Although at this time a humane, wise and liberal minded man is King of Italy, there is a power under his throne that chafes and schemes to overturn it but, happily comprehensive ideas are illumining the minds of his people who stand as a bulwark between it and those who, for their own selfish, ambitious and unrighteous ends seek its destruction. Yes, all religious systems are beset with fanaticism and always fanatics are, in some sense, dangerous. Then, too, to what lengths will not ambitious self-seeking, lead mortals, even blinding them to every principle which ennobles and elevates humanity.
On your account we regret that our time is too limited to admit of sightseeing, but we will slowly pass over Rome so that you may gain a general idea of the appearance of the antiquated one who, despite her powdered and patched wrinkles, still dreams that she again will be mistress of the world's destinies; that her voice is as the voice of God and that her outreaching arms will yet embrace spiritually, if not temporally, all the nations of the Earth.
Germany next claims our attention. Below us is Berlin, where dwells the young Emperor whose highest ambition is to act as arbitrator for all Europe. Naturally aristocratic and domineering, his tendency is to override all obstacles. He cannot tolerate advice, much less coercion. He is angered easily, yet with a kindly word is pacified. He is quick to take offense, and as quickly he forgives. When he conceives that the glory of Germany or his personal honor are called in question in his demand for redress he is adamantine. At an hour's notice he is ready to appeal to arms, yet he is moved to pity by a cry of distress. In this scion of a stern, as well as gentle ancestry, ambition, arrogance, courage, integrity and a large admixture of the love element, serves to form a most unique character.
Yes, Berlin is an imposing city, but in it, as in all large aggregations of humanity on our planet, luxury and squalor are such near neighbors that the songs and laughter of the fortunate do not drown the moans of the wretched.
We now are crossing the border line between Germany and Russia. Over what a vast area the autocratic Czar holds sway. Does it not seem marvellous that to one man millions of people yield more or less willing obedience? Yet marvellous only when one loses sight of the fact, that in all manifestations of nature; or, if it may please you better, of God, necessarily there is a central, dominant principle. Among the millions of this great empire are many who are the Czar's equal, and others who, in the sense that makes a man worthier than his fellows, are his superiors. Yet these millions of humans are subject to him, because that in his rank is involved all the principles that the government of Russia stands for, and all governments require a figure-head, be it emperor, king or president.
The Czar is a man of fine intelligence, of an affectionate and generous nature, but he is so hedged in by pride of birth, by love of power and the precedents of usages that he possesses but a scant understanding of the needs of the diverse races who people his dominions. Yes, he, like most of Earth's rulers, walks on the verge of a precipice over which, at any moment, some ruthless hand may topple him. No nation of Earth has yet outgrown the naturally turbulent animal element which, in the human, ever is snapping and snarling, and it is only when humanity has evolved beyond it that an observance of the Golden Rule becomes possible. Earth's peoples not having evolved to the height of such a possibility, rulers must needs be guarded by steel and served by slaves, both rulers and slaves being held in bondage through fear of consequences. No, I do not recall that I ever have cared for the ephemeral distinctions of mortality's brief days.
We near St. Petersburg, an extensive and populous city, which, like the country, is covered with snow. Yes, the cold is very severe, and rivers and lakes are bound in icy fetters. Never mind, the time is not very far distant when you shall be free to not only visit the city, but you even may unceremoniously call on the royal family.
Now we are crossing the Ural Mountains, and in a moment we will be passing over Siberia. One is tempted to moralize over those exiled from home and country to this far northern land. Ah me! What tragedies have been enacted, what crimes committed against humanity, perpetrated, too, in the name of justice, who is not so blind that she will not some time reckon with the perpetrators.
Since starting on our journey but little more than an hour has elapsed, and—yes, we have reached the North pole of our planet. For certain mentalities there is a charm in attempting difficult undertakings, and serious obstacles but spur them on to greater enthusiasm, to higher endeavor. To ordinary mortals the awful wastes of ice and snow over which we have passed would be utterly appalling, but for some the scene would possess a sort of enchantment. So courageous explorers will continue to seek for this point, and many valuable lives will yet be lost in the attainment of a nearly futile object. Yes, ambition and curiosity are forceful and apparently necessary incentives of human endeavor.
Now gaze downward and as far as your vision may extend and describe the not at all pleasing view.