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AUSTRALIA. 61
extend hands of fellowship to American strangers. Every
face was wreathed in smiles. The hall, tastefully decorated
with flowers and evergreens, presented a gay and attractive
aspect. The exercises were varied, and deeply interesting.
The president, Mr. J. Ross, delivered the congratulatory
address. The speeches, music, refreshments, and conversations
made up an enjoyable evening.
A promising Children's Progressive Lyceum had been
organized a few weeks before our arrival. Mr. Terry was
elected conductor, and Mr. G. A. Stowe secretary. The
flags and badges were beautiful. Dr. Dunn aided them in
perfecting the work. It could not have fallen into better
hands.
PEBSECTJTION BY THE PEESS.
Heaven save sensitive reformers in all lands from the
mockery of an unprincipled press, from priestly throats that
vomit falsehood, and churchal tongues that delight to lap
blood ! Though addressing audiences in all the American
States, except Florida and Texas, upon the unpopular yet
progressive movements of the age, I was never so unjustly
criticised, basely misrepresented, and shamefully vilified, as
by a portion of the daily Victorian press. Not content with
this, I was burlesqued in " The Weekly Punch," and pantomimed
in the theaters. The personal abuse commenced
with the delivery of the first lecture in Temperance HaH.
This was expected. Accordingly, Mr. Charles Bright, a
literary gentleman contributing to " The Daily Argus," was
sufficiently far-seeing to secure a superb short-hand reporter.
And while a slimy, policy-seeking press was pouring out
venom, the lecture of the " vulgar blasphemer " appeared in
print, entitled " Spirituahsm Defined and Defended," ably
prefaced by Charles Bright, and published by W. H. Terry.
The following written by a man interested in " The Melbourne
Daily Telegraph," — organ of the clergy, — and appearing
afterwards in " The Dunedin Morning Star," reveals