New-York tribune., 1874-05-29
AMERICAN HUMOR.
LECTURE BY THE HON. 8. s. cox FOR THE BENEFIT
OF THE LOUISIANA SUFFERERS.

LECTURE BY THE HON. g. s. cox FOR THE BENEFIT
OF THE LOUISIANA SUFFERERS.
The Hon. S. S. Cox lectured at Steinway
Hall last evening for the benefit OF the sufferers by the
Mississippi overflow In the South His subject was
American Humor" Among other things. he said I:
Whereas water has kindly objects IN seeking Its
level 1t has its terrible power OF devastation in
Mississippi and Louisiana New-YOrk Is behind other
cities the OF relief for thsone object Boston has
done FIVE times much. Baltimore three times as much
and Albany twice much as NewYOrk in the way OF
relief for those who suffering from the Mississippi
food Although New York City has enough at homo for
the exercise OF her benevolence. she cannot afford
TO be aggard nor will she be- The water drops Of that
great father of the Mississippi which. though
mobile bind the continent IN unity, have given occa-
sion for the exercise OF that charity which Ia
better than laws arms for determination or
interdependence MY subject pertains to humor, and
my is for the benefit OF those who are sad This
another illustration that the sncerest laughter NAV
b. fraught with tears without further prelude will
proceed 10 show you why Americans laugh.
Mr.. Cox continued with analysis of humor, giving
its literal and derived meanings. The word originally
sgnihed moisture. He compared humor with Wit and
farce and distinguished them with cuts Humor
ickes. humor smiles farce grins; wit is polished and
sharp. Humor, when genuine, Is founded on a deep
thoughtful and manly character Wit is not careful or
moral consequences 1t looks TO IT'S own brilliant HaSh.
Notalre the wit was e0ntrasted Win CerVanteS' tne
humOrist; Thackeray with Dickens.
The lecturer then entered upon the discussion OF
American Humor just meeting the objection that we
could have peculiar humor, owing 10 our cOsinopo
anism. and contendng that our originality was IN the
mosaic character OF humor, which was the most III
congru0us grotesque, and ODD ever known IN history
IL this mngling OF all nnmOrs wnch turned Us from
the English channel where we should always nave Oeei
cOpylsts into channels OF our own Our plenty ana
our freedom aided It's development. The fashionable
foies which follow in the wake OF riches were held
up by writer's Curtis and SAKE But with Few ex
cepons our humor was not reflected IN our literature
In newspapers and our orators II was TO De ouh
The lecturer considered the general sources OF
our humOrs; that humOr which belonged 10
all nations alkea translata0e humor then the peculiar
illustrating as he proceeded Inc exasgeratlse
tendency American the prominent pOnt mace
by the lecturer. who established ms point Dy many
amusing Illustrations The of this eXaggerdtlOn
he in political
power and material greatness The nlnd Keyed up on
one subieot becomes intense in al others From the
tune of the Declaration OF Independence-wnch was
itself splendid exaggeratlOntO the present, our dla-
lect ideas and conduct have been of the superatlve
This illustrated with great variety OF amusing
incidents The concluded with some practical
suggestions 10 the necessity or more renuenent IN
American humor and more moderation III temper ana
mode living. He thought that genteel numOr beeCeu
crossing with that of hearty toll He believed that II
more diused less asperitv woud charcter1ze
public discussions and that more Tranquility ana hdpp-
ness would inspire domestic nfe.
AN URGENT CRY FOR HELP.
Annropriate to the object OF Mr.. Coxs lecture Is the
following urgent appeal for aid from the Mayor of New
Orleans
The Hon W F. HAvEMEYER. Mayor, de. Will New
York come TO OF destitute, ruined ram
shng peoplei Our relief fund Will be exhausted ln Two
weeks We feed over $4,000. Contributions nave almost
ceased The distress great. and VIII cOnNnue 90
days or longer Nothing but help can save our suffering
people The insufcency OF our resources causes pahlu
annrehe nson and alarm. We shall require four times
az much as have received. deadly famine IN Lou
isiana would be a national disgrace which the wealth
ards LOUIS A. WILT. Mayor, and Treasurer OF the
NetC orleans, May n, 1874. heIel fdnu