seas was decided, the spirit of rivalry between the two countries has been
intense and often bitter. No matter what the contest was, whether between
two boats, or two bullies in the ring, it at once assumed the magnitude of
a national one, and no matter how conducted, the winner was always charged
with unfairness. It so happened that Forrest and Macready were the two
popular tragic actors on either side of the Atlantic. If they had stayed
at home, nothing would have been thought of it, but each invaded the
domain of the other, and laid claim to his laurels. Of course criticism
followed, national prejudices were aroused, and national peculiarities
ridiculed. The press took sides, and fanned the excitement. Among other
things, it was currently reported that when Forrest was in London,
Macready went to see him act, and publicly hissed him. This was generally
believed, and of course it alone would insure the latter an unwelcome
reception from Forrest's admirers here, should he ever appear on our
stage.

Apparently unconscious of this hostility toward him, Macready came over in
the spring of 1849, and at once made an engagement at the Astor-place
Opera House, corner of Eighth Street and Lafayette Place. He was to appear
as Macbeth; and the play was announced sometime beforehand. Forrest at the
same time had an engagement at the Broadway Theatre. On the 7th of May,
the following two significant placards appeared side by side in all the
streets.

ASTOR PLACE OPERA HOUSE.

_This evening will be performed_

MACBETH.