DUKE UNIVERSITY LIBRARY The Glenn Negley Collection of Utopian Literature JOHN HARVEY A TALE OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY P V ANON MOORE CHICAGO CHARLBS H. KERR & COMPANY 1897 Entered according to the Act of Congress in the year 1896, by A Bidgeley, in the Office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. DEDICATION. I dedicate this book to my Wife, who has been my only critic and helper, and whose sympathy and appreciation have been my stimulus in the work. A. M. COXTEXTS Chapter. Page. I. The Statue on Pike's Peak H II. Neuropolis J 9 III. The Opera 27 IV. Other Incidents 33 V. The Nationality; Its Principles, Objects and Organization 38 VI. Clothilde 46 VII. The Mountain and Mining Districts 54 VIII. The Engravings 59 IX. The Illumination 66 X. Legal and Other Difficulties 76 XI. The Land and the People 85 XII. The Albatross 06 XIII. The Treasure 108 XIV. The Aqueduct Bridge 123 XV. The Manuscript 138 XVI. The Talk H7 XVII. The Manuscript 157 XVIII. The Manuscript i/5 XIX. The Entertainment 191 XX. The Manuscript 198 XXI. The Boat Ride 219 XXII. The Reception 237 XXIII. The East 250 XXIV. Proceedings in Congress 269 5 6 Contents XXV. Philip Oram 285 XXVI. The Return 303 XXVII. The Hymn of the Nationality 315 XXVIII. The Revelation 326 XXIX. The Tomb 338 XXX. The Princess 353 XXXI. The March of the Three Hundred Thousand. .. 360 XXXII. The Union of the States 373 XXXIII. The National Labor Union 378 XXXIV. The Celebration 393 INTR OD UC TION. I am the eldest son of the Duke of Dorsetshire, and for many years bore the title of Lord Herbert Maxwell Dudley. I enjoyed superior educational advantages, be- ing sent to the best schools in England and Germany, where I studied with assiduity, and became proficient in all the branches necessary to a liberal education. On attaining my majority, desiring to see service, I entered the British navy, and held the rank of lieutenant on his majesty's ship Vulcan at the time of her destruc- tion in the harbor of Yokohama, in nineteen hundred and twenty-nine. I then quitted the navy, and for several years there- after traveled extensively in various portions of the globe ; generally on business connected with the governmental service of Great Britain, but always seeking information about certain problems, in which I was much interested, concerning the advancement of the human race. I had at one time or another visited the great cap- itals of Europe, the time-worn and historic cities of Asia, and had picked my way through the motley crowds that throng the narrow streets of China and Japan. In all these places I had mixed with the highest, the lowest and the middle class of citizens, my object being to observe the various races of mankind in all their devel- opments, and to study philosophically the causes of the poverty and degradation which have always attended them. In the countries which I visited, various reasons were given for these evils, but none of them were at all satis- 7 8 Introduction factory to me. I had heard the stock phrases of the classes supposed to be most conversant with such sub- jects — the clergy, with their high moral tone and proffers of a compensatory immortality beyond the grave, blessed promise in which I fully believe; the Malthusian phil- sopher, with his statistics in regard to population and its proper distribution, and the statesman, with his rules of supply and demand, balance of trade, currency circu- lation, etc., but none of them, nor all of them together, were able to explain to me why, twenty centuries after the advent of the Prince of Peace, so little had been ac- complished to elevate the masses of mankind, and to re- deem them from this condition of poverty and want, and from all the burden of anxiety, sin, and woe that inva- riably accompanies it. Were the people to hope for comfort and enjoyment only beyond the grave? Was it not possible to make life itself among them something more than a ceaseless tread- mill of drudgery to obtain the necessaries and possibly a few of the comforts of existence? Was it not possible to remove from them the constant anxiety lest through some sickness, some error of judgment, or some other calamity their means of obtaining an independent liveli- hood should be lost? In my journeyings I had observed that everywhere the members of the human family were, in all matters of business and finance, and even in social relations, in act- ive and continued conflict with each other. I had seen that this strife was not waged for the good of the masses, though some philosophers maintained it was for the ulti- mate advantage of the race, but that like weaker swim- mers on a tempestuous ocean many constantly gave out, and though help was sometimes extended, yet as a rule the exhausted were allowed to perish. Introduction 9 Could not some plan be devised by which this con- flict might be avoided, by which the energies displayed in it might be employed in the interests of all, and the pride and supposed honor resulting from individual success be merged in the true pride and honor of caring for the masses, and working together for the advancement of the race? I had thought a great deal on these subjects, but with no practical results — human ability appeared unable to control human selfishness in dealing with them. The spring of 1935 found me at Hong Kong and with little to do except to follow my own inclinations. One evening a friend spoke to me of a body called "The Nationality," of which I had heard before as a sort of commune, located in the United States of America, occa- sioning great anxiety to the government of that nation by reason of its peculiar and socialistic doctrines. My friend said that this community had been or- ganized less than a quarter of a century previous by John Harvey, a very wealthy man of that country, and that already the unusual character of its principles, the beauty and elegance of its capital, and the comfort and prosper- ity of its people were attracting great attention. He ad- vised me to. visit it and study its peculiar institutions. This being in accordance with a desire I had long entertained of traveling in the. United States, in April I took passage on a steamer for San Francisco, where I arrived early in May. In this city I heard so much in regard to the Na- tionality and its capital that, after stopping there only two days, I hurried on by the transcontinental railway to be- gin my observations within its borders. JOHN HARVEY: A Tale of the Twentieth Century. CHAPTER I. THE STATUE ON PIKE'S PEAK. I was told that from the top of Pike's Peak, a great mountain near which I would pass on my way to the cap- ital of the Nationality, I could get the most extensive view to be had of its territory, for if the atmosphere were clear, the outlook to the eastward would be limited only by the possibilities of human vision, the mountain standing so near the plain that nothing intercepted the sight. On the evening of the fourth of May, 1935, I reached this locality and early on the morning of the fifth ascended the peak by a cog-wheel railway, and stood upon its sum- mit at an elevation of over 14,000 feet above the level of the sea. A heavy fog, or cloud bank, enveloped it and hid the view, but this I was told would be dissipated by the sun's rays within an hour. The top of the mountain contained an area of about forty acres of level but rock strewn ground, and a small station house, where food and lodging might be pro- cured, was the only building upon it. This stood some distance back from the place on the eastern verge of the mountain, which was shown me as the best locality for obtaining a view of the plains below. On reaching this point I dismissed the guide, a prac- tice in which I often indulged when desiring to com- 12 John Harvey mune uninterruptedly with Nature, and seating myself on a convenient stone awaited the rising of the fog. I had recently learned that the Nationality, instead of being small in territorial extent, as I had previously thought, embraced a very large area, including the States of Utah, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, and a large part of Texas; being a'bout one-fourth the size of Europe, and containing within its borders a population of over ten million souls. The plain or level portion of this country a few years before had been arid land, producing nothing except short, scanty grass. It had been reclaimed by the construc- tion of a great canal, some hundreds of miles in length, taken out of the Missouri, one of the great rivers that traverse the United States. This work was attributed to John Harvey and had re- sulted in converting the region into one of remarkable fertility. The fog had now begun to lift along the sides of the mountain, swirling and turning like a live thing in the calorific influence of the ascending sun. Through its rifts could occasionally be seen the ragged edges of piles of granite rocks, and as it let go the mountain's rugged sides, these were relieved at lower altitudes, by patches of green pines, and by momentary glimpses of the plain itself. Finally as the fog broke away entirely and was lifted above me, it unveiled a view of the plain below, grand in its limitless extent; beautiful in its verdure, in its variety of coloring, in its trees, lakes, and ribbon-like streams; and interesting in the promise of human life, activity, and enterprise, given by the countless villages and hamlets which could now be seen on its surface. The plain touched the very base of the mighty moun- The Statue on Pike's Peak 13 tain mass on whose summit I sat, and in its high cultiva- tion formed a striking contrast to the rough granite sides of the Peak. One seemed to be looking from the abode of pristine wildness and Nature into a wonderful garden, vast in extent, and smiling and beautiful in its variety and fer- tility. As the mists cleared away, revealing more and more of its surface, I found fresh enjoyment in the contempla- tion of the region I was about to visit. The air was pure and clear, the light bright and strong, and there was a newness and exhilaration about the scene such as had never before possessed me in gazing on a landscape. At the height from which I viewed it, all details blended into the general effect of a great painting, stretched out before me, complete in every part and won- derful in its rich though quiet coloring. The varying shades of green in the fields, grass, and trees; the lighter coloring touched in by the azure tints of numerous lakes and water-courses; the darker shades of newly plowed ground and the shadowy outlines of towns, villages and roadways; all combined to form a most harmonious and enchanting picture; a dream landscape which seemed at any moment ready to dissolve and fade away. For a long time I gazed upon it, giving myself up to the charm of the situation, imagining the land itself as the abode of an elevated and elevating humanity; as a realiza- tion of something, hitherto visionary, exciting feelings of joyous hope and admiration. At length I recalled my wandering thoughts and began to examine more closely into details. In the foreground, a large town, or city, embowered in shade, was plainly visible; and in the distance toward 14 John Harvey the north there seemed another, far greater in extent, with faint domes of colossal size and high structures glistening white in the rising sunlight. I was not sure the latter was real, and taking from my pocket a small map of the locality, which I had procured in die little hamlet at the foot of the mountain, I followed the direction on it and found that what I saw so dimly was an actual city, Neuropolis, the capital city of the Nationality. I had heard accounts of its beauty from various trav- elers whom I had met, but had always considered them as tinged with that love of the marvelous so innate in hu- manity, but now, looking upon this landscape, I felt will- ing to give credence to any tale, however wonderful, respecting it. Is it possible, thought I, that this land was, less than a quarter of a century ago, an arid waste? Is it possible that human ingenuity and skill have made it the paradise it seems? Verily if in so short a time my dreams of a dwelling place and a material country have been so fully realized, can I not expect the fulfillment here of other dreams of the enfranchisement of the race? Was John Harvey the man who first conceived the idea of this transformation? Was it he who had begun this work of converting the wilderness into a land of homes? He was not entirely a stranger to me. I had known him as performing audacious deeds and possessing won- derful and almost supernatural powers, used, alas! for no such purposes as these, but ruthlessly and cruelly. I had seen the evidence that he was a very rich man, and had been told that he owned a principality, which he had given away. Could it be possible that I was now looking at it? The Statue on Pike's Peak 15 The great river coming from the north; had John Harvey made a way for that? I had heard something of a city he had founded; was it the one I saw in the dim distance? How much or how little of all this was really John Harvey's work? I had known him only by far different deeds, deeds exciting abhorrence. Doubtless these great works were the products of many minds and many efforts, though not of many years. Turning as these thoughts passed through my mind and looking around, I saw just behind me, not thirty feet away, the figure of a man, bare-headed and holding a cocked hat in his left 'hand, his face turned toward me, his eyes shaded from the sun by his uplifted right hand, look- ing, as I conjectured, directly on me, and I knew him to be John Harvey. The figure stood still, and when I had recovered from my first sensation of alarm I surveyed it with the utmost attention. I now saw the eyes were not fixed on me, but were gazing out over the land, with an earnestness and interest such as I had seldom seen depicted on a human face — the whole being, indeed, seemed engaged in the contemplation of the landscape before him. There was an eagerness to observe, a rapt attention, strikingly evident in the eye, the ear, the hand, and the whole attitude. The body was slightly bent forward, one foot in ad- vance of the other, as if the motion onward had hardly been arrested. The face was noble, kind, and yet very forceful; the nose was large, as was the mouth, the latter firmly compressed; the nostrils wide, the lower jaw strong. The curves of the lips, nose, and brow were graceful, the latter high and full, the eyes dark and piercing, and the figure majestic and commanding. 1 6 John Harvey The feet were cased in boots with whitish tops turned down from near the knee; whitish breeches, or small clothes, covered the lower limbs; a waistcoat of the same color protected the chest, leaving visible shirt front, collar and wristbands of the purest white. A long black over- coat fell below -the middle of the leg, and a black tie com- pleted the attire. The hands were bare, and extremely shapely as were the feet; the face was clean-shaven, and the hair black, sprinkled with gray, but abundant. The left hand held the hat, apparently just removed. Such was the figure I saw thus unexpectedly; the fog had concealed it as I walked to my place of observa- tion. It was a face and a figure one seldom sees and never forgets, and could belong to none other than to him whom men called John Harvey. I gazed at this lifelike apparition. Its freshness and vigor were in apt keeping with that of the landscape below. There was not a mark of time's ravages upon it, no corroded line, no blurred or marred feature. In face, in form, in raiment, the man was as complete, as fault- less, as if, being yet alive, he had stepped from the train and walked in company with me to the spot where he now stood. The statue, for such I soon found it to be, was placed upon a low pedestal, or platform rather, of dressed gran- ite about eight feet square, which was covered with the semblance of an altar cloth, made of some strange black riaterial hanging in folds over the sides and ends. Who placed this imposing memorial on this rocky height, and what was its significance? Was it the work of a few cherished friends, or was it the grateful remem- brance of an entire people? I could not tell, but if John Harvey had really plan- The Statue on Pike's Peak 17 ned, or if his means had made possible the redemption of this land, how appropriately was his statue placed on this lofty pinnacle. Might not his tempestuous soul occasionally revisit its former abodes and find solace in beholding the happy fruition of these great designs in the peaceful landscape before me. Might it not even now linger near enjoying the emotions which the scene undoubtedly revealed in my face and actions? I remained some time longer on the summit, now gazing eastward on the landscape ever changing in the shifting light of the sun, and again looking westward on the billows of granite peaks lifting their gray tops sky- ward, as if a mighty ocean, stirred 'by a mighty storm, had been at some omnipotent fiat suddenly converted into stone. At lower altitudes, in the intervals among the mountains, lay countless grassy parks, fit dwelling places for peace, quiet and content, and higher up, their sides were clothed by dark masses of sombre pines, and some- times by a dense undergrowth of smaller trees whose varieties were unknown to me, but which lent color to the scene. But I looked often and long at the face of the statue, so strong, so earnest, so eager, so sympathetic, gazing out over the land where the man had once dwelt, and from which he was now parted, and I left the spot deeply impressed with the mingled grandeur and pathos of this attempt to insure earthly immortality and remembrance. I returned to the busy chatel at the base of the moun- tain, with a feeling of deep interest in this land and all that concerned it. In the afternoon I continued my journey toward Neuropolis, haunted all the way by the face and figure 1 8 John Harvey of the statue of the peak, now left behind me in the awful solitude of the upper air, but still able to overlook the hurrying train as it sped northward toward the capital city. CHAPTER II. NEUROPOLIS. I reached Neuropolis late in the evening and found lodgings in one of the great hotels of the city. I had resolved on maintaining an incognito that I might better and more unobtrusively observe and study the institutions of the country, and had prepared for this by procuring letters of introduction and recommenda- tion in the name simply of Mr. Herbert Maxwell, and had so registered and made myself known since landing in America. A great city, as well as a great country, has many sides, and the stranger desirous of acquiring more than a cursory knowledge of it would better begin with the study of its physical features. My first days in the capital were accordingly spent in examining its topography and