The appeal so promptly made to the theatrical community, and
the public generally, on behalf of the orphan children of the late Mr. ELTON, has been generously responded to. The Queen heads the subscription with a donation of twenty-five pounds ; Mr. Macitzeny and Mr. C. KEAN each contribute liberally ; and the name of Mr. CHARLES DICKENS, who set it on foot, and others distinguished for dramatic and literary talent, appear in the list, which is fast extending. The amount has been considerably swelled by the proceeds of free benefits given this week at the Haymarket, Surrey, Princess's, and City of London Theatres ; on which occasion all the performers played gratuitously, the lessees giving the use of the houses. Mr. MURRAY, of the Edinburgh Theatre, who was the first to set the good example so well followed in London, has also reaped a handsome sum by a benefit and subscription.
Mr. ELTON was highly esteemed for his private worth as well as his professional talents : he was not only an intelligent actor, but a clever lecturer, and an accomplished gentleman. But, independently of the personal merits of their father, his children, thus suddenly left destitute by an unforeseen calamity, have powerful claims on public benevolence.
At the Haymarket, Mrs. WARNER delivered, with much feeling, an address written by Mr. Tames HOOD in his happiest vein of mingled pathos and familiarity.
Previous page
