Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-04-04
DOMESTIC NEWS.
DESTRUCTIVE PRAIRIE FIRES In
DAKOTA.
Edwin Booth Stricken With ParaIy-
sis at Rochester-A Panic in
Cemetery.
ESPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE BEcoRp-uN1oy.l
DOMESTIC NEWS,
ESPECIAL DISPATCHES TO THE BrcosD-us1oS.l
EDWIN BOOTH.
The Worlds Greatest Actor Stricken
With Paralysis.

Win Paralysis.
ROCHESTER, April 3d.-The Lycem Thea
ter tonight was thronged from orchestra
rail to dome. 1t was the night of Booth
and Barrett, and the two great tragedians
were to present the story of "Othello, the
Moor" Intense interest accompanied the
play from the moment the curtain rang up,
and none OF the hundreds who scanned the
face of Mr.. Booth noted any warning of
what was SO soon to befall him. He was
thought never before to have been seen in
this city more nearly at his best than to-
night as Iago. The fortunes of the duskv
Moor and his crafty fellow had progressed
through the first act, followed with deep
interest and keen enjoyment by the throng
IN front. Iago seemed 1.-the and
active, with perfect life. The curtain
went down before house whose hush
of perfect attention then broke ard relaxed
in hearty applause. Mr. Booth, though ut
tering no complaint, is now known to have
felt an approaching elimination of oppress-
i've heaviness that for several days has rem
dered him no little discomfort. He went
on, however, and progressed nearly through
the act with his usual facility. He was
urging his physical powers by strong will,
and at the call for the last scene in the
second act his will succumbed to his phys-
several days had tormented the great
actor, increased, and darkness came upon
him. His attendant and others observed
something amiss, and sprang to his assist
ance. A physician was hurriedly called,
and after hasty examination expressed a
fear that our Booth had sustained a shock
OF partial paralysis. This so alarmed Mr.,
Barrett that he determined to dismiss the
audience. he was greatly overcome by
what he considered the dangerous illness
OF his colleague and when he stepped be-
fore the curtain it was evident that he was
greatly excited. Mr.. Barrett's dismissal of
the audience was in these words:
Ladies and gentlemen, l am called
upon to perform the most painful duty
OF my life. My colleague has shown
symptoms OF breaking down for three or
TOUR days past, and his condition is so se-
rious that it is impossible for him to act.
We had hoped he would rally from this
attack and be able to play his part to-
night, but one of your physicians, DIR.
Sumner, says it would be perilous for him
to attempt it. Mr.. Booth has sustained a
partial stroke of paralysis, and we fear this
is the beginning of the end. Icannot ex-
press to you the deep sorrow with which l
make this announcement. The world has
probably heard for the last time the greatest
actor who speaks the English language.
We shall OF course cancel all our engage
ments, and hope we shall be able to re-
move Mr.. Booth to his home. 1t pains me
to speak these words. | am sorry to dis
appoint this great audience, but the play
cannot go on. 1t would be presumptious
for me to undertake to fill the place of this
great man whom You have come to see and
hear, and it would be worse than useless
to attempt to proceed further. l know YOU
will be indulgent, and that you will fully
appreciate the sad plight in which we are
placed. The management will make such
arrangement as may seem best for refund
ing your money"
The condition of Mr. Booth, it seems.
did not fully justify the speech There
had been no attack of paralysis, and the
actor was suffering no pain. Reporters
were not allowed to see Mr.. Booth at the
hotel, and Mr.. Barrett would not talk, but
the business manager of the company said
MIR. Booths illness was not serious enough
to Justify alarm. He said the company q
engagements for the rest of the week, and
possibly next, would be Cancelled, but he
hoped TO go on as usual after Mr.. Booth
had been given brief rest. Mr.. Booth
will be taken TO New York tomorrow.
Late tonight Mr.. Barrett sent card to
the Associated Press, stating that the physi-
clans gave assurance that a week or ten
days absolute rest will restore Mr.. Booth to
health.