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Buffalo Bill at Wood's Museum

The celebrated Western scouts, Hon W. F. Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, appeared at this house last night in the border drama, "The Scouts of the Plains." The play, like all pictures of Western life, has a good deal of Indians in it. It has, however, the advantage of representing actual scenes in the life of the principal actor, who rather rehearses incidents of his past adventurous career than simulates passions. In this he has an immense, advantage over the ordinary actor who attempts to give sketches of a life to which he is a stranger. The result was at once visible for, while the ordinary border hero of the stage rants on every conceivable occasion, Buffalo Bill conducted himself on all occasions with that quiet, subdued manner which belongs to men who are truly brave in moments of danger. Considering that the ex-scout has had no dramatic education his presentation of his own character was eminently successful as a piece of dramatic acting. Buffalo Bill has a fine presence, and moves about the stage with an ease and grace which at once wins the heart of the audience. He is remarkably sympathetic and possesses the power of electrifying his audience as was visible in the hearty way in which the galleries received his points, though delivered without any clap-trap appeals. "The Scouts of the Plains" is not merely a play evoked from the imagination of a sensation dramatist; it is based on incidents in the adventurous life of the remarkable man who fills the chief roles. This fact lends to it an absorbing interest. It has been produced in New York for the first time, and will only be kept on the boards during the present week. At the conclusion of his present engagement Mr. Code -or as he is better known. "Buffalo Bill"- will depart for the plains to resume his old profession as guide and scout, where he will enact in earnest the mimic scenes he presents for the amusement of the public. It is not every day that one can see on the stage a real border scout fighting over again his battles. As we look on the actor and remember that it is no merely mimic performer, but a man who has passed through similar scenes that we see filling the stage, the interest is doubled and the realism of the scenes forcible impresses itself on the spectator. The play too, is full of movement and suits admirable that portion of the public who love pictures of heroes overcoming obstacles by flood and field. In spite of the warm weather the house was filled and the audience remained in their seats until the curtain dropped. When the state of weather yesterday is considered, this is the highest praise that we can bestow.