So it is quite likely that I am in fault and
not he. I have read again lately his book on Rhetoric and
Oratory since what I said a little while ago was dedicated,
and I wish to reaffirm my high opinion of the book. For fresh,
racy and correct style, for clear perception and exquisite
literary taste, it is one of the best books on the subject,
as it one of the best books on any subject ever written by
an American. His mistake was, in large measure, the prevalent
mistake of the College in his time,--the use of ridicule and
severity instead of sympathy as a means of correcting the
faults incident to youth. It was the fault of the College,
both of instructors and of the students. Dr. Walker in one
of his public addresses speaks with commendation of "the storm
of merciless ridicule" which overwhelms young men who are
addicted to certain errors which he is criticising.
The Latin professor was Charles Beck, Ph.D. He was a native
of Heidelberg. He had been compelled to leave Prussia because
of his love of liberty. He had studied theology, and had
published a treatise on gymnastics, in which he was accomplished.
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