Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1869-06-30
ANECDOTE OF THE ELDER BOOTH.
How He Got Drunk with Daniel We b.


How He Got Drunk with Danlei " e D.
ster.
During the winter of 1872, when the
great debate preceding the passage OF the
compromise measure was in progress, Booth
had an engagement at the National Thea
tire, Washington.
He was then at the meridian of his fame,
and the National was nightly crowded by
the elite of the capital to witness his per-
formances. Upon one occasion, IN COM
many with a party of friends, he visited the
Senate Chamber, in hopes of hearing a
eneech which it was announced Mr.. Web
ster would deliver that afternoon. Booth
was fervent admirer of the Great Ex-
FOUNDER, and strong personal friendship
existed between them.
We remember wellsa conversation that
occurred at the Astor House, 10 which
Webster, recalling the principal histrionic
stars whom he had been privileged to hear,
mentioned, among others, Kean, Cook and
Macreadv, and spoke of Booth as equal to
anv of them in the force and energy of his
deiineations Booths admiration for the
Wing Colossus was not less earnest; and 1T
was one of his chief qualifications to spend
whole hours in the Senate Chamber when
ever Webster took part in the debate. On
the evening of the day alluded to, Booth
was to perform as Richard at the National
The manager of that theatre had taken
the precaution to go with him to the Capt.
toll. having an eye to the possibility of his
disappearance at the appointed hour if
left to himself Mr.. Webster did not speak
that afternoon, and Booth, in a disappoint-
ed mood, was proceeding up Pennsylvania
avenue, when he met the former near his
hotel, and taking leave of his friend, de-
parted with him. history does not say where.
Prior to separating, Booth made an agree
ment with the manager to meet him III the
green room of the theatre at six o'clock III
the evening. When the time arrived,
there was no Booth. Vigilant search was
at once instituted for him in every direc-
ton where he thought it was most likely
to be found, but without avail. About Z
O'Clock, however, messenger rushed into
the green room with intelligence of the
missing tragediau He was at the resi-
dence of gentleman about mile off, in a
very highly indisposed condition. The
manager, grateful for at least having dis
covered his whereabouts, at once re-
paired, accompanied by two friends,
to Mr.. Booths temporary quarantine
They found that gentleman completely hors
de combat. It was an aggravated case of
spiritus feTment;. The manager was not a
professional practitioner; but he knew the
disease and was passably well acquainted
with the treatment which his patient
required. Not moment was to be lost.
It lacked but thirty minutes of the time
when the performances were advertised to
begin, and the situation would not admit
of any trifing He rang for a servant,
and promptly ordered tub of cold water.
While the medicine was being pre-
pared, Booth was relieved of his
coat, vest and shirt. He resented this dis
turbance of his repose by feeble grunt,
and then relapsed into state of partial IN
sensibility. A few moments afterward two
domestics were announced bearing tub
containing the prescription IN true ailopa-
THO quantities. Thereupon two of the gen.
tlemen present seized the unconscious
tragedian by the heels, while the manager
the cooling bath. The effect was almost
instaD 1aneous. Booth in q trice, show
ed signs of returning vitality. He
moved his arms to and fro, clashed
his hands fervently together opened his
eyes, raised his head, and finally looking
about in a dreamy bewildered way, desired
to know if the brethren present would be
pleased to join him in repeating the Lords
Prayer The absurd sincerity of this aston
ishing proposal so convulsed the little as
sembly that for few seconds all further
attempts at resuscitation were suspended.
But time pressed, and in ten minutes after
being placed upon his legs, Richard was
himself again. That night he performed
in his great role to densely crowded house
and the enterprising manager was spared
the modification of disappointing his pa.
irons.