MERCIA,
THE ASTRONOMER ROYAL:
=A Romance.=
BY
A. GARLAND MEARS,
AUTHOR OF
‘IDYLLS, LEGENDS, AND LYRICS,’ ‘THE STORY OF A TRUST,’ ‘TALES OF OUR
TOWN,’ ETC.
LONDON:
SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT & CO. LTD.
4 STATIONERS’-HALL COURT.
1895.
_All rights reserved._
PRINTED BY
SPOTTISWOODE AND CO., NEW-STREET SQUARE
LONDON
MERCIA
THE ASTRONOMER ROYAL.
‘Whoever knows the origin, the entrance, the locality, and the
five-fold power of life enjoys immortality.’
From THE PRASNA, in _Bibliotheca Indica_.
CONTENTS
PROLOGUE.
PART PAGE
I. 1
II. 23
III. 31
MERCIA, THE ASTRONOMER ROYAL.
CHAPTER PAGE
I. 41
II. 73
III. 85
IV. 103
V. 127
VI. 132
VII. 158
VIII. 186
IX. 230
X. 264
XI. 287
XII. 295
XIII. 341
PROLOGUE
PART I
The year of grace, 2002, had arrived and the world had seen many
changes. The kingdoms of the earth had gone through great experiences.
Nations had risen and fallen; the boundaries of Empires had been
modified; for a serious redistribution of territory had taken place.
Petty sovereignties had now become merged into greater ones, having
fallen a prey to the strong; for the dominant Powers had divided the
spoil by agreement.
Nevertheless, on the whole, peace and contentment reigned; for advanced
knowledge, not only taught the inutility, gross inhumanity, and waste of
war, but science had made such wonderful progress in the arts of warfare
throughout the whole world, that a battle actually meant the complete
annihilation of both sides; thus a victory for either became an
impossibility.
Along with this enforced peace-keeping the wave of civilisation had
spread everywhere carrying its mind-culture, its arts, and handicrafts
to the uttermost parts of the earth; until the world had become a huge
beehive of active industry, although not necessarily a severe
muscle-wearing one.
Through all the generations dating from the close of the nineteenth
century the social question relative to the status of woman had been
ever uppermost, having been kept to the front by the intense longing of
the sex for a wider walk of life, a more extended field of action.
They demanded a great reformation, a complete recast of social
economics.
The leading features of their programme being a higher education, which
should be recognised by the Universities, Law, and Medical Corporations,
in order that more honourable, lucrative, and responsible employments
might be opened to them.
They demanded also, political, social, and marital equality between the
sexes; for they averred that women were being cramped and crippled by
old-time conventionalities, the outcome of the customs and prejudices of
mediæval ignorance and tyranny, which had invariably relegated their sex
to a lower platform of liberty.
As citizens it placed them in the position of minors and lunatics, they
averred, and as wives it gave them but little more authority than what
their children possessed from a legal point of view, however talented
and cultivated they might be.
Loud and bitter were the railings of the dominant sex against the
movement. Men scoffed and derided ‘the new woman,’ as they mockingly
termed her.
She became the subject of epigram, pun, and pleasantry generally; the
butt of every shallow humorist, and dubbed ‘the new darn on the old
bluestocking,’ whatever that might mean. She was told that her
aspirations were bold and offensive in the extreme; that they ‘unsexed’
her.
Nor was she spared by her own sex. If a lady novelist had the courage to
make a stand for social purity the critics would pounce upon her,
condemning her work as ‘improper.’
Mostly those following this calling were males; but there were to be
found feminine monstrosities among writers, who to curry favour with the
multitude, stooped to the unworthiness of writing down those devoted
champions of liberty for their own sex.
It was a long battle and a hard, this struggle for equality. Man’s
dominance and woman’s subjugation had not been a healthy influence
throughout the ages, for either sex.
Society taught, and the laws of the realm favoured the theory, that the
code of morality for the man was widely different to that which should
guide the woman.
But the new woman saw whence this incongruity sprang, and showed that it
had its birth and continued existence in the coarser instincts of the
male, whose desires it tended to foster and encourage.
‘Truly,’ she exclaimed, ‘the arrogance and selfishness of man is not
difficult to discover, although veiled by the hypocritical excuse of
keeping intact the sweet delicacy and spirituality of woman. Men demand
that we should continue to repose a child-like confidence in their
goodness; well, we shall be only too ready to grant it as soon as we are
assured that they have made themselves worthy of our trust.’
Education and experience had now opened her eyes: impelled by necessity
she shook off the bonds that had bound her so long and utilised the
talents that had for ages lain dormant, turning them into worthier and
more useful channels.
How their first steps in the ways of liberty were derided! Nevertheless,
there came forward high-souled men who held out a helping hand to these
struggling children, who were laboriously and anxiously stretching and
straining to reach the longed-for goal.
The crowning joy came at last. Slowly, and by almost imperceptible
degrees, she won one concession, and then another, until by the time the
second millenary was reached her great ambition was attained.
Like all wise reforms it benefited equally its adversaries as
supporters; and man, who at the outset bitterly opposed the movement,
reaped the advantage derived therefrom, to his own comfort and content.
Woman’s position was now assured, and she took her place alongside man
on equal terms. If a post of honour, or high emolument were vacant, sex
was not taken into consideration in the choice of a candidate, for the
person best suited for the position was selected according to his or her
proved ability, or past experience.
It frequently happened that a young fellow earning but 100_l._ a year
would woo successfully a young lady filling a position of importance
that yielded her 500_l._ per annum. For it might chance that she had
enjoyed the advantage over him of a superior training, or inherited
abler ability for that particular employment; and these combined with
perhaps, superior family influence exerted on her behalf had given her
the better start.
In such a case as this, with their united incomes, the young couple were
in a position to set up housekeeping in a fairly respectable style; the
bridegroom’s good luck might be envied by his companions, but no one
thought the worse of either.
Moreover it worked beneficially for the male in other ways. If accident,
or sickness deprived a man of the capability of following his
employment, he and his family, were not reduced to want, for the wife
became the bread-winner, leaving him in charge of the housekeeping.
This arrangement was considered no hardship by the wife; for she was
relieved of domestic cares, and control of domestic servants, which, as
a rule, the husband discharged with great success. It was frequently
found that a master obtained readier obedience and more faithful service
than a mistress. Whether this was owing to his requirements being less
exacting than those of a mistress, or to that indefinable influence
which one sex holds over the other, cannot be determined; doubtless it
was a combination of the two that gave the man greater empire over the
woman-servant.
It is not to be supposed that a domestic servant occupied the humble
position she held in previous times; for a well-appointed household
requiring at least four servants, in the nineteenth century would at
this period need but one. The vast amount of mechanical contrivances
worked by electricity minimised labour to such an extent that it raised
the position of a domestic servant to that of a working electrician of
the nineteenth century; which period saw the birth of the practical use
of electric energy. In fact, a thoroughly good domestic servant who knew
her work, that is to say, a woman who understood, and successfully
conducted the various machines, keeping them in working order, could
readily command her two pounds a week, and run a home, husband, and
children on her own account.
The social economy of this time was entirely different to that of any
previous period. Marriage in no way incapacitated a woman-servant from
keeping her situation. Indeed, it had a contrary effect; most people
preferring a steady-going married woman with responsibilities, to a
flirty inexperienced maiden who might use her position in the household
to wile away a heedless son, or a somewhat lonesome husband. As a rule,
however, such an occurrence happened rarely; the marriage state was
mostly a very happy one, and faithfully kept on both sides, for a high
standard of morality ruled supreme.
