Drury Lane Theatre has been the scene of a disgraceful
riot, got up by certain members of the theatrical profession, who are indignant at the occupation of (save the mark!) the " national" establishment, by the French company of the Tlusatre Historique. The policy of these very silly persons consists in occupying the pit of the theatre, making a continuous howling, so that not a word uttered by the actors is audible, and pointing out with marks of execration any person whom they may happen to detect in the act of applauding the foreign "invaders." Many of them provide themselves with huge tin whistles—on purpose, it would seem, to avoid the chance of pleading the right to a spontaneous utterance of opinion when brought before a Magistrate. They have determined that their attack shall look premeditated, and therefore illegal; and they have succeeded in disgusting every impartial person except—the pickpockets. The insults offered to foreigners and ladies, not only in the theatre but on their way to its door, gave a sad stamp of blackguardism to the proceeding. This indi- cates a want of education, which perhaps is one secret of the non-success of so many English actors.
The uproar of Monday having been renewed on Wednesday with in- creased acrimony add system, bills were issued by the management on Friday morning, stating that the house would be closed for that evening, and two farewell performances would take place next week, at much higher prcies.
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