Fort Worth gazette. [volume] (Fort Worth, Tex.) 1891-1898, 1891-09-14

The following original essay was read by
Miss Forrest Tucker AT the first convention
Of city teachers on yesterday, and is pub
lished by request of many friends. Her
subject was: 1.-The Study of Elocution.n
The object of elocution is to teach ex-
preston; 10 mould our thoughts; to give
our IDEAS form, so that we may present
them in pleasing and attractive manner.
Up to the present time many have thought
this branch of study to be greatly tinged
with the unreal, but like al fancies this is
passing away. L will not say it is gone,
for in the background of uncultivated minds
there still remain ghosts of these old opin-
ions. ] will not say there is no cause for
these imaginary visitors to our matter-of-
fact thoughts, since so many followers of
this study have disguised US with an over
drawn picture.
False notes have grated on our ears, and
we have beer satiated with the old and
hackneyed word, affectation. 1t is hard for
some TO draw the line between the real and
unreal, impersonatiOn and imitation. The
art of art is to conceal art'' should be kept
constantly before us.
Let the painter feel his art, know his
character live his dreams and no matter
what the model or from what stage of life
he draws his picture, we are pleased. Just
rs Dickens delights US with his fifelikc
touch to all the scenes, so the speaker
thrills US when we see he is giving TO US
something which he feels. Gradually
the light dawns on Us ami we
impersonation. 70 give a correct
expression, we must feel, put ourselves as
near rs possible in the place of the charac-
ter we represent, imagine we are filed with
the same emotion; hate, love, JOY, jealousy,
revenge, grief and despair, just as we are
impressed. This is impersonation, true ex-
preston and the only elOcutiou.
4, 10.
principle underlying this work and that we
must seek if we would know. In few
words Francois Delsarte tells US all: ''For
every impression, physical, mental or moral
there is an outward corresponding express
sion through some material FORM
Now we have the key, let US turn the
lock that opens 10 US the door of nature.
All of us are born critics; we can see when
the door is opened; some can turn the key.
show us how to paint the picture, speak
our words and place the gestures, but only
few can tell us why these things are SO.
All of elocution is not to recite, but all
elocution IS expression. Elocution is the
power 10 repeat our thoughts; eloqueuce is
the power of feeling: combined elocution
and eloquence is oratory, and oratory is eN-
preston. Delsatre has given to US the key
that unlocks the great storehouse of the
mind and gives US the principles of true eX-
preston. We should not spend all our lives
in storing away, but we must give out these
ideas that by contact with other thoughts
our own will come back TO US broader
And we should seek to find the pleasant
channels in which TO send them forth that
those around us may not think our words
harsh notes, but let them fall pleasantly on
the ear. Let US read the motto Of Delsarte:
Il will knock at the door of nature, | will
question every phenomena" This art Of cx-
preston walks by the side Of her twin sis
ter, impression. We have teachers all over
this broad land of ours who struggle daily
OF our country. Teachers in our public,
private, home and foreign schools all labor
with an earnest zeal. 1t is j high and noble
cause, and it is the wish of all TO see the
teachers succeed. 4 firm foundation must
be built, or else the winds of criticism will
blow and the rocks of truth will hurl the
tower in the dust As every house is ex-
being flied, must know how and the best
manner TO give it expression. SO near akin
is the art of expression to impression that
here she claims her place. II remains for
us TO take her by the hand and welcome
her in our homes. She stands seeking adj
mission in our hearts, and wanting place
at our tireside.
Already in the North and East she has
stretched her hands and been gladly re-
ceiyed. This branch is now Il settled fact,
no longer haunted castles in which Turk the
phautoms of doubt and unbelief. She is
now knocking loudly at our Southern doors.
We must no, loiter on cur way, hesitate
and hold the knob. slowly open the door,
then stand and question. Poverty no lon |
ger throws her weird and gaunt-lil5e |
clutches around our homes. The sounds of |
war, cannon, shot and shell have long since |
died away in the distance. II is this and |
only this that has ever placed US in the |
rear and now with rapid strides we are |
nearing the goal. Who will bid US stay, or |
deny us our well-earned prize! The North |
is already wearing her brightest smiles, as
she watches US on our way to success. |
Time, money and perseverance will lead us |
out with the banner flag. In the race we !
must all labor-put our hands to the great |
wheel of PROCESS, rub off the dust from the |
spokes, brush off the webs of doubt, throw |.
open the doors of our public schools and all |
institutions, and welcome this |
art to Join hands with her sister science
Miss FORREST TUCEER.
Fort Worth, Tex, Sept. l., 1891.