Page:The international cricket match.djvu/40

22 amusing themselves with "the manly game," thus introduced the game among us.

From the good example of the St. George's the New York Club arose; hence, also, the formation of other clubs in all the principal towns in Canada, New York, Philadelphia, Boston, and many other places throughout our country, North and West; hence, from the emulation among these clubs to excel each other, matches are continually made and played; and hence, also, the desire on the part of Young America, as it felt itself " growing with its growth, and strengthening with its strength," to meet their Brethren of the Bat and Ball of the Old country, in friendly rivalry in the New.

No arrival in this country from England could have produced greater excitement than these celebrated Cricketers have done, except a visit from Queen Victoria herself, for as justly as her Majesty is beloved at home, I am proud to say, as an American citizen, she is also beloved here, everywhere—her name never fails to awaken a thrill of admiration in every heart capable of reverencing "whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just; whatsoever things are pure, lovely, and of good report, that can combine to dignify and bless that —

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Representing American Cricketers, as I have the honor to do this evening, it may be expected of me, perhaps, to say something individually of the English players—those stars now shining about us—they are all stars, moving in orbits of their own.

One star, it is said, differeth from another star, in glory—it may be so—but I must confess as to these stars, we American Cricketers have been too much dazzled by their general brilliancy, to determine which to our eye, is "the bright particular."

We will institute then, no comparison between them, but be satisfied to admit their superiority, and that they are among the number of the finest proficients of the game in the world!

To show my estimate of their merits, a friend knowing I was an old Cricketer, asked me my opinion of them, I gave it in the following words:—