The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1896-09-18
BRYAN As AN ORATOR.
[From the st, Louis Globe-Democrat
(GOld ReD) /


to say that he secures the attendance
of his audience before he speaks
word. 1t is easy to associate such a
form and face with the reputation Of
an orator. He 'Iooks the part" as the
actors say, and that is an important
point gained in the direction of general
success. There can hardly be any doubt
that he fully appreciates this advan-
tage and yet he does not seem to be
conscious of it. He does little or no
posing, it is difficult to detect an inti-
nation of vanity in his bearing; but
he never forgets to be dignified and
graceful, without suggestion of 1nten-
ton or preparation. How much OF this
is nature and how much is art, we can
not know, nor does it matter, so far as
the effect is concerned. 1t is certain
that he makes a fine impression in this
respect, and is thereby materially as
sisted in other respects.
He speaks at first in a comparatively
low tone, but soon his voice rises and
becomes clearer and more resonant,and
can be distinctly heard. 1t is a we'll
cultivated voice, and he knows how to
utilize all its resources of range, rich
ness and hexibility. The critical lis
tener can readily discern now and then
the mechanics of the matter, the toll OF
elocution. the careful adaptation OF
means to ends; but the majority OF lis
teners are not critical, and so do not
stop to look for the secret of that which
ent spontaniety. He understand the
value of simple words and short SEN
fences. His vocabulary is not Larger
than that of the average citizen. He
uses no technical terms, no ornamental
expressions, but relies upon the com
mon speech of the people. He talks
rapidly, as if anxious to say as much as
possible in given time. His gestures
are made mostly with both arms, and
he has habit of emphasizing his
statements by striking his hands to-
gether. AS he talks, he advances to
the front of the platform, and appears
DESTROYS to place himself on familiar
terms with those whom he is address
ing.
In a general way, it may be said that
his methods are impulsive and aggres-
sive. He does not build up an argu-
ment in gradual and systematic fash
ion, but rushes forward from one thing
to another with the kind of energy that
is impatient of all considerations that
tend to delay the desired effects. With
all of this vehemence, however, he can
not properly be called a ranter. He is
mindful of "Hamlet's' admonition to
the players. and does not tear a pas
sion to tatters," but checks himself at
the right place in the interest of tenn
perance and smoothness. Obviously,
he is we'll acquainted with human ma
ture; he has bonhomie and sympathy
and kinship with the multitude; or, at
least, he seems to have those qualities,
and the result is that he carries a mis-
cellaneous audience with him at his
pleasure. 1t is not an intellectual
treat, strictly speaking, to hear him;
he does not appeal to reason and sober
judgment so much as to the emotional
faculties and to those feelings which
are part of the every day experience
of people in moderate circumstances.
The crowd appIauds him because he
talks to it along the line of its ordinary
habits Of thought and action
Is he a sincere man? The question
is hard to answer in an unprejudiced
way, and without taking some account
of the conditions under which he is
making his speeches. Surely so far as
his manner goes, it is one of thorough
earnestness. There is nothing in it
that justifes a suspicion Of dishonesty.
He seems to be entirely confident that
he is right, and that the cause which
he represents is worthy of the support
of all good citizens. 1t is evident that
his audiences are not disposed to cues
ton the integrity of his opinions and
motives, but to give him credit for be-
ieving what he says in such a positive
and solemn style; and that is the only
available test Whatever the truth
may be, he succeeds as an orator in
conveying the impression that he is
candid and upright, and it is as an or
ator only that he is here being consfd-
cred We may dissent altogether from
his views, and regard his candidacy
with as much hostility as wesplease but
we are bound to allow, nevertheless,
that he is very skiIlful and effective
public speaker He is not to be class
ed with the great orators of the coun-
try; but he is notable example of the
kind of orator who excels in the art of
enlisting the attention and influencing
the feelings of the average voting pop
ulation.