“I heartily agree,” began the Governor, “with the distinguished gentleman who preceded me, in most of what he has said. But it seemed to me that in one or two things he struck a discordant note. For instance, in my view of it, the National Guard was not created and does not exist for the purpose of protecting the property of the corporation and the millionaire any more than it does for protecting the humblest home in the commonwealth. Whenever and wherever the enemies of the state, foreign or domestic, seek by violence to subvert its laws and destroy the rights of its citizens, then and there the strong arm of the Guard will be lifted to restore order and preserve peace.” A hearty round of applause greeted the Governor’s statement. It was evident that his audience agreed with him. He continued: “Nor, in my opinion, should wealth, blue blood or social standing be requisites for admission to the ranks of the Guardsmen. The young men who belong to that organization should be democratic in principle, patriotic in spirit, physically and mentally capable of performing the duties required of them. Beyond that there should be no discrimination. It will be a sad day for this great State when any social class, no matter what, shall be in control either of its civil or its military affairs.” It was then that the Governor received his ovation. A tremendous and spontaneous outburst of applause followed swiftly on his last words. There was no mistaking the temper of the people who had listened to him. He had said the opportune thing at the psychological moment. Henceforth his place in the hearts of the citizens of Fairweather was secure. But he did not stop there. He was too politic for that. He went on to temper his rebuke by genuine commendation. The president of the Barriscale company was lauded for his public spirit, his liberality toward all good causes, and especially for his persistent and successful effort to provide a fitting home in Fairweather for the boys of the National Guard. Nor was the commendation confined to Mr. Barriscale. The speaker gave high praise to other citizens who had generously assisted in the enterprise, and to the public spirit which had led people of all classes, rich and poor, old and young, to do what lay in their power, often at great personal sacrifice, to bring to so happy a conclusion an adventure which would stand always to the credit of the city. “For instance,” he said, “as I approached this building this afternoon, I was struck by the perfect and artistic manner in which your armory lawn has been graded. And I was told that it was largely the work of two boys in their teens, sons of prominent citizens, who generously and patriotically are giving their time and labor out of school hours, that the environment of this building may be the handsomest in the state.” “Huh!”