Hon. George D. Alden

              Hon. George D. Alden
Subjects : "The Needs of the Hour" "Wit and Humor of the Bench and Bar " "The Point of View" The Historic Confession"
Hon. George D. Alden
IN again presenting Judge George D. Alden to the local managers of Lyceum Courses, we can not refrain from publicly congratulating ourselves for the wisdom which we displayed in securing and exploiting him during the Season of 1906 - '07. We are well-aware that one may be a successful lawyer, an eloquent advocate and an able jurist and still lack the neces¬sary attributes to please a Lyceum audience; for here must be combined not only grace of expression, depth of thought and a ripe experience, but those exceedingly rare qualities — personal magnetism and platform ease which at once command confidence and create that " rapport" between speaker and hearer which marks the successful aspirant for platform honors.
The development of a Lecturer is not unlike the development of a mine. "Surface indications" may be misleading in both instances and after a little preliminary working, results in each case may warrant the abandoning of the claim.
In Judge Alden, the hopes created by the " surface indications" have been more than realized. A list of one hundred and twenty-seven engagements for a first season is remark¬able in itself, but the record of one hundred and twenty-four successes is still more re¬markable and places Judge Alden in a class by himself! The three evenings on which the Judge failed to register a complete success were when he was ill and ought not to have attempted to appear.
How often do we hear it said of a speaker: —" It was not so much what he said, but the splendid manner in which he said it"; or again: " Yes, what he said was all right and perhaps brilliant, but oh! the delivery, it put me to sleep"!
In Judge Alden you will find that happy but rare combination of brilliancy of expres¬sion with forceful epigrams which will linger in the memory and a dash and spirit in giving them utterance which leaves little to be desired.
His lectures are not mere academic discussions, for he touches living, vital topics in a manner which compels attention. In several of the larger cities in which he has spoken, the daily press have devoted from one to two columns to a review of his lectures,—a very remarkable and unusual tribute to the ordinary Lyceum oration, and perhaps the best possi¬ble indication that Judge Alden says "things worth while".
We are certain that this Season's work will be but another step towards making Judge Alden one of the leaders in the Lyceum world, and without the slightest hesitation we recom¬mend him to our patrons, feeling that in securing him as the "star" attraction for their courses they will not only please their public but will be doing a favor to their community in presenting a "man with a message " who will not only entertain, but will likewise uplift and stimulate and be indeed a powerful factor in creating a growing sentiment toward higher ideals and better living.— The Management
What Local Managers Say
Great Success
Judge Alden's lecture here was a great success. Everyone whom I have heard speak of the lecture was very much pleased with it. I hope that the rest of the attractions please their hearers as much as Judge Alden did.—Isaac S. Carroll, Hobart, N.Y., November 27, 1906.
Universally Approved
Judge Alden's lecture on " The Needs of the Hour" received universal approval. I do not hesi¬tate to heartily recommend it. Although Judge Alden is not a minister he is surely preaching the doctrine which the American people most sorely need at this time.—W. M. Wine, President Mary¬land Collegiate Institute, Union Bridge, Md.
Insures the Success of the Course
Last evening a large crowd greeted Hon. George D. Alden whose lecture was the first number of our High School Course this season. I rejoice that we secured such an able lecturer for the first entertainment, as it insures the success of the course. I will not multiply adjectives in an attempt to express our appreciation of the work done by Judge Alden. I was highly pleased with the lecture and when I speak thus I merely echo the many expressions of commendation and high praise which have come to me directly or indirectly from all who heard it.— C. E. Wilson, Principal of Brockwayville (Pa.) High School.
The People Think with Him
The Hon. George D. Alden opened our 1906- '07 Lecture Course to the supreme delight of the large audience that had assembled in the Central Pres¬byterian Church to hear him. He lectured on The Needs of the Hour/' and it was strong, en¬tertaining and helpful. His lecture was also unique. Nothing like it had ever been delivered in the town. To say that we were more than pleased is putting it mildly. For highly intelligent audiences Judge Alden will be in demand. The people think with ' him and he delights them with his pleasing manner and good humor.— Charles R. Harmon, Pastor Central Presbyterian Church, Brownsville, Pa.
Stimulating and Inspiring We were all greatly pleased with Judge Alden's lecture. It carries a real message, and it is so full of epigram, of wit, and of poetry that an audience cannot help listening with eagerness for every word. This lecture should be in every Y. M. C. A. Course, and especially in every school course, as it is a stimulus to the students and an inspiration to the teachers.—John L. Alger, Saxtons River, Vt., Dec. 5, 1906.
