Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1889-04-04
STRICKEN In A PLAY.
EDWIN BOOTH TIKI GREAT TRAGBDIAN.
PARTIALLY PARALYZBD
During His Appearance as "0thello' in Rochester.
y. Barrett Addresses the Audience and
Announces the Painful Fsci-Symptms Of
Breaking Down for Several Days.

ROCHESTER,, n. Y, April 3.-The
Lyceum Theatre in this city was tonight
througed from the rail to the dome. It
was night of Booth and Barrett, and the
two great tragedisns were 10 present the
story Of O.hello. the Moor. The great
audience was destined, however, to expert
encs q sensation and suffer bitter disap-
pOiniment. Intent iu the interest accom-
panied the play from the moment the cur
tain swung up, and noae OF the hundreds
who scanned the dark face of Mr. Booth.
notad any warning OF what was go soon to
befall him.
The wiley Isgo was thought never be
fore % have been seen in this city more
nearl p at his bes; The curtain went up
on the second act, and the call for Mr..
Booth found him ready and waiting mis-
cue. He went on ami progressed nearly
through the act with his usual facility.
He vas however, urging mia physical
powers by stroog Will against their own
weakness.
At the call for the last scsna IN the sec.
Ond set, however, the will succumbed to
physical weakness. A slight dizziness
that for several dsys had tOrmented the
great actor increased Darkness came
upon him. lie became unsteady. His
attendant, and others observed that some
thing was amiss, and sprang to his assis-
tGnce A messenger was hurried out TO
call q physician and soon Dr.. Sumer was
ST the sectors side.
Blr. Barrett and the company eagerly
gathered near and suspense to learn why
Mr Booth had reeled and sank away TO be
assisted at the moment by those near. The
Doctor expressed fear that Mr.. Booth had
sustained a shock Of partial paralysis,
which Sd ala med Mr. Barrett thst he de-
termiued 10 dismiss the audience. Mr..
Barrett's dismissal of the audieace was in
these words:
Ladies and Gentlemsn: l am called
upon to perform the most painful duty Of
my life. My colleague has shown symp-
toms of bceaking down for three or -four
days past, and his condition is so serious
that IL is impossible for bin to act.
I'VE he'd hOped that he would rally
from this attack an that he would b.
able to play his part tonight, but one OF
your physicians, Dr. Sumner, says tina. 1t
would be perilous for him to attempt IL
Nr Booth has sustained a partial stroke OF
paralysis. and We fear that this is the be
ginning OF the end.
81 cannot express to You the deep sor-
row witn which l make this sad announce
ment The world has probably heard for
the last time the greatest ac.or who speaks
the E1glish language ~
eve shall OF course cancel all engage
ments and I hope that We shall be able to
remove Mr.. Booth 10 bis home. 1t pains
me 70 speak these words. / am sorry 10
disappoint this great sudiegce, bat the
play cannot 20 on. 1t would be presump-
tuous for me 20 undertake 20 hil the
place Of this great man whom you have
come 20 see and hear, and 1t would be
worse than useless TO proceed further !
know YOU will he indulgent and that you
will fully appreciate tie sad plight ~
which we are placed. The management
viii make such arrangements as may seem
hest for refunding yOur mOney.'
LATER The condition Of Mr. Booth, 1t
seems, did not iully justily tine speech.
There had been no attack of paralysis, ard
be was suffering 70 pain. He walked from
the theatre 90 his carriage. and was driven
10 bis hotel, when he walked without ap-
parent officially fIom the Carriage TO the
elevator and q hisroom.
Reporters we're not allowed to see SIR
Booth and Mr Barrett refused 10 talk, bni
Sir Bromley, business manager ot the
company. ssid that Mr Booths illness
was not seri5us enough to justify alarm.
He said that ,hs company 3 engagement for
the rest of tee week aud possibly next
would be cancelled, but lie hoped to 90 on
as usual af,ec Mr.. Booth had been given S
brief rest.