THE HEN FEVER. 203 



Mr. Barrnim presided, but with that grace and modesty 

 and extreme diffidence for which he is so noted. The en- 

 thusiasm of the occasion soon reached concert-pitch, how- 

 ever, and everybody on the stage, in the parquette, and 

 around the gallery, desired to relieve themselves of the 

 pent-up patriotism that rioted in their bosoms ; and all ' 

 desired to be heard at the same time. 



Cries of ' ' Barnum ! Barnum ! " " Where 's Bennett ? ' ' 

 " Speech from Bumham ! " " Down in front ! " " Give 

 'em a chance ! " " Hear the president ! — there he is ! " 

 " Hurra for the Bother'ems ! " &c. &c., rang from the 

 lungs of the crowd. And finally order was restored, and 

 Mr. Barnum approached the front of the stage, to deliver 

 himself of " feelings that could be fended, not described," 

 amid the cheers and shouts of that crazy multitude. 



