In looking over the State of New York, upon its canals and railroads, which brought the borders of the State into contiguity, and its citizens in every part into communion with each other, he was sure that all rejoiced, and might well glory in what had been accomplished.
Mr.A.said he had read and endeavored to inform himself concerning prison discipline, a subject deeply interesting to the peace, good order, and welfare of society; but after his examination of the penitentiary here, he was satisfied that he was yet a learner, instead of being able to give instruction on that important subject.
He had been asked to enlist in the growing army of temperance, and discourse on that cause, so deeply cherished by every well wisher of our country.

And he would cheerfully speak; but other and more devoted men had occupied the field, and what was left for him to say on temperance?
In passing through Catholic Lower Canada he saw a column erected to the Virgin Mary, in gratitude for her promotion of the temperance cause.

If indeed the blessed Virgin did lend her aid to that great work, it would almost win him to worship at her shrine, although he belonged to that class of people who rejected the invocation of saints.
He felt, therefore, that he had no subject on which to address them, but himself and his own public life.

The experience of an old man, related by himself, would, he feared, be more irksome than profitable.
"What, then, am I to say?
I am summoned here to speak, and to reply to what has been said to me by my respected friend, your late Chief Magistrate.

And what is the theme he has given me?
It is myself.