audience when , seizing Iago by the throat , he warns him : —

" Give me the oracular proof : Or , by the worth of mine eternal soul , Thou hadst been better have been born a dog , Than answer my waked wrath , " and throws him cowed at his feet . Well deserved were the shouts of applause which greeted this grand effort , an effort that put all minor faults out of memory , and

stamped Herr Moritz as one of the greatest tragedians of the day . In his passionate passages Herr Moritz is powerful in the extreme ; and we welcome heartily the absence of anything approaching to rant in the most passionate and frenzied situations ; a vulgarism that has become only too common , unfortunately , in modern actors . Only once did Herr Moritz fall into this error , in the

passage" My wife ! my wile I what wife ? I have no wife , " words that should have depicted his crushing agony and despair , but which , as they were shrieked out by Herr Moritz , depicted nothing . Well indeed was Herr Moritz supported by Mr . Herman Vezin in the character of Iago . He was the cool cringing calculating villian throughout , anel will make the

character in the future , one of the most unenviable to follow . As nearl y as possible was the delineation perfect . If we may be hypercritical , we would suggest at times he was a little too rapid in his speech , more especially when stating his plans to Roderigo . On the whole , however we must again repeat , that his performance was one of the most perfect studies we can remember witnessing , and

well deserved the hearty applause that greeted it . And much we regret that space will not allow us to dwell upon a performance , every line of which showed the thought and care that had been expended upon it . Miss Genevieve Ward , as Emilia , was all that could be desired . She fairly roused thc house with her energy and passion in the passages . — "And put in every honest hand a whip ,

To lash the rascal naked thro' the world . " Again , when Othello informs her that her husband had first told him of Desdemona ' s shame , "If he stays , may his pernicious soul Rot half a grain a day ! he lies to the heart . And again when the Moor threatens her with bis s word . —

I care not for thy sword , I'll make thee known , Though I lost twenty lives . " Mr . E , H . Brooke's Cassio left little to be desired . His acting in the drunken scene was telling without being exaggerated . But , at the same time , however much the

" pdern practice of gag may be tolerated in modern ' 'forts at play writing , we would remind Mr . Brooke it " > comes , no matter how slight the innovation , an unpardonable offence , if not something more , in the play of a giant like Shakespeare . * * ' '

Public Amusements.

Miss Hodson ( Desdemona ) , Mr . Arthur Stirling ( Brabantio ) , and Mr . J . G . Shore ( Roderigo ) , all showed thc care with which their respective parts had been studied , and well deserved the applause they received from a most critical house .

New Concord Lodge Ball.

NEW CONCORD LODGE BALL .

Thc annual ball of New Concord Lodge , No . 813 , was given on Monday evening , at Freemasons' T-avern . The company numbered altogether 150 , and shortly after 9 o ' clock they commenced dancing to the excellent band of Bro . Thomas Adams . P . G . P . There were twenty-four dances on the programme , which was divided into two

parts . The first part comprised : 1 Quadrille , Fleur de The , ; 2 , Polka , Fan Fair ; 3 . Lancers , Welsh ; 4 , Valse , Fascination ; 5 , Quadrille , Madame Angot , ; 6 , Schottische National , ; Caledonian . St . Patrick ; 8 , Valse , Little Nelly ; 9 , Quadrille , Promenade ; 10 , Redovva , Bright Eyes ; 11 , Quadrille , Young Friends ; 12 , Galop , [ Rachel ; anel 13 , Quadrille , They all do it . Supper was then

announced , after partaking of which the company drank a few toasts , and then resumed dancing , which of course was the principal attraction of the evening for the ladies . The second part of the entertainment comprscd 14 , Polka , Jury ; 15 , Lancers , Lord of Lorn : ; 16 , Valse , Sweethearts ; 17 . Quadrille , Trial by Jury ; iS , Redowa , German ; 19 , Caledonians , Borderers ; 20 , Valse , Florence ; 21 ,

Lancers , Festival ; 22 , Schotlische , Sea Shells ; 23 , Quadrille , De Brabant ; and 24 , Valse , Gentle Spring ; Galop , Loo . A most delightful evening was spent and the happiness of the ladies and brethren was assiduously attended to by Bros . T . J . Cusworth , W . M . of the lodge , president , J . R . Gallant , P . M ., vice-president , ; T . Bartlett , P . M . ; H . I . Gabb , P . M . ; R . R . Harper , ; W . Stead , J . W . ; J . Stillwell ,

Tyler ; S . George , S . D . ; Wm . Gabb , J . D . ; John Thomas , D . C ; F . Dunn , S . ; J . Tayloi , I . G . ; F . W . Swales , T . Glass , W . Pierpoint , J . T . Sinclair , A . L . Faucquez , J . Bond , G . Mustoe , W . J . Crabb , and H . L . Allardyce , who formed the Board of Stewards , anel also Bro . W . H . Main , P . M ., Honorary Secretary to the Board . The brethren appeared in Craft clothing , which with the ornamentation

of the room and thc elegant attire of the ladies presented a very animated and attractive spectacle . Dancing was kept up till a late ( or early ) hour , but apparently not sufficiently late for the enthusiastic spirits who took part in it . The arrangements of Freemasons' Tavern gave the greatest satisfaction , and added another to the numerous

testimonials to the abilities as caterer of Bro . Best , the proprietor , and Bro . E . Dawkins , the manager . Several other balls have been given at the same place this season , and there are still a large number yet to come off , all of which will no eloubt bc as well provided for . Thc New Concord Ball is always a great success , but none of those which have preceded that of last"Monday have excelled it .