other material charac- teristics. It is situated on the eastern side of the great canal before mentioned, about fifty miles from the base of the mountains, and a few miles northward from the summit or crest of the divide between the watersheds of the Ar- kansas and Platte Rivers. It is surrounded by a branch of this canal, taken out twenty miles to the northward, running thence eastward and southward, forming in natural depressions several large lakes and emptying into another great branch of the canal known as Lateral B, fifty miles from the point of departure. X9 20 John Harvey The true form of the city proper was a perfect square, but extensive suburbs, to the north and south, gave it somewhat of an oval appearance. The great freight depots and manufactories for the heavier classes of goods, as well as the plants for furnish- ing water, electricity, heat and other necessities of the city, were located in the northern suburbs, while the pas- senger depots and manufactories for the lighter and cleaner classes of goods were situated in the southern. Both suburbs, however, were connected with the great trunk lines of railroad running in all directions from the city. The manufactories and business houses in them, though not lofty, were large and comfortable, and every- thing around them was kept scrupulously neat and clean. The employes nearly all lived in the city proper, going to and returning from their labors night and morn- ing in vehicles driven by electricity. These suburbs, though a part of the city and under the same general government as the rest of it, were di- vided from it by a boulevard two hundred feet wide, which encompassed it on its four sides. They are not therefore included in the description which I shall now give, with the aid of the accompanying diagram, of the city proper. A great square, each side facing a cardinal point of the compass and measuring twelve hundred feet in length, formed the center of the city. This contained about thirty acres and was called the Administration Square. An ave- nue two hundred feet wide, known as the Administration Boulevard, extended around this square. It was divided lengthwise in the center, except where the other boule- vards hereafter mentioned entered it, by an ornamental strip ten feet wide, in which grew trees, shrubbery, vines, and flowers of great variety and beauty. Neuropolis 21 From the outer sides of this Administration Boule- vard, eight other boulevards, each two hundred feet wide, extended through the city, connecting with that sur- rounding it at its outer limits. Four of these ran diagon- ally from the angles of the Administration Boulevard to nnnnnac7/i CZDIZZitZZJl I! I I II — ICZZICZZ) □QODUQ^ggF 3 QQDQDOQQiS 101 DDDD onnnB nnaa odddgi ass Dana BB^dDDDQODDD m aannaaaana aaoQ qgdq DDDD DDDO DDDDDDDDDaiZn OSDODDDDuDDD DQDDDfflQRSaS BRgOTDQQQDQ DQQQQISgg a QDOQ RF a \JW iC SBBgflDQQQI]] BBS DDDD CZ3 CZHCZ: C=J CZJCV 1 ULI v~i i — 1| — i [y r {-)\— »— ii-nr— if- 1 I^GCHCZICIlf— iLZDiZH LZICZiaaOCZlCS PI — II — IDtZZ]CD^n the corresponding angles of the outer boulevard, and were named respectively the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest and Southeast Boulevards. They divided the city into four great cantonments. Of the others, one began at the center of each side of the Administration Boulevard, and extended at right angles to it, bisecting the cantonment and terminating also in the outer Boulevard, and these four were called 22 John Harvey Cardinal Boulevards, and distinguished by the points of the compass to Which they ran. The remainder of the city was traversed by streets one hundred feet wide, which formed blocks seven hun- dred feet in length and three hundred feet in width, the long sides of the blocks being parallel with the sides of the Administration Boulevard next them. On each cardinal boulevard, midway through the cantonment it traversed, four blocks were occupied by the public buildings and grounds of the cantonment. On the diagonal boulevards, at the same distance from the Administration Square, four other blocks were devoted to public parks containing nearly fifteen acres each, and at the intersecting of these boulevards with the outer one were similar parks of double the acreage. Where blocks were bisected elsewhere by these diag- onal boulevards the dwellings faced them, and the parts of the blocks too narrow for building were thrown into parks and set with trees, flowers, grass and shrubbery, and also beautified by fountains and statuary. In the other residence portions the dwellings faced the streets on the long sides of the blocks, the lots ex- tending to the center of the block. Such was the general topography of the city — the architectural character of its public buildings and pri- vate residences, and the adornments of the grounds about them, all of which had made it celebrated, remain to be described. In the center of the Administration Square the mas- sive Administration Building, six hundred feet in length and the same in breadth, rose to a height of two hundred and fifty feet, while its great dome towered above it one hundred and fifty feet higher. It was constructed of pure white marble, with pillars of polished granite, and the Neitrofolis 23 whole building was adorned with carving and statuary in the simplest and yet most exquisite taste, and was grand in general effect, and beautiful in detail, beyond de- scription. The buildings facing the Administration Square on the opposite sides of the boulevards were also lofty and imposing, each with its grounds occupying an entire block, but all so planned and arranged as to form with the Administration Building a homogeneous and most attractive center piece of architectural beauty. They were constructed of gray granite, their adornments being of white marble. The two on the north were occupied by the municipal government, those on the east and west by great universities and academies, and those on the south by a theater, and an opera house, each of immense size. The tiers of blocks immediately outside those on which these structures stood were occupied by other pub- lic buildings, such as hotels, auditoriums and schools, uni- versities and theaters of smaller size, and then succeeded the residence portions of the city. Where the diagonal boulevards cut through the tier of large or double blocks surrounding the Administra- tion Square, eight triangular parks were formed, being extensions of that tier, which were nearly eight hundred feet long on the sides facing the boulevards and six hun- dred on those facing the streets. These were given up wholly to adornment, being covered with grass and low shrubbery, with a few tall trees near the acute angles. About three hundred feet from these angles, in each of the parks, a singular struc- ture, extended parallel with the boulevard. In shape this resembled a great vase, rising from an immense foot, with a gradual and graceful sweep first inward and then 24 John Harvey outward until at its largest dimensions it was fully two hundred feet long by fifty feet wide, and at the height of forty feet its curved and fluted edges overhung its sides at least fifteen feet and its ends fully twenty-five feet. It was composed apparently of some metal of the purest white, and from the summit of its arched upper surface down to its very edge it was covered with the densest luxuriance of small trees, fronds of palms, flowers of all kinds and hues, and moss, and creeping and trailing plants and vines, of beauty and variety indescribable, which lent color and shed fragrance all around. These vases gave wonderful attractiveness to this portion of the city, and being situated near the entrance to the great central Administration Square, formed a fit prelude to the grander beauty of its grounds and build- ings. They were used also as receptacles of water for irri- gation, and their tops being arched over and covered with earth, the vegetation grew luxuriantly on them. The buildings of the cantonments, grouped around the blocks, reserved for that purpose on the cardinal boulevards, comprised houses of worship, public schools, halls for public assemblies, places of amusement, hotels and eating-houses, great stores, electric plants, and such other buildings as were necessary for the wants of the citizens. These structures were not composed of as costly materials, nor were they so great and lofty as the build- ings around the Administration Square, but were more in keeping with the quiet repose of the residence quarters of which they formed the center. They were, however, such as would have graced and adorned any European city. All the streets and boulevards were paved with Neuro polls 25 asphalt, and all except the Administration Boulevard were beautifully parked, and s'haded by trees. Stone sidewalks were laid throughout the city, vary- ing in width from six feet in the residence districts, to twenty feet on the Administration Boulevard. Great conduits, in which a man could easily walk up- right, were constructed beneath the boulevards, through which the main drains, pipes and sewers extended; on the other streets these were placed under the sidewalks. All irrigation was performed by means of pipes laid beneath the surface of the ground. In the residence portions of the city the dwellings were constructed mainly of brick of divers colors, white, ochre and red being prominent, and were generally trimmed with stone. The lack of ostentatious display among them was a noticeable feature. There were no poor ones; there were no costly ones. There were no unsightly houses, and no palatial abodes; 'all were comfortable, refined and pic- turesque in appearance. Each dwelling was set back from the street a distance of not less than thirty feet, and the lot on which it stood was at lea9t forty feet wide; this frontage being devoted to greensward, trees, shrubs, paths and flowers, and there were no division fences. Harmony in color, architecture and design was won- derfully maintained in the character of all the buildings; no edifice being constructed until its situation and de- tailed plans were considered and approved by a commis- sion skilled in such work and acquainted with the general scheme for the extension and building up of the city. Fitness, variety and taste were displayed not in any one particular, or locality, but everywhere; the evident intention being to make no spot in the residence portion 26 John Harvey of the city conspicuous by unusual expenditure, but the whole a perfect picture. In all public buildings and improvements the most magnificent erections, the utmost permanence, the cost- liest materials, often the most elaborate adornments, were employed; in the residence portion adaptibility, beauty, and symmetry of a quieter order reigned supreme. I thought the city very beautiful, surpassing even the most enthusiastic descriptions given me of it. Its people seemed contented and happy. I saw no drunkenness, observed no rudeness, heard no bad lan- guage among them, and looked upon fewer careworn faces than in any place I had ever visited. During the day the middle-aged of both sexes monopolized the streets, but in the evening the younger people seemed to possess them. The broad sidewalks and all the parks were full of them; the spacious boulevards were like 'beehives with the hum of their young voices, and they crowded the theaters, the opera, the libraries, and the lyceums. CHAPTER III. THE OPERA. The places of amusement in the various cantonments were well arranged and locally well patronized, but the great theater and the opera house on the southern side of the Administration Square were the largest, most com- modious, and elegant I had ever seen. In these, perform- ances are often given by the most celebrated European and American actors and vocalists. Not many days after my arrival in the city, a musical entertainment was advertised for the grand opera house, which I resolved to attend. The prima donna was one of Europe's most cele- brated singers. I 'had often heard 'her, with delight, in Continental cities in former years and she was a favorite of mine; in fact, I had had in those years some acquaint- ance with her. Desiring to present her with a token of the presence of a friend from abroad and knowing her favorite flowers, rare ones, I determined if possible to procure some of them. On the afternoon preceding the opera I hunted the city over for these particular flowers and finally discovered a few of them in some beautiful bouquets in the southern cantonment. I purchased one of these and that evening took it with me to the opera, intending on the first fitting opportunity to bestow it surreptitiously upon my former acquaintance, the prima donna, and enjoy her attempts to solve the mystery of the donor. 27 28 John Harvey But fortune seemed unfavorable to my undertaking. On looking at my program I found it stated that, owing to a severe cold and consequent hoarseness, the prima donna would be una'ble to sing on this the first night of her engagement, and that her place would be filled by Clothilde Beyresen. My feelings, of course, were those of disappointment, and my first impulse was to leave the house, but it was difficult to do so without attracting observation. Besides, the company was a strong one and much good music might be expected, so I remained. The performance began and several selections were sung by members of the company ; the next one, the pro- gram stated, would be rendered by the substitute. Very unusual interest seemed to be taken in her ap- pearance; the gentlemen straightened themselves in their seats, ladies prepared their opera glasses, and I, familiar with the meaning of such movements, supposed that some well-known amateur, for whose success all felt anxious, was about to attempt the masterpieces of the great prima donna. I was little prepared for what followed. From the right wing of the stage entered, alone and unattended, and with all the self-possession, grace, and dignity of the most accomplished leader of the opera, a lady, tall, beautiful, and stately. Her complexion was olive and very clear, such as one sometimes sees in the south of Spain, so pure as to show the red blood in the cheeks and in the lips at the slightest emotion. Her eyes were dark hazel and extremely brilliant, her 'hair and eyebrows black, the latter beautifully curved, the nose straight, the mouth and chin exquisitely moulded and the figure willowy and graceful. As she moved across the stage to the footlights an in- The Opera 29 stantaneous clapping of hands and waving of hand- kerchiefs began in the whole house, and was continued many seconds after she 'had reached her place, and only ceased upon her repeated acknowledgments. Her >manner and appearance at once attracted my undivided attention. After a slight pause she began to sing. It was Eliza- beth's Prayer from "Tannhauser." My wonder and astonishment were at once awakened, and increased as her performance continued. I leaned forward and, with a passion almost of entrancement, caught each pure note as it fell from her lips and filled the 'house. I had heard the trained vocalists of Europe, but never among them all a voice of such compass, purity, and strength, and such sweetness of tone and delicacy of ex- pression. Then the entire self-possession of the singer, or rather her utter self-abnegation, was so evident. She seemed unconscious of the effect produced; s'he made no effort to produce it. She appeared wrapt and absorbed in the words and sentiment of the music. S'he might have been singing in a drawing-room to a few intimate friends, so simple and natural was her manner. Indeed, so grace- ful, so charming, so completely in control of herself and her hearers was s'he, that she seemed in a few moments to have converted the great audience into a circle of such friends. She sang the difficult piece throughout in this man- ner, stood for a moment, apparently hesitating, then bowed her adieu and disappeared. In an instant the thea- ter resounded wMi the clapping of hands, the calls for encore. After this had continued some little time, she reap- peared, and sang "Das Veilchen," with the same ease, 30 John Harvey grace, and charm, and then again retired and would not respond to a second encore. The program announced her as reappearing in one other selection only, which was the closing piece of the opera. I thought of my neglected bouquet, and resolved to bestow it upon the gifted singer. On her re-entry she was greeted with a furor, which showed her to be well known and a favorite. The piece was Mozart's "Non Paventar." It pre- sented no embarrassments to that peerless voice. There was not a single quavering, or false, or imperfect note; with the same finished style and consummate grace and ease she sang the piece to its conclusion. Several floral offerings were 'handed her, costly and elegant, but thinking not of its meagerness, I drew mine from its covering and lightly tossed it on the stage. The action caught her eye and she lifted it from the floor, shot one swift glance toward myself, whom she evi- dently recognized as the donor, and hurried from the stage, holding my bouquet in her hand. A storm of encores succeeded" and the audience, in- stead of departing, remained seated, though the curtain had descended. They were not yet satisfied, and in answer to their calls the curtain again rose and the manager came for- ward on the stage. He announced that Miss Beyresen would sing the national anthem unaccompanied, and the audience and the orchestra were requested to join in the refrain, after which the performance would close. Perfect silence settled over the theater, and a mo- ment later Miss Beyresen entered. She had changed her costume entirely. The one she now wore was pale orange, with white trimmings. If possible she looked more beau- The Opera . 