The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1889-04-04
EDWIN BOOTH STRICKEN.
WHILE PLAYING oTHELLo PARALY-
Sis OvERTAKEs HIM.
Mr.. Barrett Makes an Announcements 10
the Audience IN Which He is Almost
Overcome with Grief-A Biogra-
ply Of the Noted Tragedian.

ROCHESTER, n. Y, April 3.-The Ly-
ceum Theater in this city was tonight
thronged from orchestra rail to dome. IL
was a night of Booth and Barrett, and the
two great tragedians were to present the
story of Othello, the Moor. There was no
space in the playhouse where human
being could obtain footing that was not so
occupied. There was anticipation OF pleas.
ure, and no thought OF disappointment.
The great adience was destined, however.
TO experience sensation and suffer bit
ter disappointment. Intense interest ac-
companied the play from the moment the
curtain swung up, and none OF tho hun
dreds who scanned the dark face OF Mr..
Booth noted any warning OF what was soon
to beiall him. The willy lago was thought
never before to have been seen in this city
more nearly at his best. The fortunes OF
the dusky Moor and his crafty fellow had
progressed through the first act followed
with deep interest and keen enjoyment by
the silent throng in front. 0thelo's friend
seemed 1.-THE and active with perfect life.
There was no fault or hesitancy in the
speaking OF his lines by Mr. Booth. The
curtain went down before house whose
hush OF perfect attention then broke and
relaxed 10 hearty applause. The second
act was preparing and meantime, behind
the scenes, Mr.. Booth, though at the time
uttering no complaint, is now known TO
have felt an approaching elimination OF
an oppressive heaviness that for several
days has rendered him no little discomfort.
The curtain went up on the second act,
however, and the call for Mr.. Booth found
him ready and waiting his cue. lie went
on and progressed nearly through the act
with his usual facility. lie was, however,
urging his physical powers by strong will
against their own weakness.
At the call for the last scene In the
second act, however, the will succumbed
to physical weakness. A slight dizziness
that for several days had tormented the
great actor increased. Darkness came
upon him. lie became unsteady. Iii.
attendant and others observed that some
thing was amIss, and sprang TO bis assist
ancc. messenger was hurried out "a
call physician and soon De- Sumner was
at the actors side. MIR. Barrett aud the
COMPANY eagerly gathered near, and there
was anxious suspense TO learn why Mr..
Booth had rcclcd and sank away, TO be
assisted at timely moment by those near.
The doctor expressed fear that Mr.. Booth
had sustained n shock OF partial paralysis
which 80 alarmed Mr.. Barrett that lac de
iermined TO dismiss the audience. Mr..
Barrett was greatly overcome by what bC
considered the dangerous illness OF hi
colleague, and when he stepped before the
curtain IL was evident that he was greatly
excited. MIR. Barrett, during his shor
address 30 the audience was frequently
choked by his emotion. lie addressed the
audience in these words:
Ladies and Gentlemen L am callc1
upon 10 perform the most painful duty o.
my life. My colleague has shown symp.
toms OF breaking down for three or foul
days past, aud his condition is 80 scrioui
that il Is impossible for him 10 act. w,
had hoped that he would rally from thi,
attack, and that he would be able 10 PLAY
his part tonight, but one Of your physi
clans, DIR. summer, says that Il would b,
! perlous for him toaltcmpt IT, Mr. Booth
has sustained a partial stroke OF paralysis
and we fear that this is the begin
ming OF the end. | cannot express to yol
the deep sorrow with which make thin
sad announcement The world has prob
ably heard for the last time the creates
actor who speaks tho English language
We shall. of course. cancel all engage
menis, aud hope that we shall be able 3,
remove Mr. Booth 10 his home. IL pain
me 10 speak these words. ! am sorry {,
disappuint this great audience, but thu
play cannot 90 ON. II would be prcsump
tuous for me 10 undertake TO iill tho pac,
OF this great man whom you have com,
Ia sees aud her, and Il would DO worse thar
useless 10 attempt 10 proceed further.
, know YOU will he indulgent, and that yol
will fully appreciate the sad plight II
which we are placed. The management
will make such arrangements us una.
seem best for rcfunding your money"
, Az ArrgNPT TO ENCOURAGE
The condition OF Mr.. Booth, II seems
did not fully Justify the speech. Then
had been no attack Of paralysis, and th
, actor was suffering no pam. lie wakes
from the ;hcaier 10 his carriage and wa
driven To his hotel, when he walked with
: out apparent difficulty from the carriage 4
, the elevator aud to his room.
Reporters were not allowed 10 SEQ Mr.
Booth and Mr.. Barrett refused 10 talk, bu
} Mr.. Bromley. business manager Of Ga
company. said that Mr.. Booths Hines
was not serious enough TO justify alarm
lie said that the company would not III
their engagement for this week, and prob
ably not lor next week, but he hopes 4
; resume their tour ~ soon rs Mr.. Booth
; sufficiently recovered.
The company arrived In this city thi
morning, and Nh Booth passed the da
lying down In his room, but did not seen
to be suffering except iiom the wcarincs
. Of travel. MesIs Booth aud Barrett wi
] a. M I'D a.,
] morrow morning, and Mr.. Booth will b
placed at once In charge Of his own ply
stefan.
The Lyccum Thcalcr management lose
5000. which will have 10 be made goo,
by the company. Tho sale OF seat
4 amounted 10 over 5000, aud was Ia
, largest sale the company has had this sea
son.
9 late tonight Mr. Barrett requested tina
y the following be sent out by the Asso
oiatcd Press
= since his ciurn 10 the hotel Edwi
:, Booth Is easier and the doctor gives ever
assurance that week or ten DAYS of al
> solute rest will restore him to bis usua
health. LAwRENCE BAuREIT."
1 Last night the company played "Juliu
Cmsar" al Elmiru, Nj. booth being ca.
for Rrntus and Mr.. Barrett for Cassiu,
q Tomorrow night an engagement for th
, remainder OF the week was TO begin ut th
Star Thcaler, Buffalo, with the "Mcrchan
OF Venice" Allot the engagements O
Il the company for the next week have bee
cancelled by wirc ionight
A skETCH OP nIs LIFE.
the brilliant Career OF Ameriea's Great
"A I