New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1888-04-20
THE WALLACK TESTIMONIAL
A GREAT PERFORMANCE OF HAMLET
BOOTH AS HAMLET, BARRETT AS LAERTKs, yKys
PERSON As GRAVE DIGGER, AND MOD
yrsKA Az oPHYLfA.

BOOTH AS HAMLET, BARRETT AS LAERrKs, yxv<
PERSON As GRAVE DIGGER, AND MOD
JEsKA AS oPnELIA.
Augustin Daily came from Philadelphia carly yes<
terday morning to meet A. NJ. Palmer, who Is assoc
ciated with him in the management Of the perform>
Of Hamlct.' for tho beaeit of Lester walack.
at the Metropolitan Opera House on May 81. Tbs
first formal step in arranging for the benefit taken
March 10 last, in the following letter:
Dear Mr. wallack We are very anxious to testify IN
special regard for the and artist
who. for than quarter OF century, has been tbs
leader and chief OF guild year ago proposed
that permit to naueurae public demonstration
IN your honor but did not think II timely. We
feel like insisting acceptance OF the express
sion OF regard which that all sgera
coaboer your professional brethren your journalistic ID
mrers ad your social friends but waiting FOR word
from yoH TO utter In the ulness of their hearts We have
thought Of exceptional play with unique cast
giving the most fitting outlet for this sentiment and
sordng the best opportunity 10 unite every element OF
friendly interest In your behalf and now beg that you
will favorably consider the spirit In which urge your
present acceptance OF proposal We also beg Of you
early reply in order that may fix date within tbs
limits Of the present for the contemplated perform
ance. AUGUSTIN DALY
A. NJ. PALMER
On March "a Mr.. wallank sent this reply;
Mr. Daly-Dcar Mr.. Palmer The reception Of yocs
of the 10th the most valued and gratifying incdsns
OF long and somewhat eventfu professional ufe.
You ask svorably consider the spirit In which you
urge my acceptance OF your proposal All can say 10
that the spirit and tone Of the letter kind conad
crate catering that should deem It ungrscious
did make any reply but Of willing and grateful
ceptance Need add that coming as IL does from old
friends and felow-managers has double value. One
thing would suggest II could point out In the dis
posing of the pecuniary result by which could
adequately convey feeling that chief and By r my
greatest Qualification IL the honor conferred upon ma
Htaka Qff ataz nrf1a In
Believe me, most truly and sincerely yours,
LESTER WALLACE
When Messrs. Booth and Barrett were playing here
In January, they had preliminary conferences
with Messrs DAILY and Palmer about tie benefit and.
as first printed THE TRIBUNE at that time they set
tied that Hamlet should be the play. AS
Mr. wallacks reply received, copy sent to
Messrs. Booth and Barrett, who then wrote as fol.
lows
Denver. Col, April 2. 1888
Messrs. Augustin Daily and A. NJ Palmer.
Srs We have copies Of your correspondence with Mn
Walack regarding the mark Of respect which It is In
tended TO offer him. as arranged when met IN News
York In January We again yourselves and Mr..
walsck Of sincere anxiety to do all In our power "a
the worthy Of the public Endorsement This
selection Of Hamlet as the play viii be agreeable Y
US, understand IL to he TO MI. Jefferson, WHOSE
esgerness to assist was shown when tho plan wal
preached In January. Mr.. Booth will play HamieeN
Mr. Barrett Will play Laeres. and We hear with pleas
urs that Madame Modeska and Mrs Bowers have sew
orally consented to play ophelia and the Queen MI.
Jefferson being First Grave Digger. Mr. John Lane
Of company. will play First Actor.
would suggest that the night selected be the 2lss
Of May, at which time can be best obtained
With certain Of the success OF the tesuf
nonia In view the claims Of Mr. Wallack, the serve
ices Of management and the attracveness OF ths
EDWIN BOOTH.
LAWRENCE BARRETT
At the meeting yesterday, Messrs DAILY and Pai'
mer announced that tho cast had been completed.
with the exception of H0ratio and Osrc. Tbs
other characters have been thus distributed: