The New System Of Lighting Theatres In Paris.

sanitary point of view ; in so much that it is now determined to light the Theatre Lyrique in tlle same manner , and a Viennese architect visiting Paris , who has seen it , has at once advised its adoption in the new theatre now building at Alenna . Not only is the glare of the chandelier , by which the view of the stage from some parts of the house was obscured , effectually removed , but the unwholesome heat and noxious fumes produced by a number of gas-lights are also got rid of , a most

important improvement , which should not he lost sight of in the construction of new theatres , while it is a system that might with moderate outlay he applied to all our existing theatres . AVhen the performance begins , the brilliant light of the salle is reduced to exactly that point calculated to give just the proper amount of clue predominance fco the lighting of the *" stage , without , at the same time , leaving too little light in the house , upon which the full power of light is again thrown between the acts , during which intervals the interest of the toilette , etc ., is supposed -to be in the ascendant .

Bro. Frederick Ledger.

BRO . FREDERICK LEDGER .

On Tuesday week the presentation of a candelabrum and epergne , with a purse of four hundred pounds , forming the testimonial wliich had been subscribed in compliment to Bro . Frederic Ledger , proprietor of The Fra , took place in the Grand Hall of the Freemasons' Tavern , Great Queen-street . The event was celebrated by a dinner of the subscribers to the

testimonial , the chair being occupied hy Bro . PETER MATTHEWS who had kindly officiated as Hon . Treas ., supported by nearly one hundred gentlemen connected with the Arts , Sciences , Law , Literature , Music , and the Drama , Bro . Frederic Ledger , the guest of the evening , being on the right of the Chairman . The testimonial arose out of a dispute between Bro . Ledger

and Bro . TVebsfcer , the lessee of the Adelphi Theatre . The Era having made some i-eraarks on the Anniversary fete of the Eoyal Dramatic College , at the Crystal Palace , which Bro . Webster considered uncalled for , and inserted in Ids play bills in a manner somewhat unprecedented . This led to an action hy Bro . Ledger against Bro . Webster for libel , and though he

obtained a verdict he gained a loss . It was in order to reimburse him this loss that the testimonial was proposed and was , as we have stated , presented on Tuesday week . Bro . MATTHEWS having proposed the toast of the evening and presented the testimonial ,

Bro . FREDERICK LEDOER said—Mr . Chairman and gentlemen , —It is a trite saying , for which you will give me very little credit , when I assure you , my kind friends , that I never felt prouder , or more gratified , with any occurrence that ever befel me , than with this noble and generous proof thafc I have merited your confidence and esteem , through many long years . Those years are short to look hack upon , but they have not passed

away without much labour and attention , and many anxieties and difficulties . To conduct a public journal , representing as the Fra does , special interests , involving tho exercise of good judgment , tact , and impartiality , is no slight responsibility , and if the columns have given you satisfaction by their fair criticism raid sincere desire to measure out fair justice to all , without

fear or favour , I have the reward of my honest exertions . ( Cheers ) . The Editor's-room , gentlemen , is generally considered a sacred enclosure , almost as mysterious as that of the Delphic Oracle , and its occupant passes so shy and unseen an existence that he is scarcely believed by some to have " organs , dimensions , senses , affections , passions , " like other men ; he must he

pardoned , therefore , if , when suddenly revealed from his hidingplace , and made " the observed of all observers , " he is a little overpowered hy the exposure , and found to hesitate and stumble in the delivery of public speech . To this ordeal , however , your kindness has compelled me , and the best thanks wliich I can

express do no justice to my feelings of pleasure and gratification . ( Cheers . ) I want the Arfc of that Profession of which the Era ; is a favoured organ , that , " without o ' erstepping the modesty of nature , " I might yet tell you how truly sensible I am of your appreciation of my motives , as well as your bountiful generosity . You can understand that , with the best intentions , offence must he sometimes given , when some individual chooses to fancy that

he is entitled to turn a jniblic journal to his private ends ; and to beep clear of such influences , to resist the pressure from without , sometimes causes annoyance , which one would be glad to escape . But even such annoyances are well worth encountering , if they prove a signal for friends to rally round you , and give you their assurance of support and confidence . This I have this day

received , a day which I shall ever remember with deepest gratitude , a day which I shall loot back to , throughout my connection with theFra , for inspiration in its future management . ( Cheers . ) The manner in which some of the most honourable heads of tbe theatrical profession have subscribed to this testimonial cannot fail to be a source of extreme gratification to me personally , while

those whose names might have been expected , and do not appear in the list , I have good reason for believing are entered under some familiar syuonyme—all subscribed with the laudable motive of vindicating honest criticism , and enabling me to cover the heavy expenses entailed by a necessary lawsuit . That the amount subscribed has been sufficient , not only to liquidate all charges , but , in addition , to yield so splendid a testimonial as this , may well afford mo feelings of profound exultation . For particular reasons I tender especial thanks to the forty-six ladies

who have so kindly forwarded donations to the fund . Why I feel a special obligation to those ladies' proceeds from this that irrespective of all consequences and probable intimidation , they nobly thought for themselves , and ignoring the base calumnies advanced against The Era in respect of actresses generally , come forth with a spontaniety and determination that has so deeply excited my thanks and gratitude , that I shall never

forget the memory , or the appreciation of the act . ( Great cheering . ) It was my good fortune in 1851 to receive an equally pleasing testimonial , when ray friends and patrons of The Era presented me with a splendid service of plate , and now , after another probation of eight years , my old and new patrons rally round me again , to mark , hy a gift of peculiar value and

significance , the high opinion they still entertain for a journal that has endeavoured , honestly and fearlessly , to carry out its specialities with truth and independence . ( Cheering . ) If I fail adequately to convey to you my appreciation and thanks for the splendid proof of your esteem , I hope , Sir , that you and all around me , will attribute it to my want of words to impart the

sentiments I feel , but am incapable to express . ( Cheers . ) In conclusion , gentlemen , allow me to say thafc the testimonialbefore me , while it stamps the occasion as one of the white days of my life , will be prized as a motive for still greater exertion , and , let me assure you , be ever regarded with gratitude and pleasure as one of the brightest memories of my existence . AVith my heart as full as this glass , or the purse wliich you have so generously presented to me , I drink all your good healths , and return my best thanks for all your good wishes . ( Cheers . )

The Bleusinian mysteries was the term applied by the ancient Greeks to the festival and sacred rites originally celebrated only at Athens and Eleusis , in honour of the goddess Ceres . It was considered the holiest and most venerable of all the festivals of Greece . There are several traditions current as to its origin ; and many of the mysteries are unknown , as they were so superstitiously observed , that any person who revealed any of the religious ceremonies was put to death .