The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1860-02-16

The press has chronicled the death of Mr.. WIN.
E. BURTON. He died in New York, on Friday
last, after. long illness, and in the ffty-seventh
year of his age.
The world will not attach that importance to
this event which it would to the decease of many
a seco nd-rate soldier and statesman, but for all
this, Mr.. BURTON will probably be more missed
and longer remembered than many who were con-
sidered greater men. The place he held in the es-
timaton of the public he had worthily won, and
he honorably filed it to the last His character
entitled him to respect, for he was honest and
manly, and his genial and amable qualities had
gained him many devoted friends He not
one of those commonplace actors who manage, by
dint of perseverance, to fit themselves for the ordi
nary duties of the stage, and who can merely I'M
tate the tradionary theatrical mouthings and ges-
ticulations we all know so well. Not only did he
personate familiar parts with spirit and origi-
naliy that infused new life into them, but he gave
further evidences of the decided talent he possessed
by calling into existence other characters of his
own creation. He was an author as we'll as an
actor and wrote at times with great vigor and flu
ency. But he was not content to suffer his mind
of dramatic literature, and he had sedulously cul-
tivated it by a wide and varied course of reading.
Such a man is not undeserving of some notice
when he passes from among his fellows
But it is in his professional capacity that
be will be most depored. We owe q
kindly tribute to his memory for the very many
happy hours he has afforded US. His peculiar
style and manner are so fresh in the recollections
of our readers that we will not attempt to describe
them. 1t is but a few short months since that
comical face of his was smiling on us, and the IT.
resstble sense of humor that comes over all of us
we think Of him renders any attempt at criticism
superfluous We must be permitted, however, tc
quote passage from CHARLES LAMBS description
of actor of the last century, which is emf
nently applicable to one of Burrows peculiarites
''In expressing slowness Of apprehension" says
that lnimitable writer, ''this actor surpassed al
''others. You could see the first dawn of an idef
Stealing slowly over his countenance, climbing
Cup little by little, with a painful process
'till it cleared up at last to the fulnes
''of twilight conception--its highest me
''ridian. 1t seemed TO keep back his intel
elect, some have had the power to retard thei
'pusation.. The balloon takes less time in filing
ethan it took TO cover the expansion of his broad
''moony face over all its quarters with expression
"a glimmer of understanding would appear in
"corner Of his eye, and for lack of fuel 90 on
''again. \ part of his forehead would catch
''litte intelligence, and be long time in com
''municating it TO the remainder" Whatever
mans vocation may be, he is entitled to applaus
I,o - ti,o ,Io
ton BURTON had held for many years in the his
trionic department to which he had exclusiveI,
devoted himself. There are many who woult
concede that he was possessed of no little talent
but who will consider it to have been wasted an,
misused. Narrow and sordid minds alike hol,
the faculties to have been misappiied which hav
been devoted solely to the worlds adornment o
amusement. But notwithstanding this, the ma
jority of people still believe, that when natur
bountifully bestowed upon US the capacity to b
pleased, and to laugh, it was intended that tn
means of exciting these sensations should be pre-
vided us. Nor can they doubt, who have muc
experience of humanity, that its generous an
kindly impulses are as often awakened by mirtt
full influences as by the appeals of asceticism. Fl
does something towards reforming and reiinin
mankind, who contributes to make it merriel
The life of the humblest comedian, therefore,
not useless; and BURTON may have 'shuffled O
''this mortal COLL" not only with ''conscenc
''void of offence" lut with an honest convictio
that he had done good service TO his fellows. "
acknowledge our obligations to him. For IL
hearty and harmless enjoyment he has so ofte
afforded to society, it is much his debtor. FL
every innocent and uproarious laugh he has PR
voked, it owes him gentle thought. Many sue
will assuredly be accorded to his memory, f
even among those who think most lightly of Il
actors calling, there must be thousands who
recollechons VII at times recur to this 'ifellow
INFINITE jest of most excellent fancy" An
few there are, we are persuaded, who will fai
when bis name is mentioned, TO sorrow for h
death, aud to sigh, "Alas, poor YoRIcK"