14
TALKS FOR THE TIMES.
heavier than usual by a slight hoarseness contracted'
in previous speaking, could be distinctly heard in that
historic but most wretched of auditoriums. I was
particularly struck with his perfect ease and natural¬
ness, a seemingly childlike unconsciousness of his-
surroundings, while, like a master of his art, as he wasr
he swayed the feelings of that surging multitude. In
the most impassioned portions of his Sj.eech, how¬
ever, it was evident to the thoughtful observer that
there was in the man immense reserved force which.
on momentous occasions might be used with startling-
effect. At first I had entered the hall to remain but
a few minutes, and, consequently, had taken my stand
just inside the door. How long I did remain 1 can¬
not tell, but it was until the speaker finished, at
which time I found myself half way up towards the
rostrum in the midst of that thickly standing audi-
dience. Such was my first sight and impression of
one of the world's great orators, and beyond com¬
parison the greatest man of the race yet produced on.
this continent.
His splendid physique, so often admired, was well
in keeping with the strength and grasp of his masterly
mind. Without the privilege of a day's instructions
Permalink: http://pid.emory.edu/ark:/25593/n36p7
