Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1890-05-08
LOST HIS FACULTY.
Judge Vests Experience at the Theo-
logical Commencement.
A GENERAL BREAK DOWN FEARED.
His Son Tried But COBld Not Give Him the
Train of Thought.
THE YOUNG MEN READ THE SERMON

Hon. W. H. West, ''the blind orator OF
Ohio" who has electrified so many au-
diences, was unable to deliver his address
at the First Presbyterian Church last even
ing. And the illness or lapse OF memory
with which he was stricken is considered by
many to be the beginning OF
mental breakdown and opinion is ri'e that
Judge West has appeared for the last time
asa public sneaker. 1t had been announced
that be would deliver the annual address
To the Alumni and graduating class of the
Western Theological Seminary. Conse-
seouentlv the church was crowded
even to the galleries with the stu
dents. Alumni and Faculty of the Semi
nary and representative people from all over
the city, the reputation of the gentleman
as an eloquent speaker and deep thinker
being thoroughly established. His topic
was 1.-THE Duty of Patriotism to the Church
and Conversely the Reciprocal Duty OF the
Christian Citizen to the Republic"
HE LOST HIS THOUGHT.
William B. Negley, the well-known at
torney, as Chairman, introduced Judge
West, and as the venerable gray
haired man took his position
the audience greeted him with warm ap-
plause. In a clear, full voice he thanked
them Tor their welcome. and spoke OF his
pleasure of being with them and visiting
again the scenes OF his childhood and youth.
Then in the same manner he began his dis |
course, but his delivery was cut short with a |
few sentences, the speaker being unable to |
proceed. His son, who had accompanied !
Judge West and who possessed the address
in manuscript, endeavored in vain to give
his father the train of thought and reason
ing which he wished TO use, and several in
efectual attempts were made by the speaker
to grasp that which had escaped him.
Finally Judge West declared i: impossible
for him 10 attempt the delivery of his ad-
dress, and his own disappointment was quite
as great as that of the audience.
Many prominent divines went to the plat
form and offered their services and extended
their sympathy to the embarrassed orator, in
which the entire audience united, At last,
Rev. NJ. B. Riddle, of the Western Theo-
logical Seminary, went upon the platform
at the solicitation of those in charge and
announced himself ready to speak for Judge
West, who had been a student under his
grandfather, but the venerable orator re-
queSted that his son read the manuscript of
the address which he had prepared.
FROM FATHER TO SON.
Accordingly, Mr. West, Jr.. in an ex-
cellent, clear, distinct style gave the audi
ence the benefit of his fathers ideas on the
topic previously given. The substance OF
which was that patriotism and religion are
dependent upon each other for the main
tenance of a civil government, which cannot
be dispensed with by any civilized COM
munity. Anarchy is the alternative of civil
government and to prevent that
the good patriot who is not neces-
sarily a Christian should recognize
that Christianity has its political power,
and that it exerts berign influence upon
all degrees OF social, political and moral life
and should, therefore, be encouraged as a
morality inculcating, liberty inspiring
power. The chaotic condition of the coun-
try that would result from an abolishment
Of Christianity, was briefly reviewed and the
necessity of its intention and expansion |
lorcibly presented. after which the duty of I
the Christian to the Commonwealth was
treated and their allegiance TO the human
law as well as the divine law, The Chris ]
tan was advised to join with the patriot in
de eating anything that would be detri- {
mental to the Government and in promoting
that which would be beneficial. Individual
opposing and conflicting should not be car
ried into Congress by patriots and Chris
tians, for if the better does not predominant
The worse will.
RUIN TO COMMONWEALTH
If the Christians and patriots fail to hold
in allegiance the power that would make
poor laws and affect the welfare of the
country, ruin to the Commonwealth will be ]
he result Such a course is absolutely ,
obligatory, the nation having assumed the
obligation when they gave to all the edu-
'ated and uneducated equal rights and ,
liberties. That the Christian should not be !,
PARTISAN was illustrated by the Woman's !
christian Temperance Unions loss of
strength by division over the party rock.
The conclusion OF the address was an ap-
peal to the young graduates to be- =
'ome thoroughly conversant with civil =
aw as well as divine law and
i've instruction accordingly. That popular
government could not be run in divine
.rooves as vet was we'll understood, but the .
mixing of Christianity and patriotism
vas demanded BY the times.
As the reading of the manuscript was
ompleted, Rev. W. J. Holland moved that r
vote OF thanks be extended to Judge West \
'r his ably written address. and to his son. +
-ho had proven himself chip of the old !,
lock by mis- reading, also that a COPY be
Sked tor publication. The motions were d
arried unanimously. A further apology a
nd expression of regret by Judge West, o
no had been during the evening one OF the I
ost attentive listeners, was followed by the II
which closed the meeting. Il
SOcieTy's Small RippIes II