Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-03-20
AnIuaEAIENTn.

thusiastic one we should have been more
prophetic. The compliment was a mos
handsome one in every respect save
numbers, and had a more fashionable
night been selected, this exception
doubtless would not have occurred
The programme Of the occasion wal
we'll put or the stage, and the highly
artistic beneficiary appeared to greater
advantage than We have ever seen
her, in the thrilling character Of Luz
cretia Borgia," in the tragedy Of that
name. She also made happy i'm
preston in the Rough Diamond and
was very fairly supported in both pieces
by the company, Between pieces q
slight deviation was made from the bills,
and the fair beneficiary was called on to
assume a part she had not studied. AT
the close of the last act Of the tragedy, in
response to repeated aud continuous
calls, she appeared before the curtain
with Mr.. Roche, and was in the act OF
retiring when Judge MARYLAND L Perkins,
rising from his seat in the dress circle
near the proscenium, and holding an open
casket in his hand, addressed the bene-
ficary in the following language:
MRS. ALLEN: Your friends and ad-
mirers in Memphis cannot allow this oc-
casion to pass without further token OF
their appreciation of your merits as a
representative Of the dramatic art, as
we'll as your many admirable qualities in
private life, and it is therefor ! ask on
behalf of the citizens of Memphis your
acceptance of this slight testimonial-a
watch and chain. The stageyhas become
indispensable to society; from it we
learn etiquette, manners; it has re-
fining influence on mankind; it is as a
great book of human nature, and from it
we catch the loftier sentiments of the
soul. 1t upholds virtue, truth, justice, and
denounces all that is base and low.
Through it we hold communion with the
great and good of all ages, and such is
the profession, madam, OF which you are
a most worthy member, and as such you
have become endeared to our people. In
presenting you, then, with this token of
esteem and appreciation on the part OF
the citizens of Memphis, i. would express
the hope that this watch may never mark
an unhappy hour in your life, that this
chain will be as links in pleasant memo
ries Of Memphis, ifcalled elsewhere in the
pursuit of the profession which you adorn.
A burst of applause followed the
Judges remarks, and when quiet was
again restored, Mrs. Allen responded in
the most graceful manner to this effect !:
SIR: What shall say on this occasion 7
How shall / thank you and the many
kind friends who have presented me with
this most valuable token of their respect
and esteela ? Words fail me to fully
express my feelings, but ! can assure
you that feel the compliment you have
paid me in my heart of hearts, and it is
registered in my hearts core. | am
truly grateful for the handsome testi-
monial of your regard which you haye to-
night presented to me, and | sincerely ask
you to tender to my friends my sincere
thanks for this valuable present. l assure
you, sir, that shall at all times, and at
all seasons, fully appreciate the kindness
of the people of Memphis, which they
have so substantially evinced through
you this evening. l shall at all times
mark this evening as bright epoch in
my life, and when may be many miles
from the growing and prosperous city Of
Memphis, / will think with pleasure and
with gladness of the bright token of es-
TEEN and regard they presented to me on
this, the occasion of my first benefit
Sir, allow me, through you, to again ten
der my sincere thanks to the citizens OF
Memphis, and can now only say good
night" and God bless you all.
With this aeknoyled gment, Mrs. Allen
retired amid prolonged applause bearing
with her her handsome and really yalua-
BILE souvenir Of the eyeping--a watch
and chain, the former elegantly set with
diamonds, and bearing the following in
scription.
Presented to Mrs. d. R. Allen from
her Memphis friends, March l9, 1868.
Tonight will be rendered a joint
benefit to little Katie Gilbert and
the Leath Orphan Asylum, on which
occasion an excellent bill will be pre-
sented, consisting of the " Little Treas
qre" and the "spoiled Child" with little
Katie in both pieces. Mr., L S. Mccarthy
will also sing between pieces zone Pound
Two" 1t being the fashionable night
the attendance will doubtless be large.
The VARIETIES. = Charley Whites
benefit last evening was bumper, and a
handsome attestation of the favorable
light in which that gentleman is regarded
by the numerOHs frequenters of this re-
sort. An excellent programme is offered
for this evening, introducing Misses
Kent, DeVere, Wheeler, Whiting, De-
Forrest, the Gilmore sisters and others
Of the company, in pleasing songs,
dances and burletts. The house will, OF
course, be crowded.
TERRIFIC BOILER EXPLOSION.