Other factors supported this beneficent condition; for all being equal
as breadwinners, and the number of the sexes equally balanced, a man
deemed himself fortunate when he secured a good wife and did his utmost
to please her.
On her side affection alone prompted her to marry; the unworthy motive
of making marriage the means of obtaining a home of her own, no longer
existed, as every parent trained his daughter equally as his son to hold
a position of independence, by giving her a trade, or profession to
follow.
Both humble and high-born possessed more or less practical knowledge of
physiology; especially those branches dealing directly with health, and
the functions of reproduction, which enabled women to fill more
intelligently the positions of wife and mother.
It was appointed by Government that all persons should be taught the
more important branches of this science in the public schools, as soon
as they reached the age of twelve years together with the principles of
social economy. It was considered a gross immorality on the part of
parents to bring into existence a large family of children, whom they
could not possibly rear with comfort to themselves, or with any degree
of justice to their offspring.
But over and above the personal inconvenience of poor people being
overburdened with children, the disadvantage of giving birth to large
families was recognised by all from an economic point of view: for the
world was becoming so thickly populated that it appeared obvious a
difficulty would arise in providing foodstuffs for so many millions of
human beings, notwithstanding the very material assistance the science
of chemistry afforded in feeding the multitude.
All persons, therefore recognised the necessity of supporting
legislative authority on this point, for being an intellectual people
they saw it worked to their advantage from every point of view.
Inordinate reproduction interfered with a wife’s ability to supplement
her husband’s income by following her own profession, and thereby making
a very narrow income into an easy one.
In bygone days if the mistress of a public school entered the marriage
state she entered the schoolroom no more; custom decreed that with
marriage all bread winning ceased on her side, and her husband’s small
income must suffice.
Of course the _raison d’être_ of this custom was not far to seek, for
her child-bearing duties, to which no limit was placed, would
considerably interfere with those of her situation.
But at this advanced period public opinion decreed that such a course
was the outcome of brute ignorance; for physiological and psychological
science taught that the position of parent was the most responsible in
all creation, and to bring any number of children into the world until
Nature refused to do more, was a condition of life in its wildest state;
for man in every other form of life controls the exuberance of Nature,
for wise purposes.
As soon as a wife decided on becoming a mother,—and most women looked
forward to that position with keen interest, for the love of children is
ever paramount in the female breast,—she would brace herself to the
fulfilment of the duties of this great responsibility.
She realised that on herself alone rested, not only the building up of
the physical frame of her unborn child, but also the formation of the
pre-natal mind, with all its mental and moral capacities.
She knew that every thought, impulse, and action of hers would leave
their impress upon the brain of her child; for a stimulus would be given
to the development of the faculties in those directions, according to
the degree in which she exercised her own.
In order, therefore to ensure herself the possession of a child perfect
in physique, and intellect; and endowed with such faculties of mind as
formed her beau ideal of a beautiful character, she underwent a course
of self-denial and watchfulness throughout the whole period of
pregnancy.
During this important period, the greatest in her life, she took heed
that no emotion, thought, or action was indulged in on her part that she
would object to seeing reproduced in her child, however modified these
might be by the new individuality.
To ensure this she followed a system of wholesome and healthy
employment, which served the two-fold purpose of keeping her mind pure,
and her muscle-power in practice. By experience it was found that the
most beautiful characters had been given to the world by parents noted
for their industry, morality and unselfishness.
Then there were the intellectual powers of the child’s mind to consider,
for it was not left to chance the arrangement of his talents, or
capabilities for a profession.
Expectant parents took time by the forelock, for instead of waiting for
the period when their son’s schooling would be completed for the choice
of a profession, they carefully considered the question long before he
put in an appearance, and made their plans regarding his future with
twentieth-century forethought.
If it so happened that the ambition of a couple was to see their son a
professor of music then the mother-that-was-to-be took her _rôle_
accordingly.
During this interesting time she would devote herself almost exclusively
to the pursuit of music; daily practising on the instruments she wished
him to excel in; studying the theory of music, attending high-class
musical entertainments; encouraging lovers of music at her house, and in
fact, neglecting nothing that lay in her power to foster and encourage
the growth of that group of faculties, whose possession makes the
perfect musician.
Indeed, the friends of a lady _enceinte_ would suspect her condition,
not from seeing her lying about on the couch, or other indolent
indulgences, but from her increased activities in a regular and definite
direction.
‘It’s easy to see,’ a neighbour would remark in fireside parlance, ‘that
Mistress Woodward is expecting a son; evidently they are going to make
him a civil engineer. Mark, how she is slaving over mathematics and
reading up every work on engineering she can lay her hands on. Why, her
boudoir is filled with mechanical drawings: you would think she was
about building all the suspension bridges, and electrometers in the
Empire. It is a son, you may be sure; she would hardly put a daughter to
such a profession, seeing that when one comes she will be an heiress.
Yes, the grandmother left all her property to the grand-daughter, _when
she arrives_. I suppose they will have one; it goes without saying that
they will, _under the circumstances_.’
Or this might be the gossip.
‘It’s coming off at last! They’re going to give themselves a baby—poor
things! ’Twas a silly love match, thou remembers, and their united
incomes were as nothing compared with their ideas, brought up as they
were in every luxury. However, the wife got a good appointment last
October owing to the influence of her friends; result—she is going to
have a baby—a girl, I am told. It is plain enough to see what trade the
child is to follow, for the expectant mother is now running a laboratory
and slaves in it nightly, besides attending the Government lectures on
chemistry held weekly in the large hall of the Science Schools. Well, it
is a useful profession, and will do equally well for a boy; it’s just
possible they may have made a mistake and the baby will prove to be a
boy after all. I never thought either of them over intelligent—they are
sure to blunder—but what matters it? They can have a girl next time. Of
course they will treat themselves to two children—they can now afford
it.’
Still another sample of twentieth-century table talk.
_Mr. Brown._ ‘Hast thou seen Smithers lately? It is a long time since I
set eyes on him; what is he doing?’
_Mr. White._ ‘Oh, all his spare time is taken up showing Mistress
Smithers how to manufacture flying machines. He takes her into his
workshop daily, explaining the uses of this, that and the other. She has
a lathe of her own, run by electricity, and she makes the parts and fits
them together. Of course as soon as the baby is born she will drop it,
for Smithers is well off now; capital business that flying machine one,
especially with that new patent of his—it almost goes like the wind, and
a lot steadier.’
_Mr. Brown._ ‘Bless my life! why she went through all that fag four
years ago, I remember very well I could never get a minute with him. As
soon as ever his workmen were gone, in went the wife for her lessons,
and mighty quick she was too, in taking it all in. Are they going to
have _two_ sons?’
_Mr. White._ ‘Not if they know it! They made a mistake last time; it
appears ’twas an order for a daughter that went, while they thought it
was for a son, so Mistress Smithers has to go through all her exercises
_de novo_; it is to be hoped they have made no blunder _this_ time, for
it is no joke after all, for the poor woman.’
_Mr. Brown._ ‘The boy should be a genius when he comes, seeing that
_both_ parents are adepts in the business. Occasionally we have freaks
of nature,—now, haven’t we? Rememberest thou those Percys, they were
going to have a _poet_, forsooth! but, ha, ha, ha, he turned out a
simpleton!! He now takes the pence for the man who lends out his flying
machine to boys. So much for manufacturing poets beforehand.’
