The President\u27s Address

When, a short time ago, I was advised by our indefatigable secretary that by virtue of having been chosen vice-president of this body, the duty of making the presidential address fell to my share, I was somewhat disconcerted. I was at first inclined to push my honors from me and to say that inasmuch as no time remained for the preparation of a suitable discourse, the presiding officer would simply waive his prerogative in that particular and pass to the next order of business