Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 January 1914 — Page 2

SERIAL STORY

The Isolated Continent

A Romance of Use Future

By Guido von Horvath and Dean Hoard

Oopjniht, 1918, by W. Q. Chapman in tba Uultad Sums and Cheat Britain. 1 CHAPTER I. Astra’s Inheritance. A gloomv foreboding of approaching disaster hung over the capital. Hannibal Prudent, ex-President of the United Republics, was dangerously ill. The people walked quietly and talked in subdued tones, as though they feared to disturb him. Hannibal Prudent, the scientist whose invention had saved the country, eighty-four years ola, but he had carried the weight of his years lightly and had worked unceasingly. On a flying trip to Labrador he had contracted a severe cold which developed into pneumonia. Just as the disease was nearing the crisis a curious thing happened, something that had not happened In the half-c,entujy which had passed since he had put an Isolator between America and the other continents. — A wireless message had come from Europe. The great man had been awakened by the ringing of the 4,500-mile bell on. the small electro-stylograph that stood by hie bedside. To his astonishment the indicator that automatically registered the sending station pointed to Berlin, Germany. He stared in amazement at the instrument and saw epark following spark on its small, square, milk-glass plate. He put forth a shaking hand and adjusted the receiving horn. The electric sparks then formed a picture—a moving picture that trflked! A man in military uniform looked at him from* the picture and a clear voice with a German accent said in English: “Professor Prudent?” v “Yes, sir. Hannibal Prudent.” The figure bowed reverently. “I am Count Von Werdenstein. As you see, I have bored through your isolating rays with my sparks of electricity. This is the beginning. The next time I talk to you there will be nothing to keep the fleet of consolidated Europe from entering the ports of the Americas. lam giving you this warning because I admire you—you were my honored father’s teacher.” The figure on the plate bowed again, then vanished. Hannibal Prudent gazed curiously at the glass of the apparatus, trying to believe that he had experienced a vision; but when he saw the words of clearly printed by the magnificent instrument on a sheet of paper by the stylus he fainted. The vitality that could combat physical suffering could not bear the menacing news that the little instrument had brought. When he opened hie eyes his daughter Astra stood at the bedside and the house physician was counting his pulse. The scientist still held Werdensteln’s message crumpled up in his old fingers—the meesage that conveyed such crushing news. Impatiently, as one who knows his time is short. he asked to be left alone with his daughter. As the door closed behind the doctor he cried out in agony: “All my hopes and all my life work are threatened. I had hoped that here where I had established it peace wouldi abide —peace that has 6pread comfort, contentment and happiness over our continent; peace that created and conserved fortunes greater than any ever before known to man; peace that permitted developments so high that even the boldest would not have dared to dream them fifty years ago. “All this will go.” His voice failed for a moment. “Read this." As the startled girl read Werdenstein's messages he cried bitterly: “They want vengeance.” He felt his own pulse, watching the large chronometer on the wall opposite his bed. “My will is in the safe in my library. Here is 'the key. The Europeans think that the 2/ray alone hinders them from entering our beloved country, but they are mistaken.” He gasped for air. “I will defy them again. Astra, write what I have to say." His breath came gaspingly; hia clear eyes grew dull; a whirlwind eeenied to possess the great brain that had been able to create peace in America for half a century. Astra watched him with apprehension; she did not speak, as she realized that it would be a waste of time, and the short time left her adopted father was precious indeed. The old man rested a moment, then seeing Astra was ready, he said: “When the isolation has been brpk-, en through or destroyed (both are possible, if one knows how), then new isolations must be created, one ray after another. We can gain a year that way, abd that year must be used to prepare for war. War! That hor ror will destroy the work or a peaceful country. *But we are forced to It; wo will win* and peace wiireome for-

