The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1874-03-26
Musical and ramatic Charity.


The suffering poor of New York have found
warm friends on the stage. After numerous
performances given in their behalf during the
past few months the musical and dramatic
professions unite this week in presenting two
colossal benefits for the same laudable pur-
pose. One takes place this afternoon, and is
multiform, being distributed among five of
the leading theatres, the attractions at each
being of unusual brilliancy. Such noble
enterprise might be expected from profession
which has always been associated with deeds
of charity. 1t is worthy response to the
liberal spirit shown by MIR. Lester Wallack
and Mr.. Augustin Daily in the matinee per-
Torrance given at the Academy of Music
week ago for the same object, which realized
over six thousand dollars. The example thus
shown has borne good fruit, and is still pro-
fic to an extent that cannot be over
estimated. The musical profession is not
behindhand in the good work. After
many concerts, which, although gotten up
in the best spirit, were limited in their sphere
of usefulness the principal musical artists in
the city combine in one grand entertainment
to take place at the Academy of Music on
Saturday night. Miss Clara Louise Kellogg,
the charming representative of English opera,
whilom bright star on the Italian stage;
Nine. Pauline Lucca, the favorite prima
donna of Berlin, London, St. Petersburg and
New York /; the principal members of the
Strakosch Italian Opera Company, the Lieder-
kranz Society, Gilmore's Band and many
other distinguished virtuosi, have volunteered
their services for this charitable occasion. No
modern Pharisee, without mourning general
odium and contempt, will now dare to throw
slur on profession that thus nobly responds
to the call Of the needy.
This extraordinary work in the cause Of
charity, without parallel in the annals of
any European city, and which seems like
o unanimous response to the suggestions
which the HERALD long since made to the
theatrical managers, is thoroughly charac-
teristic Of the American people. They are
essentially original in everything, and are in
clined at all times to do business on the largest
possible SCALE The spirit of our people in
peace or war is commensurate with the
greatness of the country. When the civil war
broke out the nation found itself without an
army or navy-at least without anything
deserving of the name. Before eighteen
months were past we had o disciplined force
which in numbers and natfriel might have
passed unchallenged beneath the critical eye Of
Napoleon, and navy of iron-clads of such
formidable strength that England and other
European Powers set to work at once copying
after us. At that time we might have
claimed the sovereignty Of the seas and no
other nation would have disputed the claim.
When this public takes hold of any great sub
ject there is generally result that can only be
qualified by the term colossal. The disas-
trous effects of the financial panic in the fall
and the consequent stagnation of business
caused unusual distress among the poor OF
this city. When the HERALD gave the alarm
and explained the terrible condition OF hum
dreds of families the characteristic energy OF
the American people was at once displayed,
and the past winters record OF charity In
New York is the brightest page IN her MS
tory. We cannot help experiencing pardon
able qualification and pride in being the
means of thus awakening the noblest i'm
pulses of our people in work that is blessed
alike on earth and in heaven.