New-York tribune., 1872-05-16
THE DRAMA.

THE DRAMA.
AMERICAN DRAMATIC TICFUND-PROJECTED BENEFIT.
Theatrical benefts-not inappropriate to the
glad and kindly season OF lilac and dandeon-seem to
be once more In order The Homeopathic Hospital has
figured a beneficiary, and has reaped rich reward
The sufferers by the burning Of Nbos Garden have be-
gun to profit by active efforts Of that practical benevo
lence for which the stage wortbiy distinguished and
which the response Of the local public has often been
both prompt and liberal While thus the helpful spirit OF
goodwill whispers about 1t might not be amss for those
who foster that meritorious charity, the American
Dramatic Fund to make their long projected pull all to-
gether in behalf OF this important and now necesstous
Notwithstanding the accession OF new paying
members and Notwithstanding wholesome interior
oommotion and great and general ratng OF dry bones In
the Association, the American Dramatic Fund is very
poorpOorer even, II that were possible than 1t has
been for years. The of this impoverishment-
which, TO many observers, will occur as surprise, see
ing that OF late the American Dramatic Fund was
thought to have taken new start, and made long
stride toward the healthy plethora Of prospertycon
sss in the fact that the founders Of the Fund unappre
hensive OF certain contingencies which have since
arsen determined that it should undertake more than
the basis Of its means would enable 1t to accomplish
They provided that should not only pay annuies TO
widows orphans, and all its subscribers after certain
age but that it should extend succor TO sick and disabled
members. This philanthropy was allembracing but
not wholly sagacious The idea that, under this com
prehensve plan, the claimants would 80 largely In
crease in numbers as, by their depletion Of the treas
ury to embarrass q extent the financial sound
ness OF the Fund, seems never to have been enter
tanned Yet this is precisely what has happened. For
upward OF twenty years the American Dramatic
Fund has been doing its good work. in faithful unos
tentatious, Christian spirtaeyating distress, aiding
the victims OF want, encouraging the afflicted. soothing
tho nd LAYING DOWs % down beneath the diving
head All this while, OF course the number OF Its de-
pendents has increased-tll the recipients OF aid
from that the directors can only dole
out to each week TO week. OF money entirely
inadequate to support existence. This Is very
unhappy state things. and that calls for instant
and effective remedy. That the charity In question is
worthy and essential need not be urged the fact Is self
evident Actors as a class are in some respects very
like children They sensitive and sympathetic on
the Instant They live almost entirely in the present
While Fortune smiles they prattle merrily
on, and are content TO pease-turning no
eye OF apprehension to tho future, nor ever
troubling themselves about the inevitable rainy
day. This temperament renders them an easy
prey TO that dire misfortune which lies In wait for so
many, when the sun Of hope begins TO sink and the fire
OF youthful vitality to flicker and burn low In many
ways they the sport Of crcumstanceas all persons
must be who largely and directly dependent on the
public favor notOrously caprcous IN its tastes its
moods its warmth, and its codness These consdera-
tions sufficiently indicate their need Of strong protect
i've charitable association and show wherein they are
objects of unusual solieude when the question affect
ing them IS one OF relief to the destitute the aged the
SICK the widow, and the fatheress is their impera-
five need that the American Dramatic Fund.- therefore,
should strengthened once and for ALL to be rem
dered perfeety adequate TO the task has undertaken
and at which it has long labored in noble spirit The
time seems auspicous to great effort in this direction
Some months ago a project was started, having
in view Ladies' Fair and Art Exhibition
in aid OF the American Dramatic Fund. That project
was good one, and 1t ought to be carried out. We
understand that its promoters received offers of
from ladies of the highest character and social staton
and that the principal artists OF the Palette and Lotus
Clubs agreed to contribute original paintings-to be
finally sold for the good Of the Fund. Perhaps the early
Fall would be better season than the present for
extensive Fair, such as was-and still is-proposed.
Rpt in the meantime much could be done by the thea
ters Strong combinations OF artists seldom fail to win
stu fed treasury Every theaer In New-York ought TO
do something for this The public would not fail
10 co6peratef the proper attractions were offered
There is clear field and this is the breathing time of
day" with the profession.
DRAMATIC NOTES.
The annual election of officers of the Ameri-
can Dramatic Fund Association occurred on Monday,
YEAR: President 5. L. NJ Barlow Treasurer c. X
Mason Secretary, Q. s.. Bernard; Trustees, W. c.
ahG JoSn Bfo"SSsm Drectcrs j. Florence chp
pendale j. ii. stoddart II. sherwood, william Dayidge,
John Moore William b. Harrison, W. Il. Durham, T.. b.
Chanfrau G. w. Couldock, A. Gross, I. g. Hind, T. f.
Morris d. Whiting, and D. e. Anderson The Treasurers
report was made showing the receipts for the last year
TO have been t50ss 06, and the expenditures 925
The Association pays money TO so claimants Its stock
Is stated at Sl,liI "a.
Boston enjoys, this week, marked variety
OF dramatic entertainment. Mr. jefferson appeared at
the Boston Theater, on Monday night, as Rip Van
Winke Mr.. Is. c. Howard's play OF " Saratoga" was
revived at the Globe. Mr.. Dalys adaptation Of the
French drama OF Article Al" brought out ut the
Boston Museum. Mile. Aimee and her opera boue COM
pany were heard at the st. James Theater Mile. de
Rosa the weknown dancer Mile. Zoe, aud Miss Fanny
Herring disported themselves at the Howard
Atheneum, And Mr.. Lents EewYork Circus was ex-
hibited on the Boston Fair Grounds-Lyda Thompson
and her burlesQue troupe will emerge at the St. James
Theater in Boston, next Monday.-The Vokes Family
will succeed Mr.. Jefferson at the Boston Theater.
Mr. Arthur Cheney, the proprietor of the
Globe Tbeater, was welcomed back TO Boston. with
formal banquet ut the Parker House. on the Oth inst
the Hon. George 8. Hillard presiding and making q
speech Speeches also made by Mr.. Cheney,
Levi Woodbury., the Rev. W. r. Alger wyzeman
DIR. winsow Lewis, w. X Floyd, Mr.. Curtis
Guild, and other persons A. silver punchbowl, valued
81 500 was presented 10 Mr. Oheneyin reference to
which memorial The Traveller instructivey says
that "it is lined with gold, and from the
center OF the bowl arises, In thoughtful atti-
ude, q statuesque OF the great dranatist, VII
lam Shakespeare" 10 Is comfort 10 know that MS
name was William and that he was great dranhtisI
fis statuesque, rising out of sea OF puncn Vugnt
should say TO be fraught with Significance Tor Almost