The New York herald., 1878-12-01

PROFESSOR
president. sat at the head Of the lower table.
Among other members and guests present were
Colonel Mapleson signor Del Puento. signor Maria.
Professors Arnold and Pallcn of the University OF
New York Moses Mitchell, Constant Mayer. j. II.
Dolph. J: T. Cropsey Angelo Myers. ] b: Bouton.
Harry Palmer, Chandos Fulton, Frederick Robinson
and Charles A. Stevenson
THE LATE ARRIVALS.
As the theatres elnptied. the leading members OF
the companies who could not attend the dinner
dropped in pay their respects to Mr.. Gilbert The
first of these Junius Brntus Booth, who. being
killed before the last Of THAT Lass of Gowrids
arrived after the speech making began. Stuart
o6son on and his brother 1romio; PM Crane from the
already well represented, was reinforced by Charles
Coghan. William H. Floyd. Harry Beckett and Theo-
dore Moss Charles Williamson arrived later from the
Grand Opera House.
Following was the meau:-
IS Bsqus Of Lobster
Consommt.
Boiled Salmon, Anchovy Sauce.
Potatoes
Filiet Of Beef, Sauce Madare
Chicken en- Coqais
Mallard Ducks
REID's SPEECH.
said -"Ientiemen in asking YOUR attention for one
moment do 1t solely for the purpose of proposing
a toast which you are all eager to drink. We have
gathered to rejoice in and make merry tho
rounded andperfect completion of half century Of
professional experience without blot upon
it-a half century Of professional experience
which has left no ennlities. no bitternesses
1t is something which God grant. that those OF us
who still somewhat younger may be able to realize
when time comes. The world has been. perhaps,
not the greater-for that is petty thing after all
but it has been the purer brighter cheerer place to
live in because he has lived in it, (Applause.) do
not propose the health Of the actor but the health
the good man. the warm. true friend. the spotless
MR. arLBERrs RESPONSE
As Mr.. Gilbert arose he greeted with three
hearty cheers and "tiger When the applause had
subsided he said Cesar, we who about to die
standing face to face with death. There M T is . cer
tain appositeness in the words l have just
uttered .;i;a that probably may correspond to
mean to die thcatrically ut present. (Laughter.)
But when man has arrived at age he scarcely
ertion When my old friend John Brougham--Mr.
Brougham. l am not going to die Just yet
and complimented. But ! said. John. you
know i,ios AMI, am no spsssG;hnah1er; s;h r., he re.
won't do "'rhen.' said he, repeat the frstspecch
of Sir Peter Teazle. When An old bachelor marries
Well ] think can paraphrase that and say When y
Young man enters the theatrical profession what is
things that realized.
REVIEWING HIS LIFE.
However, suffice it to say that fifty years ago
made my debut actor in my native city of Bos-
ton. l commenced in the first class tragedy Of
Jafiier, in otways charming tragedy Of "vencc Pre-.
served" The public said it success, and I
thought it was. q.aughter.) The manager evidently
thought it too for he let repeat the character.
Well j suppose il was a success for . young man
with such aspirations | had. There might have
been inspiration about itat least there ought
to have been-for the lady who personated Belvidera
Mrs. Duff, lovely woman, and the most
quisite tragic actress that ever saw from
that period to the present. After this 1 acted
txv, rftvnv Gh,l..
some Of those little trinng characters-(laughterl
with comparative success. But shortly after.
and wisely. went into the ranks to study my pro-
fession-not commence at the top and 60 to the
bottom-tlaughterl-bu to begin at the bottom and
for pastures fresh and went to the South and
West, my ambition still being-as is that Of alp
youthful aspirants for dramatic honors-for tragedy
EXPERIENCE.
At last went to theatre. and to my great disgust
and Indignation was cast for an old nan-at the age
Of nineteen u.aughter) However. 1 must do II.
There alternative. and did it, received
applause. played . few more old men. uaughtcr.!
,ss and ae this pS pse OF
still continue In that department.
went to England and received with kindness
and cordiaity and returning to my own country in
1862. invited to join wallacks Theatre-the
father of my dear friend here slluding to Mr. Lester
sssnowcdas @sl,a as s'" friend Of mine ''n nearly
fifty years ago and I am also proud TO
tiI you that since that time have been under the
direction of his What my has been mp to
the present time You all know. II requires
young man. hut do not think am an old man.
Applause and augher lowe this 70 good constit,i-
fion and moderately prudent life. Shouts Of laugh
teri l may say. with Shakespeare Adam that
y my youth never did apply
Therefore is as lusty winter, rosy but kindly
viii you permit me, gentlemen. to thank you for
the very high honor you have conferred upon me
this evening, and allow Inc to drink the health and
prosperity and happiness of the Lotos Club? tChecrs)
BRoUoHAM.
who WINS entbns,astica,lv rcceiveI He ssid:--
NTs. PRESIDENT GgSuExES OF THE Loros
CLUB-My distinct intention was when l came here
not to say word thought this wss nos an occa-
sion upon which should be called on Vt all and !
regret very much that our worthy president
event like this the ovation should DO all given to my
old llaughtcrl--my young friend john. lie IS old
with old men 20 long he begins to think nc is get
ting old But he Is not; he 10 not much olderlsugh-
scsa en wn the enT thug
woman IL old as she looks and man is ~ old as
he feels augh'sr Zee, ELL, % W.. wei - , eyer did
older than feel. and. let me say here word OF
warming to our young friends, that the way
TO cconomize your enjoymcnts daughter aud
applausc). (Which 7 have always done. 1enewcd
latightcr.) John has passed his half q century oi
theatrical life ard have l. He has the advantage OF
me by about three months only. will not detain
you but VIII say W you who have honorcd my
friend that there are mono prompt myself
and my friend John to respond 10 any kindness at
tcnton wherever IL may be entertained. tApplauscl
OTHER SPEECHES.
Sgnors Campobello, Del Pucnte and Foil sang sew
eral choice selections after which Lester Wallack wm
presented by the president. He responded briefly
lie said that In anything he might have desired u
say, he had been anticipated by the remarks of thu
president. He could only thank the club for tha
honor which they had conferred upon his friends.
William Winter spoke In d culogistlc manner u
thc guest OF ti, evening. William Davdgc took ra
Prospective view Of the stage during the career
Mr.. Gilbert, and WITHIN his own experience aut
Charles A. Stevenson sang sporting song. Chaunce;
NJ Depcw also made brief address. The music ana
singing was kept up until very late hour.