Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1893-10-12
EDGAR A. POE NOT AN ELOCUTIONIST.
This Claim for Him Denied by One
Who Heard Him.
His Lecture in Newark Academy, Years
Ago--rhe Famous Writer'S Personal
Anuearstuca aud ntha..

His Lecture in Newark Academy, Year
Ago--rhe Famous Writer'S Persona
appearance and Other "reminiscences
Editor Gazene: A few weeks sine,
Baltimore evening paper gave some in
terestlng "reminiscences of this gifted ant
eccentric genius. The article referred tt
was written by Judge Rhea, whose father
was an intimate friend of the poet. The
| Judge states that he had often heard Poe
reclte both prose and poetry and that he
was an excellent elocutionst, lie mentions
| Vane."
In my boyhood had the good fortune
70 near the poet lecture at Newark
academy, and he certainly did not display
any evolutionary ability on that occasion.
ms subject was THE Poets and Poetry of
america" and he gave us difference
Vane' in such a sing.song monotonous
manner as to excite the risibles of all
present. He subordinated the sense to the
measures SO completely that his recitation
sounded like chant and | have since
Thought it indicated his manner of com
position, and is an explanation. perhaps.
OF the great metrical power and skill dis
played in his poetry.
Taken as a whole the lecture was inter-
esting and instructive, but his criticism of
1rlswolds book on American poets and
poetry was exceedingly severe and The
spirit OF 1t indicated clearly a personal
grievance. recall one of his remarks in
TINS connection; "lf Griswold's brains had
oeeh blown out and his skull filled with
nasty pudding he could have made much
pe.ter pooK. This utterance elected great
applause from the rear benches where
the boys" were massed in force.
HlS personal appearance was rendered
somewhat ridiculous by the tightly fitting
coat that he wore. Ii was In fact nor
rowed from Principal Graham, a much
smaller man, and the borrowing was neces.
Sary Dy reason of an accident which he
lei the lecturer on his arrival in the after
nooIi' lhere was February thaw at
WORK and the streets of Newark were In n
condition that may be imagined but can.
not be described with any hope of doing
Justice to their ''stickability.h Mr.. Poe,
VINO had evidently been induleinv in Ms
unfortunate habit too freely, fell in alight.
lng from the stage coach, and, as he was
Wlthoul an overcoat, plastered his dress
coat with thick layer of mud. His long
daubing.
But Notwithstanding the misbap and
mlslit, his appearance in the evening was
Dy no means unslghtly, and, on the CON
lrary, he impressed one as a dignified and
Well-Dred gentleman. In size he seemed
70 me rather below the average height, but
Win compact and well-knit frame. good
muscular shoulders, shapely neck and
nedu wen poised. His forehead was broad
ana his mouth firm and pleasing. me
expression of his countenance in repose
was serious, not to say melancholy.
AT the Close of the lecture some of .the
youngsters sought an Introduction and
Princlnal Graham gratitied their wishes.
ohe Oh Them, who was little more for
speech. the purport of which was We ara
highly honored in having you with us This
evening" we greatly enjoyed your lecture:
ana agree with you in your estimate Of
Grlswold and his book he is a shabby
fellow and his book contemplate affair.
AT TINS MI. Poe smiled but made no re.
marx. We thought it quite a neat little
speech and very much admired our spokes.
man. WILLIAM II. PuRNELL.