LIQUID FROM THE SUN’S RAYS.
Early the next morning the beautiful and progressive capital of
Chihuahua was in a state of more than usual bustle.
Some time previous to this day a large body of her representative
citizens, amongst whom were more than a thousand progressive women, had
called upon the Governor _en masse_, and secured his consent to lecture
upon, “Liquid from the Sun’s Rays.”
Chihuahua is a magnificently built city of over more than one-half a
million inhabitants. It is a large mining center, railroad center, and
educational center. Recently its fame had spread abroad. The eyes of the
entire civilized world are riveted upon it. It is the home and
abiding-place of the greatest scientists the world had ever known.
Scientific men and women from all over the world came every day to see
the city; the country which produced such marvels of scientific wonder
and spiritualistic progress. The object in gathering such a large body
together to call upon and entreat the Governor to deliver an address
upon his and his coworkers’ great scientific discovery, was their
knowledge of his great timidity; of how he personally disliked to appear
before the public and recount the wonders accomplished by their “Memory
Fluid.”
Through his book, “Liquid from the Sun’s Rays,” they had gained their
first and only knowledge of their brilliant townsmen’s discovery.
Committees of from ten to one hundred had at various times since reading
the Governor’s wonderful book, besought him to deliver a public address
upon the subject, for their benefit. Invariably he put them off in a
polite way, saying: “At some future time.” Hoping, of course, that they
would weary at his many refusals, and cease to ask for a personal
explanation; that they would be satisfied with reading his work.
Such was not the case. Persistence on the part of his fellow-citizens
won.
Now the early morning was alive with the persons constituting the
various committees who were appointed to make the large theatre an Eden
of loveliness; a place befitting the great man who was to address them
that night, and the distinguished guests. The President of the United
States, accompanied by his entire family; ministers from foreign
countries who felt themselves especially favored by their own country in
being granted a leave of absence from their post of duty, and to the
committee of Chihuahuans for the invitation, arrived that morning on a
special train, which was a veritable drawing-room on wheels. This party
was at once quartered at the “Mexican Annex,” a magnificent hostelry,
containing more than one thousand rooms. “It occupies two blocks of
ground; it faces East on the Alameda; it is five stories high, and built
from the ground to the roof, of a greyish-white marble,” said a
prominent member of the reception committee. “The magnificent pillars in
the rotunda and those on the outside, which support the five stories of
open-air promenades around the hotel, are solid onyx, carved in the most
wonderful designs. This famous hostelry is the private property of the
Governor, and is known throughout the States. It is lighted and heated
by a means known only to himself and his two scientific coworkers. In
each room there are several small instruments, curiously designed, back
of pictures which represent, respectively, the face of the sun,
glaciers, and small furnaces. They are of much interest to every person
who visits the magnificent hostelry, yet no one can conceive for what
purpose the curious little pictures are fastened so securely in the
walls and ceiling. By certain mechanical action, a liquid extracted from
the rays of the sun unites with other liquids obtained from the same
source, which is concealed behind each picture, respectively. Then, if
light is desired, a miniature lever is moved which causes the liquid
concealed back of the picture of the face of the sun to unite with
another fluid with the result that a soft, mellow light spreads over the
house, which gradually increases in power until a light of the
brightness required is obtained. On the same principle, if heat is
required, another lever is moved which unites a fluid with another
situated back of the small furnace, and gradually the air rises, balmy
and fragrant like the air on a summer day in a garden of fragrant
flowers after a light shower. The small pictures of glaciers represent
the source from which cold is generated,” concluded the gallant
Chihuahuan. More detailed information as to the lighting, heating and
cooling of the hostelry, were unknown to the reception committee who
were showing the distinguished visitors the many places of interest in
their famous city.
While they expressed their great delight with the entire city, they
unanimously voted the “Mexican Annex” to be the most magnificent and
beautiful hotel building they had ever seen at home or abroad, and the
most magnificent building they had yet beheld in Chihuahua.
It was well that the last clause was added, for the committee held in
reserve a greater surprise for them. Those who had never heard of their
auditorium, their great State theatre called “The Goddess,” could
scarcely have imagined in their advanced day even, such a place to have
existed; a place of such great dimensions; of such grandeur; of such
beauty.
Chihuahua is honored by being the home of thousands of beautiful women,
who are likewise known for their virtue and great intellects. These
women indulge in the amusements,—the popular amusements of the day,—but
never dissipate.
