An Anglo-American Alliance
The Initiation
An Anglo-American Alliance
A Serio-Comic Romance
and
Forecast of the Future
BY
GREGORY CASPARIAN
Illustrated and Published by the Author
Mayflower Presses
Floral Park, New York
1906
Copyrighted, 1906,
by
GREGORY CASPARIAN
Table of Contents
Foreword
In presenting this volume to the public it is not the intention of the author to offer it as a literary masterpiece, but, in his adopted language—conscious of his limitation—merely to give expression to his thoughts on certain problems of life that have always seemed to him of particular significance.
At present there appears to be a general bombastic clamor among certain nations who, decrying others as barbarous, claim to have reached the highest pinnacle of civilization. Yet a glance at the existing conditions in those self-lauded governments will reveal rampant corruption among their leaders who, for their own selfish ends, retard legislations which are absolutely imperative for the general welfare. It is not necessary to mention other ways in which the people are being daily betrayed, for this is sufficient to render any thinking person despondent and pessimistic.
The causes of the decadence of nations are not the laws which have been enacted, but the flagrant violation of these very laws, actuated by greed, avarice and commercialism which are generated in the individual in power. The only remedy for this state is either a leader of intrepid courage or the awakening of the people themselves and their demanding reforms by public mandate.
The true meaning of civilization is Universal Brotherhood, and in this sense, the leading lights in every stratum of life, whether in Government or in Commerce, in Religion or in Science, stand arraigned and indicted before the tribunal of conscience for retarding this laudable spirit of Brotherhood.
Why do not Captains of Industry and Commerce, instead of throttling each other, by a unanimous effort, promulgate laws on a reciprocal basis among themselves?
Why do not Scientists, instead of confining their efforts to individual endeavors, combine their forces so as to enhance the chance of accomplishing greater results in research and exploration?
Why do not Spiritual Shepherds, instead of preaching intolerance and fanaticism, bring their flocks together in harmony? An Oriental scholar in the Congress of Religions, at the Columbian Fair, declared that “the flocks are willing to pasture together, but it is the shepherds who are keeping them apart.”
And in fine, why do not the Nations, each claiming the highest forms of civilization, instead of disseminating national, sectional and race hatred, form an alliance, which will advance the cause of Universal Brotherhood, and brighten the hope of bringing enduring peace to the world at large?
In this golden era, with its vast numbers of diplomats, statesmen, theologians, scientists, and its countless fraternal organizations,—each preaching, fraternity, love and charity,—what evil spirit or genii prevents them from forming a union between two of the foremost and best forms of Governments,—America and Britain—perfect types in their entity, having similar laws, language and aspirations?
Who will be the Savior, through whose agency this happy cross fertilization, inoculation or union shall be achieved? It was the above thoughts, and the idea of an alliance between COLUMBIA and BRITANNIA, that suggested in all seriousness the following frivolously allegorical narrative,—a potpourri of weird fancy, satire and imagination, a mosaic of the sublime and the ridiculous, on themes worthy of a master.
Yet if some reader should find, even in this fantastic guise, an occasional thought worthy of arousing him to nobler efforts, the author will consider himself well rewarded.
In regard to his prophecies for the future, he is willing to be called a consummate prevaricator should his desire for the betterment of mankind or the unity of nations take place much sooner than he has predicted, or the calamities fail to materialize or prove to be much lighter than he has foreseen.
G. C.
CHAPTER I
The Young Ladies’ Seminary
It is 1960, Anno Domini. The Earth, notwithstanding many dire predictions of charlatans and religious fanatics, and in spite of numerous cataclysms, conflagrations and political upheavals, was rotating serenely on its axis.
The Diana Young Ladies’ Seminary, situated upon the picturesque hills of Cornwall on the Hudson, is a few miles north of the West Point Military Academy. The seminary buildings, having formerly been the palatial homestead of a multi-millionaire, about half a century previously had been bequeathed to the State of New York, with ample endowments for its maintenance and development. It had long since become one of the finest institutions of learning of its kind, not only of America, but of the whole civilized world.
The donor of this magnificent seat of knowledge for young ladies was a man of “polarity,” of positive and negative action and reaction. He was in fact a typical incarnation and embodiment of a dualism, immortalized by the fertile fancy of Robert Louis Stevenson, in his story of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” While on the one hand he had an apparently irresistible and monomaniacal cunning in robbing his fellow men by monopolizing all the necessities of life, crushing with hellish unscrupulousness all competition in every channel of industry, and strewing his wake with industrial wrecks,—on the other hand he busied himself with the erection of hospitals and churches, and in endowing colleges with a princely liberality, commensurate to his other nature.
Emerson, the philosopher, says “The whole universe is so, and so every one of its parts,” that “an inevitable dualism bisects nature,” each thing being a half and suggesting its complement. As the mammoth Californian redwood tree, which with its towering height looks overpoweringly stupendous when compared with the tiny otaheite orange or dwarf Japanese plant, so was the difference in power of acquisitiveness and possibilities of dispensation between this colossus compared with ordinary mortals.
The real motive of his charity could not be divined; whether it was because, pricked by a guilty conscience, he used this means as a palliative for his sins, or whether he was entirely oblivious of wrong-doing and was prompted only by a frank desire for doing good, was never determined. But at any rate after his death it was found that he had donated his palaces, with munificent endowment funds, to establish this educational institution for females. Moreover, it is not my intention to write a biography of this dual monster of money-maniac and philanthropist, for his deeds are written on the graves and sorrowing hearts of his victims, as well as in the grateful remembrance and esteem of his beneficiaries.
Besides, we are told that God works good even through the agency of the devil, and if he really had been a satellite of Satan, the great usefulness and wide influence for good of the Seminary demonstrated the veracity of the above statement.
The Diana Seminary had proven its right to its high place in the public esteem. Its fame had reached every corner of the earth. Young women, not only from America but from every clime and nation, flocked thither seeking to perfect themselves in such branches of education as are the necessary requirements of the fair sex to fit them to reign supreme in any capacity, from teaching in a country school to presiding on regal thrones and guiding the destinies of Nations.
The Diana Seminary had become particularly famous for the especial branches of a curriculum which rendered the young ladies magnificently lovely in form, chic in habilaments, brilliant and vivacious in conversation, serene and dignified in carriage, sweet and optimistic in nature, pure in sentiments, and in addition conferred upon them all the necessary qualifications of accomplished housewives, virtues all of which are inherent in American women and susceptible of highest development.
The graduates of this Seminary were always eagerly sought in marriage, not only by the deserving young men living near the college, but also by the nobility and even the royalty of Europe. The demands of the latter class were indeed so great as to alarm the fond parents across the ocean for the future happiness of their daughters, and they were thus compelled to send their beloved ones to this Institution in order to acquire that polish which their American sisters had proven so desirable.
