THE LATE DAN BRYANT.

Otago Witness, Issue 1241, 11 September 1875, Page 16

THE LATE DAN BRYANT.

All the theatreß in New York gave the gross proceeds of the performances on the afternoon of the 29th of April last for the benefit of the five orphan children of the late Dan Bryant, the "nigger minstrel." At the Fifth- avenue Theatre, a clergyman, the Rev. 0. B. Frothingham, presented himself on the stage, not for the purpose of condemning theatrical entertainments, but, &a he said, "to do honour to one who was a good and generous man." Speaking of the deceased actor, Mr Frothingham went on to say: — "I wish that 1 could say that I had ever dona him as much good as he did to me. Although a fortune had passed through his hands, his widow and children now depend upon our benevolence, because he was always ready to give to those who ■were in need, and never was able to keep the money of which poorer men were in want. In olden times the priests used the dramatic profession to impress upon the masses lessons of morality and kindness, and it seems to me that there is something of the old religious leaven in an occasion like this, when we assemble together — actors, priests, and laymen— to do good to the poor and the afflicted. Since that olden time the profession may have degenerated. Perhaps it has : but of what other profession may not the same thing be said J What Lawyer, what physician acts np to his ideal? and what clergyman can say that his life follows the upward course of his winged prayers?"