ever. Plane are ready for a new craft that will be Invincible. 'Navigation Of the air will solve'the problem." His voic& had grown so weak that Astra could hardly understand him, but she had taken every word down in shorthand. ;,, “Don’t grieve when I am dead. I died in peace. All my life I have been a true apostle of that gospel—but hurry! Hurry to the island of—” He drew himself up with his last strength; an inarticulate sound came from his lipe; he beckoned to Astra for the pencil and paper and forced his shaking hand to write one word: “Cirynith,” ran the zigzag lines of the shaking old hand, then the pencil fell from his fingers. Calm at °l p over '"ffie face of the man who had lived for one great Idea, “Peace." He had found it, but his last words advised “War.” Astra looked sorrowingly at her father. Tears filled her eyes as she catted tbe doetor. r But Hannibal Prudent had reared her, and after the first burst of grief she remembered her duty. Taking the message from -Europe and her notes, she hurried for her father’s library With a steddy hand she transcribed her notes on the typewriter, but when she came to the word written by Hannibal Prudent, “Cirynith,” the tears came again. She could not understand the theaning of the - command: “Hurry to the island of Cirynith." Was there an island of that name? She had never heard of it. While Astra was in her father’s library the sad news spread through the city. The stylographed extras began to appear at the automatic news stand. The short paragraph telling about the wifeless message from Germany alarmed everybody. More than fifty years before, in the year 1919, the now prosperous and peaceful United States had experienced a great disaster. New emigration laws and the new tariff had precipitated an international conflict that had involved not only the leading European monarchies but Japan and China as well. The ultimatum came from the East and the West. Europe was mobilizing-qn one side; the orientals on the other; all the nations against one. The question was whether It was best to bow before the will or the united enemy, or to lose independence. Congress seemed unable to decide. The time given the United States for consideration was rapidly passing. The President was in despair. He gave orders to the fleet and land forces, but in his heart he cried, “What is the use?” The, night before the day of final answer h® stood before the window looking hopelessly into the Btarless darkness. Suddenly a man’s head appeared at the window. The next moment the intruder jumped into the room. Before the surprised executive could cry out the intruder exclaimed: “For three days I have tried to gain an audience with you, but in vain. Since I know that tomorrow will be too late I have forced by way to you." “What brings you here?” the President asked. “My desire to save my country, to repulse the enemy. I can defend the entire continent against any invasion. Don’t think me mad—l am not; I have invented the greatest power. To be exact, I have discovered it. A man who solves one of nature’s problems is not an inventor but a discoverer. My discovery is an invisible power that resists all attack. Don't doubt me before I have finished. I will create

The Great Man Had Been Awakened By the Ringing of the 4,500-mile Bell.

around mg a circle that will defend me and will ask you to try to touch me.” He took a small Instrument from his pocket, and. stepping back from the president, the continued: “When I motion toward you try to touch me.” He manipulated springs on tbe instrument, then signaled to the President. The executive, stretched his arm toward him. An Invisible force bent first hi? hand, then his arm back. He could not touch the man from any side. After several experiments the astounded President was convinced of tbe Importance of the discovery. The intruder removed the force from shout him and told of his plans to save the country. They talked until long after the first rays of the morning sun shone through the windows. When the midnight visitor had finished bis confidences the President's face was brighter than It had been for maby days. The careworn expression was gone. He escorted bis visitor lb the gate, putting his hand familiarly on his shoulder as he bade him goo<} morning. ,