Amongst the many English maidens who were there matriculated was beautiful Aurora Cunningham, the only daughter of the Secretary of Foreign affairs of Great Britain.
It is unnecessary to dwell upon the beauty and charms of Aurora. It is true that she could not be compared with the Goddesses of ancient Greece, nor did she resemble the bewitching sylvan nymphs depicted by the brush and pen of masters of art. She was a mortal; suffice it to say, that she was a graceful girl of exquisitely moulded form, of medium height, with luxuriant golden tresses, which, shimmering in the sunlight, justified her baptismal name. Her large, dreamy blue eyes mirrored the purity of her soul, and the dimples on her cheeks were so deep and alluring that all who looked upon them felt their compelling charm.
She was, in a word, a typical English maiden. Highly accomplished, and though dainty in demeanor, nevertheless she was not one of those frail, ailing butterflies who exist and thrive only in artificial atmosphere. Having been reared with greatest care, by means of a complete course of calisthenics and out-of-door sports, with all her refined mien she was a hardy and healthy specimen of feminine beauty as well as a leader in all the strenuous pastimes of the Diana Seminary.
She was called the “sunshine” of the Seminary, and none other merited the appellation so well. Consequently she was idolized by the rest of the students and was much sought after by the gallant young men in the vicinity. After the manner of girl students who are given to violent friendships, Aurora was devoted to her room-mate in the person of a charming American girl named Margaret MacDonald, the daughter of a Western Senator.
Margaret was entirely the opposite of Aurora,—her very antithesis. She was somewhat taller, with sparkling black eyes and raven hair, of imposing dignity and carriage, but withal the equal of Aurora in the matter of natural gifts and accomplishments. She had, moreover, a captivating frivolity and aggressiveness which almost bordered on masculinity.
Perhaps it was this complete diversity of temperament and of type that engendered an intense affinity between the girls. For although diametrically differing even in their exposition of ideas, they were drawn to each other with a mysterious sympathy which attracted the attention of outsiders and furnished ample excuse for comment. Directly after their first meeting they had become inseparable companions and confidants.
As the time passed this strange attachment grew so marked and its manifestations so alarmingly flagrant that they themselves became aware of its dangerous consequences. They realized that if they gave free license to indiscreet emotional demonstrations in the class room or in public, not only would their actions not be tolerated by the College faculty and cause their expulsion from the Seminary, but they would also be subjected to unendurable ostracism by the rest of the students. But still worse was the confronting fact that they would undoubtedly become the topic of unpleasant notoriety through the publicity given by the sensational press. They had therefore the good judgment to pledge themselves to control their emotions in the presence of the class, and to exercise wide-awake circumspection in their behavior in public and towards the opposite sex.
It is needless to say that by the happy faculty of diplomacy, inherent in them, they succeeded with consummate delicacy and skill in maintaining their natural poise and normal attitude throughout the seminary course.
Like the magnetic pole the Diana Seminary had become the center of attraction for the adjacent youths, especially the Academy boys, who on all gala occasions were welcome guests at the Seminary.
The experiment of co-education had long since been proven a failure. By the well known law of electricity, that bodies similarly electrified repel each other, and bodies oppositely electrified attract, it seems that the constant familiarity and co-mingling of the two sexes in co-educational institutions at the romantic age of puberty had a somewhat similar effect and breeded contempt, blunting that keen fondness for each other which seems natural, and so was not surprising that in such institutions both sexes, when leaving college, separated more like enemies than friends and lovers.
The isolation of the sexes naturally created an intensity of affection and a desire for association, and when the two periodically came in contact caused that rapturous thrill of hearts and nascent unification of souls. This undoubtedly was the plausible explanation, at least one of the reasons, why the Seminary girls were always in demand and were participants of so many happy unions.
The only exception to the rule were Aurora and Margaret who, although in every way agreeable to the aspirants for their hearts and hands, refrained from making an alliance throughout their college course. It was piteously amusing, however, to see those gallant swains from the Academy heading for the Seminary whenever opportunity presented. Their hearts were filled with intense ardor and their lips and pubescent moustaches were pregnant with the microbes of Eros,—in a high state of fermentation—blurting out with tense anxiety the momentous query, “Wilt thou be mine?” to Aurora or Margaret, only to return vanquished by the cold decisive negative.
CHAPTER II
The Initiation
There was no cause for ennui at the Diana Seminary. Notwithstanding the serious course of study, there was ample jollity. The tedium of their leisure hours was beguiled with all kinds of recreations according to the seasons of the year.
A “Full-Back” in 1960
There were the various Seminary teams in basket ball, fencing, golfing, calisthenics and amateur theatricals. The girls also indulged in excursions to the exhibitions of the Academy boys, on their gala days of mimic warfare in the campus, as well as to their contests on the diamond or gridiron at foot ball. This latter sport having reached in those days the top notch of perfection, it furnished the fair spectators thrills of excitement when the contestants in their improved steel helmets and cuirass, with pronged leggings and spiked shoes looked like veritable knights of the chivalric ages. It gave an additional source of lingering pleasure and admiration at such contests when half a dozen ambulances were required to cart away the gladiators in hors du combat.
Besides all the above recreations, the Seminary girls had also their various secret organizations which furnished ample work for winter months. One of the most notable of these fraternities was called the D. N. A., signifying “Daughters of the New Alliance.”
A brief description of the sacred rites of this unique fraternity, on an interesting initiation, may not here be amiss. It took place during the incumbency of the two principal organizers and charter members—Aurora and Margaret,—the latter occupying at the time the most exalted position of Reverend High Priestess and the former that of Supreme Guide. The initiation in question was remarkable for the singular coincidence that the applicants for membership were discovered to be of half a dozen nationalities—French, German, Scotch, Irish, Italian and Hebrew,—and this unusual circumstance lent the occasion widespread sensation among the other members and made the session most memorable.
A peep in the temple revealed a bewildering spectacle, an “Adamless Eden” of loveliness as it were. Margaret MacDonald, enveloped in gorgeously embroidered Grecian robes, enthroned on an elevated dais, a golden sceptre in hand, and a brilliant diadem on her shapely head, presented an imposing figure as High Priestess, while Aurora in a tight fitting cuirass of variegated spangles, holding a trident, performed her official duties. Other functionaries attired in chaste Grecian costumes occupied their respective positions.
In the proscenium the applicants, attired in their respective national costumes, followed the assistant guide to the gate of the temple when, on pressing a button, an extremely melodious chant surged through the atmosphere. This called the attention of the Supreme Guide to the fact that there were applicants for membership. The Supreme Guide in the same manner then made the announcement to the high priestess, and the latter commanded them to be admitted to the temple. At the clanking of the cymbals and the sounding of the fanfares as if by magic the gate was ajar, revealing to the eyes of the new disciples a dazzling scene of harmoniously blended loveliness. They filed in and arranged themselves in the shape of a crescent at the lower end of the temple.
