J. B. Gough's Eloquence
with their material prosperity, the numerous and costly places of public worship erected and sustained by voluntary effort, the national educational machinery by which the poorest child may obtain an equal education with the richest—these and many other characteristics of American civilization could not be regarded with any other feelings than those of very high gratification."
On his eastward voyage across the Atlantic, Cassell came into accidental touch with the Temperance movement again: he was a fellow-passenger with J. B. Gough, the teetotal orator, so famous in his day. Some of the passengers asked Cassell to persuade Gough to speak in the saloon. Gough had first to be satisfied that he was not thrusting his views forward where they would be unwelcome; then he agreed. "I never," wrote Cassell, "heard him address an assembly with greater power and effect—so much prudence displayed in bringing the subject for the first time before the audience. One gentleman who had been pointed out as very fond of cards and grog was deeply affected. … All were enchanted by the power of Mr. Gough's eloquence. … An impression was made upon numerous minds for the first time that it is to be hoped will prove lasting; several who had been in the habit of taking a nightcap in the shape of a glass of toddy went to their berths without their customary whisky and water."
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