The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1899-03-29
LECTURE ON BEN FRANKLIN.
II Was Delivered Before Gaspoo Chapter, D. Of R.,
b. Mrs. Walter Stokes Irons.


A worthy representation of the Gas
pee chapter, Daughters OF the Ameri-
can Revolution, assembled at the
rooms OF the Rhode Island Historical
society. on Waterman street. yesterday
Afternoon 10 listen 10 lecture on Ben
jamin Franklin by Mrs Walter Stokes
Irons OF this city, who so often appears
before various womens clubs of this
city and state that her name has be-
come closely Identified with their inter-
ests ana work. Mrs. Irons previous
lecture on Colonial Women" delivered
before the Gaspee chapter on Wash
ington's birthday. was SO pleasantly re-
membered that few wished to miss the
opportunity OF hearing her version OF
the life and work OF that striking and
predominating figure of Revolutionary
days, Benjamin Franklin. In introduce
ing her subject the lecturer referred 10
the modern tendency of their country
history as beginning w.. the Declara-
ton of Independence and TO eXalt ths
heroes of the Revolution at the eX-
pense of all others. Franklin, she
said. however. is greater than these
men for he made the Revolution.
close study of his life will show this
clearly; Will show, too, that he de-
serves the title bestowe- upon him by
Beecher, viz: CUR greatest Amerl-
can"
Mrs. Irons drew an interesting pic
ture Of the life of Franklin, styling him
as the mortal Franklin whose works
are immortal"
From the many times in which he
distinguished himself she chose three
for especial study, viz: Franklin the
author, Franklin. the scientist, ana
Franklin, the patriot
All OF Franklln's work she pronounce
ed of distinct literary merit. emphasize
ing the fact, however, that his great
achievement was the autobiograph
which stanCs without demur as tho
best autobiography in the English
language.
Passing from description of the au-
photography Mrs. Irons next considered
Frankllns work in science, showing
how varied his Interests were and how
gladly he wrought 10 contribute 10 the
pleasure. the comfort am the welfare
of mankind.
Conanuing. Mrs. Irons appropriately
dwelt a create. length u0On Frnaklln,
the patriot. His remarkable services TO
his country--lasting from 114S TO lfSS-
were given in detail. Particular stress
was laid on the period in France and
some Of the annoyances and troubles
under which Franklin labored were eX-
planned, and in closing this topic the
lecturer called to mind the fact that
Franklin's name is signed 10 every i'm
portant document Of his era. The Dec
laration Of independence, the Treaty Of
Alliance. the Treaty of Peace and the
Constitution of the United states. In
conclusion Mrs. Irons turned to the
consideration OF the more human side
of Franklin. Anec otes were given IL
Illustrative of his f. les as well as OF
his finer characteristics. 1t Is impos
ible." she said lin Il brief ours talk
to put Franklin anything like his
true colors, TO trace the development
from the wild, wayward, yet gifted
youth. into the greatest man of his
age. He performed admirably all the
ordinary duties Of life was a good son,
a good bro.~er. a god husband and
good father.
"As a patriot none surpassed him;
he gave his lie to .5 country's cause.
intellectually he stands upon the
heights that few can reach. He was
distinguished as "A scientist, as a diplo-
mat a a business man, as a wit as
pL.4Jsopher as a mOralist Words fail
to do justice TO the character and worz
Of Franklin. We can only echo Beech
er's tribute: our greatest American!'"
Mrs Irons lecture was rendered the
more interesting because Of fact that
she exhibited a number of Revolution
ary relics. y may add, moreover,
that the lecture must have been of es-
peCial significance and 4...erest to one
of Mrs. Irons auditors, lady. who is.
In fact, the great grand-daughter of
the great Franklin and who is at pres
ent visiting in Providence and conse-
quently was an honored guest of the
Gaspee chapter upon the occasion OF
Yesterday.