Education (sternly). The children I showed you are the children of America; and would you train a selected few to rule this land? If you say yes, then are you a traitor to America. You would overthrow this Democracy—the “government of the people, by the people, and for the people,” and substitute an aristocracy—a government of the people, by a favored class, for—what? Nay! I tell you, “the end of American education is the knowledge and the practice of Democracy.” The education of the children in a democracy is the concern of all the public. It must be an education of all the people, paid for by all the people. You sent millions of Americans across the sea to make the world safe for Democracy. You must educate every child in the land to make democracy safe for America. “Education is the most sacred concern, and the only hope of a nation.”
Any City. You are right. I wish that you had shown me a happier view of the future, however.
Education (eagerly). I will. I will show you my dream for the future education of America, and I can make the dream come true if you will lend your aid. Come.
Education leads, and Any City eagerly follows her behind the curtain.
Eleventh Glimmer: Education’s Dream
When the curtain is raised, the stage is almost in darkness, only the light of Education, from the lamp hung near the front, streams across the stage. A searchlight should be arranged to suggest the brightening of Education’s light, turning the glimmer into a broad gleam. Into this bright light march those who are a part of Education’s dream. All the characters of the past, those who took part in previous glimmers, should be grouped in the background—the Past looking toward the Future. The procession—Education’s dream—carry banners showing who they are. As they march, they sing.
Order of Procession
1. Leader, carrying American Flag.
2. Kindergartens, first a girl and boy, each carrying something to suggest their work. After them marches a third child with a banner on which is printed: “Kindergarten—From 4 to 6.”