It was 1:25 dial when the Chicago Pneumatic glided noiselessly into the
switching section at Washington. Seizing their grips and coats, the
party moved out on to the platform of the sleeper. In a moment the huge
train had been raised by the hydraulic lift, and was soon standing in
the depot of the capital of the United States.
What a beautiful and fairy-like scene presented itself to Junius Cobb!
A depot of magnificent proportions, exquisite workmanship and finish,
and possessing a hundred conveniences never dreamed of in his time.
The great vaulted roof was set with thousands of electric lights which
appeared like brilliant stars in the firmament. Thousands more, in
every direction and in every conceivable place, made the vast chamber
as bright as the midday sun.
At the barriers of the discharging section a great but orderly crowd
was pushing and elbowing its way to a closer position at the gate. All
Washington knew that Junius Cobb, the man of two centuries ago, would
arrive on that particular train, and a great multitude had congregated
to catch a glimpse of him.
As he passed through the gates, while the police pushed back the
crowd, he heard their exclamations and remarks:
"There he is!"
"Where?"
"There, with Commissioner Rawolle--on his left."
"I believe him to be a fake."
"Oh, he's a toola!"
"He has never slept a hundred years!"
"Isn't he a young man to have lived so long?"
"What's the matter with you? he didn't live, he just slept."
"They say he is an officer in the army yet."
"Well, people will be gulled!"
Thus were the expressions bandied about, and fell upon the ears of Cobb
in a harsh and unpleasant manner. He was not flattered by the remarks
he heard. Already, it seemed, there was a desire to doubt his identity.
As they neared the center of the hall, someone in the crowd cried:
"Junius Cobb! Junius Cobb! Three cheers for Junius Cobb!" And the
building rang and echoed back the salutation. Surely this was
flattering. His reception, after all, was not without sincerity on the
part of many of that vast throng.
A step or two more, and Cobb and Rawolle entered an electric drag,
while Lyman bade them good-night, or rather good-morning, and hurried
away to report.
Away, and at a rapid gait, sped the drag, its wheels of rubber
giving no sound on the elastic pavement of the street, its headlight
flashing out a brilliant beam, while ever and anon the driver caused a
muffled-toned gong, whose sound was low and musical, to indicate the
approach of the carriage.
Looking from the window on his side, Cobb saw to what extent street
illumination had progressed in a hundred years. At every fifty feet,
on either side, were arc lamps; and this at two in the morning, when
those of the shops were extinguished. No gas lights were visible. It
was a September morning, but the air was mild and balmy, and it seemed
like a morning in early spring. Many people were upon the street, and
the electric drags, with their flashing lights and musical gongs, were
passing in every direction.
At exactly 1:42 dial the drag stopped under the arch of the entrance
to the President's mansion, and Junius Cobb was received by the chief
magistrate of the United States.
Emory D. Craft, President of the United States, was a tall, rotund, and
pleasant gentleman of over sixty years of age. His head was massive,
and his features square and clean-cut; his hair almost white, and a
beard heavy and gray. A man of great perception, executive ability,
true kindness, and wisdom, he ruled the greatest nation on earth as a
loving father rules his household, with justice and firmness.
As Rawolle and Cobb alighted, he descended the steps, and, advancing,
extended his hand to the former, exclaiming:
"I welcome you back, Mr. Rawolle."
"Thank you, sir; and let me present Mr. Junius Cobb."
"Mr. Cobb, I cannot express to you the pleasure of this meeting;" and
the President shook the young man's hand heartily. "Be assured that
your remarkable, nay, wonderful, case has been uppermost in my mind
since first I became aware of your existence."
"Nor can I, Mr. President, express the gratification I feel in meeting
and shaking the hand of the chief magistrate of this great nation,
especially when that magistrate is ruling the country a hundred and
forty years after my birth."
Cobb seemed proud of the fact that he, of all the world, could make
such a statement.
A few moments later, the President and Cobb were sitting before a
glowing, cheerful fire, engaged in earnest conversation.
Mr. Rawolle had been dismissed by the President, and had hastened to
the welcome he knew awaited him from his wife and children.
"There, Mr. President," said Cobb, after a long recital of his life and
the facts attending his entombment on Mt. Olympus, "you have the whole
story. It is a remarkable one, is it not?"
"Stranger than any fiction I ever read," he exclaimed. "I can scarcely
believe that I behold the intimate friend and contemporary of my
great-grandfather in the person of one so young as you."
He looked at Cobb in wonder and awe.
"And are you the great-grandson of Hugh Craft, my dear old friend of
1887?" cried Cobb with joy, as if a new tie had been found to bind him
to this new world.
"Yes; here is our family history." He arose and went to the cabinet,
and returned with a large book. "Read it;" opening it and handing it to
the other; "you will there see the history of your friend." He placed
his finger on the page.
Cobb read slowly, and like one in a dream, this page of the history of
the dead--this chronicle of the life of his chum and bosom friend.
"First Lieutenant, Captain, Major," he read, "killed at the battle of
Ottawa, August 5, 1917."