In the centre of the room, on an alabaster table, they could discern a glass receptacle in which, squirming and wriggling, were a quantity of angle worms; on another similar table close by they could see a golden cage, wherein half a dozen tiny rodents were playing tag. In one corner a fierce, pugnacious billy-goat was butting with vicious vigor against one of the Grecian columns of the temple.
When the sound of the fanfares subsided the High Priestess, rising suddenly and striking three times on the marble floor with her magic sceptre, commanded silence, and in a sweet voice spoke thus:
“Supreme Guide of the order of D. N. A. what bringest thou to this sanctuary?”
The guide answered in pathetic tones: “Thou High Priestess of the order of D. N. A., I bring thee greeting. I bring thee also jewels rare, for thy shrine; gems, not still life or crystals petrified, but forms divine, animate with heaving breasts, with radiant brows, and sparkling eyes that volumes speak, that even Cupid, dazed, would soon forget his ancient Psyche fair, and yet unable be whom amongst these for himself to take.”
“Have they signified their willingness to be tested for courage and fortitude?”
“They have.”
“Are they ready to travel through the tortuous path of the inquisition?”
“They are.”
“Then prithee, take them to the ante-chamber that their eyes may be blindfolded and the robes of chastity may be thrown over them. Then bring them thither through the tortuous path of the inquisition to my presence.”
Accordingly they were taken to the ante-room and while being prepared for the journey they were given plain intimation that they were to make a repast of the angle worms and fondly handle the young rodents, while direct hints of riding the bellicose goat were thrown out, as though this were the least of the test to which they were to be subjected.
Preparation for their return to the Temple being completed, their readiness was again communicated as before and to the solemn but inspiring Andante of Faust they began to wind through a path of serpentine evolutions. On their journey many strange and threatening voices came to their ears, some cursing their undertaking and advising them to return before too late, some whispering that they were about to step into an abyss or to encounter dire disaster. But by the guidance and occasional prod by the trident of timid and erratic disciples they proceeded onward with cautious steps. When almost at the end of their journey, however, there was a sharp cry from one of the applicants which caused the procession to halt.
Lady Rosa Redmont Davitt, the daughter of an Irish noble,—a comely girl, with laughing eyes, full of wit and humor and with a strong combative instinct, withal very popular at the seminary—gave vent to her distress in a piquant but pleasing accent:
“Ouch! Your Riverence,” said she, “It is not that I moind to ride the wild billy goat, or am afraid to swallow the serpints, but divil a bit I can shtand this pinching of my goide, your Riverince; my back is almost bhlack and bhlue.”
“It is well that thou hast spoken,” said the Priestess; “it was because of thy untractable erratic steps and non-susceptibility to the promptings of thy guide that thou hast suffered, for according to the ratio of the loyalty and sensitiveness to her touch, thy sufferings will come to an end. Follow thou, then, fair maid, with keen perception to the subtle touch of thy guide. Supreme Guide of the order of D. N. A. let the procession proceed.”
The march having been resumed and finished, they stood thus blindfolded before the High Priestess in order to be tested for courage and fortitude. Each applicant was led by the guide before her, who, for fortitude, administered the angle worm, and for courage trailed the mouse over their limbs. It is perhaps unnecessary to mention that macaroni was substituted for the angle worm and that an artificial mouse served as a lively rodent.
When these sacred and solemn rites were performed the applicants were taken through numerous evolutions of a march to the centre of the room, in front of a table, whereon rested in the folds of American and British colors the Constitution and By-laws of the Order. There the oath of Allegiance was administered and at a thunderous outburst of music, the bandages were cut asunder and the applicants found themselves in the glow of a diffused light. Standing in the middle of the room, surrounded by rows of graceful girls arrayed in immaculate Grecian costumes, were all the other members of the Order. While the High Priestess, majestically waving her sceptred arm, proclaimed them tried and true members of D. N. A.
The ceremonies were concluded by the singing of the National Anthems.
CHAPTER III
The Moonlight Soirée
Margaret was reclining on a divan in her luxurious study, perusing a letter. The room was redolent with the perfume of June roses, and the warm rays of the afternoon sun, filtering through the stained glass windows—now and then obscured by the swaying leaves and branches of the trees—were flitting across her lovely form as if playing hide and seek.
Suddenly the door burst open and Aurora, somewhat flushed, holding in her hand a note, entered the room, exclaiming excitedly:
“Horrible! Margie, horrible! I do not know what to do! It will be extremely h’embawassing aw, don’t you know.”
“What is it Aurora, is that Jewsky after you again?”[1] asked Margaret with a rougish smile, glancing toward her chum.
“I do not think he is a ’Ebrew, my dear, his signature aw, is some foreign sounding name. Carlos Do-Do-Do-Don Seville.”
“Well, I don’t care what he is. The dodo is an extinct bird you know. He looks like a Jewsky anyway. The idea, pray what has he to say?” questioned Margaret, contracting her eyebrows to a frown.
“He writes that he will grace aw, our moonlight reception with ’is presence. Horrid, Margie, horrid! I hate him!”
“Fiddlesticks! Rats!” retorted Margaret. “It is up to us then. If he bobs up tomorrow night at the show, there will be something doing. That Dago is positively the limit. He is perfectly horrid. If I see him ogling me once that night, I’ll ‘cut the chains of my tongue loose’ at him, the wretch!”
“Is the Jewski After You Again?”
“Aw, really, how brave you are Margie!” replied Aurora, looking admiringly at her classmate. “You will not desert me? By the way,” went on Aurora, gradually recovering her composure, “I just met Norma Southworth coming from the modiste with her graduation gown. It was such a bonnie gown, aw, so lurid and so sweet, don’t you know.”
“I bet you hers won’t cut any ice with my togs, when they arrive tomorrow. Aurora, you and I will make a jim-dandy pair on graduation day. I am curious, however, to get a glimpse of her dream of a gown, but before we start, my dear, let us once more go over the details of tomorrow night’s event.”
“It makes me somewhat nervous to think about it. I wish truly it was all h’over, Margie.”
“So do I, Aurora. I am afraid we’ll make a beastly flunk at the show, aren’t you?”
“Bah Jove, it will be awfully dweddful, Margie, to make a failure, after so many months of preparation. I hope we will come h’out all right,” said Aurora with thoughtful anxiety.
After they finished their examination of the program, both started out to inspect Norma’s gown, intending from thence to go to the final rehearsal. While crossing the Grand Court of the Seminary they spied Professor Cielo Allenson coming toward them on his motor-cycle.
“There comes the dear ‘Old Guard’” said Aurora. “Isn’t ’e a dear, aw, isn’t ’e sweet?”
“To be sure Aurora, I am head over heels in love with his lilacs; aren’t they elegant?” was the ready rejoinder of Margaret.
“Eh, what! aw, really, ’ow often must I caution you not to use such h’expressions,” said Aurora, reproachfully. “’E may ’ear you, Margie, ’e may ’ear you.”
