As Mr. Nelson Cromwell, who introduced me, is a fluent orator and had a great deal to say while paying a fine tribute to my husband—and knowing that I was to hold a reception afterwards—I cut my lecture as short as I could.
Among other subjects, I dealt with the exaggerated belief over here in commercial success; and the dangerous self-interest and lack of leisure which was encouraging not only this but every nation to materialism.
I had read in the morning papers a typical example of what I meant.
"First have what people want.
"Then let them know it.
"Thorough advertising is the Secret of Success.
"The old way was to let the people find it out gradually and slowly, in time for your grandson to get rich. The modern way is to have it to-day, and make everybody know it to-morrow, or, if possible, this afternoon."
I told them what I had observed at the Niagara Falls, and spoke of the many hideous bill boards and advertisements that desecrated the scenery wherever I had been, and pausing over the one among others that had really interested me, "A Good Name", was interrupted by my chairman who exclaimed in a clear voice:
"Asquith!"
This met with immense success.