New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1868-06-03
MRS. KEMBLE IN PHILADELPHIA.

READING FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE LINCOLN
INSTITUTE FOR SOLDIERS ORPHANS.
PHILADELPHIA, June 2.-DuriDg the war
the Governor OF Pennsylvania gave pledges In the name
OF the commonwealth, that the children OF the soldiers
who fell In defense Of the nation should be made tho
wards of the State, to be educated and maintained a.
public expense To redeem this pledge the Legislature
appropriated money authorized the erection Of schools,
appointed q Superintendent, and provided gen.
orally for the maintenance Of soldiers orphans.
One Of these schools, established In Phiiader
phIa, and partly sustained by private charity
is the Lincoln Institute" 1t opened for pupils In
1885, and now contains 81 boys in blue OF from to 10
years 1t is part Of the object Of the Managers OF this
institution to make provision for the care OF its inmates
after the age of which period the state releases It's
northumberland to train them TO business habits ana
place them proper situations Twenty-Five OF the eoys
have already found employment in good houses a tme
has been reached when the accommodations Of the build
ing are no longer sufficient for this growing household,
and as the boys will generally continue to make 1t their
home during their Apprenticeship or minority becomes
necessary 20 provide enlarged doTmitories and other
apartments for their various uses. and TO make their
home at once comfortable, healthy and attractive. IL
was with the view of aiding in these improvements now
absolutely necessary that Mrs kembe consented TO give
the beautiful entertainment OF today.
The stngs in the Academy of Music for the readings
were limited the parQuette parquette circle and BAL
cony every ticket IN these parts OF the house was sold
before the opening OF the Academy Those for the par
ouette and circle had sold privately to the best fam
lilies I'm the city, and hence the audience selected and
was therefore really select The stage trimmed with
drapery which perfectly of Mrs Kembes light stage
dress The carpet Of dark green large and elegant
pots OF shrubberY and rare towering plants were
distributed on the stage, in whose center simple
revolving desk and chair The proscenium boxes were
festooned with the beautiful nag of the United
states and Of Britain. Two Of the private boxes
were occupied by Curtin and Gen. Sherman, Com
mander Of this Department, with their families The
Managers OF the Lincoln Institute In other boxes.
At O'Clock full orchestra opened the entertainment.
Every seat in the opened parts OF the house was
illed.
The overture ended Mrs. Kemble sitting at her desk
began the reading Of Midsummer Nights Dream
This reading already been described by The TRIBUNE
and 1t need only be added that before this brilliant audi
ence surrounded by these inspiring the artist
fell whit below her most successful rendering Of the
great author whose works she translates. The vast
dence at in full sympathy with the reader, and
moved to tears, convsed with laughter, thrown
into uproa Of applause at the wiz Of the dstn gushed
reader.
The iniermission came at o'clock, after one hour
which was seemingly but moment Of exquisite enjoy
ment At the close Of the reading the door In the
opened and led by drum corps the boys Of the Incol
Institute army blue numbering nearly ls0 entered
The Captain bore great bouquet OF flowers, beautiful Il
freshness and cement This the little ofceP neatly
presented TO the noble woman artist who had given Cha
boys In blue this liberal benefit Each boy then presente
bouquet until Mira kenlble had been literally
with howers. aud while the boys according Chi
affecting tribute the audience greeted them aud the
| benefgetor With hearty applause.