The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1884-04-08
HENRY WARD BEEcHER.
His Views on 3Iusic-fIe WIZ Lecture Again
His Preference for President.
Interview at Louisville.

Interview at LOUISVILLE.
The conversation drifted around to the sub
.ject of music. and it was remarked by Mr.
Beeche1's agent, Mr.. Pond, who was present,
that his principal was as great a hereto as ever
upon the subject of opera music.
eyes," chimed in Mr.. Beecher, Il don't re-
gard the opera as ansindispensable condition of
life. Idon't understand very much of that sort
of thing and most of that which | do under
stand / don't like. Tie greatest art consists in
concealing art this the operate composer
much of the naked scaffolding and too little of
the natural landscape.
'AThen most of the music reminds me of a
parcel OF children running up to the top OF
flight of stairs and down TO the bottom again,
and so through endless repetitions.
''Fugue music is especially an .abomination to
my ears. Bachs masterpieces remind me of a
kitten chasing her tail, or q bony skeleton of a
melody ratified and banged about
''Siow and solemn music like that in orato-
rios, comes nearer to my comprehension, and
some Of it is exquisitely touching and enjoyable.
Handel and Beethoven are my special favorites."
A lady in the company here suggested the
Passion music as being sufficient to redeem
Bachs composition from Mr.. Beecher's stric-
lures and boldly asserted that such wonderful
melodies as the CHORUS Of Angels" rejoicing
over the salvation of man must surely be pleas
ing to God.
TT may please Him, but ii doesn't please my
dull ears" reioined Mr.. Beecher
''What is meant by the statement made by
the Indianapolis journal yesterday morning, Mr..
Beecher, that your lecture there last night
your last in that city," inquired the reporter.
81 suppose it meant that it was to be my last
at that date" he responded
You have no intention to abandon the lecture
field, them"
mo l cannot say that have" he musingly
answered; it is hard work. and l am no longer
young, but am not ready to be superannuated
yet
Twill you visit Europe at the close of the
present lecture season2
''No; and don't understand how that impress
sion has got into print. 1t is a mistake at any
rate. What l viii do through the vacation
have not yet decided upon. Perhaps my ubi-
quitous young friend Pond here, will take me
on another little summer jaunt of Is, 900 miles,
as he did last year"
''Do you have any objection to stating your
opinion as to the probable Republican presiden-
tai candidate, Mr.. Beecher?"
Certainly not he smilingly responded, IF
my choice is consulted | think it will be Arthur
He has made good President in the past, and
| think he can be better in future time.
Whether the people nominate him or not, they
alone will decide but they should take the
question seriously into consideration"
How about Blaine and his old enemy, Sher
mani"
Neither one will do. Mr.. Blaine doesn't
have the personal OF other following which so
many persons have unquestioningly conceded.
1t wouldn't do to nominate him. and if we did,
the Democrats would gain thousands of votes.
Mr. Sherman would make an able President and
a good one but he'll not be put forward. He
isn't a favorite among the people. Too few votes
he would get. my dear sir, and that's the reason
he won't get the nomination"