Page:Heroines of freethought (IA cu31924031228699).pdf/273

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ERNESTINE L. ROSE
265

paper. It was not long, either, before she found friends, even in the great London, who were as radical and liberty-loving as herself. Of her first introduction to the public as a speaker, Moncure D. Conway writes as follows, in a letter to the Cincinnati Commercial:

“In the old days when Robert Owen was filling all England with his socialistic ideas, and had built here in London a huge forum of Radicalism, almost as big as the Crystal Palace, a young and remarkably beautiful girl, just from Poland, was introduced to him. Discovering that she was a precocious Radical, and possessed of considerable ability, he invited her to speak in his huge hall, on an occasion when several thousands of people had gathered there. Notwithstanding her slight knowledge of the English language, the good looks and the enthusiasm of the girl made a good impression on the audience. She was thenceforth encouraged to appear in public again and again.”