One art in his oratory
was, no doubt, very effective, before he lost force and
distinctness of voice. I allude to his way,--after
having reasoned a while, till he has reached the desired
conclusion,--of leaning forward, with hands reposing but
figure very earnest, and communicating, confidentially as it
were, the result to the audience. The impression produced
in former days, when those low, emphatic passages could be
distinctly heard, must have been very strong. Yet there is too
much apparent trickery in this, to bear frequent repetition.
His manner is well adapted for argument, and for the
expression either of satire or of chivalric sentiment.'
* * * * *
'Mr. JOHN NEAL addressed my girls on the destiny and vocation
of Woman in this country. He gave, truly, a _manly_ view,
though not the view of common men, and it was pleasing to
watch his countenance, where energy is animated by genius. He
then spoke to the boys, in the most noble and liberal spirit,
on the exercise of political rights. If there is one among
them who has the germ of a truly independent man, too generous
to become a party tool, and with soul enough to think, as well
as feel, for himself, those words were not spoken in vain.
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