“There, ring off, sweet child, you better pick up your ‘h’s’ and get a gait on, or else we’ll be late for practice,” laughed Margaret.
“Oh, how do you do?” piped both girls.
The professor, slackening his pace, greeted them courteously: “I presume you ladies are well prepared for the ordeal of tomorrow night?”
“Quite so, Professor; we are looking forward with extreme pleasure to meeting our gallant adversaries under your charge,” answered Margaret.
“H’in fact, we are now going to our final rehearsal,” added Aurora.
“Well, I wish you success, ladies; I must be off myself, to give the boys at the Academy my last instructions; so goodby.”
“Good afternoon, Professor; goodby.”
The June graduation day of 1960 at the Seminary was not far distant, falling on the second week of the month. The recitations had been discontinued and the only sessions that were held by the professors were chiefly for purposes of review.
The students meanwhile beguiled their time by indulging in frequent class receptions, which were given by the various grades and societies, each vieing with others to excel all previous functions in originality, splendor and novelty. That to be given by the senior class, to which Aurora and Margaret belonged, was near at hand. Long before the date agreed upon, the senior class had agreed to make it an out-of-door affair eclipsing all previous efforts in brilliancy of conception and prodigality of arrangements.
It was to be a “Soirée Artistique!” a Tableau Vivant Extravaganza! followed by a moonlight dance and reception. Their guests of honor were to be no less than embryo generals from the West Point Military Academy! Truly it was a magnificent conception and it was chiefly due to the indefatigable efforts of Aurora and Margaret that it culminated in a stupendous success with the night of the open air Fête.
The spacious, velvety lawn was profusely and fittingly decorated. From column to column festoons of June roses and evergreens crossed and entwined in bewildering array. The colossal statue of Diana with her hounds—the patron Saint of the Seminary—and the alternate gold and silver peristyles leading to the wondrously designed parterre, were enveloped in a mass of phosphorescent glow from the radium globules.
The statuettes and fountains were bejewelled by innumerable actinium bulbs. Ensconced in the branches of the trees and bushes the electrical nightingales gave forth their continuous warbles of subdued sweetness, while from poles especially erected for the occasion electric globes in kaleidoscopic hues diffused the ambient atmosphere with their spirituelle glow. The moon, like an overseer, hung high in the canopy of space, casting its silvery light over the radiant scene.
The graceful figures of the maidens in their fantastic winged costumes of Celestial Amazons, and the grotesque forms of the boys, attired in Indian outfits, glittering with beads and feathers—“chaperoned” by the venerable Professor Cielo Allenson—each tribe in turn illustrating their weird national customs, in war or peace, in mirth or sorrow, filled the select spectators with throes of thrilling excitement. What hitherto had seemed only ordinary, mundane surroundings was changed into a realistic happy-hunting-ground or savage fairyland, a vision of alternate celestial or barbaric splendor, the grandeur of which is beyond the power of human ability to describe.
The secret of unparalleled excellence of the disguises of the boys was due to the fact that at the end of the Freshmen year at the Military Academy, when they were preparing for the celebration of their academic year, the Sophomores had kidnapped the whole Freshmen Class, and by a pre-arranged plan, experts having been hired, had tatooed them all over their faces as Indians on the warpath, thus leaving a lasting souvenir of class antagonism! Being disfigured for life, they had made the best of their misfortune by appearing in the role of Indian warriors, delighted that for once this misfortune had proven an advantage.
There was nothing to mar this auspicious occasion except that, near its close, a trivial wordy demonstration took place between Professor Cielo Allenson and an intruder named Carlos Don Seville.
Still, even the most pleasant and successful events have their aftermath and this affair left several of them. When Aurora and Margaret entered their rooms heaped with triumphant compliments for their consummate skill in planning this grand farewell fête they were sad, sad through an impulsive intuition.
Hardly had they crossed the threshold of their room when they fell into each other’s arms, sobbing bitterly from the bottom of their hearts. Each instinctively knew why the other wept. The final class reception had a deep significance to them, as it meant that graduation day was near at hand. In the natural course of events each would now go her way to a distant home. It meant separation!
Separation! It was impossible for them calmly to accept the full significance of that word in their infatuation for each other. Some time elapsed before either gained sufficient composure to speak. Each attempt resulted in a collapse and a paroxysm of hysterical weeping.
Margaret, as if dazed with the frenzy of that strange passion, clung to Aurora, exclaiming hysterically: “How can it be, Aurora? It cannot be. It cannot be! Better death than separation!”
By the gentle, soothing words of Aurora, however, they gradually recovered their composure, but were not fully pacified until that very night they made a solemn compact, bound by an inviolable oath, not to make any alliance with any suitor whatever and to remain united to each other in souls until death should them part.
It was that night also that in the height of their fatuous ardor of love Aurora wrote an impromptu poem of fealty, entitled “Wilt Thou Remember Thy Vow?” It revealed the intensity of their emotions, their utter subjugation and mutual abandonment of will and desire each to the other and its dire revenge in the end, if their solemn vow was betrayed.
Like the poem, the music which was composed by Margaret, was also an inspiration. It interpreted the poem in a sad, sublimely pathetic strain, yet at times in bold and threatening torrents of color and passion. The very spirit of the words and the oath, that would be their guiding star throughout their lives, surged through it. In all respects it was a masterpiece of symphonic creation.
[1] The slang in vogue half a century ago may be found now in standard dictionaries. Its use was considered in good form by the elite of that day. [↑]
CHAPTER IV
Historical Events of the 20th Century
The senior class of the Diana Seminary were assembled in the auditorium, listening in a trance of respectful attention to Professor Cielo Allenson. He had just begun his review of the historical events of the 20th Century, now and then giving his individual comments upon the subjects presented.
1900
An Era of False Prosperity
With the beginning of the 20th Century was inaugurated an era of false prosperity. The Census Bureau at that time furnishes statistics and comments upon the wonderfully perceptible decrease of the criminal classes, called foot-pads, sneak thieves and highwaymen, which was attributed chiefly to the existing national prosperity. It overlooks the fact, however, that a new species of miscreants, comparatively more dangerous, had begun to thrive like mushrooms in prolific numbers,—that of so-called commercial brigands or financial buccaneers who, under fascinating and attractive names, such as mining syndicates with their fabulous deposits of gold, offering bucketfuls of shares for a dime; banking and building loan associations, with palatial homes thrown in gratis to every subscriber; promoters of illusionary inventions, seeking shareholders, which would make them millionaires in the twinkling of an eye.
Alchemists who, with their artful empyrics of legerdemain, transmuted base metals into gold, and were willing to dispose of their precious wares for pennies; Wall Street and race-track spiders posing as benevolent philanthropists, scattering fortunes right and left to every applicant, sapped the avaricious, sottish public of its dearly bought earnings. Strange to say, despite many colossal exposures and failures, as these adroit swindlers grew more subtle and audacious, the more the gambling-crazed public rushed to their destruction.
