rm and said: "I
brought my son with me and you said what I wanted him to hear; I thank
you," and with this she took my hand saying, "Again I thank you," and
turning away, left a coin in my hand.

I put it in my pocket, and on returning to the hotel found she had
given me a twenty dollar gold piece. That was gold standard
appreciation.

I am frequently asked: "What do you recall as the best introduction
you ever had?"

I have had all kinds, some amusing, but the one I cherish most was
given by Ferd Schumacher, the deceased oatmeal king of Akron, Ohio. He
came to this country from Germany. By industry and economy he
accumulated enough money to engage in making oatmeal. When he had
rounded up more than a million of dollars in wealth, the insurance ran
out on his great "Jumbo Mills" in Akron. The insurance company raised
the rate and while he was dickering with the company, the great plant
was swept away in a midnight fire. Mr. Schumacher was a very earnest
temperance man and was to introduce me for the W.C.T.U. in the large
armory the Sunday after the fire. It was supposed he would not be
present because of the severe strain and his great loss. But prompt to
the minute he entered the door, and 'mid the applause of sympathetic
friends he took the platform.

In presenting the speaker he said: "Ladies and schentlemen, I must be
personal for a moment while I thank the people of Akron for their
sympathy. I did not know I had so many good friends. But the mill vot
vos burned vos made of stone and vood and nails and paint. We come to
talk to you about a fire vot is burning up the homes, the hopes, the
peace of vimen and children and the immortal souls of men; vill you
please take your sympathy off of Ferd Schumacher and give it to Mr.
Bain while he talks about the great fire of intemperance."

I am opposed to indiscriminate immigration to this country, but if the
old world has any more Ferd Schumachers desiring to come to America,
may He who rules winds and waves, fill with harmless pressure the
billows on which they ride and give them safe entrance into our
country's haven.

Many inquire of me about the lyceum platform as a profession. My
answer is: "like the famed shield it has two sides." One who has a
lovely home and rarely leaves it said to me: "I envy you your
life-work. You get to see the country, visit the great cities, meet
the best people and get fat fees for your lectures." How distance does
lend enchantment t