sionally worked by a select number of independent, bold
natures. The multitude, on the other hand, still continue folding about
them the winding-sheet of Christianity. The views, customs, principles,
and judgments of men are as yet widely controlled by Christian
elements. Our city does homage to progress, pretty nearly, however, in
the manner of a blind man that discourses of colors."

"I do not catch the drift of your simile of the blind man and colors,"
interrupted Greifmann.

"I wanted to intimate that thousands swear allegiance to progress
without comprehending its nature. Very many imagine progress to be a
struggle in behalf of Germany against the enfeebling system of
innumerable small states, or a battling against religious rigorism and
priest-rule in secular concerns. In unpretending guises like these, the
spirit of the age circulates among the crowd travestied in the
fashionable epithet _progressive_. Were you, however, to remove the
shell from around the kernel of progress, were you to exhibit it to the
multitude undisguised as the nullification of religion, as the denial
of the God of Christians, as the rejection of immortality, and of an
essential difference between man and the beast--were you to venture
thus far, you would see the millions flying in consternation before the
monster Progress. Now, just because the multitude, although
progressive-minded, everywhere judges men by Christian standards, very
often, too, unconsciously, therefore Shund has to pass, not for an able
speculator, but for a miserable usurer and an unconscionable
scoundrel."

"For this very cause, the liberal leaders of this city should stand up
for Shund," opposed the banker. "Just appreciation and respect should
not be denied a deserving man. To speak candidly, Mr. Schwefel, what
first accidentally arrested my attention, now excites my most lively
interest. I wish to see justice done Mr. Shund, to see his uncommon
abilities recognized. You must set his light upon a candlestick. You
must have him elected mayor and member of the legislature; in both
capacities he will fill his position with distinction. I repeat, our
deeply indebted city stands in want of a mayor that will reckon closely
and economize. And in the legislative assembly Shund's fluency will
talk down all opposition, his readiness of speech will do wonders. Were
it only to spite the stupid mob, you must put Shund in nomination."

"It will not do, Mr. Greifmann! it is impr