The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1872-06-06
AMUsEMEN rs.


mark their appreciation OF Mr.. Matthew's great tai
ents The piece selected for presentation was By
ron's comedy, mot such Fool as He Looks" The
reception accorded to Mr.. Mathews was remarka-
bly, cordial, and ut the close OF the performance
perfect ovation was rendered to him. The veteran
actor acknowledged the honor conferred on him
and returned thanks In the following speech
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN 1T Is with the greatest
pleasure that come before you to say farewell.
This may appear rather a novel and somewhat
gracious announcement OF parting speech but
when explain what mean am sure You will
sympathze with me. The fact Is, feel like little
boy going home for the holidays, and you all know
what little boy, like myself feels such an Occa-
sion. However fond of study he may be, II he is a
good little boy, like myself, and however happy he
may have been at school, he stu looks forward
with rapture to the period OF his vacation. Now
have been at work for the last two years without any
holiday at all. Indeed, l may say without days
relaxation; for l don't count the time passed on
board ship as reaxaton-thOugh have felt little
relaxed even there at times-nOr do look upon the
days and nights spent on the railway cars as una-
loyed bliss, those having been the only cessations
from labor in which ! have INDUCED. There are
people, know who enjoy the sea-at least they
say they debut l confess am not one OF them;
and after making voyage round the world have
come to the conclusion that was not cut out for
sailor, and luxurious the Pullman sleeping berths
undoubtedly are, have no hesitation In asserting
that in the long run prefermy own bed. so, haV-
ing worked hard, think have fairly earned my
holiday and / mean to enjoy it. / have not the
slightest intention OF returning to England and re-
Stunning work till next October, but mean to take
three or four months for an unshacked "0uting."
This being the case, repeat that 1t Is with plea
sure come forward to say farewell. But should
not feel pleasure in saying so If did not entertain
the hope that we should some day meet again.
Thrty-four years ago l bade New York
farewell ''for ever" and after twenty years.
absence returned and said farewell again. Thirteen
years then elapsed and here am saying farewell
Tor the third time, and who knows how soon may
be making my fourth appearance and delivering my
fourth farewell? 1t Is true am not so young as
was--n fact, am no longer In my first youth but
then am not yet in my second childhood either;
and trip across the Atlantic is now 50 simple
ing. In letter from my father on his arrival in
New York In 1922 he congratulates himself on his
unprecedcntedly rapid voyage of "only thirty-siX
days. while now passage OF nine days Is actually
considered as tedious. Who shall say that may
not live to run over in twenty-four hours At all
events sincerely hope that this may not prove my
last visit. l have had a delightful time and look
forward fmy health continues, to its repetition so
at any moment, when l hope you will be as
glad to see me as shall be to return.
Antpodes, ! have passed twelve equally success
full months In the United States, and am proud to
record that for six months of that time have
played to nnvarying good houses in New York
alone. While returning my hearty thanks to the
public for the favor with which have been re-
ceived must not forget another duty have to
perform, and that is to express my deep sense Of
the great cordiality and cheerful assistance have
experienced from the members of my own profess
everyone with whom have been associated during
my tour, for can honestly declare that never met
with more uniform politeness and attention I
lack, what shall sayY Words are made
quate to express the afectionate appreciation
entertain of his unceasing endeavor and those OF
his amiable family to conduce to my happiness and
comfort Years ago, when he first entered the pro-
fcsson, it appears that Glanced to offer him some
little encouragement, and it shows that kind words
are never thrown away, for he has been gracious
enough to remember them; and II cheered him q
little at the commencement OF his career, he has
more than returned the obligation by throwing
flowers over the close Of mine. shall bear away
with me the Ioveliest remembrance OF his many
kindnesses. l will not detain you longer. ladies
and gentlemen, but tender you once more my CRATE
fu thanks for the undertaking favor and patronage
with which you have hOn0red me- and with the sim
cerest assurance that shall forever treasure the
recollection Of the happy days have spent among
you, bid you, most respectfully, farewell.
Theatre Comique.
"A new piece entitled "Chicago" was produced
at this theatre last evening before house full to
overlooking, and proved very fair success. 1t
makes Of course no pretensions TO high merit In
the way Of plot or dialogue. but there arc several
scenes which either thrilling amusing
and the audience seemed interested throughout
The great feature of the piece is the Introduction OF
after the great fire. This has been painted In the
main with scrupuous fidelity to truth, though
oo e nra re eoor and excessive
quantity. This, however, is very natural error,
and scarcely any picture can adequately call up to
ing and ruin involved In this terrible disaster. The
concluding scene introduces u very good imi-
tation OF q locomotive, which Is, Of course,
the representative Of that which Col. Fisk started
from New York bearing relief to the furnishing and
homeless crowds. Charles ThOrne plays the part OF
a fireman, and, among other heroic deeds, rescues
u child from the midst Of q burning house. Miss
Sanford takes the character OF an IrshwOman, and
Mr.. Wild is funny Dutchman. "Chicago' will
doubtless draw full houses for n long time to come.
Union\ Square Theatre.
Mrs. J. A. Oates and her troupe commenced an
engagement Tuesday evening in Planche's burlesque
'Fortunio," and were greeted by large audience.
"Fortunio" is more like an opera boufe than bur-
lesque 1t abounds in puns and political ''hits," all
more or less aughable. Mrs. Oates, as the heroine
OF the piece, appearing in male disguise, sang and
acted her part in spirited manner, and was fire.
quently applauded. Notable among the other per-
formers were Mr.. w. H. Crane, who gave humor
GUS caricature OF bankrupt sovereign; while Mr..
provoked shouts of laughter by his ludcrous imta-
ton OF female grace and loneliness The singing OF
the principal performers was as good as the average
Of burlesque actors. But the scenery was of q
primitive description, the ballet crude and spirit
less, with not fair face graceful form to cheer
the eye OF the beholder.
Brooklyn Theatre.
A class OF performance that is new IN Brooklyn
has been commenced this week at the above thea
ire. The spectacular drama, that has been favored
so largely in New York, has not hitherto found
congcnial home in the ''Cty of Churches At Mrs.
Conway's Theatre the innovation has been at
tempted, and with degree OF success that will be
applauded by many and denounced by few. "The
Naad Queen; or, the Mysteries OF the Lurleibergn
the name OF the drama presented, is kind
OF "Black Crook with the more glaring
impropricties left out. There. is very
slight plot in the play, just enough to
| work in the scenic, the 'demonic' aud the
''unmortal" elements Of the drama, and there is n
ballet corps OF twenty-four members, who wear
| skirts probably short enough for Brooklyn audi
! ence, but the skirts are longer than a
| New York stage. There is enough, however re-
| vealed to the naked eye to satisfy the sensuous,
while the ballet corps In their march in the last act,
led as they are, by Lurne, produce an effect that
| has probably never been surpassed in any spec
| tacular play yet brought before the public. The
| audience applauded with an enthusiasm that Is
| seldom manifested in theatres. Miss Conway
| is Lurne. the Naad queen, and Mr.. Frank
4 Roche Is Sir Rupert Fearnaught. The part
| gives Miss Conway an opportunity to display
her musical talent as well as her personal beauty.
The former is greatly applauded and the latter has