Many of them help to support large institutions of learning by
practicing various professions for that purpose, and they do not think
they are doing _charity_ either. They contend that they owe their
efforts to the further enlightenment of the age, that _their own soul_
may grow stronger. There are, on the other hand, thousands of women in
the city, beautiful women who have many of the lighter accomplishments,
who indulge in the most hilarious forms of dissipation. Many of them
likewise move in the most distinguished, intellectual circles. Yet these
very circles are kept down; their progress retarded from the very fact
of the presence of these women; women who have never felt the Divine
power.
The entertainments given by these women teem with brilliant repartee and
sparkling wit. Wit made sparkling, by the use of high-class wines.
The advent of so many distinguished people to the capital of their state
was a welcome opportunity for them. All the morning they had paraded
themselves back and forth through the route taken by the reception
committee to best show off the city to their guests.
Most of them were becomingly attired in fashionable gowns for morning
outdoor wear. They sped along noiselessly over the smooth streets in
their chariot-like carriages, that swayed back and forth in a most
delicious fashion.
Their vehicles were put into motion by means of the simple effort of
pressing the thumb against a small button set in the center of the
dash-board; and they were turned in any direction by means of a small
lever, which required the slightest effort imaginable to handle.
These women succeeded in attracting the attention of the President and
his party,—just what they were out for, and were often close enough to
hear the bursts of admiration which unconsciously fell from the lips of
some of the gentlemen of the party who were very susceptible to the
charms of feminine beauty.
They returned to their homes in ecstasy, to refresh their beauty by an
afternoon siesta and bath; ready to array themselves in their most
gorgeous attire, in the hope of meeting the distinguished visitors at
the banquet to be held immediately after the close of the Governor’s
lecture; to make further conquests, to gather fresh laurels.
No one in the city was as little concerned over the event about to
transpire as the Governor. Getting his own consent to appear before his
people in the guise of a scientist, of a wonderful discoverer, was the
struggle. It being over he looked upon the prospective lecture seemingly
with no more concern than if he were about to make a Fourth of July
speech. Yet such was not quite the case. He was greatly concerned about
the result of his evening speech. Events had come in quick succession,
since his arrival home; important ones, that dwelt directly upon the
great chain of evidence he and his coworkers were intent upon bringing
to a close, and he was now on the alert. He knew not at what moment to
expect the climax. Strict orders were given the attendants at his home,
that he was not to be molested at any hour during the day. That the day
must be his own for thought.
The day before, he had caused the child Catalina Martinet, the child who
swooned in the study of the scientist, to be removed to his own home,
where she was placed in charge of his housekeeper. He kept up the most
magnificent private home in the city. Many were the mothers who sighed
as they drove by, for some power to entrap him for their daughters. They
thought it a sin for so beautiful a home to remain without a mistress.
The Governor was not disturbed by any of the sighs or enticing looks. He
pursued his scientific investigations and at the same time he felt that
through them there would come to him a love that would make his life,
his soul, his spirit, a paradise on earth.
Catalina Martinet seemed to have no remembrance of the strange
occurrence of yesterday. When she awoke from the peaceful sleep into
which Guillermo Gonzales and Julio Murillo had succeeded in getting her,
she was bright and gay. Instead of the careworn child of yesterday out
seeking her living, she looked and acted like the happy child of wealthy
and indulgent parents. She clung to the Governor, embraced him fondly,
and called him “Papa.” All day long he had been communing with self and
silently watching the child, whose every movement was a source of great
wonder and delight to him.
Dressed in a becoming gown of very fine texture, she alone accompanied
the great man to the theatre.
The large auditorium of the theatre was full, every seat occupied, and
most all available standing room was filled with the small, but strong
spring seats that came up from the floor by a touch, when required to
help seat the great crowds that thronged to the auditorium whenever the
Governor was billed to address his people.
Applause after applause went up from the large audience when the person
for whom they waited in breathless silence appeared upon the stage.
Exclamations of surprise and admiration were heard on every side when
the people saw the pretty child. She sat facing them with the
complacency of a queen, throughout the entire lecture.
In the large private boxes sat the President of the United States and
the representatives from foreign countries which came with him.
It was an event of great annoyance to the Governor to find, in one of
the most conspicuous seats of the private box where the President and
family sat, Marriet Motuble.
On his way to the theatre he had called for a few moments at the Mexican
Annex, to pay his respects to the Chief Executive and the distinguished
representatives of foreign countries present.
Now he only bowed to them, and wondered how the aggressive señorita made
the acquaintance with the party; by whose invitation she had a seat in
the box.
