The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1880-01-03
DAN RICE'S FIRST.
y Temperance Lecture ncIivara6
with Earnestness and Spirit,
st. Louis Republican

St. Louis Republican,
Dan Rice, the veteran circus man
made his initial appearance yesterda,
IN the role of temperance advocate
Ihe st. Louis Sanitarium was the
scene of his work. Three o'clock in
the afternoon was the time set for the
opening of the meeting. Dan had
arrived long before the hour and had
taken a position among the Sunday
school children. When the regular
meeting was called the folding doors
were thrown open and those who
came to attend it saw Dan surrounded
by little children. After singing and
few words from DR.. Boyd, of Indian
apolis, and prayers by Mrs. Cox, Mr..
Cordell arose and introduced man
who he said was known in every CITY
and village in the United States-Dan
Rice. The old Snowman stepped
forward. He was dressed in a dark
SUIT OF clothing that looked just lit
tIe tne worse for wear and an overcoat
which matched the suit exactly. His
face was some shades paler than
usual, and the rosy tint which has
hoyered around the tip of his nose
had almost faded away. The large
sunken eyes looked a shade brighter
than usual. Their owner, however
showed no other signs of nervousness
but deported himself in as cool and
collected way as could John r. |
Cough or any other veteran temper
lnce lecturer. Dan is a good actor.
and if he really adopts the profession
)f an evangelist will make a success
Of 1t. AS he spoke yesterday he illus
rated his words making gesticula-
ions with his hand, twisting his face
'ut of shape, and initiating the style
ma speech of one in drunken condi-
ion. When he said "they grew
he put on cunning look.
When he said 81 felt very sick, |
leeded some stomach bitters,U he
inflated the manner of a man lust in
hat condition. When he spoke of
is mother his voice faltered. When
e said ''frOm this time on temperance
ill never have a stronger advocate
han Dan Rice" he spoke like a man ,
no IS in earnest and who intended i
coping the promise. ,
ut is rather an awkward position c
Ms to be in," said Dan Rice. Il
ld't expect to come here. The other :
ny | received a letter from Mr.. Cor '
ell, asking me to attend this meet a
lg. | told him | couldn't do it. Mr.. l
ordell called upon me yesterday and t
Iduced me to come. MY mind has n
zen undergoing remarkable change
Gently. | have not set down vet Il
~ direct or positive course for the
ture. | have been so mixed up with h
y profession during the past few 81
'ars, that i'll adopting this new G.
urse am moved by impulse. do o
It even know what | am going to
y now, but | feel better than have Al
+ years. | am glad to be here this 90
ternoOon. 1t did me good to be with h
e little children before the meeting. :,
elt honored at being among them. II
have moral courage and am not
named to face any of YOU as some ra
IN would be. Some would have too
lch dignity to stand up here. Too
lch dignity is not Democratic. Fl
Solomon says it is a dl
Sc man who conforms To the exigen- Fl
; OF the hour, and rs | have ALWAYS 10
IN considered clown, q zany and a
i, think it about time | conformed th
the eXigencies of something else. tb
aughter. | have been minister. yc
not of the gospel. | have been a eli
mister of fun. My mothers family In
re all MethOdists, and my mother eli,
ID oprophesy that one day would Il,
minister, and she often prayed au
II | would become one. | heard ut
ody the other night; the PRAYERS yo
| songs mademc weep like ce
Id. Here Dams voice faltered I ou
zen | heard that old song NV moth mn
lsed To sing, | wept like a child. ii,
imc away and resolved to lead A vo
v life. The night before Zach. II
death in Chicago we were
nding at a bar together drinking. bu
said: This is my last drink, Dan: VIC
ave fulfilled my mission That ed
; his last drink, for he died that or
Int. | have had NV last drink tb,
| trust to God that | have taken 10,
N time. This is a glorious work.
it is glorious TO be i'm it. People
Y sneer at me if they like, but I coi
bear the brunt of their scorn. If ON
turn to my PROFESSIONALISM l have
made up my mind as To whether
ill or nOt-I want To meet that Dir
mass with whom I M
'e been accustomed To associate H.
destroy that curse that ruins and 81