before,
at least until the opposition resorts to suasion instead of
force, and tries to win by criticism what it will never win
by the gaol. It is my intention to-morrow morning to drive
to the West of London, and to leave the first copy of this week's
_Freethinker_ pulled from the press at Judge North's house with
my compliments and my card."

Prolonged applause greeted this announcement, and I kept my word. Judge
North had the first copy of the re-illustrated _Freethinker_ and I
hope he relished. At any rate, it showed him, as John Bright says, that
"force is no remedy."

At the banquet I refer to I was presented with a purse of gold, in
common with Mr. Ramsey, and an Illuminated Address, which ran as
follows:

"To GEORGE WILLIAM FOOTE, Vice-President of the National Secular
Society, who suffered for twelve months in Holloway Gaol for the
so-called offence of Blasphemy.

"In offering you on your release this illuminated address, and
the accompanying purse of gold, we do not seek to give you
recompense for the sufferings and insults which have been
heaped upon you. We bring them only as a symbol of our thanks
to you--thanks, because, on your trial, you spoke nobly for
the right of free speech on religious questions; thanks,
because you bore, without a sign of flinching, a sentence
at once cruel and unjust; thanks, because you have carried
on our days the traditions of a Freethought faithful in the
prison as on the platform.

"Signed on behalf of the National Secular Society
C. BRADLAUGH, President.
R. FORDER, Secretary."

Greatly also did I value the greeting I received, with my two fellow
prisoners, from the working men of East London. At a crowded meeting in
the large hall of the Haggerston Road Club, attended by representatives
of other associations, I was presented with the following address:

"The Political Council of the Borough of Hackney Workmen's Club
present this testimonial to George William Foote as a token of
admiration of the courage displayed by him in the advocacy of
free speech, and in sympathy for the sufferings endured during
twelve months' imprisonment for the same under barbarous laws
unfitted for the spirit of a free people.

"Signed on behalf of the Council
ALFRED PIKE, President.
CHAS. KNIGHT, Secretary."

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