Daily national Republican., 1863-10-19
THE OVATION AnD BENEF,T AT
GROvER's THEATRE, SATURDAY

Tho most pleasant social event that has oc
CURED In Washington for many months, was
the benefit given at Growers theatre to the U.
9. Sanitary Commission, saturday night, when
'Shakspeare's great tragedy Of Macbeth was
played, with Miss Charlotte In the character Of
Lady Macbeth. The house was we'll filed In
every part and the performance gave the ut
most satisfaction.
wedo not feel called upon 10 20 into criti-
cism or analysis of the acting on the occasion.
All the principal performers are well known,
their qualities appreciated, and their reputa-
uons we'll established. We cannot forbear,
however, 70 quote what Rev. Henry Giles, the
emiaent essayist and lecturer, wrote in refer
enco 70 Miss Cushman's performance Of Lady
Macbeth recently at the Boston Theatre for the
benefit of the Sanitary Commission.
"t is surprising that the hugeness Of this
play does not overcome the faculties OF any
performer, or that In confronting IL he cen
make any Impression or gain any attention.
And probably he could not, II every one Of his
audience could carry the whole drama In his
memory and imagination, with any adequate
one does, or can do. II he did, then to act TO
him, or to an audience made up OF such, might
seem - hopeless or as idle a. to sing q low
song 10 rise above the chorus Of the raging
waves; to preach peace amidst the tempest Of .
battle; TO attempt to quiet maddened mob by
tune on the jewsharp; or to try to outsound
the thunder by firing OF pocket-pistol. The
tr,,th t. q. -.
into the mind In Its magnitude or parts during
its representation on the stage. The attention
is mainly confined ~ the two principal charac-
ters, and the mind Is diverted or relieved by
the ceaseless variety Of interests and incidents
which surround these and are subordinate 10
them. But still, there are fearful difficulties
in giving any due expression on the stage TO
the spirit Of this gigantic drama. When, there.
fore, sn artist does make impression, deep
impression-does gain attention, profound at.
tention-in spite of these formidable obstacles,
it Is q great triumph; and such was the triumph
Of Charlotte Cushman as Lady Macbeth"
y 1t may be remarked here, that Mr.. wallack
as Macbeth and Nr. Davenport as MscdpS,
s well as Miss Cusb2isH, achieyed'a a sim
hat uiuutp3 Oaturuay nlRnt-
Tie audience was one 10 be studied. Gro
ver's Theatre embraced within It's walls larger
amount Of the intellect gathered In Washing
ton, In official circles and civic life, than is
often witnessed. The President aud his family,
Secretary Seward and family, Lord Lyons and
suite, occupied private boxes; while the or
chestra chairs and dress circles contained a
host Of eminent gentlemen and ladies'. Many
persons who seldom attend the drama--seldom
enter shakspeare's Ideal world-were present,
having been attracted somewhat by the unusu-
ally powerful cast of the tragedy, but mainly
by the noble charity for our soldiers to which
they were contributing. The audience were
enthusiastic throughout the play, and at its
close Miss Cushmsn was called before the cur
tain and was honored with an elegant bouquet
from the ladies In Mr.. Stewards box. -
Too much praise cannot be awarded Manager
Grover for his generous and patriotic conduct
in this affair. He gives the entire receipts of
the evening, two thousand and eighteen dollars,
to the Sanitary Commission. The expenses for
as We understand, gas, printing and advertise.
ments, the salaries Of his regular company, and
of three star performers, must be reckoned a
his personal donation, to which must also b
added the profits he would have made on q
full house on the same evening. All this
would have amounted to o princely sum, and
the public will not soon forget this whole-souled
iberality Of Mr.. Grover.