_Mr. White._ ‘It was a maxim of the ancients that poets must be born not
made, and it still holds good in these days of light: for a great poet
only comes once in an epoch. He is an intellectual giant, as it were,
and the conditions under which he is formed are not yet fathomed. It is
comparatively easy for a woman to take up any ordinary employment with a
view of giving a certain bias to the child’s faculties, but how in the
name of goodness can a person all at once simulate the poet, and expect
her child to come into the world a ready-made bard—why it is
preposterous!’
_Mr. Brown._ ‘We cannot limit the possibilities of the future: only a
hundred years ago the possibility of arranging the sex of a child was
laughed at as a simple absurdity. Now we arrange not only the number of
our children but their sex also; and very properly too, for we can do
greater justice to our progeny when we know what we are about, than if
they came by blind chance, merely.’
_Mr. White._ ‘We are twenty-first century people, now—let us remember
that fact, two thousand and two! Yea, verily, the world is growing very
old and that blessed millennium hasn’t come yet!’
_Mr. Brown._ ‘_This_ is the millennium. We shall get no better. Is not
the prophecy fulfilled of the ancient poets—“The wolf and the lamb shall
lie down together?” Where is war? It has ceased to exist. Civilisation
and science have worked out the miracle, and given to war its quietus.’
It is necessary to explain that by this time such a perfect knowledge of
physiology was attained that the sex of the desired offspring could be
regulated by parents. As soon as the discovery was made, and fully and
completely tested, it was not locked up as a professional secret, but
was given to the people by order of the Government in a handbook of
health that was issued yearly at a nominal cost, which contained
up-to-date information on hygiene, or general management of Health, and
Home. By this means at least two-thirds of the children born were males,
which kept the balance fairly even of the sexes. For notwithstanding the
fact that Nature had at all times given the predominance of number to
the masculine sex, yet owing to the numerous accidents that befell men
while in the pursuit of their calling; and also to the severer strain on
their constitution as the breadwinners, the mortality was consequently
greater. From these causes mainly the nations found themselves mostly,
with a redundance of adult females.
But a complete metamorphosis had now set in, for the people had eagerly
taken advantage of the information afforded them, availing themselves of
it to such an extent that the succeeding generation of males found
themselves with a very inadequate supply of wives.
This awkward dilemma was, however, remedied in course of time, and
eventually a fairly even number of the sexes was obtained.
But there was still another factor that assisted in maintaining the
balance—the opening of trades and professions to women, which custom had
kept so long closed against them, causing parents to hesitate in sending
their daughters to learn trades and professions. ‘Better have no
daughters at all,’ thought many susceptible ones, ‘if they must toil for
their living like men.’ But time works wonders: the day came when a
daughter brought as much honour and credit to her family as ever a son
could possibly have achieved.
What men in the first instance regarded as an invasion of their rights,
proved in the end an inestimable blessing. A wife ceased to be a kind of
encumbrance upon a struggling man, and became a helpmate in a very
substantial sense; for marriage no longer incapacitating a woman from
continuing her employment, the income of a couple was doubled: by this
means the two were enabled to live in greater comfort and with less
strain and worry to the husband. Thus the longevity of the male was
increased by the more equal distribution of labour between the sexes,
for the wear and tear to the nervous system in the battle of life being
reduced, had its share in prolonging masculine life and sustaining an
equality of number of the sexes.
As every person loved his profession, or trade, ‘being born to it,’ in a
most literal sense, his enthusiasm and interest in it never slackened,
consequently, no woman deemed it a hardship to follow the calling her
parents had designed for her, even when marriage made it no longer a
necessity. When the duties of her situation were discharged each day,
supposing she filled one, for few women ever thought of throwing up a
good post on account of getting married—she would return to her home,
whose appointments denoted the presence of the greatest refinement and
comfort, and finish the day, for the hours of labour were short, in the
society of her husband and children, varied by the enjoyment of social
pleasures, or intellectual pursuits.
PART II
For over a hundred years woman had been gradually developing in strength
and stature, and had by this time attained as great a height as man
formerly possessed. ‘Woman’s weakness’ was an unknown term, except from
ancient literature, for owing to the various athletic exercises which
for generations had been the universal custom for girls and women to
engage in, and also to the increased physical strength attained by
abstemiousness from much child-bearing, they had almost overtaken the
males in vigour, and endurance. Courage being the accompaniment of
bodily strength the myth of a woman running away from a mouse was
regarded as a silly invention of their ancestors for the purpose of
pleasantry, or a playful manner of showing up the difference of the
organisation of the sexes. But there were cynics to be found who averred
that the comic papers of the nineteenth century in their skits on
society gave as true a reflection of its condition, from one point of
view, as the most veracious and trustworthy historian could have
afforded.
It appeared, indeed, utterly absurd to the twentieth-century mind, when
they turned over the leaves of some ancient copy of _Punch_ to see the
joke portraying the bald-headed pater looking aghast when the monthly
nurse presents him with the twelfth consignment, which are twins!
‘Why the man ought to be dandling his grand-children at his time of
life, he is actually bald, and babies coming still!’ the reader of those
ancient cynicisms would exclaim.
They could not understand the imprudence of parents bringing children
into the world for almost the whole of their natural lives. Leaving
themselves without leisure or ease to enjoy the fruits of their industry
in middle age, while yet youthful enough to appreciate the pleasures of
life.
The nursery story—most artistically illustrated, of course,—descriptive
of the condition of their ancestors formed a curious revelation to
twentieth-century children.
‘This is the man who toiled all day to fill the mouths of seven hungry
children that didn’t get enough.
‘This is the woman all worn with care, who was wife to the man that
toiled all day, to fill the mouths of seven hungry children that didn’t
get enough.
‘This is the strap the woman used, all worn with care, who was wife to
the man that toiled all day to fill the mouths of seven hungry children
that didn’t get enough.
‘This is the pup that eat up the strap the woman used, all worn with
care, who was wife to the man that toiled all day to fill the mouths of
seven hungry children that didn’t get enough.
‘This is the cat that clawed the pup, that eat up the strap, the woman
used, all worn with care, who was wife to the man that toiled all day to
fill the mouths of seven hungry children that didn’t get enough.
‘This is the tank that drowned the cat, that clawed the pup, that eat up
the strap the woman used, all worn with care, who was wife to the man
that toiled all day to fill the mouths of seven hungry children that
didn’t get enough.’
This melancholy record of the fortunes of the nineteenth-century
representative peasant, was doubtless a variation of the legend of the
old woman that lived in a shoe. Nevertheless it amused the little tots
of twenty-first century time. For the extraordinary picture of seven
little children inhabiting one poor little cottage appeared utterly
absurd to their advanced minds, which could scarcely comprehend the
folly of a poor man possessing more mouths to fill than was possible.
‘What did he want with all those?’ they innocently inquired.
But their nurse could only reply—‘She didn’t quite know: it was a way
they had in nineteenth-century times.’
The laws of health were so strictly taught in all schools that no
individual could possibly grow up ignorant on those points; and every
man, mostly, knew how to take charge of his own body.
Nevertheless professors of medicine still flourished on the face of the
earth; but the masculine sex had for generations past lost the monopoly
of the profession.
