The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-10-13
BEEcHERs "vADK MECUM."
How Our Theological Beau Rrummel Flirted
with the Truth for the Sake of a Joke.

How Our Theological Beau RrummeI Flirted
with the Truth for the Sake of Joke.
To the Editor Of the indianapolis Journal;
While the question of Beecher's veracity is
open for general discussion l beg leave to re-
late an anecdote which may serve as a mild il
lustration of the theory presented by the mega
tive side.
1t has always been fashion among the 'com-
mon millions to lay great stress the sayings
of public characters In a word, notoriety is
authority, and the measure of public mans
veraeity usually depends upon the length of his
autograph list
Six months ago Mr.. Beecher lectured at Con
nersvillc, in this State. Myself and friend
enjoyed the distinguished honor of paying him
$500 for Illuminating two mortal hours against
creed which he had spent the greater and the
better part of his life in defending. But we had
5000 house. and that let us out though the or
thodox portion of the audience afterwards in
timated that the next time they wanted a dol
lars worth of punishment they would take
laughing gas and have couple of teeth pulled.
Well, BeeeheP's manager was Mr. j. Is. Pond,
who had arranged with well,fed young Now
Yorker named Edwards to accompany the great
preacher on his rounds and groom him. as 1t
were Dir Edwards was very familiar with the
gentleman, anu naSReu Q1Il1 OIl al OSCttSIOhc
with as much freedom jockey tickles the
ribs of his favorite stallion Beecher usually re
ceived the young mans friendly ralllery with
compacent grunt, or perhaps retorted with
curt wtticism-after the manner of a half
spoiled grandpapa The funnie st part of the
proceedings, however was that Mr.. Beechers
youthful chum hadn't been in town an hour till
he got tfull, which the venerable gent did not
seem to notice, though it was quite plain" to
others.
Du,inp the interval of waiting lust before
the lecturers appearance on the stage, he was
introduced to several gentlemen, who called be
hind the scenes to greet him. Among these was
Rev John S. Tevis pastor of the church in
which the lecture to be delivered. Mr..
Beecher presented his young friend Edwards to
DR.. Tevis, remarking at the same time, with
apparent candor and truthfulness, that he was
a grandson of the philosopher jonathan Ed
wards DIR. Tevis expressed his respect for the
memory of the young gentleman's distinguished
ancestor, and presently the conversation shifted
to some other topic.
In due time Mr.. Beecher was introduced to the
audience, and proceeded to demolish the Five
Roadway, young Edwards, who sat beside me on
the rear part of the stage, reached over, put has
hand to his face to guard against disturbing the
speaker, and whispered:
Say, do you know that the old cove there
doesn't tell the people half that's in his mind'
Society amt prepared for it, you see."
"Quite likely" L responded
''You heard what he told your minister, back
there f" he went on about me being the grand
son of Jonathan Edwardsf'
Eyes"
well, that was BANKED lie I'm no more
relation to him than am to you The old coon
got that off for a gag Just like i'm.
his playful gags" on Mr.. Blaine-this time
using Mr. Joy as a vehicle" 1t is ''just like
i'm, you know j. c. OcHILTREE.
INDIANAPOLIS, Oct IL.