Robert Barr, the author, has a part in an anecdote which throws light
upon England’s present craze for the sinews of war:
When Mr. Barr was teaching school in Canada, an old college
friend of his came along with a stereopticon, giving talks
on Europe. The lecturer always finished with the thrilling
recital of an anecdote about Queen Victoria. The Alake of
Abeokuta visited her and asked, “What is the cause of England’s
greatness?” The good queen handed him a Bible, which was in
readiness to present him, saying, “This is the reason of
England’s greatness.” The dramatic device was always exceedingly
effective.
When the lecturer came around to Barr’s district, the
lantern-operator was ill, and Barr was implored to take his
place, which he consented to do. All went well until the grand
finale arrived, when Barr maliciously substituted another
picture for that of the Bible. “This,” cried the fervid orator,
“is the secret of England’s greatness!” and was horrified on
glancing up at the screen to see before him a picture of the
gigantic battleship _Consternation_. The audience, which
did not know the story of the Bible, cheered vociferously, rose
to its feet, and sang “Rule Britannia” in a most warlike voice.
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