“Sir Joseph is an ornament too, as well as a pillar in, the political and social structure of Zelania. He is affable, polished, ambitious and patriotic. He is brilliant in his business conceptions, and, possessing a pleasing personality and persuasive speech, he rarely fails in the execution of his well organised designs. While he has hardly passed the noon of life, he has long been the skilful lieutenant of the sturdy Seddon, and if the chief, at whose side he has so unfalteringly stood, should weary under the burden of public cares, it would seem most fitting that the mantle of leadership should fall upon the trained shoulders of this able and versatile statesman.
“Then the construction of all the railways, with all their et ceteras—the highways, bridges, and other public works—is also directed by a Cabinet Minister.
“Well, from all the ‘millions’ that have been spent under this tireless guardian in the promotion of these stupendous improvements, in a country, too, in which very many intelligent people would sit up ‘all hours’ to find something to criticise, there is probably not one person who could be persuaded that there was ever a sixpence coined in His Majesty’s Mint sufficiently nimble to find its way into the wrong pocket.
“This ‘Minister of Works’ works twice as many hours per day as any one of the thousands of men in his employ, and the thought of his being influenced by any consideration save that of the public good, could not be advanced to the debatable stage in any company in Zelania. These people trust their ‘servants,’ and rarely, indeed, is their trust betrayed. This is a Zelanian ‘trust.’
“Nearly all these great works are carried on under a co-operative policy, with a wage based on individual capacity to earn, the work being usually given to the ‘unemployed’ nearest the productive operations. It is claimed that this policy has been no more costly than the old contract system. It is of the people, for the people, by the people.
‘Who will not sing “God Save the King”
Shall hang as high’s the steeple.
But while we sing “God Save the King,”
We’ll ne’er forget the people.’”
Here, the notes record, the poetess Vauline suggested that the sage Oseba give the audience a little further information regarding Zelanian statesmen, their relation to the Motherland, and their hold upon the affections of the people.
In interesting detail, Mr. Oseba explained that while Zelania claimed allegiance to the British Crown, and that in defence of Britain’s honor she would pour out her blood and treasure with Spartan valor, she was so proudly free that should the same “loved mother” demand a penny per pound tax on her tea, the next rising sun would kiss a thousand emblems of a new-born republic. For the Motherland, Zelania would sacrifice all—save honor—but it must be as a partner, and not as a vassal.
“I have no desire,” said the orator, “to applaud the star performers of this great social drama, for such leaders are but the chosen instruments of the people, and as no other power had conspicuously succeeded in establishing justice among men, the people have the innings, and may—yea, must—be trusted.
“But the chosen are not sure to enjoy the ‘affections of all,’ for as long as a man is alive and in business,” Mr. Oseba concludes, “there will be marked differences of opinion regarding his mental and moral worth.”