Article on the clapping habits of theater audiences

“The difference between the sham applause of the claqueurs, now practised [sic] at so many of our leading theatres, and the genuine applause of an appreciative and delighted audience, is nightly exemplified at Wallack’s, where the hearty plaudits of admiring thousands ring out clear and unreserved with a spontaneity which is truly refreshing. Here the entire audience joins in the manifestation of approval as a slight reward to those upon the boards who have amused and instructed them in the play, while at many other theatres the claqueurs, who hare congregated in little groups at the back of the house, or are scattered here and there throughout the audience, always manage to mar the best points and effects of the piece by applauding at the wrong time, which generally so disgusts and annoys the liberal patrons of the drama who happen to be in the house at the time that they do not applaud at all. This manner of trying to force worthless plays upon the public is doing more injury to our managers than they are willing to acknowledge. It is alike disgusting to the actor and the paying portion of the audience, and should be frowned down by all true lovers of dramatic art. Just so long, however as it is tolerated by an intelligent public, just so long, and no longer, will it be fostered and liberally paid for by our managers. Oh, for a return of the good old days when hissing was in vogue, that those rascally claquerers might be made to know, and managers to understand, that they could not with impunity mar the pleasures and enjoyments of other people!”