The evening times., 1899-07-22

ter was above reproach. No slander was
ever breathed against it. His bitterest en-
emy did not assail 1t.
He was a prominent figure in Washing
ton during his residence here for six years.
Since he gave up his home here he has
revisited the city twice a year. usually to
deliver lecture. He came TO this city
to live in 1879, and with Ebon c. Ingersoll,
his brother. opened law office at 1921 New
York Avenue. He made his home at 25
Lafayette Square, until 1888. when he re-
moved to 1915 K Street. He had many
close companions in Washington. One of
these was the late John H. Crane, who
died about five years ago. Mr.. Crane was
widely known through his criticisms of
public officials and affairs which appeared
from time to time in the daily newspapers.
They became friends soon after the close
of the Star Route trial. which was heard
by Judge Wylie. Colonel Ingersoll was one
Of the counsel for the defence and Mr.
Crane was foreman of the Jury. The great
agno5tic was then associated with lawyers
of the largest calibre and he proved him
self the peer of all. Mr.. Brewster. the at
torney general, took an active part in the
prosecution.
Colonel IngerSoil lectured at the Ma
tional Theatre twice a year for about
twenty years. Each lecture was attended
by throng of people such as few other
men could attract. He preferred to lecture
at this theatre because of his friendship
for w. W. Rapley, the owner, and W. H.
Rapley. the manager.
The elder Mr.. Rapley paid the following
tribue to the great orator when seen by a
Times reporter: Colonel Ingersoll was
generous to a fault. He was a pleasant
man to deal with, and all of our business
transactions were Of the happiest kind. He
was true. honest, sincere. and generous"
He delivered his last lecture at Wash
ington On February &c last, and chose for
his subject. THE Devil"
In speaking of the death of Col Robert
G. Ingersoll, Henry B. Martin, of New
York, who has known the famous agnos-
tic for nearly twenty years, and who had
enjoyed a close friendship with him,
stated that the world seemed less
bright since Ingersoll had passed away
He was the greatest and most eloquent
orator that ever spoke the English
tongue" said he. Regardless of whether
we may agree or differ with his theological
or political views, and most of US differed
with him upon one or both, We must all
recognize that his broad humaneness of
spirit and conduct, and his unparalleled
oratorical genius, mark him as one of the
brightest flowers of the nineteenth cen
tury civilization. He was one of the
broadest. largest hearted men that ever
lived, and no man. woman, or child could
! listen to his words without feeling their
heart thrill with that electric force which
lifts the human race upward and onward
on the path of life.''
Hon. L. NJ. Lockwood, of Pennsylvania,
who also enjoyed long acquaintance with
the deceased orator, expressed his
sorrow at the news of the passing of
Colonel Ingersoll. THE world is better
for the life of Robert G. Ingersoll," said he
He has done much to educate up to the
thought of the fatherhood of God and the
brotherhood of man. He has done much
to break down dogmas and creeds and to
bring out the true creed, we shall love one
another His life was protest against
Hypocrisy and deceit. He did much to
benefactor.
His Great Blaine Speech.
The speech that gave Colonel Ingersoll
his first national reputation as an orator
was delivered at the Republican National
Convention at Cincinnati in June. 1876,
when, as delegate from the State of
Illinois. he placed in nomination for the
Presidency the name of James G. Blaine
1t was at the time and has since been re-
garded as the greatest nominating speech
ever delivered in this country. The fol-
lowing is the speech:
Mr.. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: Massa-
chusetts may be satisfied with the loyalty of
Benjamin II. Bristow; so am I; but if any man
| nominated by this convention cannot carry the
State of Massachusetts,, not satisfied with the
loyalty of that State. II the nominee of this con.
vention cannot carry the grand old Commonwealth
of Massachusetts, by seventy-five thousand major.
ity, would advise them to sell out Faneul Hall
rs Democratic headquarters. I would advise
them to take from Bunker Hill that old monument
of glory. '',t-'.'. . ''if7t
The Republicans Of the United States demand
as their leader in the great contest OF 1876 man
of intelligence, man OF integrity, man of we'll
known and approved political opinions. They de.
mand statesman; they demand reforrner after
as well as before the election. They demand a
politician in the highest broadest and best sense
"a man Of superb moral courage They demand
a man acquainted with public affairs with the
wants of the people, with not only the require
| ments of the hour, but with the demands Of the
future. lApplause1
They demand a man broad enough to- compre-
hend the relations Of this Government to the other