Gold Hill daily news. [volume] (Gold Hill, N.T. [Nev.]) 1863-1882, 1867-07-03
THRArrR.-At Mrs. Jackson's benefit

las, evening, there was a large house ;
a testimonial which she richly deserved.
There was evidently something wrong
in the arrangements, before an /" apol-
ogy" was offered for the musicians did
not give a tune until after the raising of
the curtain was fully due. Immediately
after the playing Of the overture: Mrs.
Jackson, attired for the character Of
Hester G~razebrook, in the Unequal
Match, appeared before the curtain and
said "Ladies and gentlemen 1t is
with deep regret and modification that
I appear before you for the first time, in
my own proper character, as an apol-
ogist. 1t is certainly, as you will all
appreciate, very unfortunate that | am
obliged to make an excuse to you for
an unexpected failure on this occa-
sion Of my benefit. Mr.. Melville, who
was C have taken q leading part
in the play announced for performance,
is not present in the green room, and
he cauuot be found. He was seen, |
believe, so late as six o'clock, and his
absence from the theater at this time is
unaccouutable. We can only apprehend
that some accident has befallen and de-
tanned him. In the absence Of Mr.. Mel
Vile we have concluded to present the
first act, hoping that before its conclu-
sion he will return. Mr.. Sinclair has
kindly consented to read Mr.. Melvills's
part-that Of Sir Harry Arucrofft-for
the first act. must again express my
deep regret for the necessity that exists
for making an apology to this audience.
I have often heard Of the kind indul-
geuce Of Virginia audiences, and | hum
bly, trust we shall experience that in
diligence at your hands. [Applause.l
I believe I may say that this failure is
far more distressing TO me than it posi-
bly, can be to any other person in this
house. TApplause.1 We will still hope
for the appearance of Mr.. Melville"
The audience heartily ~applauded Mrs.
Jackson as she retired; and the first act
of the Unequal Match was presented,
with Mr.. Sinclair in Melville's assigned
character. The act passed off smoothly,
and evidently gave the audience an APP
petite for the beautiful play, which We
expect will be fully given at an early
time, when no such "accident" as hap
pened last night will hinder its progress.
When "second act time" should have
been called, Harry Jackson came for
ward and said: 'Ladies and gentlemen:
when I look upon this brilliant audience
for it is truly a brilliant audience,
after the attendance we have heretofore
had-I am grieved and provoked beyond
expression at the cause Of your and vi
disappointment this evening. Mr.. Mel
Vile has not made his appearance yet,
and I suppose we may not reasonably
expect him here this evening. He was
seen last by members Of the company
at six o'clock, and so late as half-past
seven be is said to have been in or near
the theater. When last seen by any Of
our people be was perfectly sober-from
all appearances. cannot account to
you or to myself why he should have so
shamefully treated this large audience
and the beneficiary Of the evening. |
believe that | have always shown a
proper spirit Of friendship and accom-
mediation toward my brother actors,
and I know that Mrs. Jackson, as RI
actor, or actress rather, has GU innu-
merable occasions and at every oppor-
suuity manifested a cordial desire to
contribute to the success Of occasions
like this, announced for any Of her pro-
fesslonal associates. (Applause.l tits
our intention to remain here two weeks
longer; and | a assure you that no
such gentleman as Mr.. Melville will ever
have a chance again, while l am stage
manager for Max Walter, of deceiviug his
fellow actors and disappointing the pub
lie. It is hard to think that now, after
a season Of rather poorpatronage, when
we have a prospect of making a little
money, Cmerriment, and perhaps a
great deal Of valuable reputation in this
community, we are at a loss on our pro-
gramme for the evening by reason oil
the unexplained absence Of a principal
actor. will say 10 this connection,
that since | have been in this country,
I have had a great deal Of courtesy
shown me by brother American actors,
and have always been enabled to main.
tain with them, the kindest Of relations;
aud never did l know an American
actor guilty Of such disgracefu conduct
al it now seems Mr.. Melville, one Of my
own countrymen, should be charged
with. Applause. As an English
man I am ashamed Of him. [Great ap-
plause and laughter. However, we
will try and do the best we can under
the circumstances: giving a couple of
short pieces which Idare say will please
you: The Rough Diamond and The
Stage Struck Barber [%Applause.
If any one in the house is dissatisfied
on this announcement, he will have bis
money returned to him by applying at
the box Office. CApplause.1 If I have
said anything out of the way in the
course Of my remarks, I hope you. will
pardon it, for I don't claim to be a pub
lie speaker, and I'm q little rled JUS,
now, and 10 no humor for extemporiz-
ing the handsomest speech I am capa-
BILE Of making. [Applause.1 Now,
those Of you that wait about FIVE min
utes 'OiH zee some dings." Mr.. Jackson
retired amid applause and laughter,
having set the audience in thorough
good huuor, and ELECTED the warmest
sympathy for Mrs. Jackson, whose cha
grin was excessive. Every person in
the audience remained through the per.