The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1903-03-15
BENTON as AN ORATOR.
Ex- Gov. C P. Johnson, of Missouri, on Thomas
Hart Benton.

Ex-Governor Charles p. Johnson Of
Missouri in paper read at the winter
meeting of the Missouri Press Associa-
ton at Columbia, talked most interest
ngly of Thomas Hart Benton whom he
styled the most prominent historical
character of the State. In the course of
his address, he said:
AT the close Of his last memorable
campaign for Governor, / heard him de-
liver his last speech in Missouri Ii was
the closing event of his remarkable po-
litical career. The place was on Twelfth
street, not far from where stands the
city hall in St. Louis. There was an
immense crowd, and he received on this
occasion respectful attention throughout
an address of over two hours. In his APP
pearance and manners there was no an
parent apprehension of the overwhelm-
ing defeat he was to receive. The same
proud, naughty and defiant bearing was
manifest in his every word and action.
His personality was made as prominent
as ever, his tall, robust and commanding
figure towering above all. He referred.
as illustrative of strengt and prowess, to
the fact that he had travelled over 200
miles, met with a continuous ovation
from the people and made 40 speeches.
His style on the platform was little DIFF
ferent from that in the Senate, though
slightly more condescending in tone. 1t
was always senatorial. He remained
during the greater time in one place, oc-
Casionally advancing a step forward or
turning and doing the same in a side di-
Icotion. There was little variety in his
poses. He held his head ana body erect.
the head occasionally thrown back, which
increased the portliness and dignity Of
his appearance. When inclinlng forward
he did SO slowly and majesticaly. His
principal gesturing was done with his
right hand and arm, his letl rarely was
raised higher than his head. He INDUCED
in no appeals to the kindlier emotions,
and was never rhetorical He reveted
attention by the clear manner in which
he pronounced propositions, and the
strong and earnest arguments with which
he sustained them. An intelligent listen
er was impressed with the idea that he
was being taught something new. He
was always historical in Illustration, a
department of knowledge in which he
was we'll versed. To the majority of
hearers he was most attractive as an
orator when indulging n sarcasm, inYec-
tive and denunciation. During such
times he became excited, raised pointed
and shook the forefinger Of his clinched
fist, and in climax brought it down
with emphasis
"All the characteristics 7 have noted
were manifest in the speech to which l
listened His invective was as strong ,
and vigorous as it ever was, and lac
sc emed to relish the indulgence. 1 was
reminded of the time when he asked a
friend just after his speech in the Senate
on the omnibus territorial bill, if he
didn't give Clay hell He took especial
pleasure in excoriating two Of his Well
Known prominent opponents for their at
titude toward him. He thought they
were beyond the pale of salvation. When
SO aroused his enuncation became clear
er; he emphasized each word as if throw
ing them out separately as well as con-
iunctiyely.
After the meeting I was in his rooln.
with Mr.. Blair and several others. 1 re-
member how impatient he was to have a
correct report of his speech in the Mis-
souri, Democrat of the next day. II was
his custom always to require that a
proof be sent to him-he read and cor
rected it himself. His manuscript show
ed a small and cramped hand, but
printer would call it legible. While
there he talked about his campaign said
he would be elected; that the people
were enthusiastically in his favor. And
he referred with a contemptuous smile
to those parts of his address in which
he demolished his local enemies.
THAT was the last time 1 saw Mr.. Ben
ton. Not quite two years after this
stood on the steps of Christ church. or
the corner of Fifth and Chestnut streets,
in the city of St. Louis, and saw
hearse drawn by six black horses decked
with sable plumes, aud within was
casket containing the remains of Mis-
scuris illustrious statesman Thousands
or people looked upon the scene with a
feeling of awe and reverence. The
drapery and habilaments Of mourning
were on all sides. But there was one
thing in the pageant that struck me as
strange and remarkable. There were
many men on horseback in front, at the
sides and in the rear Of the hearse, APP
parently among the chief mournors, who
knew to be the most implacable and
yindietive foes of Mr.. Benton when liv-
ing. l thought it remarkable. ] was
quite young then, and did not under
stand / am old now, and can account
for it,"