Gen. Z. T. Sweeney: author, diplomat, lecturer

              1903
Gen. Z. T. Sweeney AUTHOR DIPLOMAT LECTURER

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SUBJECTS

1..
The Golden Age.
2..
A Journey to Jerusalem.
3..
Bed Rock in Anglo-Saxon Civilization.



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GENERAL Z. T. SWEENEY
of Columbus, Ind., is one of the great lecturers of the American Platform.  We say this advisedly, as we have acted for most of the prominent American lecturers, and rank him with the best.  He ought to be heard in every lecture course, and once heard will be wanted again and again.  He has held a number of prominent places in the civic, religious and literary life of the country, and is a member of Victoria Institute, London; Institute of Christian Philosophy, New York, and The National Geographical Society, Washington, D. C.  He has been President Indiana Christian Sunday School Association, Chancellor of Butler University; was Consul General to Turkey, Imperial Ottoman Commissioner to World's Columbian Exposition, at Chicago, and member of the Advisory Committee World's Congress of Religions.  At present is Commissioner of Fisheries and Game for Indiana.  He is the author of a book of travels, Under Ten Flags, which has had a large sale.

C. F. Nevius, Secretary Y. M. C. A., Muscatine, Ia.—It gives me pleasure to say some of the things I have heard about your lecture since its delivery.  Personally, I consider it the best lecture I have ever heard.  A number have said to me that it was worth the price paid for the entire course ticket.  Others say it was the best number of the course.  One young man, who is not in the habit of going to church, said to me that he never heard its equal and if such things were given from the pulpit he felt sure that a great many more men would be in church.

W. A. Lloyd, General Secretary Y. M. C. A., St. Joseph, Mo.—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney appeared in our course and gave his lecture on The Golden Age with such splendid satisfaction to a large audience that they demanded his return another year.

Willis Hawley, Y. M. C. A., Hamilton, O.—Your lecture on The Golden Age was inspiring and full of power and climax.  Everybody liked it and the lecturer.

B. C. Wade, Secretary Y. M. C. A., Ottumwa, Ia.—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney gave The Golden Age in our Star Course and it was immensely popular.  Many pronounced it the best lecture we had ever furnished them.


Granite State Free Press
—It was his first appearance here, and the best compliment to him is the frequently expressed wish to hear him again.  Lucky the town that hears Gen. Sweeney.  Would there were more like him.


The University Herald, Ada, O.
—It is the sentiment of many that the best wine was reserved for the last, and of the big four, Jones, Conwell, Gordon and Sweeney the drift of opinion is that Sweeney holds the palm.  It was his third time here, and when he comes again his welcome will be stronger than ever.  He gave indeed a fitting close to a most memorable course.


Ellsworth (Kan.) Messenger
—We sincerely trust the committee will make it a point to secure Gen. Z. T. Sweeney for next year's course.

C. A. White, Manager Allegheny (Pa.) Star Course—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney ought to be heard on every course in the country.  Every person who hears him will certainly receive some good and want to hear him again.


Greenwich (O.) Enterprise
—We have attentively listened to the many reports concerning the lecture of Gen. Z. T. Sweeney at Greenwich and from the recapitulation of them all we would think that his was the lecture of the season; nevertheless he did not forget his topic, A Whack at the Universe.

D. D. Dukes, Secretary Y. M. C. A. Lecture and Entertainment Committee, Findlay, O.—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney's classic language and sublime flights of oratory, interspersed with the finest humor, make him a great power before an audience.  Associations will do well to see that Gen. Sweeney has no open dates.

J. W. Zeller, Superintendent Public Schools, Findlay, O.—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney's new lecture, American Civilization, delivered here in the Y. M. C. A. course last night, was one of the few great lectures delivered during the last eighteen years.  It was a masterly treatment of the bed-rock principles of our civilization, forcible, cultured, scholarly, uplifting, eloquent.  I would not have one sentence of his lecture stricken out.  I wish it might be heard in every town and city in the land.  It inspires to nobler civic righteousness.

