214 THE HISTORY OF 



written some four weeks), I cheerfully respond to the flat- 

 tering demonstration that greets me on this electrifying 

 occasion." (Applause, and waving of hats and handker- 

 chiefs.) 



" I am but an humble disciple in this profession, Mr. 

 President, and know very little of the deceit and chi- 

 canery that some persons charge others with practising in 

 the ramifications of the hen-trade; and, although it has 

 been said that ' what I don't know about this part of the 

 business would n't be worth much to anybody,' yet I here 

 solemnly disclaim any superhuman or supernatural knowl- 

 edge of the tricks of this laudable and highly respectable 

 calling." (Cries of " Good, good ! You 're an injured 

 man ! Go on ! ") 



" For six years, Mr. President, I have carefully watched 

 the progress of this disease, and it really warms the recesses 

 of my heart to find myself surrounded, as I do to-day, by 

 the highly honorable and respectable throng of gentlemen 

 who now grace this rostrum,— yourself, Mr. President, 

 prominent among this galaxy of talent, education, genius, 

 morality, and thrift ! " (Immense applause, during which 

 the speaker removed his outside coat.) 



" The day is auspicious, Mr. Barnum, — I beg pardon — 

 Mr. PresidetU. The spirit of liberty, — of American lib- 

 erty, — sir, is abroad ! To be sure, our valued friends who^ 

 pretend to Know NotLing (and whose pretensions none of 



