y before
me, I should believe I was actually listening to a Jesuit. But be
quiet! It will not do to attract notice. Ah! splendid. There you see
some of the 'wild men,'" continued he, pointing to a table opposite.
"The fellow with the bald head and fox's face is an agent, a salaried
bellwether, a polished electioneer. He has the 'wild men' already
half-tamed. Watch how cleverly he will decoy them into the
progressionist camp. Let us listen to what he has to say; it will amuse
you, and add to your knowledge of the developments of progress."

"We want men for the city council," spoke he of the bald head, "that
are accurately and thoroughly informed upon the condition and
circumstances of the city. Of what use would blockheads be but to fuss
and grope about blindly? What need have we of fellows whose stupidity
would compromise the public welfare? The men we want in our city
council must understand what measures the social, commercial, and
industrial interests of a city of thirty thousand inhabitants require
in order that the greatest good of the largest portion of the community
may be secured. Nor is this enough," proceeded he with increasing
enthusiasm. "Besides knowledge, experience, and judgment, they must
also be gifted with the necessary amount of energy to carry out
whatever orders the council has thought fit to pass. They must be
resolute enough to break down every obstacle that stands in the way of
the public good. Now, who are the men to render these services? None
but independent men who by their position need have no regard to others
placed above them--free-spirited and sensible men, who have a heart for
the people. Now, gentlemen, have you any objections to urge against my
views?"

"None, Mr. Spitzkopf! Your views are perfectly sound," lauded a
semi-barbarian. "We have read exactly what you have been telling us in
the evening paper."

"Of course, of course!" cried Mr. Spitzkopf. "My views are so evidently
correct that a thinking man cannot help stumbling upon them. None but
the slaves of priests, the wily brood of Jesuits, refuse to accept
these views," thundered the orator with the bald head. "And why do they
refuse to accept them? Because they are hostile to enlightenment,
opposed to the common good, opposed to the prosperity of mankind, in a
word, because they are the bitter enemies of progress. But take my word
for it, gentlemen, our city contains but a small number of these
creatures of darkness, and th