as published at a
loss. But Mr. Smithies bravely held on, as his aim, I honestly believe,
was to do good rather than make money. He was a Christian social
reformer, a Wesleyan, indifferent to politics, as Wesleyans more or less
were at one time. Square-built, of rather less than medium height, with
a ruddy face, and a voice that could be heard all over Exeter Hall--he
looked the picture of health and happiness. I never saw him frown but
when I approached him with a cigar in my mouth. Mr. Smithies was one of
the earliest to rally round the Temperance banner. His whole life was
devoted to doing good in his own way. He never married, and lived with
his mother, a fine old lady, who contrived to give her dutiful and
affectionate son somewhat of an antiquated cast of thought, and never was
he happier than when in the company of Lady Burdett Coutts or great Earl
Shaftesbury.

I had also a good deal to do with Mr. W. H. Collingridge, who founded
that successful paper, _The City Press_, which his genial son, Mr. G.
Collingridge, still carries on. By means of my connection with _The City
Press_ I came into contact with many City leaders and Lord Mayors, and
saw a good deal of City life at the Mansion House and at grand halls of
the City Companies. I think the tendency in these days is much to run
down the City Corporation. People forget that the splendid hospitality
of the Mansion House helps to exalt the fame and power of England all the
world over. Once upon a time I attended a Liberal public meeting at
which two M.P.'s had spoken. One of the committee said to me, "Now you
must make a speech." My reply was that there was no need to do so, as
the M.P.'s had said all that was required. "Oh, no," said my friend,
"not a word has been said about the Corporation of London. Pitch into
them!" "No, no," I replied. "I have drunk too much of their punch and
swallowed too much of their turtle-soup." I will never run down the City
Fathers, many of whom I knew and respected, and at whose banquets men
gathered--not merely City people, but the leading men of all the world.
The glory of the Mansion House is the glory of the land.

I could go on for a long while. Have I not been to _soirees_ at great
men's houses and met all sorts and conditions of people? Only two men
have I given myself the trouble to be introduced to--one was Barnum,
because he frankly admitted he was a humbug, though he seemed a decent
fellow enough in p