He read it over twice; then suddenly turning to the President, he cried:
"A soldier's death! A noble ending to a noble man! But what battle is
this in which he died?"
"'Tis a long story--too long for to-night," the President replied;
"but, in brief, it was the decisive termination of English power
in North America. Canada desired annexation to the United States:
England opposed it. British troops were massed on Canadian soil, and
she endeavored to prevent the loss of her colonies. War between the
Canadians and the mother country followed. We looked on, but offered
no assistance. It was not until the cry for freedom became a wail of
misery and a piteous appeal for succor, that we interfered. We offered
England $500,000,000 for the whole of her possessions in North America.
The offer was refused with contempt. Indignation prevailed throughout
the United States, and public opinion demanded that assistance be given
to the suffering people in their struggle for freedom. Great Britain
was notified by joint resolution of Congress of March 22, 1917, to
evacuate Canada and all territory between the boundaries of the United
States and parallel fifty-one degrees of north latitude. The demand was
refused; and on April 2, in full Congress, war was declared against
England. For twenty-five years, or from about 1890, this country had
been building first-class ships of war, fortifying its coast and
putting the nation in a condition to enforce its demands."
"They hadn't done much in my time," broke in Cobb, with a thought of
the utterly defenseless condition of the country in 1887.
"No," continued the President; "but Congress, as you can see by
referring to history, in 1890 awoke to the necessity of national
protection. In 1917, we could and did enforce our demand. The war was
short but terrible. England's great but slow floating fortresses were
no match for our harbor vessels. She never gained entrance to a single
port of note, but lost many of her finest ships in the attempt. On
land, of course, the effect of our arms was more rapid. An army marched
across the border, and the decisive battle of Ottawa was fought.
Here was gathered all of England's force of occupation. On August 5,
1917, her army was utterly routed, and laid down its arms. With the
loss of her American army, and the destruction of many of her finest
iron-clads, England asked for terms. By the protocol of October 16th,
England, in consideration of $250,000,000, relinquished, forever,
all possessions on the continent of North America, together with all
national property, fortifications, etc."
"And poor Craft never lived to see the fruits of his nation's courage,"
said Cobb.
"No; he died in the charge of his regiment." And then, after a pause:
"But Hugh Craft still lives. I will introduce him to you to-morrow--do
not ask any questions," as Cobb was about to interrupt him--"to-morrow,
or rather to-day; and until then, you must sleep."
It was 4 dial when Cobb was shown to his apartments.
The next morning Cobb was awakened from a refreshing slumber by a voice
singing:
"He sleeps; he wakes; the hour is late.
Arise, get up! the clock strikes eight."
Springing quickly from his bed, he glanced around the room. Again the
song and words, and again he looked, but saw no one. Wondering much at
the occurrence, he proceeded with his toilet.
At 8:45 he was with the President at breakfast, and had been introduced
to Mrs. Craft and her lovely daughter, Mollie.
"Papa says he has taken complete possession of you, Mr. Cobb; and I am
so glad, for I want you to tell me so much about those queer old days
so long ago;" and she gave him a pleasant smile.
"We are delighted, dear Mr. Cobb, to have you with us. You must
consider this your home now, for you have no other, you know;" and good
Mrs. Craft spoke in a motherly tone of voice.
"And, of course, you will want a sister;" Mollie Craft cast her eyes
down in a shy manner.
"Yes," said Mr. Craft, with evident pleasure and hope in his voice.
"We want you to feel that you have not left all your friends in that
distant age. We desire you to consider this your home as long as it
shall please you to do so. My wife and I will endeavor to be a mother
and a father to you; our daughter, a sister; our son, a brother."
Mollie Craft was a lovely girl of nineteen years--tall, dark, and
robust. She was possessed of a clear skin, sparkling eyes, and
beautiful teeth. She was accomplished, and a leader among the young
ladies of her set. Her disposition was frank, kind, and retiring. No
wonder that Cobb's eyes often wandered in her direction during that
breakfast! It seemed to him that he had never before seen so lovely a
face and figure, nor such charming ways as Mollie Craft was mistress
of. Yes, there was one face that held just comparison with that before
him; there was one figure that matched the symmetry of Mollie Craft;
but, alas! she was no more! The queen was dead, but the princess lived!
So passed the thoughts in his mind.
Adjourning to the President's library, for Mr. Craft loved to have
his family about him while he smoked his after-breakfast cigar, the
conversation proceeded with animation, but always with Cobb as the
central figure.
"A Captain in the army, a Colonel up a tree;
Quite soon I'll be a Major, as you can plainly see."
As the words came forth in a free though quiet manner, a young man
entered the door, stopped, and then, bowing, exclaimed:
"Pardon me; I did not know that you had company."
Junius Cobb looked up; then, starting from his seat with a white and
perplexed expression, sprang toward the stranger, who, in astonishment,
drew half back through the door.
"Hugh Craft! How came you here?"
Recovering himself, the man replied, but with embarrassment:
"Well! that's very good, indeed! Asking a man what he is doing in his
own father's house!" and he gave a quiet, undecided laugh.
