When the time came to hear the committee's report, the opera house was
crowded as it seldom was for any political speech or theatrical display.
The young people from the various societies occupied the front seats
on the floor of the house; and back of them, in the dress circles and
galleries, were the general public, while on the rostrum were the
leading business men, bankers, merchants, and the city officials,
together with the committee.
"Look there, Bill," said a saloon keeper, who had come to watch his
interest, "look at that. Blast me if there aint Banker Lindsley; and
see them reporters. And there's the editor of the Whistler. Say, this
aint no bloody church meeting; there aint a preacher on the stage.
Them fellers mean business. We've got to watch out if they keep on
this tack. And would you look at the people?"
"Come on out of here," growled his companion, a gambler; "we don't
want any truck with this outfit."
"I'm going to stay and see what they propose doing," said the other.
"Get a grip on yourself and wait."
Just then the assembly was called to order, and the two men dropped
into seats near the rear entrance.
The president stated the object of the meeting and reviewed the action
of the previous one at the Zion Church, where Cameron had spoken,
strongly emphasizing the fact that this was not a meeting of the young
people's societies only, but that every one present was to have a share
in it, and all should feel free to express themselves either by voice
or ballot.
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