W. A. Upham, Chairman Committee Popular Concert and Lecture Course, Akron, O.—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney last night gave as his lecture, The Bed Rock in Anglo Saxon Civilization.  In the long list of fine lectures we have had during the past six years none have been better than this.  It was thoughtful, logical, scholarly, eloquent, patriotic, refining, and with just enough humor in it of the genuine kind.  Young men of eighteen to twenty years of age were attentive listeners for two hours to every word the speaker uttered.  The fact was clearly demonstrated that the lecture platform may be a mighty force for good so long as themes like this are handled in the way Gen. Sweeney handles it.  We cannot praise this lecture enough.

Prof. John Stuart Blackie, of Edinboro, Scotland—I regard the Earl of Roseberry as the greatest orator in the world since the retirement of Gladstone, unless it be Gen. Z. T. Sweeney, an American torrent of eloquence.


Wm. C. Birely, Manager Frederick (Md.) Lyceum—In this connection, permit me to say that my people were much pleased with the lecture and all seemed to regret that more were not present to hear you.  Some have said that it is a toss between yourself and the Rev. Conwell, of Philadelphia, who is quite a favorite here.

Sam P. Jones, Cartersville, Ga.—It has been my pleasure to listen to Gen. Z. T. Sweeney in one of his incomparable lectures.  He is a charming orator, with fresh, vigorous thought and with the flash light of illustration always ready.  His logic, his rhetoric, his humor, his pathos all combine to make him one of the best lecturers that it has ever been my good fortune to hear.

Bishop J. H. Vincent—It is a pity that such a man as Gen. Z. T. Sweeney has to die.

John G. Wooley, at San Jose, Cal.—Gen. Z.T.Sweeney, a man whom I have known from boyhood, and whose very name is synonymous with temperance and good citizenship wherever he is known.


St. Joseph (Mo.) Gazette
—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney is one of the most entertaining speakers ever heard in St. Joseph.  He possesses the rare faculty of mixing the serious points which he desires to impress upon his audience with stories that appeal to the risibilities of man in just the right proportion to amuse, entertain and instruct.


Western Advocate, Mankato, Minn.
—The second number in the Mankato lecture course, The Golden Age, by Gen. Z. T. Sweeney, at the opera house Saturday evening, was by odds the greatest intellectual and oratorical feast ever spread before a Mankato audience.

Rev. J. H. Garrison, Editor Christian Evangelist, St. Louis, Mo.—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney has come and gone since our last.  He was with us only a day and a night, as his engagements called him away; but he left behind him new friendships and pleasant memories of a visit that brought smiles, laughter and added happiness without a word of bitterness or a shade of melancholy.

Chas. F. Deems, Pastor Church of the Strangers, N. Y.—My friend, Gen. Z. T. Sweeney, has produced a very charming lecture.  Everyone who has been over the ground will wish that he could give so vivid a description.

Rev. T. De Witt Talmage—I regard Gen. Z. T. Sweeney as one of the strongest preachers of America.


Kennebunk (Me.) Star
—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney takes his place with the best entertainers that have favored us this winter.  He is more than a popular entertainer.  A speaker of rare grace and eloquence, he unites a keen knowledge of men and institutions with the homely humor and pleasing wit that characterizes our best speakers.


Letters from Governors
J. HOGE TYLER, Governor of Virginia—It is my pleasure to commend Gen. Z. T. Sweeney.  He is a strong, forceful and interesting speaker, of strong Christian convictions and is an enterprising and progressive man.  He made a fine impression on all with whom he came in contact in this state and deserves the high encomiums he receives from all.

RENTON McMILLIN, Governor of Tennessee—General Z. T. Sweeney's lecture on American Civilization is well worth both hearing and studying.  The thought is fine, the literature splendid, and the logic beyond criticism.  It is an important subject ably treated.  As a thinker, as a writer, as an orator, and as a logician, he has, and deserves, high rank.

