Why might I not put a head and tail to this--a foreword and a few words in conclusion--and make it meet the purpose and serve the occasion?
When the evening arrived there was a great audience.

Half of the people had come to applaud, the other half to antagonize.

I was received, however, with what seemed a united acclaim.

When the cheering had ceased, with the blandest air I began: "In that chapter of the history of Ireland which was reserved for the consideration of snakes, the historian, true to the solecism as well as the brevity of Irish wit, informs us that 'there are no snakes in Ireland.' "I am afraid that on the present occasion I shall have to emulate this flight of the Celtic imagination.

I find myself billed to speak from a Democratic standpoint as to which party offers the best practical means for the benefit of the workingmen of the country.