He felt his mind wandering and it was with much effort he was able to
concentrate his thoughts upon the subject of his lecture. His discourse
led up in a modest way to “Memory Fluid,” by mentioning the many
discoveries they had made before they began to experiment to find a
fluid, directly from the source of light which would perpetuate Memory
through all time. That while working with the instrument which condensed
the moisture from the sun’s rays to a liquid, they discovered it had a
very strange effect upon whichever one of the three workers who always
conducted the experiments, when the fluid had reached a certain stage. A
generous sample of the fluid at that peculiar stage was put away for
future experiments. In the meantime they perfected their “Heat and
Light” fluid and put it into practical use.
At this point in the history of their discoveries, Guillermo Gonzales
stepped upon the stage. He was received with a storm of applause. He
returned the greeting with a smile and low bow. The Governor continued:
“My able coworker will show you one of the uses to which we have put
this fluid in our own city.”
Then while Guillermo Gonzales turned the light off and on, and made the
room very hot, then cool, the Governor pointed to the large picture of
the face of the sun in the center of the ceiling and told them that it
was the source of the artificial light which they saw in the room, and
the heat they felt.
“Back of the face,” he explained, “is a small glass bulb which holds two
ounces of liquid, which, to make very clear to you, I will call the
Principal liquid. This fluid is used in the production of heat, light
and cold. Extending from the bulb are ten thousand small glass tubes,
through some of which this liquid flows to the center of each miniature
picture of the face of the sun on the ceiling and wall, through others
to the center of the miniature furnaces placed in the four walls of the
room two feet from the floor, and still through others to the small
glaciers which so beautifully adorn the walls twenty-four inches from
the ceiling. In the center of each small representation of the face of
the sun is a hollow glass button filled with another form of liquid
obtained from the sun’s rays, which we call ‘Light Fluid.’ When light is
required in a certain part or in the entire part in any room or hall in
this building, a small lever is moved by pressing a button, conveniently
situated for that purpose, which brings in contact the principal liquid
and the ‘Light’ liquid, with the result you now see; the soft, mellow
light spreading over the room, increasing in intensity until the amount
of light required is had.
“Heat is likewise produced by causing the principal fluid to unite with
a liquid confined in the miniature furnace, which we term ‘Heat Fluid.’”
Guillermo Gonzales touched a button, and the room gradually became very
warm; so warm, in fact, that the audience was uncomfortable; murmurs of
complaints were heard on every side. All the dainty fans carried by the
ladies for effect only, were immediately put into use.
The Governor fanned himself vigorously and wiped perspiration from his
brow.
“The efficiency of ‘Heat Fluid’ is well demonstrated, my friend,” said
the Governor, addressing the scientist. “Make us cool; this heat is
overpowering.”
The intense heat gradually gave way to the cool breeze, which the
Governor explained, “was caused by the uniting of the principal fluid
with the fluid called ‘Cold Fluid,’ concealed within the small
glaciers.”
Every one in the room turned his face toward the ceiling to see the
representation of glaciers, and was greatly surprised to feel the cold
air falling on his face as the heat ascended.
Cheer after cheer went up from the much pleased assembly. Their delight
knew no bounds. It was the first knowledge they had of the means by
which this magnificent auditorium was lighted, heated and made cool.
“The strange influence the liquid had at the certain stage before
mentioned,” continued the Governor, “upon us working to bring about
desired results with it in other conditions, gave rise to serious study
of self while under its influence, and further experiments in making the
same fluid stronger. On inhaling some of the stronger fluid we lapsed
into a cataleptic state, and on our return to consciousness each
astonished the other by relating wonderful and strange experiences. And
strange to say, each of us had received the same remembrances of strange
experiences which happened right in this city one hundred and fifty
years ago. When we knew from our own personal knowledge that the liquid
was perfectly harmless and capable of bringing about such wonderful
results, we were determined to experiment upon others, and, if possible,
find out if others had lived at the same time. And if the fluid caused
those upon whom it was tested to recall one certain incident which we
remembered to have occurred in the year 1898. in this city. This new
fluid or liquid we call ‘Memory Fluid,’ and upon others it likewise
worked marvels. They too recalled at once the same incident which we had
recorded in our register. And now our great test case is about to be
closed. The ‘Plunger from Kansas’ has positively been located. All the
evidence of many persons now living who knew him in this town one
hundred and fifty years ago, is about collected. He remembers himself.
Retribution is overtaking him. See! this is his picture. Through a
similar process to the one used in making this auditorium light, another
has been used in producing from memory’s picture-gallery of the past,
the picture you see of ‘The Plunger from Kansas,’ now before you.”
For an instant a hushed silence fell upon the large audience. Then as if
by unanimous vote they at once cried out in the most tumultuous cheers.
The cries of: “Down with him, I remember him; he robbed my father in
another life.” “Punish him.” “Catch him.” “Hang him.” “Put him in
prison.” “Make him repent.” “See that his just due is meted out to him.”
