The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1864-11-15
rnr IArr IomN LRErm.

JoHN LEBCH, the illustrator Of the London
Punch, and one OF the most genuine humor-
lists that ever lived, died at seven o'clock on
Saturday evening, October 20. He was born
In London, In 1917 and was educated at the
Charter House Leaving school, he studied
medicine, but soon discovered that he was not
cut out for that profession. In August, 1871,
his first sketch, "Foreign Affairs" appeared in
Punch. From that time forward the history
of Punch embraces tho history Of JouN
LEECu's professional career. Besides his
l8bors In Punch, he Ia well known through
his efforts in almanacs, and books of romance,
poetry, and travel. His pictures Of social and
foreign life arc photographs Of the moment
They are as true as the naked touches Of the
sun could have made them, for they are the
truthful portraits of genius. His immense
versatility was only equalled by his incc5sant
industry. Happy in everything he attempted,
his labors for the past years form a vast col
| lection instinct with genius and provocative
/ OF profound admiration. ConseCrated 10 the
| ludicrous, as much of his labors were, he eX-
celled also in that which was simply and en-
tirely beautiful. Apropos Of the inoessant
/ torment this famous illustrator OF Punch
suffered from street noises, we append a feel
ing letter by the wit, MARK LEMoN:-
"PrNcu OFFICE, IS Fleet street, May %, 1861
| " Sir venture upon what might possibly be
" considered an impcrtinonce, were not the sub
" iect Of my note of public interest.
" am so greatly interested in the success Of
| " your mCaSUrc for the regulation OF street musi-
" clans tia, am dCslrOus of strengthening your
hands by putting you in possession OF some
facts within my knowledge. l formerly lived
| IN Gordon street. Gordon Square, bat was com
peeled to quit London 10 escape the distressing
" consequences Of street music, although Gordon
street was comparatively quiet locality. A
" dear friend Of mine, and one TO whom the
public has been indebted for more than twenty
| "yearS for weekly supplies OtinnOCent amusement,
" and whose name will find a place in the future
history of art, has not been 80 fortunate, He
lived in Brunswick Square, and remained there
until the nervous system was so seriously
affected 10y the continual disturbance to which
" he was subjected while at work, that he was
compelled TO abandon most desirable home
and seek retreat at kcuSingtOn. After eX
"pcnding considerable sums to make his pIesen
residence convenient for his art wOrk-pariut
double windows 60 the front of his house, &c.
" he is again driven from his home by the con
tinual visitation Of street bands and organ
" grinders. The effect upon his health, prOdu &c
ON my honor, by the causes have named
is 80 serious that he is forbidden TO take hOrsl
Z" exercise or indulge in fast walking, as palpi
tat'On of the heart has been produced, form o
'' angina pectoyis, believe. and his friends are
" anxiously concerned for his safety. He is
" ordered 10 Homhurg, and ! know That eNpa
" triatiOn will entail a loss OF nearly EjO week
upon him just at present | am sure need moi
withhold from you the name Of this poor gen
tleman. Ii is Mr. JOIN LEECu.
If those gentlemen who laugh at complaints
a." such as this letter contains, were 60 know what
" are the natural penalties OF constant brain
" work. they would not encourage such unuecc5.
4" sary infections as street music entails upon
" some of the benetaCtors Of their age. Such mcr
are the last to interfere with the enjOyments OF
4" their POOreI fellOw.lahOrers; but they claim e
be allowed TO pursue their callings in peace anC
" to have the comfort Of their homes secured t
> /" them. All they ask is to have the lme i'm
"munty from the anuOyanccs of street music q
, " the rest Of the community have from dustmen'
bells poNt-horns. and other unnecessary disturb
ances. The objection to street noises is not
matter of taste. IL involves the progress o
" honest labor and the avoidance Of great men
" tai aflliction.
"Apologizing for the liberty have taken,
" Believe me yours, faithfully,
"MARK LEMON.
ON. 7. BASS, Esq, M. F."