The effect was appalling. In consequence of the depredations of these pirates of industries, the reputable business and financial firms were the greatest sufferers. Their legitimate transactions were paralyzed to such a tremendous degree that they were compelled to devise ways and means to counteract its evils. In 1908, after mature deliberation at a general convention in Washington, it was decided to raise ample funds and create a bureau under the auspices of the Federal Government called the Bureau of Frauds and Swindles. The duties imposed upon its officers were the ferreting out and prosecuting of the wild-cat schemes and to warn the public against them.
The measure, being approved by the National Government, had the desired effect of freeing to a great degree the financial world from its parasites of industrial malefactors, and to some extent established again the stability and integrity of honorable financiers, in the meanwhile safeguarding foolish persons from being fleeced out of their savings.
1902
The Cataclysm at Martinique
St. Pierre, Martinique, was destroyed by a volcanic eruption of Mount Peleé, on the eighth day of May. In a few minutes more than thirty thousand human beings were hurled into eternity.
1908
The Mormon Question
The anti-plural wives laws were enforced to the letter. Its emphatic application to all members of the sect was brought about principally by the Women’s Clubs, whose persistent and overwhelming aggressiveness played an important factor in the stamping out of this demoralizing and materialistic religion. In this era of civilization the existence of a religious organization of this character, like a cancerous growth, was threatening to debase womanhood and lead the communities to unbridled licentiousness.
1909
Capital and Labor
Every new movement, be it religious, political or economic, has its birth like a volcano, and unionism was no exception to this rule. The labor unions at first had their violent agitators who, possessing greater physical than mental calibre, laid the crude foundation of a force in an arbitrary manner that consequently had its gradual evolution of development.
Their constant conflicts with capital were characterized by an unreasonable amount of physical argument which resulted in more or less disastrous denouements, but these very acts of lawlessness and disturbances awakened a third party, the consumers in general, who were equally affected by the disturbances between capital and labor and brought about a realization of the true relative positions.
Labor certainly has its unalienable rights and was entitled to due consideration and justice. However, like the negative and positive poles of electricity, which are both essential in order that a circuit of effective force be generated, capital and labor likewise had their dual relative values of importance, without which there could be no constancy of harmonious production.
By the gradual awakening of both capital and labor to their true limitations, the questions involved began to assume a more intelligent basis under the codes of arbitration. At the same time the violent agitators of labor were succeeded in the trend of this onward development by more intelligent organizers. These latter were merged into accomplished, rational leaders and, through the efficient medium of the ballot box, into national representatives. Consequently, the more dignified, orderly and responsible labor became, the more the workers became entitled to the benefits of their labor.
A Department of Capital and Labor which, so far, had been merely probationary now became a permanent institution at the Capitol and in every State of the Union as well.
1910
The Expense of Living
It is one of the strangest inconsistencies of social problems, that although political economists and scholars have preached the doctrine, that inventions and improved methods in mechanical lines contribute to the blessings of mankind by cheapening the necessities of life, yet in spite of their plausible declarations, the cost of living year by year grew higher and higher, entailing untold suffering and despair among the poorer classes.
The cause of this lamentable perversion was due to a certain clique of unscrupulous progeny of Mammon, called trusts and corporations, who, being blinded with an insatiable desire for pelf and lust, and stupefied with a frenzied avarice, monopolized all the necessities of life. The vast occidental domain of our country was of unlimited resources and was capable of producing in abundance the products which they “cornered.” The modus operandi of their rapacious operations were manifold. They limited the output of Nature’s bounty in order to keep them at prohibitive values, and at the same time deprived hosts of sons of toil of earning their livelihood. They kept at their inoperative mercy—by their abominable tactics of purchase—the producer from receiving his just share, and they also mulcted the helpless consumer by the unlimited inflation of their capital stock and fictitious expenses until at length the burden of their avarice became unendurable.
Although attempts have repeatedly been made by sincere executives of the Nation, by the advocation of measures for curbing the rapacity of these trusts, their endeavors met with failure on account of the vague and flexible laws already in existence, and by the array of sycophantic traitors in high circles who prevented any legislation which was conducive to the tranquility and welfare of the masses. At last, only after a series of sanguinary demonstrations by the people which almost endangered the stability of the republic, they were compelled to yield.
By the passage of clearly defined laws the career of their nefarious system of spoliation was brought to an end. One of the most efficacious laws passed was the creation of a body of competent men of supreme power who appraised approximately the capitalization of these concerns and licensed them as such under oath. The States in the meantime assumed the power of fixing a maximum value for which their commodities might be placed on the market. By the above legislations the inflation of their capital and extortion from the consumer were made securely impossible.
1911
Death of an Eminent Scholar
Professor Henry Richfield, a profound scholar, and the author of “How to Get Rich”—a ponderous work in twelve octavo volumes—passed away in an attic, in abject penury and squalor.
1912
The Annihilation of Mosquitoes
Although the mortality statistics in the United States for last year reached the round number of two million persons from various diseases, among them chiefly from consumption, pneumonia, typhoid fever and epidemics of smallpox and diphtheria, a few sporadic cases of death were recorded resulting from mosquito bites, which gave grave concern to the medical fraternity.
The outcome of this alarm was the calling of a general conference of bacteriological experts. The mosquito, that had hitherto enjoyed unbridled freedom since the creation of his race, was now looked upon as the arch enemy of mankind. A noted philanthropist, interested in oil wells and having on hand a great bulk of unmarketable crude petroleum, donated a large sum for research in order to discover ways and means of curbing the ravages of these nefarious pests which threatened the annihilation of the human race.
It was decided by the savants, that the distribution of crude petroleum in stagnant pools and humid marshes, was the only effective method for the extermination of mosquito life. The distribution of greenbacks for their valuable services, (notwithstanding the fact that under the microscope they were found to contain two hundred and fifty-seven diseases and thirty-eight million microbes to the square inch), were grabbed with unprecedented avidity by these same specialists.
1913
Child Labor
The dwarfing and crippling of the mental, moral and physical growth of tender children, by the avaricious employers, and its baleful consequence of peopling the community with moral and bodily degenerates, devoid of the desirable elements of good citizenship, had become so appallingly flagrant that a general sentiment of the people was aroused in a mighty protest to the Federal authorities.
Thanks to the aggressive and strenuous legislative warfare of Labor Unions in every State, aided by the persistent moral agitation of Women’s Clubs all over the country, child labor was entirely abolished in many channels of industries, such as mills, factories, collieries and plantations. In more gentle occupations the employment of minors, was placed on a healthier and more humane basis than had ever before been the case.
1914
The Great Radium Swindle
The fabulously high price of this metal had awakened the cupidity of a coterie of adroit schemers who, had palmed off on unsuspecting men of science, a rank substitute which cost only a trifle to manufacture.
