The serious part of the discourse was a rapid statement of the principles
represented by the Dutch pioneer ship "Half Moon" and the Pilgrim
"Mayflower;" the elements of each contributed to national character and
progress. (For speech in full see _Depew's Speeches_, Vol. I.)

Other toasts and responses followed; eloquence and humor mingled until the
small hours of the night. Probably not one of that pleased and brilliant
assemblage for a moment thought that they were doing at this anniversary
what their old, barbaric ancestors did nightly, while resting after a
border foray or Viking sea raid.




THE VALUE OF A GOOD STORY AND HOW TO INTRODUCE IT.


No matter how inexperienced a speaker may be or how stammering his
utterance, if he can tell a good story, the average dinner party will
pronounce him a success, and he will be able to resume his seat with a
feeling of satisfaction. The efforts often made to bring in an entertaining
story or a lively anecdote are sometimes quite amusing, but if they come
in naturally the effect will unquestionably be happy. Almost any story, by
using a little skill, can be adapted to nearly every occasion that may
arise. We may mention a few among which a speaker can scarcely fail to find
something to serve his purpose.

It is necessary always to be thoroughly familiar with the story and to
understand its exact point. No matter how deliberately or with what
difficulty you approach that part of your speech where the fun is to