The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 09 (of 12): Dresden Edition—PoliticalIngersoll, Robert Green
History
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 09 (of 12): Dresden Edition—Political
Ingersoll, Robert Green
Free thought
This is the last speech that I shall make in this campaign, and to-night
there comes upon me the spirit of prophecy. On November 4th you will
find that by the largest majorities in our history, William McKinley has
been elected President of the United States.*
* The final rally of the McKinley League for the present
campaign, was held last night in Carnegie Music Hall, ana
the orator chosen to present the doctrines of the
Republican party was Robert G. Ingersoll. The meeting will
remain notable for the high character of the audience. The
great hall was filled to its utmost capacity. It was crowded
from the rear of the stage to the last row of seats in the
deep gallery.
The boxes were occupied by brilliantly attired women, and
hundreds of other women vied with the sterner sex In the
applause that greeted the numerous telling points of the
speaker. The audience was a very fashionable and exclusive
one, for admission was only to be had by ticket, and tickets
were hard to get.
On the stage a great company of men and women were gathered,
and over them waved rich masses of color, the American
colors, of course, predominating in the display Flags hung
from all the gallery rails, and the whole scheme of
decoration was consistent and beautiful. At 8.80 o'clock Mr.
John E. Milholland appeared upon the stage followed by Col.
Ingersoll.
Without any delay Mr. Milholland was presented as the
chairman of the meeting. He spoke briefly of the purpose of
the party and then said; "There is no Intelligent audience
under the flag or in any civilized country to whom it would
be necessary for me to introduce Robert G. Ingersoll." And
the cheers with which the audience greeted the orator proved
the truth of his words.
Col. Ingersoll rose impressively and advanced to the front
of the stage, from which the speaker's desk had been removed
in order to allow him full opportunity to indulge in his
habit of walking to and fro as he talked. He was greeted
with tremendous applause; the men cheered him and the women
waved their handkerchiefs and fans for several minutes.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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