Any City is dressed like a modern business man. Education is dressed in classic robes, hair in loose Grecian knot with gold fillet. She carries a lamp shaped like the old-fashioned one so frequently used to illustrate Education.
Any City is studying the proposed tax levy for the year. He is seated in an easy chair.
Any City (impatiently). H’m. It just can’t be done! It is out of the question to raise so much money by taxation this year. This list of appropriations must be cut. But where? What can be cut without raising a row? (Looks over the list.) Half a million dollars for a new bridge over the canal at 7th St. There’s a perfectly good bridge at 9th St., and another at 3rd St. But the railroad and marketmen will strike if we don’t build this new bridge. To keep peace, I’ll have to stand by that appropriation. (Pointing to different items on the paper.) That must not be cut; nor that; nor that; nor that! H’m! Three million dollars for the extension of Grand View Avenue. Really, that’s not necessary. That road is being opened only for the accommodation of some rich men who take advantage of my city opportunities, but live in the suburbs and evade paying any taxes to me. But their financial influence is so great, I dare not cut this appropriation. (Continues study of list.) No, not that; nor that; nor that! Ha! here is the school appropriation: three and a half million dollars. I hate to do it, but I’ll have to cut here. Of course, it means curtailing the kindergarten, deferring the building of the much needed new elementary school in the 3rd Ward, the abolition of summer schools, the serious handicapping of junior and senior high school work, the overcrowding of classes, and no hope of increase in teachers’ salaries. Oh! I hate to do it! But I must! It’s positively the only place I can cut without bringing about a strike or at least a kick. But—oh—Taxation is Vexation!
With the paper still in his hand, he leans back in his chair, relaxes as one who has solved a weighty question satisfactorily, and is soon as fast asleep as his neighbors, the other cities of the land.
Enter Education, holding her lamp aloft. She glides slowly across the stage to the sleeper and holds her lamp above him. He awakes slowly, stretching his arms, and in so doing drops the paper to the floor.
Any City (sleepily). A light! (Suddenly perceiving Education, he sits forward in his chair.) And you! Who are you?
Education. The bearer of the light.
Any City. What is your name?
Education. Since the beginning of time I have borne many names. Men have called me Experience, Tradition, Discipline, Invention, Culture, Ambition, Knowledge, Training, Learning, Teaching, Instruction, Development, Information, and many other names, and I answer to all. But I am more commonly called Education.
Any City starts up, snatches up the tax budget, and holds it behind his back.