As a rule, however, the lady doctor was in no greater demand than her
male rival, men still holding their own to some extent; for the world
will ever see those women who prefer men to dance attendance on them.
The profession was, indeed, pretty equally divided between the sexes;
most mothers preferring females to prescribe for their children in times
of dangerous sickness, believing that they were more successful in their
treatment of the troubles of childhood. Besides, it followed as a
natural consequence that as the lady accoucheur brought the child into
the world, which was the invariable custom, it was only fair that she
should have the medical care of the little one afterwards.
The serious infant mortality which prevailed among the lower orders up
to the close of the nineteenth century, was now so reduced, that
parents, as a rule, succeeded in rearing their families intact.
Greater enlightenment in the methods of their upbringing, together with
superior sanitary arrangements of the domicile, no doubt tended largely
towards effecting this change.
Small families being the rule, instead of the exception, it must be
admitted that with a lesser number to provide for, greater care and
comfort could be bestowed upon their offspring; so that the reduction of
the birthrate had the effect of reducing the death-rate; this fact
combined with increased longevity of the adult, quite doubled the
average of human life.
The difference in dress between men and women was not great; the sexes
were mostly distinguishable by the method of dressing their hair.
Men had ceased cutting their hair closely, for it was found that this
practice materially injured its growth, and finally ended in making all
the males bald before they were twenty years of age.
Specialists averred that the cause of the trouble arose from two
sources. By constantly cropping the hair an unnatural stimulus was
imparted to its growth, which quickly impoverished the hair follicles,
and so brought about their early decay. Also, the scalp being unduly
deprived of its natural covering of long hair was left an easy prey to
every germ, or fungus that chose to make its home there. For these
reasons men decided to wear their hair long, and usually kept it from
six to twelve inches in length, in curls about their neck, which had the
effect of giving them a very romantic appearance.
Women allowed their hair its full natural length, arranging it in coils
and plaits, pretty much in the manner of the ancients.
At this time there were persons with fads who affected high art in
gastronomical matters; preferring to patronise the food-chemist rather
than the butcher and baker. Chemical foodstuffs for the supply of the
waste of the various tissues of the body were arranged in pills and
tabloids, the quantity allowed for a meal being printed on the label.
This practice however, failed to meet with anything approaching popular
favour, for mankind still loved too well the pleasures of the table to
give up a good dinner for a pill. For who would prefer a nitrogenous
tabloid to the delicacies of the banquet, which form the necessary
concomitants of the soul-inspiring nectars usually quaffed by the
appreciative Teuton on every available occasion?
Indeed, to him the loss of the sensations of that comfort and
satisfaction which follow a good meal was tantamount to bidding adieu to
the most substantial pleasure of life.
Besides, their internal arrangements had something to say in the matter;
and their utter collapse for want of some substance to keep them in
position proved a warning to the daring experimenter.
Notwithstanding all the arguments of advanced scientists, the
food-chemists failed in disestablishing the old-fashioned system of
eating and drinking.
Moreover there were physiologists who declared that it was an
impossibility as man is constituted, to sustain life by means of
elemental substances being introduced into the system unless a complete
reconstruction of the organisation could be effected.
For the various organs that acted together, forming a laboratory for the
change of foodstuffs into vital force, having no occupation must
necessarily languish, and get out of gear through sheer inanition.
Thus the revolution in animal economy was perforce left over for the
people of a more advanced period to deal with.
PART III
The nineteenth century saw the development of natural science to such a
gigantic extent that the people could only exclaim—‘It is like reading a
fairy tale of double-distilled enchantment; Aladdin’s lamp is as nothing
compared with it!’
Great as was the civilisation of the ancients their genius had never
attained to such heights as were reached by the scientists of that
epoch.
Electricity was impounded into the service of man, and put to every
possible purpose.
Experiment and research continued to be the order of the day; and the
great glow of enthusiasm that fired the votaries of science never abated
until all that was possible to be learnt concerning the adaptations of
electric energy were known far and wide. Before the dawn of the
twentieth century every country on the face of the earth was bound
together by a network of electrical energy.
Scientific knowledge had therefore made such vast progress all over the
world, and the uses to which electric force could be applied had become
so widely known that nations found they must settle their differences by
some method other than warfare.
By the use of electric lightning, as it was named, to distinguish it
from cloud lightning, whole armies could be annihilated by a couple of
electricians. And as skilful workmen of this class were in full force in
every country, and at the word of command were ready to apply this
deadly instrument of destruction with instantaneous effect, the powers
of warfare were pretty equally balanced.
In course of time, on this account, standing armies were abolished, for
obviously, they were absolutely useless for the defence of a nation, and
in their stead a supreme Court of Justice was set up, entitled THE
WORLD’S TRIBUNAL.
This was composed of delegates, or representatives from every nation,
each being entitled to send two persons who were usually chosen from the
ministry.
It is needless to explain that such a position of responsibility was
given only to men of excellent wisdom and proved ability, who had
already won the confidence of their country. As a rule, the decisions of
this unique Court were abided by, but if a judgment gave general
dissatisfaction, then a return to an extremely primitive method of
warfare was permitted, under certain modified conditions.
A company of picked men, famous in athletic exercises were selected by
the countries in dispute and pitted against each other, armed with
electrically-charged lances, very short, and silvered over to give them
a more imposing appearance.
The object of each combatant was not to take life, or give serious
injury to his adversary, but simply to temporarily paralyse his right
arm, the combat being conducted according to certain stringent
regulations and conditions.
At one time females offered themselves for the trial, and gave good
proof of their prowess and ability; but this ambition did not obtain for
long, and their desire of emulation in merely muscular exercises grew
into disfavour; for woman considered it incumbent upon her to keep in
advance of man in intellectual and philanthropical pursuits.
Social history had taught her that man must possess an ideal for his
guidance, and where was that to be found if not in woman? It was her
influence, and her example which had advanced him to his present high
morality, his present plane of purity.
Sometimes several generations would pass away before an occasion arose
for the GREAT TEST TOURNAMENT to take place, so that when an engagement
of this kind came off, it formed, in truth, a world’s fête. Kings and
commoners flocked from all parts to witness this unusual spectacle: for
the old love of combativeness was still dominant in the human mind,
although mainly kept under excellent restraint.
The opportunity therefore, of seeing such an important contest, the
result of which bore such serious issues, was eagerly sought by all
classes, in every country. Indeed, it was patronised to such an extent
that it was found necessary to restrict the number of sightseers to one
million. For it was found most inconvenient to entertain and provide
accommodation for more, there being no room for such a heavy addition to
their numbers in the already well-filled city. All cities were pretty
nearly alike, in this respect, the world being very thickly populated.
THE GREAT TEST TOURNAMENT formed, in truth, a grand and imposing
spectacle. What an exciting scene would then present itself!
Flying machines impelled by electric energy darkened the air. Sumptuous
carriages set in motion by the same force, and filled with gaily
costumed men and women eager to witness the scene, whirled along the
roads formed of cement as smooth as glass, and hard as adamant.
Horsemen elegantly attired, cantered briskly along the side road, which
was devoted specially to their use, for that designed for general
purposes was too smooth for the equestrian.
Horses, indeed, were trotted out more for display than absolute use, by
the wealthy, for the means of locomotion was accessible to all.
The poorest person, almost, could conveniently run his own electric car;
for the expense of construction was light, and by a simple process of
the conservation of energy the supply of electric force was sustained at
a small cost.
