Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1883-11-03
MaTTHEW ARNOLD.
The English SaVant Follows the
English Tragedian as a Nov
city for New Workers


Special to Commercial Gazette.
NEW YORK, October 30.-ThC
large and brilliant audience that as
sembled in Chickering Hall TO nigh
to hear Matthew Arnold lecture OF
Numbers" must have been moved b.
some stronger feeling than curiosity
Notwithstanding strong counter at
fractions elsewhere, which had occa
stoned no little misgiving to the lee
turer, the hall was filed to overflow
ing by a representative audience. MeI
Of note in literature, science, art and
statecraft were present; venerable
white haired divineS representing
many phases Of belief, and some vel
known champions of agnosticism. The
ladies', who have always been warn
friends Of Mr.. Arnold, came out in
force. Before the lecture the con.
versation in the hall was directed Ia
Mr.. Arnold's books, especially his
poems, which were by some severely
criticised, but more frequently praised
A we'll known clergyman was heard
to say, What | admire in Arnold is q
healthy truthiulness that never beatI
about the bush, but speaks out Alright.
He sets men thinking and in few terss
words gives you enough to think about
for a month"
Although the audience seemed to
have a conception Of what they were
going to hear; one lad even haZSrding
the opinion that it was about the book
OF Numbers; yet they seemed we'll
assured they would be well entertain
ed. The hall was entirely full, large
numbers standing:
CHANGING over the audience one ielt
some doubts as to whether the lecture
would be well heard. Mr.. Arnold has
rarely addressed large audiences 10
England. Accustomed to the small
college lecture room where his bril-
liant dlscOurses were almost colloqlial,
or to the hall OF the Royal lnstitu-
ton. equally small, he has never been
required 70 make great efforts to DO
heard. His style OF speaking, too, be
gets monOtonous delivery, especially
when the lecture Is not extempore.
When Mr.. Arnold stepped on the
platform IN company with Parke God
WIN, a certain tlmidiity OF manner was
obvious; tie has been much exer'
clsed all the last week as to how the
public would receive his criticisms,
6elng determined to speak frankly:
the AUDIENCE greeted MIN with loud
applause, Mr.. Arnold wore ordinary
evening dress' 10 those unfamiliar
with his portraits his appearance be-
tokens anything put the traditional sa-
want de Is tall well formed, with
an AR oil hlgn breeding and reh1e-
ment, out MS lace Is not 'slekiled 0 'er
with the pale cast OF thought. 1t ls
PLAIN, kindly lace with old-fashioned
mutton chop Whlskers' Keen gray eyes
ana nexlole mouth Ihe Chairman,
Mr. GodTln, paid q warm tribute to
hr; Arnold as a critic, a philosopher
and poet. as well as to DIR. Thomas
Arnold, his iather, saying that the
sechoolmaster Of Rugby enlarged his
class room till 1t comprised the whole
Of I9e English speaking race
The lecturer then came forward.
he read his lecture. Slight short
sightedness compelled hun to hold the
manuscript close to his eyes, and the
hight at the desk was such that few
could read BY It easily. A feeling Of
disappointment came over the audi
ence when they discovered that MI.
Arnold $ voice was scarcely audible
nan way down the hall more especial
Y as ihey could perceive that those
we VIC aia near were mighty gratlhed.
m q Arpela $ style Is scademicai, tnd,
thougn ais enumeration Is clear; be has
me common defect OF the English
eieIgy among Ehom ne was educated
, Inc !. ~, naplt o. cropping his voice at
me close OF q sentence, was rendered