"Mr. Cobb, my son. Hugh, this is Mr. Junius Cobb; you know who he is,"
with emphasis on the pronoun.
Junius Cobb rubbed his eyes in confusion. He comprehended the situation
at once, and also remembered the President's words of the night before,
when he said, "Hugh Craft still lives."
Hugh Craft bowed, and moved behind his sister's chair, and whispered:
"Is he dangerous?"
Cobb, as he turned around, overheard the words, and smiled.
"No, Hugh," he exclaimed; "not dangerous, but amazed. You are the
exact image and counterpart of him who was my dearest and best friend,
your--" he hesitated a moment--"your great-great-grandfather."
Hugh and Mollie looked bewildered, while Mr. Craft's face wore a smile.
The situation was too comical, and all burst into a hearty laugh, Cobb
joining the others.
"It is funny, is it not, to hear me talking of having been the friend
and chum of this man's great-great-grandfather?"
A few moments and everything had been fully explained to Hugh, who had
been absent a week, and had not heard that Cobb was at the executive
mansion.
"Dear brother," said Mollie, as she put her arms about the young man's
neck and kissed him, "I want you and Mr. Cobb to be brothers; to be to
each other as your great-great-grandfather and he were long years ago."
"Hugh," said his father, "as you have returned so opportunely, you
can take charge of Mr. Cobb--Junius, let us call him, if he does not
object--until time for the reception. I have some work to attend to,
and I know Junius will excuse me--will you not?" to him.
"Certainly. Do not let my presence interfere with your work; and let me
thank you for calling me Junius. I hope you will always continue to do
so."
For an hour these three--Hugh, Junius, and Mollie--sat and chatted. To
Cobb it seemed very home-like and most pleasant, and his companions
so kind and natural. Hugh was so like that other Hugh, and Mollie so
charming and witty, that he scarcely realized, as Hugh looked at his
watch and said that they had better dress, that an hour had passed away.
On their way to their rooms, Cobb suddenly said:
"By the bye, Hugh, I wish to ask you a question. This morning, as I was
about to arise, I heard someone singing in my room. It was not a very
melodious voice, but nevertheless clear and distinct; something like
'Get up, arise; the hour is late!' Can you explain it?"
"Nothing easier. It was my old phonograph clock--one I picked up at a
pawn-shop one day--a relic of fifty years back;" and he laughed at the
thought of his friend's perplexity at hearing the words ground out of
the machine.
"Why did I not think of that?" petulantly. "Why, they were just getting
them out in 1887. Do you not have them now?"
"No; we have something better. The electric clock companies of every
city run their wires to nearly every house in their towns, and to
these wires are attached electric clocks. The resident buys the clock
for five dollars, and pays twenty-five cents a month for its use. At
the central station, a large clock of the finest make, and absolutely
correct in its time, causes all the others to follow its movements.
Thus every house has a dial which records correctly and requires no
care. It is simple, cheap, and beneficial."
At the President's reception, at 11 dial, Junius Cobb was the lion of
the hour. Senators gave him every attention; the foreign ambassadors
treated him as a man of the greatest distinction; the army and navy
laughed, chatted, and petted him.
Just after the introductions of the Senators, Tsu-nan-li, the Minister
from China, and dean of the diplomatic corps, approached and bowed low
to the President; the latter, also, bowing low, in acknowledgment of
the salutation, said:
"O Sölal obik! Dälolsös obe nuikön mani yunik olse kela sava milagik de
deil penunols, fuliko, nen dot."[1]
[1] "My Lord: Permit me, if you please, to present to you the
young man of whose wonderful rescue from death you have been
fully informed, no doubt."
As the President made the introduction, Cobb gave a slight start at
hearing him speak in Volapük; then a smile of pleasure came over his
face.
Bowing to the young man, the Minister expressed his pleasure at the
meeting by saying:
"O Söl obik löfik! Panunob das pebinols bevü pedeilölsis balmil jöltum
jölsevel, kaleda olsik. In ols logob oni, kel pegönom fa Confucius e
Buddha god, in dat padälols denu getön luti lifa. Ogivols stimi obe fa
visitöl obi ven plidos-la olsi kömön."[2]
[2] "My dear sir: I am informed that you have been among the
dead since 1887 of your calendar. I see in you one who has
been favored by Confucius and the god Buddha, in that you are
permitted again to receive the air of life. You will do me an
honor by visiting me when it may please you to come."
Seeing the President about to translate the words of Tsu-nan-li, Cobb
quickly interrupted him, and, smiling at his ability to meet at least
one of the requirements of this new age, said:
"O Söl President, ed ols, Sölal obik! No stunolsös lilön obi gepükön in
pük egebols. Lesevob, äs jen lefulnik, ut kel päbüsagos äyelos lemödik,
das tim äkömomöv ven valik nets kulik äcälomsöv volapüki. Klödöl das et
del no äbinom fago, ästudob at pük, ed adelo logob bizugi osa."[3]
[3] "Mr. President, and you, my Lord: Do not be astonished to
hear me reply in the language you have employed. I recognize as
an accomplished fact that which was prognosticated a great many
years ago: that the time would come when all civilized nations
would employ a universal language. Believing that that day
was not far off, I studied this language, and to-day see the
advantage of it."
