Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-12-06

Il
ArtemuS has fairly entered the lecture
Geld, and is doing Wsll--in fact, receives Tie
unqualified commendAtion Of sharp-eysd
critics. Weccpy from the Boston Transcripts
the following notice Of Browns lecture In
Nswburyport. The lecture field was q new
one to him, and It is no disparasament 10
him that many Of his friends joined in the
fear expressed in this article, but praise
from the Transcript ls enough 70 silence all
doubts,
DR.. johnson says that q man who has the
reputation Of a wit has the most difficult Of
elf roles to play, for expectation is on tip-toe,
and every one whispers, "Here comes the
witty man-listen." Woe be 70 such an
enc If reputation precedes him, and he falls
below the unreasonable anticipations. Mr..
Charles F. Brown ("Artev0us Ward") as a
satirical writer, is, in some respects unsur-
passed, and when il was announced that the
great popularity Of his peculiar writings
had caused Lycsum Committees 10 force
him into the lecture field, there were
many who feared that he who had sway
ed them with magical pen Of Momus,
would perhaps fail to charm them with
his voice. Such may lay aside all their
feara. His first appearance in Massachu-
setts last night was 4 complete success In
manner, in matter, and in the effect pro-
duced upon q large and refined audience.
Il was before the Newburyport Lyceum that
he began his many engagements in our
Commonwealth.
Mr., Brown is young man, only twenty
five years Of ago, Of pleasant, pTesentsble |
appearance, with q voice which is not only
musical, but exceedingly clear in it's tones.
His manner was perfectly easy, and from
the beginning TO the end Of his lecture
which was just one hour in length-he held
his audience rivetted by his delicate satire
and plain truths, or he convulsed them with
laughter. His subject he modestly styled
in 9 letter as s'some cheerful paragraphs"
but it was q series Of we'll digested thoughts
and happy hits, concerning various types In
society, via The people who rise to emil
nence by predictions for their pursuits--
the politician, the offics seeker the literary
young man who has been "ol ushed !" the
reformers who are opposed to soap and
water, raEors and hot bread the very small
portion of the loyal North whose livsrs are
white as milk who, to quote Mr.. Brown,
"blandly babble of peace when there is no
peace, and can be nons until rebellion Is ut
terly crushed. They sneakingly hint at
com promise, even while the red knife Of the
foe Is searching for the heart Of the Repub-
lie !" the absurd people--( this part was eX-
ceedingly smusing)j the people who owe
money the family tyrant; the young la
dies and matrimonial qualifications.
As already said, thelecture was q complete
success, and the close attention and mani
fest appreciation Of the large audience as
sembled on one Of the most unpleasant
nights of the season, testified TO his power
IS writer and public speaker. The spirit
of the whole lecture may be inferred from
the opening passage: al will tate upon
the verv Threshold Of this little paper I
house, which have built, that it is cold
collation. rather than q steaminR banquet |
which awaits you within. can only offer
come scraps Of salad, few pic mic relishes,
and It may be a little whipped cream. But
you are very welcome. The lecture field |
has been ploughed, planted and dugj now
eg and raked sowed and reapt; and culti-
waited indeed, In so many ways, that sup
pose that man Of very able mind might
not feel too sure of Offering you anything |
strikingly novel or brilliant. Obligs me, |
then, by overlooking the shortcomings Of a
person who has no such thing as an able |
mind, have tried, however, 70 make these
paragraphs cheerful in the main. Some of
them, indeed, may border on the farcical,
but make no apology for that. The fool
with his cap and bells often deals Folly Its
deadliest blows"
We are glad 10 learn that Mr.. Brown lee
lures In Salem on Wednesday, and IN BOs-
ton on Friday Of next week.