31 tiful than before, and I perceived she was younger than I had supposed, probably not over twenty-four. She was received in silence. As she turned and faced the audience, I saw flowers upon her breast, a few sprays only, the same ones that had been in my bouquet; the same wiry stems, with seven blossoms, for I had counted tlhem casually, the number seemed so small. She had pulled the bouquet apart evidently, and had chosen these flowers for some reason known only to herself. She gave no 'heed to me, however; never once glanc- ing in my direction. Her eyes swept over the house as she moved to the footlights ; there was a clash of cymbals and she began the anthem. Its prelude was an invocation to Deity, imploring wisdom, guidance, and assistance for the nation; then fol- lowed a call to battle, to battle for the right; eac'h stanza ending with a refrain, an appeal to God to hear the prayer, to judge the cause, and award the victory. As with clasped hands and upturned face the singer raised her voice in pure, sweet notes addre&sed to heaven, a reverential feeling like that of solemn worship stole upon the audience, and they united with subdued voices in the refrain. When, 'however, this concluded, the singer changed her -attitude; 'her whole being seemed transformed, her eyes flashed, and as her rich tones filled the house, calling everyone to conflict, all her strength and action seemed concentrated in the effort, and an electric thrill of sym- pathy pervaded the great audience. At the termination of each stanza they 'burst into the refrain, and six thousand voices rang out clear and loud in its response ; while upon the stage tihe singer stood, graceful in every movement, an acknowledged leader, her glorious voice rising clear and strong above the rest. 32 John Harvey The anthem continued with varying expression, the audience becoming more and more affected, the singer never hesitating, always self-possessed, graceful, and womanly in the Whirlwind of passion which now filled the house. The last stanza was reached. It expressed triumph in victory won, and a solemn promise of endurance to the end, in which the refrain joined. There the scene reached its climax. The audience rose to their feet and with eyes uplifted, as were those of their leader, poured out their souls in the final earnest pledge to renewed endeavor and continued trust. The performance was over, but it left me with a feeling of great interest in the charming singer, which was enhanced by the disposition she had so summarily made of my flowers. I imagined her to be a person of at least national celebrity in the United States. I inquired about her, and learned to my chagrin that she was a teacher of music in one of the great uni- versities; that although so wonderfully gifted that her name was sufficient at any time to fill the great opera house, yet she did not often sing in public, and that she had acquired the cognomen of "The Princess" by her beauty, her grace, her marvelous voice and other accom- plishments. CHAPTER IV. OTHER INCIDENTS. Already in my short experience in this city I had observed many unusual and unprecedented business methods. At the great hotel at which I lodged and a few other places, where special arrangements had been made for the convenience of strangers, money was received in payment for things procured, but except in these I could buy nothing as in other cities. My drafts from abroad were cashed, not at a bank, for there were no banks, but at the treasury department in the Administration Build- ing. Very soon after my arrival one of the clerks at the hotel explained to me that no such thing as money in the common acceptation of the word was used among the people; that only certain persons entrusted with du- ties of a public nature were allowed to take it, and all thus received was turned into the general treasury. He advised me to buy a stranger's ticket, which he said would be accepted as current everywhere in the Na- tionality. I did so and found that each person with whom I had dealings took the ticket and punched the proper amount from it. When the figures on it were all thus used I procured another in a similar way. I observed also a great difference in character and demeanor between the employes in this and those in other cities. They seemed younger, stronger, and in bet- ter health, and were far more affable, courteous, and ac- 33 34 John Harvey commodating, though with none of the obsequiousness which frequently characterizes such people in other places. Their intelligence and culture were often of a high order, and I soon found, especially among the younger persons, that the employment in which one was engaged was no safe index to his or her character or at- tainments. The causes of these peculiarities I shall not dwell upon here, but will only say that before I had been long in the city I learned that all labor was esteemed honor- able; that idleness was considered a disgrace, and that up to a certain age the younger members of the community were required to perform any work assigned them. While visiting one of the hospitals situated several miles out of the city I had become interested in a young Irishman, comparatively a stranger like myself in this land, who had met with an accident which it was almost certain would in a few days terminate fatally. I went again to see him and remained some time ministering to his mental comfort as best I could. I had left him, and was standing outside his compartment, preparing to re- turn home, when I heard the sound of low, sweet singing, coming from a room in the next ward, but a few steps distant. The words were those of a well-known hymn, and the voice seemed familiar to me, and was full, rich, and most melodious and sympathetic. I stood quietly listening till the conclusion, when a black-robed Sister of Mercy approached and addressed me thus: "You are a stranger to me, sir, but I know you have been obeying the Lord's command to care for the sick. He whom you have been visiting has told me of your kindness, and he will soon tell it to the Master, who has said that whatsoever service ye do unto such, ye do unto Him." Other Incidents . 35 Looking toward the adjoining room I remarked: "I am not the only visitor you have to-day." "Ah," she said, "you heard the hymn in yon apart- ment. There is a woman there who is dying of an incur- able disease, and another woman was singing to her. You recognized her voice probably." "I am a stranger in your city," I replied, "and did not recognize it." "It is the Princess Clothilde," she said. "God has given her wonderful gifts, and she comes here often to comfort the sick or dying. Such music is a great relief to them ; it lifts them above their sufferings." She went her way, and I remained standing in the background. A moment later the princess came out and 1 saw her face distinctly, though she did not see me. It was the face of the singer at the opera, and yet it was not the same face ; it was more the face of a Saint Cecilia. She remained but a short time talking to some of the at- tendants, and then passed out, and I did so also, but in a different direction. I returned to my hotel, and as I stood upon the side- walk I looked over toward the Administration Building, whose great dome was lit up by the slanting rays of the sun, now fast setting behind the western mountains, and my eye, traveling upward to its summit, rested on an ob- ject distinctly visible there which thrilled me. It was the face and figure of John Harvey, the same face and the same figure, though in a different attitude, that I had seen on the summit of Pike's Peak; clad in the same way, the cocked hat being now on his head. The face was turned toward the east; the attitude was erect and strong; the left hand fell by the side, but the right rested on the pommel of a naked sword set before him, 36 John Harvey whose sheen I could distinguish clearly and whose point was planted firmly on the dome. I had known John Harvey in life as one who had wrought swift and terrible destruction among my own countrymen, and who had levied tribute upon them al- most like a freebooter and a pirate, and now, thought I, so strong is the passion for military success and leadership, that such acts, coupled with the fact that he once lived in this land and aided somewhat in the establishment of this commonwealth, have secured him the honor of a statue on the very summit of yon noble, grand, and beau- tiful building. I looked no longer, but with a feeling almost of dis- gust entered the hotel and engaged in conversation with some of its guests with whom I had formed a casual ac- quaintance. Among these was a gentleman of leisure, who, having learned that I wished to gain a comprehens- ive knowledge of the history, laws and labor regulations of the Nationality, had promised to introduce me to one of the councilors, or members of parliament, to whom I could present my letters of recommendation and make known my wishes in the hope of obtaining the desired information. This gentleman now told me that he had spoken to the Councilor on the subject and that the morrow was the dav set for the formal introduction. At the time appointed we walked together to the Administration Building, and on the way my casual friend informed me the Councilor was Mr. Beyresen. This statement caused me some astonishment, for the name was the same as that of the accomplished singer, whom I had already seen twice, and who had engrossed, espe- cially since the day previous, more of my thoughts than I cared to acknowledge. My reflections on the matter Other Incidents 37 were, however, cut short, for a moment later my friend introduced me to Mr. Beyresen, who was a short, stout, active gentleman of about sixty years of age, fatherly and pleasant in manner and ripe in experience of men and affairs. He had been engaged much of his life in various matters connected with the Nationality, in which he had held positions of high control, and was well informed on all subjects relating to it. I presented my testimonials, which he read with care and then received me with much cordiality. Though my interview with him at this time was not lengthy, yet he was so genial and took so much interest in giving me the information I desired that I soon came to look upon him as a trusted friend, which he in truth proved himself to be, and an intimacy was thus formed which became closer and closer, and lasted during the remainder of his life. I learned from him the general principles upon which the Nationality was organized, and the chief laws and regulations governing its people. At an early date in our acquaintance I secured from Air. Beyresen a written state- ment of these, which I shall present to my readers in the next chapter, leaving minuter details to be explained later, if necessary. CHAPTER V. THE NATIONALITY, ITS PRINCIPLES, OBJECTS, AND ORGANI- ZATION. Nearly all governments claim to be organized for the good of their people; their histories, however, show that, to a greater or less extent, they have universally failed to accomplish this object. These failures have been caused mainly by two great and dominant passions — the love of power, place, and dominion, commonly called ambition, and the love of money and accumulation. These have led the officers of government, or the people themselves, or both together, to lose sight of the true end or aim of government above stated. Both these passions have been perverted, but the germ of the first is lofty, and can produce good fruit; that of the latter is base and sordid. This Nationality, or State, by either of which titles it may be properly designated, contemplates a more def- inite and individualized object than that of other gov- ernments. It is an organization of the people, for working in co-operation for the equal good of all. It acts through officers and agents chosen, not for political reasons, but for their fitness, skill, and ability in planning, directing and executing that which is necessary to be done to effect its object. It recognizes the power of the two passions referred to, and aims to change, among its officers and people, the 38 Principles and Objects of Nationality 39 direction of the former, and to utterly destroy the latter. It fosters the noble ambition to be among the first, wisest and most active in advancing the general happi- ness and good, and teaches its citizens to encourage such endeavor by bestowing honor, power, and place upon those who display these virtues. It destroys the passion for money and accumulation by instituting a system which relegates money to its proper function of a mere medium of exchange of values, and interposes insuperable barriers to accumulation. It does this by adopting the following fundamental prin- ciples: That money, debt, interest and accumulation shall be unknown to the citizen; all moneys received from other states, or their citizens, or in any other way, being turned into the state treasury, and that all business dealings with such other states, or their citizens, shall be conducted solely by the Nationality, or under its prescribed rules and regulations. That the Nationality, state, or people organized, shall have the absolute title to all property within its borders, and control the same, subject to wise, equitable, and well- known and established rules in regard to its use by the citizen for a limited period, not exceeding his natural life. By enfranchising its citizens from this one passion for money and accumulation it delivers them from a host of attendant evils, and clears away the debris of former systems of government. To occupy the ground thus prepared, the Nationality lays the foundation of its own government upon certain other principles consonant with those of justice, which define generally the mutual duties and obligations of the state to the individual citizen, and in turn of the latter to the state, and which are these : 40 John Harvey That the Nationality, or state, shall care equally and impartially for all its citizens, supplying them during life with equal opportunities and means for obtaining all that is necessary for their physical, mental, and moral wants, and for gratifying all innocent tastes and amusements. This duty may be stated more specifically as fol- lows : It must provide its citizens, required to work, with constant employment; planned and systematically ar- ranged by its skilled officers, and directed so as to pro- duce the best results. It must see to it that their children be furnished, with- out individual cost, with all means necessary for the best instruction, physical, mental, and moral, which its re- sources can command, and that such means are used dili- gently, individual tastes and aptitudes being reasonably consulted. It must provide other schools, academies and univer- sities, where other branches can be more specially learned by those willing to pay for such instruction. It must provide all things necessary for the educa- tion, livelihood, advancement, and pleasures of its citi- zens; those who work, those incapacitated for work, and those past the age of compulsory work. In return for this care, provision, and assurance for his comfort and safety, each citizen must render to the Nationality, or state, the best labor or service of which he is capable, during such years of life as with the massed labor of its other citizens rendered for an equal time, will enable it to provide thus for all its citizens, and meet any incidental obligations and demands upon it, and lay up sufficient store for unusual contingencies. As a correlation to the proper discharge of their mu- tual duties the citizens of the Nationality will, in youth Principles and Objects of Nationality 41 especially, be well instructed; they will be laborious, especially during the years set apart for labor, and at ease afted those years are past, and they will always have occa- sion to be happy in the assurance afforded them by the state that they are safe, as far as human care can make them so, from business vicissitudes. Citizenship in the Nationality shall be attained by males at the age of eighteen, and females at the age of fifteen. To insure an equitable and equal division among its citizens of the joint products of their labor, the Nation- ality shall provide a medium of exchange to take the place of money, determined in aggregate amount every five years by the estimated average production of the state, and the number of its people, which shall be good only for the year in which it is issued and not trans- ferable. On the first days of January, April, July and October of every year, each citizen shall receive a certificate of in- debtedness, which shall during the period above men- tioned be good, to all intents and purposes, as was money formerly, in payment for anything purchased, or for any service rendered, or in discharge of any due within the borders of the Nationality. These certificates shall be issued for citizens, and the children of citizens not exceeding four in number in each family, in yearly amount, as follows, the gradation in amount also to be determined every five years. Children under eight years old $150.00 Male child over eight and under eighteen 300.00 Female child over eight and under fifteen 250.00 Youth, male over eighteen and under twenty- one 800.00 Youth, female over fifteen and under eighteen. . 