By this time the concentration and conservation of solar energy was in
general practice; usually large manufactories favoured its use, for the
storage of the sun’s rays had become practicable and was superseding
electricity to some extent. The ocean was no impediment to personal
locomotion, for seas were skimmed over by means of electrical flying
machines; while ships impelled by the same force were used chiefly for
the transport of cargo.
Nevertheless, there was still a large percentage of persons who
preferred riding the wave on an electric, or solar energy impelled
vessel, to floating through the air in a flying machine, for nerves were
not yet out of fashion.
Notwithstanding all the dreams of nineteenth-century political reformers
England had still retained its old institutions, for the Empire
continued to be ruled by a monarchical form of government diluted
somewhat with the constitutional. So far from being a great Republic by
this time the tendency went the other way, for new conditions sprang up
which gave the Sovereign a degree of absolutism which the fondest hopes
of the Royalist could never have conjured up. By reason of marriages and
intermarriages between the Royal Houses of Great Britain and Germany the
two families became so intermixed that in consequence of the sudden
death of the heir-apparent to the German crown, followed immediately by
the death of the Emperor, the Sovereign of England woke up one morning
to find himself the direct successor to the throne of the Fatherland.
It happened in this way. A great war broke out between Germany and
France in the year 1930, and in the midst of a fierce contest, where the
great field pieces were charged with missiles which emitted volleys of
electric lightning into the German ranks, a French electrician sent an
electric bolt at the Emperor and his son, killing the younger royal
warrior instantly, and severely injuring the elder. The following day
the Emperor succumbed to his injuries, to the intense grief of all his
subjects.
This _coup_ failed to give the French nation the victory, but it gave
the German crown to the Sovereign of England, who was the only
successor. This was the last battle Europe ever saw; public opinion
decreed that such cruel slaughter should be discontinued for all time.
As a matter of course there was much opposition at the outset to the
Sovereign of another country swaying the sceptre of their beloved
fatherland, albeit he was in reality more German than English.
Long speeches were made in the Reichstag, and ancient laws raked up to
show its utter unconstitutional character. But when it was pointed out
by their favourite minister, an old man full of wisdom and experience,
what a splendid gain it would prove to their country in having such a
powerful nation as the English merged into theirs; for united the two
could defy the world independently of any alliance with other great
Powers. To this unanswerable argument the opposition succumbed, and
gracefully gave way to the inevitable.
The two countries set apart a whole week for national rejoicings at this
glorious union of two great nations in a manner unparalleled in all
history. It was poetically entitled the marriage of the beautiful
Sea-Girt Isle with the strong and Ever-Enduring Fatherland. This
euphemism took away the bitterness of the pill that most of the Germans
were mouthing, for they were not altogether satisfied at seeing their
country come under the dominance of another Power, albeit the ties of
consanguinity and policy bound both together. But the strongest factor
in producing satisfaction was the intense pleasure they felt in arousing
the ire and deep indignation of the French nation, who saw at a glance
her utter incapacity to cope with a rival whose dominions would now all
but encircle her, and whose power and possessions extended to every part
of the globe.
Thus it came to pass that Albert Felicitas, King of Great Britain and
Ireland, and Emperor of India and Africa, was crowned Emperor of
Germany, which now held the small sovereignties of Denmark and Sweden.
Henceforward this great portion of European territory was named THE
TEUTONIC EMPIRE, which comprising the Germanic and British Empires
united the scattered Teutons into one solid body.
MERCIA, THE ASTRONOMER ROYAL,
A ROMANCE.
CHAPTER I
Long before this period the women of England had become celebrated for
their mental attainments, splendid physique, and exceeding beauty; but
chiefest of all was the lovely and accomplished Mercia.
Owing to her superior attainments in natural science, but especially
that branch dealing with astronomy she was appointed the position of
Astronomer Royal to the Emperor, Albert Felicitas, Supreme Ruler of the
Teutonic Empire.
Mercia was acknowledged by all to be as beautiful as she was talented;
and the fame of her learning and genius was known throughout the Empire.
She was now thirty years of age, being still in the first bloom of
womanhood; for woman was not fully developed until she attained the age
of twenty-five, as the term of human life was augmented.
Man commonly reached his anticipated century of years; and it was no
extraordinary occurrence to see a hoary-haired veteran of one hundred
and twenty-five years surrounded by five or six generations of
descendants who had assembled to do him honour on his birthday.
In former times Mercia would have been considered too tall for the ideal
of womanly beauty, for she was five feet, ten inches, in height. Indeed,
many women attained six feet in these days, but as they were perfectly
proportioned, and graceful in movement, their great height gave no idea
of awkwardness. Mercia’s form was perfectly moulded, her limbs reminding
the beholder of some chaste sculpture of the ancient Greeks, for her
flowing robes partially disclosed their contour. Beneath the
close-fitting sleeves of her tunic might be seen the fully developed
muscles of her arms, which were exquisitely shaped; the firm wrist was
small and round, the fore arm tapering upwards until the well-developed
muscle of the upper arm was reached. This was not unduly prominent, but
was softened and rounded beneath the clear skin, which, creamy white on
the inner side, disclosed a faint pink shade on the outer, denoting the
presence of perfect health. Her hands were moderately small, but perfect
in shape; the fingers were long and tapered, with deep, filbert-shaped
nails; indicating the intellectual cast of mind. The palm was tinged
with a shell pink, while the back was of transparent, pearly whiteness,
and fine as softest satin.
She was not brilliantly fair in complexion, but her skin was beautifully
clear; and the soft roses that tinted her oval cheeks paled, or deepened
with her varying emotions.
Her beautiful star-like eyes were of an indefinable shade, being neither
deep blue, nor brown decidedly. In the sunlight they beamed with a tint
borrowed from the deep azure of the heavens just before sunset, in the
shade they appeared a lovely, unfathomable brown.
Her nut-brown hair was long, fine, and silky, showing the mental
temperament by its delicate texture. The head was fairly large, but
well-shaped. The forehead, the seat of intellect, was high, broad, and
full. Her eyebrows were well-arched, and curved in fair proportion; but
the space between the eyes was great, indicating very considerable
development of the perceptive faculties.
It needed no brain specialist to discover at the first glance that
Mercia was born to her profession, for her powers of observation and
reflection were mapped upon her brow.
Her long brown hair was arranged in glossy coils at the back of the
head, in ancient classic style, showing its perfect contour; while the
curls near the forehead fluttering like flossy silk, and shimmering in
the sun with a golden tint, softened the height of her broad and lofty
brow.
Her breadth of chest indicated also that the physical part of her
training had reached the fullest perfection. The open collar of her
tunic partially disclosed her neck, Juno-shaped, and fine as cream-white
satin.
In working hours she dressed in tunic, and trousers, made of dark, fine
cloth, while her evening, or reception toilette was composed of flowing
robes of bright, soft silk, which hung in graceful folds from her
shapely bust, and down her well-formed limbs.
In her was seen personified modesty itself—not that of mere ignorance
and shyness—but the modesty born of nobility of mind, wisdom, and
purity.
Mercia was devoted to her profession; and so great was her enthusiasm
that for fully six months in each year she made her observations of the
heavens all night long, snatching only an hour or two in the daytime for
sleep.
