The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-02-22


RoPE.-We understand that the Hon. Martin
Van Buren,, ex-President of the United States,
is about to make tour through Europe, in COM
pany with his son Martin Van Buren,, Jr., for
the benefit of whose health, it is said, the jour
ney is undertaken. This is the first time, we
believe, that any person who had held the dis
tinguished position Of President of the Ameri-
can Union, has ever visited Europe, and the
event is, therefore, singular and worthy of re-
mark. It would not, we suppose, be hazarding
too much to predict that the gentlemen
will create quite a yfurOre and excite
ment in the countries they may visit. Such a
sight Europe has never seen before, and the
spectacle will consequently excite not little
attention there.
Besides, Mr.. Van Buren, is not merely an ex-
President. He may be regarded as an ex-
King and therefore, having claim on royal
hospitality. as in his day of exaltation he was
commonly hailed as Martin the First. During
his presidency, his son-the then Dauphin of
America-was fSted at the Court of Saint
James where he had the honor Of having Queen
Victcria's hand at one of the royal balls, and in
commem0ration of this event, as well as by here
ditary right, the young Van Buren, was dubbed
&. Prince john" title which has since chung
to him.
As Mr.. Van Buren, is, therefore. in some de-
gree the legitimate representative of the
oncien regime Of america, he will receive
gre.sa. attention in the courts of Europe "oc
royal matron of st. James will doubtless
not have forgotten the impression made on her
by Prince John, and viii take pleasure in
honoring his father. Wherever he goes, we ex-
pect he will be fsted as a distinguished guest
Mr.. Edwin Forrest at the Broadway Theatre.
As often Mr.. Forrest has been greeted with that
thusiasm, such he alone ecits we have never wit
messed more heartfelt unanimous and prolonged ap
pause than that with which he was sauted on his ap
pearance last evening at the Broadway theatre The
house literally crammed every seat in the dress
crck was taken before ten O'Clock Monday morning;
and the rush great on the opening Of the DOORS
that the parquette filled long before the rising Of the
curtain. Damon the favorte part chosen by Mr..
Forrest for this occasion To criGse his performance
OF that character, would now be superfuous-he has
made it his own and is looked upon justly So as the
only Damon of the American stage On his entrance he
received with immense appiause-cheer upon cheer
followed from all parts Of the house. TO which Mr. For
rest gracefully bowed his Acknowledgements, and
at length permitted 30 proceed He sustained
the character with his wonted force and genun
dramatic ability. Popular the play Of Damon and
Pythas is powerfully and beautifully II is written
still could not help feeling that il not Banm Tn
author that the audience TO hear but For
rest they 10 Yet they unmindful Of
the efficient aid he received in the excellent performance
Of Madame Ponsi Mrs Abbot, Mr. Conway, Mr. Pope,
and the other artistes The house presented most i'm
pressvs appearance Added the grace and beauty that
tiers, the boxes and gallery festooned with the
American flag in honor of the great American tragcsan
which gave magnificent coup dod to the house
At the conclusion Of the drama the applause was 70
ciferous and the call for Forrest was such as could
not be denied bv him. The American tragedian then
came forward and aid -
Ladies and Gentemen-After the arduaus and difficult
part which have performed to night find myself in
such state Of exhaustion that scarcely address
but feel that this occasion ought at least to
say few words TO you. applause To say that have
been grathcd by the warm, cordial and enthusiastic
cepton which you have given tonight would be
phrase which is inefficient cannot press my feelings
on this occasion-ior am gratGed beyond measure but
al can offer to you in return is my sincere and heartfelt
gratitude, and my assurance that endeayor my
part shall be wanting to render the performances which
offer yen worthy of your highest consideration OIe
81 the chief objects OF professional life has been to adj
vance the interests Of the drama
10 wake the soul by tender strokes Of art
To ra,e the genius and TO mend the heart;
10 make mankind in conscious virtue bold,
live DER the scene--and be what they behold"
Ladies and ntlemen If have in any way advanced any
Of these Objects your approyal-your miles-are sum
Gent rewa.d a..
Sir Forrest retired amid great applause There viii be
70 dramatic performance this evening the theatre heinz
devoted 10 a grand ball in honor oi Wnshinxtons birth
day. Mr Forrests engagement il limited to SATURDAY
next he has made il SINE qua With the manager
That he must be IN Washington fer nc inauguration 81
General Pierce