MISS JULIA MATHEWS.

Dunstan Times, Issue 750, 1 September 1876, Page 3

MISS JULIA MATHEWS.

(Homo News.) Some further particulars respecting the close of the late Miss Julia Mathew’s career will he of interest to our readers. Audiences laugh and enjoy the drollery and applaud the talent' of (their favorites, little knowing in many cases how hard it is for the performers to make merry or to exhibit their abilities to advantage. As a case in point, let us refer to the late Miss Julia MathewsFrom the time of her leaving) England the unfortunate lady was a constant sufferer to acute rheumatism, which scarcely at any time left her free from pain. This was complicated later by an internal disease of the typhoid character, her death being ultimately attributed to “malarious fever.” Some engagements Miss Julia Mathews made not being satisfactory, she started upon a venture of her own, Mr Jackson participating. The troupe visited thirty-two towns and travelled four thousand five hundred miles, playing the “ Bohemia Girl,” “ The Grand Duchess,” “ Madame Angot,” “Fille du Regiment,” etc. When she left New York Miss Julia Mathews was in better health, but soon the'weary travelling work and constant change of climate afflicted her seriously. In one place the temperature would be mild and genial, and in the next terribly severe. At Chicago the snow was a foot deep, at New Orleans the heat was intense, and this sudden change brought on a severe attack of rheumatism. Still, with a force of will which we admire as much as we regret, the talented lady persisted in playingfas soon as she was a little better. This was a fortnight before her death at St. Louis, but, attacked again, she was taken by her own request to the Catholic hospital, where the sad end occurred. She was sensible and spoke of home and friends, and in particular of Mr John Hollingshead’s kindness to her during her engagements at the Gaiety Theatre. At first she was deeply affected and wept bitterly, but was cheered by recalling how Mr Hollingshead had said that “Julia would come back if on crutches.” But a sad change soon came, and Mr Jackson was telegraphed to. It was too late. Miss Mathews had said to that gentleman in a bantering tone, “ If I were to die you would send my body to England.” Believing such to be her wish, Mr Jackson will fulfil it, and has made arrangements for that purpose.