An expression of astonishment overspread the faces of the other two
gentlemen, and the President exclaimed, gleefully:
"Good enough, Cobb! There's one thing of the past equal to the present."
The others claiming attention, no more was said, and the throng of
visitors met, were introduced to and passed the President and Junius
Cobb.
A little later a party of officers were talking to Cobb near the grand
stairway. Speculation was rife as to what his position in the army
would be, knowing that he had been dropped for desertion years ago. The
discussion was animated, though Cobb himself took no active part in it.
"Ah! Cobb, my boy," and a tall young man, in the full regimentals of a
captain in the Second Cavalry--Cobb's old regiment--came forward and
familiarly slapped him on the shoulder:
"I have been looking for you. Hugh informs me that you will undoubtedly
be restored to your rank in the army; in fact, he says that they can't
help giving you your commission again."
"Ah!" from Cobb, as he looked the other in the face.
"Yes," smiling. "And you will be my lieutenant, for I command your old
troop of the Second. You will be a böd seledik (rare bird) to us in the
Second, and, as I am ordered to join my regiment on the 10th of next
month, I intend applying to have you ordered back with me."
Several smiled at the young captain's cool impudence, but Cobb simply
bowed in recognition of the other's desire for his company to his
regiment.
Captain Hathaway, of the Second Cavalry, was twenty-eight years of age,
tall in stature, slight in build, and wearing a little, light mustache.
With a glass in his eye, and a voice which sounded low and sweet, he
was, with all his known cool impudence, a right clever fellow. But he
had taken a dislike to Junius Cobb--and why?
"Yes, Mr. Cobb," taking up the army style of address to lieutenants,
"I fear you will have to give up your good times here and join me. Of
course they cannot refuse my request," with a new adjustment of his
eyeglass.
"Mr. Hathaway--"
"_Captain_, sir; Captain Hathaway. You forget you are addressing your
troop commander;" with dignity.
A flush overspread Cobb's face, and he bit his lip to keep from
replying in hot terms to this uncalled-for insolence.
"Captain Hathaway, you will join your regiment before the 10th, and I
will not be with you. Good morning." He turned on his heel and moved
toward a group near the President.
With a laugh at the blank and crushed expression of the young Captain,
the others sauntered away.
"Damme! but that's cool. Going to order his Captain to his regiment,
eh! Going to get me out of the way and take my girl. Well, I guess
not!" and he, too, moved off.
At lunch, after the reception and departure of the guests, Cobb
laughingly referred to the little incident of the morning. The
President expressed his disapprobation of the Captain's behavior, and
told Cobb that he would give the young man a lesson in politeness.
According to their programme, the office of the Secretary of War was
visited at 13:30 dial, and Cobb was introduced to Mr. Fowler, the
urbane but quick-spoken Secretary. Here he learned much concerning
himself, and a great deal in regard to the state of the nation for
purposes of offense and defense.
"Yes," continued the Secretary, in answer to a question from Cobb,
"your status has been investigated, and it is found that you were
dropped from the army, as a deserter, December 1, 1904, under the
provisions of section 1,229, Revised Statutes. But when the wonderful
facts attending your return to life, and the existence and tenor of
your leave of absence, given in 1887, had been fully laid before the
Supreme Court, sitting in bank, yesterday, a decree was formulated that
you have never been out of service--that is, legally. You, therefore,
Mr. Cobb, revert back to your status as a Lieutenant in the Second
Cavalry."
Cobb meditatively admitted that perhaps Captain Hathaway would, after
all, take him back to the regiment on the 10th of the following month.
"But," and the Secretary looked inquiringly at the President, who
nodded assent, "you would have been the ranking Major in the cavalry
arm in 1918, the year you would have retired for age, according to the
law at that date."
"Yes, you are quite right, Mr. Secretary, I would have been a Major;
but I never expected to have been the senior. Promotion at that time
was slow beyond measure--stagnated. Old men with grown-up families were
still Lieutenants, while the majority of Captains were old, rheumatic,
and unable to perform their duty. Lieutenants did all the work." Cobb
seemed to revert back in disgust at the state of promotion in 1887.
"As you would have been retired as the ranking Major," slowly continued
the Secretary, paying no attention to Cobb's remarks, but with a
pleasant air at the news he was about to communicate, "the President
has been guided by a sense of the justice due you, and has nominated
you to the Senate as such, to rank at the head of the list. Further,
as a vacancy exists in the grade of Lieutenant-Colonel, your promotion
to that rank follows as a natural course. The Senate will confirm the
nomination at 16 dial. Allow me, Colonel Cobb, to congratulate you,"
and the good old man clasped the hand of the new Lieutenant-Colonel;
nor was the President slow in his congratulations. Both seemed to have
taken a special interest in Cobb.
