The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1842-07-01
Theatrical Fund.

The following letter from Mdle. Fanny Ellsler.
addressed to many of our citizens conspicuous for
their activity and usefulness in whatever is most
likely to interest or benefit the community has been
handed 10 us for publication. We learn that il net
with warm reception, and that various methods
are under consideration for the final establishment
of this most unoblectonabe and much needed
charity -
To MEssRs, &c, &c.
GENTI.ElIEN-
IL Is nearly year since ! made the nquiv
whether any fund had been established in this city
for the rele OF aged and INDECENT actors and learn
ed, TO my surprise, that IN country so decidedly
theatrical IN lis tastes, and prodgal in It's benevo-
lence, no institution whatever existed for the beneii
OF class much exposed to misfortune and so de
serving of sympathy.
In all the great cities of Europe at London Paris
be<sa and Vienna, permanent provision has been
made for this benevolent purpose. Then WHY, the
question recurs, has successful attempt been
made IN this great capital equally distinguished ior
It's charities. and It's dramatic sympahes organize
on flrm and lasting footing similar fund for SINH
lar objects.
The solution of this question it is not for me to
venture upon, but ! will hazard the remark that
neither previous difficulties failures constitute
any real objection 10 making another general and
determined effort that will command success.
The moment is u fitting Great suffering
exists, that individual aid can relieve. How
many aged and intrm artists, who have long sur
rived the power 10 please now turn with imporng
looks to those capable, and hope willing, to beiriend
them.
Their first claims are undoubtedly upon the pro-
| iession TO which they belong, comprising among lis
| members persons OF the greatest responsibility and
worth; many OF whom II is my pride 10 know and
| whose great abilities would give elevation to any
| position 1t might be lEeir lot 10 adorn. But il is
well known that the resources OF the profession are
| 70 this time, from various hes, painfully limited.
n Is then, from the community al large that th.
| most etectual succour must come, ana happily foI
| the helpless applicants, 1t Is community that
never turns n deaf ear 10 unmerIted misfortune
trust, gentlemen, that my feelings have not car
RED me beyond the position would wish to occuny
| in this good cause, that OF humble instrument I
present myself as OF the great family of artists
who would deem II boon and privilege TO give
her best efforts alleviate the condition of her suf
iering brethren, who Though OF foreign soil and
cline, are yet bound to her by the strong ties OF
similar pursuits and common nature.
In conclusion, gentlemen, make formal offer
OF my professional services for the establishment of
charitable fund in the city Of New York. for the
relief OF decayed actors, and il is my iervent hope
and belief that great good will come of ii.
1t only remains Tor me 10 add an apology 10 the
gentlemen whose names | have presumed TO use.
but / feel have some right TO Them rs they are
ever and freely given for every laudabo purpose TO
every praiseworthy undertaking, and ,cM thcy nth
sold them from this
have the honor 10 subscribe myself.
Yours, very truly, FANNY EI.ss1EH