... Sir,--On reading the correspondence in your last issue evoked by Mr. Edmonds's letter, it seems to me that no one has touched upon the really vital part of the question, The premium-paying gentleman who acts for nothing--and is worth it-- has been attacked from all sides, and many schemes suggested for his effacement. But I don't.. think any of your correspondents hava thoroughly grasped the ...

... THE LATE EVELYN WARD. Sir,--With your usual courtesy will you kindly allow me space to relate the few facts to hand as I write re the terribly tragic end of poor Evelyn Ward, my esteemed brother-in-law and sincere friend. He arrived, apparently in the best of health, in Huddersfield from Oldham on business of Sir Augustus Harris's Derby Winner pany, all of which he transacted before retir ...

... Sir, I do not see how u I. L. C.s instance of the barristers weakens mv argument as to trades unionism. The barristers, says I. L. C.,do not flourish as the solicitors do. But why P For the very reason I was deplor ing. They have not so complete a measure of trades unionism as the solicitors, and not having it the barristers suffer accordingly. That does not necessarily prove that trades ...

... SIR,--Judging from M. A. A.'s letter in your last issue ou would infer that he had stepped into the profession an experienced artist. If this is the case I should sincerely like to make his acquaintance and congratulate him on his good luck, as I have never had the pleasure of meeting such a phenomenon. He surely must be more than mortal. 1 had always been under the im pression that a man ...

... Sir, I endorse to tho fullest extent the complaint of your correspondent signing himself Transient, as to the difficulty of finding the addresses of pro fessionals. He has, however, one sovereign remedy, and that is to walk into the well- organised officers of one of the much -abused dramatic agents, who will relieve him of all trouble, who will arrange terms, make a contract, and deliver ...

... . SIR,--I have read Mr. G. H. Phillips letter, and whilst thanking him for the charming compliment he pays me I cannot but disagree with him on certain points. The reason why the railway companies give me and my Broken Melody Company the reduction on th. fares is not far to seek. I don't think they (the railway Co.) are swayed by sentimental motives, not being as Mr. Phillips too kindly ...

... SIR,--I am grateful to Saas for the exposition of the grievances of scenic artists in your last week's issue. I cau corroborate all that he has said, and still tliero are many more he has not mentioned. How few would-be carpenters know how to put a cloth on a frame, much less to take care of it when it is finished. What is more grieving to an artist than to seo liis picturos, vory often ...

... SIR,--All scenic artists and most theatrical managers must have often felt tho necessity of a Scenic Artists' Union, and I for one agree with most of the remarks of Saas in your issue of May 30. The necessity of a union is felt by the artist when his province is encroached upon whether by daubers who are antly called canvas coverers, or that Jack-ot-all-tradea I whom we ail know so w ...

... UNION OF SCENIC ARTISTS. SIR,--I have read your able articles on the 'Scenio Artists' Union witb great interest, and I think, as stated by Mr. W. R. Young, that we do want tha opinion of the principal acenic artists and their idea of tha best way to ramedy the present state of things. And I think in many cases (not in every case) it wonld better the scenio artist's position if the manager ...

... MUSIC HALL SCENERY. SIR,--So much has been dona of late years for the improvement of the auditorium of music-halls, until tbey can justly be described as palaces of variety; and so marked, also, has been the improvement and refinement of the entertainment given at them, that it often strikes me as somewhat odd that more has not been done to improve the scenery or decorate the stage. Even at ...

... ACT-DROP. SIR,-- Having read the correspondence in your valuable columns between Mr. W. Fritschler and Mr. Harrison, if you will kindly allow me a few lines I think I can explain matters to the satisfaction of both gentlemen. When 1 accepted the management of tha Grand Theatre I made up my mind to have the act drop painted elsewhere, knowing full well that it was utterly impossible for any ...

... THE BACHELOR GAY. Sljt, There is an advertisement in Tub Stage of to-day respecting a song of this title, and said to be written by Mr. Artbu r Sol- don. I beg to point out that 1 wrote it jovial song called Tue Bachelor Gay some years ago that it was published by the Musio Publishing Company, Great Marlborough Street, W.,in 1883, and it was sung in a play of mine during 1884. The title of ...