t present she is not a great singer; but
her voice is sweet and clear, and at times sympathetic. In
this simple statement high but judicious praise is included;
and here we might stop. But Miss Miller's presence in opera
has a significance and a promise infinitely pleasing to all
candid and well-judging minds concerning the race to which
she belongs.

"Neither Miss Miller nor Mrs. Smallwood, nor any of the
company, have had the advantage of musical training in
European or American conservatories. They have to depend
alone upon their natural gifts and personal acquirements.
This fact is one which makes vastly in their favor, and
protects them from the standard by which Adeline Patti or
Louise Kellogg would be judged as artists. Under all the
circumstances, they sing and perform extraordinarily well;
and as for the chorus, it is superior to that of any German
or Italian opera heard in this city for years.

"Mr. Benjamin's impersonation of 'Dr. Paracelsus' was really
a good bit of acting, and Mr. Grant's 'Carlos' won for him
deserved applause.

"The _role_ of 'Don Pomposa' by Mr. Williams, the _basso
profundo_, was finely rendered. His acting was good, and his
voice full of richest melody.

"The opera last evening was largely patronized by
distinguished people, among them being Senator and Mrs.
Sprague, Gen. Holt, and many others.

"The experiment, doubtful at first, has proved a genuine
success."

From "The All-Day City Item," Philadelphia, Feb. 22, 1873:--

"'The Doctor of Alcantara' has at last attracted a number of
colored amateurs of Washington; and they have lately
appeared in that city, with such success that they are
induced to present it in Philadelphia.

"It must be remembered that this troupe is composed entirely
of amateurs, and is the first colored opera-troupe in
existence. We have had the 'Colored Mario' [Thomas J.
Bowers], the 'Black Swan' [Miss Greenfield], &c.; but never
until now have we had a complete organization trained for
_ensembles_.

"The audience attracted to Horticultural Hall last evening
was therefore prepared to make all sorts of allowances for
the shortcomings of the amateurs; but it was hardly
necessary, as the troupe--really excellent, well
trained--possesses agreeable