The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1890-11-30
They Believe that They are as
Versatile as Those Of
Any Age.
Disagree in Toto With the Idea
that They are Growing Into
Specialties.
Erastus Wlman = Stout Advocate of the
Contrary Opinion-Range of Mr..
Depew's Invitations.

For some weeks this quotation from an
unknown genius has been going the rounds
of the press: 'Whenever see Depew l am
reminded that oratory, like everything else
nowadays. is getting to be divided up into
departments. II you are after star for the
banquet hall you try to secure DR.. Depew or
Gen. Porter. If you desire to wake mp a
Grand Army meeting you 60 after Fire
works Foraker or Col. Ingersoll. Dan
Dougherty is hummer when he has big
audience and time to get ready. Col. Eel
lows, when he gets before q jury or a politi-
cal meeting can give the bulk of public
speakers cards and spades. They are all
growing into specialties from their
professional duties. I mean"
This was carried to some of the big men
whose names are identified with the oratory
of the day, and they we're asked to express
their opinions in regard to it, says the New
York Sun. Colonel InRersoll had just I'm
ished with one client and was preparing to
see another when the reporter entered his
room in his Wall street Office.
THAT'S all nonsense" he said. "There
are three things necessary to make man
an orator. First, the desire to please his
audience. Second, the ideas which APP
pertain to the subject upon which he is to
speak. Third, the fancy and imagination
with which to clothe these ideas. Ii he has
these three things he is prepared. and if he
hasn't he is not. That is all that care to
say.'
John Il. Fellows smiled as he read over
the quotation.
1.-The assertions" he said, fare not cor
rect. OF course, a man can speak best upon
those subjects with which he is most fami-
liar, and it is therefore natural that should
49, ~ k.,,,n 1,of0 rv,rx, &ha,, IL.
where. because have been addressing juries
during the whole Of my professional life.
But the general statement is refuted by the
very man whom they quote us being contin-
ed to speciality. ! refer to Chauncey NJ.
Depew. He is known to be the most astound-
ing example Of universality and versatility
that this age has produced. He can speak
upon any subject and at my time. He is
invited to address college commandments,
and to speak at the dedication of institu-
tions. at, commemorative services, at the
erection of monuments, at banquets, and
upon many other occasions. In fact.
there is no subject within the range of
human intellect upon which Dspew has not
been invited. at one time or another, to de-
liver himself, and it is so with all of us who
is gifted with the power of public speaking
is not restricted to any special line of sub
iects."
The great Mr.. Depew himself was next in.
vited to deliver his opinion of the quotation.
Mr.. Depew read the quotation and sal0:
II was Just looking over the last batch OF
invitations that have received from vari-
Gus parties. They are here. There is quite
number of them. Here is one requesting
me to speak at a meeting of the Michigan
club within month. It is signed by Gov.
Alger, Gen. Palmer and others. Here is
another requesting me to speak between
now and next june before the people OF
Chicago in the auditorium of that city upon