After securing an enormous sum of money, the schemers had decamped to parts unknown.
It was discovered that the spurious metal thus disposed was nothing more than a highly compressed form of phosphorous.
1915
Death of an Eminent Physician
Dr. Wisehardt, the brilliant young physician and surgeon who discovered the electro-magnetic germ-cells of life, and invented methods to prolong life itself by the cultivation of these cells, died in the 27th year of his age from premature senility.
1916
A Tidal Wave
The most memorable event of this year was a gigantic tidal wave of tremendous height, which swept over the lower coast of Florida. In a few minutes it inundated and destroyed a vast area of the coast, doing incalculable damage to shipping. It was estimated that nearly fifteen thousand persons lost their lives in this cataclysm.
1917
War Between United States and Columbia
The stubborn attitude of the Central American Republic, Columbia, towards the United States, by her menacing antagonism to the construction of the interoceanic canal, gradually created a breach of the peace that led ultimately to a forcible demonstration by the United States, and precipitated the invasion by the latter of the Republic of Panama.
Peace was re-established after a crushing defeat of the Columbians. The famous waterway, the Republic of Panama, then became United States territory, by annexation.
1918
The Women’s Clubs
The Women’s Clubs which, during their first inception, were the subject of much ridicule, and the proceedings of their meetings a theme for ribald jokes in the secular press, gradually developed into such gigantic proportions that their influence became a powerful factor in every public question of the day, and in fact so continues unabated unto this day.
The last Federal statistics show more than two thousand Institutions in the form of sanitariums, refuges, technical schools of practical utility, entirely under the auspices of Club Women. The constitutions of these laudable organizations “invariably stand for something which is ennobling” and their achievements are monumental tributes to the upward trend of womanhood.
There was, however, a crucial period in their affairs worth mentioning. Some of these noble but over-zealous women of that period, in their exuberant enthusiasm for woman’s rights, forgetting the limitations of their sex,—considered by the greatest thinkers of the past ages to be the sphere of Home,—agitated a propaganda of political equality or suffrage and, from time to time, created a stir among their organizations until at last, in 1918, the National Federation of Women’s Clubs decided to hold a conclave in order to decide the following momentous question: “Should Women Enter Politics?”
More than four thousand five hundred delegates from all over the Union assembled at Madison Square Garden, in New York City. Sympathizers of the suffragists with their eloquence tried to railroad through a measure in their behalf, but equally able leaders of the opposition—benefitted by the warning of Sages—succeeded in counterbalancing the efforts of their fair antagonists.
After a heated symposium the question was put to a vote, which resulted decisively in a victory for those who opposed the movement. It was further voted, that they should confine all their energies to civic, educational and humanitarian channels and things pertaining to Home. This was a most happy and wise decision, for the world at large needs mothers who will beget and nurse a Florence Nightingale, a Clara Barton, a Washington or a Lincoln, rather than mothers who would become a Jezebel, a Delilah or a Cleopatra.
1919
The Tornado
A cyclonic tornado of intense velocity and destructive force struck New York City, demolishing in its path, in the shape of a semi-circle from the Battery to Twenty-third Street, West, two hundred and seventy-five buildings. Fortunately, the day being a holiday, the loss of life was comparatively small.
1920
The Power of the Press
Through emancipation from its shackles of monarchic censorship and subserviency to despotic masters, the upward rise of the Press to usefulness and power was without a parallel—a power to which even Napoleon Bonaparte was sensible when he said, “I fear three newspapers more than a hundred thousand bayonets.” But like everything else in the universe, the Press also had its dual potentiality. Like a two-edged sword, it could be wielded for good or evil. In the bands of an unscrupulous politician it was a treacherous weapon, while in the control of the righteous citizen a tremendous power for good.
Thus the Press for many decades, subsidized by the traitorous capitalist and under the guise of a pious mask, catered to the evil designs of the plutocracy until the gradual awakening of the people through the independent press at last understood their hypocrisy.
The independent press, however, attained its highest degree of efficiency by the establishment of the College of Journalism. Its foundation slogan, publicity on all political and economic questions, had created a force of trained journalists—a force “mightier than the sword” and in a manner far more penetrating than the X-ray—pledged to defend the rights of the citizens. By an educational propaganda it taught the masses how to eradicate existing evils by the mere exercise of their unalienable right, the ballot box. Indeed in a government “of the people, for the people and by the people,” resort to force or revolution was absolutely unnecessary, while these two most effectual weapons the world had ever seen, the voting power and the free press, were at their command.
1921
Balloons and Airships
Strange to say, from the time of Archytas of Tarantum to Otto Lilienthal, and from Montgolfier Bros. to Santos Dumont, Bell, Maxim and Langley, very little or no progress had been made in practical and safe aerial navigation.
Though all these inventors, whether cranks with a smattering of mechanical knowledge, or veritable savants and scientists, efficient in physics according to their own accounts, had studied the subject of aerial flight from the fowls of the air, the failure of their experiments showed that they were far from grasping the mysteries of that subtle sagacity and subconsciousness of the birds, by which they balanced themselves against the currents and velocity of the winds, and by their intuitive sensitiveness, utilized to the fullest extent their vast number of muscles and feathers with such marvelous subtlety.
Like the Italian alchemist in the middle ages, who had constructed the wings of his flying machine with feathers gathered from a dunghill, and who, when attempting to fly, had found himself dumped, by a strange sympathetic affinity, on the very dunghill from which he had gathered the feathers, the efforts likewise, of these illustrious experimenters were crowned by successful failures, by a similar force of attraction, their apparatus either alighting on the branches of trees, or diving into the waters like ducks.
At the beginning of the 20th Century, the consensus of scientific opinion had reached the conclusion, that the successful flying machine of the future would be one, which would be heavier than air and with either a very small balloon or none at all. The various forms of balloons and flying craft, exhibited at the St. Louis exposition became an incentive for renewed efforts by scientists to solve the problem of aerial flight and continued with unremitting zest for nearly a quarter of a century.
It was in the early part of 1919 that the science of aeronautics was radically improved by the discovery of a process for hardening and soldering of Aluminum, by which comparatively light but strong framework and machinery were constructed, and thus gradually the elimination of inflated balloons had become possible.
1922
The Flood in Mississippi Valley
In the spring of this year the Mississippi Valley was flooded and submerged by terrible cloudbursts which, combined with melting of snows on the mountains, and subsequent bursting of dams and levees, devastated a vast area. According to records the lives lost in the inundated districts reached the total of sixty thousand.
1923
Uniform Divorce Laws
The unprecedented increase of divorces all over the United States and the attendant scandalous proceedings at the courts had reached such a maximum, and its baneful influence on the public morals had developed into such a point of danger that, a great awakening among the clergy and lawmakers of the nation was the result. At a conclave of representatives of the legal profession from every State in the Union, was promulgated a uniform divorce law for the United States of America.