“Yes, for he escaped in the other life,” rang out.
One of the orthodox ministers—Rev. J. T. Note—there are still a few who
hang on to their creeds with the same tenacity that Don Francisco R.
Cantu y Falomir and his few followers do to the ancient customs and
religion of their long-lost and beloved Republic of Mexico; arose and
cried: “The wrath of God be upon such unholy teachings. Oh, God, spare
our great nation, about to be plunged into an abyss of darkness and
despair.”
When Father Hernandez, the best known priest in the city, cried: “Jesus
and Mary protect us from evil,” Marriet Motuble arose from her
conspicuous position in the box she occupied with the President, and
cried: “Carry that scorpion, the Rev. J. T. Note, out. I know him of
old. He tried to convert the ‘Plunger’ to his faith, to get some of his
ill-gotten gains, no doubt. He was a missionary then, practicing his
arts of conversion in Chihuahua. It is upon him the wrath of the gods
should fall. And that priest, Father Hernandez,” she continued, as her
body swayed back and forth, convulsed with laughter. “That priest, that
priest, he was a voluptuous lout. Oh, the hangers-on he had. Clangity
clang, clang, clang, every fifteen minutes went the bells in the towers
of his ancient church, to call the peons to prayer—to get their
_centavos_. Oh, you viper, you scorpion, get out of here!”
“Hush!”—came out the clear, distinct voice of the Governor.
Marriet Motuble sank quietly into her seat, at the sound of his voice.
Julio Murillo stepped on the stage, and in a quiet, reassuring voice
said: “Eternal Truth, the Sublime Law of Right, will be asserted. The
voice of my mother, Señora Suzzan Carriles, of Colima, cries out for a
resurrection. Through her desire for a new life, for a knowledge of
truth, yonder priest, whom I pity from the bottom of my soul, will see
the folly of his ways, and will desire also to live the life of
spiritual purity.”
A pitiful cry, “Oh, Joseph, oh, Mary, spare me, spare me!” rang out, as
the priest fell forward.
He was carried out amidst the cries: “Impostor,” “Give him ‘Memory
Fluid,’” on one side, and “Our kind priest is persecuted,” on another.
“Spare him, ye blessed Virgin Mary!”
“Jesus y Maria, Jesus y Maria!” cried Don Francisco R. Cantu y Falomir.
“This is the beginning of the war about to be waged. The sanctified
Catholic Church will win. These blasphemous scientific impostors will
meet their just reward. I knew it would come through the means of the
fake ‘Memory Fluid.’ It is necessary for a vast amount of evil to be
thrust upon man at one moment before he is brought to his senses; before
a much needed revolution takes place.”
The keynote to his thoughts was struck when he said the word
“revolution,” as it acted like wild-fire upon the wrought-up assembly.
Progressive women and men arose, and their cries of: “Down with the
revolutionists! Down with the progeny who opposed the noble Diaz!”
“Drag the scorpion out and cut his wind off,” cried Marriet Motuble.
The President of the United States arose, and with hands outstretched
toward the Governor, sent forth a silent appeal. This was the first
exhibition of fear noticed during the entire commotion.
The Governor understood the mute appeal of the head of the nation,
arose, and with a proud toss of his handsome head, spoke in a clear,
high voice: “Captain, let the soldiers enter, and take the disturbers of
peace away!”
No one up to this time had noticed that the doorways and vestibules
leading into the auditorium were thronged with the city police force and
the state militia. The wise Governor had, through the assistance of his
able coworkers, Guillermo Gonzales and Julio Murillo, arranged thus for
the protection of those present at the first outbreak of the evening.
The Captain whom he addressed had been in the audience, within close
distance of the Governor, for some time, and only waited for the sign
from him to quell the disturbers.
At the same moment the auditorium was filled with officers of law, the
boxes occupied by the President and family and other visitors were
completely surrounded with soldiers armed to the teeth.
Friends of the priest, Father Hernandez, had carried him out the moment
he fell in a faint; others, in sympathy with Don Francisco R. Cantu y
Falomir, ushered him out quickly, so the police restored quiet by their
presence.
Some nervous sensationalist was so bold as to cry out: “God save the
President! This occasion is for the purpose of getting him here to
murder him. It is the old story repeated. Abraham Lincoln was shot by a
traitor while in a theatre two hundred and fifty years ago. We must
protect our President with our lives.”
The person who gave vent to this cry was at once put under arrest, and
taken by force out of the theatre.
Quiet was once more restored and by a few words from the Governor, the
people were assured of protection and that the banquet would take place.