The Portland daily press., 1864-11-23
Mr.. Gough's Iecture.


Mr.. Cough was introduced on time, and greet
ed with great applause. We like this strict
observance of time; and this association has
always been prompt, and never kept large
audience waiting. That is just as it should
be. Those who come to hear a good thing
are always impatient when it is kept from
them even for few minutes.
Mr.. Coughs theme was Fact and Fiction;
and most ingeniously did he handle it. He
spoke at some length of the living, social fc-
tons, the false appearances which make up
the sad realities OF human life. He alluded 10
the errors OF public opinion, and gave nulnor-
Gus instances of the ictions that sometimes
pass for facts. Tue orator came down severe
ly on the sham rnanliness that aDounds and
finds credit with SO many, allnding in his
quaint manner to prize-fghting and horse
racing, and gave the preference TO the former
on the ground that some manliness and en-
durance were needed for men to stand face to
face and belabor each other with blows until
the claret flowed freely and their eyes were
dressedin mourning, but he could see no man
illness in forcing horse to run miles and en-
dure the suffering that must always accompa-
ny such violent straining Of the muscular
powers of the noble animal, and all this for
the sake of few dollars staked on the race
1t was deadly cruelty and no touch of manli-.
ness in such cruel sports.
BE then spoke of the weakness exhibited
by certain classes to use slang phrases and
of persons who ought to soar above such
things and set better examples. These men
were satirized in the following manner, which
drew down the house. They hung out as
regular Summers, though ugly customers with
a fat or spoon. They are always up to
snuff, never hard up, but most often played
out wearing knobby tile; regular bricks
when sporting tin and having enough of the
rhino; were no fools, and never made to sing
small; regular trumps, and will do cake or
spoon in no time. This class. were severely
lashed..
He next bounced with biting satire upon
those who regard with holy horror breaches
of gentility, who did not scruple to set at
naught and violate every commandment of
the decalogue, who would not for their lives
be seen picking their teeth with fork, but
who thought nothing of cheating their neigh
bors, expressing their servants, or committing
any profitable or pleasant immortality.
The author now reviewed the lives and
works of Burns, Byron and George Sands,
paying just tribute to their genius, but con-
tending that truer criticism would severely
judge the immoralities that marred Emany
pages Of their works. The way he approached
our recent Presidential election was Cough
all over inside and out. His playful disclaim-
er Of saying anything of a political nature
excited much merriment in the audience,
but his impulses were such that he cocld not
resist them, and his Union sentiments raised
real storm Of applause. Here he touched
the deep current of patriotic feeling that rms
through all loyal hearts, and an outburst of
applause was the legitimate and natural con-
sequence. The expression of such senti-
ments at this crisis of our affairs produced
louder and deeper applause than ia is possible
for any exhibition to excite, however keen or
sarcastic it may be-
Most severely did he condemn and de
nounce the assaiIing of private character in
political contests, avowing 1t as his belief that
it has done much in preventing men OF high
and honorable minds from seeking office, and
in sapping the foundatioas of the Government,
and the liberties OF the people. Underlying
these remarks, itdid not require more than
an ordinary sharp eye to see that he alluded
to the gross ISLANDERS that have been heaped
upon the head of President Lincoln by his un-
scrupulous opponents.
The f1ctions that obtain in relation to the
true nature OF freedom and liberty, prominent
among which stood slavery, were warmly re-
ceived and his comments upon them were
much applauded. The orator as every body
knows has an inexhaustible fund of anecdote
which he only can tell and adapt to the cares
in hand. His warnings to young men were
impressive, and his illusions TO woman's rights
question were grand and interesting. He
paid generous tribute to the labors of such
noble women as Mrs. Frye, Florence Nightin-
gale, Mrs. Whiteman, Mrs. Bailey and others.
And here he alluded to ex-President Buchan-
an in a tone OF sarcasm terribly excoriating.-
He said the meanest old woman, bent double
by rheumatism, bowed down with age and
decrepitude, and dragged from any aims house
in the country, would make better President
than the old Public Functionary. Now came
in an uproar of applause, and some minutes
elapsed before he had a chance to speak. 1t
does seem from such indications, that James
Buchanan vacated the Presidential chair with
meaner reputation and name than any other
living man possesses.
The next topic was the shameful advertise
ments that appear in some of our public jour-
mails and even in religious ones. Upon these
he exercised his wit and sarcasm and gave
an excoriating fagellation. His description
Of storm at sea was graphic and unique, al
though rather episodical, yet it was well re-
ceived. He applied the illustration to the
ship OF State, and warned all hands to stand
fast by the old Flag. Reposing confidence in
God and having the right man at the helm,
he exorted all the crew to see that she was
safely nayigateg over the boisterous sea safe
into port. Assisted by such men as Sherman,
Grant, Farragut aud our brave soldiers. no
doubt bat the cry would go up ALL's WELL.
This new lecture of Mr.. Coughs is no
doubt one of the best he has given to the pub
lie. Although composed in good part of OBJ
yious truisms, yet delivered in his peculiar
style and with his pathos, point and force, it
cannot fail to crafty his auditors where ever
found. Sure we are that the audience last
evening was highly pleased.
Next Monday evening, Hon. Schuyler Col
lax oil Indiana, will lecture: and naxt Thurs
day evening Rev. DR.. Bellows Of New York,
will give lecture on California. These
gentlemen win draw immense houses. The
Lecture season is now on a full tide, and those
who have not secured their tickets, will be
wise, and take it at its food.
The October Vote in Pennsylvania.