In common with some other English public men, Lord Rosebery has
the art of speaking gracefully and informally on matters of public
interest at occasions not political in character. Such an occasion
presented itself on October 25, 1898, when, as President of the
Associated Societies of the University of Edinburgh, Lord Rosebery
delivered the following address. It will be found to be a good
example of a style almost always at ease, yet without the sacrifice
of dignity, progressing skilfully from a light attack to a serious
and earnest treatment. Perhaps, indeed, the quality is more
literary than oratorical.