The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1894-02-22
THURSDAY, FEBRU AIRY % 1894
Eli Perkins and His Lecture.

ELI Perkins, (Melville D. Landon)
lectured in Burwell Hall Tuesday
night. He appeared upder the auspicies
of the Young Mems Christian Associa-
ton and was introduced by Mr.. ]. H.
Bridgers, chairman of the committee
GU literary entertainment. A large,
cultivated aud refined audience was
present. and the word "sold' but
poorly expresses the feeling of each
one as he or she left the ball-several
before the lecturer had finished speak
ing. There was general disappoint-
ment and disgust, and those who would
confess the next day to having been
there were reluctant to acknowledge
that they were accompanied by lady.
Mr.. Perkins was not unknown in Hen
derson and his reputation as a lecturer
was such as to cause our people to ex-
pect something quite different from
what they got. Three or four years
ago he was here and in The Philoso-
ply of Wit and Humor" he gave us a
bright, sparkling, wholesome lecture.
1t was entertaining, edifying, meaty.
Tuesday night it was just the opposite
of this. If there was all original idea,
an elevating thought presented-any-
thing by which moral could be pointed
or tale adorned, the speaker was
adroit enough to conceal the fact from
his hearers. In fact, Mr.. Perkins,
muchly- advertised latest and best lee
ture G: Fun and Facts in Japan and
China" is principally made up of
pictures drawn from the dark side of
life among the lower classes in those
countries, as represented by the dance
halls and similar places, ancient and
smutty jokes, irreverence for things
pure and sacred and Republican high
tariff politics. In making such a talk
he perpetrated gross outrage upon
the Association under whose auspices
he lectured and practiced an unpardon-
able imposition upon the audience.
There is positively no excuse that may
be offered in extenuation of the mean
advantage Mr.. Perkins took of the Y.
NJ. c. A., and those who paid their
money to hear him. If the character
Of the lecture had been known we
doubt if dozen persons would have
paid to hear it, while we are quite sure
the occasion would not have been
graced by the presence of single lady.
Many in the audience manifested their
disgust and disapproval of some por-
tons Of the speakers remarks by Kisses.
This is to be regretted however merited
such conduct might have been.
In behalf of Mr.. Roseiter and the
officials and members Of the Young
Mems Christian Association we wish
to say that because mistake has been
made in this instance that fact should
not work against them in matters OF
this kind hereafter. They were deceived
no less than the audience. They were
disappointed by the man and not IN
him further than this particular time
and occasion. Eli Perkins stands in
the front rank of popular and successful
lecturers of to-day, and the pleasure
and satisfaction given by him on his
first appearance in Henderson a few
years ago may be cited as evidence to
bear US out in what we say without
going elsewhere for proof. But he
slipped up badly this time-fell below
what he is capable Of. If Mr.. Perkins
should have the cheek to ever visit
Henderson again on lecturing tour it
is safe to predict that he will come on
his own account, and talk to empty
seats.
If it's any thing in the line of furniture
you want, Watkins can AL the bilf'-
and when you settle it you'll be sur
prised at the reasonableness thereof.
Prices and variety Of goods are such as
tO suit all wants and nurses