The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1858-10-07


and will do so the more gladly, when. at the
same time they can also hear him read one
Of the productions which have charmed
them.
In truth, as we have been informed by those
who have attended his public exhibitions, as
the English journals tell US. aud as we can
readily believe, from recollection of his per
formances a. an amateur actor, and OF his oc.
casional readings OF few pages, chiefly from
SCOTS novels, in private, Charles Dickens is
an admirable reader. lie was not schooled
and drilled into this perfection by any Pro
fessor of Execution" with rising and falling
infections, and that childish humbug OF par
ticuar systems. Dickens reads well because
be has fine voice, natural manner, native
grace clear perception, and thorough
knowledge of what he reads. Gilt any hu-
man being with such qualifications, and he
can scarcely fail to read well, though he may
not do so in the ore rotundo manner which in.
structors so often insist upon Us requisite.
He does not mouth nor spout, but reads
iutelligently and intelligibly, and points the
meaning OF particular passages with natural
infections OF the voice, with quick glance OF
the eye, with motion of the hand or body.
He varies his intonation, too, adapting his
voice not only to the variations made neces-
sary by the dialogue, but to the sentiment
of each passage, whether grave or gay.
lii readings heretofore have been limited to
his Christmas Stories, TO the pathetic histo-
~ of Little Nell, condensed from "1 he
Old Curiosity Shop and to the touching
record Of poor little Paul Dombey's brief
experience in life, with the saddening sound
of the restless and uncertain pillows ever
murmering in his ears. II is ~ difficult,
We are told, land can well bclicve'l to re-
iran from tears as well as smiles at
these Dickens readings. lie has the true
"spell DER hearts which the poet declared
to be the glory Of noble acting, and he
sways the minds of those who hear him, in
manner which nothing less than Genius
could attain.
Indeed, IL Charles Dickens had not long
been great author, he must have been n
leading actor lie has that varying power
of expression which is only described by the
French word mobtihe-a power OF adapting
his features TO the passion of the scene,
whatever that may be. Voice, figure and
action are good. His performances at the
amateur plays got up for the benefit Of that
bubble, "The Guild OF Literature and Art"
long since burst. like other vanity blown
bubbes,) were surprisingly good There
never was better Captain BobadIl, and in
Bulwcrs drama, " Noi so bad as We seem"
the principal part was played by Dickens,
in manner which few established actors
Of the highest reputn, now upon the stage,
could have surpassed. II was ono OF the
most difficult characters, too, for d involved
the appearance of the performer not only in
his own part, but in an ASSUMED semblance
Of Edward Curl. the famous bib6opole OF
the Augustan age OF British literature.
Our readers may now have some idea OF
what sort OF readings they have to expc,
from Charles Dickens, should he be 80 cour'
ageous a. TO venture back TO this country.
What manner of reception be shall have IL
scarcely fit subject to speculate upon at
present. Whatever his dement's towards
the American people, whom he treated at
once ungratetully and ungracously. We do
not think that they will be remembered
against him, in any very marked manner. to
his de,riment. And this we believe is sim.
ply because our people, II impressed with
recollection Of the i'll return he made for all
the kindness which they literally heaped up.
on him, are also impressed with sense Of
what is due TO the manly dignity OF Their
own personal character. They will prob
ably crowd 10 hear Dickens readings, out
OF curiosity, but will not exhibit any Of that
warm feeling towards himself which was 10
abuDdantly, overfowingly poured out up
on him when be visited this country, sew
entcen years ago
I, il only proper that Mr. Dickens should
distinctly understand what hi relations to
his audiences here will be, should he return
bither. Almost a new GENERATION has
sprung up, all over this country. since Dick.
ems was here before. Our young people,
and many Of their seniors, will be glad "
see, TO listen 20, the celebrated writer who,
though he laughed at " in American
Notes" and malciously libelled u 10 Mar
tin Chuzzlewit," yet has contributed more
10 the intellectual qualification Of the masses
than any other author now living. Very
few, even Of our iteya,,, will extend the
right hand Of fellowship to Dickens. This
he should be prepared for.
II ia singular tina, Thackery, who, by no
means, il genial man. should personally
have many warm friends III this country.
while Dickens, who really !. fuIl d hearty
geniality, and ia, also, extremely unselhsh,
will scarcely find one man here who would
warmly give him a band-clasp. and cherish
him 10 his heart 81 heart. The difference
in manner may probably account to zone
extent. for this, But IL ia curious fact,
whatever II may ariso from.
What Popni.r Sovereignty Inns Accom-