She had discovered with the aid of the powerful instrument that
Geometrus, her chief assistant astronomer had invented, the existence of
a number of new planets which revolved around one of the principal suns,
hitherto unknown. The largest of these planets she named MERCIA, after
herself; to its sun she gave the title of GEOMETRUS, in honour of the
man she secretly loved, but dared not own it, not even to herself.
It was a law, or rather, a regulation which was strictly enforced that
no Astronomer to the Emperor might marry. When a candidate for the post,
which was deemed as honourable as that of prime minister, was
successful, he was aware of the conditions his acceptance entailed. He
was required to take a solemn oath to give up all thought of love, or
matrimony, and devote the whole of his time, thought, and talent to the
fulfilment of his duties, and the furtherance of the science of
Astronomy, generally.
Astronomy, and Meteorology were considered by the nation such important
branches of natural science, requiring in their pursuit so much
self-denial that it was deemed an absolute necessity that whoever filled
this important post should not be trammelled by the entanglements of
love, nor ties of wedlock. For it was considered the uxoriousness of an
affectionate husband, or wife, would while away the hours which
otherwise would have been devoted to his, or her duties, these entailing
long and severe rounds of night watchings.
It is true Mercia possessed the power to give up her post and marry; but
to break the solemn oath she had given her Sovereign and country, to her
pure and honourable mind appeared monstrous. Besides, such a course
would have been attended with serious consequences, for to a certainty
almost, Geometrus would be requested to resign his position, and thus
both would lose, not only lucrative and honourable appointments, but
employment which each enthusiastically loved for its own sake.
Geometrus was a tall, well-formed man of about thirty-five years; he
stood in his soft leather shoes, which were formed exactly to the shape
of the foot, at least six feet, two inches.
His complexion was somewhat similar to that of Mercia, for his hair and
whiskers were of a bright brown; his eyes were dark and deep set: his
nose was large and straight, but that was the prevailing characteristic
of this time; for the nose being indicative of character, developed
greatly, keeping pace with the growth of brain-power of which it is the
sign, and outward index.
The mouth was firm, the lips being compressed, while the chin was
prominent and broad.
In his face the brain specialist could easily read his character, and
judge correctly his special turn of mind.
Although he possessed, to some extent, the same powers of observation,
reflection, and calculation as Mercia, still, his most prominent faculty
was mechanics. In consequence of the excellent training he had received
at the public schools of Astronomy, the bent of his genius was turned in
this direction.
For this reason he made an admirable assistant to the Chief Astronomer,
in so much, that he was always constructing wonderful instruments set
with peculiarly formed lenses of his own invention, by means of which
Mercia prosecuted with greater success her astronomical observations.
In truth, the two were made for each other; not only as co-workers, but
also in disposition; for where there was a tendency towards an excess of
fiery energy on the one side, it was met with the calm serenity of
strict discipline on the other.
Mercia was of calm and even temperament, being wonderfully patient and
enduring: the sweetness of her disposition was seldom ruffled, even
under the most trying circumstances. Although mild in manner, and in
speech, nevertheless she was by no means apathetic or easy going, for
her life was one constant round of industry.
This rare combination of calmness and energy had been transmitted to her
by her mother, a lady of great learning and talent, who filled the
appointment of Chief Inspector of Public Schools under Government.
This lady realising fully the immense responsibility she was about to
undertake when becoming a mother, took all the precautions, both
physical and mental, to ensure having for her offspring as perfect a
human being as was possible to obtain.
The effect of this _régime_ on the part of the mother, benefited herself
equally as her offspring; for when the hour of accouchement arrived the
pains of child-birth were so light, and every muscle and organ of her
body in such perfect condition, that in the space of a week she was
fully restored and able to resume her social, household, or professional
duties, as if nothing had happened.
There was no suckling of infants in these days, except by the very
lowest orders; women having by degrees lost that property for some
considerable time. As far back as the close of the nineteenth century
this power had commenced to fail them.
Either through weakness engendered by much child-bearing, or the demands
of society upon the time of the women belonging to the upper and middle
classes, the habit of artificial suckling was resorted to, and
eventually adopted by all classes about that period, with the result
that in course of time Nature altogether refused to give any supply; for
she ever accommodates herself to the conditions under which she is
placed.
Thus it came to pass that the mother was equally free as the father in
the matter of nursing, if she elected so to be; all the same, the child
was still most carefully and skilfully tended.
The post of nurse was only filled by fully-trained, certificated women,
who thoroughly understood the management of children, and who were
competent to take them through any sickness without a doctor’s
assistance.
By this time the English language had gained considerably by the
introduction of words from all nations, who on their side returned the
compliment by making it a speciality in their public schools, for
English was the commercial language of the whole world.
But it became more than a commercial language to the Germans, for they
dropping their own tongue with its uncouth gutturals, adopted the
English, which was essentially their own, cultivated and enlarged, and
made more musical.
Moreover another change was effected.
The ancient and primitive style was reverted to in the matter of the
personal pronoun; for the substitution of the plural ‘you’ for its
singular ‘thou’ was considered ungrammatical, and therefore its use was
deemed improper to continue.
This departure was imitated by the French who had been the original
authors of the anomaly in the early centuries. However, among the lower
orders, and in the fireside parlance the plural number was frequently
retained.
At this period the Emperor Albert Felicitas reigned most peacefully over
the Teutonic Empire. He possessed a palace in each capital, dividing his
time among his various kingdoms with strict impartiality: not that it
mattered much where he resided, as the means of locomotion had arrived
at such perfection that a few hours’ journey sufficed to bring him to
any part of his European Empire.
He wintered in Berlin in order to take advantage of the fine frosts, and
enjoy the exercise of sleighing. He summered in romantic Norway and
Sweden; utilising the early spring months in travelling through his
Eastern and African Empires alternately, and spent the beautiful autumn
in England.
In his European dominions each country retained its House of Parliament,
which possessed powers to make laws dealing with domestic politics only;
these being afterwards sanctioned by the Emperor and his Cabinet. This
was formed of four ministers of each nationality, who were elected by
their country every seven years.
But a cloud was hanging over the fair horizon of this happy Empire; a
deep dispute had been growing for upwards of a century between India and
her rulers, formerly the British, but now the Teutonic Empire.
Western civilisation, or rather Western ideas, and education had brought
the natives of the Eastern Empire to such a degree of culture and
enlightenment that the subjugated ones realised that they had become the
equal of their masters long before the dawn of the twenty-first century.
In point of fact, the close of the nineteenth century saw India
supplied, not only with elementary schools, but ‘High Schools,’ and
colleges of the first order, where the subjects taught met every want.
They consisted of civil engineering, mathematics, experimental physics,
mining, metallurgy, chemistry, architecture, forestry, farming,
veterinary surgery, &c. In the College of Science, Poona, at this period
all the foregoing subjects were taken. There was a farm of 150 acres in
connection with this college which had been transferred by Government to
the Agricultural Department; there were also a veterinary hospital where
lectures were delivered; mechanical, physical and chemical laboratories,
workshops, and foundries. A more complete arrangement for the training
of young India could not have been devised. Here students of various
nationalities, but chiefly Hindoos, studied and worked with the greatest
enthusiasm.
Thus for a considerable period the natives had been availing themselves
of the means of education afforded them so benevolently by the English
Government, whose motto was ‘Educate your subjects and they will better
obey you;’ whereas it should have been—‘Educate your servants and you
make them your equals;’ for knowledge gives power, or to define it more
accurately in this case, knowledge gave insight, and discovered to its
votaries the glories and delights of an enlightened liberty.
