New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-14
GOSSIP OF THE BOROUGH
Hoo the Rcu. DR.. Cuyler Keeps His
Finger on the Public Pulse.

There IS probably no man in Brooklyn who keeps
closer IN touch with the important happenings IN
the world. is able TO discuss them moro intelh-
gently, than the Rev. Or. Theodore Ledyard Guy
ler, who celebrated his eighty-fourth birthday at
his home No. l76 South Oxford-st, last Wednes-
day Although he retired from active pastoral
work in 1880 after having been pastor Of the LaIay-
Avenue Presbyterian Church for thirty years.
Dr Cuyler has LED an active life since then. In
Other Tublicatiors he is Ia great demand as a
pgCllc speaker, and accepts more OF these invita-
lions than his family believe he should for the
st he he M5 MS pine away a If Il he %rs 81 o e 10
Eys expression 70 his IDEAS from the public plat
zen TO take an active part IN politics ana u for
number OF SIecEEe speecles on ne SIDE OF non
SS1y ana humanity IN every political camp, eampaign.
family trled 10 induce him TO give up this trying
tbs form Of an Interview each year. But he has
always felt that in order 10 give force 10 his
words lie must speak them from public plat
form. SO II comes 10 pass thar in almost every
campaign a meeting Is specially arTal sed Tor the
Jim al his best. Genouncng dishonesty, greed ana
immortality, and unfolding ali tnat is best and
sO0Iest public lie.
one Of the peculiarities OF the Rev. DR. cuyler IS
his objection speaking "a platform which Is
heavily banked with flowers or TO having any large
bouquets in front Of linn when he is addressing an
audience. The story as how this objection arose
has never been told Naturally, when he believes
always has-he Is anxious that II should Doe heard.
Il
potted plants. among them were "a number OF
DIT cqyier, who is small OF stature. was almost
concealed behind The floral display he spoke.
voice and made II difficult follow him A steuog-
dress ana was Sitting IN font II The pa5form i0 had
80 gnuch trouble IA hearing that he was obliged
him 10 repeat his remarks The minister who
Nhen he lsa6d ha Gs' address iFe VI" sd ot Sa
plainly heard IN the auditorium. When il was ex-
be has been parficuiar "a sec tbat bi I9r Iay
were not intercepted In a similar manner. lie IN
Naliably asks that oral decorations be placed as
Flnds that they in his way he has them removed
Before he begins 70 speak; An incident which oc-
Club is typical ot many. DR.. Cuyler was 10 speak
Sarge vase fiied with Beautiful movers calling an
attendant the doctor sgnihed that he wanted the
platform. where 1t stood between the speaker and
Take II away Take It away" roared the doe
tor IN that voice which is likely 10 be terrifying
man % I'VE. vii have CEeFs OF rhetoric here to-
The Offending vase was Immediately taken away.
This must not be taken TO mean that DR.. Cuyler
does not love flowers that he vain in wanting;
30 be heard by his audiences single incident Will
illustrate both points Some years ago small tn
angular piece OF land at the junction OF Fulton-st
and Greene-aVe. was named cuyler Park. II is
81. and on his way 10 the Lafayette Avenue Pres
byterian Church. where ne IS st!ll a regular at
sendant. Although ne was not consulted about the
name Of the park. and had never thought OF such
an honor, he was much pleased TO have his
connected with the little bit Of nature. He took
great pride IN the way II was cared for, and was
able 10 tell in instant whether the grass had
been cut and almost whether not "A single flower
had been disturbed. About five years ago ZONE OF
the good doctors friends conceived the idea a.
ing monument IN the park I'm honor Of the well
known preacher There a genuine .iValrV 10
get on the subscription list among those who heard
% the proposition. The Park Commissioner not
only gave his permission for the erection Of the
statue in the park. but enthusiastic over H.
oeciarcc Il would be credit 10 the department 10
ulo IN nonollnB 50 eminent a minister beloved
man Things Were going along beautifully untl
Dr. Cuyler himself heard Of the proposition. Then
he asked 10 some OF the members OF the COM
Tittee Tears were IN his eyes when he heard
what their love for him was prompting them 20 do.
Tie thanked them for the honor they wished TO
bestew upon hlin bt SAID lle could not permit II
II my friends wish 10 show me their love and
esteem. he added. let them, when I am
preserve the little park. keep the grass green and
the flowers fresh and tell the children that II is
Suyler Park. That Is honor enough for me-"
There Is pompous lawyer whose love OF high
flown language caused him make bad break
before Justice Kelly, in the Supreme Court last
week. IL the slip did lose him client the law
yer must. az least, have been obliged apologize
most humDy 10 her. The the suit OF
Nomeh Lor damages against a corporation. Counsel
Tor the latter was arguing for a change OF venue
a resident there The pompous wordv LAWYER for
abe woman waved eloquent IN declaring that his
client was resident OF Islip why" he Shouted
In conclusion. this LADY born In Isliu she was
raised there and has lived there VIGOROUSLY ever
Justice Kelly smiled and others ,r ,bs oo,,r,,oo
aA4- n SEak;eaS, ~ --'~