W. E. STANLEY, Governor of Kansas—I have had the pleasure of hearing General Z. T. Sweeney both lecture and preach.  I regard him as one of the foremost lecturers and preachers in the country.



H. A. Cuppy, present Editor Public Opinion (N. Y.)—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney ischancellor of Butler University, and is recognized as one of the thinkers of the day.  He has the courage of his convictions, the ability to have right convictions, and he fearlessly proclaims them from pulpit and platform, or through the press.

Pres. J. W. McGarvey, Lexington, Ky.—He exhibits the rare talent of selecting only such facts as are interesting without being wearisome.

E. Pusey Passmore, Secretary Lecture Association, Avondale, Pa.—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney was here last night and proved to be one of the most popular lecturers we have ever had.  Our people were greatly pleased with him.

E. R. Wilson, Secretary Y. M. C. A., Allentown, Pa.—Our audience was very much pleased with Gen. Z. T. Sweeney and I consider him an exceptionally fine man.  His address on Sunday sold a number of tickets for us on Monday.

R. W. Swetland, Principal Peddie Institute, Hightstown, N. J.—The Golden Age was a treat enjoyed by every person in the audience, I am sure.  Wit and wisdom are so happily united in it that no one could fail to get both good and enjoyment from it.  You may be sure of a hearty welcome at any succeeding visit you may make at our place.

Bishop J. H. Vincent, his traveling companion in Palestine, says: Did we not see together the land of Egypt?  Did we not meet among the rocks and ruins of Jerusalem, recalling with joy the Blessed Presence whose words, deeds and spirit gave charm and value to the memories that hover about Zion?  Your story of travel has been well and freshly told.  It suggests so many pleasant things to those who have made the journey, and gives those who have never been abroad much of the very atmosphere of travel.


Chautauqua (N. Y.) Herald
—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney is one of the most popular and successful ministers in the Church of the Disciples.  For a period of twenty-six years he was pastor of a church at Columbus, Ind.  At the close of his lecture yesterday, a throng of people crowded about for a handshake and a word of greeting and appreciation.


Editorial Note in Louisville (Ky.) Courier-Journal
—It is not often that a lecturer who is not at the same time a professional humorist, fires off so many good things as Gen. Z. T. Sweeney did last night at the First Christian church.  Many a comedy has been put on the stage with less to laugh at in it than was contained in the Journey to Jerusalem.  Gen. Sweeney's summary of the English character in the manner of fondness for class distinctions was as brilliantly epigrammatic as anything of Max O'Rell's.


Heinrich Schliemann, Athens, Greece—Full of most interesting and highly useful information, and beautifully illustrated.  I highly congratulate you, feeling sure that it will be highly appreciated by the intellegent, and that it will have a very long life.

Nashville Banner—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney then delivered one of the most powerful addresses heard during the week.  Gen. Sweeney is a Virginian of commanding presence and suberb diction.  His speech commanded the closest attention, and was easily heard through the immense Auditorium.—[Consecration sermon at International Y. P. S. C. E. Convention, 1898.]

W. H. McClain, Chairman Trustees St. Louis C. E. U.—On behalf of the Christian Endeavor Union of St. Louis, I desire to thank you for the splendid and interesting lecture delivered on Christian Citizenship, under the auspices of the Union.  Our people were delighted, and they all say we could have listened to him an hour longer.


Winfield (Kansas) Assembly Herald
—No lecturer has ever gone from our Assembly leaving better impressions than Gen. Sweeney.  His manner is entirely unique and original.  He has something to say, and has his own way of saying it.  He abounds in humor, and yet he is the very embodiment of dignity and pathos.  When he came to our platform in 1893, the query was, Who is he?  Since then it has been, Where is he?

