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.
CHAPTER II
THE BATTLE
Now, as stated previously, the method of combat was entirely different from any practised in previous times, for the antagonist’s life was not sought in any case, but disablement only. Victory was secured by rendering useless the right arm of the foe by giving it a blow with a short lance, or instrument electrically charged.