Chicago presents a play under the auspices of the Republican Party which has for so many years past provided the country with entertainment. Today's performance is considered by some to be a boisterous farce, by others a grim tragedy presenting the human race gravitating toward oblivion. However, the majority opinion appears to be that it is a melodrama, lurid and sensational, but lacking the grandeur and universality of genuine tragedy.

The play is one of the type known as "problem plays", here representing the evils arising in a democratic republic when mass control passes into the hands of unscrupulous and private-minded individuals. Ably creating an illusion of reality as clever and unprincipled politicians, William Hale Thompson and John H. Lyle act the leading roles. A certain A. Capone is rumored to be the producer of this bit of modern satire, and Mr. Capone, it is said, has taken great care that every detail of the production shall be perfect.

The plot is woven about the figures of Thompson and Lyle, bitter political enemies, both of whom are trying to win political control of the city. As the last act closes, the victor is being congratulated by his opponent, and with a great prideful gesture he points to the national flags unfurled in his honor from every window. An irrepressible tear drops from his eye as his followers march to the ordered beat of machine gun fire over the dead bodies of the civil population. Unfortunately it is not yet known to which actor the role of victor has been assigned, for Mr. Capone, who possesses the only manuscript of the play, cannot be reached at his home.