J. S. Carroll, Superintendent of Schools, Fayette County, Pa.—Our people were simply delighted with Gen. Z. T. Sweeney.  It was his first visit to Uniontown, but he will certainly be called again.

M. Bowen, President American Bible Society, Constantinople—I cannot tell you how severe a disapointment it was to us that we are not to have you with us again both as individual and as U. S. Consul-General.  Your administration of Consulate General taught us to attach to it a higher value than we had previously done, and to feel more intensely the importance of having a good man in that position.  You have raised our taste in the matter and now refuse to gratify it longer.  I say it, dear Mr. Sweeney, in all sincerity, we are extremely sorry to have you withdraw, and you can understand how apprehensive we feel as to who your successor will be.  We bespeak your influence with the administration to send us another man like yourself.  Among the pleasant recollections which will abide of your residence here will be the broad catholic spirit which I so easily recognized in you.


Pittsburg (Pa.) Commercial Gazette
—Gen. Sweeney is a very human sort of a man, and is, therefore, apt to see the very things that will most interest the public, and, being a scholar and thinker, he is able to invest these with an unusal interest.  His description of the passage of the English channel was as humorous as it was interesting, and all the more entertaining because it was every bit true.

Note in Atlanta Constitution—Gen. Sweeney is a remarkable preacher.  It is doubtful if the best pulpit orators of the country in any manner stand above him.


Des Moines (Ia.) Worker
—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney's lecture was graphic, lucid, and brilliant.  It abounded in wit, satire and instruction, while its sustained moral tone was all that the most rigid Puritan could demand.  He has a way of thawing out both mind and heart.


Richmond (Va.) Daily Dispatch
—Humor, wit, pathos, and magical description all flowed from the speaker's lips, and, with his genial countenance, graceful gestures, and fine appearence, his audience was swayed as by a master hand and mind.  The straining, eager countenances of the audience was an inspiration in itself, and the speaker no doubt felt it.

Howard I. Painter, County Superintendent, Butler, Pa.—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney gave us a fine lecture; if he has another as good I want him again next year.


Portland Daily Commercial
—Although Portland has been favored with several of our greatest statesmen and most celebrated lecturers, Gen. Z. T. Sweeney is second to none, and each returning visit increases his popularity.


St. Louis (Mo.) Globe Democrat
—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney is a brilliant speaker, interspersing his logic with clever, humorous sayings, which delight the audience and win applause.  He was tendered a reception at the Planters' Hotel yesterday afternoon.


London (Eng.) Commonwealth
—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney captured the audience at the beginning and held it to the end.  His sallies of American wit were heartily applauded by his immense audience.


Levant Herald and Oriental Express, Constantinople
—During the few months he has held office here, Gen. Z. T. Sweeney has won esteem and popularity both in official and social circles.  In the consular body Gen. Sweeney has taken his due place as an able and high-principled officer, and society recognizes in him and Mrs. Sweeney a most valuable and welcome addition to its ranks.


Lyndonville (Vt.) Journal
—The lecture given at Music Hall last Thursday evening by Gen. Z. T. Sweeney, of Indiana, was the best entertainment thus far of the season.  The future can hold no entertainment that will equal the last.


Jacksonville (Fla.) Citizen
—A more eloquent, earnest, persuasive and magnetic pulpit orator it has never been our privilege to hear.  Unequaled advantages of association with the literati of the world, his thorough educational advantages and his magic power as an orator make him almost invincible.


Editorial in Phrenological Journal, New York
—His head measures 23 ¾ inches, which is very large; and considering the wonderful susceptibility and vigor of his brain and organic structure generally, he has the conditions to win and hold a place which few can hope to attain.  It is as natural for him to think as it is for a duck to swim.


Topeka Capital
—Gen. Z. T. Sweeney made his theme, The Golden Age, a medium for everything that goes to make an entertaining lecture.  It was full of wit, sense and eloquence



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