Notwithstanding the hindrances caused by religious superstitions they
made excellent progress; gradually emerging from the shackles of their
ancient beliefs which acted as chains to keep them in the slavery of
ignorance, they eventually became almost the equal of their rulers in
manufactures, art, science, and literature.
Under these conditions they had become a powerful people, and
consequently were greatly dissatisfied with their position of
dependence.
There had long been a growing feeling of dislike to the government of
their country being consigned to the charge of a mere representative of
the Teutonic Empire.
They considered that the time had arrived that such a vast and important
Empire as theirs should be ruled by one supreme monarch, whose Court
would suitably represent their country’s wealth, power, and
intelligence.
Once in the enjoyment of a Monarchical Government, tempered by the
restrictions of a Constitutional, they felt they would be no longer
handicapped as they had hitherto found themselves, for native gentlemen
who had benefited their country to a marked degree, as well as men of
acknowledged ability and genius, had, with rare exceptions, no titled
honours conferred upon them as tokens of recognition of their worth.
This omission they assigned to the jealousy of their rulers, coupled
with their overweening opinion of Western superiority.
Thus to this very sensitive people it became a crying calamity that they
had no Court of their own wherein they could create dukes, lords, and
baronets _ad lib._ and set up a nobility and monarchy on their own
account; on the same lines of government favoured by their Teutonic
rulers.
Although India was universal in its desire for ‘Home Government,’
nevertheless, there were two great political parties in the country; one
was conservative and desired a Monarchical, the other preferred a
democratic or Republican form of government.
Of course the Press was the expression of these opinions, which the
English and Germans eagerly perused, so that whenever a petition arrived
at the Teutonic Court praying for freedom these opposing opinions were
brought forward as an excuse for refusing their request.
‘Why ask for powers of self-government,’ they retorted, ‘when you are
unable to agree upon what form it shall take? You are happier and better
as you are for you know not how to govern yourselves; you are our
children; we have educated you, and brought you up, as it were; why
desire to leave the parental control when it is only exercised for your
good?’
But the oppressed ones did not see it: they felt that they were only
step-children, who were kept out of the benefits accorded the offspring
of their rulers; for all posts of honour and handsome remuneration had
long been taken up by the overflowings of aristocratic Germanic and
English families.
Even when in positions where natives were permitted the privilege of
filling alongside the Englishman, as far back as the nineteenth century
and upwards, natives were not remunerated with anything approaching the
same rate of income as their more favoured colleagues; although
performing identical duties in the hospitals.
A reliable historian of the nineteenth century in treating this subject
says:—‘One serious obstacle in the way of increasing the supply of
medical men, (natives) seems to me the unfair and invidious difference
made in the remuneration of native as compared with English professional
men employed in our service, and the same it may be added, applies to
legal, and other departments of the State. Take Delhi, for example,
where the civil surgeon, a military man, is paid 1,150 rupees per month,
whilst his two native assistants receive only 150 each. In Lahore the
English civil surgeon gets 1,050 rupees, the native assistants 150 each.
Indeed, throughout India the proportion is everywhere as seven or eight
for the English, to one for the native official.’
Is it to be wondered at that the dissatisfaction felt at the ‘plums’
being everywhere reserved for the British should begin to find utterance
in the native Press, and in the National Congress?
So far as the medical department is concerned it cannot possibly be
urged, as it is in the legal administration, that the moral qualities
which are requisite demand a greatly increased scale of remuneration for
the Englishman. If the services of an English civil surgeon be worth
1,380_l._ per annum, surely those of his chief assistants, if they be of
any value whatever, must be rated low at 180_l._, no matter to what
nationality they belong.
This does not apply, however, to the medical colleges and schools. For
example, at the Campbell Medical School and Hospital, Calcutta, the
superintendent, and English surgeon-major receive 550 rupees per month;
and there are eight professors and demonstrators, _all natives_, most of
whom get from 300 to 350 rupees, and a number of native assistants who
receive 100 to 150 rupees.
‘Can anything prove more conclusively that it is not the incapacity of
the natives, but favouritism of the dominant race which awards
disproportionately high salaries to the English officials?’
‘Similar inequalities existed in most of the departments of the State,
which were of vital importance to the political relations of the
governors and the governed.’
Such were the outspoken sentiments of an Englishman whose high
attainments and wide experience of Indian administration made his
utterances worthy of the deepest consideration.
Side by side with Western culture grew the desire to imitate the Western
system of home government. The initiatory movement in this direction
took the form of an infant ‘National Congress’ which had its birth in
the year of grace 1885, at Bombay, ‘where seventy-two native gentlemen
from all parts of India met together.’ There were representatives from
Karachi, Surat, Poona, Calcutta, Agra, Benares, Lucknow, Lahore,
Allahabad, Ahmedabad, Bombay, Madras, Tanjore, and several other
important places in India. Thus was constituted the nucleus of a greater
and more important organisation, which ultimately developed with the
growth of Western culture, for every educated Hindoo was as well
acquainted with the social and political history of Great Britain and
Ireland as any Englishman could possibly be. At this first Congress
‘they spent three days in the discussion of questions affecting the
interests of the native community, and in passing resolutions thereon.’
The first resolution, which was supported by gentlemen of unquestioned
standing, asked for a fulfilment of the ‘promised inquiry’ into the
‘working of Indian administration, and suggested the appointment of a
Royal Commission, the people of India being adequately represented
thereon, and evidence taken both in India and England.’
‘An expansion of the supreme and local legislative councils by the
admission of a considerable number of elected members,’ was another
reform which was considered essential.
‘Indirectly,’ said the first report, ‘this Conference will form the germ
of a native parliament, and if properly conducted will constitute in a
few years an unanswerable reply to the assertion that India is still
wholly unfit for any form of representative institutions.’
The answer to these aspirations and desires on the part of the educated
natives given by the governing classes in India practically were—‘That
the only government possible for India both in the interest of the
British as well as of the natives, and as a protection against Russia,
is a despotism.’
‘That any concessions to native opinion will interfere with that
despotism.’
‘That the authority and domination of the officials must not be
interfered with.’
‘That if such concessions are made they will only serve as an opening
for further demands, the object being ultimately to overthrow the
Government, and that the leading natives have that end in view.’
The prophets were correct: one hundred years later saw India with a
fully fledged Parliament, enacting laws for her own government and
finishing by demanding full control of Imperial politics, till finally
the control of the conqueror, however mild, was sought to be banished
completely.
There were those who were foolish enough to hint at extinguishing the
Viceroy and all his court by means of electric lightning, but that
course would have been idiotic in the extreme, for their rulers in turn
could have annihilated the whole nation by the same process, so that to
endeavour to settle the question by main force was simply impossible.
Their grievance had by this time attained such magnitude that an immense
requisition signed by millions of the inhabitants, or rather the
natives, of India, was sent to the WORLD’S TRIBUNAL for consideration.
What a tumult this action put the whole world into! Thousands of books
and pamphlets were issued on the subject in every country. Throughout
the globe newspapers and monthly journals eagerly discussed the question
in their columns, and took sides according to their trade or political
relationships with the countries in dispute, for self ever predominates
in the decisions of nations as in those of individuals.
