The Vancouver independent. (Vancouver, W.T. [Wash.]) 1875-1910, 1878-01-17
DenOsthenes.
BY CHARLES K. TEMPLE.

knOwledged by nearly all Crlucs INC
greatest of orators, we naturally ask the
question wherein lay his power. But be-
fore attempting to answer it, let us ad-
vert to the condition of Grecian elo-
quence.
1t was not until the later ages of the
republic that oratory reached its highest
form, and assumed its true character.
After Scion had framed new constitu-
ton, after the Incompatible poems Of
Homer were read and studied, that ora
tory was cultivated and taught rs an art.
From the time of Scion to that of Alex
ander was the golden age of Grecian elo-
quence, and tho brightest period in the
annals of Greece. Demosthenes, u ma
tive of the borough of Peania, was born
in the year 1856 b. g. He lost his father
when seven years of age, and was placed
under the care of his mother. Owing to
the fraudulent expenditures of his guar
dams his early education was neglected
His first ambition to become AN orator
was intlamea after hearing an Grafton de:
livered by the eminent Callistrstu s, which
excited no small stir. He resolved to
perfect himself in the art. SubjectiDg
his body and mind to q most thorough
and systematic discipline, which only the
strongest will could have undergone, VIC
see him at the age of sixteen appearing
before the public tribunals against his
guardians. His attempts were crowned
with complete success, and he was en-
boldened by those endeavors to'speak be-
fore the public, but his speeches were met
with universal dissatisfaction. Notwith-
standing these disheartments, the germ of
eloquence that lay smouldering in him
could not be extirpated. He only worked
the harder to accomplish the highest an
ticipation of his life. His studies were
resumed with increased vigor. The dis
tortions Of his form were overcome by
severe physical training. An opportu-
nifty at last presented itself in which De-
mosthenes so wonderfully displayed his
talents. Never had political orator a
wider field for the exhibition of the high
est powers of patriotic love than when
Philip of Maced0n aimed at the over
throw of Grecian liberty. At the time he
engaged in public life the State was a
mere wreck. "Public spirit was at its
lowest ebb, the laws had lost their author
ity, the austerity of early manners had
yielded to the inroads of luxury, activity
to Incidence, and the people were far sd-
vancod upon route which conducts II
nation to irremediable servitude" How
he com mands our respect in his efforts to
keep at bay the willy Philip and at the
same time uttering such strains of elo-
quence that has met the admiration of the
world
Let the student be animated by the ex-
ample of this man, who started out in
life with hardly any hope of success, but
whose eloquence shone in the highest
noon Of splendor. Among his orations
undoubtedly the one on the crown was
his best effort. Says writer, This is
the most perfect specimen that eloquence
has ever produced. For writhing sar-
cssm, burning invective, lofty declama-
ton, for all that is spirit-stirring and glo-
rious in elCquence, there is not on record
in any language as noble and perfect
specimen AS the Grafton for the crown"
Of his other oratons time forbids us to
treat suffice ii to say they were all char
acteristc of rich thought and deep study.
"IIis style" rs Hume observes, lis rapid
harmony exactly adjusted to the sense; it
is disdain, anger, boldness, freedom, in
volved in a continued stream of argu-
ment, and of all human productions the
orations OF Demosthenes present to us the
models which approach the nearest per-
tection.' Such was Demosthenes. As
we contemplate his indomitabe courage
and perseveiing energy in overcoming
the defects of nature, and endeavoring to
perfect himself in the art he SO dearly
loved, we arouse ourselves and ask, why
waste the day in idleness, and the night
in thoughtess dreamingi Let such AN
example stimulate us to noble and high
ends in life. Aud it will be the means
eventually of securing the greatest pos
slole usefulness and happiness.
THE SMALLEST Book IN THE WORLD.
A search is going on for the smallest
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