New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1860-02-11
DEATH OF WILLIAN y. BURTON

The news of the death of this distinguished comedian
will not surprise readers, who have observed with
regret the frequent announcements OF his sinking con-
dition for fortnight past. He expired yes erday
morning, al his residence in Hudson street, and the
final moment brought a welcome exit from the intense
physical anguish occasoned by the fatty disease Of the
heart that caused his death.
William Evans Burton was born in London in 1894,
and was consequently in his fyseventh year at the
time of bis decease 1t was orig nay designed tbatbe
should take orders, and he received classical educa-
ton, but hs fine dramatic talents destined for
more appropriate sphere This he reached, after going
through with a certain amount Of experience as a
iournalis.-editing monthly magazine and managing
bis fathers printing Office, when only Is years of age
Joining with success in amateur theatrcas he was n-
duced to study for the stage and after some rural
efforts made wellreceived debut az the Haymarket
in 1892 At this time he wroe several plays Of which
"Ellen Warebam' proved great hit, being played at
FIVE London thcaters on the same evening.
In 1884 Mr. Burton came TO America, which he has
since made bis home Identifying himself closely with
American journalism, aud at an early date placing
bmself al the head of bis school of comedy in this
country Healmo.t invariably was a theatrical lessee,
and loved best TO star it upon The boards Of his
stage In Philadelphia he erected the National" at
bis own cost and also, with creditable love for the
profession of biz boyhood, started The GeHteman's
Mago-iHe. He was The proprietor Of the o3eTaho1~e
in New-York, when it was burned in 1911 In 1917
he purchased Palmos Oper1-IIouse in Chambers
street converted IL into the wicelyfamous Bart9as,
whose walls reechoed for ten years peals Of laugh
ter from nightly thron2s whom he delighted with his
imperronauons Of Aminidab Sleek. " The fodder"
- IL IL.
wbich be made 90 wonderfully snd unapproachably
biz own. Every one, too viii remember his exquisite
d,lip4aiions Of the humorous charactsrs in Slakes-
poare-he Autolycup, Ca5an, ana Fils'aH, &c.
In ISJ7 be leased the Metropolitan Theater nov the
Winter Garden, and held it three years. but it was
hncied that be felt IN At in that hall of magoih-
cent distances, amid audiences and newer times,
and more than regretted the upward NeNYofk i'm
pulse that had borne him thi5her.
Mr. Burton was thorough ShskesPearian scholar
and critic and possessed one OF the most extensive
and complete Shnles pearan libraries collected
To the last bis pen busy, and in 1853 he edited
the Cyeopsdia Of VIII and Humor, at the request Of
the Nossrs. Appe'0n.
Snoo bis reiiromeut from the management Of the
metropolitan he couti1ued 70 appear "sar" on va
rious stages HE dramatic powers were never more
delightful and self contained than the OCCASIONS Of
bis slett efforts. Disease, however, was preying a.
his yitalr, and few weeks ago be compelled 70.
uorsrtly 10 renquish engagement at Troy, aud %
acknowledge that lie sickness was a serious natter
ard must be attended 20 at once. Ia vain. Inca by
inch bis strength gave way for fortnight he lived
merely by the iJHuence Of sinulants and opiaiss in
trsmenjo Does, and has only found respite from
suffering in the final rest fdelth. Thus passing away,
10 has left name behind him. long 10 be remembered
hs that Of graceful scholar, genial man, an able
manager, and IN unsquaed actor in the original
and attractive school Of comedy Of which be was the
head and font.