Popularity of Course Increased
In answer to your inquiry regarding the success of Judge Alden's recent lecture here, "The Needs of the Hour" it gives me pleasure to state that he made a decided "hit." Everyone was pleased, and the popularity of the course increased.— Stan¬ley D. Gray, Haverhill, Mass., November 26, 1906.
Decided Hit Replying to your inquiry about Judge Alden, would say that he made a decided "hit." Every one said he was the best man we have had, and we have had all kinds. If all of your entertainers are of this class, we will be more than satisfied.— Mel¬ville C. Stark, Mgr., Vermont Academy Lecture Course.
When Can We Have a Return Date? Your inquiry regarding Hon. George D. Alden received, and it will perhaps be sufficient answer if I ask what date in the season he could return to us? It was, unfortunately, a bad night and many of the people were kept away, but the unanimous opinion of those present was, that it was the best lecture ever delivered from our platform.— Dr. C. E. Holton, Bernardston, Mass., November 24, 1906.
Best We Have Ever Heard
This is just to tell you that Judge Alden spoke here last night, and the people were more than pleased with him. The universal opinion seems to be that his address is the best that we have ever heard. I heard one man say that he had heard Beecher, Talmage and many other noted speakers, but that he did not like them half so well as he did Alden. Could we get Judge Alden here later in the season ?— Chas. T. Telford, Delhi, N. Y., November 27, 1906.
A Few of the Many Comments
More than six hundred people assembled in the Presbyterian Church to hear Hon. George D, Alden deliver the opening lecture of this year's course. Those who heard him do not regret it, as Judge Alden is one of the ablest speakers of the country. —New Castle (Pa.) Daily Herald.
There is one peculiarity about this season's lect¬ure course; the last one is always the best! The first was unexcelled in the line of music and song; the second was the most entertaining lecture ever heard in this town, and now the same people are saying that Judge Alden stands at the top rank of orators and lecturers. He certainly delighted his hearers. — Canal Fulton (Ohio) Signal.
Vital issues were discussed in the second lecture of the People's Lecture Course at City Hall last evening by Judge George D. Alden. His was a most interesting as well as an entertaining lecture, for study and long connection with the Bench has well-fitted him to handle the subject. Although the subject naturally brought about a serious dis¬cussion, Judge Alden has a unique way of express-ind himself and a remarkable wit and humor.— Haverhill (Mass.) Daily Gazette.
Without a verbatim report, it would be impossible to do full justice to Judge Alden's oratory, which is of that delightful kind that sounds as natural and spontaneous as conversation. Indeed, it so com¬pletely realizes one's ideals along this line that his listeners almost forget it is monologue. His felicity of expression is remarkable, and his wit and humor are of high order, and apparently inexhaustible. He is no less gifted in expressing the serious side of his subject than the humorous, and his hearers are instructed as well as entertained. — Erie (Pa.) Daily Times.
Hon. George D. Alden delivered a very interest¬ing lecture in the Opera House last evening. The speaker delighted the audience, everyone speaking in the highest terms of the lecture.— Binghamton (N. Y.) Press.
Replying to yours o£ the 22d inst., regarding the lecture of Judge Alden, permit me to say that it was satisfactory in every way. I herewith enclose clipping from the local paper which explains itself. Yours truly, Charles C, Flaesch, Esq.— Unadilla (N.Y.) Nov. 24, 1906.
The "Times" forms are in readiness for the press, but we feel irresistably moved to break into them, at considerable inconvenience, to give a more timely expression of gratification, pleasure, approval, commendation of the lecture, "Needs of the Hour," delivered last evening in Assembly Hall, by Judge George D. Alden. We haven't time for particulars, but it amused, entertained, instructed, leavened, inspired, and best of all prompted consideration and left something for thought — it was worth the price of the course. In accord with one expression heard, "It was a 'Corker.' " — Unadilla (N. Y.) Times.
Hon. George D. Alden delivered a very impres¬sive lecture last evening in Union Hall to a large and very appreciative audience. His subject was "The Needs of the Hour," and it was filled with noble and inspiring thoughts interspersed with witty illustrations. It was a lecture highly interesting throughout and aided by the splendid personality of the speaker, formed an entertainment of rare ex¬cellence.— Pittsfield (Me.) Advertiser.
Monday evening was the opening attraction of the 30th Annual Lecture Course in this place, and it is conceded by all to have been a most success¬ful affair from every point of view. With earnest¬ness and an oratorical force Hon. George D. Alden discussed "The Needs of the Hour" in an address remarkable for beautiful flights of oratory and bril¬liancy before one of the most enthusiastic audiences of many years.—Leechburg (Pa.) Advance.

CENTRAL LYCEUM BUREAU
Suite 415 Orchestra Bld.. Chicago.  Ill.
FRED PELHAM. Manager.