600.00 4.2 John Harvey Man at the age of twenty-one 1 ,200.00 Woman at the age of eighteen 1,000.00 Provided, however, that parents shall receive the certificates of their children under age, and that guar- dians and conservators duly appointed shall under the direction of the courts receive and use the certificates of their wards. The citizen must not be trammeled in the use of his certificate further than that he must provide proper sub- sistence for himself and family, live morally and peace- ably, and perform his labor and service as directed by the laws and regulations of the Nationality. Such were the general principles, rules and regula- tions of this body. Before quitting the subject I will give a short state- ment of the method of its organization and government. The whole land is divided into townships, which in the cultivated districts are twelve miles square, and which form the unit of governmental and labor control. The people live chiefly in towns ; located, particularly in the agricultural regions, as nearly in the center of the township as possible. These towns contain from three thousand to six thousand inhabitants, or more, accord- ing to the fertility of the soil and the number of persons required for its cultivation, or for other employments. All male citizens, until the age of forty-five, and all female citizens, until the age of forty years, are enrolled as labor- ers. They work under the direction of officers, chosen yearly by themselves, consisting of a director for every one hundred, a lieutenant for every fifty, and a foreman for every ten laborers; eight hours constituting the work of a day, except in certain kinds of onerous labor, where the hours are less. The men perform all the heavy work, the women being engaged in light employment within Principles and Objects of Nationality 43 doors; those of them who have families caring for them with such assistance as is necessary. Nearly all work is done in co-operation, machinery being made to do its part most advantageously, j Both sexes, from the age of eight until the age of citizenship, are required to attend school. If they have special aptitudes such are developed, and in this period they can also learn trades. If higher, or professional edu- cation, be desired they can attend schools until they reach • the age of citizenship, their parents paying their ex- penses, and after becoming citizens, any can pursue their studies, payment being made to the Nationality equal to the amount of the certificate which that body would issue for their service. These payments are of course made by deductions from the certificates of parents or others. The state has absolute control of the character of la- bor, and the place at which it is rendered, until the male citizen reaches the age of twenty-four, at which age he may marry. The female citizens may marry at the age of eighteen, and remain with their parents until that time, or until settled in some occupation. After marriage, citi- zens may expect a permanent home in some locality where they can render to the state the service for which they are best fitted, during the required number of years. All citi- zens receive certificates during life, provided they per- form such labor as they are capable of doing, those inca- pacitated from any cause being equally provided for. If any who are capable refuse to work they are ad- monished, and if they prove incorrigible, are put in a class by themselves, wearing a peculiar uniform, and subjected to severe discipline, their certificates being withheld from them and used for the benefit of their families. When the years of compulsory service are over, the citizen is at liberty to enjoy himself as he chooses, can 4.4 John Harvey study, travel, or remain at home. Many go to the cities and live there permanently, enjoying for the remainder of their lives the comforts, pleasures, and advantages there afforded, often continuing to serve the public in va- rious capacities. The higher offices of the Nationality are in many in- stances filled only by those past this age, and the citizen who is elected or appointed to such office and accepts its duties is expected to perform them to the end of his term. A congressman is elected by the people every two years in each congressional district of the United States, and the councilors and representatives from each state choose United States senators at the time appointed by law, they themselves not being eligible to such office. Sixteen townships in the Nationality constitute a district, controlled by a district executive, elected semi- annually by its citizens, who also elect every four years a member of the House of Representatives from among those who have served honorably a full term, either as labor directors or as district executives, and have at- tained the age of thirty years. The Council, or Upper House, consists of not more than sixty members; four of whom, at least, shall be from each state of the United States belonging to the Na- tionality. It is composed of such persons as have served honorably twelve years or more as members of either house, and these are called honorary councilors, and serve for life or until incapacitated. Any vacancies in the number, however, can be filled by election in the state having the least number of representatives in the Council, from among those who have served one or more terms as members of either house, and the person so elected shall hold the office for the term of six years. The post of councilor, and especially that of honorary Principles and Objects of Nationality 45 councilor, is regarded as of the highest dignity, and it was this position that my friend Beyresen held. The Parliament, or joint Houses of Legislature, ap- point the chief executive, judges and heads of the vari- ous departments, from among those who have served with honor in other places and have attained the age of forty-five years, and these serve until the age of sixty years, unless removed by the appointing power for cause. Those thus appointed have authority to fill all offices in their respective departments not otherwise provided for. Such was the general scheme of government in the Nationality. There were many minor rules and regula- tions to which I will not refer, as those I have already mentioned will give my reader sufficient knowledge of the form of government adopted by this unique and happy people. CHAPTER VI. CLOTHILDE. I had been in Neuropolis some weeks and Mr. Bey- resen had introduced me to a number of the councilors and finally invited me to his house to spend an evening with his family. I gladly accepted the invitation, for I felt lonely, and besides desired to see something of the home life of its citizens. Mr. Beyresen lived in a commodious and very pleas- ant house situated about a mile from the Administration Building. His family consisted of himself, his wife, a matronly lady; his daughter Anna, a schoolgirl of about fourteen, and an elder daughter, who proved to be no other than the singer, Clothilde. I could hardly restrain an exclamation of surprise when I recognized her. There was also a feeling of satisfaction, for I had been very strangely and unusually attracted on the two previous occasions when I had seen her and had desired to meet her. And if her self-possession, ease, and grace on the stage had been admirable, in her home they were still more so. Not a tone, an accent, or a look gave any indication that she had ever seen me, and indeed, I was not assured that she remembered me until some time after, when we had become better acquainted. Even the subject of music was not mentioned, and we all spent the time of my first visit in interchanging thoughts, wise, witty, or frivo- 46 Qlothilde 47 lous, on various subjects and revealing ourselves to each other by such means. The difference in appearance between the two sis- ters was much greater than is generally found in mem- bers of the same family. The younger was fair, with auburn hair and blue eyes, while the elder was a brunette of the most distinguished type. I could hardly compare them further, for the one was as yet unformed, while the other had enjoyed unusual opportunity for study, culture and refinement. This was evident in her conversation, her tone of voice, her every attitude and movement, and especially in her tact and power of interesting every one present. She was certainly not older than twenty-three, or four, a little above the usual height, and the character of her bearing and her dark beauty were so attractive, and her grace and charm of manner so wonderful that I could readily see how these had given her, even in this great city, the appellation of princess, by which her father once or twice playfully addressed her. From this time onward my visits to Mr. Beyresen's house were frequent. Mrs. Beyresen was so motherly a person, Mr. Beyresen was so hospitable and so evidently desired me to feel at home, and Miss Clothilde was so kind and entertaining that I soon began to consider that I was always welcome. I was invited to dine with the family one evening at a noted cafe, and we all walked in company to the place. The little parks along the boulevard were fragrant and beautiful with flowers, displayed in the soft electric light which flooded everything, and on up toward the Administration Square a band was playing. "The night is perfect and the walk delightful," said 48 John Harvey I. "We are attended by bofh flowers and music. Which do you prefer, Miss Beyresen?" "You need hardly ask," she answered. "I should dislike to be deprived of either, but music is my delight and my most constant study; it is eternal and divine." "And you think flowers only earthly?" I inquired. "I cannot tell," she replied. "I hope there are flowers in heaven, but I am sure there is music. It is like one's soul, unseen, intangible, emotional, and it is a necessity to happiness, almost to existence, I believe." "It would seem so," I returned. "There are so many harmonious sounds everywhere, each speaking to us in its own peculiar way and they form a great repertoire from which we draw continually and unconsciously." "But that is not all," said she. "Strains of music I never heard before have come into my mind, or rather floated into my imagination, and kept me company for days. Where did they originate, Mr. Maxwell?" "I do not know," I answered, "any more than how your thoughts occur. To me the musical composer's mind is more a mystery than to you, who are naturally in affinity with his creative world. I can only say that char- acter, mood, and association have much to do in shaping all expressions of the mind and soul." "The terms you use are so comprehensive, Mr. Max- well, that I do not feel particularly enlightened." "I claim no ability in this direction, Miss Beyresen. The influence of character in musical effort and emotion I cannot estimate. That of mood and association I can trace more easily. The song one's mother sang; the dirge over a friend; the national air of one's country; any music heard on memorable occasions continually recurs when- ever anything connected with it stirs memory's silent Chambers or even when the soul is in the same mood. I Clothilde 49 could tell you of an anthem I heard but once, which, with the scene attendant, made so powerful an impression on my mind that I do not think I shall ever forget it. I have been hearing portions of it since we have been walking here together." She hesitated a moment and then asked: "And pray what was it?" "You know better than I, for you were the leading spirit of the occasion," I answered. "It may be strange that I should be quietly walking and talking with the in- spiring person who sang that anthem, but it is not strange that its words and music should recur to me." "I believe I know what you mean!" she exclaimed, "and I perceive you are still the same complimentary gentleman who bestowed a bouquet on me that evening. I am really glad to have this opportunity to explain my action to you. I recognized in it certain flowers which I was sure could be found only in our own greenhouse. The plants had been sent me some time previously by a friend from abroad, and my sister had put a few of the blossoms in some bouquets which a neighboring florist had asked her to make for him. I picked the bouquet up therefore and wore the flowers. How you ever found them and came to give them to me I cannot imagine." "I found them accidentally," I replied. "I happened in at the florist's, saw the flowers which were familiar to me in their native land, and the disposal of them was an involuntary tribute to your rendition of the anthem. I am very glad I had them," I added. "And so am I," she said, "though your explanation of 'why' you had them might challenge investigation. I was a substitute for another that evening, Mr. Maxwell," she continued, "and I think I could offer a theory more 50 John Harvey plausible than that you have just given of how they came into your possession. Would you like to hear it?" "No, thank you," I answered; "your explanations already have destroyed enough illusions. Let me add that I am exceedingly glad there was a substitute that evening." We entered the cafe together, into a great hall well lighted and beautifully adorned, with small dining-rooms on either side, separated from it by arched openings cased with onyx. In these smaller rooms, which were fur- nished with all the requisites for comfort and convenience, tables were laid at which parties like our own could sit in comparative privacy, and yet see other guests entering the great hall and crossing it to the main public dining- room. We took our seats at a table in one of these rooms and ordered our repast. I could not repress my admira- tion of the cafe and its appointments, and compared it with some that I had seen in Europe. The conversation took a wider range and we were soon talking of foreign countries. Many years before Mr. and Mrs. Beyresen had spent a short time in Great Britain and on the Continent. They related some of the incidents of their journey, and Mrs. Beyresen said to me : "When we were in Liverpool, twenty-five years ago, we became acquainted with a family of your name. The husband was a physician and quite eminent in his pro- fession. There were two daughters and one or two sons in the family. I have wondered if they could have been related to you, Mr. Maxwell?" "I think not, Mrs. Beyresen," I answered. "My peo- ple live in the western portion of England, and though they are often in Liverpool yet none of them ever re- ClotJiilde 5 1 sided there. Besides, none of my family or relatives were at that time engaged in the practice of medicine." "Then," said Mrs. Beyresen, "we met another family of Maxwells a little later on, in Scotland, very nice people, travelers like ourselves. They were tenting comfortably at one of the little lochs of which there are so many in that country. The gentleman was in trade, at Aberdeen, I think, and out with his family for recreation. Possibly they were related to you, Mr. Maxwell." "I think not, Mrs. Beyresen," I replied. "In fact I know they were not. None of my people were at that time engaged in trade at Aberdeen." "Mr. Maxwell," inquired Anna very earnestly, "what do the people of England do; what did your people do?" "The people of England do a great many things, Miss Anna. Nearly all my people were farmers and stock- raisers." "Oh!" said Anna, "I did not think there was room. The island is so small, I am sure it must be crowded. There are only a few counties and they not very large. Let me see if I can remember them." She mentioned the names of all the counties except one which she had forgotten. "Devonshire," I suggested. "Oh, yes, thank you, that is in the west, the region you said your people lived in. Was that where you came from?" she inquired. "It was the county in which I was born, and lived for many years," I replied, feeling a little ill at ease under this questioning. Miss Clothilde had been listening with an amused smile, which I had noticed. She now interposed: "Let me make a diversion in your favor, Mr. Max- well," she said, "before you get hopelessly entangled in 52 John Harvey a web most innocently woven for you. You are in peril, I believe." "I am obliged for your interest," I returned, "though I am not aware of any danger. I was simply replying to Miss Anna's inquiries about England and its people." "Oh, yes," she said, "and to Mamma Beyresen's. Pardon me, but it was the disinterestedness and candor of your answers that led to my proffer of assistance. I did not intend to be officious. But I should like to under- stand," she continued after a moment's pause, "how you could know, when I am sure you were not over five years of age, that none of your family or relatives were physi- cians, or none of them were engaged in trade at Aber- deen?" "If I had such information later in life, or if my fam- ily were few in numbers, I might be able to state positively about the matter," I replied. "Is your family few in numbers, Mr. Maxwell?" she inquired mischievously, "and where, pray, do they market the stock which they raise?" "I crave your clemency!" I cried. "I cannot answer two questions in one breath. If you call this assistance, Miss Clothilde, forfend me from such." "I do not call it assistance," she answered laughingly. "I would not be so inexact. I consider it rather as ad- monition, and if you will take it so, Mr. Maxwell, you need not answer anything." I tacitly accepted her conditions, and from that time onward no further inquiries were made respecting my home or family. We soon after left the cafe and returned to the house, where I remained for some time talking with Mr. Bey- resen about the Xationality and its affairs, Mrs. Beyresen Clothildc 53 and Miss Clothilde occasionally making some observa- tion, the latter manifesting a thorough acquaintance with and much interest in the history of that body. CHAPTER VII. THE MOUNTAIN AND MINING DISTRICTS. About the middle of June I made a short journey both for observation and recreation among the mountain regions of the Nationality. The inhabitants were largely engaged in dairying, fruit and stock raising, and mining. There were numerous towns and villages situated at irregular intervals, as convenience demanded, and the railroads connecting them generally followed the courses of the streams as a matter of necessity. There were hun- dreds of quaint hamlets where the locomotive whistle had never been heard, and thousands of beautiful valleys, parks, and camping spots, almost as quiet and undisturbed as they had been for centuries before. I met many tourists from all portions of the world; for the climate is delightfully cool and refreshing, the sunshine bright, grateful and almost continuous, and the mountain scenery among the grandest and most beauti- ful on the face of the globe. The forests, covering a large portion of this region, were preserved with as much care as those in any part of Europe, thousands of acres of young trees being annually planted. The wild game was carefully protected, extensive areas of country too rough for other uses having been set apart as a refuge for them. The fish in the streams were plentiful, and living in the pure cold water distilled from 54 The Mountain and Mining Districts 55 the melting snows upon the mountains, were among the finest anywhere to be found. Game could be killed and fish taken only during cer- tain seasons and in limited numbers, and tourists and all others out for such sport were required to take a govern- ment officer with them, whose duty it was to see that the laws and regulations in regard to game, and also in regard to forest growth and forest fires, were not violated. In these regions the Nationality employed very many of its people in mining for coal, iron, lead, copper, and other metals, including gold and silver, which were found in greater abundance here than in any other portion of the globe. I was much interested in examining into the condi- tion of the mines and miners, thus directly under the con- trol of the government, and spent much of my time among them. I found that the mines were far freer from danger, better equipped, better timbered, and better lighted, drained, and ventilated than under other systems of own- ership in which the largeness of the output and economy in its production were the main objects. The miners were a most intelligent and sober people, and had as comfortable homes and were as well provided for as any other class of citizens. They worked only six hours in the twenty-four, their places being then filled by others. These short hours were allowed them because of the underground character of their work, and the fact that their health and comfort were considered as of the first importance by the government. I was surprised to learn that such was their enhanced diligence and such the advantages of extended co-opera- tion and improved methods, that under the management 56 John Harvey of the Nationality, notwithstanding this reduction in the time of individual labor and the increased expense en- tailed by sanitary and protective measures, the output of the mines was greater and more profitable than under that of the corporations and owners formerly controlling them. Certain grievances were charged against the Nation- ality in connection with the business of mining, the his- tory of which I will endeavor to relate. Some thirty years previous to the time of which I write, the United States had ceded to the separate states all the lands then belonging to it within their borders, not even excepting those containing precious metals. The business of mining, especially for these