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, I NT), -V

The midnight visitor was Hannibal Prudent, the greatest scientist of the new world. —— The President spent the morning preparing dispatches for the representatives of the European and oriental nations. He gave them twenty-four hours to order their vessels from American waters, advising themHhat If they bad not obeyed the order in that time the United States would not be responsible for their future. The new laws that had been formulated by the United States government and which were so objectionable to the powers would stand, and the United States would see that they were enforced. ■...Thxfee lator created a current of the impenetrable Z ray that isolated whole American continent from tfye rest of the world. . Fifty years had passed: fifty years of independent peace. The Central and South American republics had joined the great United States and a confederacy was formed that secured their independence and the freedom of commerce. Those fifty years of peace had created wealth, happiness and a° scientific progress such as had never been equaled. Now the man whose genius had made this possible lay dead, and hie last words urged preparation for war. Astra sat before her father’s desk; before her lay a document that demanded careful study—the will of her adopted father. She did not look at the long list of bonds and stocks; she did not care for the vast wealth that from now on would belong to her alone. The paper she was reading contained farreaching instructions, prophetic insight into the future. The last page was a farewell letter: “My dear Astra, knowing that I aA nearing the limit of human existence, and that rest awaits me after a long and full life, I set down such facts as will enable you to make the best use of the knowledge that I, the old tree, wish perpetuated in the blossoming plant; It Is you who will be responsible for the coming prosperity of the country. God gave you a broad mind that has developed to its fullest capacity under my care and I am proud of you, dear girl; you are chosen to do great things for yoUr country and humanity. “There is only one man' on earth who is worthy of calling you wife; you will find this man, or he will come to you, as you two are ordained mates, comrades. “When I go to my rest I feel that I will leave turbulent times behind me. My Z ray will not remain impenetrable forever, and when the day comes that it is destroyed, the country will need a brave, competent man to drive away the dreadnaughts. He will come, as he has been fully instructed. Trust in him, my dear daughter. "This country waß not developed to be blasted by war; the adventures of warfare and strife are not for It. Our Creator selected this country to promote freedom, equality and science. Thundering cannons shall never mom sound on our shore; our land shall be a land of Jove and peace. "I have labored, hard to spread this gospel. After I am gone the task Is your inheritance, dear Astra. "Before I die I will tell you where to find the one man competent to assist you and will further instruct you Id your duty. “God bless you, my daughter, you have ever been my joy and pride.” Astra put down the paper, and, staring out into the beautiful garden, murmured to herself: “Hurry to the Island, of Cirynith! Cirynith ? I have never heard of the place, and he left no specific instructions.” The entrauce of John, a faithful old servlnt, woke her from her reverie*. With shaking lips he announced that a reporter for the Houfly Stylograph wished to see her. Folding up the documents, Astri locked them In the safe, then said, "I will receive him at once in the green, room.” The servant' left. Astra hesitated for a moment, then she said aloud, with quiet determination: "Father, I will accept the inheritance. I will wait for him to come and help me; I will take the burdens on my shoulders and faithfully carry out your teachings. God help me to!” CHAPTER 11. Nominee of the Continentals. Morning found the great capital In the splendor of deep mourning. The elevated sidewalks, the roof gardens, the terraces weje crowded by people dressed in black. The newspaper roof terraces were especially crowded; there, on immense opal glass plates sparks of electricity printed the latest news and illustrated the happenings of the moment witb moving pictures. On the main tower of the new capltol building (a colossal creation of pure American architecture) the Bell Orchestra, comprising four hundred players, played the march of “Coming Peace.” a march that thrilled the hearts witb its melody, that elevated the souls with thoughts of Heaven, that drove away evil thoughts wttn its exquisite barmony and foretold tbe happiness awaiting beyond. Resonant horns spread tbe melody farther and farther, until it soothed the mourning people in neighboring towns. „ The fourteen-hdur San Francisco limited bad just slid Into the central depot of the Tube Lines; the broad glass doors were flung open and the passengers hurried out (TO CONTINUED.)

He Wee the Hungry One.

} “What’s the trouble at your house r “Hunger strike for a new bonnet” “Your wlf 3 refuses to eat?” “No; she refuses to cook.'

CHINA’S FUTURE OF INTEREST

Every Student Realizes the Possibillties That Are Part of Country’s Present Development. China is tossing restlessly in her BKe-iong sleep, and shows signs of awakening. This situation appeals to the UnitedStafes only indirectly; but most of the land-hungry European nations are waiting at her bedside, and are guessing as to her present pathologic condition and her" outlook for future health and strength. Com-petent-Fudges near atf hand agree that If China were to produce, soon, some -greafe-teader,. he Tgg center of ww*--urated solution of loyal sentiment, which is latent In this mighty people. Lacking suqh a living leader, the Chinese may call—upon Confucius; and unite the several diverse provinces under a potent bond of religious fervor. However the influence of the great ethical teacher may have waned during the past century, he has not become a negligible quantity, as the recent surprising observance of his birthday fully attests. About a week before that date a circular letter was sent to all the governors of provinces, setting forth the virtues of Confucius. The intention was that this statement should he presented to local magistrates, and by them be brought before the plain people. Thus a way would be prepared for the subsequent elevation of the great and honored sage as the true leader of the new republic. Naturally, we would expect him to be held most highly in honor by the old dethroned Manchu dynasty. “Young China/’ however, realizes that, the country greatly needs both a leader and a religion, and that these two needs could be met by 8 revival of the Confucian cult probably in a modernized/ form. Twenty years ago the sage’s birthday was observed only slightly and sporadically, but this year there has been a widely spread and distinctly fervent expression of public devotion to him. Decorations, processions and public meetings are reported from all tbe provinces. “Young China” is willing to concede much, if only it can gather in most of the factions, conservative > and radical, throughout this heterogeneous nation. At one celebration, not far from Canton, hymns in favor of Confucius were sung by four graduates of the Canton Christian college; and the words were set to the music of “Ye Banks and Braes of Bonnie Doon,” and to a favorite Methodist melody. The effect of this year’s observances is to suggest the conjecture that China’s awakening may have to be primarily religious, and secondarily political. What will result from this call to Confucius? —American Review of Reviews.

