Of the general's general estimation of
his own capacity, Smooth is sure the reader will not impose a penalty
so far beyond his humble capacity as that of finding within this
narrow world of ordinary presumption anything with which to compare it
successfully. Having had many misfortunes in his upward career of
political life, which was singularly marked with disappointments,
notwithstanding he had lent forcible aid in making many a President,
he never has permitted the strongest opinion of his own talent to die
out from his mind; and now that that well-cultivated opinion is made
stronger by the all-important verdict of his eloquent worship, how can
he resist the real proof of his being a much-neglected great man? 'Mr.
Chairman, and fellow citizens!' ejaculated Flum, nervously. 'My
friend, the Lord Mayor, has paid a well and much deserved compliment
to our country, our country's institutions, and our country's great
minds. So, far, ladies and gentlemen, as that compliment applies to
myself, I may or may not have deserved it; delicacy and reserve are
always the noblest attributes of great men.
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