metals, had been very profitable, and many corporations and individuals outside the states in which the mines were located had been engaged in it. The states to which these mineral lands were ceded refused to sell them, but rented or leased them for a term of years on a certain royalty. On the accession of the Nationality the mining lands thus ceded, with all else became its property, and it re- fused to renew the leases, but as they lapsed worked the mines for the benefit of its own people. Its operations being conducted on a large scale caused the working of the other mines, owned and controlled by the corpora- tions and individuals before mentioned, to become un- profitable. Many of the latter mines, also, as their owners de- sired to sell, were bought up by the Nationality with the evident object of controlling the entire output and having but one system of labor, its own, within its borders. This action extended to and affected mines of all kinds — iron, coal, copper, lead and stone, as well as pre- cious metals. The Mountain and Mining Districts 57 The proceeding of the Nationality in these respects was tested by suits brought against that body in the Uni- ted States courts by these corporations and owners, but was decided by the highest tribunals of the land to be per- fectly constitutional and legal. The agitation in regard to these matters had not, however, ceased, being kept up by persons living under the old labor system in other 9tates, and had lately as- sumed higher ground than before. It was alleged that the Nationality had gained pos- session of the principal mines of the country, and con- trolled the output of the precious metals to its own ad- vantage; that it hoarded them in its vaults, and was able at any time to flood the country with them, and that among its own people they were not used as money. In regard to these accusations, it was undoubtedly true that the Nationality controlled the amount of the precious metals mined within its borders and dictated the disposition of the same, but not more so than it did that of its other products, it being an essential part of its plan that it should so control all production. It was undoubtedly true that large quantities of the precious metals were stored away in the vaults of the treasury at Neuropolis, and that they were not used as money among the people of the Nationality. In fact, the complaints against that body all arose from undeniable differences between its labor system and that of the rest of the Union, and the impossibility of set- tling them except by the adoption of one system by the whole nation, was evident. This conviction caused me to turn again with re- newed interest to the study of the principles underlying these systems, and to the observation of the condition of the people living under them. Having learned much 58 John Harvey in the course of my brief visit to the mountains I re- turned to Neuropolis in the latter part of June, purposing before long to spend some time on the plains, among the more exclusively agricultural communities. CHAPTER VIII. THE ENGRAVINGS. I spent many evenings now at Mr. Beyresen's house. It was a great pleasure to me to feel that I had found friends in this strange land, who accepted me for what I was, and not for what I or my family represented. Mr. Beyresen was much engaged in affairs of state, and I had on these visits opportunities to become better acquainted with Miss Clothilde, who was usually at home. In addition to her other accomplishments, she was exceedingly well informed on all subjects of literature and art, and seemed to have a knowledge of many of the mod- ern languages. I obtained my first hint of this one evening when we were talking of the arrangement of books in libraries. "My adjustment of them," said she, "is very crude. I put the books in English together, the Spanish to- gether, the German together, and the French together. The other languages are massed remorselessly." "And how many languages, pray, have you in your library?" I inquired. "Oh, I do not know," she answered. "I have a good many more than I understand, I fear. A large part of my library was left me by a friend, and the books are prized on that account. Though, indeed, they are all among the best books, and I should be lost without them. Be- sides these, I have added many of my own choice from 59 60 John Harvey time to time during the last twelve years, and I have now quite a good library." "The last twelve years!" I exclaimed. "You must have begun collecting books at a very early age, Miss Beyresen." "A woman," she replied, "answers no questions in regard to her age. She is supposed to have youth im- mortal. I will show you, however, one book presented to me ten years ago, and I assure you, Mr. Maxwell, though I was not then old enough to understand it thor- oughly, I could read it as well as either you or I can now." She brought me a copy of Goethe's works in Ger- man, elegantly bound and exquisitely illustrated, a gift worthy of a king. I opened it and turned the leaves. I did not look at the blank leaves where the donor's name might be. She observed this. "Oh, you may look anywhere in the book. See," she said, pointing to a little golden case set in the leather on the side of the book, and closed by a slide, "the giver's name and presentation note are in that little case." "If this be a specimen of the books in your library, Miss Beyresen, the collection must be a sight worth see- ing. This is a royal gift in its richness of illustration and beauty of finish." "I am pleased that you like it," she said, "but it is hardly a fair criterion of my books. It is a show-book more than one for general use, and I think possibly the costliest single volume I have." "If you have more show-books similar to this," said I, looking admiringly at the beautiful illustrations, "I should be very much pleased to see them." "You told us some time ago you were from Devon- shire," she remarked. "I have some engravings of Dev- The Engravings 61 onshire scenery, and towns and castles which I can show you." "I should be glad to see them, if I do not trouble you and if there is time this evening," I answered, a little disconcerted, notwithstanding my curiosity regarding them, at the possible perplexities into which I might be plunged by this quick-witted young lady. She seemed to notice my hesitation, for she said: "I thought you might be able to tell me something about these places, which would add to my information and be valuable to me in showing the engravings to others. But if you wish to examine them more leisurely I will give them to you as you leave, and you can take them with you." "By no means," I replied quickly; "the greatest pleasure in looking at your engravings would be foregone if I might not examine them with you. Any information about them I possess will be given you with pleasure. Let us look them over together, please." She seemed gratified, and brought the book and turned the pages with her own fingers. The engravings were quite numerous, and very fine, evidently the work of the best artists. I saw familiar places, which, in years gone by, I had frequented, and various events connected with them I remembered distinctly. Miss Beyresen said little, but very evidently enjoyed the interest which she saw I took in them. Presently my fair entertainer turned a leaf and an un- usually fine engraving of Dorsetshire Castle appeared. I was startled at seeing before me an exact representation of a spot associated with my earliest and most cherished recollections. "This," she said, "is, I believe, the ancestral seat of 62 John Harvey the Duke of Dorsetshire. I have heard that it is a fa- mous castle with very beautiful grounds. I suppose you have seen it, Mr. Maxwell?" I bowed assent, hardly caring to answer audibly, par- ticularly as she was regarding me attentively with her great hazel eyes. "Then probably you can tell me whether this engrav- ing is an accurate one." "I hardly understand you," I replied. "It seems to me a very real representation of the place." "Let us go more into particulars, please," she said. "I think if we do you will understand me better. I have quite a curiosity to know if this engraving really is exact. For instance," she went on, "is that group of high trees represented as standing to the right of the castle truthful; are there such trees there, I mean?" "I believe there are," I answered. "That is my rec- ollection." "And do you recall the species of trees?" she asked. "They are elms, I believe," I replied. "And the gardens on the left where the ladies and gentlemen stand, are they really there?" "I believe they are there also," I answered. "And the rookery, does that exist as represented?" "There was a rookery at about that place," I answer- ed again, somewhat puzzled at the persistence of my fair interlocutor. "Well," she continued, "and that high tower, is it re- ally as represented?" "The tower is undoubtedly there, or was some years ago, when I last saw the place," I replied. "Now," she said, "that hardly answers my question, Mr. Maxwell. "Do you think the engraving an exact representation of the tower, for instance?" The Engravings 63 "I think it is," I replied. "Look at it again," she said. "Artists are so inac- curate sometimes, and take such liberties with the orig- inal, or, rather, depend often on a not very accurate mem- ory for details. Do you see those three windows, one somewhat above the other in a spiral, on the part of the tower shown in the engraving?" "I do." "Then look a little to the left. Do you not see another window faintly outlined in the shadow toward the main roof?" "I believe I do," I said. "Now, Mr. Maxwell, is there such a window in that tower?" I was startled. I knew there was no such window, but how on earth could the young lady so promptly chal- lenge its existence? "There is no such window," I answered positively, thrown a little off my guard. "I knew it," she said, "because the three spiral win- dows suggest a stairway, and that window is not only out of place, but would be directly in the way of a stairway. There is a stairway, Mr. Maxwell?" "Yes," I admitted, "there is a stairway." "Thank you," she said, "and now one other ques- tion. Do you see that figure of a horse on the stables? Is that horse correctly portrayed? Look at its position, Mr. Maxwell. It faces in toward the stables. It should face outwards. It may, however, be a weather-vane, though it is rather large for that, but if it be really a sta- tionary figure I cannot but think the engraver has let his memory deceive him and has placed it wrong." "It is placed wrong," I answered. "It is not a weather-vane, but a figure in bronze, and does face to- 64 John Harvey ward the entrance. How particularly you observe!" I continued. "Few would have noticed these slight inac- curacies in so fine an engraving." "Now let me assure you, Mr. Maxwell, I did not call attention to these inaccuracies for the purpose of exhibit- ing my small powers of observation, but rather for that of seeing if they would be verified by your greater knowl- edge. There is one other point on which I would like to have your opinion. You see that rustic lookout, or seat, on the lower branches of the great oak tree in the fore- ground?" She was pointing to a seat I myself, as a boy, had made with the help of the gardener, taking advantage of a natural curve in one of the large branches of the oak tree. The gardener and I had made the seat, and I used to oc- cupy it, in company often with a little Spanish maiden who was visiting at the castle when I was about twelve years of age. I remembered a fall I once had from it to the ground, the result of a misstep, and the side of my left temple still bore a scar which I had then received. I could, as I looked at the engraving, recall my little com- panion's shriek of terror as I fell to the ground. I hesitated and looked at Miss Beyresen, and then answered: "Yes, I believe I see it." "Now, Mr. Maxwell," she said, "that seat has puz- zled me. The great limb of the tree seems to bend in a very unnatural way, so as to form a curved back for the seat. Does it really do so, or is this another defect in my engraving?" I glanced at the young lady; there was mischief lurk- ing in her eye, though her expression otherwise was sweet and innocent as a summer morning. I could not tell her about the tree without revealing too great familiarity with the place, so I replied: "I cannot enlighten you as to that, The Engravings 65 Miss Beyresen, but I must be permitted to compliment you on your powers of observation, and to remark that you seem to expect extremely accurate work from the art- ist. You appear to be very realistic in your demands." "I have been called idealistic," she demurely an- swered, "and I liked that expression better." "Well," I returned, "there has been something about you this evening ideally realistic." "Thank you," she said; "that is pleasanter." "And you always suit the scene in this ideally real- istic land," I continued, "which is one reason, I suppose, why you are called by the most appropriate name of 'The Princess'." "I should like you to go on," she said. "I am very much interested and would fain hear more, but from the well-known footfall upon the walk I fear the entrance of Father Beyresen will clip the wings of your fancy in mid- air, so you would better, Mr. Maxwell, settle down gently before he arrives." "I beg pardon," I again replied. "I will take your advice ; but I have a favor to ask of you before I go. These evenings are so beautiful and I am so English that I think no place is as pleasant as outdoors, with a congenial companion. If your highness would consent to accom- pany me some evening for a stroll about the avenues and boulevards of this well-kept city I should be very grate- ful." She hesitated, and I added: "Say to-morrow even- ing. I understand there is to be an illumination of a unique character in the Administration "Square. I believe I can find a quiet place from which we can view it com- fortably." "Thank you, I think I can go," she said. "I should like to go. I generally spend a good deal of time out- doors during summer evenings. Yes, you can depend upon me to-morrow, Mr. Maxwell." CHAPTER IX. THE ILLUMINATION. Half past 7 o'clock the next evening found me at Mr. Beyresen's. Miss Clothilde was ready for our walk, and when she entered the room I thought I had never seen her look- ing more animated, charming and graceful. "Shall we be in the open air all the time, Mr. Max- well?" she inquired. "As you desire," I replied, "though I had not sup- posed anything else, it is such a glorious night." "Two souls with but a single thought!" she exclaim- ed. "I have been shut up all day, and the air will be so refreshing. How long shall we be out?" "I cannot tell that," I answered. "Let us be like chil- dren that take no note of time. When you are weary we will turn homeward." So we sallied forth, and were soon walking arm in arm up the Southeast Avenue leading toward the Ad- ministration Square. It was a beautiful evening in the early part of July, calm, still and languorous. A few white, fleecy clouds drifted across the azure sky, occasionally intercepting the rays of the full moon which shed a changeful light upon all objects, glorifying some and casting others into deep shadow. Many people were abroad on the avenue like our- selves ; others sat under the trees in the little parks, but the avenue was so broad and the parks so many that 66 The Illumination . 67 both seemed but thinly populated. Family groups were out on the lawns in front of their homes enjoying the beauties of the night, often in company with friends and neighbors, and frequently small tables stood near them on which were various light refreshments. We walked slowly along the avenue, talking of the city and of others in Eastern lands which I had visited, with which I compared it. "The Oriental glamour and entrancement hang around this scene," I said, "and the mysteries of this land appear to me as fathomless as those of India or Egypt, where every great building and every stupendous work is attributed, in part at least, to some fabled deity or some wonderful and mythologic personage. The same ne- cromancy appears present here to-night as we walk along this noble boulevard toward those majestic public build- ings which adorn your city, and so strong a spell does it cast upon my imagination that I could almost expect the genii who created them to rise from behind those moun- tains and appear visibly to us. Are you ever dominated by such fancies, Miss Clothilde, or do you deem them frivolous?" "No," she said slowly and reflectively, "I w r ould not wish to be considered as thinking them such; it would not augur well of one's own character. I believe I told you last night that I disclaim living entirely in the realms of the real. I know no one who does live so, and if I did I hardly think I should desire an extended acquaintance. But I hope, Mr. Maxwell, I am not so imaginative as to be too much a dreamer, which I think is one of the faults of the Oriental character. I sometimes look at the clouds, sir, but I look at my feet, too. I like to know where I am going, but I am not oblivious to the songs of the birds and the waters, and the beauty of the flowers 68 John Harvey and the shadows, and when there is a rainbow I never shut my eyes. I am a mixture, but in what proportions I can't tell, nor would I if I could." "So we all are," I replied, "and the qualities of our composition are often so varied, and their phases so sub- tle, that the very finest of them cannot be described at all, for they give out new tones at the touch of every circum- stance and incident of life." "Now, Mr. Maxwell!" she exclaimed, "I had thought to give you some insight into my philosophy, but if you are one of those awful beings, called metaphysicians, who analyze and generalize, and dissect and classify mental phenomena, I am dumb as an oyster." "No, indeed," I answered, "I am not. Pray continue, for 1 am sure it will be interesting." "I do not know about that," she said; "it depends much upon the disposition of the listener. But I will ven- ture to give you my short creed. I think life very mys- terious, not in an alarming way, but in a solemn one. We have great responsibilities in regard to it, and though we may enjoy ourselves occasionally, as you and I are doing to-night, yet life should not be all a butterfly existence. I think the best and noblest people have generally been the busiest." "But the busiest, I have often noticed, are so occu- pied that they become more or less uncongenial, and sometimes almost repellent to their fellow-beings." "Then they have not been rightly busy," she replied. "They have been so possessed by work in certain direc- tions that they have forgotten one great duty — to keep themselves in touch with the progress, and in sympathy with the heart of humanity, and to show due regard for the rights