17 
the ‘‘ Hub of the Universe” as it was claimed to be. Their 
friends across the herring pond were Anglo-Saxons—the best 
blood of the Anglo-Saxons who would not put up with tyranny 
and the short-sightedness of our Government. ‘They had gone 
out and founded their homes in a country which was now keenly 
competing with the Old Country. While they found in England 
the tendency to depend on being provided for by the Government 
or Society, they found in America sturdy individuality. 
They had a remarkably clear climate which was having its 
effect even on the complexions of the ladies (laughter). After 
giving an instance of American swagger Mr. Thompson advocated 
the strengthening of the bond of unity between the two countries, 
They had something to swagger about in the States besides their 
natural rivers and the extent of their territory. He remembered 
the time when they in Lancashire consumed 90 per cent of the 
cotton grown, but to-day it was less than 80 per cent., while 
America alone manufactured 30 per cent. Formerly they raised 
a large proportion of the coal, now they raised one-third, and 
America the same. 
After a few remarks by Mr. J. Bradshaw and Dr. Mackenzie, 
a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to the Lecturer who briefly 
replied and subsequently kindly explained the drawings on view. 

