A certain degree of deference is due the young man because he inherited considerable wealth from his uncle, and--" Again the hisses began, and Mr.Hopkins knew he must abandon personal attacks or he would himself be discredited before his hearers.

Kenneth and his supporters sat silent in their places, the three girls, who were now well known in the district, forming part of the Republican group; and none of them displayed the least annoyance at the vituperation Mr.
Hopkins had employed.
"I have already called your attention in my circulars," resumed the speaker, "to the fact that advertising signs are the source of large income to the farmers of this district.

I find that three thousand, seven hundred and eighty-three dollars have been paid the farmers in the last five years, without the least trouble or expense on their part; and this handsome sum of money belongs to them and should not be taken away.
Stop and think for a moment.

Advertising is the life of every business, and to fight successfully the great army of advertisers whose business is the life-blood of our institutions is as impossible as it is absurd.
Suppose every farmer in this district refused to permit signs upon his property; what would be the result?
Why, the farmers of other sections would get that much more money for letting privileges, and you would be that much out of pocket without suppressing the evil--if evil can attach to an industry that pays you good money without requiring either investment or labor in return." After continuing in this strain for some time, Mr.Hopkins announced that "he would now give way to his youthful and inexperienced opponent," and asked the audience to be patient with Mr.Forbes and considerate of "his extraordinary prejudices." Hopkins's policy of discrediting his opponent in advance was not very effective, for when Kenneth arose he was more enthusiastically cheered than Hopkins had been.

The meeting was disposed to be fair-minded and quite willing to give Mr.Forbes a chance to explain his position.
"The arguments of our distinguished Representative are well worthy of your consideration," he began, quietly.