He, in his turn, expressed his sincere thanks for their kindness to
him, and was highly elated at the good fortune attending his new life.
"By the records," continued Mr. Fowler, "you are thirty-three years of
age, for you entered the cataleptic state at that age; and it has been
decided that the period of your inanimation shall not in any manner be
counted against you. A Lieutenant-Colonel at thirty-three, the youngest
in the army, you will one day command the army of the United States."
And he smiled kindly, while the President looked admiringly upon his
protégé.
Then, for an hour, the Secretary gave Colonel Cobb a brief history of
the army during the hundred and odd years which had passed.
"We have, to-day," said he, "a population of over 500,000,000 of
people, occupying sixty-eight States and nine Territories, covering the
whole of North America from the Isthmus of Panama to the Arctic, and
from the Pacific to the Atlantic Ocean."
"This is a vast and wonderful increase since the census of 1880,"
exclaimed Cobb. "Why, I remember, in 1887, that the most sanguine
statistician estimated only 67,000,000 for the next census, that of
1890."
"True," returned the Secretary. "That was above the exact figure;
if I remember correctly, it was only 64,987,504. But even that
population was a trifle more than twenty-five per cent. increase upon
the census of 1880. The ratio of increase since we were a nation of
only 3,000,000, averaged about thirty per cent. until the year 1900.
In 1910 it fell to twenty-two per cent., but the next census, that of
1920, showed an increase of thirty-four per cent. The reason for this
great increase is found in the fact that in 1915 the United States
acquired Mexico and all Central America, with its population of over
20,000,000 souls, and in 1917, after the conquest, the whole of British
America, with 10,000,000 more. Our population was, by the census of
1920--counting in 30,000,000 people acquired--137,000,000. The increase
since 1890 has averaged only 18.5 per cent, every ten years, or less
than two per cent. a year."
"And is not the country somewhat crowded by this great mass of people?"
inquired Cobb.
"By no means; there is room for double the number--yes, treble as many.
The great States of Slave, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Assiniboia, and west
of the isothermal line of thirty-eight degrees are teeming with people
engaged in agriculture."
"What is the strength of the army required to protect the country from
internal violence, and for a cadre of a full army?" asked Cobb.
"Our army consists of 148,000 men only, comprising 70,000 infantry,
28,000 cavalry, and 50,000 artillery. The maintenance and distribution
of this force is very different from what it was during the years when
the country was new and sparsely inhabited. The artillery is along the
sea-board, and is a full-paid army. The enlisted portion serve for
three years at a time, and are paid at a fixed rate of $20 per month
for the privates. The infantry and cavalry are distributed among the
States; each State and the Territories of North and South Alaska, and
Indian, has one regiment of infantry and a battalion of cavalry (400).
The posts are near the great centers of the States, and from them the
troops can be quickly transported to the scene of any disturbance.
Each governor has authority to order out his State garrison for the
preservation of life or property, or to quell riot or disorder in his
State. The posts are large and handsome, and with fine and sufficient
quarters for officers and men. The social standing of the soldier is
equal to that of the citizen, except that, as a soldier, full and
implicit obedience to his officers is required and maintained. The
food is excellent, and well cooked and served; the uniform is of the
best material. Now, Colonel, I will explain the system: The infantry
and cavalry posts are schools for the instruction of the youth of the
country. The period of service is three years, and the strength of
each garrison strictly maintained. The regiments are recruited wholly
from the State they are in, and do not leave that State to garrison
other posts. This applies only to the enlisted portion of the army; the
officers hold life positions, and are promoted lineally in their own
branch of the service. They are moved from station to station every
three years, but never returning to a station at which they had served
before. The pay of the army of instruction, or 'Inland Army,' as it
is named, is $5 per month per man, regardless of grade, and $100 upon
discharge after three years of faithful service. Every year the State
furnishes 500 young men who have passed the physical examination, and
they are sworn into the service of the United States."
"But how are these men found? Do they voluntarily enlist?" broke in
Cobb.
"Not all, though many do, in order to get their service in. Each State
keeps a complete record of every male in its territory--his age,
occupation, and physical condition. From a list of all those between
twenty-one and twenty-four years of age, is selected, by chance,
the yearly quota for military service, less the number of voluntary
enlistments; and no one so selected can avoid the three years' service
at the State post; nor do they try, I might add, for no excuse but
physical incapacity will avail to free them from this duty to the State
and Union. From every walk in life they come--the rich, the poor, the
worker and the young man of leisure. If a son is the only support of a
family, the State supplies a substitute. Except in time of war, they
are never called upon again for military service. This is what makes
the soldier the equal of the civilian. If a name is once selected and
the man does not report, being at the time a resident of the State,
he is declared a deserter, and punished as such. To their officers
these men are obedient and respectful; with the civilian, they are sons
of the State, and their duty honorable in the extreme. Desertion is
almost unknown; but when it does occur, the offender receives the fixed
punishment of twenty years in the government island prison."
"And the government pays these men?" asked Cobb.
"No; the pay proper and subsistence is paid by the State, but
everything else is furnished by the government."
