New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1867-01-23
THE DIR

THE BOOTH TESTIMONIAL AT THE WINTER GARDEN.
70 say that the Winter Garden was crowded, last
evening, would be TO state the truth mildly. The
theator was quite overwhelmed with people. The
audience combined, in unusual degree, the ee-
mcns of intellect culture, fashion, beauty and social
emnence. Mr. Booths performance of Hamlet was
received with IN applause that was bothapprecatve
and enthusiastic. His acting presented no new point
OF excellence. need we here dwell upon persona
ton that is as familiar as sunshine, 10 the theater
gocrs Of this community That its merit is fully APP
preciated the closing scene at the Winter Garden,
last evening, bore eloquent testimony. We mean, Of
course. the presentation, TO Mr.. Booth OF the Ham
let Medal" Notice of this testimonial was given, in
these columns several days since. At tho end Of the
tragedy last evening, the Committee of gentlemen
having the matter in charge went from their private
boxes to the stage the united orchestral bands of the
principal thcatcrs in town playing, meanwhile, the
Danish National Hymn. Tho stage was set to repre-
sent q simple drawing-room scene. arriving upon
which, the Committee met with Mr. Booth, In the
costume Of Hamlet and by their chairman, William
Fullerton, esq. presented the medal. Among others
there appeared on the stage Gen. Barry, Admirals
Fauagut and Palmer, the Hon j. l. Hoffman, Maj
Gen. Il. Anderson the Hon. George Bancroft, the
Hon. Charles L. DAILY, the Hon: Charles A. Dana, the
Hon. George c. Barnard, the Hon. John X. Brady,
W H. Blodgett. esq, w. Ii. Beard, esq. Jeryis Nc
the Hon. Richard OGoman, and VIM. Fullerton, esq.
Mr.. Fullerton in presenting the medal, made the
subjoined graceful and appropriate address:
Mr.. BooIn: Iou have deseryedly won position in
your profession which few men have attained The
representation Of OF shakcspearc's plays for ono
hundred consecutive nights TO Overlooking and delighted
audiences Is triumph unIecorded I'm the annals OF the
stage mtl you accomplished IT, and IA well worthy OF
conmenoraton but Is not alone your success as an
actor which has attracted public attention and called
forth this demonstration. You have won alike the ap
plase ana respect OF your fellow men and q numerous
body Of your friends and admirers through their Com
mttee, here present desire to present YOU with
evidence Of their appreciation of your genius ne an actor
and their respect for You as a man. moro substan,
tial and enduring than the feetng though
To that end they have instructed to present you
with this medal. lntrnsCay 10 Is Of little wOrth hut
token OF the regard OF your feow-czens, II pos.
sesscs significance far moro valuable than the gold OF
which Is composed or the artistic skill which has beau
tiled It. IL was thought proper Sir that this presenta:
Hamlet with which your will be associated.
and on the very spot OF your greatest professional
an opportunity OF witnessing It, Bat the time md place
chosen for this ceremony have another aud deeper
sSnncanco. They are intended as recognition OF your
life long es TO raise the moral standard OF the drama,
aud to eneouragoyou In your future efforts TO accomplish
gift and at the time allow me TO express the uni
Versal wish that you may live TO win new riumphs In
profession which your virtues have elevated and your
Mr.. Fullertons address was received with every
demonstration OF approval u ana applause hf' Dooth
t The medal Is oval in form, surrounded by ser
pent There are emblcmatic flowers at the base, the
skull of Yorcs tW2 iGils crossGa ana 'v tSn Ton IN
the Danish crown from which hang two wreaths on
either side, of laurel and myrtle. The pin from which
Shakespeare with those emblomatic OF comedy and
tragedy on each side Tho motto is Palmdmqui
mesmt Jerdt" Tho inscription on the back reads as
follows:
RpwIE BOOTH;
In Hamlet enacted
BY hln h SsaiolL cg Gor ono haadIed nlshA"