own heart and electric energy thrills his sentences; hence the
crisp pungency and compressed fire of our columns."

What gift that goes to make an orator has God denied us? Reason,
fancy, passion, a pathos and humour where the smile trembles on
the borderland of tears.

Why then this barrenness? Mainly because of the criminal neglect
of colleges in the past to cultivate the abundant material placed
at their disposal; other contributory causes are cynical
criticism and want of courageous ambition.

Colleges are now bestirring themselves--it is high time--but
criticism has not died. Refined natures have heartstrings like
the chords of Aeolian harps, sensitive to the faintest touch,
responsive to the gentlest whisper of the evening breeze; such
shrink in terror from the icy breath of the scoffer: the purpose
is frozen dead within their souls. O criticism! what crimes have
been committed in your name! How many noble careers have you
blasted?

[Side note: The world's greatest orators]

The man without ambition is not worth his salt. Some of the
world's greatest orators have been spurred on to triumph despite
difficulties before which timid men would stand aghast.

The story of Demosthenes is too familiar to bear repetition.

A good voice and commanding presence are powerful auxiliaries