Red Cross Of Constantine.

Red Cross of Constantine .

The regular quarterly meeting of the Premier Conclave of England wis heltl on Monday last at the Freemasons ' Tavern . Sir Knight H . A . Dubois , Past Sovereign , in the temporary absence of Sir Knight Dr . Brette , occupied the throne * during the evening . The business on the summons was the election of Sovereign , Viceioy , Treasurer , and

Sentinel for the ensuing year , the result of which fell upon Sir Knight the Rev . P . M . Holelen , as Sovereign ; Sir Knight Kingston , Viceroy ; Sir Knight Cubitt , Treasurer ; and Gilbert , Sentinel . Tbe ballot was taken for Bro . Major Robert J . Maxwell , as also for Sir Knight H . M . Carter as a rejoining member , and in both cases proved

. The conclave being closed , thc Most Eminent Grand Sovereign of England , Col . Francis Burdett , opened the Annual Grand Conclave , and was supported by a large number of Sir Knights , who were also present at thc Premier Conclave , amongst whom we noticed Sir Knights Nunn , P . G . V . j Woodman , Levander , Cubitt , Boyd ,

Dubois , Roebuck , Thomas , Ellis , Hogard , Rosenthal , Howe , Peters , Hall , Mason , Letchworth , Robinson , Parker , Harford , Clark , Dewar , Kingston , Buck , Moss , Holden , Dr . Brette , Scargill , Moore , Mather , Rev . Moses Macartney , M . P . ; Thiellay , Stedwell , Townsend , Giddy , Massa , and many others . Thc principal business of the evening was the reading

of the Executive Committee ' s report , anti the election of the Grand Senate , the result of thc latter fell upon the following Sir Knights : C . II . Roger Harrison Grand Preceptor G . Powell ..... , Grand Examiner II . A . Dubois Grand Prefect Rev . Ambrose Hall Grand Sub-Prelate

Rev . Canon Harford Grand Sub-Prelate George Kenning , Grand Vice-Chancellor Lieut .-Col . Peters Grand Asst . Treasurer John Mason Grand Asst . Recorder ( The above were nominated by the Grand Sovereign . ) C . F . Hogard Grand Sub-Almoner W . T . Howe Grand Inr . of Regalia

Herbert Dicketts Grand Std . Bearer Macartney Grand Std . Bearer Thiellay Grand Asst . Orator Pendlebury Grand Swd . Bearer F . Keily Grand Asst . Marshal J . M . Stedwell Grand Vicc-Chambrln Robinson Grand Herald

G . F . Tuckey Grand Herald A letter was read frcm Sir Knight R . W . Little , tendering his resignation as Grand Treasurer , in consequence of continued illness , but it was the unanimous wish of the conclave that Sir Knight Little should be asked to reconsider his decision . The matter stands over . Letters of apology were read from several Sir Knights who were unable to be

Red Cross Of Constantine.

present , ancl also a telegram from Sir Knight George Kenning , in consequence of illness . The whole of the business being ended , the Grand Conclave was closed , and thc Sir Knig hts adjourned to banquet , which was presided over by Sir Knight J . Nunn , the Grand Sovereign , Col . Burdett , heing cou . pelled to leave , and a very pleasant evening was spent , as Red Cross Knights

know well how to do . CARMARTHEN . —Maurice Conclave ( No . 112 ) . — This conclave met at the Masonic Rooms , Carmarthen , on thc 28 th ult . After confirmation of the minutes , the following brethren , having been ballotetl for and accepted , were admitted in due form and installed as Knights of the Red Cross . Bro . W . S . Stradlinsr , P . M .,

St . David's , 33 6 ; K . P . Davies , T . P . Horsman , S . Cruse , H . Howclls , and David Samuel , M . M ' s of St . Peter ' s Lodge , 476 . Thc ceremony was performed by 111 . Sir Knight Marsden , M . P . S ., ably assisted by his officers . Em . Sir Knight Jenkyn Jones and Sir Knight G . J . Hearder were then unanimously elected M . P . S ., and V . E . for the

ensuing year ; anel Sir Knight Richard Thomas was for the fourth lime unanimously elected Treasurer . Sir Knights David Davies , W . Lewis , and T . P . Horsman were appointed by the conclave to assist the cx-officio members of the Finance Committee to draw up a report ofthe financial position of the conclave against the next assembly in April .