and happiness of their fellow beings. That in- cludes a great deal, Mr. Maxwell, a great deal that should The Illumination 69 never be forgotten : charity, kindliness, cheerfulness and unselfishness. I think every human being owes these to his fellow creatures." "I agree with you perfectly," I said, "but so many practically ignore them." "And yet," she continued, "there are no other virtues in whose exercise we can find more pleasure; they react on one's own life and make it enjoyable. It may seem presumptuous, Mr. Maxwell, but I do not believe," she added, "that the old system of government, the one I mean under which you, for instance, have lived, is as con- ducive to the development of these virtues as the one under which we live here." "I hope you are right," I answered. "In fact, I think the future happiness of the world depends upon the adop- tion of some system which cultivates the virtues you have mentioned. The old system does not, I am sure. If you will pardon me, I would like to say one thing more. 1 have personally experienced- these virtues since coming into your city, and I have sometimes thought that the hospitality and kindness so generously shown me might be due in some measure to the influences you suggest, and then again I have wondered whether I had not merely fallen among persons unusually possessed by these quali- ties. Whatever the cause I have desired the opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude." "I hardly know how to answer you, Mr. Maxwell If you wish to resolve your doubts you will have to en- large your circle of acquaintance. I think I could help you in that if you desired it." "Many thanks," I answered, "but I pray you let me bask a little longer in the sunshine of the friends I have already found. I want none others just yet." jo John Harvey "Thank you for your courtesy and your kindly ex- pression, Mr. Maxwell," she replied simply. It was now 8 o'clock, the hour set for beginning the illumination, and as we reached the Administration Boulevard, the entire square, and the surrounding edi- fices for quite a distance, were suddenly bathed in a flood of silvery light which had been turned upon them. At a height of about eight hundred feet, above and directly over the great dome of the Administration Build- ing, an immense hemisphere had by some means been suspended. It must have been fully one hundred feet in diameter, and its skyward, or convex surface, was opaque and its outline indistinguishable, while its earthward, or concave one, seemed composed of white glass, and from every portion of it, without cessation or interruption, the light I have mentioned radiated downwards and out- wards, a light without heat, steadfast, pure and soft like that of a brililant moon near the earth's surface. The effect was very beautiful; the white marble of the Administration Building, with its tracings and statu- ary, came out in full relief, and all the roofs shone like silver in this soft but all-pervading light. It wrapped the sides of the surrounding buildings in its effulgent flood, revealing their noble outlines and gave a new and phan- tom-like appearance to all objects, great or small, on which it shone. An exclamation of surprise escaped from Clothilde's lips, and as we hurried along up the East Boulevard under the light of fhe new orb, her face revealed her de- lighted wonder. "Ah, Mr. Maxwell," she exclaimed, "is not this beau- tiful ! I am a thousand times obliged to you for bringing me here." We stopped near one of the great universities which The Illumination 71 faced the eastern side of the Administration Square, and stood for a few moments between it and its adjoining grounds. Great trees cast dark shadows on the street and athwart the walks, while close by us rose the uni- versity, a massive building of gray granite. It was many stories high, with numerous porches, nooks and angles on all sides, some of them lighted up by the illumination, others cast in shadow. The edifice had been closed to general admittance, bat many of its porches on the side next the Administra- tion Building were occupied by professors, students and their friends. During the afternoon I had secured the promise of admission to one of the smaller of these high up on the sixth story. A great concourse of people had already assembled on the square, and many others were constantly arriving. Clothilde, however, seemed entirely occupied in viewing the illumination, and I stood by her for some minutes enjoying her rapturous enthusiasm. At last I interrupted it and told her of the place I had secured, and in a few moments we were inside the building, and by the aid of a lift reached the sixth story, and were soon on the little portico where, screened by some large pillars and comfortably seated, we could enjoy the scene without discomfort or annoyance. "I did not think when we started out," said my com- panion, "that there was such a pleasure in store for us. We seem up here to have been translated into a new world, almost unreal, composed of lights and shadows, an unsubstantial spirit world, beautiful, but vague and dream-like." The various feelings and emotions of her mind were pictured on her countenance as in a mirror. They added 72 John Harvey new grace and charm to her appearance, and I did not break the spell by many words. "Look at the light shining on the golden-ribbed dome of the Administration Building and on its white walls. It seems like a fairy temple, like a new Jerusalem, like a palace of snow, with window panes of ice. There is not a light in any of the windows; they have all been put out that they might not interfere with the effect. And everything is so quiet here, one could imagine we were the only tenants of this solitude. We are not over one hundred feet above the rest of the world, are we? — and yet we are lifted above its ordinary life and thought. What a difference the point of view and the light one uses make in the result." "They do, indeed," I answered. "There is an undis- turbed harmony between the spiritual and material worlds this evening. It is I who am obliged to you for giving it expression." "Thank you," she replied. "Do you know you have brought me very near the scene of my daily labors? I teach music and languages to young ladies in this very building, on the floor below." "I knew of your musical but not so much of your linguistic accomplishments," I answered. "Might I in- quire what languages you most affect?" "Oh, I speak in various tongues," she returned, "some pleasant, some not so pleasant." "I have listened to none but what were very pleas- ant," I said. "A princess can use no other." "That shows how superficial your observation has been, or I may as well be plain with you, how little you know of princesses, Mr. Maxwell. You still have hopes? Well, you need not tell me about them. Do you see that broad mirror of silver in the setting of green trees on the The Illumination 73 plain yonder, and the blue lines running to and from it like cords holding it in place? That is the lake and the canal. See the sailboat skimming over its surface like a white- winged bird? I am acquainted with that lake, Mr. Maxwell, and I have often taken boat rides on it. In fact, some other ladies and I have a boathouse there and go boating frequently. So you have learned of another accomplishment." "And one, Miss Clothilde, in which fortunately I am somewhat proficient. Could you, or would you, give or accept an invitation to sail together some evening?" "Yes," she answered, "I think we might have a boat ride some time; I mean a quiet boat ride. I have been out in the larger boats when there was much merriment and laugliter and I have enjoyed it, but not so well as in a quieter way, when the water, and the motion, and the small world of the boat, make one happy." "I hope you will accept an invitation from me," I said, "for some evening this week." "No," she returned, "please let me choose the time for the boat ride, and I will not make it soon, for the mood in which we are to-night will not bear frequent rep- etition." "Well," I answered, "as you wish. But I hope you will let me do the sailing and you can do the singing." "Yes, I might sing a little, and I may preach to you a little; I can do both, and I like to exercise all my gifts. See that cloud just passing over the face of the moon? Did you ever study cloud effects, Mr. Maxwell? Well, then, let me advise you to do so. We have some of the most beautiful cloud scenery in our skies ever witnessed. Oh, no, not with me! You could not study cloud effects with me. You must be alone. You must observe the size and shape of your cloud, estimate its thickness and j a John Harvey its vaporous contents, note its changes of color and the way the light falls upon it, and follow it through the sky. I should only be a divertisement, inimical to real study. "We ought to be getting home, don't you think so, Mr. Maxwell? How I have chattered on this stony ledge! What would the grave professors say could they have heard me? But we started out to be like children, and if you have been quietly laughing at me you must remem- ber I have been simply keeping up the character. I have enjoyed it, though, and to-morrow I shall be as solemn as a bishop. Xow let us go down, please." We returned slowly toward the house. It was late, but the illumination still continued with all its former glory. We passed by the great vase in the triangular park, spectrally white in the radiance, and crowned with shrubs and flowers which gave forth aromatic odors on the night air, and stopped to pluck a few roses from some bushes near its base, and then resumed our walk and soon reached Miss Beyresen's home. I felt a strange sympathy drawing me to this bright, lovely and beautiful American girl, who had so uncon- ventionally accompanied me this evening. I walked back to my hotel with a feeling of elation, but once there subjected myself to a rigid and severe scrutiny. I realized that I had been interested in the young lady from the moment I first saw her on the stage. Some- thing, too, told me that the feeling was reciprocated; there is a telegraphy about such things that cannot be mistaken. Was I then a boyish fool? Was I, a high-born En- glishman, who had frequented European courts and min- gled with w r it and beauty in them, to fall helplessly in love The Illumination 75 with an American girl of no lineage and no distinction, except such as her voice, manner and beauty had gained for her? Aye, but there was the mystery. I was not the only one these graces had attracted; the whole city seemed to know her and be proud of her. Everywhere I had heard her called the princess and spoken of with approbation and affection. Was it nothing to win such a woman — if one could? There was something very mysterious about this beautiful and gifted girl who was so self-possessed and gracious, who taught music and languages daily, and who owned one book worth at least a hundred pounds, who showed me the costliest engravings of my own home and its surroundings, who could entrance a multitude with the magic of her voice and manner, and chattered fear- lessly alone with me high up on a stone balcony, as she had done this night. I would restrain myself; I would wait and learn about her. I retired to rest, only to dream of Clothilde Beyresen, original and lovely as ever, sometimes sitting on the stone balcony, sometimes in a boat on the quiet lake, and again clinging to me in a storm-tossed vessel on the ocean's broad expanse. CHAPTER X. LEGAL AND OTHER DIFFICULTIES. Two or three days passed before I called again at Mr. Beyresen's. I thought much about Clothilde, however, and learned something more of her history. She had only lived at home since she was eighteen, having until that age resided in one of the Eastern cities. She had been received with much favor in Neuropo- lis, and her appearance on the stage had created a furore which she had put down with great good sense, by de- clining any marked attention. She seldom sang in public now, but devoted herself assiduously to her work in the university. She enjoyed walking, riding, boating and other ath- letic exercises, went a good deal into society, where she was very popular, and was, in short, a high-spirited, good, and wonderfully gifted young lady. I inquired no further; indeed, so great had become my faith and interest in her that I had felt like a culprit in inquiring at all ; I seemed to be unworthily seeking for information in regard to a confiding friend. When I went again to Mr. Beyresen's I found the family all together and cordial and pleasant as usual. Mrs. Beyresen, however, soon excused herself, having some duties which demanded her attention, and Mr. Bey- resen beg-an to talk to me about the controversies between the Nationality and the citizens of other states. He re- ferred to the alleged grievances which I have already 76 Legal and Other Difficulties 77 stated to the reader, and in addition gave me the history of another difficulty of far graver character. The United States court of highest appeal, he in- formed me, had after a long and bitter legal contention rendered final judgment against the Nationality for a sum amounting to more than one hundred million dol- lars. This judgment was based on claims against the Na- tionality, made by a large number of persons, who had been tenants of the company controlling the settlement of the land before the organization of that body. These persons had rented portions of these lands for a year, or more, but for various causes being considered by the company undesirable tenants, had been refused permission to occupy them any longer. They had therefore removed to other states. The company was soon after succeeded by the Nationality, of which the tenants remaining became citizens, with cer- tain rights and privileges guaranteed them, chief among which was the support of themselves and their families after a certain age. The former tenants claimed they had been wronged by the refusal of the company to rent lands to them, and their consequent inability to remain and enjoy the advan- tages afforded by the new organization, and demanded pecuniary recompense. Their grievances were fostered and their demands encouraged by astute and cunning men, who saw in them an opportunity of harassing the Nationality and securing gain for themselves. A corporation of wealthy capitalists was formed in the Eastern states, and in Europe, for the purpose of deal- in these claims, which from time to time purchased them fr< >m the original tenants at a merely nominal price. 78 John Harvey This corporation, many years before, had brought suit against the Nationality on these demands, maintain- ing that the latter body succeeded to all liabilities of the first company. They employed eminent counsel, and the officers of the Nationality did likewise. This suit began in the lower courts of the United States, and was fought step by step up to the highest trib- unal, which had just rendered the judgment of which Mr. Beyresen spoke. Continuing the subject, he informed me that the officers of the Nationality did not consider themselves authorized to pay the judgment without sub- mitting the matter to their people, and had applied for a stay of execution to enable them to do so, and the indi- cations were that it would not be granted. "The rendition of this judgment, however," said he, "means far more than the payment of this amount. It means that the courts of the land are under the control of the Money Power, which always has been and always will be our inveterate foe. It means that all the other issues supposed to have been settled by former decisions will be speedily reopened. The right of the people, or any part of the people, to issue obligatory certificates of in- debtedness, which by mutual agreement, shall take the place of money, will be again questioned. Their right, by like agreement, to refrain from using among them- selves what currently passes as money in the United States, will again be denied. Our system of state owner- ship will again be controverted. All these attacks will be made so insidiously and covertly that constant embar- rassment will be placed in the way of our progress, peace and happiness. "The battle between the people and plutocracy has been set for years, and the borders of our Nationality define the line between the contending forces. The power Legal and Other Difficulties 79 of money is enormous. It is compact and aggressive. It is vigilant, alert, resourceful and unscrupulous. It at- tracts the brightest and most influential to its side. The people beyond our borders revolt at its debasing rule, but are none the less subjugated by it. It is even now at- tempting to create divisions among our own people. There are agents of the Money Power in our towns and cities to-day, endeavoring to alienate their affections from this form of government. But they have as yet had no success, I am proud to say ; for our people are well satis- fied, and true to that government and labor system which has saved them from the evils, and sufferings, and vas- salage, which is the lot of their Eastern brethren. "The battle which is to be fought, Mr. Maxwell, will be a struggle of giants, and will involve more of weal or woe to the American people than any in which they have hitherto engaged. It is a conflict, sir, between systems which are antagonistic, and one or other of them must fall. It seems to me as irrepressible a conflict as that of i860, and like that, to be about industrial slavery. "The battlefield hitherto has been the courts; it re- mains to be seen whether it will hereafter be confined to them. Prior to i860, our courts were not conducted in the interests of freedom; it will soon be seen how they are controlled to-day. "But whatever the battlefield, I am sure, Mr. Max- well, victory will finally be ours. We are united and will wait, if waiting be possible. We shall quickly become stronger. The people, in other states, are daily growing more dissatisfied with their condition. Those nearest us, and who know us best, are with us. The great states of Texas, Arkansas, Missouri and Oklahoma will soon join us and will add largely to our population. Their people have seen the blessings of our system of labor and govern- 80 John Harvey ment and are overwhelmingly in favor of it. We shall soon be so strong that the argument of numbers will be with us. This is what the Money Power fears. This is why it has latterly pushed this controversy, which has been allowed to drag along since the days of John Har- vey. Ever since his time it has viewed us with suspicion and distrust." "Is it not unfortunate," said I, "that the man whom you regard as the founder of the Nationality should have given so much cause for suspicion and distrust, by acts that can scarcely be defended with any show of success in any civilized land?" Mr. Beyresen looked somewhat surprised, but I con- tinued: "Do you think it wise, sir, in