IMPROMPTU SPEAKING.

Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 253, 22 October 1892, Page 3 (Supplement)

IMPROMPTU SPEAKING.

How United States Senators do it.

A Story for thk Encouragement of

Schoolboys.

By the Washington '\Vomak

Tiie boys of a class in elocution in a certain private school in Washington were being lectured oho dny on the various branches of learning they would have to master in order to some day shine in 'im promptu speaking.' A great deal was said about ' statesman-like eloquence' Daniel Webster, Henry Clay and Patrick Kenry were held up as great orator*,

At recess, snid Jack ' I don't believe thab the big speeches made in Congress are extemporaneous.'

11 know they are nob,' piped up little Dick Derby. ' My father makes ht9 in front of the looking-glass, and mother says tho carpeb is worn to raps there and nowhere else.'

1 Uncle Joe prepares all his speeches weeks beforehand,' snirl another of tho boys, ' and Sam sayo his father often shouts ro loud up stairs they hear him out on the Capitol eteps, two blocks away.1 Two clerks in Washington could have told these boys a funny story of Senator Hoar, who is far-famed for his • wonderful

extempore efforts.' It may have been •written vp1 before, bub ibwill bear repeating. During a lone: session and a hob August these two young men wearied of their boarding-house on F street. Their good landlady had a full house and her two daughters gave music lessons. Early and late unearthly sounds greeted them. One of the clerka had been quiba ill, and declared he'must move or die.' Mrs Hoar had gone home to Massachusetts. The Senator occupied the best front chßmbef of the house in which he boarded. Other desirable rooms were advertised in tho 'Star,' and tho two young men applied. 1 Is your houso quiet, madam ?' ' Very ; very quiet, sir. I can give you this large back chamber, with two windows looking towards the easb. It is very desirable, and or. the same floor with Senator Hoar, of Massachusetts. A mosb pious, dignified, scholarly gentleman, sir. You never hear a word from him ; and he is so polite, so considerate.' The clerks moved ab once. Tho new room wns large, cheery, and delightful. They spent a quiet, rostful evening, and rotired early. Tho norvous man doolarcd at brt akfasb he should bo himself again in ono week ot auoh blissful rest. Another poaeeful nighb, and as tho sun shone across tho neighbours' roofe, thoy both euddonly awoke with a start. ' John 1 what can that be ?' whispered ono.

1 Jump up and see,' said the othor. 'Butl'msick. Jump up yoursolf.'^ ' Heavens ! Whab a strange roar. Slip on your trousors and call Mrs Jonos.' Moanß, groanß, ronra; muttered senfcencea j a walking baok and forth, as of a lion lit hia cage j then a subdued monotone as if the excitement bad reached its climax. Evidently the strange sounds proceeded from the room in front. John's friend hastily olimbod on a table under the transom and listened and looked. Solemnly ho climbed down again, orept to the bodBide, and whispered, 'John, follow me! You'll never see such a sight again.' John slipped oub of bod, and stood beside bin friend on tho table.

In fronb of a long pier glass stood the 1 pious, scholarly Senator' of tho United States. One hand was sbrotched oub in mniestic oavnestness; his voice was low and deep, as he said, in an impressive manner : 'Mr President'—a quick glance around the large room— -did ho hear a slight) rustling somewhere? Again: lMr President, my colleagues will agree,' etc., etc.

Tho Senator marched up and down before the glass. Ho pranced and shook himself with zoal and senatorial fervour. He addressed the round faced man beforo him with Websterian eloquence. His blue eyes flashed above the gold rims of his glasses. Vainly ho reachod for the pockots in the flowing robe -de - nuife and greatly missed the familiar watch-chain, to hold in his fingers. His Romeo slippers and long gown completed his costume. The siok man recovered his health. Laughter is good for the body as well as the soul.

' Senator Hoar made the greatest extempore speech,' the next week,' that had been heard in many yenre.'

In gold-bound spectacles, with one hand in his pantaloons' pocket, the other grasping his watch chaiu, ' his words flowed with easo and grace. He is always ready of tongue and brain.'

Why may not schoolboys hope some day to attain to like fame ?