Notwithstanding all this literary energy the ‘Supreme Law of Nations’
took its course. Delegates from every Government were summoned to appear
on May 1 in the year 2002 to consider the secession of the Indian, from
the control of the Teutonic Empire, and all the world wondered how it
would end.
In due course a sub-committee was formed from the delegates with powers
to choose the place in which the WORLD’S TRIBUNAL should be held. It was
finally decided that Paris should be thus exalted, for this charming
city still held its own in the representation of the science and art of
the world.
The Chamber of Deputies for this unparalleled occasion was
newly-decorated with the greatest lavishness. Exquisitely upholstered
chairs, resembling thrones in their sumptuousness were provided for the
occasion. The walls of the chief chamber in which the Court was to be
held were beautifully decorated and made to appear like fine ivory, set
in square slabs edged with gold: on each of the squares paintings of
exquisite workmanship relieved the coldness of the pure cream-coloured
ivory ground, while silken draperies skilfully embroidered with gold, in
richest designs hung in graceful folds from windows and doorways. On the
wall immediately behind the President’s chair were suspended valuable
paintings, the frames of which were composed of solid gold, whose
corners were set with gems of great value.
Although much was done to please the eye in this temple of luxury,
nevertheless, there was naught provided to tempt the palate.
The imagination of the ministers might revel in richest surroundings,
but only the plainest fare was provided in the anterooms for their
entertainment.
With these regulations, we may be sure, that the matter under
consideration was not drawn out unduly, for who would remain in a place
where the pleasures of the table were so scantily considered? No time
being lost in gastronomical or bibulous gratifications the delegates
were enabled to bestow assiduous attention upon their duties, and
listened carefully to the charges brought by the Easterners against
their governors.
They denounced emphatically the system of vice-government which was rife
with abuses, and explained that from the very commencement they regarded
this foreign intrusion as a degradation to their nation. They pointed
out that they were an ancient people, possessing all the prestige of
ages of civilisation, who could not forget the glories of bygone
centuries; for thousands of years they had been governed by their own
rulers, in true Eastern magnificence; at a period so remote that their
present rulers were then mere barbarians, unknown to the civilised
world. With such a past as theirs; their country possessing such classic
associations, standing proofs of which they had everywhere: in the
perfect architecture; in their ancient literature, all of which reminded
them of their former prestige and splendour. The time had arrived that
they could no longer ignore the duty that lay before them, namely, to
demand the restoration of their natural rights which had been filched
away from them by fraud and deceit without their consent or desire.
‘Yes!’ continued the speaker, ‘every inch of our territory has been
surveyed and measured by the foreign intruder, and the products of our
labour taxed heavily to uphold in luxury the children of the invader.’
It was the chief minister, Sir John Punjaub, a leading Hindoo, who made
this daring speech. He was a man advanced in years and full of learning,
with ever so many letters after his name, indicating his membership of
various scientific societies in England, Germany and India.
His countrymen adored him, for he had expended his vast wealth for their
betterment, by the establishment of various philanthropic and
educational institutions: but they loved him chiefest of all for his
active enthusiasm in the promotion of their country’s political welfare,
and his kindly and ready sympathy in private life.
It was said of him that never in his life had he turned away from a tale
of woe; ‘Better,’ he would say, ‘give ten times to the unworthy, than
once turn a deaf ear to the needy.’
The struggling youth who found the world too much for him in his first
start in life would take heart of hope and whisper to himself—‘I will go
to Sir John, he will tell me what to do, and how I am to gain my goal:
he sends no one away, he gives comfort and information; and if need be,
funds to the honest worker who seeks his aid.’
Thus like the god of day, this dear old man imparted life and joy, and
blessings wherever his influence reached, and the people in return
reverenced and loved him greatly.
In the Eastern St. Stephen’s he held the position of Prime Minister, and
as a matter of course, upon him devolved the duty of stating the case of
the Indian Empire before the WORLD’S TRIBUNAL.
He spoke in English of the purest diction, and pronunciation as perfect
as that of a polished Englishman; his great experience as a politician,
his gift of eloquence and his profound wisdom, all combined to make him
a unique interpreter of the feeling of India at this vitally important
crisis.
The delegates listened in wrapt attention to every argument brought
forward, giving assiduous attention to their duties throughout, and
making notes of every point of any importance, on either side, all being
done without the smallest loss of time. The result of such industry was
that in fourteen days the whole of the evidence was gone through, after
which the members of the Tribunal made their speeches, expressing their
opinions upon the various points of the case in a clear and succinct
manner.
This refraining from flowery oratory proved a capital saver of time, and
brought the matter to a close much earlier than if all had disported
themselves in high-flown rhetoric, or windy word-making.
By this time the expression of language had attained such perfection; or
rather, the gift of eloquence had become so general that almost
everybody was able to express himself in well-chosen language with
little or no preparation.
The result of this tongue-culture was a disfavour towards unnecessarily
drawn out speeches. Indeed, the rule adopted mostly by legislative and
other assemblies was timed speeches, generally from thirty to sixty
minutes’ duration; but very rarely was this latter period taken except
in cases of extraordinary importance.
It would astonish a nineteenth-century parliamentarian if he could have
heard a thirty minutes’ speech at this time. Every sentence uttered
expressed a thought; not a superfluous word was used throughout; yet
every idea was enunciated fully and perfectly, for it was concentrated
thought projected in concentrated language.
For several previous generations this power of _précis_ had been put in
general practice. Both parents and teachers making it a point to impress
upon children the vulgarity of verbosity; both in writing and speaking
an artistic method was inculcated that expressed every shade of thought
in the least possible number of words.
Each day’s proceedings at the World’s Tribunal was known in every
country upon the same day. In a couple of hours from the close of the
chamber, the speeches appeared word for word, in the leading newspapers
of every country, including the most distant parts of Africa.
Although eagerly perused by all, the contents were exceptionally
interesting to India. Millions of dark eyes daily scanned the pages that
brought them hope and fear alternately.
At length the day arrived upon which the decision was to be formally
announced—it was the twenty-eighth from the commencement. Alas, the
bright hopes of this gentle people were cruelly blasted, for the verdict
of the Great Tribunal was against them.
At first overwhelmed with disappointment they were perfectly paralysed.
A deep, dead silence reigned amidst that vast concourse of people while
it was being read out to them; for both high and low had assembled in
immense crowds in some open space of each great city of India. This was
followed by a sudden and furious anger that burst from the heart of the
multitude and found vent in the loud cries of—‘A trial by combat! A
trial by combat!’
The same day the Indian Press declared that the decision was unjust to a
degree, nay, iniquitous; and the people of India should refuse to accept
it. Immediately America took up the strain and declared she had never
approved of it, but having been in the minority when put to the vote
their opinion had gone for nothing.
Then Russia had another word to say in the matter, and encouraged
America, until eventually it was conceded that India should be accorded
the benefit of the final test, and the great question decided by
personal prowess.
To this arrangement the Teutonic Empire made no objection, for the
natural confidence and conceit of the English caused them to regard with
disdain an engagement where physical strength gave the victory.
Thus the most primitive method of settling a dispute was resorted to,
when the verdict of experienced politicians failed. Muscle-power was to
prevail over mental even with the highly cultured people of this
advanced period. The fact was, that however well-intentioned a conclave
of politicians at the outset might be, there are so many influences at
work, and so many international interests to consider, that to mete out
justice with a Solomon-like impartiality proved more than human nature
was capable of.