his humble capacity as that of finding within this narrow world of ordinary presumption anything with which to compare it successfully.  Having had many misfortunes in his upward career of political life, which was singularly marked with disappointments, notwithstanding he had lent forcible aid in making many a President, he never has permitted the strongest opinion of his own talent to die out from his mind; and now that that well-cultivated opinion is made stronger by the all-important verdict of his eloquent worship, how can he resist the real proof of his being a much-neglected great man?  ’Mr. Chairman, and fellow citizens!’ ejaculated Flum, nervously.  ’My friend, the Lord Mayor, has paid a well and much deserved compliment to our country, our country’s institutions, and our country’s great minds.  So, far, ladies and gentlemen, as that compliment applies to myself, I may or may not have deserved it; delicacy and reserve are always the noblest attributes of great men.  But—­and with all due deference to those accomplished gentlemen of England do I say it—­it is to the democratic character of our institutions that we owe the usefulness of those great minds, as reflected in our country’s greatness.  Yes ladies and gentlemen, the democracy!—­’

“Here Flum was interrupted by Sam Spooner from Boston, who sat at his left, and with a gentle touch on the arm, reminded him in a careless whisper, that Citizen Peabody, although a very unostentatious man, was no democrat; nor was it certain the ladies would all be inclined to father his adoption.

“Flum, somewhat nonplused, allowed a smile of endurance to invade his broad inexpressive face, and rejoined with what he was pleased to consider very nice wit.  ‘If Citizen Peabody,’ said he, ’be not an independent democrat I am exceedingly sorry for it—­nothing more being required to make him a perfect man!’ At this the company set up one of the very best-natured laughs ever rung out of human organs.  Flum, not comprehending its meaning, continued, ere it had subsided—­’I hold nothing more imperative than that our generous host, Citizen Peabody, should at once declare his intention of not only becoming a round, sound democrat, but joining the Young American party; which will in truth be a more forcible proof of the purely democratic spirit of that diplomacy he has so worthily founded, and which can now claim so many happy results as its offspring.  No system of diplomacy heretofore established has been so redolent of influences tending to strengthen the bonds of international amity; for, indeed, meats and drinks are all-powerful.’  Here some indifference was manifested on the part of the English aristocracy present, which, causing a momentary suspension of the speech, produced a very unexpected calm, much to the astonishment of Flum’s own dear self.  ’Well, I apprehends the gist on’t—­democracy don’t go down, no way, this side the big pond.  But, if John is old, and has got his noddle so full of antiquated