"And their duties, what are they?"
"They are taught all the duties of a soldier; they make marches from
point to point, and diffuse a military feeling among the people; they
learn to ride, to use their arms, and to become able, if the time
occurs, to impart this instruction to others. They are a guard against
interior violence in the State, and their presence tends to keep alive
that little spark of military ardor which should never be allowed to
die, even in a country deemed ever so secure from foreign invasion."
"A system both great and useful!" exclaimed Cobb. "But how are the
artillery regiments kept full?"
"By enlistment only. The applications far exceed the demands. The
majority come from the Inland Army, from those who are poor and from
those who have taken a fancy to a military life."
"And the officers--how are they appointed?"
"They are taken from the non-commissioned officers who have completed
their three years' service and are desirous of becoming officers. From
the number of non-commissioned officers of each regiment competing,
the five who lead in the examinations are sent to the United States
military school and pursue a three years' course of study. From this
class, in the order of their standing, are filled the vacancies
existing on New-Year's-Day of each year, the remainder of the class
being discharged."
"Will you tell me what kind of arms are now used?" asked Cobb.
"For infantry, the service rifle and milag cartridge; for cavalry
the same, but shorter and lighter, besides a pistol using the milag
cartridge of calibre 35. The artillery use nothing but the heavy guns,
which are of different styles and for different purposes. Some are for
lipthalene, others for lipthalene and meteorite, and still others using
meteorite alone."
"What! did I understand you to say meteorite?" and Cobb looked at the
Secretary with a surprised and earnest expression, while his hand
nervously grasped the back of his chair.
"Yes; certainly. Is there anything strange in the name, that you should
look at me so doubtingly?"
"No; I suppose not," settling back in his chair.
"But you appeared very much surprised."
"Yes?"
"Yes; have you seen this explosive? But no; you could not have seen it.
It did not come to the notice of the government until after your time."
"Will you show me one of these milag cartridges?"
"Certainly."
He rang a bell and ordered a box of milag cartridges sent to him in
the office. When the Secretary had received them, he gave one to Cobb,
saying:
"This small bullet does not look much like a cartridge, does it?"
Cobb took it and carefully examined it.
It was precisely similar to those he had sent to Washington in 1887.
Smiling to himself, he turned his eyes first upon the President and
then upon the Secretary.
"When did you say these were invented?" he asked, in an unconcerned
manner.
"I can soon tell you."
Rising and taking a book from the shelf, he quickly found the history
of the milag cartridge, and read:
"'Milag cartridge; from the Volapük word _milag_, "wonderful." A
cartridge using meteorite as an explosive; usual charge for 40 calibre,
one and one-third grains; initial velocity, 3,562; range, four
miles. Meteorite was discovered in 1899, and the formula sold to the
government by John Otis, chief clerk to the Chief of Ordnance.'"
"Chief of Ordnance?" broke in Cobb, quickly.
"Yes; Chief of Ordnance. But have you read this?"
"No, sir."
"But there certainly is some mystery here!" exclaimed the President,
highly interested in the conversation.
Cobb took his penknife from his pocket, and slowly opening it, said:
"If I cut this black cement in the base of the bullet, I come to the
meteorite; am I correct?"
"Yes."
"And it is white." And he cut the cement carefully away and disclosed
the little disc of fulminate and the white explosive surrounding it.
"Strange!" cried both of the others together, surprised that he should
know the color of an explosive invented after his time.
"Have you any nitric acid?" asked Cobb.
"Yes; here is a little," and Secretary Fowler handed him a small bottle
containing the nitric acid used in testing at the War Department.
Dipping a twisted paper into the liquid, Cobb let fall a single drop of
the acid on the explosive in the bullet; then moving toward the window,
which he threw open, he struck a match and said:
"If I understand this meteorite, it will, upon the application of
flame, dissipate itself in vapor, but not explode."
"Hold, Colonel!" cried Mr. Fowler, in great alarm, as he and the
President drew back. "It will explode and tear your hand into pieces."
It was too late. Holding his hand containing the bullet well out
through the window, he touched the flame to the cartridge. A slight
flash from the fulminate followed, and then the meteorite disappeared
in a colorless gas. Holding aloft the empty bullet, he exultingly cried:
"Was I not right when I claimed a knowledge of this explosive?"
Then Junius Cobb explained how he had discovered this compound; how
he had transmitted it to the Chief of Ordnance in 1887, and the
restrictions he had placed upon that office regarding the sealed packet
containing the formula. Time passed, and he had been dropped for
desertion, but the sealed packet still remained in the office of the
Chief of Ordnance. It had been opened, and a subordinate in that office
had stolen his secret, sold it to the government, and reaped immense
reward and honor. But Cobb had no ill-feeling against the man; he had
died long years ago; and what did this theft avail him at that moment?
"You are a wonderful man, my dear Colonel; and I believe that, in the
dim past, you conceived the idea of many of our greatest inventions of
to-day."
President Craft arose from his seat as he spoke.
Thanking Secretary Fowler for his kindness, Cobb turned to the
President and asked:
"Is it time to take our departure?"
