ABSTRACT
As was to be expected, the condition of the soldiers’ wives and children left unprotected of husbands and fathers, has excited a very general sympathy. Already committees are in formation for their immediate relief and continuing help. Fancy fairs are to be held, and other public means essayed to obtain contributions to what we must call the military chest. The example set by the proprietor of Drury-lane, who places his theatre at the service of a committee of ladies, will doubtless be followed by other proprietors of playhouses. It may possibly make no part of the knowledge of the Drury-lane proprietor, that the kettle drum of the Turks is the symbol of the soup-kettle. Thus, in responding to the charitable call in aid of the soldiers’ wife and children, he pays a tribute to the soup-kettle, that on the present occasion we are glad to acknowledge. Of course, Mr. Charles Kean—who has had at least his share of her Majesty’s patronage—will take the earliest means to learn how he may best devote the resources of his theatre in aid of the wives and children of her Majesty’s soldiers.
