THE WORLD'S FAMOUS ORATIONS
[Applause; a voice, "They don't wani any more soft soap."] Now, gentlemen and ladies — [a voice, "Sam Slick"; and another voice, "Ladies and gentlemen, if you please!"] — when I came I was asked whether I would answer questions, and I very readily consented to do so, as I had in other places ; but I will tell you it was because I expected to have the opportunity of speaking with some sort of ease and quiet. [A voice, "So you have."]
I have for an hour and a half spoken against a storm — ["Hear, hear!"] — and you yourselves are witnesses that, by the interruption, I have been obliged to strive with my voice, so that I no longer have the power to control this assembly. [Applause.] And altho I am in spirit perfectly willing to answer any question, and more than glad of the chance, yet I am by this very unnec- essary opposition to-night incapacitated phys- ically from doing it. Ladies and gentlemen, I bid you good evening.'
» When Beecher had taken his seat there came another outbnrst of prolonged cheers mingled with hisses, groans and catcalls. From the gallery some one proposed three cheers for the lecturer, which were given with enthusiasm. A vote of thanks being then proposed, it was carried with prolonged cheers and waving of hats and handkerchiefs. Beecher afterward said of this experience " I got control of the meeting in an hour and a half, and then I had a clear road the rest of the way. But it required a three hours' use of my voice at its utmost strength."
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