Washington Sentinel

Miss Matilda Heron.

Firemen's Benefit at Marysville—Speech of Miss Heron.—On the evening of April 8th, Miss Matilda Heron closed her brilliant professional sojourn in Marysville with a performance for the benefit of the fire department of that city. The distinguished actress appeared as Bianca. The Herald, of the 10th, says:

"She held that vast audience spell-bound, by the force of her extraordinary genius, and when called before the curtain, at the close of the tragedy, a perfect hurricane of bouquets saluted her; a beautiful wreath was among the other offerings, and she seemed to prize it highly.

As soon as a lull occurred in the thunder of the plaudits, she, although evidently laboring under intense excitement, spoke, as near as we can recollect, as follows. There was a beautiful simplicity in her eloquence, as it came trembling and gushing from her heart:

"'LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: This is not the first time that California has strewed my path with flowers, and crowned me with its love. I have not come before you to make a speech; I never made a speech. When I appear before an audience that I love very much, I sometimes stop and have a chat with them, and I feel just now that I should like to have a long chat with you. But I scarce know what to say, you have so confused me with your kindness.

"'Three months ago I reached California, a nameless wanderer; and in that short space of time she has not only given me what I chiefly came in search of, my health, but she has crowned me with fame, enriched me with dear friends, and given me the foundation of an ample fortune. God bless California! She has been to me like a wise, fond, and indulgent mother. She has gratified my every wish, fulfilled my every hope, and raised me to a pinnacle of happiness, whence I look back at what and where I was three months ago, and wonder at myself. It is then I raise my heart to Heaven with thanks and praise! In it I have ever put my trust, and it has never broken faith with me.

"'Knowing now, my dear friends, how many sweet causes I have to love the people of California, and I may add the press of California—for it has made me what I am and what I may be—you will not think I flatter, nor doubt me when I say that I never will, that I never can, forget you!

"'I go to leave you, soon; I go to Europe, where I hope, by study and practice, to perfect myself in my beloved profession, and to sustain in it the high position your kindness has accorded me. I will then return to that people, and that press, who first encouraged me with their love and care, and make my home with them forever. Till then, and then and ever believe me, friends, the recollection of the kindness I have received from the people and press of Marysville will occupy the dearest corner in my memory and my heart.

"'I have but one word more to add, and scarce can utter it—farewell, dear friends! And may God protect and bless you.'"

—Placer Times.