Indiana American. [volume] (Brookville, Ind.) 1833-1861, 1853-12-16
CINCINNATI, sth Dec. 1853.

DEAR EDTToR.-It was announced in
most Of the newspapers that nearly all
the great men in the country would be
here this week, to attend the thirty fourth
anniversary OF the Missionary Society
Of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
and accordingly Icame. The anniver-
sary is over, and the numerous visitors
who witnessed the interesting exercises,
are leaving town as rapidly as the rail-
way cars oan bear them off; for no one
wishes to stay in this "part OF Utica
longer than Is absolutely necessary.
The first public meeting was held on
Monday night in Wesley Chapel. |
went early 10 secure a good seat, and
found every part Of that vast church
crowded. A large platform was filled
with distinguished clergyman from all
parts of the country, amongst whom |
noticed Bishop Waugh, Morris, Jancs,
Scott, Ames and Simpson; Drs. Durbin,
Thompson, Larrabee Kennedy, Sehon
Elliott, c lark and Tremble, Rev s. ]. V.
Watson, w. II. Goode, ]. b. Finley, j.
+. Wright, A. Eddy and host Of 9TH
ers.
After the reading OF report by the
Secretary, DR.. Durbin, Bishop Ames, Of
Indiana. was introduced, and delivered
the first address. II being well known
fact that Bishop Ames ha1 visited Deli-
fornia and Oregon recently, the audicnce
doubtless anticipated some account Of
his journeying on the Pacific coast. In
this, however they were disappointed.
The Bishop selected as the theme of his
remarks, the "Peculiar obligations Of
Americans TO support the Missionary
cause" He made some very impress
sive remarks on the subject, which were
characterized more by strength and sol
idity, than eloquence or beauty.
DR.. Kenneday OF Brooklyn, New York
followed Bishop Amos Ia a speech Of
thirty minutes; and Il was speech Of
great power and beauty, Astounding In
original thought, clothed ia chaste, clas-
sic, and somewhat ornate language
DR.. Kennsday reminded me constantly
OF Horace Mann, whom he resembles in
personal appearance, and still more In
the stiff, sophomorean style Of his deliv-
cry. A style that Is In striking, (and
to me uniavorable) contrast with the
bold, energetic manner, of some OF our
western orators.
Rev, ]. V. Watson next appeared
on the pla torn. II he had spoken be-
hind screen, the effect would have been
better. The personal appearance OF
Mr.. Watson Is by no means progresses
ing. A huge pair Of whiskers, and a
peculiarly sharp, piercing eye, which has
peculiarly "dare-devilish" expression
added to his spasmodic gyrations, were
matters hard to be overcome by even n
good speech.
Rev. DIR. Sehon, Missionary Secretary
of the NJ. L. Church, South, was next
introduced, and his appearance on the
platform created visible sensation
This gentleman has always been great
iavorite with Cincinnati Methodist, and
could now draw larger audience than
any nan in the Church. | presume his
great popularity arises in part at least
from his being one OF the handsomes'
men in the Unite States. DIR. Schon's
speech was very ordinary, even tame,
as an Intellectual effort, though his ges'
lures, intonations etc. were faultless.
On Tuesday evening the chapel was
filed to excess, as il was we'll understood
that some of the greatest orators Of the