The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1903-06-28
STORIES or MAJOR POND.
Chat Of the Celebrities Who Used to Gather
in His OHice.

The Office Of the late Major James B.
Pond on the ground floor Of the Everett
House YVES much more than a lecture bu-
reau. In the privacy Of the rear room
Major Pond entertained 9 great many
distir gushed men.
1t was favorite longing place with
some of the best known Of his lecturers.
They went there for all sorts of purposes
Sometimes George w. Cable took a nap
on the sofa. Others occasionally had lunch
con there. or played a game of cards vii h
few friends. Henry Watterson made
for years. 1t was a familiar retreat for
John G. Carlisle. The late Paul Blouet
knew it we'll.
Whether jor Pond was present or
absent the place was free to his celebrities
The gatherings in the little back room
often lasted into the small hours.
Some of the drollest stories were told
here by MAJ or Pond and his lecturers. TIE
Major liked to tell at these gatherings about
one of Gen. Grants few recorded jokes.
The General had attended one of Matthew
Arnold's lectures given under Major Ponds
mana cement. Arnold spoke in his accus-
toned low tones to an audience so well
bred that nobody cried Louder" though
occasionally a court eous voice was heard
to say, "A little louder if you please, Mr..
Arnold"
Old DR.. Lyman Beecher put his head down
and went to sleep. and the crowd went away
disappointed. Az Gen. Grant filed out with
the rest he said to his host Of the evening
"Well. Pond. I've seen your lion, but
couldn't hear him roar"
1t was upon the occasion Of this lecturing
tour that Matthew Arnold said to his regal
adviser. whom he was consulting in New
York
"D'ye know. think I'd like to run out to
Indianapolis and give lecture some after
noon
Another story that came from the Ma jor's
back Office was Of H. NJ. Stanlev's brother
in-law, Mr.. Tenant, a new -caught Briton.
He was going to ST. Louis, perilous trip.
as he believed, and he confided to ore Of
Major Pords subordiI etes that in view of
the attendant dangers lie had placed his
gold watch in safe deposit and bought
for, the journey a nickel plated watch
which nc would not mind losing.
1t was Paul Bouet who used to tell at
the Majors gatherings how shocked and
even aSlla1neu his IllOtntT was tllil ne SnOulu
visit so urciviized a country Us the United
States.
Make your mind easy" said the pro-
vincial old French woman, "I'll say nothing
about it.
Major Po;d was discreet man, but he
occasionally told one celebrity good
story at tie expense of another. One of
his favorite stories was of all American
preacher, who preached in England under
his management
The sermons attracted creator audienc es
than either manager or preacher had ex-
pected, and at len 9Th one night, as manager
and managed sat talking upon the steps
of great London church after the de-
livery Of q successful sermon in q neighbour
ing hall, the dissatisfied preacher struck
for higher wages, and brought such argu-
rnenthjo bear that his manager felt it neces-
ga ry to yield.
II was costly talk for Major Pond. but
he keenly enjoyed the humor of the situa-
ton, ard took great pleasure in picturirg
the great preacher seated in the Moonlight
upon the cathedral step bargaining for
higher pay for preaching the Gospel.