, Gerlach was pleased to speak in terms of praise of the
nut-brown beverage, which greatly tickled Belladonna, the fat brewer.
Naturally enough, the conversation turned upon the subject of the
celebration.

"I confess I am not quite clear respecting the purpose of your city in
the matter of schools," said Mr. Conrad. "How do you intend to arrange
the school system?"

"In such a way as to make it accord with the requirements of the times
and the progressive spirit of civilization," answered Hans Shund. "An
end must be put to priest rule in the schools. The establishment of
common schools will be a decided step towards this object. For a while,
of course, the priests will be allowed to visit the schools at
specified times, but their influence and control in school matters will
be greatly restricted. Education will be withdrawn from the church's
supervision, and after a few years we hope to reach the point when the
school-rooms will be closed altogether against the priests. There is
not a man of culture but will agree that children should not be
required to learn things which are out of date, and the import of which
must only excite smiles of compassion."

"Whom do you intend to put in the place of the clergy?" inquired Mr.
Conrad.

"We intend to impart useful information and a moral sense in harmony
with the spirit of the age," replied Hans Shund.

"It seems to me the elementary branches have been very competently
taught heretofore in our schools, consequently I do not see the need of
a change on this head," said Gerlach. "But you have not understood my
question, I mean, who are to fill the office of instructors in morals
and in religion?"

The chieftains looked puzzled, for such a question they had not
expected to hear from the wealthiest man of the country.

"You see, Mr. Gerlach," said Sand bluntly, "religion must be done away
with entirely. We haven't any use for such trash. Children ought to
spend their time in learning something more sensible than the
catechism."

"I am not disposed to believe that what you have just uttered is a
correct expression of the general opinion of this community on the
subject of the school question," returned the millionaire with some
warmth. "It is impossible to bring up youth morally without religion.
You are a housebuilder, Mr. Sand. What would you think of the man who
would expect you to build him a house without a foundation--a castle in
the air?"

"Why, I would regard h