Prison Reform Praised.

Law Notes makes this comment on the recent prison reform in the state of Washington by which the inmates of the penal Institutions are allowed a small daily wage for their labor, which is paid to their families: “Aside from the humaneness of this practice, it has its value in the administration of the criminal law, for no one will venture to dispute that many criminals who should be 4n prison are at large because juries, out of regard for the suffering of their families, have refused to convict, or judges after conviction have suspended sentence, or imposed a light sentence, out of regard for the same fact. Of course with such a system in force the reason for such unwarranted (from a legal view) leniency is removed, and the criminal receives his just punishment regardless of family connections. And certainly if the state can make money out of the labor of its coqvicts, there is no good reason why it should pocket the gains, leaving the family of the criminal, in no way responsible for his misdeed, to bear the real ’punishment for his crime.”

College’s Ten Commandments.

The college students’ “Ten Commandments” have been .discovered at Columbia university. They were published by she Dorms, a paper issued by the residents of Hartley, Livingstone and Fumald halls. A strange feature about the list ie that there Is no provision for spending a single moment at his lessons. These are the commandments: % 1. To riße.at 7:30, to retire at 10:00. 2. To exercise half an hour daily. * 3. To read at least a chapter of the Bible daily. 4. To attend the theater once a week. , 5. To attend all the important lectures on the campus. 6. To spend a few minutes daily reading periodicals. 7. To get as much out of myself as possible. 8. To read one novel and one play a week. 9l To. write to mother every week. 10. To take Inventory of myself tbe first of each month.

Audience Bowed to Artist.

Jean Gerardy, the 'cellist, who has finished a successful month’s tour In England' with Tetraszlni, will tour in Germany, Russia, Paris, Belgium and Austria. He tells the story of how a delightful provincialism Is still prevalent in England: “I was invited to stop off at a village not on my regular Itinerary by a deputation of music lovers. I couldn’t resist the invitation. The hall was packed. “Fancy my amused amazement when on coming on to the ztage and making my usual perfunctory bow the entire audience politely rose from their seats and bowed ba<sk with the utmost formality, some of the' older woman throwing a curtsey.”

RED SEA to MOUNT SINAI

TO VISIT the Holy Land is a risk that many people prefer not to run; they would rather keep the picture of Jerusalem in their minds than witness the degradation of an ideal Jerusalem where humbug preys upon credulity at so many shillings per "holy site.’’ Indeed, the faith and ignorance of a Russian pilgrim seems necessary if one would retain unspoilt the childhood’s glamour of many scenes of scriptural association. In spite of drawbacks, however, the ever-increas-ing facilities of travel draw thousands and thousands to Palestine, many of whom return with faith stimulated and imagination strangely vivified. For the danger of disillusion is confined more or less ( to the cities, whose vulgar modernization so utterly destroys any glamour of the past. The country, the atmosphere, the climate reinaln fortunately unchanged. To follow the route of the Israelitish exodus, for instance, challenges comparison less crudely. To, visit the scenes of the 40, years’ wanderingß in the wilderness, apparently holds less risk of disillusionment. For the desert does not change; ,the granite peaks of Sinai may have prumbled,. but It has not yet a funicular railway to bring it up to date; and no tramway line makes convenient, though hideous, the desolate shores of the wonderful Red sea. Rock Moses Smote. With a thrill of reverent awe one looks upon the rock that Moses smote for water, the slope where grew the brilliant burning bush, the gray, waste plain where the golden calf enflamed the idoiators, and the bleak, limestone heights whence Moses watched the battle against the Amalekites whilfe Aaron and Hur held up his aching arms. From Cairo by train to Ismalia, thence to Suez and across the Red sea •from the Valley of Moses, some eight miles down the then, by easy camps, always prepared in advance by Cook’s dragoman, to Mount Sinai and its monastery. A good map shows the route, while the brief description and the striking photographs persuaded the'reader that he had almost witnessed a swift cinematograph performance. Formalities were considerable, it Beems; a permit from the war office had to be obtained, while the necessary camel and Bedouin for the Journey were engaged by contract from no Ibbs a personage than the archbishop of 81nai! All the Arab tribes, from Suez to Sinai, are under the control of the Sinai convent, each tribe in turn supplying travelers with camels. The dragoman, In this instance, waß typical of his. race, and the actual start was attended with as many difficulties and delays as those of the Israelites themselves experienced. For Mr. Sutton made the mistake of believing that when lesa said a thing was done, it had been done! From the Journey Itself one gets a vivid impression of a desolate and howling wilderness, "howling” wfth wind, not savage animals; of waterless wadis, unbroken by any sign of plant or creature life, their sandy floors strewn with gigantic boulders that earthquakes have shaken down from the surrounding peaks; of occasional delightful cases where the wells, though sometimes brackish, were plentifully filled; of crystal atmosphere, fierce heat, and gorgeous sunset*. The temperature varied between 35 degrees Fahrenheit; often the track (made by camels only) was fiat enough to allow a motor car to travel smoothly; the average camel pace war three

