The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-12-06
JOHN GILBERT.
The Veterans OF the stare Assembled In
Naliack's Theatre.

The iifticth year Of John Gilhcrt's profess
sional career was yesterday celebrated at Wal
lacks Theatre 10y n testimonial matinee. at
which was present an extraordinary assem-
blaEc Of actors aud society people.
Tho performances were Of more than usual
interest presenting. rs they did. nearly all thu
conspicuous and iavorite artists now upon tho
New York stage. It il a rare delight at any
time to SEQ Mr.. Boucicault play Kerry. which is.
without doubt. one Of the most unique and
beautiful bits OF character painting which the
contemporaneous theatre has furnished
In addition TO this the screen scene from tho
School for scandal" with Mr.. wallAcks COM
pany: "A Morning Call with Mr. wallack as
Ar,i,ld. The DanichcfIe. with Mr., Thorno
and Miss Jcwett; the Williamsons in their
farce Of Tho Chinese Question" an act Of
Almost a Life. and sketch ny Mcssrs.
Birch and Baekus. enlarged ne bili TO e1cep-
dali " was enacted Mr.. Gilbert was recalled. and
when tho warm tribute 81 applause had sub
sided. ho spoke as follows:
Lam, aSp GrSuFsSS This - an occasion when
sarccy know whether 20 confess ,hail sad or oS mi
warm Proe fcis c5nStced viii hi. theatre
with some n whom have hrn ,onunHou,lN 's,ociAsi
the last seventeen Ncafs need Mt be tod ~ words
inieei were to attempt express the emotion, that
are Lotu u tn; legnliar event ianeaaFe ~old be
lai ns'are And YET as .tlni here looking into
Your faces the memories Of niy years come
oG G0, yoas saI TIA. haze been ss .nd S sal
denly unn tied ~ the sunshine N this hour H. under
the circumstances feel shadow NJ sadness gathering
round me. H. because sc - many broad gals Ia the
cirro OF my old friends who have passed into IRE spint
land In the-. fifty vears have sen moving two great
nartS the other passing silently away ain looking Al
This nome into die faces uf thosr whom RENE mtrr
and s..oeiaie. Oar comrades who ke ny-ei are h..
lening tn. rustic a III" autumn "ANes and Naung oT
| the winter time AMI Nc very iAct lhi ! an - sur
rounded that This annN"fsAry this golden wedding. a-
soncbriy has called H. has brought togethcr give
strength and lends fresh warmth 20 an old man
ir hfe OF an actor bsstA hard one hut thanks
Nu tho tatruus Ut attacks Theatre thanksiO NJ n
lack ny nanascF ny comrado ~ art AMI nor than all
nv dear rirnd. ana - uie neinh"rs ~ me company
thanks 90 nh he members ~ the profession who lave 50
generously ciIRraied ~ making th- the happcsi day
" my ho, thanks 10 me genu' men a the lr's- who
| have universally greeted ne with kndncss ami
| zone bv it has been ohltefated by his
Aunartr oi century hail frci tH' ach ccs-iNe
year that passes ~ your pres ne, a. onl, another ne
BE- reminiscent fIr begin the story would be ike the
opc ns book that could ~; b. read "a single night
| to you These uerances at nm heart Ia the line, u
| Amtrita's greatest poet would say
| whatever poet orator, or sags
| Nay sat o %. uut a. .. -tln Hd arC.
| What them Shall We ~ idy down and say
Tho nisht hath come. ~ snu longer day.
The night hnth not yet come g." are not quite
Cut oil from labor by thc iniiluS hight
| The whole affair was II brilliant and success
| ful event Whirh in It's motive and is means Oi
| accomplishment IL particularly credltnble 10 the
| fto., n. h,-4iya I1,gie
Contrary to the general belief, which has
dHlhUrss sprung irnu ms rrWhtkhulr tuoNnuSr ~ "d
we'll as hy instinct AMI rel Cue. lie Mas horn iu 80
ton IN lsiu nest door tutr hous Ina RICHMOND street ~
| whi,h, aieN wars Later 'har'ot'" 'uIman hrst "a"