view of a struggle such as you deem approaching, to give so much promi- nence to the memory and attract so much attention to the deeds of this pioneer of your earlier days? I am an En- glishman, not, I trust, without great interest in the social reforms of the age and a newly awakened hope for the success of your form of government, but were I to advo- cate your cause in England I dare not mention John Har- vey's name, for he is there considered as a murderer, a pirate, and a buccaneer. I should assuredly choose some other person among your pioneers as the representative of your principles and government." Toward the latter portion of my remarks Mr. Bey- resen had been seized with a violent fit of coughing which interfered somewhat with them, and caused me to raise my voice rather higher than usual. He rose hurriedly as if still struggling with his bronchial difficulty, and saying, "Excuse me, sir, my daughter will answer you; you need to know John Harvey's history better," left the room, fol- lowed at once by Miss Anna, who seemed much con- cerned at her father's condition. Legal and Other Difficulties 81 Somewhat disconcerted by this sudden flight, I looked toward the elder daughter and was still more con- fused when I saw the change in her appearance and man- ner. She had turned and now sat facing me, upright as a statue, her eyes, blazing like coals of fire, fixed full upon me. Her face was pale, but a vivid red spot glowed in each cheek. Her lips were slightly parted, but her white teeth were clinched together, while her small, shapely hands grasped tightly the arms of the easy-chair in which she sat. She seemed struggling to control herself in a passion of almost ungovernable anger, of which I was plainly the object, for her eyes never left mine. It seemed difficult for her to keep her seat or to find voice or words. To say I was astonished beyond measure, and per- plexed and troubled, would 'be to put it lightly; but I am not of slow perceptions, and comprehended that it was as necessary for me to be still and composed, and await events, as if I faced an angry lioness. Finally she found voice, low at first and emphatic, but musical, and how bitter and contemptuous! "I shall not," she said, "accept the task my father has thrown upon me and defend John Harvey's memory. My father knew him as a personal friend and could have done it had he chosen. But I will not sit by and hear an Englishman cast aspersions upon John Harvey's name without suitable reply. Who are you who sit in high and mighty judgment upon the character of a man whose shoe-latchet you are not worthy to untie? What have you, an idler as you are, ever done to enable you even to pass an opinion on the acts of one whose beneficence has blessed ten millions of fellow-beings? "I will tell you who you are, and what your kind has done, that you may rightly estimate your own impor- 82 John Harvey tance. You are a descendant of a line of Anglo-Saxons, Danes, and Normans, whose hands were red, constantly red, with the blood of their fellow-men and women; to whom pillage, piracy, robbery, murder, and all crimes, even among their kings and nobles, were everyday oc- currences, who, like beasts of prey, ravaged all lands and all seas, and brought distress and woe wherever they went. And what are you now in this twentieth century, when such crimes would meet with condign and merited pun- ishment? Too few to govern the world by the sword, you have erected a golden image of which you are the high priests, and whose worship you recommend to all mankind, and like the Ephesians of old, when your di- vinity is assailed, when your pockets are touched, you are ready to cry out and vilify and abuse the apostles of free- dom; as you yourself, a descendant of such a race, have unjustly and unkindly done to-night. John Harvey and Herbert Maxwell, the philanthropist and the idler, oc- cupy very different spheres. I will choose the former, and my father can dispose of the latter. I will send him to you again," she said scornfully, and she departed. It is impossible to describe the mortification, suffer- ing, and misery I endured during this tirade, and, though trying to seem composed, I presume I must have shown it. Toward its termination the young lady had arisen and stood near me, gesticulating freely. She was terribly angry, and yet graceful and quick in every movement, and I felt it impossible to turn away or even avoid her look. She was laboring under great excitement, but able to ex- press her sentiments in words as easily as she had on the evening of the illumination. But oh, how different! Then she was the charming comrade and companion; now she was Nemesis herself. A few minutes later the door opened and Mr. Bey- Legal and Other Difficulties 83 resen entered. He was looking toward the floor, and, rubbing his hands in a hesitating and nervous manner, and seemed as much embarrassed as was I. I rose to my feet, but he said: "Pray take your seat a few moments, Mr. Maxwell, and let us talk this matter over. I do not know exactly w r hat my daughter has said to you, but I imagine it was nothing pleasant. I do not want to know either," he interrupted, as I was about to make some explanation. "I saw it was coming and I left the room. Excuse me for doing so, but these unfortunate occurrences are better without witnesses. I could not stop it. I might as well have tried to stop a hurricane. My daughter, sir, is a great friend of John Harvey, and you did not understand this." "My allusion," I replied, "was very unfortunate. But I certainly did not understand either your friendship or your daughter's for that individual, or I should have been more careful. I spoke according to my knowledge of him." "Your knowledge of him was imperfect or very lim- ited," he answered. "He was a many-sided man; he was a great man, Air. Maxwell. But we will say no more of him now. Clothilde is a good girl; I cannot make ex- cuses for her. You do not know her provocation, and I must deal justly with you both." "But what," I exclaimed, "am I to do, Air. Beyresen? I have visited at your house, and you all, including your elder daughter, have been very friendly with me, and I am distressed. She made it plain to me that it was im- possible to meet her on the former footing. She was cruel, Air. Beyresen, though she may not know it." "She does know perfectly, Air. Alaxwell," he answer- ed. "She knows all she said. She has a very exact mem- ory." 84 John Harvey "Well, will you speak to her, and explain, or get me an opportunity to explain my blunder?" I asked. "God forbid," said the old gentleman. "You and she must mend this matter. I never shall say a word. I know that Clothilde will think it over, and if she has said too much she will let you know it somehow. She is a girl of fine judgment. I never before saw her so extremely angry. As for me I cannot say a word to her. She chooses her own companions ; she does about as she likes, and seldom makes mistakes. She is a royal woman and should be treated as such. Call to see us if you can," he continued; "we wish you to do so. You will either find Clothilde gone, or she will be friendly. If she has been unjust she will repent of it, I know." And so with a "God bless you" from the old gentle- man, who seemed as concerned and as helpless as I was, I left the house. During the succeeding days I was constantly recur- ring to the scene of my late discomfiture. I inquired somewhat further into the history of John Harvey, and learned that while he had been guilty of all I had attrib- uted to him, yet he was indeed a many-sided man, and really the founder of the Nationality. I had several talks with Mr. Beyresen at his office, but he carefully refrained from any allusion to the late un- pleasantness, merely saying as I left him, "Come and see us when you can." But I could not. I had written a note to his daugh- ter, asking her for an opportunity to explain, but beyond a polite acknowledgment of receipt and an expressed doubt as to whether I could explain, the note contained nothing except these words at the end, "Wait a bit," which seemed to me to promise something. CHAPTER XL THE LAND AXD THE PEOPLE. Very shortly after the events narated in the preceding chapter I made a somewhat prolonged tour throughout the plains, or agricultural portion of the Nationality, my object being to learn all I could about these regions, and to study the character, habits and condition of the people in them, especially so far as they were affected by the peculiar system of government under which they lived. In these regions it seldom rains, except in the early spring, and not at any time in quantity sufficient to ma- ture crops. During the winter, however, a great amount of snow is deposited upon the sides and tops of the moun- tains to the westward, where, sheltered in their deep gorges, it melts slowly until the middle of the summer, when the process becomes more rapid. Then the small rivers of the land, few in number and widely separated, all having their sources among the mountains, attain their flood height. These, after reaching the plain, trend in an easterly direction. At no time do they contain water sufn- cien to fill the wide beds hollowed out ages ago, when in- deed they were mighty rivers emptying probably into an inland ocean occupying a large portion of these plains. The water in them, when taken out by artificial channels, was only sufficient to irrigate a narrow fringe of land lying within a few miles of their borders. The experiments thus made, however, demonstrated that these plains, sloping gently from the mountains to 8s 86 John Harvey the eastward, were capable of extensive irrigation, and that when irrigated they were very fertile. About thirty years previous to the time of which I write, a system for watering them had been begun by the construction of the great canal before spoken of, which ran from the north in a southerly direction, along, or near the base of the mountains, for many hundreds of miles. Several large branches, in themselves small rivers, ex- tended from it eastward along the summits of the water sheds of the rivers just mentioned. From these branches, or laterals, as they were called, numerous smaller canals, or ditches, took the water and distributed it all over the land. During the succeeding years these artificial channels had been extended and mul- tiplied until now the whole constituted the most com- plete and extensive scheme of irrigation to be found upon the surface of the globe; a great arterial system fully as essential to the nurture and development of these regions as that of the human body is to human life. The railroads were a feature that at once attracted my attention. As has been before stated the unit of division of the land was the township, twelve miles square. Near the center of each of these a village had been built, in which all of its inhabitants lived, and these villages were connected by railroads running north, south, east and west, generally in direct lines from one to another, until they finally merged in great trunk roads communicating with the metropolis and the larger cities of the National- ity, and with the other portions of the United States. The system resembled the meshes of a great net, stretched regularly and carefully over the land, with occasional stronger cords crossing it in other directions leading to larger knots and ganglions, and its convenience and com- pleteness for all purposes of transportation could hardly The Land and the People 87 be estimated. The propulsive force employed was elec- tricity, which was generated at, and distributed from, nu- merous places in the mountains and on the plains, where abundant water power, or great beds of coal, made its production easy and inexpensive. The possibilities of this strange agency had been wonderfully realized in this land and in my journey through it, recalling my imagina- tion of the genii of the east, I saw them typified in this mysterious force, which was performing in every home, in every workshop, and in the open fields, rapidly and successfully, a great part of the hard labor which had formerly been accomplished only by long continued hu- man toil. Everything was so unusual, so ethereal, and so beau- tiful, that my brightest fancies of an ideal land were real- ized. The railway and the public road for vehicles gen- erally accompanying it, were bordered on each side by tall trees, trimmed so as not to obstruct the view, which was ever changing and far-reaching and most delightful. Broad meadows and pastures, and extensive orchards and groves of trees, clothed the earth with varying shades of green. Acres of maize tossed their long leaves, and waved their tasseled plumage in the gentle breeze; and great fields of golden grain yet unreaped gave richness of coloring; to the scene, while distant lakes added their ethereal blue to idealize and lighten it. Every portion of the land showed intelligent atten- tion and loving care. No fences, nor unsightly objects of any character marred it. All noxious growth and things inimical to thorough cultivation, 'or offensive to the senses or repellent to ascetic tastes, had been re- moved. Wherever for any reason the soil was unfit for cultivation it had been set in trees, and at the angles where the townships joined each other, forests had been 88 John Harvey planted four miles square, in which were deer, elk, grouse, quail and other game, all carefully protected and pre- served. These forests gave wonderful variety and interest to the landscape, and exercised a very beneficial influence on the climatology of the country, and afforded places for quiet recreation and enjoyment. In the distance, villages and towns dotted here and there upon the landscape, succeeded one another, con- nected by the ever present railroads that bore the produce of the land upon their steel net work to its more populous cities and to foreign countries. As I gazed from the car windows on these scenes of rural beauty and life and activity, I realized the perfection which Nature can attain when assisted and directed in her work by the intelligence of man, and wondered how it had been possible for this people in so short a time to so thoroughly awaken her dormant energies. As we approached the villages, the wide-spreading fields and pastures were superseded by lesser areas de- voted to orchards, small fruits and gardens. When we reached them, the quiet grace, comfort and adornment of their dwellings, embowered in shade and surrounded by well-kept lawns and walks, and the artistic beauty of their public grounds and buildings, so unexpected in places so remote from cities, continually astonished me. I stopped at several of these villages and district towns and spent some time in gaining an acquaintance with the practical workings of this new governmental and labor system. The department chiefs at Neuropolis, it appeared, made yearly estimates of the kinds and quantities of the various products required for home consumption and for sale. They were thoroughly acquainted with the capabil- ities of each district for certain purposes, and their direc- The Land and the People 89 tions to the district officers in respect to labor and the na- ture of production were governed by this knowledge. The latter controlled the execution of these orders, and di- vided the work judiciously among their townships. The labor directors, each in charge of a certain portion of the land, or a certain department of labor, arranged it and saw that it was properly done. All products of farm, mine, forest and stream were taken to public yards, or warehouses, and properly weighed, measured, or numbered, and the surplus prod- ucts intended for sale were shipped to Neuropolis, and of the remainder, a sufficient portion was retained for home consumption, while the rest was kept in the district ware- houses for use in other portions of the Nationality. All cereals requiring further preparation were sent to large mills located at certain points, and all animals intended for slaughter were conveyed to other places, where such operations were conducted on a scale of great magnitude and with the closest economy. In each village a thorough system of accounts was maintained, and in the district towns accounts were kept with each village, with other districts and with Neuropo- lis, and in the latter place with all the districts, and with the outside world. From the books in the various departments of state could be obtained a complete history of the character and value of the products of every township of the Nation- ality, from its first organization down to the present time, the disposal made of them, and everything regarding them. Any failure in production was at once noted and its causes carefully ascertained and, if possible, removed. Thus a comprehensive system of intelligent and emi- nently successful labor and production was maintained; continually improving in thoroughness and effectiveness, go John Harvey because the best brain and skill of the land were enlisted in its service. The hours of labor were not long, and those engaged in it at a distance from their homes em- ployed the railroads in conveyance to and from their work, and every facility for its easy, prompt, and complete performance was afforded them. Co-operation and equality were the keynotes of the system. The people worked together happily and con- tentedly under the direction of their own elective officers, who labored with them and were in turn governed, as to general objects, methods and results, by established rules, and subject to still higher officers. Labor was made hon- orable ; the way to office and preferment lay in doing good and effective work, and planning and directing for the general welfare. Education formed a separate department, employing the best minds in perfecting its methods and advancing its interests. The public schools, especially, were zeal- ously protected, and carefully supported. In each village ample accommodations were provided for free instruc- tion up to academic grades, and other public schools of more special character, where trades were taught, were located in the district towns. In the larger cities and in Neuropolis, as has been stated, still greater schools ex- isted, where the pupil could be educated in any branches or professions. The stores were managed singularly, samples only being shown with prices marked, the goods being just as represented. When ordered they were paid for, and if the order was for something not in stock, it was selected, often from a catalogue, and sent for promptly. The prices were much lower than in other countries, and no effort was made to sell goods, the quantity sold being a matter of indifference to all except the purchaser. A The Land and the People 91 general manager, three or four clerks and as many de- livery men and roustabouts, were all the persons em- d in the conduct of a business that under other sys- tems would