t, in white socks and low shoes, suspended from the red and
gilt railings of the boxes, illustrated the peculiar privileges enjoyed
in the absence of the feminine atmosphere. From stage to gallery the
play of palm-leaf fans produced the effect of a swarm of gigantic
insects, and behind them rows of flushed and perspiring faces were
turned upon the gentleman who held the floor.

A composite photograph of the faces would have resulted in a type at
once alarming and reassuring--alarming to the student of individual
endeavour, reassuring to the historian of impersonal issues. It would
have presented a countenance that was unerringly Anglo-Saxon, though
modified by the conditions of centuries of changes. One would have
recognised instinctively the tiller of the soil--the single class which
has refused concessions to the making of a racial cast of feature. The
farmer would have stamped his impress indelibly upon the
plate--retaining that enduring aspect which comes from contact with
natural forces--that integrity of type which is the sole survival of the
Virginian pioneer.

In the general face, the softening influences of society, the relaxing
morality of city life would have appeared only as a wrinkle here and
there, or as an additional shadow. Beneath the fluctuating expression of
political sins and heresies, there would have remained the unaltered
features of the steadfast qualities of the race.

The band in a far corner rolled out "Dixie," and the mass heaved
momentarily, while a cloud of tobacco smoke rose into the air,
scattering into circles before the waving of the palm-leaf fans. Here
and there a man stood up to remove his coat or to stretch his hand to
the vendor of lemonade. Sometimes the fringe of feet overhanging the
boxes waved convulsively as a howl of approbation or derision greeted a
fresh arrival or the remarks of a speaker. Again, there would rise a
tumultuous call for a party leader or a famous story teller. It was a
jovial, unkempt, coatless crowd that spat tobacco juice as recklessly
as it applauded a fine sentiment.

As an unwieldy gentleman, in an alpaca coat, made his appearance upon
the platform, there was an outburst of emotion from where the tenth
delegation was seated. The unwieldy gentleman was the Honourable
Cumberland Crutchfield, a popular aspirant to the governorship.

When Galt entered the hall, an athletic rhetorician was declaiming an
eulogy which had for its theme the graces of his c