"Yes, Colonel." Then, turning to the Secretary, he said: "By the way,
Mr. Fowler, be so kind as to have an order made out directing Captain
Hathaway, Second Cavalry, to report to Colonel Cobb to-night for
orders; send it at once."
"Sir, I will attend to it immediately."
"Then, Mr. Fowler, we will say good afternoon."
"Good afternoon, gentlemen;" and then to Cobb: "Come and see me,
Colonel, whenever you feel inclined."
In fifteen minutes they were back at the executive mansion.
After partaking of a cup of coffee, as was the President's custom at
that hour, they entered the drag again, and were rapidly propelled
toward the Capitol.
Cobb noticed the handsome exterior of the buildings, their beautiful
architecture and harmonious coloring.
Pennsylvania Avenue was, indeed, a beautiful thoroughfare. Its
buildings were large and grand; great hotels, clubs, bazars, churches,
and theatres were thrown together in one complex but magnificent order.
Over the sidewalk, on either side, and also covering the cross-streets,
was a glass canopy supported by pillars of the same material,
handsomely carved and finished. The windows and doors were grand in
their size; and what seemed strange and dangerous to Cobb, no sash
was to be observed; nothing but great panes of glass, some white and
clear, others of various hues.
The streets and walks were as clean as a parlor floor, and no
obstructions were to be seen upon them. The pavement was of a soft gray
tint, and like a felt blanket in its appearance. The sidewalks were
laid in tessellated work of all the hues of the solar spectrum. Statues
and works of art were everywhere observable. Great trees ranged on
either side, while beautiful plants and green grass plats surrounded
many of the buildings.
As the rays of the sun in the west fell upon the buildings, they
were reflected back to the opposite side of the street, again and
again reflected, and the eye of Cobb beheld the parallel lines of
Pennsylvania Avenue adorned with millions of sparkling, dancing lights,
meeting at the farther end in one great diamond whose lustre could
almost compare with the sun itself.
Ah! what a grand sight!--worthy of a life of inanimation for a thousand
years. Cobb feasted his eyes on the beauty of the scene. Lost in the
ecstasy of the moment, he was rudely awakened to a sense of the reality
by the President remarking:
"It is a grand sight, is it not?"
"Yes! yes, indeed! Grand beyond expression!"
"This street, Colonel Cobb, is said to be the handsomest in the world."
"I can well believe it! I cannot conceive of one that could be more
beautiful."
"And yet, Colonel, it is all glass."
"Glass?"
"Yes; plain, cheap, common glass."
"You mystify me! You do not mean to tell me that these magnificent
buildings are built of glass?"
"The buildings, walks, streets, and nearly everything visible to your
eye is of glass."
President Craft enjoyed the look of amazement and incredulity which
overspread the other's face.
"Surely you are jesting with me! Glass is no substance for any of these
purposes."
"Remember," slowly, "you are in the year 2000. That which was
impossible, unheard of, to you in 1887, may be possible and common with
us to-day."
"True! I find I must accept as possible every theory and proposition
advanced, until it is, by undeniable evidence, totally disproved.
But blame me not if doubt sometimes arises. Will you stop the drag a
moment?"
"Certainly," was the puzzled answer.
Turning his head to the driver in the rear, he ordered the drag stopped
at the curb.
In front of the entrance to the Dom Kanitöl Legletik (Grand Opera
House), by the side of two tall and elaborately carved pillars covered
with fine and thread-like filigree work, the drag came to a standstill.
Without a word of explanation, Cobb sprang from his seat, walked up to
the nearest pillar and dashed the heel of his boot against a beautiful
rose of pure white. A look of triumph came into his eyes. They might
make it to appear like glass, but it was not glass! The beautiful rose
lay crushed against its stem, its delicate petals bent and twisted, and
its leaves flattened together.
The President comprehended the young man's motive, and smiled. As Cobb
again entered the drag, the President said, but kindly:
"You have destroyed that beautiful glass rose, and because you doubted
me."
"Blame me not for doubting, kind sir, nor blame me for investigating.
Without investigation we could never arrive at a certain knowledge of
the truth or falsity of any proposition."
"And you have investigated?"
"Yes."
"And proved--"
"That glass is not the component part of that pillar," with confidence.
"One word will dispel that illusion." Mr. Craft spoke very deliberately.
"Speak it, then, I pray you," with greater astonishment than ever.
"Malleability!"
Like a flash of lightning, the conviction of the truth of the
President's words fell upon the doubting man's mind. Malleable glass!
that _ignis-fatuus_ which had caused men's minds to turn from reason to
insanity; had caused chemists and philosophers throughout the known
world to struggle for years and years, and finally go down to their
graves with their hopes unfulfilled; that art which was said to have
been known in the third century, during the reign of Tiburon--had been
again discovered and made known to mankind.
"And is all of this of malleable glass?" still with wonder.
