there were our labour troubles, and other social problems, but I was doubtful if these would prove interesting; and apart from that, I was not desirous of having to say anything in my address that might have a tendency, however slight, of underestimating my own people in their estimation.
At last, however, after racking my brain till I felt giddy, a happy thought struck me—"The American Civil War." It would be interesting, for war was unknown to them, and they had no big guns or men-of-war ships; besides, I would be at home on this subject, for I had taken a part in all the principal battles of that memorable campaign. The next issue of the journals contained notifications of my approaching lecture in Tehana.
When the appointed hour arrived, I appeared on the stage of the largest theatre in the city, and faced an audience of fully twenty thousand persons. I felt the responsibility of the situation, and was extremely nervous. However, with an effort I rose to the occasion, and began speaking. Although I spoke in a comparatively low voice, yet I heard the sound reverberating to a degree that induced me to lower my tone, such were the acoustic fittings of this enormous building.
I commenced by referring to the institution of