have required several times this number. Ample time remained to the people for recreation, for social diversion, or for enjoyment in the family circle. Public libraries and reading-rooms, theaters, parks and similar resorts were always open to them, and were con- stantly filled by those seeking instruction, or amuse- ment. Houses of worship were among the most prominent buildings in all the villages and towns. They were erected and owned by the state. The churches were sustained, however, by the voluntary contributions of the members. The people, not overwearied in mind, or body, by the cares and labors of the week, rilled these temples every Sabbath, and learned those lessons which inculcate a higher than mere human responsibility, and observed the day as one dedicated to God's service, and not to mere mental and physical recuperation. Crime was scant. The establishment of government ownership, the disuse of money, and abolishment of pri- vate accumulation, had blotted from the calendar all crimes connected with the love of gain. The manufac- ture and sale of intoxicants as a beverage ceased, as a consequence of the former action, and wrought nearly as much diminution in crime, and only that arising from the ordinary and unstimulated passions of mankind re- mained, and was rendered far less frequent by assured employment and the removal of the insidious temptations of poverty and want. The loyalty of the people to their government and land seemed most intense, and as I journeyed through it and saw its richness, its beauty, its peacefulness, its at- 92 John Harvey tractiveness, and promise of present and future comfort, guaranteed by governmental authority, I felt they had just cause for pride and patriotism. Under other systems, livelihood and comfort and advantages were sought after for years, unremittingly, unintelligently, painfully and often unsuccessfully. Man fought man in an unceasing struggle and crime was a constant and necessary concom- itant. Men failed in honest endeavor, and with their fam- ilies suffered, and many sinned. The Nationality said to its citizens: "The People collectively offer to you and each of you the opportunity to work, during reasonable 'hours, intelligently and with the best appliances. You shall not fail if we can help it. You have our assurance of success in providing for your- selves and your families. If you are sick, or otherwise incapacitated for labor, you still have that assurance, not as a charity, but as a matter of right." As a consequence men worked better, more buoy- antly and cheerfully than elsewhere. They looked freer and more independent. They lived in more comfort, had more time for study, and were more intelligent and capa- ble than elsewhere. Fully as much might be said of the women. They were strong, and bright, and happy, and many of them were of high culture and refinement. I could tell now whence came the bright, healthy and intelligent men and women I had seen in the metropolis. They came from pleasant and refined homes and families in these towns and villages, replete with the strength derived from pure nir and proper exercise, and animated by the integrity and 'happiness obtained by earnest endeavor for honest objects. After spending much time in these rUral regions I proceeded on my way, by rail, to visit Sterling, one of The Land and the People 93 the large manufacturing cities located on the South Platte River, intending from thence to return to Neuropolis, stopping on my road to examine the celebrated bridge, or aqueduct, which carries the waters of the great canal over the bed of that river. We passed through an agricultural country much the same as that I have already described, until we ap- proached within thirty miles of the river, when the extent of forest became greater. Wide-spreading sand dunes had formerly rendered this section of country barren, and these forests had been planted to protect it from further innovation, and to re- claim it. This had been done so successfully that but little evidence of the shifting nature of the soil remained, and in the intervals among the forests herds of cattle as fine as I had ever seen were now grazing. When we arrived within view of the river the singu- larity of its appearance attracted my attention. It was crossed, at distances of from two to three miles apart, by dams from twenty to forty feet in height, which made a succession of terraced lakes, or sheets of water. From these, canals were carried out upon the banks for irrigat- ing the lands adjoining, and the water power furnished by these dams was used for various purposes. Late in the evening we reached Sterling, situated in the valley of the South Platte and containing nearly fifty thousand inhabitants. Being quite fatigued, I re- tired to rest soon after my arrival. When I awoke next morning it was late, and after breakfast I set out to visit some of the great manufactories of the place, consisting of flouring mills, glass and brick works, and potteries for producing terra cotta, tile, and other articles from clay. A trunk railway ran to and from this city, and a massive dam thrown across the river formed a large lake, g/j. John Harvey and furnished power for the greatest flouring mills I had ever seen. I was shown through them and was much interested in the statistics of their annual production, which was so great that I remember entering into a mental calculation of how many people their output would feed, and it was several millions. A large part of the flour and other products were, however, exported by way of the Gulf of Mexico to South America and Europe. In the manufacture of brick and tile, and other ar- ticles formed from clay, over three thousand persons were employed, and a great quantity and variety of such articles were produced. In the afternoon I visited several of the glass works, and was very much surprised at their magnitude, and the beauty of their products. For delicacy of design, color- ing and finish, I never saw the superior of the articles of glass manufactured in this city. They comprised nearly every description of such ware known, and from this point shipments of these articles were made all over the world. Over four thousand persons were engaged in this industry; the most approved methods and machinery were used, and many of the new processes and inventions orig- inated, I was told, among the workmen. I returned to the hotel toward evening, and found a middle-aged lady, the wife of the manager, in the clerk's office. I inquired of her concerning the great aqueduct conveying the water of the canal over the Platte River, and she informed me it was only about forty miles dis- tant from Sterling, and that the railroad crossed the river on a bridge but a little distance below it. We talked to- gether for some time, and she asked me if I had been at the opera house the preceding evening. I replied in the negative, and inquired if any special entertainment had been given. The Land and the People 95 "Yes," she answered, "the princess sang there last night. There was a large audience, and you missed a fine performance, which is to be regretted, for she does not often sing in public." "The Princess Clothilde, from Neuropolis?" I ex- claimed . "Yes," she returned. "Do you know her and have you heard her sing?" "I have met the princess," I said. "Please tell me when she came, and if she is still here." "She arrived two days ago. There were several la- dies in the party, and they all left last night for Neuropo- lis." I was much disturbed. I had heard nothing the evening before of this performance. I had gone lazily to sleep, when the person I most desired to see was in the same town, and in full view at the opera house. I cared nothing now for further inspection of the city, the view of the bridge, or anything else; I only wished to be again in Neuropolis. There might be a let- ter, or a message; anyway, I should see her father and learn about her. I bought my ticket and at 1 1 o'clock that night took the train for that city, where I awoke next morning. There was no message for me, and Mr. Beyresen had left the capital some days before for the southern por- tion of the Nationality, but was expected to return soon. CHAPTER XII. THE ALBATROSS. Shortly after my return I met several of the council- ors with whom I was acquainted. From conversation with them I learned that the par- liament of which they were members had been in session during my absence, and I was satisfied that the political situation in the United States was very grave. These gentlemen understood that I was in sympathy with them, and I communicated to them a resolution I had formed of visiting some of the Eastern cities and learning the condition of the people there and their feel- ing toward the Nationality. They advised me to postpone this journey for some weeks, until matters had assumed more definite shape, and to this I consented. A few days later Mr. Beyresen returned, and I went to see him. He informed me that his daughter had spoken to him of our difference, and intimated that she would be willing to meet me any time I might appoint. Though I considered myself far less blameworthy in the affair than she appeared to think me, yet my wish to see her was so great that I waived all scruples and set the next evening for my call. I reached the door with no definite plan of action, and was ushered into the well-known sitting-room and told that Miss Beyresen would see me in a few moments. Mechanically I picked up a book which proved to be her volume of engravings, and opened it at the view of Dor- 9 6 The Albatross gy setshire Castle and its surroundings. As my eyes and thoughts were thus engaged and before I was aware of her approach, Miss Clothilde entered the room. "Good evening, Mr. Maxwell," she said. "I see you have the book of engravings." She did not offer her hand, but was perfectly easy and unembarassed. "I hope," returned I, "I am doing no harm. I found it on the table and almost unconsciously opened it." "You need make no excuse," she said pleasantly, "in regard to that or anything else. My father informs me you have been absent for some time traveling over the country. Doubtless you will have some interesting things to tell us." "I have been away," I replied. "I have been study- ing your country and am gradually becoming acquainted with the customs and manners of its people. When I have acquired proper knowledge of these, and also of the likes and dislikes of my auditors, I shall possibly be able to express opinions which may meet with approbation. Till then, I have learned to be very cautious. So pray do not expect me to enter much into detail about my jour- ney." She hesitated for a moment and then said slowly: "I do not suppose, Mr. Maxwell, you imagine such vigilance as you indicate at all required of you by any one. But I tell you plainly you will have to use care when you speak of those endeared to an entire people. Do you not understand that yet?" "I admit this," I replied, "that opinions vary greatly in regard to the character of such persons as you refer to, and I acknowledge also that one should be very careful in expressing his own opinions, even among friends, or in a small assemblage, lest there be some one present with 98 John Harvey different views who might feel aggrieved by such ex- pression. And if I, at any time, by lack of such care, have wounded anyone I beg pardon for it." She looked toward the floor, and I saw the color rise in her cheek. At last she said: "But the opinion itself remains unchanged." "Opinion with me," I answered, "is a matter of evi- dence. I have evidence, personal evidence, on which to base the one in question. In fact, I hope you will excuse personal reference, for we cannot well get along without it — I met John Harvey once in the China Seas. If you care to hear the story I will tell it to you, as briefly and plainly as I can." "Anything that relates to John Harvey is of interest to me, Mr. Maxwell," she returned. "Well, then," I replied, "I will try to tell you the story. In 1929, six years ago, I was one of the lieuten- ants on his majesty's ship of war, Vulcan, an armored line of battle ship, built in the very best modern manner. She lav at that time in the harbor of Yokohama, and was the flagship of Admiral Berne, who had command in Jap- anese waters. "There were in the port, also, two other British war vessels, the Hecla and the Alert, smaller but yet very for- midable ships, belonging to the squadron under Admiral Berne's command. The Vulcan mustered five hundred men all told, the Hecla about three hundred, and the Alert two hundred and fifty. As part of her armament the flagship carried on each side, port and starboard, a twelve-inch gun mounted in a revolving turret, throwing a projectile weighing over one thousand pounds. "My place was in the starboard turret in command of one of these heavy guns. I will not weary you with de- The Albatross 99 tails, but a few other points in the situation must be men- tioned. "Owing to difficulties about the Nicaraguan canal, the relations between the United States and Great Britain were, at the time, greatly strained and war was known to be imminent. A large number of American merchant vessels lay in the harbor, awaiting results, unwilling to put to sea for fear of capture by British cruisers. Two French warships were also at anchor in the harbor. Such was the condition of affairs the latter part of August nine- teen hundred and twenty-nine. "One day, about that time, we witnessed in that har- bor one of the strangest and most beautiful sights ever beheld on any waters. I wish you could have seen it, Miss Beyresen; it is difficult to describe. "Moving down the waters of the Bay came a white vessel, not of the color made by paint, but a pure white, exquisitely modeled, and graceful in every movement. She was a good-sized craft, about three hundred and twenty-five feet long, and sixty-five feet beam, and seemed to be made of one piece of some strange white metal. The curves of her sides and bow, and the flutings on her upper works were beautiful, and all wrought in the same material. She was wonderfully clean, no smudge appear- ing anywhere. Her figurehead was a queenly woman, and the name, Albatross, was distinctly visible, inlaid in black letters below it. "Her deck was occupied by ladies and gentlemen, attired gaily. She carried the flag of the United States, and came to anchorage near the shore, within a quarter of a mile of where the French warships lay, and somewhat farther from us. "In a short time white boats manned by sailors in blue jackets and white trousers, and filled with her pas- ioo John Harvey sengers, put off from her for the shore. During the suc- ceeding days such communication, back and forth, was constantly kept up, and we learned that the strange ves- sel was a pleasure boat, built and owned by John Harvey, an American gentleman, of immense wealth, obtained from a great mine in that country, and that she was said to be constructed of a peculiar metal found in the mine. The latter statement we regarded as mythical, but the former was corroborated by letters and telegrams re- ceived from various other points where the vessel had stopped and remained days and weeks. "The French Admiral paid his respects by a visit to the Albatross, and a little later Admiral Berne did the same. Both were received by Mr. Harvey in person and conducted through portions of the vessel, but Admiral Berne was not entirely pleased with his reception. All the officers, on their return, expressed surprise at the wealth expended in building and fitting out the ship, and I, who saw her later, may say that millions must have been used in this way. The magnificence of her decora- tions was indescribable. Silver was common, and gold plentiful, everywhere. I will not dwell on this, however, but hasten to tell what followed. "The political situation between the United States and England became daily more threatening, but those on the Albatross seemed to be engaged in pleasure mere- ly, and to take no thought in regard to such matters. "About ten days after his arrival, John Harvey gave a grand ball to which the French Admiral and his officers were invited, but the English were unnoticed. What I did on that occasion cannot be defended. "I determined to attend that ball. I had been inti- mate with some of the French officers, and they proposed to take me as one of their number, and did so. The Albatross 101 "I obtained leave of absence over night, and' none of our officers knew where I had been. I saw what I could of the American vessel. The salon and dining- room, which were among the places to which we had access, were simply magnificent. "I have never beheld their equal. I saw John Har- vey and talked with him and drank some w T ine with him. He was a tall, dark, fine-looking man; the statue on Pike's Peak is exactly like him; I recognized it in a mo- ment. "All the ladies and gentlemen were very kind and agreeable, and I had a pleasant time. "Next day after the ball I returned on board the Vul- can. There was a change of feeling toward the Albatross. Old sailors, who somehow always reflect the secret opin- ions of their officers, said that if war were declared the American vessel would soon entertain a different party on her decks. Officers also spoke slightingly of the ship. "Search-lights are constantly kept burning at night on men-of-war in harbor, and orders were given to turn the light frequently toward the American vessels, so that none of them could leave the harbor unseen. Shortly after, war was actually declared, and secret orders came to seize any American vessel that attempted to leave the harbor, especially the Albatross. "Admiral Berne informed the captains of the Ameri- can vessels that they would not be permitted to leave. The Hecla was ordered out two miles toward the entrance of the harbor, and the Alert still farther out, to intercept any that should attempt to do so. On the Vulcan we had orders to fire across the bows of any such vessel, and to bring her to. "I heard from the French officers that the Albatross intended to depart. It. seemed to me a duty to inform 102 John Harvey those on board her that if they did so they would be fired on. "I wrote a letter in a disguised hand informing John Harvey, and again obtaining permission to go ashore, and putting on a Japanese costume, I hired a native boat- man to take me out to the Albatross. I did not dare go on board, but, rowing around the vessel in search of some one to take the letter, approached an open porthole." "And I suppose," interrupted Miss Beyresen, "you found some lorn Dulcinea to receive your message?" "I found," continued I, "a young lady sitting there whom I had met at the ball, and who promised to deliver my letter. Your supposition was not far from correct. Might I inquire how you came to make it?" "Oh," she answered, "there is a fitness and a proper sequence in these matters. Given