"All. The art has been known for over fifty years. It is common glass,
composed of silica, lime, barytes, etc., to which is added nitrate
of zesüd and coloring matter. It is cheaper than wood or any of the
metals, is about the weight of copper, and has its strength and
malleability. It is made into every conceivable form and shape, and has
almost entirely taken the place of the cheaper metals where temper and
extreme rigor are not desired. It never tarnishes, decays, or breaks.
When exposed to the inclemencies of the weather, it is as bright to-day
as it was yesterday, or years ago."
Wonderful, indeed, were the inventions of the twentieth century!
At 16:5 dial the President's electric drag glided evenly and
noiselessly out of Pennsylvania Avenue, rounded the corner, and stopped
at the grand entrance to the Dom Lon, or Capitol, of the United States.
An hour was passed in visiting the three houses of Congress, and Cobb
carefully noted the working of the national legislature.
On the way home, the President said:
"There is a Senate of 136 members, or two from each State, presided
over by the First Vice-President; two lower houses of 400 and
280 members, respectively, presided over by the Second and Third
Vice-Presidents. The Smadom, or lower house, is that body in which are
introduced all bills of a private nature whatsoever--such as claims
or appeals for money, position, justice, rights and franchises. If
approved in this house they go to the Senate, and are usually approved
by that body. In the Gledom, or upper house, originate all bills for
the good of the nation at large. The system of committees, as of old,
is a component part of the machinery of this house. The functions of
the Senate, with the restrictions imposed upon it by the creation of a
third house, have undergone few changes since your time."
"Are there any changes in the method of electing Senators,
Representatives, and chief magistrate?"
"Yes; the President's term of office is five years, taking office
on New-Year's-Day of every year divisible by five without a
remainder--that is, it commenced in 1940. In the October of the year
preceding the taking of office, the governors of all the States
assemble at a designated place and nominate four candidates for each
office. The two houses of Representatives meet on the first day of
November, and proceed to elect, from the nominees, the President and
Vice-Presidents."
"Then, I take it that a Republican house would surely elect a
Republican, and vice versa?" said Cobb.
"There is no Republican or Democratic party, nor any two parties, as
formerly. One party, the American, rules this country. No diversity of
opinion exists as regards the welfare of the nation. No policy from the
candidates for the Presidency is called for, or expected. To-day there
are no great questions to split the nation with contention."
"But may not the choice of the people be defeated, where the election
is in the hands of so few?"
"Again experience teaches that you are wrong. Under the old system
the people had a choice between two men; now the nation has a choice
from four men. The extent and population of the country being so
enormous, individual voting would necessitate long and arduous work in
counting and verifying the vote. Were the two distinct parties in the
field, our method might--mind you, I say might--work disadvantageously
to one party or the other. The fairness of the system now in vogue
consists in the celerity of the election after nomination, and in
the number of nominees. No man can tell beforehand upon whom will
fall the nominations given by sixty-eight men, high in social and
civil standing, and who come together from every part of this great
country--men who are, as a rule, unacquainted with one another. Even if
collusion brought about a certain nomination, who could tell that that
nominee would be elected by the two houses? The nomination takes place
October first, and certified copies, signed by every governor present,
though he may have voted against the nominee, are delivered by the
three governors oldest in years to each of the three Vice-Presidents
of the United States. On the first day of November the names are
presented, and the balloting commences in both houses simultaneously,
and continues until an election is completed by that house. The record
is sent to the Senate, and that body counts and verifies the vote of
the two houses, and announces the result."
"Very simple, after all," remarked Cobb. "But has it always worked
well?"
"Perfectly."
"How long have you been in office, Mr. President?"
"Since last New-Year's-Day."
"Will you get the nomination again, do you think?"
"No; assuredly not. One of the most strictly followed laws of the
United States is that no man can hold the same elective office twice.
This law applies to all national and State offices, but not to others
below that dignity."
"Does this law not tend to deprive the State and nation of the services
of tried and capable men?"
"Colonel, this nation is great; vast. There are thousands upon
thousands of men fully as capable as those in office, ready to take
their turn."
"And federal appointments, the patronage of the party, as it was
formerly called--how are they made?"
"Wholly upon competitive examination; not in scientific branches of
learning, but upon the duties required, together with a common-school
education."
"And the term of office?"
"In many positions it is during active life; in others for ten years,
or less periods. But in all cases the period is known, and removals
never take place without cause having been given by the incumbent: this
cause is never political."
"I see we are at the door," reluctantly said Cobb, as the drag came to
a standstill before the entrance to the executive mansion, "so will ask
you no more questions to-day--but the subject is one of great interest
to me."
After dinner, as Cobb and Hugh were lounging about and smoking their
cigars, the President came into the room and handed the former the
evening paper, remarking:
"You have not seen a paper to-day. Here is the American: you will find
all the news in it."
Moving toward the door, the President turned around, and added:
"By the bye, Junius, Captain Hathaway will report to you this evening
for orders; dispose of him as you please," and he passed out into the
hall.
"Don't mind me, Junius," said Hugh; "read your paper. I'll look at the
society news in it--there is no such nonsense in yours," drawing out
the "Washington Report" from his pocket.