Strauss arose to
speak. His voice at first was slow and deep, and in all he was the
personification of dignity. The first part of his lecture was a very
convincing argument in favor of what is called the "_Normal Use of
Malt Liquors_." He declared that moderate drinking could have no evil
effect on the action of the heart, except in rare cases. To prove his
general statement and to win the confidence of his hearers, he quoted
over forty printed and written extracts from eminent physicians of the
world.
After this general survey of his argument, he entered into details and
illustrated the second division of his lecture by the use of pictorial
charts. In this manner the construction and action of the heart were
concretely shown.
In the third division of the lecture the Prince of Darkness showed his
skill in manipulating the utterances of the speaker. By a second series
of illustrated charts the lecturer intended to show how alcoholic
beverages, in coursing through the human system, benefited the heart
rather than injured it. In trying to establish this point he used the
subtlest sophistry of Satan.
Through the three divisions of the discourse I heard vigorous applause,
and when, in the smooth language of his final climax, he uttered the
last word and was returning to his seat, there was a deafening roar
from all parts of the vast hall.
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