ens of such a
republic. This is why, a practical, political education, to be
successful, must become a matter of interest to the children while they
are young. They will then learn, that a true republic, is a co-operative
machine, which cannot run smoothly, while one imperfect cog remains to
retard the action of its wheels. This valuable lesson, they cannot learn
too soon. What think you, friend Gaylord?"

"I cannot quite agree with you in this matter, Fillmore! I think it
would be far wiser, while they are so young, to teach these children
such lessons as will give them the ground work for a sound religious
faith. Then they will understand the first importance, of being prepared
to save their own souls. Later, in the closing school years, they could
be taught your progressive, political scheme, which I think is a
remarkably good one."

"Stop one moment, George! I see Miss Houghton is coming. She will be
delighted with an opportunity to answer some of your objections, to the
co-operative code of ethics, evolved by the people of Solaris."

"You are a welcome visitor, Miss Houghton! You have arrived, just in the
nick of time! Our mutual friend here, Mr. Gaylord, has been telling me
of his visit to our schools, under your guidance. While he praises the
wonderful progress made by the pupils; he seems to think, that we teach
too much politics and too little religion."

"Pardon me, Miss Houghton!" said George Gaylord, "I assure you, that I
was not indulging the spirit of fault finding! Allow me to explain! I
had reached a point in our discussion, where I was about to remark, that
since Adam's time, the people of the world have been born, heirs to the
dominancy of total depravity. With this heritage, we are as prone to
sin, as are the sparks to fly upward. Under such circumstances, it would
surely be the height of folly, to attempt to overcome this natural
tendency toward evil, without the aid of the strong arm of the church,
with its broad mantle of christian faith and saving grace."

"I grant you, Mr. Gaylord, that with your peculiar training, such a
conclusion would be quite natural."

"Now, Mr. Flagg! I have a word for you! We must make every allowance,
for Mr. Gaylord's theological education. An education, that has filled
his mind with somewhat distorted meanings, for the terms, religious
faith, soul, sin, salvation, religion, total depravity and many others
of a similar import, which theology has applied to man's s