rest of the
country. I shall describe it before proceeding farther with this
narrative.

All institutions for instruction were public, as were, also, the books
and other accessories. The State was the beneficent mother who furnished
everything, and required of her children only their time and
application. Each pupil was compelled to attain a certain degree of
excellence that I thought unreasonably high, after which she selected
the science or vocation she felt most competent to master, and to that
she then devoted herself.

The salaries of teachers were larger than those of any other public
position. The Principal of the National College had an income that
exceeded any royal one I had ever heard of; but, as education was the
paramount interest of Mizora, I was not surprised at it. Their desire
was to secure the finest talent for educational purposes, and as the
highest honors and emoluments belonged to such a position, it could not
be otherwise. To be a teacher in Mizora was to be a person of
consequence. They were its aristocracy.

Every State had a free college provided for out of the State funds. In
these colleges every department of Science, Art, or Mechanics was
furnished with all the facilities for thorough instruction. All the
expenses of a pupil, including board, clothing, and the necessary
traveling fares, were defrayed by the State. I may here remark that all
railroads are owned and controlled by the General Government. The rates
of transportation were fixed by law, and were uniform throughout the
country.

The National College which I entered belonged to the General
Government. Here was taught the highest attainments in the arts and
sciences, and all industries practised in Mizora. It contained the very
cream of learning. There the scientist, the philosopher and inventor
found the means and appliances for study and investigation. There the
artist and sculptor had their finest work, and often their studios. The
principals and subordinate teachers and assistants were elected by
popular vote. The State Colleges were free to those of another State who
might desire to enter them, for Mizora was like one vast family. It was
regarded as the duty of every citizen to lend all the aid and
encouragement in her power to further the enlightenment of others,
wisely knowing the benefits of such would accrue to her own and the
general good. The National College was open to all applicants,
irrespective of age, the only