s, I consider it the crowning
success of the co-operative movement.

"Speaking of Miss Houghton, George, reminds me of a question! You have
yet to tell me, the result of your first interview with her. Did she
seem to blame you so very much, for not answering her mother's letter?"

"Oh! no! She was kindness personified. She hastened to assure me that,
in the light of subsequent events, she came to understand the whole
situation. It appears, that after writing the letter in question, her
mother grew very much better. In this improved state, she lingered for
some time, and did not die until several weeks after Miss Houghton had
read to her, the notice of my mother's death, which came to them through
the columns of an occasional New England newspaper.

"Having answered your question, Fillmore, I will now return to the
subject of my visit to the schools. The interest manifested by both
children and teachers is something to be proud of. The amount of general
information of a practical character, which the pupils have acquired,
even in the lower classes, is quite surprising. This is especially
noticeable, in the ready knowledge they display, regarding current
political events; including the personal history, character and ability,
of the various political leaders. Is it wise, to devote so much time to
teaching politics; and to commence this teaching with children so young?
Do you really consider it so very important?"

"Yes, George, it is a matter of the utmost importance! A republic of
ignorant people, is a republic only in name; in reality, it is an
oligarchy. On the contrary, a true republic, is one in which all its
units or voters, are so educated, that they are familiar with the theory
and practice of government. They must know that true government is a
co-operative institution, which must guard and protect with exact
justice, the interests of all of the governed. They must know, the
extent and condition of the agricultural, manufacturing, commercial,
mineral and lumbering resources of the country. They should understand
diplomatic, domestic and foreign relations. They should know every
detail, of the educational, financial and political wants of the masses,
in the domain of each State or Territory. Finally, they must be familiar
with the character, trustworthiness and ability, of all political
leaders. Children of the co-operative farm, are educated and trained, in
a manner that will best fit them to become true citiz