Webster Davis: presenting lectures of constructive patriotism

              Figure

WEBSTER DAVIS Presenting Lectures of Constructive Patriotism


WEBSTER DAVIS
Assistant Secretary of the Interior in the Cabinet of President William McKinley
FOR the past twenty years and more, Webster Davis has been a power for good in American politics.  He has never been a demagogue or a blind partisan.  By his own energy, he worked his way from a position as farm boy and clerk in a small town, and as a village shoemaker, through college and law school.  As Mayor of Kansas City, he fought the battles of the people and his efforts resulted in a reduction of gas rates from one dollar and sixty cents per thousand, down to fifty cents.  His work was responsible for that city owning its own water works and inaugurated the beautiful park and boulevard system of which the city is now proud.

Of his work in the position of Assistant Secretary of the Interior, the History of Missouri says:

It was at Steubenville, Ohio, that Mr. Davis capped the climax of his brilliant oratory.  The city in making preparations for the celebration of her Centennial sent a committee to wait upon President McKinley, for the purpose of securing him to deliver the oration.  The President, however, sent them to Mr. Davis, saying that he regarded the talented young assistant secretary of the Interior as one of the greatest orators of his time, and those who heard his brilliant effort on that occasion approved the President's judgment.  He was accorded a perfect ovation.

IN ENTERING the Chautauqua and Lyceum field, Mr. Davis feels that he will be able to extend the measure of his usefulness and the writer is confident that the American platform has not had in the past any more eloquent or timely utterances than those of Webster Davis.  His addresses have been eulogized by the foremost men of America.  Letters are on file and may be seen at any time.

We are proud to be able to present Mr. Davis to the Chautauqua and Lyceum committees of America.

Presenting for this Season, the Lecture Entitled
THE SQUARE DEAL




WEBSTER DAVIS
Presenting Lectures of Constructive Patriotism

Some Notable Letters
John Hay, Private Secretary to Abraham Lincoln, and Secretary of State under President McKinley

Mr. Webster Davis is one of the foremost orators and public speakers in the United States.  He is a gentleman of high intelligence and culture.

Champ Clark, late Speaker of the National House of Representatives

I have known the Honorable Webster Davis personally for twenty years and I knew him by reputation before that.  I have heard him on the rostrum.  My own judgment is that he is one of the greatest platform orators in America.  His style is absolutely unique.

Bishop Samuel Fallows, of the Reformed Episcopal Church

The Honorable Webster Davis is one of the most entertaining and impressive speakers on the American platform.  He ranks among the great orators of the country; one who hears him will earnestly want to hear him again.  Few men have the commanding presence, fascinating personality, and magnetic eloquence of Mr. Davis.  Any Chautauqua will be very fortunate in securing him.

Archbishop John Ireland, of the Catholic Church

Those who will know Webster Davis will know a first-class man.

Newell Dwight Hillis of Brooklyn, N. Y.

I have known Mr. Webster Davis for many years—he was in college with me nearly thirty years ago.  He is a gentleman of fine scholarship, and character, and an orator of unusual ability.

Bishop Charles Bayard Mitchell, of the Methodist Episcopal Church

Webster Davis is an orator of the very highest grade.  One hearing him will never forget him.  He has the appearance, the voice, the temperament, the message of a true orator.  His recent address in St. James Church, Chicago, produced a profound impression.





Comments from the Newspapers
There are hundreds of these clippings, many of them columns in length.  We reproduce merely a phrase or two from a few of them.


Rock Island (Ill.) Daily Union
He is a wonderful speaker—eloquent and humorous.  His address was one of the most brilliant we have had in the city.


Mt. Vernon (Ill.) Daily Register
Those who heard Webster Davis last night pronounce his address to be the greatest ever heard in Mt. Vernon.


Lead (S. D.) Pioneer Times
His speech was the grandest address ever listened to in this part of the state.  Among his warmest admirers are many who have political opinions radically different from his own.


Columbus (Ohio) Ohio State Journal
An oratorical feast … Last night Webster Davis carried everything before him and had the vast crowd that filled the Board of Trade Auditorium fairly upon its feet a dozen times.  There has been no such speech delivered in Columbus since Davis was here two years ago.


Cairo (Ill.) Herald
Cairo people had the political and oratorical treat of their lives last night when they listened spellbound for two hours to Webster Davis.  He is, without doubt, one of the greatest orators that ever came to Cairo.


Kansas City (Mo.) Times
Mr. Davis wields a peculiar power over an audience, his style being very unique and attractive.


Providence (R. I.) The Telegram
Mr. Davis is a most electrifying talker.  His utterances have never been surpassed in ardor, picturesqueness and pungency, in Rhode Island.


New York Journal
Webster Davis made a profoundly impressive speech at the Grand Opera House in Washington, D. C., before an audience that literally jammed that immense auditorium and stage.  The address evoked cheers and enthusiasm to a remarkable degree.



Personal Commendation
Isaac Cutter, Grand Secretary, A. F. and A. M. of Illinois

I have known Webster Davis for many years.  He is a true American gentleman.  He is a brilliant and eloquent orator and was used by President McKinley many times as an orator.

Major General Geo. W. Goethals, Builder of the Panama Canal

It was a pleasure for me to listen to Webster Davis at Grand Rapids, Michigan.  I was very much impressed by his oratorical powers, his choice of language and fine sentiments.

Justice Henry A. Melvin, Associate Justice Supreme Court of California and Past National Exalted Ruler B. P. O. Elks

Webster Davis is a man of Scholarly attainments, splendid character and most charming personality.

DESIGNED AND PRINTED BY THE W. M. KING SERVICE, CHICAGO