(_Picked up in the neighbourhood of Dorchester House_)
Before leaving England I finish this book. I have seen much and would
have liked to see more. It was a great disappointment to me that the
Polytechnic had changed its character. It was the dream of my childhood
to be present at a lecture "Illustrated with brilliant experiments."
Still the British Museum was a very good substitute. Then I was pleased
with the Imperial Institute, and appreciated STRAUSS'S band.
Although I have yet to learn what the latter had to do with the spread
of the British Dominion. And I was delighted with the State Balls and
the Ascot races. I was pleased, too, with my visit to the Board School.
And there seemed to be much doing in the Houses of Parliament. But what
struck me most of all was the great prosperity I noticed everywhere.
There is no poverty in England. All is rich. Everyone is great. There
are none who are not powerful; it is marvellous, but true. I should
like to return to this great country to learn a little more. I have
not yet seen a paper printed. I have not dined at the table of those
who are responsible for the gaiety of nations. I have not watched the
manufacture of a clock. I have not examined waxworks. I have not risen
in the air in a balloon, nor sunk below the level of the sea in a
diving-bell. But all this pleasure can wait till I pay England a second
visit. And I am pleased to find that certain places are myths, the more
especially as these places were said to be "disgraces to civilization."
There is no East End. There are no prisons. Poverty is a word that
has become obsolete. Everyone is satisfied. A strike never happens
because all Englishmen are contented. This is the lesson that I have
learned at the hands of the great British Government. It is strange,
but undoubtedly true, that the English nation has no "seamy side." So
I leave the country of prosperous content with a salaam of heart-felt
respect. And now for Paris, with its wicked distractions. I hope I may
survive. In the meanwhile Britannia, Brave, Brilliant, Beautiful and
Beneficial, farewell!
P.S.--Always supposing I can overcome my terror of _malade de mer_.
* * * * *
HIGHLY PROBABLE.--For a draught of a new Irish policy the
present Government is pretty sure to return to the Old Butt.
* * * * *