498 PERSONAL EXPERIENCE. 



land, and other large cities, the people came in crowds for 

 weeks, and in some cases from distances of over one hun- 

 dred miles, to witness the performance of the ponies, and 

 to attend my lectures. 



To illustrate the prejudice to which I was often ex- 

 posed, I will refer to an incident which occurred at Cleve- 

 land, 0. The city had at that time about 90,000 inhab- 

 itants, and its business community was among the most en- 

 terprising of the Northwest. They exhibited an unusual 

 interest in fine horses, and their trotting-races were the 

 most popular and liberally conducted of any in the coun- 

 try. I anticipated an unusual interest in my efforts there, 

 and I incurred large expense in advertising the city and 

 surrounding country, and in building a place for my con- 

 venience in giving exhibitions and teaching classes. 



At the time appointed, there was a large attendance of 

 leading citizens to witness the performance of the ponies ; 

 but to my surprise I could not get a single name for a class. 

 Such a result was unprecedented in my experience. To 

 have people go away without exhibiting the least interest 

 in my efforts, was not only mortifying in the extreme, but 

 discouraging. By the advice of the landlord, Mr. Stone, 

 of the Commercial House, I sent twelve complimentary 

 tickets to as many leading horsemen. On the following 

 day there was again a large gathering ; but as before, I 

 could not get a single name not one of those who were 

 complimented coming forward, nor in any way manifesting 

 the least interest in my efforts. Upon inquiry I found 

 that eight of those gentlemen were present. I was now 

 thoroughly provoked by such indifference. Something 

 must be done, and that speedily, to make a stir, or I could 

 have no hope of success. The thought of failure I could 

 not entertain for a moment. It was necessary, first, that I 

 should bring the people back again, and this I knew I 



