Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-11-21

Rev. Wilbur L. Davidson. superin-
tendent of instruction, American Uni
versity, Washington, D. c., writes of
Captain Hobson as follows:
Washington, D. c., Oct. %, 1908.
Dear Major Pond:
l don't wonder that you have been
attracted by Capt. Richmond Pearson
Hobsons splendid work, and l con-
graduate you on securing him. Yellow
journals of the country tried to ruin
him, and the people in many sections
came to look upon him as freak, but
he has demonstrated everywhere he
has been the fact that he is a modest
Christian gentleman and a lecturer of
much more than ordinary ability. I
gave him his first Chautauqua engage
ment, and last summer controlled his
time absolutely. ! gave him "a Chau-
tauqua engagements in two months at
5000 a lecture. This was a better rec
ord than was made by anybody who
was on the platform.
Yours very truly,
w. L. DAVIDSON.
The Rockford Qll.) Daily Star thus
speaks of an address delivered by Cap
tain Hobson in that city:
Captain Richmond Pearson Hobson
surprised the nearly 5000 people who
heard him, yesterday. The impression
obtained that he was appearing before
Chautauquas because his daring feat
in Santiago harbor made him a draw
ing card.
He was known to be the bravest of
even suspected that he is a man of
such high order of ability.
| He had hardly spoken five minutes
however, before it became apparent
| that he is not only an orator and think
| or, but that he is a mature student O
international affairs. Well educated t.
begin with, this sea-rover has been d,
observer and has picked up facts a
| every port and moulded them into grea
| lessons.
| Captain Hobson looks like the pict
ures that have made him familiar t
his countrymen, and particularly hi
| countryWomen, only he is much hand
somer.
He stands a full six feet, has a large
well-shaped head, broad shoulders, biz
chest. speaking eyes and face no
unlike Richard Mansfield.
His voice is round, full and sonorous
1t is almost a bass and is pleasant.
mo,lulated.
He is as straight as an arrow, uses
frequent gestures and when warmed
with his subject becomes vehement
He has attractive manners, charm
ing personality. and is an orator of {
fascinating type.
His language is beautiful. Away.
we'll chosen and he never lacks for {
word, and it is always the right wore
in the right place.
He has the Southern fervor and, Xix,
| SOutherners, becomes impassioned will
his theme.
He scars to the highest flights anC
then drops to a conversational tone
which makes him doubly impressive.
| His subject was we'll handled ant
showed much research, careful prepa.
ration and profound study.
The effect Of this address upon the
great audience was electrical.
1t was consistent, logically con.
structed, brilliant plea for world domi.
| nation. not for conquest, but to give
them the benefit of civil and religion.
liberty and the building up of tho
brotherhood of man.
A more attractive audience never as
sembled in northern Illinois.
| The great assembly room was filled
and scores standing in the rear formed
a human fringe.
| The great throng was attractive and
appreciative and frequently punctuated
the address with applause.
| Every eve was on the speaker from
the moment he was introduced until
his eloquent peroration.
| The man had won a great triumph
and those who heard him became better
! Americans. for his address was intense
| w patri0tic ti- WiYXHU