Under the auspices of the Wendell Phillips Club, Governor F. T. Greenhalge delivered an address last night in Sanders Theatre. He was introduced in a short speech by Professor Peabody as Greenhalge '63, of Harvard, and took for his subject "Public Speaking."

In a constitutional government like ours, nothing can be done but by talk. The word "talk" is not here used in the hypercritical, scornful way which is so common. Talk has, in its present use, a broad meaning. It means thought, preparation, determination, sagacity, knowledge of men and of affairs, the adaptation of means to an end. With these behind it, speech is as worthy of our respect as is the most effective means of action provided by our constitution.

Public speaking is sword and shield to the man who is interested in political questions and in the welfare of the country. We see its necessity in our courts of law and in our legislature. Not only this. It enters into the life of every man in so far as he moves out of his own narrow sphere. If, for example, a new car line is to be encouraged or discouraged, it is the duty of every interested man to appear before the council and present his views.

When public speaking is such a practical, every-day matter, the question of the proper training for it becomes of great importance. Such training is more than can be supplied by the clocution classes of a college. Not that there is anything to be said against voice culture, though many men of great power have entirely ruined their effectiveness by the attempt to cultivate some mannerism. It is not this which is of avail in public speaking. There is necessity rather for physical strength, for readiness, determination, and courage, in so far as these can be trained. Without these, be the voice as fine as it may, the speech will yet lose its effect.

Every word of a speech must lead up to some line of thought. The subject and spirit of what is to be said must be held above all else. The speaker must also have regard for his own position, and must take care to put himself into harmonious relations with his audience, which has the flat. This does not always requre a fine presence or a highly trained voice; but it demands sincerity and earnestness. Behind all is the character of the man. which will ever remain the great power in public speaking.

Governor Greenhalge said that he spoke with particular interest because Harvard is now coming forward to take her share in the great works of public life, which formerly her sons have shirked.