The Hawaiian Gazette

STORY OF AN ACTRESS.--The first case on the docket yesterday in the Court of General Sessions, before Recorder Hackett, was the most interesting during the day. A lady, past the prime of life, and bearing in her features, despite the effacing marks of rouge, dissipation, and opium, traces of former beauty, was arraigned on a charge of grand larceny. She was Matilda C. Seely, an adopted daughter of an eminent lawyer of this city. Twenty-five years ago she was a rather popular "star" at Brougham's Theatre. Her history since is but a recital of the old story of gradual degradation, until at last she comes to the bar, a dissipated, dishonest character. The charge in the case was preferred by a Mrs. Fullgraff who narrated the circumstances of the larceny. Her sympathies were first enlisted in the prisoner's behalf, by hearing the story of her life from a friend, who requested some assistance for the destitute woman, while she was preparing to give a series of dramatic readings in Long Branch and in this city. Mrs. Fullgraff was so deeply affected by the recital that she opened her heart to the unfortunate artiste, and provided for her a comfortable room in her own home, in East Seventeenth street, furnishing her with necessary articles of clothing of which she was in need. In the meantime notices of the readings had been circulated, and, through the influence of Mrs. Fullgraff, inserted in the newspapers. As the time for the readings approached, Mrs. Fullgraff loaned Mrs. Seely a black silk dress, valued at $50, to make her first appearance in. And now, Matilda first showed her ingratitude to her patron by coming home grossly intoxicated and ruining a carpet. This offense was overlooked after the protestations and promise of good behavior usual in such cases, and everything went smoothly until the 4th of August, when the actress left the house while all were at dinner, carrying away with her three bundles, which she left in a store in the neighborhood for safe keeping and never returned for them.
She was subsequently arrested, charged with stealing the dress, a bonnet, and some other articles, and on the trial yesterday, her guilt being fully established, the jury gave a verdict accordingly, accompanying it with a recommendation to mercy. She was sentenced to the State Prison for 2½ years.