at hand, old lady--so-called disreputable houses
are to become places of amusement authorized by law."

He spoke and disappeared.

CHAPTER X.

PROGRESS GROWS JOLLY.

The agitators of progress were again hurrying through the streets and
alleys of the town. They knocked at every door and entered every house
to solicit votes in favor of common schools. Thanks to the overwhelming
might of the party in power, they again carried their measure.
Dependent, utterly enslaved, many yielded up their votes without
opposition. It is true conscience tortured many a parent for voting
against his convictions, for sacrificing his children to a system with
which he could not sympathize; but not a man in a dependent position
had the courage to vindicate for his child the religious training which
was being so ruthlessly swept away. Even men in high office gave way
before the encroaching despotism, for in the very uppermost ranks of
society also progress domineered.

One man only, fearless and firm, dared to put himself in the path of
the dominant power--the Rev. F. Morgenroth. From the pulpit, he
unmasked and scathed the unchristian design of debarring youth from
religious instruction, and of rearing a generation ignorant of God and
of his commandments. He warned parents against the evil, entreated them
to stand up conscientiously for the spiritual welfare of their
children, to reject the common schools, and to rescue the little ones
for the maternal guardianship of the church.

His sermon roused the entire progressionist camp. The local press
fiercely assailed the intrepid clergyman. Lies, calumnies, and
scurrility were vomited against him and his profession. Hans Shund
seized the pen, and indited newspaper articles of such a character as
one would naturally look for from a thief, usurer, and debauchee.
Morgenroth paid no attention to their disgraceful clamor, but continued
his opposition undismayed. By means of placards, he invited the
Catholic citizens to assemble at his own residence, for the purpose of
consulting about the best mode of thwarting the designs of the
liberals. This unexpected fearlessness put the men of culture,
humanity, and freedom beside themselves with rage. They at once decided
upon making a public demonstration. The chieftains issued orders to
their bands, and these at the hour appointed for the meeting mustered
before the residence of the pries