MT. SINAI

miles an. hour; involving much muscular inconvenience to a rider who had never been on camel back before. From little details such as these the reader pictures the daily trek and thinks of the host of weary Israelites on foot, with insufficient food, harassed by Amalekites and .other disagreeable people, and blaming their leader for leaving behind the tempting fleshpots of their Egyptian slavery. Loneliness Complete. . The loneliness was, of course, complete, an occasional Bedouin being the only humanity the little party encountered, except once, when, nearing Sinai, they came across two Englishmen sleeping in the open, without tents or retinue, while they hunted for Turquoises and kept a weather eye alert for ibexes. One has a longing- to know more about those two lonely Englishmen on their adventurous quest, but information la not forthcoming. .The mountains Btand out boldly on this trip—not only the great bleak range of Sinai, but other hills as well, with naked ridges, gaunt cliffs and peaks of extraordinary formation. The coloring was most striking. Red granite mountains in the glory of the desert dawn must be Been to be believed; but it was the limestone strata that provided the weirdest framework of this desolate wilderness. The afterglow in desert country can neither be painted nor described. The granite and limestone, too, were varied sometimes by veins of red-brown porphyry, black diorite, and glittering slabs of gypßum, transparent as crystal. There was certainly no lack of brilliant coloring to make up for the Comforting greens of absent foliage, while at night in moonlight the effect was. of some enchanted fairyland of purest silver. And in this setting iB constructed for tbffe inner 'eye the procession of the great Jewish host, the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night, the route by which Moses descended from communing with his Jleity; smashing the tables of stone and strewing the powdered fragments “on the surface of the brook which descends from a spring on the western slopes of tile Sufsafa.” Beneath the “Mountain of Conversation” in the Wadi Beiran, which, by Arab tradition, is the mountain where God conversed with Moses, the Arabs stlfl sacrifice to the memory of the Hebrew prophet, singing; “O mountain of the conversation of Moses, we seek thy favor! Preserve thy good people and we wiP visit thee every year." A visit to the Monastery of Sinai is interesting. The party was courteously received by the monks, who now number only 26, instead of,' as formerly, 400, and pitched their tent in spot odtslde. attending a service in modern Greek, "three of the monks called and Joined us at tea, when we had a most interesting talk with them about evangelizing their Moslem ‘slaves.’ 1. e., descendants of 100 Roman and 100 Egyptian slaves, presented to the monastery by Justinian in the sixth century. They said that up till the English rule in Egypt th«kr Uves were in danger, one of the monks having been shot through the chapel window while celebrating mass. Now, thanks to the English, all the country was peaceful and quiet, but yet they had not dared to mention Christianity to their Moslem dependents for fear of raising antagonism.” A visit to the charnal house was also made, where the bones of the monks lie carefully idled up since the sixth century, the bishops’ bones are kept tm boxes apart