such inherent weakness and absence of common sense that it aroused his contempt. One who was intimate with him in social gatherings at Hiram makes a remark that discloses an important element of his popularity. “There was a cordiality in his disposition which won quickly the favour and esteem of others. He had a happy habit of shaking hands, and would give a hearty grip, which betokened a kind-hearted feeling for all.” The same writer says, what confirms the foregoing statements respecting his recognised abilities, “In those days, both the faculty and pupils were in the habit of calling him ‘the second Webster,’ and the remark was common, ‘He will fill the White House yet.”’

There was one branch of the fine arts that he pursued, to gratify a taste in that direction, which should receive a passing notice. It was mezzotint drawing. He became so proficient in the art that he was appointed teacher of the same. The lady from whom we have quoted was one of his pupils, and she writes:—

“One of his gifts was that of mezzotint drawing, and he gave instruction in this branch. I was one of his pupils in this, and have now the picture of a cross, upon which he did some shading and put on the finishing touches. Upon the margin is written, in the hand of the noted teacher, his own name and his pupil’s. There are, also, two other drawings, one of a large European bird on the bough of a tree, and the other a churchyard scene in winter, done by him at that time.”

Thus the versatility of his talents, enforced by his intense application, appeared to win in almost any undertaking. Without his severe application, his versatility would not have availed much. He reduced that old maxim thoroughly to practice, “Accomplish, or never attempt,” because his application was invincible. Here was the secret of his success in teaching—just as good a teacher as scholar. Before the completion of his academic course the trustees made his success a subject of serious consideration

“We must secure his return to Hiram as soon as he gets through college,” said the chairman. “He will make a popular and successful professor.”

“That is true,” replied another trustee. “In what department would you put him?”

“Any department that is open. He will fill any position admirably. I have noticed that when we conclude that he is particularly suited to one position, he soon surprises us by filling another equally well.”

“It will certainly be for the popularity of the school to instal him over a prominent professorship here,” added the chairman; and I daresay it will be agreeable to his feelings.”

The subject was not dropped here. Both principal and chairman of the board interviewed James upon the subject; and when he left the Institute for college, it was well understood that he would return at the close of his college course. The present president of the institution says:—

“I shall not here speak of him as a teacher further than to say, in two years’ service he had demonstrated his great ability in that capacity, had won the hearts of the students generally, and had wrought in the minds of the school authorities the conviction that his further services would be indispensable on his return from college.”

On his success as a teacher, when preparing for college, the Illinois lady who was his pupil writes:—

“He was a most entertaining teacher—ready with illustrations, and possessing, in a marked degree, the power of exciting the interest of the scholars, and afterwards making clear to them the lessons. In the arithmetic class there were ninety pupils, and I cannot recollect a time when there was any flagging in the interest. There were never any cases of unruly conduct, or a disposition to shirk. With scholars who were slow of comprehension, or to whom recitations were a burden, on account of their modest or retiring disposition, he was specially attentive, and by encouraging words and gentle assistance would manage to put all at their ease, and awaken in them a confidence in themselves.”