The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1874-01-27

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subdue the remotest kingdoms of the
earth-can think that you can feel sat-
isiied to be fed from the usual produc-
tions of the land like other men? sure
ly, of grain, meat and wine, you have
plenty in your own country. Your roam
lug and con9uests can have NO other OBJ.
jcct but riches and power. Here there
is gold, silver, and precious stones Eat
and drink them, and show us that you
are more than common mortal
Alexander, who could at times sppre-
ciste stern truths, kindly answered:
any friend, have not COME 70 con-
quer or to rob your kingdom. l wish
simply to inform myself Of ofyour hab-
its, your customs and your laws"
"Alas, great conqueror said the ms.
tive Prince, s'if inouisitive Princes thirst
ing for knowledge should all adopt your
plan, by bringing an armed host along
with them to learn the customs and laws
Of different lands, there would be little
of either left after the departure of such
a body of philosophic travellers. How.
ever, will gratify the curiosity of my
great guest" Ciapping his hands he de-
manded of the attendants whether any
causes or lawsuits were at that moment
before the great gate Of the palace; and
fading that there were, "Let the suitors
come before me-" said the native King
Two villagers then appeared before
the King. The first one addressed him
thus:
~ have bought small piece Of ground
from this my neigh Dor. Digging upor
it for well l suddenly discovered hid
den treasure, which l forthwith took t6
my neighbor, telling him that although
bought the land 1 did not buy gold anG
silver from him; therefore the treasure
belongs to him"
The second villagsr said:
MAY it please the King, when sole
my neighbor the land l felt that / had nc
further right nor title to it; how, then
can I accept the treasure which no Ion
ger belongs to me9"
The King, stroking his long beard
asked whether the contending parties
had children.
"Yes," was the reply 1--WE both have
sons and daughters"
"Well, then," said the King, my judg
ment is, that. the daughter of the one lit
igant marry the son of the other, and the
treasure lie given as dowry."
The villagers thanked the King, and
left rejoicing.
Alexander, who had listened to thi:
strange suit, and the Kings decisioh
could not conceal his astonishment.
HAS my decision failed to obtain you
approbation,' demanded the native Kin;
OF Alexander. "How would you, in you
own country, in case like this, ,have de
cided ?"
"In my country" said Alexander, the
autocrat and conqueror speakingi in ever,
word, ga treasure found in the bowels o
the earth, no matter who the owner o
the surface may be, belongs to the King
and | would put to instant death an,
subject of mine who, finding treasure
should dare to conceal or fail to delive
it to the authorities within the day.
The native King much astonished.ant
looking at Alexander attentively, at las
said:
"Pray tell me, great conqeror, doe
the sun shine in your country" !"
-"Certainly," said Alexander.
"How strange!" said the native King
musingy. ,"Does it rain in your coun
try p he asked again.
"Certaiply," replied Alexander.
"Wonderful n' murmured the nativ
Prince. "Have you any domestic ami
mails in your fields Z"
"Of course we have" answered Alex
ander. ~
"Haw cried the native Prince, ,relievcd
dit is for the sake of these poor animal
that good and wise Providencs allow
the sun to shine and the rain to fall uE
on your fields; and surely you and you
people, . great King, do not deserY
these blessings" 5s