Metropolitan Masonic Meetings.

METROPOLITAN MASONIC MEETINGS .

The Editor will be glad to receive notice from Secretaries of Craft Lodges , Royal Arch Chapters , Mark Lodges , Encampments , Conclaves , & c , of any change in place or day of meeting . For the Week ending Friday , March 15 , 187 S .

SATURDAY , MARCH 9 . Lodge 108 , London , Ship and Turtle , Leadenhall-st . 173 , Phoenix , F . M . H . „ 176 , Caveac , Albion Tav ., Ald ; rsgate-st .

„ 1328 , Granite , F . M . H . „ 1361 , United Service , Greyhound Her ., Richmond . „ 142 C , The Great City , Cannon-st . Hot . „ 1607 , Loyalty , Alexandra Palace , N . „ 1671 , Mizpah , Albion Tav ., Aldersgate-st .

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION . Lily , Greyhound , Richmond . Manchester , 77 , London-st ., Fitzroy-sq . Star , Marquis of Granby , New Cross-rd . Eccleston , Grosvenor Club , Ebury-square , S . W . Percy , 113 , Southgate-road , N .

MONDAY , MARCH 11 . Lodge 5 , St . George ' s anel Corner Stone , F . M . H . „ 29 , St . Alban's , Albion Tav ., Aldersgate-st . „ 59 , Royal Naval , F . M . H . „ 90 , St . John's , Albion Tav ., Aldersgate-st . „ 193 , Confidence , Anderton ' s Hot ., Fleet-st . „ 222 , St . Andrew ' s , Inn ' s of Court Hot .

,, 1366 , Highgate , Gatehouse Hot ., Highgate . „ 1571 , Leopold , Woolpack Tav ., Bermondsey-st . „ 16 57 , Aldersgate , Castle and Falcon , Aldersgate-st . Chap . 22 , Mount Zion , Guildhall Tav ., Gresham-st . „ 1118 , University , F . M . H . K . T . D ., Mount Calvary , F . M . Tav . Rose Croix Chap . Holy Sanctuary , 33 , Golden-sq .

LODGES OF INSTRUCTION . Prince Leopold , Lord Stanley Tav ., Kingsland . Strong Man , Old Rodney ' s Head , Old-st ., E . Sincerity , Railway Tav ., Fenchurch-st . Station . Camden , Stanhope Arms , Up . James-st ., Camden Town . Tredegar , Royal Hot ., Mile-end-road . St . James ' s Union , Union Tav ., Air-st . Wellington , White Swan , Deptford .

Perfect Ashlar , Victoria Tav ., Lower-rel ., Rotherhithe . Upper Norwood , White Hart Hot ., Church-rd . Marquis of Ripon , Pembury Tav ., Amherst-rd ., Hackney . Loughborough , Warrior Hot ., Brixton . West Smithfield , New Market Hot ., West Smithfield . St . George's , Globe Tav ., Greenwich . London Masonic Club , at 101 , Queen Victoria-st . E . G ., 2 nd and 4 th Monday every month , at 6 o'clock .

TUESDAY , MARCH 12 . Lodge 46 , Old Union , Cannon-st . I lot . „ 96 , Burlington , Albion Tavern , Aldcrsgate-st . ,, 166 , Union , Westminster Palace Hot . „ 180 , St . James ' s Union , F . M . H . „ 198 , Percy , Ship and Turtle . Leadenhall-st . „ 211 , St . Michael , Albion Tav ., Aldersgate-st . „ 228 , United Strength , Guildhall Tav ., Gresham-st .

„ 235 , Nine Muses , Long ' s Hot ., Boud-st . „ 548 , Wellington , White Swan Tav ., Deptford . „ 917 , Cosmopolitan , Cannon-st . Hot . 11 933 i Doric , Ant ! erton's Hot ., Fleet-st . „ 1441 , Ivy , S . M . H . „ 1593 , Royal Naval College , Ship Hot ., Greenwich . „ 1604 , Wanderer ' s , F . M . H . „ 1614 , CoventGarden , Ashley ' s Mot ., CovcntGarden . Rose Croix , Bayard , 33 , Golden-sq .

LODGES OF INSTHUCTION . Metropolitan , 369 , Pentonville rd . Yarborough , Green Dragon , Stepney . Domatic , Surrey M . H ., Camberwell New-road . Faith , 2 , Westminster Chambers , Victoria-st . Prince Fredk . Wm ., Lord's Hot ., St . John ' s Wood . Dalhousie , King Edward , Yrianglc , Hackney .

Prosperity , Hercules Tav ., Leadenhall-st . Florence Nightingale , F . M . H ., William-st ., Woolwich . Constitutional , Bedford Hot ., Southampton Bdgs ., at 7 . Israel , Rising Sun Tav ., Globe Road . Royal Arthur , Prince ' s Head , York-road , Battersea . Beacontree , Red Lion , Leytonstone . Excelsior , Commercial Dock Tav ., Rotherhithe .