Page:The World's Famous Orations Volume 1.djvu/42

 P. Bland, who for nearly twenty years were the leaders of the opposing forces on this subject.

Among the American orations is one by the great historian, Bancroft, on "The people in Art, Government and Religion." So far as my reading goes, this is the most splendid tribute ever paid to the common people in an oration. It is full of sentences that could be quoted as texts.

Only two living American orators have been included—these being ex-President Cleveland and President Roosevelt, who are in a class by themselves. By his permission, Mr. Cleveland's first inaugural address and his remarks to the students of Princeton University on the assassination of President McKinley are given. President Roosevelt is represented by his inaugural address and by his speech at the Mothers’ Congress, the selection of the latter having been made after consultation with him.

Paris, August 13, 1906.