The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-01-04
WELCOME TO EDWIN BOOTH.

n Magnificent Reception in the Winter
Garden Last Night-Now YOrk's Greet
ing 60 the Great American TragedtaB-
Enthusiasm Run Mnd-Fatr Women
Cheering and Brave Men Executing
Gymnast1c Feats-Mr. booths Appear
Anoe-Groans for the New York
s'Herhld' and the "OId Mime," Etc.
Last nights performance OF Hamlet, at the
Winter Garden, was one long to be remembered.
The return OF Edwin Booth to the stage after
prolonged absence-in part occasoned, we may
presume, by the sad circumstances which
brought his family name into prominence in
connection with the closing calamity of the late
war-was made the occasion for most enthu-
siastic demonstration OF sincere welcome on the
part of those OF the great artists friends who
succeeded in gaining foothold within the walls
of the theatre.
1t was felt that under the peculiar unfortunate
circumstances OF his position, this estimable
citizen and honored player deserved an express
sion of sympathy and heartfelt greeting from
the public that would In some measure encou-
rage him to resume the round of his professional
duties. So universal was this sentiment that it
needed no concerted action to crowd the theatre
upon the opening night of the Shakespearian
season with an audience that fairly represented
the wealth and intelligence of the city, and
which eagerly awaited the first opportunity for
bestowing upon Booth one OF the most remarka'
bly, spontaneous ovatons ever extended to an
actor
The extraordinary warmth of this magnificent
that the public sense of decency had been re-
Gently outraged by a most brutal attack upon
Booths iair fame in the Herald, which was fol-
lowed by another even more atrocious ana IN
cendiary in character published in the PtdybH-
sheet whose disgTaceiul existence terminated
with the number containing this last shock 10
the popular sensibilitles.
The desire to indorse Booth, and resent the
HeTG'd's unparalleled insults, was last night up
permost IN the minds OF all classes People unac-
customed to going to the theatre tlocked to the
Winter Gardenlas matter OF duty, to sustain by
their presence aud applause a.gentleman who
had been so grossly wronged.
The crowd was immense, Of course, but as
orderly and quiet as if at church. Gordon of
police appeared at an early hour in the vestibule
of the house, and those composing it were
placed in various positions by the Captain of the
Fifteenth Precinct. Their services we're not
needed, however the unanimity of feeling being
too apparent to permit OF any handful of evil.
disposed persons from seeking to create dis
turbance.
Mr.. Stuart had announced that the curtain
would rise considerably earlier than usual, but
when the fine orchestra, under MIR. Robert
Stoepel, began the Hamlet Overture (com-
posed by the leader) there was scarcely vacant
spot to be found in the house, and it seemed as
if the number of persons standing was as great
as those whose good fortune had placed seats at
their disposal.
1t is in the second scene of the first act that
'Hamletn is first discovered seated near the
throne in the audencechamber of the palace at
ElsiDore. Upon the opening of this scene the
enthusiasm broke FORTH and surely such a scene
was never before witnessed in a theatre. The
applause burst spontaneously from every part of
the house. The men stamped, Clapped their
hands, and hurrahed continuously; the ladies
rose in their seats and waved a thousand hand
kerchieis; and for full five minutes a scene of
wild excitement forbade the progress of the
play.
Mr., Booth was at first overcome by the tre
mendous ovation. His head dropped low upon
his breast and his frame shook with emotion.
The huZZas continuing, and even gathering
force and volume they were prolonged, he
arose from his chair and bowed repeatedly. In
q moment or two more the agreeable tumult
subsided as spontaneously as it had begun, and
the play proceeded.
At the close of every act the enthusiasm burst
forth anew, and Mr.. Booth compelled to
cross the stage under a fire of wreaths and bou-
qUets, and saluted by the frantic waving of hand
kerchieis and hats and the mighty cheers of the
multitude.
1t was at the close of the third of these half
dozen or more distinct ovations that gaerian,
whose sense of Justice might well qualify him
for a position on the bench or in the iurytroom,
demanded "groans tor the New York HerdLdn
This mild but pertinent request awakened a
storm of Kisses and indignant groaning Of the
kind peculiar to political meetings in the vicinity
OF election days. After that cheers were pro.
posed for the party who originated the idea of
Tebuking the recipient of the recent Maretzek
letters. 1t is needless to say that the necessary
cheers followed by sturdy "tiger," were
promptly forthcoming.
OF the performance itself we can speak salts
factorily in a very few words. Mr.. Booth acted
with never so much careful ease and precision,
reading with admirable effect, and entering more
fully than ever into the business of the scenes.
He seemed ambitious to surpass his own best
efforts, and without being preiudiced by too
fully sharing the enthusiasm of the occasion we
may say that, in our own opinion, this was truly
his most brilliant Illustration of his most admired
character.
In the first scene with the Ghost, in the inter-
view with POionius in the play-scene and at its
nplu ba anta NUtfh 20 ncI1Tn inns 10 hnnac
and betrayed warmth OF passion and depth
of true emotional power far beyond his own
foimer grand portrayal. The full merit of this
exquisite performance cannot be conveyed in a
few hastily written sentences strung loosely
together at the final fall of the curtain. Its
effect upon that vast and intent audience best
indicates the intense humanity, the eloquence,
the sterling vigor OF the noble Characterization.
1t seemed after the first long outburst of APP
Dlause had died away, that the actor had caught
the enthusiasm of the hour, and was freshened
to his work thereby. Mr.. Booth was capably
supported. Mr. Charles Barron took the part of
'Laertes;" :" Mr.. W. Taylor that of the "Ghost;'
Mr.. G. K Mason that of the "King;n Mr.. w. A.
Donaldson that of "Horatio !" while Mrs. Marie
wilkins appeared for the first time at this theatre
as the "Queen;r and Miss Efiie Germon as '0phe
lia" Mr.. John Dyott played "Polonius."
couple of new scenes-tle "King's closet,
and another-have been added since the tragedy
was presented last winter, and the entire set is
therefore now wanting in no particular.
"Hamlet" will, Of course, be continued for 9
considerable period although it is in contem
plation to nave Mr.. Booth appear in other char
aoters of his fine repertoire during his presen
engagement.-N Y. World.
LEGAL INTELLIGENCE.
NJ. 4