Stage-Fright [excerpt]

     It is related that when President McKinley arrived at Buffalo to visit the Pan-American Exposition which was held in that city in 1901, he enquired of Mr. Scatcherd, who was upon the Committee of Reception, “When am I to make my speech?” Mr. Scatcherd replied, “Early to-morrow forenoon.” “Well,” said the President, “I am glad of that: I’ll not be able to have any fun until I have got my speech off my mind.” “Public speaking should [274][275] not cause you any nervous apprehension,” responded Mr. Scatcherd, “you’ve been at it so long.” “Well it does,” said the President; “I am just as nervous before a speech in these days as I was before my maiden address in the House of Representatives years and years ago.”