Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1879-03-04

NtISluu W mlllSdNC NnC SluOiH VI my
surroundings. My wish was gratifed.
The president of the association be-
fore which | was to lecture paid me a
visit, and at once gave me his opinion
Of its subject. He was afraid the au-
dienoe might not like the lecture on
10 Ann-beeause you see, we don't
read much in this town, and we
haven't no library yet many
books-and there amt many of us
has heard of 10 Ann | suggested
that some other lecture might be a
little more spicy, and so suit them
better
mo" said he, you're making that
everywhere, amt you-up to Chi
cage, and down to st. Louis, and all
roundY'
Even So" | confessed.
We'll, we are going to have first
chop, anyhow, whatever it is. It's a
historic piece-is it?"
| told him it was so considered.
Nothing brisk in it, eh? :"
Rather the reverse | replied.
And she lived a considerable time
ago-I reckon about 1916, want it?'
| explained that it was hundreds of
years ago that my heroine lived.
Well, now, so long ago as that ?
Really? Well, you see, | told you
we're not much for reading here. Do
you mind telling whether 10 Ann was
English or French, and where Ark is,
anyhow
| tried to enlighten him. Then,
after a long pause, he burst out
well"
It's a fixed historic piece? Well,
now, look here Frightening up). Don't
you think you could liven it up by
throwing in a few Jolly stories and
some jokes, and-and-that sort of
thing?'
Have an misunderstanding a song
or dance a jig" | suggested.
"0h ifyOu only would, Miss Dick
inson.'
| did not think this specimen of hui
mainly could be equaled, but the very
next day | found his counterpart, lear
ly-one of the people who eye you get
out into the aisle, walk slowly past you,
spit on the stove, look out of the front
door, ruminate, look at you again, spit
again, finally make for you, and there
you are.
The grapes and radishes had been
replaced by the coffee, tenderloins,
omelet, %soufie, etc.
Such a person, replied Miss Dick
inson, had me at his mercy, and
without preface burst forth. See
here, Annie, what's the fvorite lee
ture this winter?'"
Il answered, Joan of Are.
What?
Joan of Are | repeated very
slowly and in a big voice, to be sure
that | was heard above the roar and
rattle of the train"
"Jonah's ark Well, we'll, what {
queer subject! and you say it takes
well?"
Yes, | replied, with some dignity.
"AhI' said he with a ponderous air
as he resumed his seat and his cogita.
lions. Two men holding converse
upon this theme | am afraid were a
unsatisded as he,
say" remarked one.
We'll"
Who is the fellow they are talking
about?"
Why, about John Dark, and
who is this man, anyhow"
Were you usually introduced I,
your audiences, Miss Dickinson, a
that tine?"
"S5metimes. | must tell you O
one Introduction | had in a WesterI
city. As we were going to the hall i
/, which | was to lecturc-that is, wit
the public functionary who honorcI
me with his escort, he remarked,
do not preside tonight. We have en-
gagged Mr.. H., a banker, to do so. II
wanted to go to congress, and he'll b
4 glad to make a speech. SO Mr.. II
' made his little speech, and the like {
Z it | must say it has never been IN
e good fortune to hear. 1t was Eliza
Q Program in the flesh. just so big an
/. noisy and prctentious, with a vast cs
n panse Of shirt front and white vest
and limp white necktie, just such
" blue swallow-tail coat, shining bu
tons. hair brushed up in a curl q
rhig Observation-Disclosures quid as huge
hands stuck determinedly into h
n breeches pockets. No sooner had !
:. seen me than he commenced: Felloy
citizens, ladies and gentlemen - Ii
my pleasure, my honor to be where
II am to-night-heml Any one ought
70 rejoice to be in my place to-nigt
Fellow. citizens Of Eleanoise Illinoii
were that great and good man--tl
,e hero, the statesman, the martyr
ID Abraham Lincoln, alive, and we're
at a member of our community, he wou
ID delight TO introduce her - Tn
he thrust his hand into my face al
a. resumed: This young woman who
Isl TO address you has considerable rep
tation-in fact wherever the Engli
TO language is spoken, wherever I
,ts American Stars and Stripes wave, h
m name is like a household word. L,
of low-citizens Of Eleanoise, | KIN,
you'll listen to her, since she alwa
addresses herself to the poor, {
n. blind, the MANNED. You will listen
her, since she addresses herself to I
I'd ignorant, the down-hearted and {
,rs pressed, of every color, cline a
ny broqlO. This Is an Grafton on 10 A
ng Of Ark, by Miss Dickinson of Phi
as delphia.'
he One should hear Miss Anna rec
to this speech to enjoy her piquant sty
vs. her drOll imitation. She continue