1924
The Zionist Movement
or
The Bursting of the Zion Bubble
The Zionist movement which for thirty years past gained more than two million converts and within that period had collected more than fifteen million dollars, was declared impracticable and illusionary!
The estimable originators of this sentimental movement, Herzl, Nordau, Zangwill and others, although beyond the shadow of a doubt sincere and well-meaning, through the intensity of their zeal for the amelioration of their less fortunate brethren, were entirely blindfolded to the intricacies of politics and the eventful history of the Jewish race, from an ethnological and psychological point of view.
Some of these true yet misguided philanthropists had passed away and other leaders, less impressed with the object of the society, had taken their places. As the Jews are not a pioneer race, the magnanimous scheme of the British government to place them upon a tract of virgin soil at Uganda, in Central Africa, for the purpose of colonization proved chaotic failure, on account of both sociological and economic reasons.
The idea also of establishing a Jewish principality in Palestine, under an absolutely despotic and semi-barbarous government—which butchered her subjects ad libitum—was so ridiculous in the extreme, that the questions had become the laughing stock at the political sanctus sanctorums of various governments.
In 1923 a tremendous agitation was brought about by the leaders of the opposition, and those in power of the movement were challenged to public debate. The question grew to such proportions that it became a subject for discussion in every orthodox and gentile pulpit In the press, sociologists, ethnologists and anthropologists took part in the ephemeral arena and analyzed every phase of the subject, relating to the Hebrew race and the Zionist movement, laying bare every fact without reserve.
It was stated by the opposition that though a stream of money had been pouring in from every quarter of the globe year after year, for the cause, no result as yet had been obtained, that great sums had been spent in salaries of the officials and at the dilly-dallying, corrupt courts of the Turkish Sultan.
A learned sociologist likened the Hebrews to a parasitic plant, which derived its existence from the living sap of another. “An Israelite” he declared, “can only exist favorably amongst civilized centres of Christian and gentile communities; that whenever a colony of Hebrews were isolated by themselves, they would inevitably and gradually retrograde, impoverish and at last form a ghetto of misery and squalor.”
Another ethnologist of repute expounded the fact, that the Jews were the life and essence of commercial activity and consequently formed an integral part of a prosperous commonwealth. Sublimely industrious, instinctively provident and economical by nature, the Jews were persecuted because of their inherent virtues. He proved by clever historical documents, that their expulsion from Babylon, Egypt, Spain, Russia or wherever their rights were abrogated, were the fundamental causes of the decadence of these countries from which they were expelled.
Others accused the Hebrews of perverting the Golden Rule, of taking advantage of others by their inborn instinct of commercial sagacity, which well nigh approached unscrupulousness and that, being a mere commercial people, their patriotism could well be challenged. Many others advised, however, a propaganda of judicious assimilation of the Israelite with the Christians, contending that the sum total of their virtues and faults was the same as that of their Christian brethren. Meanwhile they advised the Jews that “wherever they lived they ought to make there, their Zions and temples.”
After much heated argument and discussion which occupied several days, they at last arrived at the conclusion that the Zionist movement was chimerical! The balance of the funds amounting to many million dollars were voted for the establishment of technical and commercial schools for Israelites and for a fund to aid the judicious emigration of the Jews from ill-favored and congested districts to more favorable localities.
1925–26
The Anglo-American Alliance
The Anglo-American Alliance, by which these two foremost nations of the earth were brought into a happy, fraternal union, and for the achievement of which for nearly a quarter of a century there had been a great effort, in this year had become an accomplished fact!
It was celebrated in a manner unprecedented in the annals of the World’s history. Having a profound and far reaching effect, it became an ultimatum for other nations to keep the peace, and goaded them toward the adoption of similar laws, in order to secure the same reciprocal blessings of universal brotherhood.
Much credit was due to that eminent English statesman, now Lord Cunningham, through whose tactful diplomacy this long-sought commercial, social, offensive and defensive alliance became a reality. “I am restrained,” said the Professor, looking in the direction of Aurora Cunningham, “to avoid eulogizing him as he justly deserves, for obvious reasons.”
At this sentence the students, under the impulse of a sudden admiration, arose to their feet en masse, and, glancing smilingly at Aurora, began rapturously to clap their hands.
This interruption of sympathetic appreciation was brought to a close, by a ringing cry of the Seminary yell: “Dee, Dee, Ya, Ya, Na, Na, Diana. Hurrah! Hurrah!! Hurrah!!!”
Aurora, blushing deeply, gracefully bowed her acknowledgement and in due form the class was dismissed for the day.
CHAPTER V
The Fistic Duel
The evening following the moonlight fête, a little after sunset when the western sky, stained with a luminous golden hue, had spread on verdant hills and valleys its radiance of languorous serenity, two motor cyclists were speeding along on a secluded path that led into the main highway, from the Diana Seminary to the West Point Military Academy. The one in advance was wheeling in a leisurely way, while the one behind exerted greater speed, as if in pursuit of the other. He was gaining rapidly so that in a very few minutes the foremost was overtaken, as they both reached a wooden bridge, spanning a small body of water.
Both came suddenly to a stop and dismounted. They were Professor Cielo Allenson and Carlos Don Seville. Don Seville, stung by the rebuke which the Professor had administered to him the night previous at the Seminary, had decided to take the cowardly course of waylaying the instructor, in this lonely path, in order to avenge himself for the righteous verbal punishment the latter had given him.
Carlos Don Seville was a degenerate scion of a once noble Spanish family, who had settled in the United States and, like many such offspring, was engaged in sowing his wild oats. Financially dependent on a small income, he was always at his wit’s end in order to secure money with which to continue his reckless profligacy. Being inherently foolish and improvident, he always had the illusion that some day “something would turn up,” and encouraged by this belief he had recourse to gambling and speculation. As soon as he received his dwindled allowance, he made himself a willing prey of card sharps and get-rich-quick brigands.
Lately, however, he had conceived the idea of marrying an heiress, and for that purpose he was hovering about Diana Seminary, annoying the young ladies by his unsolicited attentions, or by brazen audacity intruding unceremoniously upon their receptions. His snobbish mendacity reached its climax when at the night of the moonlight soirée he accosted Aurora and Margaret at the intermission of the dance, while they were sauntering arm-in-arm along the parterre to a trysting nook.
Notwithstanding Margaret’s bold declaration of the previous day, that she wanted to give the “Jewsky” a piece of her mind, the feminine temerity and reserve had taken possession of her. The minute they saw him advance they took to their heels, and scampered back with appealing gestures toward Professor Allenson who, divining at once the situation, came gallantly to their rescue, giving Don Seville a scathing reprimand and commanding him to depart, “unless he desired,” announced the Professor, “to be skinned alive by the war dogs of the Military Academy.”
Don Seville, frightened and abashed, beat an inglorious retreat and disappeared.
