Lexington weekly intelligencer. (Lexington, Mo.) 1871-1887, 1875-12-04
ST. LOUIS. KANSAS CITY AND NORTHERN

anu "outn- 500 A u
It From Kansas City and ali points West 500 A n
St. Joe and points North: * S
CORRESPONDENCE OF THE MTELLI-
+ GENCER.
.... NEW YORK, Nov. 27, 1875.
Il Last Sunday being fine day, deei-
ded to go to Brooklyn to the church Of
the Rev. Henry Ward Beecher. As 1
had never heard him, felt it was really
my duty to see, atleast once, such Gel
i ebrated preacher.
The street car we took happened to be
very much crowded, principally with
gentlemen. looked in vain for seat
among them, for Anew York biped call.
ing himself by that most misapplied of
all good English words,-a gentleman
J prides himself on the perfect noncha-
lance with which he can keep his seat,
while many a weary woman hangs on
desperately to a strap, which is swung
almost beyond her reach, but of course
at convenient height to steady mascu-
line forms. I say I looked in vain for a
place among these elegantly dressed, ,ro-
bust men, when some one touched my
arm, and on turning around saw an
humble-looking old negro, who courte-
ously said: t.Here's seat, ladv., It
has always been my opinion that negroes
should not be allowed to ride in street
cars, and have declared 1 would not
ride with them, but now am in favor of
tolerating them in the cars, that they may
thus have an opportunity of giving a few
wholesome hints on good manners to
their New York white brethren. Fam
sure that old negro had once been
slave in the south, and thus imbibed
some Of the chivalrous respect for wo-
men, which is such distinguishing char
acteristic Of the southern gentry.
When we arrived at Plymouth church
the service had begun, and the usher,
who met us at the door, said that there
was not even standing room in that part
Of the church, but if we would go to the
rear of the building we might find more
room. There we were advised to go up
to the organ loft where, perhaps, there
would be some chance for us, but we
could not even get inside the door, until
some people, who were unwilling to
stand, left, and we managed to crowd
in. 1t was great sight to look down
upon the perfect sea of faces below,
around and above us; for there is third
gallery. A gentleman made room for
US among the singers-a lowly seat,
however, upon the steps-but anything
was preferable to standing. When at
last seated, peered over the railing, and
had a fine view of the top of Mr.. Beech
er's head and back, for sat above and
behind him. |
The subject of his sermon was the
Power of Silence, which he handled with
ability, of course, but I must say was
disappointed. He is pre-eminently the
preacher for the masses. He is no ora
tor; he is, at times, simply little start
ling. For instance, once he rose before
his congregation, on a very hot July
day, and electrified the assembly by say
ing 1T is damned hot to-day He eyed
the people calmly, watching the effect
of his words; and. of course, everyone
was aghast at such an utterance from
the pulpit. He quietly took sip of
water, and repeated it, and when every
one was shocked into perfect attention,
he explained that he had heard those
words from the lips of young man as
he entered the church, and then preach
ed fine sermon on profanity. He is a
man of immense personal magnetism,
and therein lies his power; during the
sermon he made some pathetic illusions
to his own career, and was amazed to
see tears trickling down the cheeks of
bearded men, and handkerchiefs put up
all over the church. went there trying
to believe Mr.. Beecher all his warmest
friends represent him, but could not;
his face pronounces his verdict. l could
have forgiven tinge of the Mephisto-
pheles in his physiognomy. but it lacks
the subtle refinement of Goethe's fiend ,
incarnate. There is intellect in the
brow, but the lower part of the face tells
its own story.
There IS a new sensation in New
York, in the shape of some Educated
Fleas," and would you believe it, sensi- .
BILE people are beguiled into going to see +
them? Among the first of these pro- +
gressive insects which had the pleas +
ure of seeing, was one who drew a min
iature street car. will not attempt to
say how many times heavier than him
self, for feas are known to have prodie- ,
lous strength. Then there was pair of !
fleas dragging a barouche, with a flea +
driver brandishing whip, and two /
young Miss Fleas on the back seat, az +
rayed IN tinsel dresses, and holding par Y
asols over their heads. A tiny, paper !
Don Quixote was gallantly mounted up
On flea, who only toppled him over oc- +
,asionally. At the sonnd of a small mu- +
sic box, whole orchestra of fleas was +
put in motion, the conductor wildly a
2 .Ai' oetCoii, uliu IuCiC was Ul6 Ii
general fluttering which one always sees q
before the performance begins. The a
Dugnacious fieas were fencing or fight \
ng duel. as your fancy may dictate, i.
With the smallest possible swords, like a
inc needles. There was Mademoi- -
'elle Lenormant, to tell fortunes: a f.
lamesake of the celebrated soothsaver 8
Who foretold the destinies of Napoleon, e
out VINO. think, would be not a little 9
iiscomfitted could she see the humble .
beings on whom her mantel has fallen. n
lost of other Important personages sVu We're IL IL
'epresented, and last, but not least, the
licked Flea, with ball and chain on q
lis foot. These poor little creatures :,
lndergo very severe course of train !.
ng. and as they cannot be whipped into t.
objection they are starved until they II
'ecome tame. N, N, "