The New York herald., 1844-11-23

Mn. ANDERsoN's BENEFIT AT THE PARk LAST
NIoHT.-The rain fell in torrents last night-the
streets were almost mpassable-sll the other places
of amusement were open, and AT some there was
unusual attraction-but the Park, Notwithstanding,
was literally crammed. We have not seen such
house since the time of Fanny Elssler's greatest
triumphs. Every part OF the house was crowded
to excess, and the lobbes were filled with num-
bers who were eagerly struggling for peep at the
stage through the doors of the boxes.
The performances commenced with the exqui-
site old comedy by Beaumont and Fletcher, enti-
tied the "Elder Brother," Mr.. Anderson sustaining
the part of Chares.'' The comedy is one of the
best of those great productions which will for ever
remain monuments Of what the British drama was
in its palmiest days. We have not space, how
ever, for critical analysis either OF il, or of the
performance 1t was received with the warmest
appreciation, and Mr.. Anderson added another
laurel to the chaplet which has been universally
awarded him, by all the intelligent patrons OF the
drama in this city who have witnessed his perform
ances. On the fall Of the curtain the applause was
loud and prolonged, and only ceased after Mr.. An
derson had made his appearance, and appeared de-
sirous Of giving audible expression to his acknow-
Judgments of the favor of the house. He then with
some hesitation of manner, addressed the audience
in the following brief and impromptw speech
LADIES GENTLEMEr, IL really cannot 6nd words to
thank you: The great and unexpected kindness which
you have bestowed upon during this my second en-
gagsmsnt in your city, has, assure you excited emo
ans which in vain seek utteranoe As the poet says
d ppu have not thought s. the IN
wh,ch should express my am no orator.
Brutus is" "A lsugh) Nor have come before you to-
night with set speech "quaAsd for the noncs," and
with dress coat and white kida to match. (Great
wSs ousS to ssy IN thanking but trust the s
cery Of my expression Of gratitude will atone for its
rudene:s (Appisuss9 have. indeed much % for which
to thank you. ! came before you uuheralded and un
known. came at time when great political excite
prevailed and when the recent engagement Of the
we're crcumstances which dla not open up for me very
cheering prospect. But though plain man ! am no,
Of one Of your own countrymen-" First be sure
you're right, then 60 ahesd lTremendous ap, \;
did indeed possess any claim on public favor the intel
lgence and generosity of American audience would
not be found to encourage m ny youthful smei
obligations which never never can repay. But II j
cannot express my gratitude hope may be enabled to
your kindness never can forget your kindLess.-
Wherever may wandsr-be my fortune good or bad
must remember this scene the beauty and ntelli
gence whose appreciation has rewarded me- far far be-
yond my deserts must hereafter be ever present to
%sn. y'0n to new Ss sU aav 10 s a
dncy and giving added lustre to the hour Of happiness
cloud and continued applause2 Again, with an over.
flowing heart, bid you farewell"
Having given this truly eloquent expression to his
feelings, Mr.. Anderson retired amid the most en-
thusiastic plaudits. MIR. Barry then came before
the curtain, and informed the house that in ac-
cordance with the solicitations lof great numbers
who had been unable to procure seats on that occa-
sion, the performances would be repeated on the
succeeding night. This announcement was re-
ceived with renewed applause. We understand
that almost the half OF the boxes have been al
ready secured for tonight. The performances con-
cuded with the play Of the "Lady Of Lyons" in
which MIR. Anderson and Miss Ellis rendered still
more permanent the impression they have made
in their respective parts.
This new theatrical excitement is altogether one
Of the most singular things we have known in the
history of the drama in this city. Here we have a
young, and as he himself has said, an unheralded
and unknown" actor, coming forward and carrying
the enthusiastic appreciation Of the people by storm
as it were-drawing houses such as we we have
not seen for many years-and creating an excite
ment which the legitimate drama and her accredl
ted minister Macready, had in vain ende favored 10
produce only few months ago! But the force OF
natural genius has done it-and that alone could
do it.