It is painful to behold the veteran on the stage (compelled by necessity) contending against physical decay, mocking the joyousness of mirth with the feebleness of age, when the energies decline, when the memory fails! and "the big, manly voice, turning again towards childish treble, pipes and whistles in the sound." We would remove him from the mimic scene, where fiction constitutes the charm; we would not view old age caricaturing itself.

(Applause.) But as our means may be found, in time of need, inadequate to the fulfilment of our wishes--fearful of raising expectations which we may be unable to gratify--desirous not "to keep the word of promise to the ear, and break it to the hope"-- we have presumed to court the assistance of the friends of the drama to strengthen our infant institution.

Our appeal has been successful beyond our most sanguine expectations.

The distinguished patronage conferred on us by your presence on this occasion, and the substantial support which your benevolence has so liberally afforded to our institution, must impress every member of the Fund with the most grateful sentiments--sentiments which no language can express, no time obliterate.

(Applause.) I will not trespass longer on your attention.
I would the task of acknowledging our obligation had fallen into abler hands.