The opportunity to show his fellows that new greatness was among them delayed not over-long, and Senator Rawson arose, long and bony in his best clothes, to address the senate with a huge voice in denunciation of the “Sunday Baseball Bill,” then upon second reading. The classical references, which, as a born orator, he felt it necessary to introduce, were received with acclamations which the gavel of the Lieutenant-Governor had no power to still. “What led to the De-cline and Fall of the Roman Empire?” he exclaimed. “I await an answer from the advocates of this _de_-generate measure! I _demand_ an answer from them! Let me hear from them on _that_ subject! Why don't they speak up? They can't give one. Not because they ain't familiar with history, no sir! That's not the reason! It's because they _daren't,_ because their answer would have to go on record _against_ 'em! Don't any of you try to raise it against me that I ain't speakin' to the point, for I tell you that when you encourage Sunday Baseball, or any kind of Sabbath-breakin' on Sunday, you're tryin' to start this State on the downward path that beset Rome! _I'll_ tell you what ruined it. The Roman Empire started out to be the greatest nation on earth, and they had a good start, too, just like the United States has got to-day. _Then_ what happened to 'em? Why, them old ancient fellers got more interested in athletic games and gladiatorial combats and racing and all kinds of out-door sports, and bettin' on 'em, than they were in oratory, or literature, or charitable institutions and good works of all kinds! At first they were moderate and the country was prosperous. But six days in the week wouldn't content 'em, and they went at it all the time, so that at last they gave up the seventh day to their sports, the way this bill wants _us_ to do, and from that time on the result was _de_-generacy and _de_-gredation! You better remember _that_ lesson, my friends, and don't try to sink this State to the level of Rome!” When Alonzo Rawson wiped his dampened brow, and dropped into his chair, he was satisfied to the core of his heart with the effect of his maiden effort. There was not one eye in the place that was not fixed upon him and shining with surprise and delight, while the kindly Lieutenant-Governor, his face very red, rapped for order. The young senator across the aisle leaned over and shook Alonzo's hand excitedly. “That was beautiful, Senator Rawson!” he wispered. “I'm _for_ the bill, but I can respect a masterly opponent.” “I thank you, Senator Truslow,” Alonzo returned graciously. “I am glad to have your good opinion, Senator.” “You have it, Senator,” said Truslow enthusiastically. “I hope you intend to speak often?” “I do, Senator. I intend to make myself heard,” the other answered gravely, “upon all questions of moment.” “You will fill a great place among us, Senator!”