While we contemplate these manifestations of public mourning, this temporary cessation of the ordinary pursuits of life, the aspect of silent sadness which reigns in the usually active and crowded scenes of commercial industry, it is impossible not to feel, and to feel deeply, how weak is the voice of eulogy, how powerless is all human effort to give an adequate expression of our sorrows for the loss of those, to whose memory we have assembled to render our heartfelt tribute of affectionate and grateful regard. It would be vain therefore for me to attempt to give utterance to the emotions of profound humility with which I appear before you, your delegated organ, to perform the melancholy but grateful duty assigned me on this interesting occasion.