The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1866-11-21

ESPECIAL PHoRoeRAPHIo REPORT FOR TIE EVEN
ING TELEGRAPH
Last evening the spacious Academy Of Music
was filed with an audience which, for size and
enthusiasm, rivalled any that has ever been as.
sembled within its walls. The occasion was the
appearance of Wendell Phillips TO discuss ''the
Danger ofthe Hour.n Throughout the delivery
of his address, he was repeatedly interrupted by
the most vociferous applause. Now and then,
especially when the orator spoke of General
Grants shortcomings, an expression of disap-
probation on the part of some found vent in
Kisses; but these we're quickly drowned in loud
and enthusiastic cheers. From beginning to
end Mr.. Phillips held the greater part of his
audience spell-bound, and, to all appearances
convinced them of the business and wisdom OF
the views which he expressed.
Rev. DR.. Furness introduced the orator of the
evening in the following appropriate language:-
NV Friends:-I am here according to the
established custom of the occasion, have the
honor and the pleasure OF doing what Is other
wise wholly unnecessary, introducing to you Mr..
Wendell Phillips, the man in whom this coun-
try has no more devoted lover, no more faithful
friend His past course and his present posi-.
tion, known to Iyou already afford ine Illus
tration OF the sacred principle OF iree-speech-
the life-breath of our liberties-that principle
Which-Heayen be praised,-the people of the
North are learning, not to tolerate, but TO
enjoy However much you may differ from our
eloquent friend in his judgment of men and
measures, it must not tor a moment be forgotten
that, for more than thirty years, he has been the
faithful advocate of equal rights, the friend and
tellow-laborer OF the pride of the New England
masses, whose name Is William Lloyd Garrison.
So much must be recollected, because this con-
stitutes his claim upon what have no doubt he
Will receive from you the most candid, cordial
and centred attention. Nong continued ap-
plause.)
When the enthusiasm subsided, Mr.. Phillips
came forward and spoke as follows:-
Ladies and Gentlemen:-My kinsman, in
these kind words of Introduction, suggests
that you may probably not agree with me in
my opinions; and l notice, In coming along
from my native town hitherwaId, that sundry
OF your journals represent me in the same
light, as theorist TO whose radical opinions,
to whose extreme advice, the nation could not
be expected to listen. Well, now, ladies and
stractionist. You would imagine, sometimes
from the description with which the American
press has honored me, that / was SO high
lifted above earthly understandings that ordi-
nary men with a telescope, on the top of Mont
Blanc, could not see me. (Laughter.) Well
ladies and gentlemen, l only apply 10 politics
those rules OF frank and upright dealing which
we demand OF each other In social lite; and GER
tainly that Is not an impracticable, angelic state
l only say OF Congress and statesmen that
they have conducted the republic by such ways
anu VII SuCu uhAlub IudJ, huJ OIulhdIy lhul-
vidual had carried on his.business in the same
way, he would have been bankrupt in ninety
days. Is that q very harsh criticism? Men say
that forget the services OF the distinguished
leaders, and OF the Republican party. deny
it. | neither forget nor undervalue the services
of any man. remember them constantly; but
you and have great problem to solve. God
has given US mighty work. To-day, upon the
shoulders of this generation, has been laid the
task TO vindicate democratic institutions in the
face of the nineteenth century, and show that
they are as able in field and the Cabinet to do
as much or more than any aristocratic State has
done.
What you demand of these men is, the duty.
the fidelity of statesmen, that il they shall fore
see the next step, they shall provide for it, and
meet 1t with prudence and sagacty when II
comes; and II they fail, they shall not refer TO
their past laurels-to their other achievements
but shall acknowledge, like good servants, that
they have failed In that particular, and that the
good sense and instincts OF the masses must be
consulted as reserve force to neutraliZe the
mistakes and to supplant the elacking intelligence
OF its professed leaders.
You may employ man to build this hall
He must make the floor safe for the audience
the walls plumb, the root tight Suppose when
he has done IT, you enter and use it, and find
that IN bali the building the speaker Is inaudi
DIE, IN the other dozen distinct echoes. That
yonder wall sinks and gaps in SIX months.
that no smoke goes outside of the building, but
into your lungs. Is he an architect? WouId
you have his friend ring his praisesY Has he
erected for you O servIceable building. such as
he undertook to build? I = U
In ordinary life, would you uphold him 40 q
man TO be employed and credited OF course
not. When man tells me that he has done 80
and SO IN the year 1864, been true TO principle
ia 1903, peeh Lne nlend OF the negro In 1851.
ackDoWiedge his record; butthe question to me,