Professor Cielo Allenson, better known at the Military Academy as the “Old Guard,” was a venerable man past seventy. He had a highly intellectual countenance and his silvery white hair and patriarchal beard gave him a noble dignity which commanded respect. His strenuous virility and inexhaustible energy was ever a lesson and a rebuke to the many indolent youths who came in contact with him. He was a philosopher of the first rank and an intense lover of nature. Imbued with the deeper knowledge of the subtle workings of natural phenomena, “he could not draw a line,” he would say, “between the manifestations of human, animal and vegetable kingdoms.”
“Halt you d——d old cur! I demand no apology, but satisfaction,” snarled Don Seville abruptly, his face livid with anger.
For a second the Professor was taken aback. But in that very second, through his intuitive and resourceful mind flashed the fact that he was “cornered.” He was not a man easily frightened, for as a Major of Volunteers during the Panama and Columbian trouble, and while in his teens, he had led on his handful of men up the hills against the ramparts of the enemy.
But a problem which required instantaneous solution was now presented to him by Carlos Don Seville. It was a problem which neither diplomacy, moral persuasion nor flight of oratory could solve. He realized in that very second that the only way out of this difficulty was to take the coward at his word. It was to be a fistic encounter to the finish.
“Apology, I have none to offer you sir, and am ready to give you such satisfaction as you desire,” replied the old man with a dignified firmness.
A remarkable change had taken place in the person of Cielo Allenson. That venerable and spirituelle individual had been transformed in a twinkling of an eye, into a grim and determined looking animal, and like an expert gladiator of the fistic arena, he took the attitude of self-defense.
The “ring” constituted the platform of the wooden bridge, the side rails of which served as the partial ropes. There were no seconds to goad their favorites into action, no referee to decide the doubtful or unlawful blows, no gong to mark the rounds, nor time-keeper to count the defeated out of action. In the languorous glow of the twilight their shadows, reflected in black silhouettes in the placid waters below, were the only silent witnesses of this remarkable encounter.
The contest was constant and in the vernacular of pugilism, superbly game, fast and furious! After the acceptance of the challenge there was no parley between them, but by a sudden rush, Don Seville with his right hand landed a hammering blow on the Professor’s skull, which the latter parried with his left with dexterous agility and thus saved a crisis, for if left unchecked the blow would have reached his “solar plexus.” In rapid succession the fight continued, Don Seville taking the aggressive and the Professor acting more in self-defense. However, as often as opportunity presented, the latter put in a few well aimed jabs, here and there, on the vital points of Don Seville’s anatomy. At the same time it was apparent that Don Seville was getting the best of the contest. The venerable Professor unused to long continued strain of the kind, began to experience difficulty in breathing, and this did not escape Don Seville’s observation. Shortly, however, a remarkable change was visible; the Professor seemed to grow stronger with each onslaught he made. He had gained his so-called “second wind” thereby recouping his adroitness and elasticity.
With the consummate skill of a scientific boxer, several times he feigned signs of weakness, by giving false openings, of which his infuriated antagonist attempted to avail himself, thinking the Professor to be on the verge of collapse, only to receive in return several well directed right and left swings on the jaw. These staggered Don Seville to his knees, but he was allowed to rise to his feet by the generous tolerance of the Professor, and the consciousness of this humility caused him to wage the attack with reckless fury. With vulgar oaths he began to resort to foul tactics, trying to hit the defender beyond the limits of decent pugilism.
Don Seville’s endurance had now come to its end. His youth, dissipated by debauchery, was undermined of its stability, and in spite of the wide disparity of ages the old man had Don Seville absolutely in his power. It was time, he thought, to terminate these proceedings, so distasteful and undignified to him, but the only way he saw was, to lay aside the tactics of self defense, and adopt those of a punitive retaliation.
With keen alertness he watched for an opportunity and when Don Seville, almost crazed with anger, rushed on him for a clinch, entirely oblivious of the intention of the Professor, the latter gave a sudden shift to his position by swinging his body away from his antagonist Don Seville blindly followed him in his determination of a desperate onslaught. It was then that the venerable Allenson shot out a driving “right upper cut” to the jaw.
This was the finale! Don Seville staggered to the rails and toppling over fell with a splash into the limpid waters below.
The Final Blow
The Professor promptly jumped down the embankment and pulled out his still unconscious adversary. If abandoned in that condition the young man might have drowned in the shallow waters. The Professor began to do all in his power to restore him to consciousness; just at that time a farmhand on horseback appeared on the scene, and by his aid the Academy ambulance was summoned and Don Seville was taken to the military hospital.
CHAPTER VI
Historical Events of the 20th Century
(Concluded)
A subdued applause greeted the Professor the next day when he entered the lecture room to conclude his review of events of the 20th Century. Many floral bouquets were tossed to him by his fair admirers, who were augmented from the other classes, on account of the full detail of his encounter with Don Seville having been spread throughout the Seminary.
The Professor, despite some discoloration on his benign visage, flushed crimson like a bashful child and bowed his acknowledgements, as he began his discourse thus:
1927
Colonization of Central Africa
A system of general colonization on a large scale was, during this year, undertaken by the British Government. By a new homestead law, embodying liberal inducements, a vast army of colonists from all over the British dominions were transported to Central Africa. Thousands upon thousands of persons from the congested districts of London, Glasgow, Liverpool and other large cities, were persuaded to leave their limited surroundings and uncongenial atmosphere, and go to the promising new land, teeming with boundless opportunities.
Almost the entire inhabitants of the isolated islands of the Shetlands and Orkneys, who led an indolent life and eked a meagre existence by fisheries, joined this grand trek to Central Africa. Many thousands from the Canadian provinces and from the United States of America joined this exodus, as did also thousands from the East Indies. The thorough and admirable manner in which this laudable movement was handled mitigated the hardships of transportation, and thus within a few years more than five million, poor, homeless and indolent people were given homesteads of their own, awakening them into energy and thrift.
Within a decade the population of Central Africa reached the grand total of 25,000,000 industrious, loyal citizens, forming a flourishing dependency, enjoying home rule and liberty, under the protection of British laws and arms.
1928
The Conflagration of the Atlantic Ocean
One of the most wonderful and at the same time awful conflagrations of its kind on record in the history of the world, was that of the apparent burning of the Atlantic Ocean, covering an area one hundred and fifty miles wide. It started in the Gulf of Mexico and, like a prairie fire, only a thousand times more furious, this floating furnace consumed scores of vessels that came into its fiery path.
A few weeks previous to this awful holocaust, the petroleum wells in Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana had run dry, on account of a severe earthquake. It was argued by scientists that, by some subterranean convulsions the oil well fissures had shifted their course, into the waters of the gulf, and the vast accumulation of the inflammable fluid, floating on the ocean, had been ignited, either by an electric spark during a thunderstorm, or by some combustible being thrown from a sailing craft.