PUBLIC SPEAKING.

The lecture delivered in Sever 11 yesterday afternoon by ex-Governor G. S. Boutwell, under the auspices of the Forum and Union, was largely attended and proved very interesting. President Eliot introduced the speaker, referring to him as a veteran orator who was however an exponent of the modern style of oratory as opposed to the old or flowery, decorative style.

Ex-Governor Boutwell said in part: The public speaker is an actor and a good stage appearance is always a great help to him. Though great success has been attained by men destitute of all the natural gifts, it has only come as the result of constant cultivation of their physical and intellectual development from their early youth. The young speaker should exercise, to expand his lungs and develop his physique. But above all he must acquire knowledge. To develop himself intellectually he must read widely, largely and fearlessly in every department of human inquiry.

Constant practice is essential. The youthful speaker should be encouraged by the examples of Webster and Wendell Phillips, but he should never imitate. Quotations too must be avoided. Clearness and conciseness must be sought before decoration. The field for oratory is as wide awake today as ever and the good speaker just as much a power in society.