But the most astonishing thing was the appearance of the group of girls.

They all wore plain white slips, upon which a variety of signs had been painted in prominent letters.

Some costumes advertised baking-powders, others patent medicines, others soaps, chewing tobacco, breakfast foods, etc.

From where they were seated in full view of the vast audience the girls appeared as a mass of advertising signs, and the banner above them indicated quite plainly that these were the "Signs of the Times." Mr.Hopkins, as he observed this scene, smiled with satisfaction.

He believed some of his friends had prepared this display to assist him and to disconcert the opposition, for nothing could have clinched his arguments better than the pretty young girls covered with advertisements of well known products.