The Tipton advertiser. [volume] (Tipton, Cedar Co., Iowa) 1856-1962, 1872-02-22
Showing of an Elocutionist.

Inc TAT SOUtTlUutOI, Ill SOulc
recollections of "Artemas Ward" tells
the following good sto-y:
In the spring Of 1859 l accepted a
proffered editorial position on the
Cleveland National Democrat, and
renewed my acquaintance with Ar
temas."
On the first evening of my arrival he
volunteered to show me around-a
very desirable achievement, as ! was
to all the position Of city editor. He
"showed me around" SO successfully
that about 2 o'clock in the morning l
hogan to feel almost ~ much at home
In Cleveland IS though l had lived
there all my days, to ray nothing Of
my nights. "Artenas" invited me to
share his bed with him for the re-
main ler of the night. aud ! accepted.
Adjoining his room lodged . young
professor Of elocution, who was en-
deavorinx to establish q school In
Cleveland. lie was Just starting .ut
In business. and was naturally anxious
to propitiate the press.
Let's get the professor up" said
Artemas land have him to recite for
us,u
demonstrated with him, reminded
him Of the la;eness Of the hour, that
wasn't acquainted with the professor,
aud all that; but to no purpose.
He is n public man." said Ward,
land public men are glad to meet
members OF the press, rs restaurants
are supposed 10 get up wsrm meals a,
all hours"
He gave q laundering rap on the
door as he shouted:
Professor r.r."
Who's there? What yer wxnt?'
cried muffied voice, evidently from
beneath the bedclothes. for 1t was u
bitter cold night In February.
"ItisI- Brown, of the Plain Deot-
er,n said Artemus, and, nudging me
gently in the ribs. he whispered !.
Thatll fetch hlm. The power Of
the press is invincible. 1t is the Ar
chimedean lever which,"
His remarks were interrupted by
the opening of the door, and could
just discover the outline OF. shirted
form shivering in the doorway.
Excuse me for disturbing you,
Professor" said Artemu.. In his bland
est manner, but am anxious TO in
troduce my friend here, the new 10.
cal Of the Democrat. He has heard
much Of you, and declares positively
he can't 60 to bed until he hears you
elocute.n
Hears me what?" asked the pro-
fessor, between his cha tsring teeth.
Hears you elocute-recite-declaim
understand ?-specimen Of your elo
cution."
In voin did the professor plead the
lateness of the hour. and his fire had
gone out. Artemus would accept no
excuse.
"Permit me, at least" urged the
professor, to put on some clothes and
light the gas"
"Not at all necessary. Eloquence,
my dear boy, h not dependent on gas.
Here" STRENGTHENING upa chair he
had just stumbled over.) "get right up
In this chair aud give Us, The boy
stood on the burning deck" adding,
In side whisper in my ear. The
burning deck will warm him up!'
Gently. yet firmly, did Artemns
boost the reluctant professor upon the
chair, protesting that no apologies
were necessary for his appearance, and
assuring him that "clothes didn't
make the man." although the shiver.
ing disciple Of Demosthenes and Cic-
ero probably thought clothes would
make man more comfortable on such
a night as that.
He gave Us Casabianca," with a
good many quavers Of the voice. - he
stood quaking In q single short white
garment and then followed: "On
Linden, when the Sun YVES Low"
"Sword OF Bunker HILL" ETC., "by
particular request Of our friend" as
Artemus Ward said, although WAS
too nearly sufIs,cated with suppressed
laughter to make even . last dying re-
quest had IL been necessary. II WAS
TOO ludicrous to depict-ths professor.
an indistinct white object. standing on
| the chair " slocuting," - Ward had
| il, and wo sitting Oh the door, holding
our sides, while A. w. would faintly
whisper between his pangs OF mirth,
"Just hear him."
II wasn't In Wards heart 70 have