The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-02-19

tears Spurgeon began ten years later
than Cough, and has probably not spoken
more than half as often. Henry Ward
Beecher did not rise into celebrity until
Cough had been for a half dozen years the
prince of platform speakers. For over forty years
no speaker has commanded such crowds who
were so eager to pay for the privilege Of listen
ing to the most exciting Of discourses. deliver ed
in the most dramatic voice and gesticulation. As
an orator, Mr.. Cough reached his climax of
power thirty years ago. His voice was then as
musical as flute with marvellous power in the
tender, pathetic passages. Long and hard serv
ice made it somewhat harsh and husky. but even
IN recent years it was instrument OF rare
compass and fexibility. Sometimes he over
reached. especially when weary. But in the
days of his highest glory, no man could surpass
him In deineation of character and in imperson-
alton of 'all sorts and conditions of humanity.
He has often been mother, child pleading
wife, brutal husband. plantation negro, q
Scotch deacon q Frenchman a raw Irishman a
pompous coxcomb and poor. besotted topper, all
in one hours address. And he exceled in every
character If ne had chosen TO be an actor, he
would probably have been one of the greatest
comedians of the age
MR. COUGH IN INDIANAPOLIS.
John B. Cough is historically connected with
Indianapolis by the burning of the Morrison
Opera house. northeast corner of Maryland and
Meridian Streets. on the night Of Jan. IL, 1870.
Dir. Cough had come here under the auspices of
the Young Mems Christian Association to deliver
two lectures at Morrison's Opera house, and the
one delivered on the memorable night of the fire
was tho first one. The lectures were not to be
given On successive evenings, but few days
were to elapse between the two lectures. It was
bitterly cold night, but the popularity of the
lecturer, as always In this city, had attracted a
Tbo toiu Ma
rdan street to the hall had two turns before
the door Of the hall was reached The third en-
trance was the professional one, that led up from
Maryland street to the stage, and was dark and
narrow. Owing to the exceeding cold the fur
naces were crowded to their utmost capacity.
These were located on the second floor, under
the north side of the hall, about half way down
che audience room.
Mr.. Cough had been talking about three
quarters Of an hour when Rev. j. NJ Crawford,
Methodist minister pastor of Trinity Church,
VINO. with his wife, was sitting at the north side
OF the hall, saw curl OF smoke come from
register near him. He remarked to his wife that
there was fire, and they would co out AS
he passed down the aisle to the door he spoke
quietly to half dozen or more persons,
each OF whom In turn spoke quietly to Others
One after another, persons in the audience began
to go out There was no excitement whatever.
and the room was rapidly and noiseessly losing
its occupants. Fully two thirds of the audience
haa passed out the smoke growing more and
more dense before Mr.. Cough who was evident
ly annoyed by the seeming discourtesy stopped
in his lecture. He was then either told in
whisper or knew by intuition what the matter
was, and lent his aid in keeping the crowd in good
humor.
There was no Glowing or unseemly haste
whatever, and every one of that large audience
got out of the hall and down stairs without the
slightest accident On the pavement below,
however, an elderly lady fell upon the icy pave
ment and sprained her wrist. Never was an
audience so admirably managed, and never was
apanic 30 narrowly and happily escaped Mr.
Coughs next lecture was delivered at Masonic
Hall. the subject being circumstances"
John Rickaby.
NEW YORK, Feb l8-John Rickaby manager
of the Lyoeum Theater, died this morning at
$50 o'clock